A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Catching Up...Huff Puff

Before I head back into the doldrums again where I sit around feeling poorly, I thought I should post. Besides all that, as I wandered through Blogdom and the halls echoed and I wished that more people were posting and more often, I realized that one can't be complaining if she isn't playing. 


Oh her I found out about her after the most recent update for my iPhone. She is based on this picture:



Doesn't she look just like me? I don't think I've got it quite right, but oh well... That's the hat that Cathie Holman made for me. Isn't it cute? I'll be able to wear it here shortly as it gets colder by the day.

This is a hodge podge of a post because my head doesn't work quite right anymore and it's easier for me to do some of this and some of that rather than try to be coherent. 

The most recent thing of note was Laurel's birthday celebrated over the weekend. We had the whole family here, which is 12. I know that some of you are rolling your eyes, but that is our number until April makes it 13. It may not seem like many, but believe me, it feels like quite a few when the little fellow can't even get around for legs and feet. 

Little Fellow? No, I don't think he's been introduced here yet.
(How quickly I forget! Here he is back in April.) He is my niece's little boy and he is adorable. Here he is hiding out with his mama to get away from Great-Auntie's awful camera pointed right at him.

I swear that my niece had been smiling the most beautiful smile a mere second before...

He kept us in stitches from baptizing his grandmother in root beer to trying desperately to eat the faux fruit.


































Yes, I come from a long line of women who have for years been faking children out with faux apples, pears, plums.
Those fake apples are very tempting!

A real apple was eventually found and the little guy, henceforth known as "E" took a few bites and that was that. The apple disappeared. We couldn't find it anywhere. There were jokes about fruit flies. A while later, Laurel was opening her birthday gifts when she exclaimed,"I found it!" E had chucked the apple into her gift bag. That's how crowded it was. We were all right here and no one saw him do it. 



The birthday girl with and without her hat.



My grands were here and I caught one of them, along with his dad and mom.


Sam, Adam, Michelle


The other one was captured along with his brother and dad a few weeks ago playing basketball.

Jake, Sam, Adam

We are in the week past peak so I don't have a lot to share in the way of beautiful foliage, but I will share what I have.

It's a Coppery World

Through the Sewing Room Window

Up the Way


Well that's it for this time. The next time you hear from me, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I will be finished with my treatments and moving on to the next thing. 

Many blessings to you and thank you for your visit.




70 comments:

  1. Hi Vee, Thank you for the update and I pray all goes well with finishing up your treatments. The birthday gathering looks like so much fun. That is hilarious about the fake apple ending up in Laurel's gift bag! E is adorable. I enjoyed your fall photos, too. God bless you. xoxo

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    1. No, the real apple went into Laurel’s gift bag. 😊

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    2. I knew that.....just typed it wrong in the comment.
      xoxoxo

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  2. I can't believe how big the grand kids are now! I guess I have them stuck in my mind at 'little'! heehee! Love your comfy home and beautiful trees. I'm praying for good treatments and happy times ahead! Sweet hugs, Diane

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    1. I know! It wasn’t so long ago that Sam and Jake were crawling over legs and feet. Now they have become the network of legs and feet.

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  3. Grands are growing. Enjoyed looking at the wonderful pictures. Those beautiful trees and outside scenery....WOW! Looks like nice walk would be in store. Vee, praying for these treatments and praying that you recover nicely. You are on my mind and heart a lot. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
    P.S. I have a few pieces of fauz fruit that a bite has been taken out of too! LOL!

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    1. I knew that I couldn’t be the only one!

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  4. I am so happy to see a post from you and I love this and that posts. You have such a nice family. I got a chuckle out of the faux fruit. I used to put out a cornucopia at Thanksgiving with them. I wonder whatever happened to that. Must be in the black hole I keep in the basement. Ha, ha! Thanks for all the great pictures. Your foliage is beautiful. It will be a few weeks before the color comes here. All of our trees are still green.

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    1. Looking forward to seeing the foliage in Philly when it arrives. I like autumns that last a good long time.

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  5. Great blog post, Vee! You did very well! I am fascinated with the bookshelves between the windows and the framed picture connecting the two. That is sooo neat! Clever, unique! And all the wood paneling. LOVE IT! You look cute in your hat, in person and via the Memotar (or whatever we are supposed to be calling the cartoon version of ourselves.) I am glad you are nearing the end of the current treatments and hope the next phase of [whatever] is kinder to your body!

