HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY

The day she was born seems just like it happened yesterday.

18 times 365 = 6570 give or take a day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

and many more,

ALEXIS.

Much LOVE and happiness,

Gma

MERRY THANKSGIVINGS

LAST NIGHT BEFORE RETIRING TO BED, I could hear rain and ice hitting the window by my chair.  I stopped for a moment wondering what that noise was?  Twas the rain that had been in the forecast for a wintry day in the last days of late AUTUMN coming to pay us a visit.  Next week it is suppose to be dry.  I pray that is true as it will make THANKSGIVING all the merrier.  

TODAY as I look out the window the sky is so grey it could easily be mistaken for WINTER.  I need to make a mad dash to the dollar store to purchase some freezer bags for the turkey I baked yesterday evening.  The turkey will be frozen then thawed and warmed for turkey sandwiches in a week.  

This Sunday, I believe I will go ahead and make a trip to TOPEKA to SAMs to purchase the rest of my THANKSGIVING items needed for FAMILY GATHERING.  The turkey was baked and carved last night.  The ham is already sliced, bagged and stored in the freezer as well for Ham Sandwiches.  The miniature bags of potato chips are bought.  Paper products done.  I want to get the boxed Spring Salad from SAMs and some salad dressing plus cheese slices for sandwiches.  All Beef Hot Dogs on buns.  Mac 'n cheese.  Need two types of bread for sandwiches for variety.  

Wanting this THANKSGIVING DAY MEAL to be a little unconventional, but we will not starve.  A new TRADITION to make things easier this year.  Will be filling and we will still have fellowship as FAMILY.  That matters.  Wanting an easy meal to share so more time is spent together and not slaving away in the KITCHEN.  Paper products will make the clean-up just that much easier.  ENERGY will be spent in conversation.


YESTERDAY when I was out and about, I stopped at the THRIFT STORE and bought a beautiful NUTCRACKER that was in their window.  He needs dusted, but will be a nice addition to my collection.  A NUTCRACKER, miniature wreath, Santa, a few Christmas ornaments.

I THINK THIS YEAR I will line some NUTCRACKERS down the center of the Dining room table for a cheery centerpiece.  Will let you know how that turns out.

THRIFT ITEMS I bought earlier were unwrapped and washed.  Did some research on some of the glassware and I think I hit the jackpot.

AINT HE PURDEE?

I washed my Lennox Santa.  He has a bag for CHRISTMAS CANYDY.  This is a great candy dish to have.  It is a bit challenging, but I will WAIT to decorate.

It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS at the stores and outside as the snow has begun to fall.  The Street decorations are up and shining.  I will be persistent and WAIT UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING TO decorate for the Christmas season.

HoHoHo.  Merry Thanksgiving.  
I am thankful for.....so much.  So very much.
d

I HEAR A TRAIN A COMIN'

HEARING THE TRAIN WHISTLE AT ABOUT 10:08 this morning caused me to get excited about the BIG BOY No. 4014 rolling through my small town.  About a minute later, I stood at my kitchen sink looking through the garden window and watched the top of the train roll down the track at a distance.  For a very short amount of time and through a very limited space I got to see this train roll quickly through town.  

UNION PACIFIC's CELEBRATION of the 150th Anniversary of the completion of the TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD features BIG BOY.

Here’s a hype train you can get on, if only metaphorically: a restored Big Boy steam train will make a Wednesday morning stop in Manhattan as part of Union Pacific’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

The 132-foot-long, 1.2 million pound Big Boy No. 4014, a steam train originally commissioned in 1941, will stop between 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. at the South Manhattan Avenue rail crossing. The train is the only one of eight in existence that is still in operation.

https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Big-Boy-makes-it-way-across-Kansas-565238982.html?fbclid=IwAR3WCvE4n9NkT9zBA9vDBT-H_8LDr7XFI49gMqe0q1w5M2Uopr_8aooD1yg

Something special on a Wednesday.

