HALLOWEEN HAS PASSED! NOVEMBER BEGINS

WE HAD PLENTY OF CANDY TO HAND OUT TO TRICK OR TREATERS.  Closed down shop around 8 pm.  Dark outside and time to call it a day. 

DOWNTOWN HALLOWEEN PARADE

~Family~
Mom and Dad are deers and Lil Dude is a HUNTER.

Earlier we drove downtown and watched the kids dressed up for Halloween parade on the sidewalks getting candy from the merchants.  Had a few laughs at how adorable the tiny tikes looked.  

We stayed until 6 then went HOME for handing candy out.  

We had 15 goblins.  Only 15.  I know the downtown parading overrides the ones who go door to door.  

My daughter, her hubby and lil dude came by.  I'm so glad they did.

Parading downtown is a safe option.  I'm glad they have this option for the kids.  Until next year.  

🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃

NOVEMBER has arrived.  28 days until THANKSGIVING!!!  Turkey time.  We have so much to do before the HOLIDAYS, it makes my head hurt.  Lord help.  I will need to put myself in FAST gear.  In order to have the house ready for Christmas Guest, we have to continue clearing out the She Shed, the pink bedroom, organize the cellar and make the house presentable.  

Hubby is still shuffling racks down in the cellar.  I'll be carrying china from the garage to the dining room.  I'll be looking through our CHRISTMAS decorations in the cellar to get an idea what I have.

This all gives me purpose to make headway on the COTTAGE.

I'm keeping Thanksgiving very simple.  VERY SIMPLE.  Most of November's energy will be spent in getting the house ready for CHRISTMAS.  

           🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃

TYPICAL THANKSGIVING MENU

Turkey
Dressing
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Green Bean Casserole
Buttered Corn
Dinner Rolls with Butter  
Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
Iced Tea
Water
 

Taking time to think on the things 
I'm THANKFUL for.

November is here!
D

NOVEMBER 2023

OFF TO A FRESH START FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.  A walking program starts with short walks around the block bundled up due to the freezing temperatures in the mornings.  PLANS for a salad a day and MORE VEGGIES.  I will stretch upward towards the HEAVENS and stretch bend toward the floor for beginners in an EXERCISE PROGRAM.  As sore as I am, this is a safe place to begin.  

AFTER WE HAVE RESTED A BIT, the things in the storage side of the COTTAGE Garage will be relocated after the cellar is properly cleaned. The metal storage racks will be set up in the cellar to where the HOLIDAY DECOR can rest on the shelves.  As I move these storage boxes to the cellar I can evaluate what to keep and what to give away.  Another step in DOWNSIZING.  Not sure when this will take place as the weather has turned off severely cold.  May have to take this in phases until it comes to fruition.

As the storage side of the garage is cleared out, then I will sweep and wash the floor in there and begin the terrific task of making a SHE SHED with a sofa that is in a storage unit, the 2 recliners, a small TV on a stand, the Tall Boy and a file cabinet.  The Tread Mill is already out there.  This space will be better to exercise in since it has a cement floor and won't shake under the weight of a very heavy woman dancing or doing JACK LA LANNE EXERCISES on the TV.  I look forward to exercising 5 days a week with JACK VIDEOS.  I will make a new HABIT with this time in the COTTAGE.

NOVEMBER will probably turn into DECEMBER and JANUARY before the SHE SHED is a reality.  I have to stay realistic about these new projects that are in the back of my head.

One of the storage units will be cleared out then we'll have a closed account with them.  One less bill.  Our main objective was to clear out the Main House with a full basement and historic Carriage House so we could finish house projects before marketing the house.  We did that, but with that came an added expense of storage units.  

THANKSGIVING is on the calendar and we have plans of celebrating with family.  I will begin shopping for the menu this month.  This THANKSGIVING will be different as we have moved into our small COTTAGE which is a total mess with moving boxes.  There's little chance of having the COTTAGE ready in three weeks for welcoming family and have a comfortable place to sleep.  With being exhausted, I will not have the steam to get in gear making the COTTAGE look presentable at such a short amount of time.  SO different plans will have to take place.  

OUR YOUNGEST GRANDSON will turn TWO on November 12th so I will need to go looking for a birthday gift.  Maybe TONKA TRUCKS since he so loves playing with cars and trucks.  He'll be TWO.  It just seems like a few days ago that I was on a hunt for a nice rocking chair for him for his first birthday.  Time has flown.  

My goodness how he has grown and become so independent.  His vocabulary is increasing and I can understand more of his words.  He blows kisses and waves good-bye.  A very good eater and full of excessive energy.  