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    1. Thank you for the compliments. I designed the bookcases between the windows and John built them. He might take exception with the “wood paneling.” I had to ask him many times to describe what exactly they were. This was his answer: They are V-matched kiln dried pine boards. He did not like the print between the windows because he said he couldn’t get any rest in his own home without seeing the work that needed to be done on that porch. It was an ongoing joke between us. 😁

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  6. Your trees are beautiful even past peak. We have barely started here. Love the hat that Cathie made for you. Your grands are growing up! Sending hugs and prayers your way. p.s. I need to post more often. I am in a slump.

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    1. We all go into slumps. Hope that yours passes soon. I love visiting your corner! Looking forward to seeing the foliage there, too.

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  7. Nothing like a little one to keep the laughter flowing. Hilarious about the fake apple and the real apple too. He sure is a cutie! I'm now wondering just when your grandsons got so grown up? Glad you shared the beautiful glimpses of fall foliage. If it ever happens here I'll be sure to share. Love the hat that Cathie made for you. It looks cute on you and your cartoon version as well. Prayers continue as you finish your treatments. Take good care.

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    1. Thank you, Kim! You are finding out how quickly they grow. I am still in shock that my kids are both in their 40s. Thanks for the prayers.

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  8. Hi Vee~

    You have a beautiful family, little "E" is adorable! My home is small, so when all of my children and grands are here, it's pretty crowded, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

    Your trees are so pretty, love the coppery colors! We had an early freeze here, and our trees decided not to participate in beautiful Autumn colors!

    Posting is a problem for me as well. I love reading others blogs, but I sometimes drop the ball on my own. I'm trying to do better as well.

    Good luck with your treatment, prayers will be sent your way for an easy recovery and happier months ahead.

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

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    1. Yes, wall to wall people is pretty cozy and fun! Oh no! Your trees decided not to participate? How crushing. Maybe they’ll change their minds. Thank you for the prayers and good wishes.

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  9. It's great seeing folks sitting on the floor enjoying the fellowship of each other. Looks like a grand time celebrating Laurel's birthday! I am astonished seeing how grown Sam is! I know from one grandmother to another how quickly they shoot up and look so mature. Love your emoji--looks just like you in your darling hat. Sending love to you as you are in the home stretch of your treatments. God bless you, my friend. xoxo

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    1. Sometimes, the floor is the only place left! 🤦🏻‍♀️ You know, Martha Ellen, I was astonished seeing that photo of Sam. He changes every few weeks. Thank you for the blessings and good wishes.

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  10. I know you will be so happy when you see the light at the end....no more treatments! Such a great photo of you...a visit from family must have warmed your heart! Stay well Vee....

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    1. Yes. Definitely looking forward to an end to chemo. Thanks for stopping in, Betsy!

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  11. Lovely post! Such a warm and memory-filled family time! I personally love hodgepodge posts.

    Is a new niece or nephew expected in April? You mentioned there would be 13 of you come April...

    That is a gorgeous photo of you and you do indeed look well. The hat -- love it!

    The foliage photos are great also and the header -- simply stunning.

    Praying for you and so thankful that your course of treatment is nearing its end.

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    1. E will become a big brother in April. They do not yet know the gender, but E’s dad says that he has dreamed of a little girl. That’s my hope as well...it’s been 35 years since a girl showed up in the family.

      Thank you for stopping by!

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  12. Dear Vee - a very brief hello from the tropical Cape Verde Islands - sitting off the coast of West Africa - and from where many of the hurricanes start which torment us on the US east coast.
    Today, our shore visit was really tough, very hot, awfully humid, some showers and a 45 min. difficult hike over a cobblestone road up on a 2,000 ft. volcano - not active thank goodness!

    Glad to see you here my dear - be well soon X

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    1. Thanks, Mary. Your day sounds purely awful to me, but you loved every minute, right! ☺️

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  13. I always love seeing a new post from you, Vee! And I must confess that I've been really bad with posting lately. My youngest grandson's birthday was on Oct. 6th and I haven't said anything about it yet...I'll will try to be encouraged by your post and do something though probably won't have time before Saturday....Love seeing the photos from your family get together. Such events are always so worthwhile. Love little "E"! Be well! Make it through the last treatments and begin to feel and be much better and healthier! Praying for blessings for you.

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    1. Thanks, Kristi. What do you suppose is contributing to the general malaise in Blogdom? Maybe the answer is just for each blogger to go for it anyway in spite of not necessarily “feeling it.”

