Monday Happy Homemaker

Let's join in with Sandra here.

Breakfast time....what is on the plate this morning::::
This morning I  was up early  taking my shower and  baking my Christmas scones to take to  my Sista's  Christmas brunch..

 I had shooed Hubs off to Krogers to get me  the  cream cheese I had forgotten and  sweet man that he is stopped and got us a ham biscuit since it was early and the brunch was  at 11.

Right now I am::
Now it is almost 3pm...  following a very busy morning..I  stopped at Krogers   on the way home.. it seems we are always stopping at Krogers!!! It is wonderful to just sit  down with a cup of coffee... I had it all fixed in a    thermos to take with me because the brunch was  not a particularly easy drive.. and I went right off and left the thermos on the counter!   Doing this post is  a bit of therapy for my  aching body that has been on the run  for the last few days!

The weather outside::::

A sunny  bright day  today  with milder temps.. in fact when I got home I soon found I was way over dressed so I am now wearing    transitional clothing...  Whew!  Feels much better!!

Looking around the house::::
My Christmas Card     time was  interrupted on Friday and I still need to get them addressed and  mailed....  Man, do I ever feel behind this year!!!  Hubs  cried out to me  to come look out the window just now and  our whole front lawn in flooded.. a huge water line burst  ..  

Wow,  what a hole  that  water created...  

Hope that isn't our nickel!!!!It must have just happened!  The street is really flooded!!!  Drives me nuts....  cars just    drive  through it  as if it wasn't there  causing huge  splashes and  they almost get  flooded... Where  are some  folk's  brains!!!!  Hubs is  still outside  taking photos waiting for the  city authority  to  come... meanwhile gallons of water    gushes out and  spills over into our yard and  onto the street..  I don't get it!!!

On this week's to do list::::

Laundry.....as always, a couple basket loads  of laundry ... 

Cleaning..... dusting, general pickup
Marketing
Christmas Cards
Final touches to the dining room.. yes I cant seem to get the sun room done...  It isn't for lack of trying  but it gets really cold out there.. maybe a bit later today!!!

On the reading book shelf:::

Bible~I Peter  for study

The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp

Teatime Holiday Magazine for December                                                  

            Can't wait to  enjoy  my new magazine!!!                                                                                                                         On the TV ::::

Cds of the British detective series, George Gently.. we watch  an episode  each evening...  Oh, we  have  started the final season and  I cry just about every  episode....  I love  George Gently... set in the  60's on eastern coast of England...   the 60's era with its social issues    resonates a lot  with  us  60 somethings!
 

I enjoy the Christmas Hallmark movies

I love the sappy ones like Signed Sealed and Delivered.. I saw  some of it this morning while the scones baked!

On the menu this week:::
While   I was gone today, Hubs  fixed a  huge pot of  fresh kale  to enjoy this week...  He  does the very best kale ever!!!

Homemade Vegetable Soup  for these  cold evenings
Chef salads with    grilled   and bbq  chicken strips
and  some light eating.. This weekend   is a huge  eating  weekend.... a monthly dinner  out with friends at  a pizza  place  prior to a  Bible Study, Senior Adult  Christmas Dinner, Cousin dinner  at our  best local seafood   buffet.  Oh my goodness,   and  last but not least  Fancy  hotel brunch....  

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will::::

sit  by the  Christmas lights, read a good book with a cup of cocoa and  listen to  some  beautiful Christmas instrumentals!
Maybe I can convince Hubs we need a fire...
I still haven't had a chance to do this!

New recipe I tried, or want to try this week:::: No time to do anything special... I am doing the    baked brie delights I shared about last week  for my prayer group on Thursday.  Don't 

these look  great !!!   I bought a fig  jam to use along with the    berry jam..

Looking forward to this week::::

A respite from choir... we have  worked so hard on our  Christmas  program  which  was    twice this last weekend .... a break is in order...  

Favorite photo from the camera::::

When the sun room is adorned...I like to use the snowmen out there  and  set it up for  winter!!!

