A short video - Our lights

 Thought I would share a short video I took Christmas Eve of our holiday lights.  - The first house in the video was my mom's house and now our daughter and her family live there.  The one with the Nativity is our house.  -  Enjoy.

Christmas Family Time

 

                            Santa Claus - Christmas morning

 

                               She loves to pose for pictures.

 

                            She wanted mommy to pose too.

 

               A bit of fun while waiting to start opening presents.

 

The kitties got to enjoy the wrapping paper and boxes after gifts were opened.

The family at breakfast at my nieces place.  A good time was had by all.  Told a few stories about family members which apparently my memory was off on one of them (chalk it up to old age).  But it was worth a few laughs.

 

 

 Christmas dinner later,  Au Gratin Potatoes, Stuffing, Ham with Pineapple and a rice/bean salad.  Dessert was Pudding torte but I forgot to get a photo.

 

That's a wrap for Christmas of 2023.

Christmas 2023

 I'm getting really lax about taking photos on Christmas.  Guess I've just been enjoying the actual moments instead of trying to document everything.  Anyway here are a couple of photos to share.

She was so excited this year about opening presents.  Lots of fun when they still have that joyous holiday spirit.

Christmas Blessing

 Sending Christmas Wishes to all my readers and followers.  May the love of the season shine brightly in your lives.

Giving Thanks - Day 29 & Day 30

 Hello and Welcome.

Yes,  I missed posting yesterday.  I remembered about 10:30 last night as I was trying to go to sleep and quite frankly I just didn't feel like getting out of bed to post.  -  So you get 2 in one today!

Things I was thankful for yesterday:  This might be a tiny list because I wasn't having the best day yesterday.   Just could not seem to get motivated to do much.

Still I was thankful that I was able to help out by driving people where they needed to be.

I was thankful it wasn't raining or snowing.

I was thankful I managed to fix a good dinner (spaghetti) and  we enjoyed it.

I was thankful that our new CD player arrived a day early and that no one stole it off our steps as the UPS people didn't even ring the bell or knock when they dropped it off.

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The day is young so I'm sure there will be other things to be thankful for but I'm just going to say that it's been a blessing during this month to list things that I'm thankful for each day.  We often overlook even the smallest blessing so I hope that as you go about your day you look for each blessing be it big or small and that you are thankful for them.

Thank you all for joining this month. 

Giving Thanks - Day 28

 Today I'm thankful for:  A good day bowling.  It was fun, I got some exercise, didn't get overly tired and had 2 very nice games and an okay game. (161 - 125- 160) - That middle game has been tough the last couple of weeks.

I'm thankful for a relaxing evening watching Dancing With The Stars.  Some really nice dances tonight, so fun to watch.

 

I'm thankful for some snuggles with the cats.

 

 

So how was your day?

Giving Thanks - Day 27

 Welcome. - I hope your week has started out on a positive note.

Today I am thankful that while is was very chilly here - we didn't even make it past 30 today (brrrr) there was no snow to deal with.

I'm thankful that I had more uninterrupted time in the craft room and am starting to get a few more Christmas cards finished.

I was able to get my medication that I was supposed to order last week (the pharmacy likes a 3 day notice) but I forgot to order it until today.  Thankfully they filled it,  I just had to go pick it up.

I'm thankful for a very nice lunch and the drive over the border (17 miles) to eat it.

Our newest Christmas decoration arrived a day early! - Will post a picture of it soon.

Take care & have a beautiful and thankful day.

Giving Thanks - Day 26

 Things I am thankful for today:

1. I had time to make a card and the idea I had worked.

2. The cough is getting better

3. Time spent with hubby visiting and relaxing

4. As always a nice nap and kitties to nap with!

5. Left Over turkey - which our daughter made enchiladas with.  All I had to do was pop ours in the oven and we had a delicious dinner ready in no time.

Giving Thanks - Day 25

 

 Things I'm thankful for today. - The lights got finished up today and with the exception of one piece we are waiting to arrive it looks very festive.  Our house is the gray one and our daughters lives in the green house next door.

