HALL O WEEN!!!

It's a cold one here on the Corner of Number and Tree....the cold wind blew in with pellets of snow that swirled through the air as I headed out to watch a parade of youngsters show off their costumes before their classroom party.  

It was a treat to see so many kiddos walking downtown in a small community that merchants handed out candy to.  I know it was chilly, but they were willing to parade and collect candy.  I drove on over to TOPEKA afterwards to see if I could get some light bulbs.  The drive across the prairie to HOME was so pretty as the snow fell.  Snow covered trees and landscape prepared my heart for Winter.    

Tonight the TRICK-or-TREATERS are visiting our door and we are ready with small packaged pretzels and miniature cheese balls.

HUBBY placed our 7'2" wood Frankenstein that he made a few years back in the front window.  A light is glowing on his green face.

We've had a steady stream of Tricksters in this chilly weather being our first year in the house.  I like this time of season to see the kids dressed up.  

FRANK will be finished for another year as he'll go back into storage we will forge ahead toward THANKSGIVING.  Making plans and still have much tidying to do before company makes an appearance.

BOOtiful evening to you,
d      

SPOOKYween

Frankenstein in the Ozarks 

just in time for HALLOWEEN. 

In the Branson, Missouri Wax Museum 

stands Frankenstein and his Bride.

Appropriate for being scary.

I saw FRANK amongst many others

while we were on Vacation in the Ozarks.

I'll be handing out treats at HOME on Tuesday night

ready to be on the LOOK-OUT

for the evening spooks.

THE TREATS ARE READY.

BOO,

d

October Ouches

Our little GRAND fell and hurt his elbow.

A big ouch.  Surgery needed.  He's healing up.

Doing much better.

KISS THAT BOO BOO AWAY.  

Still able to paint a PUMPKIN!

Pretty sure he will be ready to go TRICK-or-Treating

next week.

It's been a month.
Little guy broke his elbow and had to have surgery.  SO little to have surgery, but he did well. 

Then thought my Hubby had a mini stroke called a TIA.  Instead after visiting with the Doctor we think he had a COMPLEX MIGRAINE.  Had to study up on that one.  SO thankful he is doing well.  Hopefully he'll never have another one.

I took a 4 hour nap yesterday.  Was so tired.  It's been about 50 years since I had a nose bleed.  Well guess who had one that scared her silly?  Took it out of me and then some.


AUTUMN is still a beautiful Season as the wind blows and the leaves swirl about.  The trees are beginning to look bare.  Not ready for COLD weather.  Brrrrrrrr.  It's coming ready or not.

Bundle up and stay SAFE.  
God bless,
d

Turkey Run

When we were returning to Kansas from our Missouri Vacation, we buzzed through the little town we used to live in and stopped by RETIREMENT COTTAGE as I knew I had a frozen turkey that I could fix this week so there'd be food on the table.  I placed it in the fridge to thaw for three days.  Planning on baking it Thursday.

My morning was spent in slow-motion in a housecoat as I didn't really want to leave the house.  I'd rather sit today in the peace and quiet of my HOME.  After finally getting some work accomplished I placed a HARVEST TABLECLOTH and centerpiece on the Dining room table with a sense of accomplishment toward Autumn decorating.  

This Thursday, I had exercise class to attend.  Away I went.  Afterwards a short drive pausing to do some laundry then prepared turkey in a baking bag. 

Baking bags are like one of the great wonders of the earth to me.  Simplifies the task of baking with easy clean-up catching all the juices of the turkey in the bag and baking quicker with tender outcome.  As the turkey baked, I continued doing laundry and perked a pot of coffee.  Found time to sit on the red porch swing holding a cup of fresh brewed coffee with cream.  With the wind blowing, the swing swayed with ease and I could pray out loud as no one else was within ears reach.

I value the moments when I can pray out loud feeling the nearness of God comforting my soul.  With the sky, the dried leaves twirl downward to the ground rustling along to where ever they will go.  I glanced at the two redbud trees in the front yard that my Husband planted in 2016.  One on May first, May Day and the other August 31st which is our Anniversary.

Both look healthy thriving in the Autumn season.  Redbuds tend to grow fast as it will be fun to watch these trees mature even if we don't live in the tiny RETIREMENT COTTAGE.  Perhaps we'll drive past this property years gone by and remind ourselves that we once lived there in the tiny white cottage where two redbuds continue to grow into stately trees weighted down with pink blossoms in the Spring and green leaves turning brown during Autumn time in Small Town America.  

Along side the house are yellow and rust colored mums adding hue to the foundation.  Mums in the Fall are adding splashes of color.  

Returning inside I could smell the aroma of Turkey.  Made me hungry.  Supper tonight will be like a dress rehearsal for THANKSGIVING.  As fast as the days fly I'll need to speed up my activity as to be ready for company.  Halloween is only in a few days and I have not purchased candy for the Trick-or-Treaters.  Miniature Hersey Candy Bars come to mind.  Back to SAM's I'll need to go.