Going on at the same time as our move, my 91 year old Mother has relocated to IOWA.  This was huge.  We hope to go visit in early December.  I understand her need to be living closer to one of her children and will be living in a very nice retirement community.  She has a massive clothing inventory as my Sister can attest to.  In April/May 2022, I tried to get her to thin out her wardrobe and wasn't very successful.  Every hanging garment was taken out of her closet, carried to the living room and hung on a metal rack for her to view as she sat in her recliner recovering from a broken hip.

Yes or no...keep or get rid of.  Her clothing is like her babies and she hated to part with anything. We managed to maybe get rid of 40 articles.  Guessing, but I would imagine 400 articles were snuggly hanging in her closet to where it was difficult to pull an item out of the closet.  She has a multitude of storage tubs in the closet bottom in which she has rolled many tops and slacks to keep.  In her dresser, is the same with a multitude of clothing rolled just so so.  She has a way of getting as much as she can in every area.  On the backs of the bedroom doors were special hangers for clothing and I kid you not, the hangers needed to go on a diet as she had so many clothing articles hanging on them it was eye popping.  Under the bed were tubs.  In the closets were tubs.  My sister said she is a hoarder in a sense.  I have to agree.    

I hauled the cast offs to GOODWILL.  She has collected beautiful clothing over the years and hates to part with them, but how many clothing articles will she wear as LIFE has gotten more casual for her in which she no longer wears dresses to Church, but nice slacks with pretty blouses.  The new place she is living has a small bedroom closet and another huge closet for overflow.  She has the overflow.

Life is full of adjustments.  I am in need of getting better organized and downsized as I am 68.  If I should live to be 70, it's not so far off.  Time has come to get all my ducks in a row.  🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆

NOVEMBER.  Scheduled on the calendar is resting with a very slow pace for unpacking our belongings in an unhurried way.
🚚Unpacking to take place with DOWNSIZING IN MIND.
💉A few scheduled medical appointments peppered throughout the month.
🏅A walking program to begin along with some serious plant based eating meals.
🌹Planning on doing some landscaping.
🎂Son's 46th Birthday on November 4th.
🎂Grandson's 2nd Birthday on November 12th.
🎂Granddaughter's 22nd Birthday on November 19th.
🦃Thanksgiving.
🎄Christmas planning and possible decorating.

I can't wrap my head around how fast the months have passed since concentrating on packing and moving.  On to a new adventure. 

Hubby got the tv up and going.  THE GILDED AGE was watched and of all things I fell asleep. I'll have to watch it again when I'm NOT so tired.  The women's costumes are so gorgeous and the interiors beautiful.  If you like costumes and interiors then I think you might like this program.  

Today I stayed in my pajamas until mid afternoon.  I just worked in my pajamas until I needed to go to Walmart for some bluejeans.  The pile of belongings in the middle of the living room shrunk some.  It's going to take some time getting our HOME in order.  Moving can do that to a place.  Every ounce of order gets disturbed.  I took it slow today and that's about all I could do. Hubby had errands to run and work to do by replacing the headlights on our Cruiser.  Our dear Son.in.law did the repairs.  The new headlights look awesome in our 2007 PT CRUISER that a deer hit early October.  When Hubs came HOME, we made a quick trip to Walmart for some supplies.   

This downsizing movement continues.

Halloween has come and gone.  We watched from our car as my daughter and her family went trick-or-treating as lumber jacks down Main Street in a small town.  

🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬

My Oklahoma grandson went with his folks trick or treating and scored.  

Not sure what my St. Louis grand did for the evening or my Missouri grand.  

 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫 

I will have withdrawal from not eating chocolate, 

but will have to try to get over it.  

HOME LIFE is for me,

~d 👵🏠

  

NOVEMBER PROGRESS WITH THANKSGIVING/CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS

NOVEMBER PLANNER

NOVEMBER 1st.  THRIFT and GREENERY.
Thanksgiving/Christmas preparations.
St. Mary's and Topeka shopping.  
Steamers from MJs, 37 Pine, Lunch, Thrift Shop, Office Max, Hallmark Store, Target, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Supper at Olive Garden.  Looked for Christmas Ornaments for Grandchildren and looked for Christmas FAUX GARLAND to get ideas.  Leaning toward the Norfolk Pine Natural Feel.  Purchased some Christmas Greenery for Christmas Wreaths I will be making from Hobby Lobby at 66% off.

NOVEMBER 2nd.  GARLAND and ORNAMENT.
Christmas preparations.
Manhattan and St. Marys shopping.
Christmas GARLAND hunt at Manhattan's Hobby Lobby and St. Mary's 37 Pine.
Purchased Christmas Garland for Living room from 37 Pine.