I'm thankful to the new son-in-law, Adam for helping Mike with the lights today.

I'm thankful that I was able to get all the holiday glassware out and put the normal stuff away till after the holidays.

I'm thankful for not spending the entire day coughing (it's getting better each day).

I'm thankful for Subway and Applebee's - Yep, no one wanted to cook or do dishes.

Wishing you joy and happiness as we enter into the holiday season.

Giving Thanks - Day 24

 

Things I am thankful for today:  

1.  The Cowboys won their football game yesterday. - They were my mom's favorite team so now as a way to keep her memory alive on Thanksgiving day I watch the game and root for her team.

 

2.  We had a really nice meal and most of it was fixed by my daughter and her husband.  - Very little clean up - Always a plus.

 

3.  I was able to get all the fall decorations taken down inside and even had a little helper,  Jojo who did a surprisingly good job of helping Grandma.

 

4.  The outside Christmas decorations went up today.  Mike and Coleen (aka Jupiter) worked very hard at setting everything up and Adam did their yard next door.  -  Plus it was a pretty nice day albeit a bit chilly but no rain so they had good weather to work in.

 

5.  I'm thankful for the laughter from watch a silly but fun Hallmark movie.

 

6.  I'm thankful to be tired and ready for bed.  It feels good to get things accomplished.

 

Till tomorrow...give thanks! 

Giving Thanks - Day 23

 

Today I'm thankful for:  Good Food, Family, Friends, Health, and mostly importantly my Faith in the good Lord who loving provides for me.

 

May you have a blessed day.

Giving Thanks - Day 22

 1.  Today I'm thankful for,  Photo Archives.  I took this shot a few years ago and never shared it so I was thankful to have found it and be able to share it now.

2.  I'm thankful that I managed to get shopping done today without to big of crowds.

3.  I'm thankful that I found coffee on sale!

4.  I'm thankful that I saw the guy stepping out onto the street in dark clothes/hoodie and did not hit him. 

5.  I'm thankful that I got part of Thanksgiving dinner prepared today.

Hope you all have had a good start to the holiday weekend.

Giving Thanks - Day 21

 

Today was bowling and I'm thankful that I made it through all 3 games with minimal (coughing).  I did okay score wise even with a not so great middle game.

 

I'm thankful for family, friend, and fun.  

 

See you all again tomorrow.

Giving Thanks - Day 20

 Welcome. 

Today's Blessings:

1.  The sun was out and it was really a lovely day outside.

2.  I had a pretty quiet and relaxing day.

3.  Got that all important nap in.

4.  Enjoyed a tasty fish/chips dinner (that I didn't have to cook).

5.  Had fun watching holiday baking shows.

So what little blessing were a part of your day?

Giving Thanks - Day 19

 Things I am thankful for today:

 

1.  I got almost a full nights sleep last night without waking up coughing. - Still not over the crud but on the mend.

 

2.  I'm thankful for the beauty of nature.  This is the view of our neighbor across the street from us.  Those 2 trees have been stunning this fall.

 

3.  This happened today:

 

 Our daughter, Greta finally married her boyfriend, Adam!

Congrats to the Newlyweds.  It's about time!

Yes they had a costume themed wedding (Princess Bride) and most of the guests wore some kind of a costume.

That's it for today.  I hope your day has brought you things to be thankful for and that you have joy in your life.

Giving Thanks - Day 18

 

Welcome back - Well it was another pretty restless night (I have a nasty chest cough) which gets worse when I try to lay down and sleep.

 

Still I'm thankful that I did get a few hours of sleep.

 

 I'm thankful that other then the cough which is keeping me up at night I'm actually feeling pretty decent.

 

 I'm thankful for being able to go out and enjoy a nice lunch with some friends of mine.   

 

I'm thankful that the company hubby is working for sent a gift card for Thanksgiving - That will come in handy.

 

And I'm thankful that I remembered to post today!

