By the way...

Saturday I was at a lovely bridal tea for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

One "guest" received a lot of attention. A little girl there played with her doll that looked like an absolute baby. The "guest" baby was almost creepy because it looked so real. 

By the way, Megan and Jason are planning an outdoor wedding with a western theme, and their reception will be in a decorated barn. Excitement is building for the big day in November. Hopefully the weather will be fine on their date.

Speaking of weather, wish that terrible storm wasn't named Sandy. Hate what this hurricane/tropical storm is doing.   

Thursday Tidbits

...can't believe this week is almost over...was busy but not sure I accomplished much. Made one stop by Goodwill and was excited to find a Baldwin candlestick for two dollars. I also picked up a pillow for three dollars. There were no stains or tears to worry about, and the colors and textures were really nice. After a gentle cycle washing it looked like new. The photo doesn't do it justice.

 I moved the owl to the mantel. Still very happy with the painted fireplace.

another little Halloween decoration

 

 

 
Love yellow schoolbuses, backpacks, fall leaves, and these little guys.

Two for One

Sunday afternoon I attended a bridal shower. I am probably way behind on this, but I learned something new.

 

I had never seen a cake plate stand used as a punch bowl. The food table was a lovely presentation of tasty treats, and the punch offering was at a side table. When the young hostess went to lift the bowl for additional servings, I was amazed to see that it was an inverted cake stand. Later when I was home, I had to test out this clever idea. 

I tried a couple of different arrangements in the bowl. Now I need to get that punch recipe from the hostesses. They said they found it online, and although they rattled off the ingredients, I need to make sure about it since it was simply delicious. 

Moments of Bliss

 surprise box in the mail with more surprises inside

MONDAY

 



front yard tree with colors of the season 

TUESDAY

 

small pumpkin requested by someone small 

WEDNESDAY

 

coloring with Nicolas

THURSDAY

 

watching him lick the brownie bowl

THURSDAY

 

These are special moments of bliss from this week. Actually there are many...too many to name. I can't help but feel blessed.

 



Collecting my thoughts...

There's nothing like an hour or so of browsing to take my mind off more serious problems like the worsening condition of my mother.  Searching for small treasures frees my mind of depressing thoughts. I was glad to stumble upon 2013 calendars at Big Lots. These smaller desk versions are my favorite size. And Susan Branch's artwork and messages are always delightful.

Since the Goodwill store is next to Big Lots I had to check it out. This time a group of old books caught my attention. I selected three from the assortment. 

 

 

In the Harvard text were my favorite William Wordsworth's lines of poetry.

 

Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind    

 

I will miss these little guys tomorrow. Back to school they go. Having them around during Fall Break week was a real treat.

 

I need to turn off lights and call it a day. Let's aim for a productive week and find moments of bliss.

Connection

Sometimes when you least expect it, something special happens. My husband and I decided to grab supper at IHOP for a change. We were in the mood for pancakes on this rainy, dreary afternoon. Our waitress asked me if I had been a teacher. She then mentioned that she had been in my third grade class. She had changed a great deal from third grade to adulthood. What a beautiful  young woman stood before me! She admitted she didn't remember a whole lot about that school year, but the main thing she did recall was my reading a book to the class. Together we decided it must have been Caddie Woodlawn.  We chatted some more as she brought our food and refilled our coffee. I learned that she had two children and was taking college classes to further her education.  I offered her this bit of wisdom...cherish your time with those little ones because they grow up so fast. She seemed to enjoy the encounter with her former teacher, and I certainly enjoyed reconnecting with my former student. I believe we were both blessed by our unexpected meeting. Nice that it occurred on today's special date - 10/11/12.

Fall Break

Two grandsons are spending the week with us since they're out of school for fall break. Sometimes you don't even know they're here because they play a lot of video games, do art, watch TV cartoons, or enjoy leftover Fisher Price toys from my son's past. Yesterday Nicolas helped me make brownies. He likes to do things in the kitchen. Both little guys love to eat. Their daily request in the mornings is for cinnamon toast and scrambled eggs. Because they're here this week, a few more Halloween decorations are in place.

 

 

The hall tree is always fun

to decorate at holidays. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The brass container on the left is a recent Goodwill purchase for less than a dollar. I didn't even polish it 'cause I like the tarnished look.

 

 

 

Thanks for dropping by. Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday. Oh, and here's a silly picture of Nic and me.

Thank goodness for little ones who make us smile. 

In the Mood

I probably drive my husband crazy since I'm always changing things up around here. Arranging, switching, decorating, trying out new placements. Just today I changed the grouping above the couch AGAIN. While I was at it, I decided to get in the October swing of things by placing a couple of fake pumpkins.

     

This tin basket is on the front porch bench.

 

Little by little I am getting in the mood for October decorating. But with each passing day I want TIME to slow down. The months seem to glide along, and I wonder where did the year go... 

 

 

Thoughtful Tuesday

October is here, and I should be pulling out pumpkins, ghosts, and owls. Instead pressed flowers from some spring are delicately slipped out of a book for my viewing pleasure. How wonderful the plan of four glorious seasons!