A thrill for many to see and hear this 

BIG BOY,

d

Pot Of Coffee and A Whole Lot of Talking

WE MET UP WITH OUR DAUGHTER AND GRAND at the Mexican Restaurant which serves the best, very thin chips with salsa before the meal.  I look forward to their root beer as it is the BEST.  I had shredded chicken enchiladas with red sauce, rice and beans.  AFTER our meal, we went over to our daughter's for a pot of coffee.  


When we entered the door, DOTY came out fired up and oh so excited to see us.  It's been a while since we were in her house.  Her tiny hairy body was so excited to see us she sang a high pitched song and begged for attention as we were petting her back.  This much excitement makes me a very happy visitor.  

She is so full of energy it's invigorating to watch.  I just love her.  LOVE her.  

We had a nice chat and visited.  Just enough time to sip a cup of coffee, unwind at Daughter's and look outside through the picture window to see the FLINT HILLS.  It is a healing balm to my weary soul.  I need a strong dose of scenery every once in a while.  

Sometimes I wish I could look out our back window and see the rolling hills covered in AUTUMN browns and golds that disappear with WINTER then awaken again when perky SPRING comes.  

Home we went and I seriously took a NAP.  These days it doesn't take very much effort to run out of gusto and need an afternoon NAP.

I know I slept with my mouth open.  YAWN.  Not a pretty sight.  We had left over roast beef for SUPPER which I made into a stew.  Out of soda crackers so we had ritz instead.  This added a nice flavor.  Twas really good if I do say so myself.  

Watched a series on the big screen and stayed up late.  Slept well considering that I sweat while sleeping and can't get an answer as to why.  Autoimmune messed up.

Things to do this coming week in preparation for THANKSGIVING.  Afterwards CHRISTMAS will happen with JOY and excitement in the cold.  Hope it snows come Christmas Day!!!

Bucket list is in need of being rewritten.  Some quiet time is needed to give this some thought.  I think the last time I did this one of my dear friends passed away.  sigh.

Every day is different.
Lovely to be a HOMEMAKER!
d

TURKEY COUNT DOWN

THOUGHT THIS WAS GRIN WORTHY.  Laughed out loud.  How many of us have been told one thing just to be led into a drama that we needed to get out of really fast?  I don't think this turkey stands a chance.  Already believes the lie and dressed for the occasion.

THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR will be adapted to some short cuts to make the meal run smoother as I am low on ENERGY.  Most of the food prep will be done ahead of time on a different day than THANKSGIVING DAY.  10 days until lift off!  

~MENU~

Turkey 

Ham 

All Beef Hot Dogs 

Cranberry Sauce 

Relish Tray 

Corn 

Green Bean Casserole

Mashed Potatoes and gravy 

Dressing

Macaroni and cheese

Dinner Rolls and butter

Pumpkin Pie with whipped Cream

Water

Iced Tea

Coffee

*********************************************************************************

MENU

Baked Turkey 

(Baked week before.  

After it cools, bag, freeze.  

Day before event, thaw in fridge.  

Thanksgiving Day heat and serve.)

Ham slices 

(Already sliced and in the freezer ready.  

Thaw in fridge day before Thanksgiving 

then on TD warm and serve.)

All Beef Hot Dogs 

(Will pop in a pan full of hot water and warm Thanksgiving Day.)

Cranberry Sauce 

(store bought...open day of and serve.)

Relish Tray of pickles and olives (day of.)

Corn 

(Prep a day before, cool, bag and stack in fridge until Thanksgiving day then warm before serving.)

Green Bean Casserole

(Prep a day before, cool, bag and stack in fridge until Thanksgiving day then warm before serving.)

Mashed Potatoes and gravy 

(Prepare mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving Day.  

Gravy fixed on day the turkey is baked.  

Cool, bag and freeze.  

Warm up on TD)

Dressing

(Prep a day before, cool, bag and stack in fridge until Thanksgiving day then warm before serving.)

Macaroni and cheese

(Prep a day before, cool, bag and stack in fridge until Thanksgiving day then warm before serving.)

Dinner Rolls with butter

(Store bought.  Warm 15 minutes before meal)

Pumpkin Pie and whipped Cream 

(store bought and ready to serve.)

