Thursday Last

I feel like the White Rabbit just before he disappeared down the rabbit hole lamenting all the while I'm late, I'm late, for a terribly important date.  That many of us are feeling similarly is a sign of the season. It, whatever "it" is will all get done I keep telling myself...it always does.  

One of the many things I am late about is this very post. So where were we? Ahhh, yes, Thursday last. I was saying that I was excited about the day, but did not share why because it is not always wise to share on a public blog that one will be away from home. Lots of us do, though, but perhaps some have a German Shepherd, a house sitter or nosy neighbors. I have none of those.

Earlier in the week, I had requested from my darling daughter a gift of her time and she had readily agreed asking me what I'd most like to do. (Laurel is a very busy woman with a full-time job and is also a full-time student so this was a big gift from her.) I replied that I wanted to see Abby. Well Laurel made it happen! 

Plans were made and so, on an overcast Thursday morning, we struck off. Destination: Moody's Diner, Waldoboro, Maine (at Abby's suggestion). We found her and her husband Bill waiting for us in a cozy, quiet corner tucked in the back. We spent a very pleasurable hour and more chatting and enjoying the iconic fare...Moody's is famous don'tcha know. (I am still chuckling over a story Abby told on her pastor husband that could be in one of those "God Has a Sense of Humor" books. Perhaps you can get her to share it on her blog, but only if Bill can handle it again. 😇)

Afterward, we visited Moody's Gift Shop and managed a bit of Christmas shopping. We gals were taken with a rack of cute gloves and each of us purchased a pair. This will become important in a bit. 

~Abby's Purchases~

It was just so good to see Abby and Bill again. This makes our 4th visit and I hope that there will be more once winter is past. Abby is so good at putting up with my nonsense. What nonsense you ask? Well, like forgetting the hour and putting in an urgent text request for photos that didn't even make the blog until today. Little stuff like that. 😏

You see, we did not take any photos. Zero, zip, nada. No photos of delicious hamburgers, sweet potato fries or fried eggs. No photos of steaming mugs of coffee. No desserts. No smiling faces or cute selfies. Sigh. I asked Abby what kind of bloggers we were anyway! Obviously, not the kind who take pictures.

So, in an effort to prove that we all were actually there together, I asked Abby to send a photo of her gloves and I'd share a photo of my gloves. I resisted the urge to ask Laurel to share a photo of her gloves because she pushes back against such silliness, unlike Abby who is longsuffering and tolerant. Shortly after sending my photo, Abby texted requesting that I rethink my photo as it looked as if I had missing fingers. LOL! Retake? I don't think so. Who knew that Abby was going to be a glove model stickler? 

~missing fingers and a mug for my dad who loves Moodys~

[Abby, have you worn your gloves beyond photo taking? They are soooo warm and comfortable...soft, soft, soft. They were perfect in yesterday's arctic blast.]

~Abby models her glove...now that's how you do it!~

Alas, we bid our goodbyes. Bill tried to sneak off without a hug, which I did not allow you'll be happy to know. There was a brief exchange of gifts and I am sharing one of mine next time. (Camera battery dead as a doornail.)

Feel free to split off if this post is growing too long. If? If? I hear you saying. 

Laurel and I visited another iconic Maine store called Hussey's General Store in Windsor where Laurel dropped a couple hundred buckaroonies just like that. (My sister bought her wedding gown there many moons ago.) Watching other people spend money is so satisfying to me and almost as good as if I had done so myself. I did buy a hat there for myself. I am spending way too much money this year on gifts for me. I have never done this before. Never!  I did consider making this purchase for my sister, but better sense prevailed.

Oh and mine is not a "what happens at Nana's house never happened" either. I have no intention of giving the grandsons free license to misbehave...I have higher standards for them than that!

~a capitol building Monet~

Laurel and I wound up our day shopping in Augusta, which happens to be the capital of Maine, and eating, yet again, at Pat's Pizza. I do love a thin, yummy crust.

