Special November Days

My goodness November flew by. We had a lovely Thanksgiving even though some family members were missing. Les and family surprised us by coming on the Monday before Thanksgiving. I had two wonderful helpers for making cookies, setting the table, and playing with Tallulah.

Pennee snapped this photo as I was making sure we had places for everyone. 

I celebrated my 75th birthday today! When this photo was taken I had no thoughts about aging  and that the number on my shirt would one day be reached. I miss those young carefree days but am thankful and blessed to be this age.

Little by little I am starting to add Christmas touches around the house.

  Decorating brings me joy as does sharing Christmas photos on this blog.

I looked back at some old posts to view past Christmas decorating. I'm sure there will be some repeats, but a few scenes and displays will be different. 

Hope you'll keep watching.

Birthday Surprise

 I kept this surprise hidden under the bed until this morning. I was not sure Corkey would like it, but when I first saw it I thought of him and the cows he used to have.

I made a second trip to this shop at Charlene's in Hall, TN, to check on it. I told myself if it was still there, I would take the plunge and bring it home.

 It's a large canvas with a very vintage look.

He likes it! It is on our bedroom fireplace mantel. 

A Very Special Birthday

So happy I was able to be with my aunt for her 100th birthday celebration. She is such an inspiration. Sweet, generous, and loving...a dear person with true Christian faith. 

A group photo of the Crum cousins that were able to come. 

Ellen, Ron, Nancy, Steve, David

Kathy, Sandy

Wish Susan and Keith could have made it.

After pizza, cake, and ice cream we sat in Aunt Clara Belle's living room, listening to songs that Steve and Ron played. Some were old hymns, and we blended our voices and felt an amazing peace and contentment.

Childhood is fleeting

I was very fortunate because I didn't have any cares or worries during childhood. My early life was simple and carefree. My parents made sure we were fed, clothed, and loved. My older brother and I shared many adventures on a six acre site. The neighborhood provided playmates and security. 

Grandson Nicolas had a birthday celebration on Sunday. On Monday he officially became eleven years old. My, how fast those eleven years passed!

His young world is so different from the one I experienced. He will have challenges I never had to face. 

Hopefully his artistic ability will not fade. I chose art supplies as part of his birthday gift.

I was in the art room today, but creative juices did not flow. One art journal page received some paint and and a couple of cutout images for a collage. Left it in an unfinished state. We'll see what tomorrow brings.  

October's Start

On October 1st we were in Plano, Texas, for our granddaughter Kiera's 5th birthday party. It was held at Safari Run and had a Pokemon theme.

Pennee even made sure the grownups had Pokemon shirts. It was a fun    weekend observing and interacting with Kiera and Chloe. They are growing up so fast.

This week has been a rather normal one...just trying to get back on a schedule that includes exercising, household chores, reading, journal writing, etc. However, yesterday I did take an antiquing day with a sweet friend. We learned that Antique Gallery in Bartlett will be closing at year's end. We browsed the many booths before eating lunch at the tea room there. Sad to think it will soon be gone.

 

our table

Well, the bus will run in about twenty minutes, and three grandsons will be

arriving, hungry and needing an after school snack. I also need to start spaghetti for supper. There's a good chance they will stay and eat with us. Hope you are having a great start to October. It seems to be a busy month for everyone. In fact, I don't know of anyone who doesn't like October.

A Time to Dream

Happy Birthday, Nicolas

May all your dreams (or most of them) come true.

Trip

Texas visit for a little granddaughter's party is the reason for  blog entry  delay. Sharing a few pictures of that happy trip today. Watching Kiera and Chloe play and interact with each other and also with other people is the best part of being with them.

                                                     
Birthday Girl Kiera

     Chloe, aka "Sissy"

On Friday Pennee drove us into Dallas for the girls' monthly art session.

Kiera and the other young ones listened intently as the instructor talked to them about textures. She showed them different chairs on display that were made of different materials.

I could have stayed at the museum for hours. There was so much to view, read,
and appreciate, but with little ones that's not possible.

With art everywhere I couldn't have been happier.

Pennee makes fantastic decorations for birthday parties. For the girls' first birthdays she did these art posters which hang in the hallway near their playroom. 

Friends, family, refreshments, games, 
activities, Piñata surprises, party bags, 
presents, and fun = memorable party 

Returning home it's always good to come across the Memphis bridge and be back in Tennessee. But Corkey and I are going to miss these two!!