My neck is still aching – that’s not really unusual but the intensity is a little more. I need a nap, but since it’s almost bedtime I guess I’ll wait! I’m listening to Window Wonderland (My favorite Hallmark movie!) while I type this.

I had to get groceries today, and picked up a very inexpensive rug to go with Cameron’s toy bench. I think it fits just nice.

The rug (trees) match the bench.

And since my kitchen sink floor mat sort of died, I replaced it too.

He was practicing his spells the other night when he was here. I’m glad he didn’t turn us all into frogs or something!

Cameron’s magic wand.

My printer came – so now I have to get it installed, try to understand the extended warranty, and figure out the ink subscription!

I had a lot to catch up on today so I’m glad I got almost everything done. One of my chores today was to make bread. It’s rising now – can probably bake it in an hour. Then I’m finished.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 23rd is:

National Espresso Day; National eat a Cranberry Day; National Cashew Day; Thankful for my Dog Day.

I don’t have a dog – but I was thankful for Tazz when I had him! And I like cashews – they are sort of a soft nut. God bless!

It’s 9:30pm and I’m done for the day. So just a quick note to recap and I’m outta here! I worked this morning and had a chance to catch up with Rege – he was in Florida helping his in-laws move. Then I stopped and got Cameron’s Christmas gift – finally found an idea that I liked!

Came home and cleaned the whole house and did several loads of laundry. Autmn came over to bake her rolls and borrow the roaster for the ham, and a few snack trays so everyone could eat together. She brought the roaster back just now with a piece of ham and a roll so I had a ham sandwich for supper. She did a great job on her dinner – she cooked, but at Noah’s parents house, which is a few blocks from here. Cameron was excited and appears to be a big fan!

Good food

Lots of work!

Everything looks yummy!

Jesse sent me a picture of the car he’s restoring. I helped with the title work and he got the title today. I’m in line to have a ride when it’s finally done!

A long way to go….

And that’s it for today. We’ll see what tomorrow brings!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 22nd is:

National Adoption Day; National Cranberry Relish Day; Family Volunteer Day; Go for a Ride Day; Housing Day; Love your Freckles Day.

I volunteer sometimes – I don’t GO for a ride as much as I drive. I love my HOUSE! God bless…

Today – was wild. I was backup for Autmn – she was helping with her friend Alex’s baby shower. She picked up her sisters Josie and Penny who helped as well. Josie spent most of the time with Cameron and he loved that. She had him singing ‘The Aunts go Marching’ and ‘stomping’ all over the house, singing. He’s shout ‘Stomp, Mimi! Stomp!’ Which I did. He loved it.

In the meantime, while Josie and Cameron were singing, marching, watching TV, joining in with YouTube singing-a-longs, and eating applesauce and Cheerios, Autmn and I were in the kitchen making 2 colors of Chocolate Covered Pretzels and – YOU GUESSED IT! – cupcakes! This time we only made 6 dozen (Lemon, Chocolate, and White). There was a lot to do, and it was chaotic, but at least until they left my place with a car full of kids and food and hopefully a very successful shower. I’m anxious to talk to her and hear all about it.

I had my chiropractor appointment, dropped a card off to Nate and Jen (from Aunt Cordelia!), and came home to put the house back together and do ironing. So that was my day. It started very early with Cameron propelling out of bed with both feet running – and there we went. I wish I had been able to get some pictures. Love that little guy!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 21st is:

Substitute Educators Day; National Gingerbread Cookie Day; National Red Mitton Day; National Stuffing Day; Children in Need; False Confession Day; World Hello Day.

It’s friendly to say Hello! I like ginger cookies, and stuffing. Have a great day – God bless…

Kelly and I had a fun, busy time while they were here. Chase was happy as he got to have Chick-Fil-A twice! But Kelly and I went shopping on Tuesday and got several things accomplished. We DIDN’T find more than we DID find, but we enjoyed the day together. I found my pine scented bar soap and even found a Snoopy bath robe. I gave my robe away as it didn’t fit right and was very uncomfortable. I was astonished that I found a totally soft, comfortable, nice-fitting SNOOPY robe! It’s so cozy and warm!

Snoopy robe

Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron – They were trying to decide what to have for supper! Looks like some kind of stew 🙂

Cameron stew!

And Kelly sent me a photo of Logan’s dog Ransom in his Christmas outfit that I bought him. He’s so crazy cute!