 

Giving Thanks - Day 16 and Day 17

 Well it finally happened....Yep,  I forgot to post yesterday!  I remembered in the middle of the night and decided I'd just post 2 photos today to make up for my lack of memory yesterday.

Having a cold and not getting a lot of sleep kinda messes with your brain at times.

Things I was thankful for yesterday:   It didn't rain,  I managed to get a few things done around the house (laundry being the main one) even though I wasn't feel to great.  I got a short nap,  and the medicine for the cough started working.

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Things I'm thankful for today:

1.  I slept almost the entire night last night.  Just woke up once and went right back to sleep.  Very little coughing.

2.  Got a reminder from my brother that I hadn't posted yesterday/today yet.  -  Thanks, because I might have forgot again.

3.  Was able to purchase my craft tape with a 50% off coupon.  That's always a plus.

4. Even though I accidentally bought Beef Pot Pies (which I don't like) I had a back up soup that I do like so I had that instead.

Things don't always have to be really amazing to be grateful for them.  -  Hope you find things for which to be grateful for in your life.

See you tomorrow (I hope!)

Giving Thanks - Day 15

 

Welcome - Wow, I'm early today!

 

I'm thankful that I'm up and even though I'm a bit under the weather (cold) I'm doing okay.

 

I'm also thankful today for:  Family.

A couple of weeks ago we had a surprise visit from my youngest brother, Roger and his wife, Carolyn. 

 

He brought me some special gifts that he made on his 3D printer.

So today I'm sharing those with you.

 

Haven't yet figured out where this cute one is going to end up but I'm thinking above this shelf where are the departed pets sit.

 

 

 

 This one is on the wall near the cat perch.  I had to move it once because they were able to knock it off the wall from where I had it.

 

 This one is on the Refrigerator.  I love it!

 

Last but not least - This hangs on my office door.  

 

This is a long standing "joke" as I am really NOT adopted.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

Isn't it wonderful to have fun with your family though.

Enjoy this day.
 

Giving Thanks - Day 14

 

Today I am thankful that while I didn't bowl my best I was above 120 all 3 games and kept a fairly positive attitude. 

 

I'm thankful that my cough/cold isn't getting worse and I'm thankful for cold medicine which helps.

 

I'm thankful for this sweet little cat and all our other kitties.  They bring a lot of joy into my life.

 

I'm the most thankful though for the fact that I came super close to being in a bad accident on my way to bowling when someone ran a red light and made a left hand turn right in front of me.  I was able to catch them out of the corner of my eye and slam on the brakes.  It shook me up but it could have been so much worse. 

 

Hope you've had a positive attitude and enjoyed your day.  See you tomorrow.

Giving Thanks - Day 13

 

I'm thankful for squirrels ...Yes, I find them hilarious to watch.  Spotted this little guy out on my walk earlier this past week.  He has a berry in his mouth.  I bet he was thankful for the small berry.

 

I'm thankful for the fun I had playing Bunco today with a wonderful group of ladies.  I laughed a lot.  Did play real well (no prize for me) but I had a lot of fun.

 

I'm thankful that I had someone ask if they got to see the cards I talk about on this blog.  I actually have a card making blog if anyone is interested in checking it out:  http://faithartistry.blogspot.com.

 

I'm thankful that I didn't have to be outside a lot in the rain today.  

 

Hope you all have had a day which you have found something to be thankful for.  Big or Small a blessing is a blessing.

Giving Thanks - Day 12

 Welcome. - I hope you had a lovely weekend.  - It was a pleasant one here.

Today I am thankful for being able to spend some more time in my craft room and even though I messed up the first card I was working on and had to start over I actually like the 2nd card better!

I'm thankful that so far I haven't caught the cold that hubby has and pray he recovers quickly (say a prayer if you believe in the power of prayer for him that he doesn't get worse).

I'm thankful for nice hot food like the mac-n-cheese I made for supper tonight.

GIving Thanks - Day 11

 

 

 Today I am thankful for all Veterans who have or are still serving our country.  Without you we wouldn't have the freedoms that we do.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing the right thing.