↑When we got back into the car after eating, Laurel noticed this driver in the car beside us staring at her. She took a photo with her iPhone and he turned away. So funny as each time she put down the phone, he stared at us, and each time she picked it up, he turned away. We were tired and could have played at that game for some time. Poor Pup. 

~not Christmas music, but good music~

Then home with music in snow squalls. It was just a lovely day with my darling daughter who did all the driving. A total win~win for me.

How wonderful the ways that God gifts us with friends and family who make each day a little brighter and better. 
Thanks for reading today. You deserve a medal!

Holiday Decorating Hodge Podge

1. Let's talk holiday decorating. a. On a scale of 1-10 where do you fall? (1=Scrooge and 10= Clark Griswold). 

5?  I feel that my decor is average...moderate...okay...enough. 

b. What's your favorite corner-room-table-space to decorate? Is it done?

One of my favorite and important spots to decorate is the buffet behind the sofa. It is NOT done.

2. Is there a nativity scene in your decorating somewhere? Post a picture or, if it's special to you in some way, tell us why. Or do both-it's Christmas!

Check out 'Tis the Season a post or two ago for a picture of the Nativity. I have a love~hate relationship with this Nativity. It is a Home Interiors set that I bought many years ago for about $50. It seemed very pricey and dear at the time. I still think the figures are lovely and attractive. Where I am conflicted is...well...Mary is a blue-eyed blonde. That can't be right. Baby Jesus is a curly-headed, blue-eyed blonde as well.  That can't be right either. Yes, my Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are pastel; even the clothing they wear is soft and muted. 

3. Do you live in a social neighborhood? If so are you glad? If not do you wish you did?

Social? As in visiting each other's homes? I know my neighbors, but only in an informal way...not much visiting at the kitchen table, more like visiting over the fence. Guess that I am content with things as they are. 

4. As the saying goes, 'there's no time like the present'. How does that ring true in your life right now?

In two ways...It would be easy for me to slip into my memories of former, and happier, times. It would also be easy to slip into wishing my life away. There's no time like the present encourages me to be present in this moment, in this time. Secondly, as a horrid procrastinator, life is a whole lot easier when I buckle down and do whatever.it.is from making the phone call to paying the bill or decorating that buffet?

5. Do you dread Mondays? Why or why not?

Not since retirement. In fact, Monday is my new Friday.

6.  Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis-which on the list is your favorite holiday plant? Are any of these on display in your home right now?

I have an Easter cactus, but no Christmas cactus. I also have a poinsettia that I have managed to keep alive for two years now. It even had red leaves last spring. Anyway, it is leggy and all green now. Have always wanted an Amaryllis, but never have had one. 

7. Share a favorite quote from a Christmas movie.

In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that, as far as we know, is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.

from A Christmas Story

Why? Because it is so recognizable and my father could. 

And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, "God bless Us, Every One!"

from A Christmas Carol 

Why? I want to be a "Keeper of Christmas" all year through.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I'm very excited about tomorrow, literally tomorrow—Thursday. And that's all I'm going to say about that. 

Today is The Greatest Generation's September 11, 2001. I don't know that there are many left who actually remember Pearl Harbor. It was before my time; nevertheless, it is a day worthy of special mention.

Thanks for reading! 

Please join Joyce at This Side of the Pond for more entries. 

Thanks to Debby and Lorrie for doing my editing for me! ♥

Outdoor Decor and a Ten-Year Review of Christmas Trees

Please forgive me for showing Christmas decor all the time; I really do know that Christmas is about more than this, much more.
 

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal...

~ Agnes M. Pahro

Saturday, I decided that time was running out for doing outdoor decor. Besides that, my wreath man had arrived and so I purchased a simple wreath for the door. That wreath is so fresh and aromatic. Hmmmmm...  My hometown niece and her friend went out tipping for me and gave me a huge bag of tips and berries for decorating. I went out a little after 9 a.m. and didn't get back inside until after 1 p.m. I really enjoyed being out in the fresh air puttering at arrangements for my deck, fence, and even my mother's grave.