Ransom ready for the holidays

Not sure if you can tell but Snoopy and Woodstock is on the back!

One of the things we did this week was make cookies for Thanksgiving – Iced cinnamon rolls and an adaption of the candy cane cookie recipe. Cookies are shaped like wreaths and they are orange instead of red. But they will be a favorite!

Cinnamon rolls

Wreath cookies

We also make 141 cupcakes for a 4-H banquet that’s tomorrow in WV. There were 4 different kinds. The whole kitchen smelled yummy!

Ingredients

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 20th is:

National Rural Health Day; National Absurdity Day; National Peanut Butter Fudge Day; Great American Smokeout; National Child’s Day; International Hug a Runner Day; Name your PC Day; Use Less Stuff Day; National Pay Back your Parents Day.

My PC does NOT have a name. I’m trying to cut back on stuff but not entirely successful! God bless…

Since Kelly and Chase are here, and we have had a full, long day, I’m going to forgo posting until at least Thursday, maybe Friday. So don’t panic, all is well. We stopped down to take mac/cheese to Jen and Nate – and he’s still aching and the major issue is deep breaths. But that will improve. I will keep updating! God bless….

I haven’t had much creative inspiration here as of late. I’m so thankful for all the blessings and God’s hand in our lives — but I’m just staying in as much as I can, out of the wind and cold. Nate is home and still doing well, although still moving slow and resting a lot. Thanks for continued thoughts and prayers.

This morning’s message was about turning things over to God, and not trying to do everything on our own. He tells us to designate, prioritize, and let things in God’s hands. Great advise and very scriptural. I’m happy to do that when I can figure it out! If you have too much in your bucket, give it to Jesus.

Todd – and the bucket.

The sky has been dramatic all day. It’s very windy and cold. Again I considered raking leaves, but that doesn’t work with so much wind. One day at a time.

I fell down a ‘rabbit hole’, looking at old pictures of my grandkids. Wow. These tiny little guys and girls sure did grow up! I need to get a new printer and print out additional photos of them…

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 17th is:

National Butter Day; National Homemade Bread Day; National Take a Hike Day; National Baklava Day; Odd Socks Day.

I love butter on homemade bread! It’s a bit chilly to take a hike. Most of my socks aren’t odd. God bless!

Today – as being Saturday – I changed and washed sheets. I promised Jen yesterday that I’d make her brownies as a welcome home treat. She carried the hardest task being at Allegheny General from Tuesday morning until today, sleeping on the couch in Nate’s room, taking care of him, working from there as best she could, seeing to everything long distance. She was a master care-giver and brownies was the least I could do – and I know it’s a favorite for her.

While the brownies were cooking – waiting to be iced – I popped over to Walmart to pick up a few (very few) items. I didn’t have any milk, and wanted to grab a few items for when Kelly and Chase come on Monday. So that’s done. I came home and iced the brownies then took them down to Jen.

MOO!

My cousin Bonnie sent me a book that was my mom’s when she was in school. Not exactly sure what year she colored it but the copyright on the book is 1935. It taught the kids how to draw and color certain items. I’m thankful that she sent it – she found it in a box of family items and shared it with Kathy and me.

See mom’s name faintly on the top left corner?

Mostly I’m lifting out of the fog, but some still remains. I feel very uninspired or motivated and am hoping that by tomorrow afternoon I’ll shake that off. I still need to research and replace my broken printer and haven’t done anything about that. Tomorrow??

Fog….

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 16th is:

International Check your Wipers Day; National Button Day; National Fast Food Day; Have a Party with your Bear Day; National Clarinet Day; National Bible Week.

Buttons are fun. I may grab a fast food item tomorrow. I can party with my black bear. And we have all week to celebrate scripture! God bless….

I promised an update on Nate, so I will do that to close the day. My cousin Paul drove me in, and I was so grateful! I appreciated him so much! I stayed for about 40 minutes and gave Jen a break to leave the room and get some fresh air, grab some food, and make some calls. Nate looked good but it was obvious he was in much pain. No wonder after what he went through. It’s very hard for him to get comfortable in any position. Healing will take time, but then it will be just a memory. It was good to see him and lightly hug him and know that he’s on the mend. And Jen is a trooper – holding up well, but was having withdrawal from French fries, so we stopped at McDonalds and took her some. I had an insulated bag and they actually stayed pretty warm. Nate is hoping to get home tomorrow – which says a lot about his progress! Needless to say I feel very blessed and thankful!