Tomorrow I have hopes of dropping off another car load of boxes filled with things that must part from our Estate at the thrift store.  Will it ever come to an end?

There will be more as the week comes to an end and I have more time to shuffle cabinets that hold what needs to be in the Kitchen.  I decided to use our Anchor Hocking drinking glasses known as Boopie Glass of everyday use instead of storing them in the China Cabinet.  I will have to make room for my collection.  By the end of October I pray that the Dining room be free from boxes.

Slowly I make headway and can see a tidy room.

When I unearthed the Holiday tub holding the Autumn centerpiece, the scented candle that was inside the glass globe had stuck to the inside of the glass.  It worked like a charm to place the glass holding the candle in the freezer for the afternoon to set it free without effort.  Candles shrink from the cold and fall out of the holders.  It does work.  No need to chisel at the wax.


I'd like to take a walk in the cool of the evening wishing I had more energy.  Instead, I'll watch PBS's Poldark.

I had a very good day,
d

                

A Relaxed Ride

A pleasant Autumn day with clear skies made driving to the SONIC for an American Hot Dog a relaxed ride.  I got out of the house for a little bit.  With the car window rolled down, a breeze blew through as I ate my relish covered wiener the American way...in my car.  Shameful me.  It was really good.   

October marches on.  I cannot stop time when the days pass so quickly.  When the inside of my HOME is messed up, I get restless.  I have to keep going reminding myself that downsizing is necessary because I am in my sixties desiring to have less material items to have ownership of.  Less to dust and less to deal with.  Streamlining.

I will praise the Lord.  

Taking the week off was good medicine for me.  Memories were made.  Good memories.  Glad to be HOME, but could have stayed away for a month enjoying Missouri.  When I was relaxing in our rented condo for a week, I was wondering what the Lord was resting me up for.

I now know.  

My older Brother has been placed in a hospital after being in assisted living for almost a year.  He is not able to care for himself and I believe the best place for him is in an assisted living facility.  SO at 66 years of age, he needs to be looked after full time.  I have dealt with this head on.  I'm not sad.  The reality that he needs full time attention is what is best for him.  How blessed he is to be looked after full time and not left to his own devices.  Mental health issues.

My older Sister fell, hitting her back and head leaving her with a concussion.  She will need bedrest and time to heal.  

Then I heard that my youngest Grandson fell from playground equipment hurting his left arm.  I won't be surprised if he has broken his arm.  His Daddy was about the same age when he broke his arm from rolling off a bed.  The phone rang.  Grandson has to have surgery in the morning.  Will be praying.  

My Father-in-law is suffering from stage 4 lung cancer and not given long to live.  

Taking a deep breath.  I have got to focus on my Husband and Home.  I understand.  I have a special relationship with my Husband and Home.  I love my family.  I do, but my Husband must have priority.  By GOD's design, I left my Mother and Father to cleave to my Husband.  I took vows till death us do part.

My Father passed away last December.  My Mom is lost without him and she has no joy for the time being.  I telephone my Mom more than ever, but she isn't contented with what I can do.  This is something that I will have to pray about as my dear Mother raised me to be independent and not hanging onto her apron strings all my life.  

At 62, I am now expected to be that daughter that hangs onto my Mother's apron strings.  I cannot visit in person as often as she would like or talk to her on the phone as often.  It isn't easy.  I will have to be straight forward.    

A friend of mine told me that her Mother would telephone her while she was at work 40 times a day.  Her dear Mother was not well and lost her mind.  My friend was worn thin.


I can only do so much and as a married woman, my Husband is a priority.  My Mother may not like it.  Others may not like it.
      
That's the way the cookie crumbles,   
d  

We Took A Vacation

Settling in for the evening.  Busy day.  Traveled to TOPEKA for my Husband's 6 month sonogram.  We spent the day in Topeka.  The weather was so pretty it was a pleasure to be outside.  Clear blue skies and whispy clouds.

The morning was chilly, but warmed as the clock ticked.  From chilly to just fine.  Little breeze and little on my mind.  Much going on in the world, but I was willing to let it be.

After his appointment we dined at McFarlands Family Restaurant.  Had the Pork Chop SPECIAL which fed my appetite with smoked pork chop, green beans, cream styled corn, roll with butter.  Warm coffee was sipped as I ate chocolate cake.  We sat visiting.  Warm coffee and conversation.    

Nearly out of gas.  Fuel for body then fuel for the auto.  Close to SAMs needing batteries, milk and coffee creamer.  We didn't stay long before moving on to shop at the local K-MART going out of business with clearance prices to encourage customers to spend.  They had their CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS displayed with 30% off prices.  

Smiling I picked up the last of the snowflakes I have been buying through the years.  They had them.  Originally I was going to CHRISTMAS shop early in hopes of getting more snowflakes before they melted away in this red hot sale in someone else's shopping cart.  

