AUTUMN SNOW

Opening the white Living room curtains, I could see outside where it snowed during the night.  Brrr.  Tis cold outside.  A white blanket of snow covers like a fresh coat of paint.  We need the moisture, but the cold...I can do without.

It's 27 degrees with today's highs being 30.  If it's going to be this cold, I will take the snow.  Last week, I cut starters from the coleus just in time before the freeze.  The front porch urns will soon display pumpkins in them.  For now it seems like December with Christmas around the corner. Celebrating the LORD's Birthday.  Jingle Bells and candles making for a Victorian Christmas.  I think our large Christmas tree just might be covered with snowflake ornaments this year. Snowflakes and bows.  

After Christmas I will hit the sales on decorations for next year.  Planning a head takes time.  

Chilly for a few days then it should climb some for a few days before taking another dip in the temps.  

I need to make a trip to the local post office after brown paper wrapping FAMILY HALLOWEEN TREATS to mail.  Mail goes out at 3:15 so I had best get on the ball and get this taken care of.  I'm slower than slow so it takes me longer to achieve the obvious.

HALLOWEEN is at the end of the week.  Not sure how the weather will be.  For today, tis cold and snowy.  

Think I will save the Chocolate Bomb my daughter-in-law gave me for Halloween.  This will make the week-end.

We traveled to OKLAHOMA social distancing to celebrate our Grandson's 11th Birthday.  Also watched a Grandson play soccer all in one day.  We got up early on Saturday driving the distance just in time for our Grand's Soccer Game.  

Saw 5 deer on the way blending in with the scenery perfectly.  Had to keep my eyes open looking for them.  This time of year they are thick in abundance.  Lovely creatures.

Twas such fun to be in Oklahoma seeing family, even though it was a tad bit chilly.  Bundled up and sat watching the game. 

Afterwards we took a chance and ate WHAT A BURGER hamburgers with fries in the car.  It's been over half a year since eating a WHAT A BURGER hamburger.  Twas so good.

Then we found our way to the other park to where our Grandson was having a outdoor Birthday party.  He wanted to play basketball with his buds so the party was at a park with basketball courts.  Bundled up and enjoyed.

We headed HOME close to 4 and arrived safely around 10:30 at night.  Safe traveling all the way.  Beautiful sunset to witness.  A very active day for this old woman.  My feet puffed up and they haven't done this in years.  Either the new meds I'm taking or poor circulation?    

On Sunday, I rested a great deal.  Some work at clearing out the cabinet of my BOOPIE GLASSES making room for everyday drinking glasses and crystal wine glasses.  The BOOPIE will be turned loose of as I replace it with everyday drinking glasses that will not take up the cabinet space.

ALL OF THIS WAS IN MY DISH CABINET.  Not anymore.  Handled 144 pieces of glass.  There's another shelf not pictured here which helped hold all 144 pieces.

I have collected the BOOPIE GLASS for years and have a nice size collection that someone else can enjoy.  For now I am ready to thin it out and have something else instead.  

Boopie Glass Drinking Glasses:::

Iced Tea: 47

Water/Milk: 34

Juice: 13

Cordial: 24

Sherbet: 26

There may still be some in the basement that needs rediscovered.  As we tweaked downstairs they will appear if we have them.

Temporarily I will use Irish crystal that will be relocated to the Kitchen cabinet.  Originally the crystal has rested in the Dining room's corner cabinet.  Time for a change.  I want to display antique vegetable dishes with lids in the Dining room.  I started collecting a few years ago.  LOVE 'EM.  Reminds me of days gone by elegant china.

I will tweak about in the house after running to the Post Office.  Getting out in the cold will sure perk me up.  If the roads aren't slick I will take a short drive before returning HOME.  Years ago when my children were little I decided that getting out of the house for an hour a day was good medicine for my soul.  Refreshed my spirits.  A HAPPY MOMMA goes along ways toward having a HAPPY HOME LIFE.

STILL THINK this is very good advice for me.

