Ah, November...

November definitely has special memories for me.

*My birthday month

*A November wedding in 1971

*The birth of a son in 1978

*Thanksgiving holidays

one more irresistible pumpkin 

the beauty of oak leaves saved in a frame

So thankful we have had a true fall this year with mild and lovely days. 

Pennee sent me the three turkey pails, and I added the pumpkins to them.

What a cute gift!!!

This Thanksgiving will be quite different without the usual family gathering, but we will count our blessings and pray for our children, grandchildren, and friends. May all stay safe and well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Strange January

We are having strange weather for January. No jacket or sweater needed yesterday. But that's supposed to change today. We're living in a mixed-up season. I have been mixing up a few things inside the house.

I posted this picture on Instagram explaining that my brown pottery collection started back in the 70's. I kept adding a few more over the years. Mine are very inexpensive but rich in memories.

 The cross Christmas gift was hung in the hallway. 

Made Mom's chocolate pie twice this week.

You can find her recipe under the label recipe.

It's so good, warm or cold.

Pumpkins and Shoeboxes

This week I visited a friend's home and admired her light-colored kitchen which was decorated with a rooster theme. I was envious of her lovely island and the display spaces above her cabinets. It was magazine worthy, but certainly cozy with a genuine feel good atmosphere.

 Her talents are many, but making pumpkins has become her number one focus this month. She insisted I take home another one.

I use a lot of green to brighten my kitchen which is very dark. I tried out the pumpkin gift in several kitchen spots, but decided to move it to another room.

I wish you could see all the roosters and pumpkins at Kim's home.

But you are seeing my pumpkin, and it's really pretty.

Also this week I have had fun gathering items for the Christmas shoeboxes. They have to be filled by early November. I want to find a few more "little treasures."

Thanks for coming by

and 

do come again.

Christmas and After

There was no doubt that it would come and go fast. Feeling blessed that we were together for a little while.

The 22nd has a large star because that's Lester's birthday. They came that day and departed on the 25th for their drive back to Texas. Lauren dropped by on the 23rd on her way to Dyersburg to see her dad, returned for lunch on Christmas Eve, and had to leave Christmas Day afternoon for her flight back to Texas. We crammed a lot of memories into a short amount of time. 

Garrett and Gunner had girlfriends this year, and we enjoyed having Micah and Skylar. Wish four more could have been in the photo - Jason, Ryan, Justin, and Telsey.

The little ones added to the wonder of Christmas.

The big tree and all the ornaments are packed away. Memories remain. Thankful for the moments we captured on our cameras.

The house was very quiet Christmas Day afternoon with all the kids gone. Then we had a lovely visit from Lori and Cecil and two of their children Jakob and Jackson.  The rustic tree that Cecil made was a wonderful Christmas gift surprise. The brass deer and tiny lights complement the tree and make a quiet after Christmas scene. 

I wish you peaceful days as December winds down and joyful ones in the new year.

Centerpiece

A sweet friend gave me this three tiered tray, and I have been puttering with it for days, having fun adding pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, and leaves. 

I LOVE FALL!

Three Texas Souvenirs

Little things mean a lot. They remind you of certain people, of shared experiences, of good times.

 Bracelet from Marissa and Jessica, two of Pennee's friends

It's really lovely! And meeting them was especially lovely!!

Ceramic letter in vintage fabric design from Pennee
One of her many talents is finding unique gifts.

Trying it out in different places...

not sure where it will end up.

Tree from craft bazaar

It had that vintage look that I love.

Treasures

Pennee and Lester sent me a box of California driftwood because they know I like rocks, shells, birdnests, and other objects of nature. Pennee wrote, "We hope you enjoy these lovely pieces of nature...Both Lester and I thought of you the moment we saw them." The package was waiting for me when I got back from my trip on Monday. I didn't discover until Wednesday night the other side of Pennee's note which showed a picture of a spelling with the wood pieces.

How wonderful is that!

At Peddlers Mall there were tons of treasures, but only these four small ones came home with me...a tiny bell, cross, handmade garden sign with Scrabble pieces, and metal candle pedestal base.

I may use a gold leaf rub on the candle holder or leave it as is.

Decisions, decisions...??