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  14. Vee, I am glad you are feeling well enough to post. Thanks for all the photos. It's pretty where you are. I see that lots has been going on there. It is so hard to keep up with our young people. I am praying for you sweet girl. You are so kind to pray for Ted and I and we truly appreciate it. Blessings to you, xoxo, love, Susie

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    1. Oh I love praying for folks in challenging times because I expect The Lord to come through. He has never failed me yet. Course my situation is win~win...to live is Christ and to die is gain. I think it’s pretty where you folks are, too. Is it peak week yet?

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  15. Oh, such a lovely post and a lovely family. Also a lovely home!

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    1. Thanks for your visit. Have you a name that is easier to refer to than Hill Top Post? 🙂

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    2. Oh, sorry Vee. I am another Mary. I guess you missed my comment yesterday when I kind of introduced myself. I am visiting here from Happy One's blog.

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    3. Hi Mary! Yes, I missed your comment. I’ll go looking for it.

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  16. What a lovely hat your friend made for you. Your fake fruit story reminded me of my mother's fake fruit when I was a kid. I would pull the "grapes" off the vine and mull them around in my mouth. Put it back and take another one. I of course never did this in front of her. I'm so happy you're on your last round of treatment and I'm sure you are as well. As always, remembering you in prayer. ~ Abby

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    1. Thank you, Abby, it is good to have prayer warriors on the case. What a hoot about the grapes! I was always highly tempted, but never actually tried one that I remember anyway.

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  17. I was here this morning but wanted to drop by again so I can leave my comment. I have always dearly loved your window/book wall. It was so much fun to see your home again in photos and see so many of your family there. My favorite eye candy was the tea pot perched on top of a stack of books. I would dearly love to wiggle my nose and be right there in your house looking at everything! We could have a cup of tea together!!!
    Love you, Vee. Prayers always.....

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    1. That would be great fun! 😊 The conversations we could have!

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  18. I love these photos of your family gathering. How big your grands are getting to be. A belated Happy Birthday to Laurel. Your coppery world is beautiful - here the leaves are gorgeous, but falling rapidly with all the rain we've been having.
    I bet you are SO looking forward to being done with your treatment. Prayers continue for daily grace and strength.

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    1. We had a Nor’easter overnight. It has taken most of the leaves and left us looking plucked and slightly embarrassed.

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  19. Thank you for taking the time and energy for an update! It is always good to hear from you, dear friend!! Oh my, how the grands have grown up. I know that mine have, but I haven't seen Sam and Jake for a while, so it is amazing to me to see them now! Little E must add lots of joy to your gatherings. There's nothing like a wee one to bring new life and energy to a family! Oh, and Happy Birthday to your birthday girl!! I am cracking up at the bites in the artificial fruit! And also the bitten apple discovered in the gift bag! 🤣

    Praise the Lord that the end of your treatment is in sight! I continue to pray for you!!

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    1. Bless you, Cheryl. I have felt the prayers. You are so right: a little one adds a lot of fun to a family gathering. As for my grands, they have now entered the world of polite society and are a pleasure to be with as well. I am very proud of them.

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  20. Hi Vee. I'm visiting from Sweet Tea and Sandals. I enjoyed reading your post and your fall colors are much better than ours. Ours are just in the beginning states. I believe we'll have some beautiful colors soon.

    Take care and I pray that all will go well with your last treatment.

    Cathy

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    1. Oh that’s great! I enjoy meeting new-to-me bloggers. I’ll be sure to visit your blog soon.

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  21. Hello, I am glad you are feeling well and Happy belated Birthday to Laurel. Your family photos are wonderful, looks like a fun gathering. The fall colors are pretty. I love the cute photo of you in the hat, very pretty. Sending prayers and good wishes for your last treatment. Wishing you a great day and weekend ahead!

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    1. Hi Eileen! Did you use to participate in Mary’s (Little Red House) Mosaic Monday? My memory is not what it once was. 🙃 Thank you for stopping by and for the good wishes.

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  22. Vee, I'm so glad your treatments will be finished soon. Your photos are gorgeous, and there's nothing wrong with a "hodgepodge" post. Love the wax fruit with bite marks--keep faking out the kids!

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    1. I bet you don’t have fake fruit at your place! 🙂 Thanks for popping by.

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  23. So nice to read your post!! And so happy for you that your treatments are coming to an end!!
    Wow don't the grand kids grow fast! They are so big now.
    Funny about the apple.
    A belated Happy Birthday to Laurel.