Water

Iced Tea

Coffee

THIS WAY MOST OF THE FOOD WILL BE WARMED THE MORNING OF THANKSGIVING INSTEAD OF DOING ALL THE LABOR THE DAY OF.

Meal at NOON.

THANKSGIVING DAY

Set table.

Mashed Potatoes and gravy made. 

Ice Tea brewed.

Turkey warmed.

Ham warmed.

Hot Dogs warmed.

Dressing warmed.

Mac 'n cheese warmed.

Corn warmed.

Green Bean Casserole warmed.

Dinner Rolls warmed.

Cranberry sauce in serving dish.

Relish tray prepared.

4 Serving forks: 2 Large ones for turkey and ham. 

                              2 Small forks for hot dogs and relish tray.

3 Large Serving spoons: dressing, 

                                        mac 'n cheese, 

                                        green bean casserole.

1 Large Slotted serving spoon: corn.

1 Small serving spoon needed: cranberry sauce.

Butter knife.

Place food items in serving bowls and dishes.

Fill glasses.

Say GRACE.

Serve.

Eat.

Chat and visit.

Clean-up.

Clear the table.

Wash and dry the dishes and pans.

Put away.

Hum.......

Is there is a PLAN B???
ON SECOND THOUGHT....PLAN B might be:

Turkey sandwiches, Ham sandwiches and Hot dogs.
Mayo, mustard, cheese slices, salt and pepper.
Miniature bagged chips.
Combination salad with salad dressing.
Mac 'n cheese.
Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream.
Beverages.
Paper plates, paper napkins, throw away cups and utensils.

Will prepare meats at home.
Purchase 2 types of fancy buns.
Bagged chips.
Sam's Spring Green Salad and dressing.
Prepare mac 'n cheese.
Buy store bought Pumpkin Pie and whipped cream.
Have already bought throw away cups, plates and napkins. Need plastic ware.

SIMPLICITY NEEDED.
This week I will prepare meats and freeze.
A trip to Family Dollar and Sam's early next week for aluminum pans for meats, mac 'n cheese, buns, plasticware, bagged chips, pies.

STILL THANKFUL TO BE GATHERING AS A FAMILY and having fellowship and food!  Counting our blessings.  Amen and amen.

PLAN B this year.
Blessings,
d

SUNDAY THOUGHTS FOR EVERY DAY: WESTERNIZED INTERPRETATION OF 2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

King James Version (KJV)

MANY TIMES I HAVE HEARD PEOPLE REFER TO THIS OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE AS IF IT APPLIES TO OUR PRESENT DAY...IF WE HUMBLE OURSELVES, PRAY,SEEK GOD'S FACE, AND TURN FROM OUR WICKED WAYS, OUR HEAVENLY GOD WILL HEAR US AND HEAL OUR LAND.  I began to question if this could apply to our society in the here and now or if this is history and applies to ISRAEL?  I have come across a sight that explains. Here's some info from the sight.....  

The first problem that the modern-day, “Westernized” interpretation encounters is that the United States does not have the same covenant relationship with God that ancient Israel enjoyed. The covenant with Israel was unique and exclusive. The terms that applied to Israel simply did not apply to any other nation, and it is improper for these terms to co-opted and applied to a different nation.

Some might object that Christians are still called by God’s name and in some ways have inherited the covenant with Israel—and this may be true to some extent. Certainly, if a nation is in trouble, a prayerful and repentant response by Christians in that nation is always appropriate. However, there is another issue that is often overlooked.

When ancient Israel repented and sought the Lord, they were doing so en masse. The nation as a whole repented. Obviously not every single Israelite repented and prayed, but still it was national repentance. There was never any indication that a small minority of the nation (a righteous remnant) could repent and pray and that the fate of the entire nation would change. God promised deliverance when the entire nation repented.

When 2 Chronicles 7:14 is applied to Christians in the U.S. or any other modern nation, it is usually with the understanding that the Christians in that nation—the true believers in Jesus Christ who have been born again by the Spirit of God—will comprise the righteous remnant. God never promised that if a righteous remnant repents and prays for their nation, that the nation will be saved. Perhaps if national repentance occurred, then God would spare a modern nation as He spared Nineveh at the preaching of Jonah (see Jonah 3)—but that is a different issue.

https://www.gotquestions.org/2-Chronicles-7-14.html

God is still on the throne,
d

PRAIRIE HARVEST RECAP

GIVING THANKS this month.