They've been so popular that they go fast.  Yesterday we stopped at the Kansas City K-MART hoping to pick up Jaclyn Smith's snowflakes.  NONE.  

Today, I was fortunate to purchase 12 big flakes.  I went HOME with them for Christmas decorating.  I can see them in my imagination dangling from garland somewhere in the house.

Iridescent, transparent and light blue snowflakes.  My collection grows as I know in the near future that Jaclyn Smith's decorations will disappear as K-MART stores do.  I think K-MART will vanish as SEARS and MONTGOMERY WARDS has.  A trend in the world of discount stores.  Gone.  

Today was a great day to gather snowflakes.

At the thrift shop, I quickly pushed a shopping cart about browsing for bargains.  A small silver plated tray caught my eye and that was enough.  We headed home so I could pay a utility bill due.    

Husband slept as I admired the landscape that is so pretty to see.    The turning of the leaves is more advanced than what I viewed in Missouri in Branson.  WE TOOK OUR VACATION.  I did rest and got refreshed wishing I could have stayed for a month.  More on that later.  We spent a very nice week in the OZARKS.  I've never been and neither had my Husband.

Very nice week together as Husband and Wife.  In 43 years, we have NEVER had a vacation as empty nesters until this October.  We did it.  Now to get the laundry caught up and get back at decluttering as I remember the fun we had in Branson.  

This is where I watched so many cowboy shows and rode the make believe ponies.  Gitty up.   
  
WONDERFUL,
d      

Prepping For Colder Weather and Westerns

TWO AND A HALF WEEKS A GO we were sweltering in the heat.  Sweating.  We were sitting in the screened-in porch saying our good-byes to STUFF.  Stuff that we no longer needed.  I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't stay in the present temperature for more than ten minutes before I had to go inside to cool off.    

KANSAS has a tendency to change in a blink of an eye.  If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change.    

This week in no time at all it's jacket weather.  Just like that, it's chilly.  Preparing for colder weather.  The HOME furnace should be checked out.  Possibly a tune up.

A new winter coat will have to be purchased this FALL to replace what was lost in our house fire.  Additional bedding is needed in the linen closet.  Food in the pantry.  Automobiles will need winterized.  It seems like every August and September I think about what needs to be done prepping for Winter.  

The months slipped away before completing.  

  
Giving thought about wintering inside my outside geraniums and large ferns.
  

I hope to sit smaller geraniums in the Garden Window that's in the Kitchen.  The two front porch Ferns will sit in the entryway.  The large Fern.....haven't decided.

Truly, I am not ready for chilly weather.  

Really not ready.
More sunshine and gentle temps of about 73 degrees.  
Please and thank you.

For now...Bundle up. 
Relax.

  

This week to relax, I am sitting in a large, comfortable, overstuffed chair watching OLD Westerns.  Not doing laundry, paperwork or decluttering.  Break time so I don't break.  

I've wanted to watch westerns for a marathon for months.  
THIS WEEK is the week.  Feet up.  Shoes off.  Coffee by my side with easy menus to consume.  

Watched JOHN WAYNE as Wil Anderson in THE COWBOYS.  It's been years since I watched this 1972 movie and couldn't remember the ending.  Like watching a new movie.  I think the entire family could watch.  Wil is in a spot where the grown men have gold fever leaving the area.  He turns to the next best thing in help that comes in the size of young boys willing to be the hired hands.  Off on an adventure herding cattle across the country.    

    

WESTERN MARATHON TIME

~Marathon of Television Westerns~

GUNSMOKE.

BONANZA.

BIG VALLEY.

AS A YOUNG GIRL I WATCHED ALL 3 OF THESE TELEVISION PROGRAMS.

Where's your cowboy hat and boots?

I have the bluejeans and scarf.

Miss Kitty seems to wear frilly dresses.

Not so much for Victoria Barkley.

Knowing it's Fantasy.

Gitty up cowboy.

Cowgirls as well.

By the time this is all said and done....

The Westerns will have morphed into one.

~THE BIG BONANZA IN GUN SMOKE VALLEY~

Okay.  Moving right along.

I've been so busy this last year and a half
that I have got to take some time to relax.
THEN I will continue purging what holds me back
and keeps me from having order that I need to function
more effectively.

Purging awaits me.
THIS SEASON that I am in isn't one of comfort nor is it easy going.  Having my HOME better organized and streamlined will make it a lovelier place to live.

TIME is passing so quickly.
Determined to be refreshed and back at it.
I think I need a month of Sundays to bounce back.
Lord, I beseech thee.

Making HOME a priority,
d

Cotton Candy

There are some days that I crave 

COTTON CANDY. 
Cccccc rrrrraaaaav eeeeee it. 

Cotton Candy...every once in a while

I buy a small container of cotton candy at Menards.  
No County FAIR needed.

Hits the spot.

Speaking of pink...let's have some.

Thinking PINK.

PINK.

Thinking pink.
Pink matters.

Lovely color,

d