Out Back Early This Morning

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Susie!!

Sending wishes for a beautiful birthday. Hoping the day finds you feeling really good and looking forward to the future.  Wishing I could be with you at Bender's for your celebration lunch.

Be happy! Celebrate! 

♥

Winter Storm

No ice here, but it looks like the rain is here to stay. If only we could direct it to California.

Getting an Early Start

Norman Rockwell, 1950

I am decorating the mantel, wrapping gifts, playing with Jake, getting lunch ready, putting lights around the pole out front, and getting items ready to take into my booth this afternoon. WHEW! And it's only 12:30. 

I am determined to be ready for Christmas early this year so I can enjoy the weeks before.  Casey and Amanda will be here this year ~ they love to go here and there which is always a lot of fun.  I am looking forward to spending every minute with them, with no worries of "things that need done" roaming around in my head.

Break is over... get busy Miss Audrey!

BWW

I broke the rules at lunch today.  SO bad for my anti-gout regimen, but tasty.  I had to double up on the veggies at dinner!  I've lost 14 pounds since watching carefully what I eat and drink.

Filling Up Before the Winter Storm

A Gift

 I sent this photo to my sweet friend, Jeanne Franz Stanford, via fb messenger a couple of weeks ago. She liked it and painted it with alcohol inks. I received the original in the mail the other day ~ a gift from Jeanne. I am so thrilled and will frame and hang it.

Jeanne is a high school classmate ~ we were in art classes together. She is really very good and paints amazing pictures. The dandelion is a painting I purchased from her this summer. I love her paintings, and her.

Thank you, Jeanne.

♥

I posted this same thing on facebook.  Jeanne's response:
"Awe, you are so sweet. So glad it got to you safely. Enjoy, my friend! Thanks for the high praise also. My painting ego needs that now and then. Love you, too."

Five Years

It's been five years since the Angels lifted you up to Heaven, Mom.  Although I can still feel you here with us, I miss your physical presence so much.  I love you and think of you every single day.

♥

Susan M. Gallagher

2-2-1917  ~  11-11-2013

Veterans' Day ~ 2018

PATRICK J. GALLAGHER

United States Air Force

Cooler Days Ahead

The end is near for my crepe myrtle out back.  It did not get the vibrant deep red leaves it normally gets in the Fall, but it was still very pretty.  We are at the start of 7-10 days of cooler temperatures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

Because my mom's brain is in overdrive, she didn't send your birthday card.  You will have to excuse her, please.  Of course, being one of your best buddies, I remembered, and I spent most of the morning playing around with this photo trying to make it special for you.  But, being a dog, I was limited in what I could do.  SO, I just want you to know I remembered your special day, I love you, and I can't wait for you to come to stay with me this Winter.

♥ Jake

Autumn Mountains

 Just a few photos I've taken of our Autumn mountain beauty in the Roanoke Valley.  I love the mountains in all the seasons, but the color right now is awesome.

Holiday Open House

 Last evening, I set up the Christmas display in my booth at Buy The Season. I have spent weeks preparing for our 14th Annual Holiday Open House which will be this weekend, November 10th and 11th. I have more to put in, but limited space, so I will fill in as things sell down.  It's a fun event! Stop in if you can. Booth #2173

Golden Autumn

Electric!

Desert Boots

Years ago, when I was a student at Kent State University, desert boots were the footwear of choice.  A couple years ago, I decided I wanted a pair.  Could not find desert boots ANYWHERE ~ online or other!  The other day I gave it another shot online.  Voila!!  Made by Clarks and they arrived today.  I love them!

Autumn Color

Out back this evening.  It was an outstanding Autumn day!

10 Years

 TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART

Opened November, 2008

10 Year Anniversary

Architectural Digest named the Taubman Museum of Art the best designed museum in Virginia.

I am thrilled to be a Charter Member!

November Rain

Our front yard this evening.  Today's rain brought many of the leaves down.  We had very little time to enjoy the beautiful colors.

Jake's Recovery

I am surprised and very happy that Jake is doing SO well.  He is pretty much back to normal already ~ eating, drinking water, taking meds, bright eyed, and wanting to play.  I expected he would be tired and sore at least today.  Not the case.  SO pleased!

Thank you for your wishes and concern. SO very appreciated.

I shouldn't be surprised.  I've felt all along that Patrick and God sent this special precious little dog to us straight from Heaven.

November 2nd

 Today is ALL SOULS' DAY.  It is also the last day for celebration of DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (Day of the Dead).  Both of these are a celebration of prayer and remembrance of friends and family members who have died.  Although All Souls' Day is a Christian observance, Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican Holiday that begins on October 31st and ends on November 2nd.  This Mexican tradition has slowly made its way around the world and is celebrated by many.

 A Dia de los Muertos home altar.

 A Dia de los Muertos community altar.

 The marigold (Mexican cempasuchil) is the traditional flower used to honor the dead.

La Catrina.  A common symbol of the DOTD holiday is the skull which celebrants represent in masks, called "calacas", and foods such as sugar skulls.

A Day of the Dead journal page I made in honor of brother Patrick after he had died.

Tired Baby

This has been Jake ever since we brought him home.  I hope he'll have a little bit of his zip back tomorrow.  Although, the Dr. said he'll have a sore mouth for a week or two.  He did eat a little of his dinner which made me happy and I managed to get him to take a pill.  Notice the little shaved area on his leg where the IV was.

Weary Jake

We picked up our baby at the Vet Hospital at 5:00.  He had 4 extractions and is sore and tired.  Have pain meds and antibiotic to give him daily for a while.  Poor little guy looks like a wet noodle.  Have to stay by his side so he doesn't do any jumping tonight.  SO happy our little guy is back home. 

♥

A Day at the Vet Hospital

We dropped Jake off at the Vet Hospital at 7:30 this morning for his annual dental cleaning.  He will be fine, but I am a wreck every year when this day comes around.  Cannot wait till the Dr. calls to tell me it's over and that he is awake from the anesthetic.

November 1st