Entertaining thoughts about what I'm THANKFUL for.

Thankful to you for stopping by 

and visiting me in blogland.

God bless and the all the best

this season,

d

AS THE SEASON MORPHS INTO CHRISTMAS, I want to slow my pace down to take some time soaking in late Autumn.  The temperature have chilled out and I'm not.  The early sundowns fading into darkness have challenged me to find interesting things to do at HOME.

My bucket list needs updated as the season changes.  Retirement is inching along this month as Hubby will retire at the end of December.  I ask myself, "Can you believe we are at this phase of our lives?"  The list of things I hope to get accomplished before 2020 begins have grown some.  If I don't succeed the list will just carry over into a new year and that's that.

It amazes me how odd this is as we are in our mid 60s.  Like where did the time go?  What happened to us?  Where are we going?  Will there be time for......how's about the money?  This has been an ongoing question throughout my adult life as a married woman.  The medical bills have grown and in order to pay them, the sacrifice of doing without much kicks in.  Praying for strength, favor, guidance.  Praying.

TRUSTING in GOD will help.  Help.

Being creative is a must,
d

DOTY HARVEST

SHE's my Daughter and Grand-daughter's doggy named DOTY!  
This name suits her to a T.  

A bundle of energy... so very playful.  
LOVE HER.  

LOVE HER.  LOVE HER.

Always in the thick of things.  

She's a character.

Not difficult to enjoy.
A heart-load of love.

Harvest Blessings to all.......

d

Doreen Virtue Testimony: "Why I left the new age to follow Jesus"

Ladies in Lavender - Trailer

I am a 'Lady', but wearing green and blue.  The real Ladies came into the picture much later in the day.  BUT FIRST...Veteran's Day Meal happened.

THE TIREDS HAVE HIT so here I sit.  Today I'll rest and pace myself before preparing the next big meal.  DOING LAUNDRY TODAY is out of the question as I am next to exhausted.  Energy level is  v e r y  low.  Today will be restful and next to easy.  A nap is in order for quiet time.  A NAP.    

The Veteran's Day Meal went well.  HUBBY who is the BEST sidekick HELPER I could have helped me and together we were victorious in having an VETERAN's DAY MEAL served at exactly 12:30 on the dot.  

Sha-zaam! that's excellent.  

The table looked nice with decorative paper plates.  Relish Tray and Hawaiian Dinner rolls with real butter were centered on the table as the rest of the food was in the Kitchen for a HELP YOURSELF buffet.  CASUAL ALL AROUND.

We sat at the table chatting sharing what we were THANKFUL for.  At least one thing.  Then PRAYED.  Kitchen was calling and we ate.  

I prepared turkey breast instead of a full blown turkey.  FIRST TIME.  This was an attempt to make the meal easier to prepare and serve.  The flavor lacked some.  Tender enough, but the flavor wasn't the same.  Whaaah.  Sniff Sniff.  

Switching from a full blown turkey to a breast from Aldi's was alright, but I think the full turkey has better taste.  I was a disappointed with the flavor.  In a pinch it is an alright substitution for turkey.  

The packets of gravy that were inside the turkey packages made decent turkey gravy.  Hubby made the delicious gravy, mashed potatoes, iced tea, pumpkin pie.  He set the table.  Deserves a ribbon.  

Making the menu, I did the shopping, made the deviled eggs, fixed the turkey, green beans and corn, fixed the Waldorf Salad, prepped and warmed the dinner rolls, fixed the relish tray.  