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses::::

First Big Chill Of December

Today I am so pleased to join in Eileen's Saturday Critters party.  You never know quite what to expect   from the cheerful posters here, but it is  always  very  wonderful .
Well,  the bird feeders  are in place and    just in time for the  very cold snap  with the threat of some  wintry weather!!  I had a few critters  investigating....The first visitors on the scene were a pair of  nosy squirrels  along the fence row....They were  very interested in the new bird seed wreath hanging in the maple tree.

 First, Mr. Squirrel  checked to make sure the coast was clear,  then Mrs Squirrel  scampered  along.

 The next thing I knew they were  rusting around in the  side yard hedge...  But I believe they have  fed on the wreath over the week,  because very little of it  remains.  Otherwise, I have seen what I thought were  several eastern wrens with their  dark brown markings,but upon investigation  they didn't have the pointed beak,  but a bill much more cone shaped,  so  I daresay  they may have been of the female bunting variety,  which are seen  in this area. None of the photos I could capture were clear enough to capture  their  likeness, well..but here is   how they appeared...

source

 Then yesterday this handsome cardinal  was  sighted  patiently awaiting his turn at the wreath. I t was so very cold I dared not go out to  capture his beauty, thus he  is viewed now through panes of glass and a screen..

 I believe he, too, was hunkered down  all ruffed up trying to brace himself against the  frigid air!

Today I am seeking someone with clean pine needles  so I can line the bluebird house... Now that the house sparrows have  migrated,   the blue birds  need  their  house back!!!!

PS.. We got the  needles in the bluebird house just in the nick of time...  this morning we have  snow....

oh, and by the way,  the pair of squirrels   have    feasted on the  seed wreath...  I'd say by the end of the morning the wreath will be no more!! 

I hope they will  leave the bird feeders alone...

It's Almost Christmas

It's snowing outside today..  Well, flurries,  but it's still beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

1.  This week  we got  just a small amount of decorations out....This will be  a  low key  year...So everything is just  a  cozy place to sit and  enjoy reflecting on  the real meaning  of Christmas over a  hot cup of  mulled cider  and carols  on the YouTube channel!

2.Yesterday I  had just gotten the  Christmas cards out  and ready to start the   addressing   while I enjoyed my coffee,  when sweet Hubs  brought me in a plate of french toast and delicious  sausage  along with a tall glass of  orange juice cocktail...  juice mixed with  water from our soda stream...  I love  that  so...... refreshing!

3.  Later after putting the mess away,  I  finished setting the table and  working on the dining room hutch.. much  more simple from years gone by!!!

Since I am only planning on using my black and white transfer ware along with my  Christmas  plates, I like the  simpler  black wrought iron accents.

4.  Just using this amount of  decor...  means I didn't have to get  out the large storage boxes down stairs...  just the greenery  which is really  what I like, along with the lights!!

 And I love the ambiance of    the  many lighted venues  during the late afternoon and into the evening!

5  Today Hubs and I were out  doing errands   and he actually let me stop at my favorite consignment shop    while he snoozed in the truck.... I hurried,  but still found a darling   red plaid  charger  to use with my  Christmas plate while serving  special  holiday fare, a snowy flocked garland  with  red berries  that was a huge bargain, and  I bought  a couple of sets of  battery operated twinkle lights  that I will use  tomorrow when I decorate the sun room  tables....:)

To return to Debra's site click here!!

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Click here to return to Joyce's page!

1. What title would you give this current chapter of your life?

The Art of Being Laid Back.

Retirement suits me... everything in its own time!

2. December 6 is National Microwave Oven Day. Who knew? Besides popcorn and coffee reheats, what's the most common thing you microwave? Could you get along without a microwave?

It is great for making iced tea and hot cocoa!

I  have used it to  cook bacon  and  I  do enjoy using it to  cook country ham...  at just the right  time and  covered with a bit of water on it  it cooks up very nicely and quickly!  I hardly ever bake potatoes anymore,  but  half them and cook the in the microwave!

3. If you could insert yourself into any Christmas carol and experience the lyrics in real life, which Christmas carol lyric would you choose and why?

I would love to  live  the carol 

I love 

The Coventry Carol.

Can you even imagine rocking the sweet Baby Jesus to sleep!!

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.

By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters, too, how may we do,

For to preserve this day;

This poor Youngling for whom we sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Herod the King, in his raging,

Charged he hath this day;

His men of might, in his own sight,

All children young, to slay.

Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,

And ever mourn and say;

For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Well, I do  actually think I did live   through Baby, it's Cold Outside... I remember when Hubs was  in the service and he came home  on leave for Christmas one year, and  I was home from college...  he came over  for dinner and  a  nice evening with my family. I remember  how  it started to snow and I didn't want him to go...  Dean Martin was singing this song on the stereo in our living room and we cuddled closer and sang to each other  just before he had to leave to  go home..  Funny thing was  it was  so treacherous out,  that he didn't get too far before he came back and called his home to tell them he'd be spending the night...  Of course, in our guest room,  but  that was  such a romantic  time for  us two love birds..

4. Describe the most beautiful drive you've ever taken.

Cades Cove Loop Road

Located in the Great Smokey Mountains Park, 

 this 11 mile loop  traverses  the most  glorious valley surrounded by  undulating mountains  that  rise up  majestically and quite spectacularly in mid Autumn.

Along the loop road, visitors will see a collection of well-maintained historic buildings from the 1800s. Stops on the route include numerous log cabins,

 a working gristmill, three churches, 

and a cantilever barn.   The Smokey Mountains are noted for their  mists  that   linger  throughout  the    vales and  mountain tops..

The word that describes this is  pristine!!

5. What's something on your Christmas list this year? (an actual list or figuratively speaking, either one)

Well, last night  we  wanted to fulfill  a list item,  to  go the county  Christmas tree lighting..  You see so many of these on Hallmark films and we thought t would be something special to do..it was held at the county library and  Santa was arriving   via firetruck ...I must say  this was  a huge event.. there was  absolutely no parking available and  visitors were  shuttling in from a couple miles away.  We   drove on past and came back  an hour later  and  I did take a photo of the tree..

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Did anyone  see the amazing Super Moon  the last couple of evenings.. I missed it Sunday night when it was clear and crisp as a pearl...  But while out last night  I did capture  it in its cloak of mystery!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Let's join in with Sandra here.

Breakfast time....what is on the plate this morning::::
Praise the Lord for my sweet husband..he

 fixes my regular coffee with salted caramel creamer..  love it!!! He, also, makes my usual fruited  yogurt dish with oat  granola.
 Later in the morning  I usually  fix an egg dish  and we often forgo lunch!  Low carb  that way!  hehee

Right now I am::
This morning I am again making a list of  several  odd things that need to be done before the holidays, 

• Using a  bit of spot remover on the  Christmas table runner..
• Take several pairs of my slacks to the seamstress to be hemmed.
• Get the candles in the windows and  the  wreaths up outside
• Get started on the Christmas cards

The weather outside::::

it is  only 37  now,, but will  rise to the mid 50's. but  the  predicted  dip in temps  will  arrive mid week!  Brrrrrrr!!!

Looking around the house::::
I took this photo of the living room last night

I do love Christmas lights!!

On this week's to do list::::

Laundry.....a couple basket loads  of laundry ... 

Cleaning.....vacuuming, dusting, general pickup
Marketing
Christmas Cards
Final touches to the dining room

Currently reading::::

Bible~ book of Mark
I Peter chapter 3-4

The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp

On the TV ::::

Cds of the British detective series, George Gently.. we watch  an episode  each evening

I enjoy the Christmas Hallmark movies

I really enjoyed the  2 part Finding and Engaging Father Christmas

On the menu this week::::

no specific plans... 

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will::::

sit  by the  Christmas lights, read a good book with a cup of cocoa and  listen to  some  beautiful Christmas instrumentals!
Maybe I can convince Hubs we need a fire...

New recipe I tried, or want to try this week::::

I think these look  great !!! 

These made with phyllo look  lovely!!!
I have a  small group  coming next week to pray.. These would be  so nice with  some  mulled cider!

Looking forward to this week::::

The lighting of  our county Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa...I think that sounds fun...going to  order  a completely new look in my  spectacles  today... hope to get them back before  the holidays.. things seems to running slowly lately!!!
This weekend is our church Christmas  program... Hubs and I both sing in the choir and it is going to be so  glorious!  I love it!!!