TODAY's PLAN:  Getting better organized.  Wrap gift and get in the mail.  Take a drive. Relocate crystal glassware to Kitchen Cabinet.  Inventory.  Write my brother a letter.  Sort laundry.  Do a load of laundry.  Make up bed with fresh sheets.  Quiet time with feet up.  Go through mail and paperwork.  Work on bills and budget.  Enough for this cold Monday.

Thoughts about the upcoming election.  I watched last week's Presidential Debate. Thought the men displayed better behavior this go round.  Whoever wins, it will be a different course of action as President as we are living in different times.  My prayers are for our country. May the best man win honoring the Constitution and protecting ALL the people.

  Blessings to you.

HOME LIFE is for me,

d

SUNDAY PRAYERS

 

Sunday has come and prayers are being lifted to a HOLY GOD.

God, you are magnificent.  

Praying in Jesus name, 

Amen.

d

OOPS IT's FRIDAY!!!

FRIDAY?  Takes me by surprise how quickly the week has gone.  Glad it's FRIDAY, though.  I know I accomplished more than usual this past week, which makes me smile.  Yesterday, I went to WAL-MART to purchase big storage tubs to help with the organizing that is taking place in our HOME.

Check this off of the TO GET list. 

My day was lovely.  I got out into the world to see LOVELY AUTUMN trees throughout town and on the trip to Manhattan.  Gorgeous colors.  Beautiful way to spend some time in the out of doors.  Pause and enjoy.  I was hoping rain would wash my car, but we missed the rain while in a different community.  Shucks.  Better luck next time.  My car needs a much needed bath.  Put this on a to do list.  Check.  

Made a Bank stop, paid a bill, treated myself to a Protein Box from Starbucks and had a Iced Green Tea break, picked up some bottled water, then shopped with a mask on.  It went well.  I could breathe and shop at the same time.  Rode a motorized shopping cart though.  This helped me out big time.  

Today, I have to return to the store.  Didn't make it HOME with one of the storage tubs' lids.  OOPS.  So will go back and take care of this and detour over to the cottage to finish shuffling the sectional sofa that is in the Cottage before returning HOME for the day.  This past week, I worked on shuffling furniture over at the Cottage.  Not completely finished, but am making room for a treadmill so I can walk whenever.  Aiming for November and making a commitment to walk in hopes of losing weight and getting better toned.  

On the HOME FRONT, I have made headway on the Kitchen.  PTL.  The Pantry is being reorganized and taking inventory of what we have to get through the Winter.  Taking Inventory of all appliances and cooking/baking items including dishes and pots 'n pans.  

My fridge is sanitized and organized, but not the freezer.  This comes later after I get caught up on other Kitchen tasks.  

Under the sink cabinet sanitized, cleaned up and organized.

The cook-books have been gone through and boxed up until I can figure out where they are going.  

Church pew cleared off.  Under the pew cleared out.  

Metal cart cleared off and mixer, crockpot, toaster are occupying the space.  

Medicine and vitamin cabinet organized.  

Baking staples regrouped over to the right of the stove.

Utensils organized.  

ALL and I do mean ALL Bakeware relocated and accounted for.  

Waste can relocated.  

Tea towels, hot pads, kitchen wrap, coffee bar area relocated along with coffee and tea items.

I have cleared off the Kitchen countertops, rearranging the items to thin out the clutter.  The staging table in the middle of the room is still covered with items that has to be dealt with.  NEXT, I will clear out all the BOOPIE GLASS out of the cabinet and replace with crystal wine glasses and every day drinking glasses.  I will have to prepare to box up vintage BOOPIE GLASSES to get out of the Kitchen.

I never imagined it would take me so long to revamp the Kitchen, but it is taking the month of OCTOBER.  I cannot work like a young 19 year old or I'd have this task completed by now.  I have to take time to ice my bag and relieve the back pain.  Part of the reality of being old.

I am slower, but maintain a steadiness with determination to get this task completed.

For the record, I am staying on task.

Better get back to it.  Once again I will look at the gorgeous trees on the Prairie landscape and shuffle some furniture all in one day.  When the Cottage furniture is shuffled, there will be a sense of accomplishment and relief.  SO with organizing the Kitchen, I spend some time also rearranging furniture in a Cottage.  Not trying to spread myself too thin, but it seems like it.