Deviled Eggs...delicious if I do say so myself.
Relish Tray items were a hit for the hungry kids that munched on the KOSHER DILL PICKLES and black olives.  The celery sticks don't seem to be as popular these days as they once were in the VICTORIAN ERA where celery was a luxury to behold as it were a status symbol to have at the Dinner Table to share with Guest.
Bread rolls were very good.
Waldorf Salad chilled to perfection in a pretty glass bowl.
Turkey went well.
Dressing is my favorite.
Mashed Potatoes and gravy warmed the belly.
Buttery corn went over well.
The Green Beans were a tad bit crunchy for my palette.  Good flavored just don't like them crunchy.
No cranberry sauce...which I think was a mistake.  The older I get the more I like this stuff on my turkey.  Better luck next time.
Iced Tea hit the spot.
About two hours later we had Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream.  Coffee.  Alright.

M&M's sat on the Buffet waiting to be munched on as we played a game of CLUE.  I haven't a clue how to play this game other than Mrs. Peacock did it in the Kitchen with a wrench.  That doesn't sound very nice does it?  Let me rephrase this...Mrs Peacock killed someone with a wrench in the Kitchen.  This Veteran's Day while I was preparing the meal, Mrs. Peacock was no where to be found.

Day went very well.
Clean-up went slow, but the day ended with a THANKFUL HEART.

LATER in the evening, we watched the 2004 DRAMA-COMEDY movie LADIES IN LAVENDER.  THUMBS UP. 

Thought it was a good clean Family movie starring Judi Dench, German Actor Daniel Brühl, and Maggie Smith.

Dench and Smith star as two old sisters that rescue a young man from Poland that washed up on their beach.  He was swept over board while traveling the seas on his way to America to make a better life for himself.  Thought it was really a good movie and will watch again.  No foul language or perverted sex and violence.  Beautiful scenery and decent story line.

Preparations are ongoing for THANKSGIVING.  Have some time for that yet.  
Today, NOVEMBER 12th, is my Dad's 93rd Birthday.  He's in HEAVEN as I speak.  I can't imagine him at 93.  He was 28 years old when I was born.  Mercy.
Next week my first GRANDCHILD turns a whopping 18 years old.
After that THANKSGIVING COMES.
The AUTUMN DECORATING FADES away as the Christmas Sparkle comes to LIFE.
First things first....the Nativity Scene will be displayed.
Christmas wreaths on the front door.
Christmas tree up and decorated.
Other tidbits of decor appear.
Porch decor appears. 
Possibly outside of house decorated.
Christmas cards written out.
Christmas Shopping continues.
Continue to clean house for company and just because it will need it.

Okay...with all of that said,  it's time to have a cup of coffee, put my feet up and give things a thinking.

Until next time,

d

 

Midway Trailer #1 (2019) | Movieclips Trailers

We decided to take in a Sunday matinee where our lunch would be gourmet H A M B A R G E R S with French Fries dipped in catsup.  Sipped on a Diet Root Beer as the previews flashed on the huge screen.  Saturday night I watched the trailers on the computer about MIDWAY.  Thought this was a worthwhile movie to see so Hubby bought the tickets online and we had a DATE.

ACTION packed with outstanding cinematography.  If we had watched it on the IMAX screen, I'm not sure I could have stood it.  I know it's a movie, but it stirred thought.

I'd like to see it again sooooo....that might happen.  Based on the bombing of Pearl Harbor and what happened next.  There was little foul language or sex scenes.  Twas a very good movie with a meaning.  Veterans Day is here and we have much to be THANKFUL for.  MUCH.  

Veteran Day thoughts.......

Afterwards, we stopped by Walmarts to pick up a few items.  Gosh, it's easy to spend money.  

The drive HOME was pleasant.  Left over Lasagna for supper.  Boiled some eggs for deviled eggs that I'll fix later today.  Having company in for LUNCH.  Just about ready.  Using paper products and throw away cups.

Relish tray of Baby Dill Pickles and Black Olives

Deviled Eggs

Turkey Breast

Apple Salad with Walnuts

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Dressing

Green Beans

Hawaiian Dinner Rolls with Butter

Apple Pie

Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Iced Tea

Coffee with Creamer

Hopefully everything will turn out super good and tasty.  Being FAMILY will help.

Freedom isn't free.  Many to THANK for living in the United States of AMERICA.  

Many,
d

SOMETIMES WE ALL NEED SOME HELP