 

On a personal note some other things I'm thankful for:

 

A street that has been closed for several months finally opened back up today making it a little easier to get around town. 

 

Hubby and I spent a nice quiet day watching TV together this morning. - We also cleaned our bedroom and made it smell much fresher and I washed all the bedding so we have a clean bed to sleep on tonight.

It was fun watching the leaves whirl and twirl around outside today.  I'm like a little kid in the fall with rustling leaves and oh goodie, I get to rake them up again after the wind blew a bunch more off the tree.  (Did you detect a bit of sarcasm there?)

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Giving Thanks - Day 10

 Whew,  I'm under the wire but not totally late getting this posted since it's only 9:30 pm here.  The day got away from me and I suddenly realized I hadn't posted yet.  So without further ado...

 

 

 So what are today's blessings or things to be thankful for:

I've still got a memory!  - I know it doesn't seem like it since I was so late remembering that I had forgot to post this morning.  But hey,  "Better late than Never."

The sun came out today for awhile! - It's been a bit gloomy here the last couple of days weather wise.

While the sun was out I took a drive and enjoyed the fall colors and this lovely view on my way back from Bennington Lake.

I got 2 cards completed and posted on my card blog today!

So there's just a few things I'm thankful for.  I hope you have had a wonderful day and here's hoping that tomorrow I post on time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giving Thanks - Day 9

 

Thank you for dropping by.

 

Today I am thankful for being able to sit down in my craft room and work on a card.

 

I am thankful that yesterday while I helped to watch the little grandchild she was really good and while I didn't get much done around the house she was fun to spend time with.

 

I'm thankful that even though I didn't get a ton of sleep I woke up feeling pretty decent and not tired feeling.

 

What are you thankful for today?

Giving Thanks - Day 8

 Oops!  - I almost forgot to post today.  I got busy doing chores around the house (raking leaves, cleaning cat litter boxes and helping to watch the little granddaughter. )  I had a post ready to go so without further ado...

Guess you could say today was one of those "little ups and downs" kind of day.

Still I'm thankful that I got the tasks completed that needed to be done.  The driveway is much easier to walk on now without wet, soggy and slipper leaves.

I'm thankful we are getting Dairy Queen tonight so I don't have to cook.

I'm thankful that I can kick back and watch some TV before bed.

See you all again tomorrow.

Giving Thanks - Day 7

 Today I'm thankful that I managed to get some pretty decent scores bowling and did not get upset with myself when I missed easy spares. It's my goal this year to just bowl and have fun.  So far so good.

I'm thankful that hubby is doing better each and every day and is working pretty steady.

I'm thankful that I spotted these pretty pumpkins while out on my short walk yesterday and snapped their photo.  I needed some new photos for this months posts.

I'm thankful for laughter and time spent with friends.  We had some good laughs at bowling today!

So what little blessings are you thankful for today.

See you all again tomorrow (I hope.)

Giving Thanks - Day 6

 Welcome to the start of another week. 

Things I am thankful for today:

1.  I remembered to post! - Even if it's a bit late in the day.

2.  I was able to vacuum and move some furniture out of the way without hurting myself (that's always a plus)

3. The sun was out (off and on) today between rain squalls.

4.  I went out for a short walk and got some more pictures.  

 

Those are just small things but even the small things can be big things if you look at it with a positive mind.

 

Enjoy the rest of your week.

 

Giving Thanks - Day 5

 Happy Sunday everyone. - Lots of rain yesterday so today I'm thankful for even overcast skies.

I'm thankful for the lovely meal we ate out last night.

I'm thankful for quiet moments in a sometimes very busy day.

 

I'm thankful for the laughter a little granddaughter brings into our home and also the antics of our kitties who make us laugh as well. 

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by.

Giving Thanks - Day 4

 Happy Weekend! -  I want to say thank you to those who have left comments and said what they are thankful for.  Keep them coming!

It's a rainy, soggy day here but I'm thankful that I woke up today and can sit in a nice warm room and watch the rain outside my window. (although the window needs to be cleaned!)

