RATTLE YOUR BONES    

IT'S HALLOWEEN 

There is so much beauty in the simple change of color during this season of Autumn.

Monday

Again

So Soon

Hunter's Moon

  

I took these photos Friday night.  This Hunter's Moon sure is a beauty!  I love the differences you see every time a photo is taken of the moon.  It's never quite the same.

After a lifetime of Fridays, I still feel the need to shout 
TGIF!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sweet Man!!

We've shared 17 of your Birthdays together as husband and wife.  It sure doesn't seem possible ~ happiness has a way of letting the years slip by without noticing.  I wish for you a beautiful day with no worries and no pains ~ a day filled with sunny blue skies, laughter, friendship, smiles, many kisses from Jake, and all the joy your heart can hold.  

♥

Wordless Wednesday

Pumpkins Everywhere

PUMPKIN SEASON HAS ARRIVED

Mushroom Stars

I noticed these strange mushrooms the other day.  Our mulch is filled with them ~ all different sizes.  They seem to start out as a ball and end up opening into a star shape.  The spores must have been in the load of mulch we received in the Spring because we never had them before.  I picked up a handful to look at the different stages closely.  They are quite interesting and once opened into the star shape, they are actually pretty.
(Click on the photo to enlarge and see them up close.)

Mom and the Care Center

 Mom enjoying the Autumn decor at the Care Center where she now lives.

 Is she not the cutest 96 year old ?

 This is one of the courtyards at the Care Center.  They have a large porch in the front of the building.  I take her outside as often as possible to sit.  It won't be long before the weather changes and she will be inside for the long cold winter. 

Mom's room is on the end.  She has a beautiful large crepe myrtle tree right outside her window to enjoy.  There is a large door/window in the hall outside her room and she likes to sit there and look out at the green of the mountains.

********

It has been an adjustment not having Mom at home with us.  It took me a while to realize that I wouldn't be able to handle her on my own.  After all the visits to the Care Center at various times of the day and evening, I can see that her needs are being taken care of.  She is comfortable there and is well liked.  She tells me often that they are kind to her.  Hearing these things helps a lot.  I feel blessed that she is able to communicate with us as well as she does.  There are so many there who can't.

I visit often.  There are some things that only a daughter can do for her mom ~ she loves it when I bring her cookies or some kind of sweet snack.  She loves trips to doctor appointments, being on the porch, talking about family, visits from Jake, and knowing there will be return visits.  I can tell she knows we love her and I can see the love in her eyes.  I'm sure God is watching over her as she has been ever so faithful to Him all of her life. 
♥

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my dear Casey !!

What more can I say other than I couldn't be any more proud of the man you've become?  I couldn't possibly love you more than I do.  My wish for you is a lifetime of love and happiness with little pain, no sorrow, success in all you do, and a continuing desire to strive for the best.

 

 You will always be my little boy.  All the love and joy you brought into my life during those growing years is in my heart to stay.  

♥ 

An Unexpected Visit

The tree overlooking Patrick's grave.

The mountains just off in the distance.

The peaceful beautiful place where I go to visit Patrick.

This crusader is 12' tall cast iron and priced at $12,000.  It is at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Virginia.  I have a dream to purchase it and place it on the front lawn of Central Catholic High School in Canton, Ohio, my Alma Mater (our mascot is a crusader).  This will continue to be a dream unless the lottery falls into my hands or I discover some very wealthy long long lost relative.

A close-up.

These gorgeous statues look like angels lined up.

Claw foot anyone?

On the floor at Black Dog.

Will and Audrey

My cousin, Will (lives in Ohio), picked up my sister and drove 800 (400x2) miles to come visit over the weekend.  It was a wonderful surprise.  We crammed a LOT into one day ~ Friday.  Will wanted nothing more than to visit Patrick's grave and to go visit Mom at the Care Center.

 When Will showed up in front of Mom, we all cried.  She said his name, grabbed him and hugged him.  They were both very happy to see each other.  They have always had a close relationship. 

Besides visiting Mom and Patrick ~ Will, Patty, and I had a wonderful lunch at Abuelo's Mexican Embassy compliments of Will, we visited Buy The Season where I have my consignment booths, we visited Black Dog Salvage, and we had nice long talks and laughs at home. 

It was a fun and special weekend.

A Lazy October Day

Jake is proof that the porch loveseat is the best place to be on a sunny, warm, and quiet October afternoon.

Wordless Wednesday

My Sweet Baby

Jake LOVES to play outside and nothing makes him happier than chasing a ball, big or small.  I love love love this little guy and plan to give him a lot of outdoor playtime during these gorgeous Fall days.