Favorite photo from the camera::::

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses::::

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Click here to return to Joyce's page!

1. What's something blogging has taught you about yourself?

As a teacher  I was  known as the story teller...  I loved to teach history through storytelling   to make the events come alive to my students..  After retirement I  needed an outlet for   the many stories that  swirl about in my  mind and soul,  so  I find that  many posts  are  spun by my story telling heart....

2. Leftovers...are you in the 'reheat and eat' camp or the 'put them in the fridge until they spoil and then toss them' camp? What's your favorite thing to have leftover? What can you not abide as a leftover?

I am somewhere in the middle  of  the  left-over  heat/eat or  store/throw  away   camp... We    enjoyed finishing up  the turkey and  especially the cranberry sauce I made...yum!  But since I didn't have  typical gravy  this year,, we just used the  cherry sauce  from the  turkey cutlets,  the left-over dressing went begging.. It truly is only  good leftover  with yummy  gravy!

I always purposely make  extra mashed potatoes because we love  to make  potato cakes  following!!! 

3. 'Me time'...your thoughts?

As  an only child, I  learned to really enjoy my own company.  All through my life  I have needed to have my own separate space.  This was  pretty difficult  in my middle years,  as  a teacher, wife and mother,  but  I still tried to carve out some me time when I could.  I retired at age 53 after 30 years of  teaching  and had  10 years  of me time,  as well as the empty nest,  so  I really got into   recreating myself.  I took up oil painting and I really grew in my spiritual life and development.  Then Hubs retired  and  a new phase  of  togetherness    was a bit  of a struggle  for me.  Now I only ever  want to spend my days with Hubs and  we do everything together...  me time has lost its appeal!

4. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

I have mentored younger women who are dealing with the transition of being  the child to being the care giver to their failing parents..  My situation  was  very difficult for me being an only child.. my mother  was not  easy... love her sweet heart, but as she aged her  temperamental side  became a ruling factor.. In my situation Mom was in such a horrible state with her crippling arthritis  that when she broke her back  we had to seek a nursing facility... Finances were such that we had to  have mom and dad in separate facilities.. Dad  was  very happy to be on his own at the  veterans center,  while mother    never understood why  we made her leave her home. There was just no way I could have  taken care of her needs  in her  pain ridden and  incapacitated state. Her  total time  in  outside care was  4 arduous years for everyone.  Because of the  strong  pain meds she required, she refused to eat, nothing I could bring her satisfied her... I spent most of every day  visiting  them both  in  facilities across town from  the other..Those 4 years were  probably the biggest trial of my life.

Years ago  we were   sought for help in  going through foreign adoptions.. We loved to share our story and  loved to see friends make the decision to adopt...

 Now  I love to share my faith and witness with  others..  I lead small groups  of Bible study  and I have been asked on occasion for  help in understanding  and applying various  texts. 

5. If your childhood had a smell what would it be? Tell us why.We had our windows open in fair weather all the time.. so there was a fresh scent of  piney  fragrance.. we had  several  pine trees in our yard. In autumn and following  there was a hint of  wood smoke hanging in the air,  first from the  burning leaves of October and November then and  crackling fires in our fireplace...  Dad kept the fires burning.  The years of my  childhood  mom did not work outside the home, so  there was always something wonderful  simmering on the

stove... or in the evenings mom would bake up a treat for those long cold nights like Orange Glazed Chelsea Buns.. In the summer  I  loved the  scent of fresh rain.. I can still remember  the feeling it evoked in me...  I'd lie on my bed and watch it rain ...I was really attuned to  the  natural  world's impact on my life...

I loved the  magnificent view we  enjoyed  as the sun set over the Allegheny Mountains!!  That fiery, rosy glow  the  sun cast  upon the walls of  our porch, the golden moment when everything had a magical glimmer of  glory!    I know there was no  smell  but  the senses   were on overload    for just a few moments!!  I loved those  sensations and alas I have never lived anywhere since where  I have experienced such grandeur!!!  Here  we cannot even see the sunset or the mountains..!😢

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Love his heart...  Hubs  is at this moment  rustling us up a lovely breakfast ..The bacon is sizzling and he is attempting to  fry me an over easy egg...  I will now pause to say a wee prayer!!!