NOVEMBER 3rd.  THANKSGIVING IS THREE WEEKS AWAY.
TURKEYS and ORNAMENTS.
Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations.
Manhattan shopping.
Medical appointment, Varsity Donuts, Breakfast at the Chef, tried to shop at Salvation Army, but they were closed for the day, Thrift and consignment Mall, Another Shop, Target, tried to eat at Chinese Restaurant, but they were closed, Aldi and picked up a Pizza to fix at HOME, Thrift Shop.
Shopped and purchased Christmas ornaments from Target for Grandchildren.
Purchased two Turkeys for Holidays from Aldi at $1.07 a pound.
Turkeys in freezer.

NOVEMBER 4th.  RUNNING ERRANDS IN THE RAIN.
Christmas prep.  Manhattan shopping.
Purchased Coffee Flavored Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds and Dark Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds.
There's a small business inside a house that each time I visit the shoppe it feels like HOME and I say, "I could live here!"  Hubby suggested that we visit so he could snap some pics when we saw these chocolate covered treats.  We tasted them in the car and as we were leaving, I asked if he'd go back inside and get some more for the HOLIDAYS.
SON's 45th Birthday phone call.  

NOVEMBER 5th.  JUNK ROOM WORKED ON.
Had to have a slow paced day, so I worked some on the upstairs junk room which needs to be completely tidied up before THANKSGIVING in case someone needs a room to sleep in if the other bedrooms are occupied.  A goal is to have this room looking like we are civil human beings around here.

NOVEMBER 6th.  JUNK ROOM WORKED ON.
Junk room tidied and Grandchildren's Christmas Ornaments wrapped.
THOUGHTS about Thanksgiving Menu.

In A NUTSHELL, THANKSGIVING DECOR is displayed, Autumn wreaths are hanging on the front doors, fireplace mantel is decorated for Autumn, hunted to purchase interior Christmas garland for the fireplace mantel, purchased two turkeys, purchased Christmas ornaments for Grandchildren, bought some chocolate covered sunflower seeds for the HOLIDAYS, started tidying the spare room known as the JUNK ROOM.  Not bad for the first week of November. Made progress.  Now, Lord willing, this week will be even more successful for additional preparations for THANKSGIVING. 

Planning continues here on the PRAIRIE,

~d

DECEMBER 1st!

December arrives.  Have mercy, if it flies on by as fast as November did, I will be by side myself.  Having to work faster at what needs done.        

HAVING TROUBLE BELIEVING IT'S DECEMBER...November was extremely busy.  Much sorrow and grief along with great joy and happiness.  

THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER 2021.  The process leading up to the burial of my older brother was difficult and grievous.  Each day was a horrible challenge that was painful to go through.  After his burial was completed, I still am in shock of what took place.  

This month is in the history books.  In the archives, but not without injury.  Brother's funeral was November 14th.  

With great joy and happiness, a new Grandchild was born on Friday, November 12th  before the funeral on what would have been my Dad's 95th earthly birthday.  A little boy blessed our daughter, son.n.law, family and us.  Grandma and Grandpa once again.  JOYOUS!

Puts a smile on my face.  I've only held him a few times.  Praying for more time with this lil one to where I can ooh and awe at his beauty.  A very good baby.  A sweet baby.  Wonderful.  

Granddaughter came to stay with us a night on her way to Kansas City.  I dropped my camera on the Kitchen's hard wood floor and this did it in this time.  It must of had nine lives using them all up because this particular drop caused it to die.  Kaput.

After we took GRAND out for a steak for her 20th Birthday we went to Starbuck's for a Coffee and a Hot Chocolate for me.  THEN we went to Best Buy to buy a new camera and visit TARGET.  I haven't gotten the hang of this new camera yet, but have hopes this old dog will learn some new tricks.  Not in the BUDGET so MeRrY ChRiStMaS to me!!!  

CAN ANYBODY SAY TARGET?

Target!

THE NEXT DAY, WE DROVE TO KENTUCKY.  

Made a mini vacay out of the trip.

LIL MISS ran in the Cross Country Nationals in Kentucky.  Hubby and I were able to travel the distance and see her participate and place!  RUN LIKE THE WIND is shouted in excited tones.  Who's kidding...we yelled and we cheered very loudly.  Very proud of her.  Excited to be there and witness this event.  

It's been years since I was in Kentucky.   Y e a r s.   The area we saw was so pretty it makes me want to return.  NOTE TO SELF:  Purchase Green Tea with Pomegranate.  First time to drink this popular tea in Kentucky.  Liked it.  Will purchase some when I return to the Land of OZ.  

I am very proud of my GRANDS...all of them.  It is a delight to see each one growing up.  

