A Good Friday the 13th

 Friday creative happiness!! 

***    Outstanding goodies from Carrie Cox's "Side Door Bakery". DELICIOUS!

***    Mail delivery ~ "Whimsy at Work" by Lynn Greenberg Stern.  Her handmade paper art is stunning!

 

***    Big pot of spaghetti sauce on the stove.

 

Great start to a beautiful Autumn day.

Throwback Thursday

  Throwback Thursday ~ Christmas, 1951

Look at those smiles!  How happy we were living in our little bungalow in Canton, Ohio.  I remember those early Christmases well.  Mom made Christmas as special as she could for all of us and our celebration of Jesus's birthday was a big part of it.  Notice the large Nativity to the right.

I love this photo of my sister Patty, brother Patrick, and me.

Veterans Day

  

THANK YOU, Veterans who served, and those serving now.

 

This story is being shared from a facebook page. It is long, but well worth reading. 

 

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam, other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GIs so far from home.. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it."

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for my gentlemen.'' With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears.. ''That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,'' he said.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make. 

7 Years

You left us 7 years ago today, Mom.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of you.  Knowing I will see you again one day, I continue loving every memory and I miss you always.  💓

Autumn Red

 Our bluebird house framed by the red of Autumn.

Rain

  

It's going to rain.  I'm stayin' in bed!!

Autumn and a Cute Doxie

  

I was taking this photo because it looked so pretty, but a cute little doxie snuck in and made it even better. 😃

Snapdragon

  

This Snapdragon has been blooming for the last month.  It still looks beautiful today.  It seeded on its own under the bluebird house.  I guess it just wants to stick around as long as possible.

Red-Orange Autumn Glow!

 

Wisteria Pod

   

A pod hanging from my Wisteria Tree.

Black Dog Salvage

  

We went to Black Dog Salvage Holiday Open House yesterday.  It was such a glorious Indian Summer day, I just had to get out.  A lot of the festivities were outside which was nice.  Masks were worn and people kept their distance.

Fire Pit

Now that's a chandelier!

I love the tree displayed in the big bowl of ornaments.

Appalachia Press

Fire Pit

Festive Horse

Black Dog

HO HO HO

John Reburn doing his annual Letters to Santa.

This antique teakwood beveled glass divider caught my attention.  Loved it.  Bought it.  Not sure where I will use it yet.  Early Christmas gift to me.

Singers on stage.  Beautiful day to sit outside and listen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

  

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jim!!

    You are the BEST brother-in-law a girl could have. And you know you are Jake’s favorite Uncle!! He loves sitting with you enjoying music on Monday nights when you are here visiting!
I wish you happy happy days all through the next year and after. 

♥ 

Red Carpet

 

A carpet of red beneath the bluebird house.

Hummingbirds

  

You might remember my post showing my solar cardinals a while back. After several years of bringing colorful joy to my front yard each night in the calm, the wind, the rain, and the snow, the cardinals bit the dust!
I went directly to Plow and Hearth and picked up a new set - hummingbirds this time. This is a photo of them last night - bright and beautiful, waiting to provide me with joy.

Art Cards

 

To date, I’ve received four “Make Your Mark” art cards from our group.

It is interesting to see how each person interprets their mark making. I am happy to have received ATCs from Lorraine, Carol, Barb, and Maggie.

Journal Jam #21

 

Sun Dog

 

If there is a sliver of sun, Jake will find it!

 

Dear Lord

Dear Lord...

Whatever the outcome of today's election, please help all humans to hold back their hatred and anger.  After all these months of turmoil, we need to start healing our lives, our friendships, our cities, our nation.

We need to find a way to be at peace and do the best we can with whatever the outcome.

Amen.

🙏

Full Moon Monday Night

 

November 3rd

 

Full Moon Sunday Night

 

 

Time Change

 

Out back at 5:30.  I hate this time change.  How depressing it is to be dark so early.  😕

Day of the Dead

 

Dia de los Muertos    November 1st and 2nd

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.

~"Marcus Tullius Cicero

Hello NOVEMBER!!

 

All Saints Day

 Today is ALL SAINTS DAY ~ a day to honor all the saints who have attained Heaven.

Halloween

 

A few more "Halloween theme" houses in the neighborhood.

Full Blue Moon

 

October 31, 2020

Full Blue Moon, Halloween, and Dia de los Muertos Eve.