My day was just at home, doing laundry, ironing, cleaning, organizing. I promised Jen brownies so I will do that tomorrow and take them over if they get home. I saw that it was to be very windy tomorrow – I dislike strong winds! So I’ll stay in most of the day if I can.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 15th is:

National Raisin Bran Cereal Day; National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day; National Bundt Day; National Clean out your Refrigerator Day; America Recycles Day; I Love to Write Day; National Camp T-Shirt Day; National Drummer day; Pack your Mom’s Lunch Day.

My fridge is basically empty right now! And I DO love to write! My nephew Isaac is an excellent drummer. I wager no one will pack my lunch tomorrow! Have a blessed day. God bless….

So, I’m trying to get myself settled back into every day life. I worked this morning into the afternoon, then stopped at the bank – twice! Also had to get a surge protector for the space heater – I worry about the amount of power it’s pulling and feel safer now.

I am still not sure if I’ll post tomorrow. We’ll see how the day goes. My cousin Paul is going to drive me into Pittsburgh for a short visit with Nate. He’s still not ready for a real visit, but just a drop in to see his ‘Mommy’ will be good for both of us now that he’s in a regular room. I really appreciate Paul driving as I don’t do Pittsburgh!

Autmn sent me pictures of her latest food projects. I already mentioned she spent a whole day last week making applesauce, and dropped some off for me. That was what I had for lunch. Then Noah wanted Apple Dumplings so she made those yesterday. He said they were perfect.

Applesauce for lunch

Dumplings

One of the horses was out in the pasture nibbling this afternoon. It was sunny but cool. I was hoping to rake some leaves but it was a bit windy for that. Maybe Saturday!

Kathy knows I love coasters so she bought me one for encouragement. The middle candle says PEACE – “My peace I give you.” John 14:27 One of my favorites.

That is all for today – I’m going to ease back into routine. I could use a day or two free of too much obligation. I’ll keep you updated on Nate as I can – thank you for caring.

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 14th is:

National Seat Belt Day; National Family PJ Day; National Pickle Day; Childrens Day; International Girls Day; Loosen Up Day; National American Teddy Bear Day; OR Nurse Day.

I always wear my seat belt. I’m not a fan of pickles. I am of Teddy bears, though. And I’m thankful for the OR nurses – and I’m sure Nate and Jen are too! God bless…

Well, we have a busy couple of weeks coming up. So I’m trying to stay caught up. Changed and washed the sheets – view from my bedroom window!

Bought a new pair of shoes this morning – sort of extra-tread tennis shoes. When I came home I made lunch then went outside to trim back the bushes in the yard. The neighbor’s heart tree was fully red!

But I trimmed the two butterfly bushes back, the Pinky-Windy (de-bloomed), and the Rose of Sharons by the fence back below the fence line.

Unplugged the chargers in the shed, cleaned the outside dryer lint filter and washed the windows on the car, then swept out the garage. Also managed to balance my checkbook to the penny! From there I went to Wyatt’s 4th birthday party. It was at Main Bowling – and it was loud and wild and crazy! But those kids had a total blast. It was a Monster Truck party.

Wyatt’s cake

Birthday boy – he’s 4!

Millie’s turn to bowl.

Glow in the dark table top.

Jen cooked a roast with all the trimmings, and Autmn, Noah, and Cameron and I went over. It was so good. It’s been a while since I’ve had a roast that tender. She had mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, salad, and veggies. Wow – it was yummy! And it tastes all the better since I didn’t have to cook it!

Puppers setting up the high chair for Cameron

Gigi with Cameron

Jen laying the law down – and they LISTEN!

I will not be posting until at least Thursday – maybe Friday – depending on the schedule. I will NOT be at the hospital on Tuesday but will get updates from Jen as they come in. I will share what I learn asap. Prayers and support are of course appreciated!

The Moon on the way home!

SCRIPTURE of the DAY:

PEANUTS?

TOMORROW November 9th is:

National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day; National Scrapple Day; British Pudding Day; Chaos Never Dies Day; Go to an Art Museum Day; International Tongue Twister Day; World Freedom Day; Dear Santa Letter Week.

So get those letters written to Santa! I may have a chicken sandwich for lunch. Stoney used to love scrapple but I wasn’t a fan of cooking it. Have a great week! God bless.