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    1. They are growing fast. Sam went sailing by me in height, now he’s gone past Aunt Laurel. He’s hoping to catch up with his dad having left his mom behind. It’s crazy. And, of course, Jake is right on his heels. I will be grateful to be three weeks down the road, not to wish time away, but to be feeling as well as I do now.

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  24. I love the iPhone picture...too cute! Little ones are so much fun. I especially like the faux candles. I have some with timers and they just make the house so warm looking. The foliage is beautiful.

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    1. The timers make it easy. Mine come on around six and go off at midnight. This usually means they are on past my bedtime. I don’t bother to mess with them. The foliage was beautiful, but the Nor’easter overnight and today has pretty much taken care of that.

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  25. I love that iphone pic. I made one for myself too after my daughter told me it was a new thing. What a wonderful family gathering and I can't believe you entertained that many people! Glad to hear your treatments are coming to an end, Vee!

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    1. It was easy entertaining...pizzas. Two were brought in addition to the white pizza, cheese, and pepperoni pizza I provided. One was a taco pizza...yum! The other was a cheeseburger pizza that tasted just like a cheeseburger. Then cupcakes were ordered so not too much trouble for me.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  26. Little "E" is adorable and you had me giggling with the apple story!! 12 peeps in the house is no easy feat - it looks like you had a wonderful gathering! I love your imoji - so cute. Hope all goes well with your next set of treatments - thinking of you and cheering for you.

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  27. Love your stories Vee...and you too..
    Love,
    Mona

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    1. What a sweet thing to say, Mona. Thanks for stopping in! Did you bring whipping cream?

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  28. Here I am, falling behind in visiting, sigh. Vee, I simply can not believe how the grandboys have grown. Wow was my first reaction. Hope you have a lovely day friend. Keeping you in prayer.

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    1. You have better, more important things to do! Thanks for popping in.

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  29. Oh how I love our updates, though I am always late, one of these days I am going to be first! Happy birthday to Laurel, congratulations on the soon addition, master "E" is adorable!
    I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the photo of Sam and Jake, my have they grown. Where does time go?
    You remain in my thoughts and prayers,
    Love,
    Sue

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    1. Thank you, Sue, I do appreciate your visits and I don’t care if you’re late. Thank you for your prayers.

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  30. It was so nice to read a post about happenings in your world, Vee. I’ve had the two littles here and didn’t get a chance to catch up. How nice for the family to get together for Laurel’s birthday. My, how the boys have grown! Your Bitmoji looks so cute! I’m so happy for your that your treatments will be ending soon. You’re an inspiration to all us and loved by us, too. God bless you, Vee, and prayers are with you.

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    1. Thank you, Kitty. Always nice to have you visit. Have fun with the Littles for, as you well know, they grow soooo fast.

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  31. Aren't the little s such fun? I only have one that's a youngin...all the rest of my grands are in high school and the oldest is almost a college graduate.
    I hope you are having a nice relaxing Sunday. My thoughts and prayers sent up for you.

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    1. I did have a lovely day. You’ll have to check in on Tuesday to see what I was up to.

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  32. Hello Vee, I just want to take the time to let you know I am praying for you. I saw on Barbara's blog that you are facing treatments. May God's Healing Hand be upon you.

    You look like you are having a busy time in life with lots of fun things despite the challenge of treatments. Family is truly a blessing that many don't have right?

    God bless you! ~Amelia

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    1. Thank you, Amelia. How very thoughtful of you. Family IS a blessing and family is usually a choice.

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  33. So nice to see a post from you dear one. I've been busy with many events and am coming in late as I see you posted this 5 days ago. I'm glad your family came to you to enjoy this celebration. Those littles can be quite funny. I had some faux apples on an outside Christmas tree on our porch and some critter tried one of the apples hoping they were real...maybe a deer. It's good to hear you are getting to the last of your treatments. Dealing with satellite connections for blogging is a bit tiresome for me. Everything is sooo slow. Hopefully before too many years pass they will improve on connections here in our area and we'll have more options. Hope this new week is starting well for you.

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    1. Yes, I have been following along with your blog, though not commenting from the iPad...so much going on with you folks between traveling and pumpkin patches. I will be by to visit with a comment soon.

      As for my week...some unwelcome surprises for me, but not for Him. I must remember this and that the battle is not mine.

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  34. Closing comments so I don’t overlook anyone.

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