Stepping one foot in front of the other, I'm making headway.  Praise the Lord.  Friday is a blessed day and I will take it.

HOME LIFE is for me!

d

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE: Chicken Masala

GARAM MASALA.  Masala means spiced blend.  

Dining On The Prairie was spiced up with this dish.  I liked the veggies, but I'd have to acquire a taste for the sauce.  I grew up on meat and potatoes avoiding SPICEY FOODS because the Head Cook, my Mom didn't like spicy foods.  I understand her views on this.

As a married Lady for 46 years, 

I think it just fine to try other dishes. 

This spiced dish was a new thing for us.  

Thought it was wonderful to try something 

completely unknown to us.

Blessings,

d 

 

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE: Fish Fillets and Green Beans

Dining On The Prairie made simple and it wasn't even FRIDAY.  Occasionally we have boxed fish ready to bake.  Add TARTAR Sauce and call it good.  Making eating more veggies a priority.  This meal, the green beans filled half the plate.  Good choice.  Want to do more of this with the veggies.  Increase the vegetables.  Good for me.

Blessings to you!

d

TUESDAY

October is moving right along.  20 days into this month.  Our weather is chillin' making long sleeved clothing comfortable to wear.  Out the Kitchen window, I can see many leaves have landed on the ground carpeting the lawn with AUTUMN's orange, yellow and red leaves.  

Puts a smile on my face as I try to embrace this time of year.  Try.  I know cold weather is on her way and I am not quick to accept.  I know it's a reality, but I am not wanting the cold to show up.  She will and I will have to accept the reality of NATURE.  Brrr and brrr again.

AUTUMN has FALLen.  Chilly winds will blow in and make me snuggle inside the house praising God for the HOME comforts that we have.  Like warmth, heat, running water, a refrigerator and stove.  Blankets and throws.  Natural gas and electricity.  Coats and gloves.    

HOME WORKS:

Inventory to help me keep track of what I do have on hand.

CHANGE is happening.

Trudging along on the KITCHEN reorganizing.  Slow but steady.  As I handled each piece of Cookware and Bakeware, I had thoughts of being very BLESSED to make a mess while dealing with change.  Some have nothing and manage to make a place to call their abode.  I have a HOME filled with treasures.  Thank you Lord.  Thank you.  I can downsize once again and still make delicious meals and create a loving HOME environment.

I am working on it as I can go.  

My tiny PANTRY has been changed twice already since I got the desire to rearrange the KITCHEN.  I had a change of heart with it.  Switching out the cabinet to the right of the stove.  I had lovingly arranged this cabinet about a year ago.  Was very HAPPY with how it turned out.  Enjoyed it.  BUT I wanted to rearrange the cabinets.  SO change has taken place and it's taking a toll on the neatness.  Things get messy before there is order.  

Taking the BAKEWARE out of here is causing some different challenges as to where do I now go with these beautiful pieces of BAKEWARE?  It shall be seen how this turns out.  Where I had the Baking Staples moved across the room into the Pantry, stayed a few days and has been moved again.  Lord help.  

Now, the Baking Staples are to the right of the stove AND I know I will get use to it rather quickly.  It's a fit.  Convenient to get to.  I like it. 

Later, I will downsize the dishes to where there are fewer in the cabinet with less glasses.  I have plans to modify this and have less on hand.  Different drinking glasses will appear as I box up the BOOPIE GLASSES to sell.  LATER.  Maybe after Christmas.  

 

DRAWERS got some attention.

Better than what I had.  Still not picture perfect, but workable.

The fridge.  Cleaner and better organized for now.

I used $1 placemats from Dollar Tree to line the shelves.  

I like the looks of it.

ONTO finishing organizing the cabinets, pantry, dishes, cookware, etc.  WISH me luck and a bunch of needed energy to make this task easier and coming together faster.  Hello ORDER.

I continue watching videos on organizing.  What a wealth of information is out there.  Next comes the craft hacks and ways to decorate on a dime.  Amazing things to do for little money.

HOME LIFE is for me,

d  

MONDAY

PLEASE HAVE MERCY.  The week-end was a good one, but...there's that  b u t  word.  I didn't make as much progress as I had imagined in my head I would.  A HOME BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN was pictured in my head.  Still hasn't happened.  