I'm thankful that yesterday I did manage to catch an hour nap after all.

 

I'm thankful for coffee and tea which help warm you up on a cool, wet day.

 

I'm thankful for my hubby who fixed a nice breakfast this morning.

 

 However your day goes I hope you find time to be thankful for even the smallest blessing.

Giving Thanks - Day 3

 Did you ever have a "Monday on a Friday"?  Well today has been one of those days.  Yet....

I am thankful that while I spent over an hour search for a metal die set I want to use on a card I finally found it!

I am thankful that while I was on hold for 20 minutes trying to reach my husband's doctors office that the problem eventually got solved.

I am thankful that while I didn't get any cards made today due to so many other interruptions that I still have lots of time to work on cards before they need to be sent.

I am thankful that while I wasn't able to take a nap I still have a nice bed with which to perhaps lay down on earlier tonight and catch up on some needed rest.

So what are you thankful for today?

Giving Thanks - Day 2

 Welcome. - It's Day 2 of my Giving Thanks posts.

Today I'm thankful that it's only, raining instead of snowing.  

I'm thankful that I have a nice warm house to enjoy the day inside.

I'm thankful that I enjoying some good music while I work.

As you go through your day look for things to be positive and grateful for.

Giving Thanks - Day 1

 It's November and I thought that I'd (try) to post every day this month.  Not just any post but a post about being Thankful and Grateful for all the blessings in my life.  I hope to encourage you to do the same.

Today I am thankful I was able to walk around the block and take a few photos (this is one of them) before it started raining.

I'm also thankful for this sweet little girl who brings a lot of joy into my life.

Thanks for dropping by.  Don't forget to count your blessings.

What's Bugging You?

Well it's been a few (again) since I've posted.  I have good intentions but then time and distractions get the best of me and before I know it a month has gone by between posts.

 So today it's all about....Bugs

So last year we found loads of these caterpillars in the flower beds.  Some were green and some were black but they were all the same type of a caterpillar.  They turn into White Lined Sphinx Moths (also known as a hummingbird moth).
 

We never did see the moths and this year we haven't seen a single caterpillar.

 

Last year for one of the 52 Frames assignments I photographed a bunch of slugs trying to get one with a good shadow.  So while technically not a "bug" I'm sharing this shot.

 

 

Saw this pretty little butterfly on the rose bushes this summer.  I believe it's a Monarch butterfly but I could be wrong.  I was just excited to get a photograph of one.  Upon close examination you can see she has a slight tear in her lower right wing.

 

One day hubby came in and noticed this very weird looking bug sitting on his notebook.  We took some pictures and then set it free.  

 

 Turns out it was a, Banded Alder Borer Beetle.  The say it's black and white but the white color has a bluish tint to it in my opinion.  You can click on the link to read about them.  Weird and cool looking bug.

 

 We see these around here quite often.  Praying Mantis (Mantid)

This one was green.

 

 This one was brown and landed on Coleen/Jupiter's arm while she was out mowing.

 Praying Mantis Folklore

• The French once thought that a praying mantis would point a lost child home.
• In some parts of Africa, it is considered good luck if one of these curious creatures lands on you.
• The Greek word mantis means “prophet” or “seer.” Because of the way the insects hold up the fronts of their bodies and position their huge forelegs when at rest, it appears as though they are praying for insight.. 

 

 Recently spotted this lovely Katydid in the garden.  On the opposite side of the bloom was a very common insect/bug...

Yep, a fly.  I wonder if it became lunch for the Katydid!

Finally we have another, Cat-Faced Orb Weaver hanging around.  I've posted before about this type of spider.  You can read about it here - We find this type of a spider very fascinating to watch.

This one has spun quite the web and every night she comes out to wait for something to get caught in her web.  She's devoured several elder bugs and some aphids already.

Well if you aren't squeamish about bugs and critters then I hope you've enjoyed your visit here today.  If you are...I apologize for traumatizing you.  - Enjoy the rest of your day and don't let things,

"bug" you!