THE COLD SNAP killed my outdoor Geraniums. All 5 of them. Being miles away I couldn't rescue them. I wasn't expecting it to CHILL so I wasn't prepared or I would have placed them indoors. This COLD SNAP took me by surprise. I left town thinking it was going to be in the 80s. I wore sandals. Luckily we had jackets in the car with us. When I was with my Mom and the temps dropped...I frowned and knew my beautiful Geraniums would be frozen. Their beauty would fade with the cold.
Disheartened about the Geraniums that I had WINTERED the year before were destroyed. I'll just start over again in the SPRING. Maybe I can get one growing in a pot and just keep it in the house all year round and see how big it gets.
GERANIUMS are my favorite potted plant for the patio and porch. Usually, I have them on my porch each year. After I pull out the dead plants I'll plant Coleus in these pots. Tomorrow the weather is suppose to be in the high 70s so I will do some gardening and use the Garden Window in the Kitchen to house them this WINTER.
THIS PAST WEEK-END, I found myself in Sapalpa, Oklahoma and Oklahoma City then in Marion, Kansas and Newton. Visited my Son's family where we had a great visit, ate well, watched Soccer Games that two of my Grandsons played AND gave a Birthday gift to one of our GRANDsons who will be turning 13. Because it was FALL BREAK, the birthday boy didn't have a Soccer game. I hope to watch him in the SPRING. His voice has already deepened.
Halloween Candy for the three boys. It didn't take this guy long to dive into the candy.
Visited a new store in Sapulpa, GASOLINE ALLEY. It was spectacular.
Walked about the Sapulpa's Historic Downtown where the CHUTES are in the making by the city for CHRISTMAS. It was AWESOME to see and I can only imagine what it will look like when it's lit up for the holiday.
SOCCER TIME. One day it was HOT and the next day somewhat CHILLY, but I enjoyed seeing my Grandsons play SOCCER. Two games on Saturday in Sapulpa and one on Sunday where we traveled to Oklahoma City to watch.
GAME ONE
GAME THREE
Before we left the TULSA area, I wanted to go to GARDEN RIDGE which is no more. Instead the store AT HOME was in its place. What a treat this was to look around and see their merchandise to get new ideas.
Time gets away so quickly. We were off once again to go visit my Mom and take her to a medical appointment. Afterwards we went to GOODWILL, WAL-MART, and THE ET CETERA SHOP. Mom was doing pretty well for being 90 and a half years old.
I picked up a pair of like-new sandals for next SPRING and some music at GOODWILL. Looked at everything at WAL-MART which was fun as it's been a while since I took my time to just look. Picked up some eyeliner, SALAD GREENS and avocados, but it was at THE ET CETERA SHOP that I hit the jackpot. Their prices in Newton are like I remember thrift store prices being. Actual thrift.
https://newtonetceterashop.com
https://www.facebook.com/NewtonEtc/
Around here where I live, the thrift prices have sky rocketed, but the Mennonites in Newton still have mercy with their prices. The store is so clean and well situated for shopping. I must have been in the MOOD for books and movies as I picked up some Martha Stewart cook books and a season of THE WALTONS whom I enjoy watching. When a COOK BOOK is 50 cents, it's difficult for me to overlook it.
I purchased two colorful old tablecloths that will add to my collection that hangs in a closet. I can't show you the pretty red one because it didn't make it HOME with me. Hubby overlooked it and left it in my Mom's car trunk. When I see her next, I hope to remember to pick it up in time for CHRISTMAS.
We visited my Brother's grave and my Dad's while staying with Mom. It was there that I picked up acorns for FALL decorating. I hope to use them for THANKSGIVING.
On the way HOME we ate at Cracker Barrel for lunch. I always enjoy looking at their GIFT SHOP full of beautiful clothing and Christmas items. Then we went into Manhattan stopping off at a really neat flower shop where my eyes got to see some beautiful decorations and florals. I did buy a heart ornament for my Alaska friend, Maxine. I think she'll appreciate it. I will need to get it in the mail soon.
After being away from HOME close to a week, I was ready to return HOME and put my feet up.
It takes me a day or two to get back on track after being gone. There's laundry to do and unpacking as well. I worked on putting things away today as I needed a down day after being on the go the past week. I stayed in my HOUSECOAT today and went through the mail. I'm clearing off the Dining room table where I had piles of paper to go through. Still going through the papers. It's disheartening how long this is taking to go through. I would never have imagined that I would still be at this after 7 months or so. True, I haven't worked on it day in and day out, but I have put the hours in and burned the midnight oil. Sigh.
Further along than 7 months ago!!! When I look at the boxes that still need dealt with...I sigh.
Reminding myself...soon it will be completed. I have to stay at it and keep a good attitude. Finding a good attitude is in my hip pocket. Plugging away.
I'd work with the things on the table for awhile then go sit in my comfy chair and sort through more paper, then go through the things we brought back with us from our week away then rearranged a Kitchen cabinet in hopes that I can clear some things off the top of the counter tops, back to the table and back to the chair, standing to wash dishes and put things away. All unhurried and relaxed as I can be.
The week has flown right on by once again. By the week-end, I hope to have repotted some plants, have all the paperwork transferred upstairs so the dining table is a table once again and the living room looks like a living room. After the paper is upstairs, I will work on it up there sleeving it and placing it in binders, vacuum the rugs and dust the furniture. Get caught back up on the laundry. Clear off the extra things off of the Kitchen countertops so it is HOUSE BEAUTIFUL then I will continue painting cabinets over at the COTTAGE. I will mail my St. Louis Grandson his Halloween Treat, wrap Maxine's ornament placing it in the mail, wrap up a goody bag for my Mom, pay some bills and prepare for HALLOWEEN NIGHT. I have my candy ready to go.
I have to stay focused if I can. Slowly and I do mean slowly I am making progress. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. I mustn't stall out on this task. It's gotta get done. Time is getting by me.
By THANKSGIVING the house will be presentable for company. I invited my MOM for THANKSGIVING. I have to be ready for sure. I started packing up pictures for our exodus to the COTTAGE in the Spring. More boxes will have to be bought so I can box books, dishes, dolls and knick knacks.
Hubby worked on the COTTAGE shed hanging beaded board for the ceiling. Our Son-in-law helped him today. Making progress. When this shed is completed, then he'll return to remodeling the bathroom which he has already gutted. I'll help where I can. For now, I'm the PAPER Princess in our Kingdom moving right along making plans for what to do next as we DOWNSIZE.
NOW, the weather is beautiful and giving us some time to enjoy a Indian summer before another frost comes to chill us to the bone.
~d