First, I had to make room by moving the still happily blooming mums out back.

This next bit is for me. I thought it would prove helpful for future reference.  I see at a glance that I have three spots for a tree: in the corner, before the built-in bookcase, as a table-top, and only once in front of the patio door (2012). Wonder what I might do next year. I have had the tree as a table-top twice...my grands hate it that way, but I really like it. I have had it on Nan's trunk several times and even in it once. 

Once I used my grandfather's tool box to lift the tree (2008). And, of course, this year, it is in an old barrel. I especially love 2009 and 2011 because, as my friend Becky at Hospitality Lane says, "It is more interesting to have people in your photos." She says something like that anyway or maybe it was her husband Warren who said that. I'd link specifically, but it was awhile ago and I've forgotten exactly which post.
What a difference a day or two makes...

Merry on!

'Tis the Season

The tree is decorated, though I shall continue to tweak it until the day it comes down...

Gold by day...

Silver by night...
I enjoy different sorts of "tree stands." Last year the tree was in a bucket, the year before in a trunk, this year, it's in a barrel.

~gifts spread across buffet~
Thanks to Abby at Little Birdie Blessings for the delightful gifts. She has some for you, too, if you follow the link or click on the sidebar button. I am using some of my gifts as ornaments for the tree. The tree has itself become an Advent calendar. I won't be getting down all the ornaments this year. Phew!

↑My hometown niece came by today with this entire herd of turtles! Yikes! Three of them were just too delicious and didn't make it. I had to get the rest out of here. One to my tenant, one to my sister-in-law, two saved for some special peeps. My niece can come by every day, but it would be best for my svelte figure if she'd not tempt me so. 😉

ETA: Penny told me that she couldn't see the barrel so well so I took another photo and am popping it in here. Gosh there's a lot going on at my house with color and pattern and general busyness...just the way I like it! 

Of New Second Hand Cars, Et Cetera

My beautiful blue Impala was getting older. Sometimes I fretted, but then I would give it to God because, like so many other things going on, all I know to do is give whatever-it-is to Him—always the very best thing to do.
Then last month, my father, sister, and brother-in-law gifted me with my dad's car. My father was sad when he had to give up his license, but it seemed to please him to be able to gift it. (I had not realized that he had the joy of giving it twice. ☺) It is another Impala, four years newer with much lower mileage. It's light gray, not my favorite color for Maine winters, but beggars can't be choosers. 
Yesterday, my sister-in-law and I drove in freezing rain up into the Western foothills to deliver the blue Impala to a friend of hers who is going to help me sell it. Phew. I don't do the car selling thing so well. John always did that for me in the past, even for many years longer than we were married. 
He was good with that kind of thing. He had the perfect location along the main route and a good pull-off place at the end of his drive. I considered doing likewise, but it didn't take me too long to think again. The thought of having people call at all hours and having to meet with them and allow them to drive the car, etc. Nope, it wasn't giving me a happy feeling.
Recently, my daughter purchased a new car...white...have I mentioned this? Perhaps. Anyway, she had had a difficult time saying so long to her well-loved truck. Imagine my surprise when I began to tear up at the thought of leaving my old car behind. Good grief! So I followed my advice to her and thanked God instead for all the years of faithful service it had provided. He is my Source! He deserves all the gratitude.

~Saying So Long~
And I thank Him for good friends, too!

Last Day for Leftovers

Here is our best photo of Thanksgiving. I forgot my camera so was counting on the other photographer. This is his best offering.

~Jack and Jake~

Jakob wore a tie for Thanksgiving and looked especially handsome. Alas, he had already ditched it by the time the photo was taken. Ever thoughtful, he asked how I was doing on this first Thanksgiving without John. I turned the tables on him and asked how he was doing. He shrugged. I said, "It's been a good day and we got through, right?" And so we did. I remember many Thanksgivings without John, but my grandsons were so young when I married John that they don't remember holidays without him. It makes it tough for them.

