Staying In Touch

 Hello to anyone who still looks in on Bits and Pieces. I don't seem to manage my time very well or I would have several posts written for October. 

Reading lets me visit other people and share their problems and joys. Boy, in some cases I can really relate!

This copper tea pot was a recent purchase from my favorite Covington shop. 

Most of the time I'm here at home just puttering around with this or that.

Getting together with three college friends in Jackson, Tennessee, was a special occasion in early October. We would love to meet again next year.

Corkey and I have made it to several Munford High School football games. It's good to be in the cheering crowd, watching the teams as well as the halftime band performance. 

Hope to see you again in October.

Autumn Vibes

 We are a couple of days away from autumn, but I've been decorating ahead of time. Just couldn't wait until the official date. 

It's Fun To Be One

 It's been a fast and exciting year watching Etta grow. Her first birthday party on Saturday was a special and happy event. Family and friends celebrated with her enjoying food, opening of gifts, cake, and conversation. 

Tallulah was a helpful big sister on Etta's big day.

Etta is now an active walker and busy explorer.

Her smile lights up a room.

She is our sunshine.

Soooo Special

 That's my daughter Lauren Ashley Gann. She has shown tremendous strength this past year after the loss of her husband Justin. She lovingly cares for Tallulah Grace and Etta Ryan while missing Justin at the same time.

The framed portrait is one of Lauren.

Her little girls were napping at our house, and that's how this picture came to be.

I always dreamed of having a daughter, and that dream came true on 9/9/81. Now Lauren is experiencing the wonder and joy of being a mother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!

LOVE YOU ALWAYS

A Special Birthday

 We celebrated Corkey's 80th birthday for several days, starting on August 28th and ending on September 2nd. His actual birthday was September 1st.

 Granddaughter Kiera alerted me to their secret plan on August 8th. It was hard to keep that secret for days. What a surprise party we had! Les, Pennee, Kiera, Chloe, Lauren, Tallulah, Etta, Brenda, Bruce, Chance, Jeff, Jasmine, Jack, and Jason all converged  at once for the early birthday surprise gathering. We enjoyed foods, cake, laughs, and "Happy Birthday" singing to Kiera's playing of the song. I was able to capture the music and fun moments in a short video.

Kiera and Chloe are great babysitters and loving cousins to Tallulah and Etta. 

But you should see Corkey's face when these little ones are here. He's a very happy Granddad.

Corkey heard another version of "Happy Birthday" as the church congregation sang it for him on his actual birthday, Sunday, September 1. 

On Labor Day Corkey got to see many relatives and friends and heard more Happy Birthday greetings. The barbecue was excellent once again with a multitude of side dishes and desserts.

I snapped this photo of Lauren and the girls before we headed to the Community Center. I loved their color-coordinated outfits.

I wish I had taken more pictures on Labor Day, but watching Tallulah and Etta proved interesting and a tiny bit nerve-racking. Tallulah walked around all the tables and climbed up on the stage, happy and confident with no fear at all. Etta was passed around from arms to arms, smiling at everyone.

Sorry this is a late post, but life keeps happening faster than I can keep up. Hope the fall season is a good one for all.

Appreciating August

A decorating mood has hit me. I have been making small changes here and there. 

 

Four of my favorite people

So nice to have Ryan in town and enjoy Lauren and Ryan together.

Hearing Tallulah say Uncle Ryan was music to my ears.

Her speech is getting better and better.

Etta is on the verge of walking. She stands and wants to take off exploring.

Mothers want the best for their children. Even when we don't always understand their decisions, we love them just the same. For now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is his home and seeing him off was hard. 

He chose "Autumn Quiet" for a take home painting.

Some very mild days have made August quite pleasant.

Can't believe fall is almost here.

Never To Be Forgotten Kindness

 It has taken me a long time to find a spot for this little shelf. It may have been one of my first purchases at Burk's Antiques in Dyersburg, TN. The shop was in a log cabin.

The shop and the owners are gone, but the memories remain.

 Mary and LeRoy Burks were wonderful to me. This lovely couple allowed me (and I'm sure others) to charge purchases and pay for pieces on a monthly basis. They  made it possible for a very young teacher to acquire some beautiful antique furniture and accessories.

From their shop: two washstands, rolltop desk, old icebox, two rocking chairs, hutch, English child's bed, round oak table and six chairs, candlesticks, pitchers

I no longer have all the large pieces in the list. In my present home I still use the rocking chairs, washstands, and hutch. My daughter has the round oak table.