I moved way slower than I ever thought possible.  Many time out breaks to rest up my back. THE KITCHEN reboot was what it was and I will continue on this week in hopes of making it a reality.

I'd do what I could while sitting.  Still it isn't the same as physically being in full body motion mode working on the Kitchen.  After resting I'd return to the Kitchen for another round of work before my back was screaming go sit down again.  Repeat.  Repeat.

GOT THROUGH THE COOK BOOKS.  Which was entertainment for me because I get a thrill looking at the pictures.    

The bump out area of the Kitchen is almost completed.  The fridge about done.  I hit a snag though.  The WONDERFUL clear acrylic fridge bins that I felt victorious finding are too long for my GE MONOGRAM flush mounted in the wall FRIDGE.  These fridges are not as DEEP as a standard fridge.

It has taken me 3 and a half years to get use to this smaller fridge interior.  When I bought the bins, I did not take into account that this fridge does not have the depth than what a standard fridge has.

Repurposing the fridge bins toward other places.  Back to the store to find bins that fit the fridge so I can have something like this:

If I can find bins to fit.  This may take some doing as we have NO CONTAINER STORES in the area to where I can waltz in and find the perfect container to make HOME a happier, neater place.  

I'll try Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Perhaps they will have the magic ticket.  Then there's TARGET.  Both of these stores will be more expensive for sure.  An outing in the works.  

The Pantry is coming together.  I have more morphing to take place until things are so so.    

The week is off to a great start.  Cooler weather is coming.  Hot chocolate and pumpkin pie time.

  

THINGS TO DO LIST:

1) Clip the coleus plants to make starters for wintering.  I did this last year and the coleus did beautifully when planted in urns.

2) Deliver Halloween treats across the river to my kiddos and Grands.  Mail some to another kiddo and Grand in another state.  Smile with contentment when this is completed.

3) Continue on the KITCHEN and PANTRY reorg.

4) Work on the TV room clean-up until the KITCHEN/PANTRY is further along.

5) To be seen.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

The Kitchen will be completely organized and tidy.  Very soon.

Next comes the TV room.  This will be a major project with laying new sub flooring and wood floor.  I have boxes to go through to decide what to do with stuff.  Recliners relocated upstairs will be a major effort, but well worth the effort.  I hope.  Curtains hung.  TV hooked up.  Etc. Etc. Etc.

After the TV room is up and going, the Living room will be rearranged.

The Dining room, Entryway and Breezeway painted.  Ceilings included. 

Sewing started.

Work on wardrobe.

Work on exercising.  Which reminds me what we saw when driving about town.  Ladies exercising.

NEVER and I mean never leave HOME without the camera.  Some have phones with a camera, but I don't have a smart phone.  Just a dumb one. You never know what you will see in a small town.  These Ladies were taking Belly Dancing Lessons and the looks were free.

HOME LIFE is for me,

d

Happy Homemaker Monday

(at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom)

Weather: Currently cloudy and 46 degrees.

Feelings at the moment: Tired and needing a nap.

On my mind: Getting organized.

Breakfast plate: Peach Yogurt.

Right now: Organizing.

Reading pile: Cook Books.

To Do List: General.

On my TV: Nothing.

On the Menu this week: Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup.

From camera: Belly Dancers.

Looking around the house: Tis a big mess.

Relax: Take a nap.

Something to share:

Prayer List: I will spend time praying.  Much going on.

SUNDAY PRAYER

 

Blessings to you,

d

AUTUMN SURPRISES

WE WERE SURPRISED BY RE-BLOOMING IRISES IN AUTUMN.  I had completely forgotten that we had several re-bloomers.  It was a huge treat to see 3 different irises in bloom. Irises are a Spring flower unless they are re-bloomers and then they BLOOM twice.  Once in the Spring and again in the Fall.

I LOVE IRISES.  We have not had re-bloomers until this year.  2020.  Thrilled to have them brighten up our flower beds.  Makes me think about SPRING.  Lovely SPRING.  

Immortality

Glazed Orange

HOME LIFE is for me,

d