I was so excited to find that piece of pumpkin pie there...just enough to try *this.* Most of these leftovers are already long gone. I enjoyed my daughter-in-law's cooking all over again when I made a big Sunday dinner for myself, including red stuff. So all that is really left is enough turkey for my lunch today and that piece of pumpkin pie transformed for supper.
Got myself into so much trouble last week trying to multitask. I just can't function that way anymore. First I ruined pumpkin breads trying to also drag in the Christmas tree from the garage...not paying attention...didn't bake them long enough.
Then, while trying to string lights and make pecan pies, I quadrupled the butter. Not good. I am learning all over again the need to be present and focused.
Thank goodness, I was present and focused last year, which helped my harried self this.

~kiss~
I ordinarily decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. I thought, especially if I started a day or two early, that I might get it all accomplished. Nope. Not going to be any faster or done in a day or two after all. Seems as if I should keep things simpler this year. Though I seem to need Christmas light therapy, I don't need chaos and clutter. There's just too much going on here with all the sorting, etc., that is ongoing. 
Last year, there were no outside Christmas lights here at my little haven. It was a first, but we made the choice and went with it. Didn't like it at all. I think it's important to enter into the joy of the season and provide a little cheer for neighbors. Sam helped me change that. The lights were unimpressive strung simply along the top of the fence so I decided to gather branches and light them. 

That was fun. They are red, green, and white lights and, if I could, I'd take a good pic of them after dark. I can't. They shouldn't add too much to the electric bill.

Did I say that I was planning to keep things simple? Silly me!

~hot chocolate center~

Let me know how it is going at your place! Have a good week...
 

Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving week stretches before us so soon. I read recently that though Thanksgiving is official by decree, it really is a matter of the heart that should not/can not be limited to a Thursday in November. 

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin

What is it about the season (as much as I may wish that we'd be more sensible like our Canadian cousins) that evokes these powerful memories of family, hearth, and home? 

Families are more likely to travel to be together at Thanksgiving, moreso than even Christmas. Perhaps it is the memory of traveling...watching the farmhouses and all those autumnal scenes slip past mile after mile. The anticipation of being with cousins, aunts and uncles, siblings, parents, and grandparents was enough to make a child giddy for days. 
It certainly is also the memory of preparing and planning and getting the house ready for welcoming guests. And what about the smell of turkey baking for hours, fresh Parker House rolls, and all those other savory delights reserved for such holiday meals? Oh and there must definitely be red stuff on the table.

(I once made the mistake of serving John a chicken dinner without his favorite dish. He surveyed the table finally asking gently [and somewhat sadly], "What? No red stuff?" That was his term for cranberry jelly right out of the can.) 
This year, things are different. I will be joining my son and family at his home for Thanksgiving, though Wednesday, I will be doing some baking here in my little haven where it will be warm and cozy. Sometimes, I am tempted to feel bereft, but having found so many of John's messages written down in journals and Bibles, I am also rejoicing.

This week will be one of praise and thanksgiving to God for safely bringing us along. There is always so very much for which to be grateful.

Many blessings to you and those with whom you will gather this week. 

Meanwhile Courage Reprise

This is a reposting from two years ago. I have described it as one of my very favorite Sunday posts because I find myself returning to it time and again. It has been very helpful to me.
☕
Sometimes an answer comes before the question is formed. I knew that my knickers were in a knot, but had not one clue why for days. It seemed as if my mind was too filled with concerns—my own,  the country (they didn't end with the election after all), the church, and, because I walk in Blogdom, many other concerns. Perhaps you can add the workplace to your list. So my prayer list has become exponentially longer through the years. Suddenly, it was if I could not handle it any longer. What pride! It was never mine to "handle" in the first place.  