OFF TO WILLIAMSTOWN, KENTUCKY

We toured the William Arnold Log Cabin and also went to see the ARK ENCOUNTER in Williamstown, KY.  Exceptional encounter.  We stayed in Lexington and toured the Mary Todd Lincoln Childhood Home as well.

NOTE TO SELF:  Add cinnamon to Enchilada Sauce. Before we toured THE ARK, we dined at a local Mexican Restaurant where the Enchilada Sauce had cinnamon in it.  Hubby raved about it.  I will also attempt to make some Ranch Style chip dip with sweetener in it.  I could have drank this stuff.  Taking these ideas HOME with me.

I ate a salad AND more chips than I should have.

THE ARK ENCOUNTER deluxe.

Cold, wet and windy outside.  Warm and dry on the inside.

Noah knew what he was doing.

BEFORE WE HEADED HOME, we stopped off in Lexington to tour Mary Todd Lincoln's Childhood House.

Beautiful GARDENS in the backyard.  

Always gives me ideas.

@38 years ago, I toured Mary Todd Lincoln's childhood HOME in Lexington when my children were quite young.  I couldn't remember much about it, but this go round I'm older and more interested in historical homes so I snapped lots of pictures admiring the house's decor.  Up my alley.  Touring old houses/museums is something I like doing.  So I do it as much as possible.

 RETURNING TO KANSAS,

 LIFE STAYED BUSY FOR US.

A few days before THANKSGIVING, a Grandson had surgery.  I wasn't expecting my family from Oklahoma to join us for THANKSGIVING, but they did.  He did very well and his Mom said he did better this time then he did the time before.  Praying for health.  

It was wonderful to have all family members in our HOME for a THANKSGIVING FEAST.  My Missouri Son and Grandson arrived on Wednesday.  They'd stay for 4 nights.  A treat was my Son actually taking us out for Supper to eat...Mexican food of course.

Then on Friday, my Daughter and her family arrived to eat with us for our big THANKSGIVING MEAL.    

Our lives are blessed by having a house full of loved ones for THANKSGIVING.  My cup runneth over.  A blessed time for sure. 

The CHRISTMAS TREE is up twinkling 
with flashing lights.  

Ornaments will appear a little at a time over the next few days.  A down-home CHRISTMAS TREE with ornaments from the past.  No fancy themed tree this year.  I guess the having no theme IS the theme.  It will be a colorful tree displaying years of memories all over it. 

On the last day of NOVEMBER, I made a trip to TOPEKA to go to the THRIFT SHOP, eat a salad, shop at Nature's Groceries for this week's veggies, look for a new vacuum and battery for the car at Menards, then drove through POTWIN PLACE twice to see the Christmas lights in this neighborhood.  Potwin Place has celebrated Christmas for 60 years.  I think I have driven the neighborhood at Christmas for about 10 of these.  Always CHARMING to see.  Fairytale like.   

PRAISE THE LORD!  Not all of NOVEMBER was sorrowful.  Much joy.  I welcome it.  The more JOY the better.   

TODAY I CLEANED OUT THE FRIDGE, did some laundry, worked on Christmas gifts, wrote out correspondences, organized the fridge, hung some Christmas ornaments, snipped price tags off some thought clothing I bought, went through the mail, stayed in my housecoat all day, washed dishes, what else...blogged.

THE FRIDGE had to be cleaned out before putting the new fruits and vegetables in it.  Being gone so much before THANKSGIVING didn't allow me the time to clean out the fridge before all the activities took place.  I was pitching grunge today.  Out you go.  Moldy, wrinkled and icky yuck.

Washed the pull drawers, lined with paper towels and placed the healthy organic foods in these drawers.  I filled my fridge with asparagus, apples, oranges, grapefruit, pomegranate, radishes, Bibb lettuce, Romaine lettuce, orange carrots, colored carrots, broccoli, broccoli, broccoli, green peppers, yellow peppers, yellow squash, celery, beets, purple potatoes, sweet potatoes.  Need berries and some spinach.  

Shuffled the tiny Pantry I have.  Filled a shelf with organic juices such as Apple, Blueberry, Carrot, Tart Cherry, Cranberry, Grape, Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Tomato and Veggie Juices.  Set for awhile.

Another shelf in my tiny Pantry was filled with organic soups in cartons.  Butternut Squash Soup, Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup, Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato, Vegetable Broth, Chicken Bone Broth.  

This is a far cry from how I ate a year ago.  There is HOPE.  It's called change.  I have changed quite a bit over the last year.

HUBBY turned on the OZONE MACHINE in the Cottage.  We had a nice discussion about what we need to do to get ready to work full force on our Cottage.  At times, I do get a bit overwhelmed and this just slows me down.  

I'm taking it one day at a time with breaks,

~d