This quote has been powerfully meaningful to me. I can use it to process what is going on in my mind and heart. For example, I am tired and ready to quit... Meanwhile, courage! Your moments of nervousness are not your real self, only medical phenomena.  I don't feel well... Meanwhile, courage! Your moments of nervousness are not your real self, only medical phenomena. I am worried about this person... Meanwhile, courage! Your moments of nervousness are not your real self, only medical phenomena. You see? It works for any. possible. thing.

And who is this "real self"? The real self only applies to those who have given themselves to Christ. (The very best news ever is that all are invited to give themselves to Him.) When we have, He lives in us and through us. There is nothing that we can do without Him. 

...For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us...

Ephesians 2:14

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16–19

A blessed Sunday and a blessed week to you!

Friday Friday

How long do you think that I can get away with these pedestrian amazing  titles? 😉
I do love Emojis. Have you found yours yet? Thanks to Pam at Playing With My Camera for pointing them out. They are at the top of your compose page between insert a video and insert a jump break. Not only Emoji, but all sorts of symbols. I won't have to make any more dividers. Yay!
🍎🍎🍎
So it's been a good week. Mostly a good week. My poor tenants...the furnace went down. Not good, but it will be fixed before the ☃  comes. (You'll be happy to know that the furnace is already fixed. 😌) What? Too much with the Emoji?
🍎🍎🍎

The mailman brought some wonderful packages on Wednesday. This was my favorite from my friend Rosella at Rhubarb and Roses. 

 Amazing gifts. Whatever gave Rosella the idea that I like love candy? Coffee Crisps, KitKat Chunkies, and what  is that? A Mint Smoothie in the beautiful gold package?

Does it look as delicious as it tasted? I hope so. Man! That Mint Smoothie from Rhéo Thompson was seriously creamy and heavenly.
 I went to the cemetery Wednesday to plant the tulip bulbs taking advantage of the mild weather. This entire autumn has been a huge blessing  and this week is no exception with temps at or near 60F each day. Anyway, Canada will celebrate her 150th birthday next year and there will be tulips blooming from sea to sea and all over the place in celebration, including my Canadian mama's grave. Thank you so much, my dear Rosella. I am mailing out a thank-you card today. Let's see how long it takes to arrive. 
🍎🍎🍎

Fading and getting a little skimpy, but still here!
🍎🍎🍎

Yes, I have been shopping on QVC. Christmas is coming and it came for me on the same day that my Rosella package arrived. 

Pretty Packaging...

I have not had new makeup in years. It was time. The last time I purchased an entire collection was in college...Mary Kay...some 💋💇👸💁💦💨💟 years ago. I still love Mary Kay, but this collection was a whole lot less expensive and it goes on a whole lot faster.

 ~A~

Aside from the squirrel-nibbled eyebrows, I think the make-up looks pretty good. 

~B~
Now here's a question for you...which of these "selfies" into a mirror do you prefer? A or B? I have a reason for asking...
I've gained some weight (lost some, too) in the years I've been blogging. The photo below, also taken into the mirror, was one of the first shared, circa 2007 or 2008.

I was trying to decide if I liked the perm.

🍎🍎🍎

My darlings were here this week. Yes, there were cookies in the can. I think I have this figured out now. There were no comments about how much they don't like my house now that John is not here. It's not easy, but we're finding our way, slowly and some days are better than others. So many have recently told me how much they've been praying for us. Thank you. Your prayers have been a great blessing. I can feel them. I truly can. 
Catch you in a few; hopefully before Thanksgiving.

P.S. And it was the week of the Super Moon so I'm tossing in my best photo of it. 🌕 I sure have enjoyed seeing some wonderful Super Moon photos in Blogdom this week.
Edited to Add Sunday evening: 

And I see that a majority of you agree with me! Thanks so much for playing along. I realize now that such things are highly subjective and my heart was blessed when some metioned that they liked seeing my wedding ring in photo A. That's as good a reason as any to like a photo. I may have to switch to Photo A myself based on that criteria. As you can tell by the clock, the time between photos was mere seconds so there's no accounting for lighting, etc., as I made only one change (that I was aware of) and that was to shift the direction of my gaze.