Another Decade Passing

I find myself, Pondering another passage of another decade. Many joys, blessings and dreams have come so very true to my life. Looking forward to what our Lord has in store in the next...

Memories of Things old and new...

Hope this finds you with many joyous memories of these past years. As you reflect. and look forward to the next, I pray many blessings to all of you.

Merry Christmas and Many Blessings

A Christmas snowstorm and joys of time spent with family and friends.

So many blessings shared and thanks to everyone you touch our life. Have a wonderful holiday everyone. :}

Holiday Kick-Off Begins

The Wonderful Parents-In Laws enjoying the entrance to Bass Pro Shop...

She was wondering if this was like the one they visited at their daughter's in Springfield...

The Garden Barn in Indianola will stimulate the fast approaching season....

A wonderful Thanksgiving was spent at the in-laws with all of my kids and grandchildren. The day always goes by so very quickly but just loved every moment of it.

Soon it was time for me to spent at Emergency Department. Upon returning home dear husband had been busily working on our basement project of preparing it into the family room for the Christmas season. I do find, it a bit hard to begin the Christmas decor. When you have a major project going on... it can disorganize the whole house. I will continue to plug away on those Gifts for the family. No Black Friday for me. But did get a delicious dinner Friday evening with my in-laws after work at the newly open, { has been open a year} Bass Pro Store. What a wonderful huge store that is a entertainment fun avenue for family fun. We were awestruck looking around at all the large vignettes of decoration.

Need to get busy working away tomorrow comes early and off to work once again. So wish someone would pay me to stay home.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone 2010

Just a warm happiness sent to everyone for a beautiful day. So very cold here 19 degrees but, looks to be a sunshining day. Mary, on a favorite blog~ Back to the Moon ~says she, has already started the woodstove. My wood is loaded on the porch, but not yet into the fire. But very soon!
My dear sister, Bev has already texted me happy day and shared all the Bee sisters were up early and busy. I soon will be sharing the day with all my children and their families. My very most thankful joy. Wonderful day to all of you! :}

Thanksgiving Week Continues...

Our evening of Valerie's book club...these pictures, I have saved to share this week... Don't you love this vignette? One of my favorites and love the picture in the back of the Cinderella pumpkin. I believe it is of her grandpa with the horses. Is that right Valerie?

Another favorite.... This was above her kitchen window, she shared history of the Kitchen Klatter and magazine that used to be so very popular. She liked that it was from Shenandoah, Iowa. Coco-Cola items are also another favorite for her to collect.

A Tuesday luncheon I went to DesMoines to celebrate a decade birthday with a dear friend whom I spend days at the E.D. It was fun creating the art Doll for her celebrate Life. Pat life only gets Better! We had a delicious meal that day, at East Village called Luka's Loved it! In fact, everyone who meet us there did not leave a single bite. Good sign don't you think?

This sharing, are of the fun things, I did the end of October and first of November.

This week I am busy working on Christmas projects and gathering thoughts of the busy season. Do Love a bit of extra time this week to work on those projects. I am just about to complete my OMBC book club gift for our annual Christmas party. We, so love to reminiscence a year of good books read!

Thanksgiving Week

Wow, is it Thanksgiving week already?
Time to appreciate our blessings,
Getting ready for the biggest food holiday of the year.
So quickly, the year passes by ...
the blessings have been many
Most of all health and love of family.
So many cherish friends to be thankful in my life.
Wishing you many blessings and joys...

Fall Back...

My favorite time--- the time we should always be... yes, we must turn the clocks back! So extra sleep, people. I love it...love it... love it... Never liked the rationale, for daylight saving time. So I am very happy to return... to our regular time.

Time
Time, what an empty vapor 'tis,
And days, how swift they are;
Swift as an Indian arrow-
Fly on like a shooting star.

The present moment just is here,
then slides away in haste,
that we can never say they're ours,
but only say they're past.

Time is everything. Please act in view of this.

---Letter to Union governors, July 3, 1862 ~ Abraham Lincoln

Oh, by the way~ the clock is our latest auction fine...

Time To Vote...

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting."
~Franklin D. Roosevelt~
A quote that my daughter had on her facebook entry today and how true... Myself plans to head to my township for my vote to be counted...
It always brings to mind my Grandmother Oda Alice, who on every election day would make a box lunch ...to go volunteer help at her voting location. She always left, very early in the morning and never came home till all votes were counted! I do not believe, she never missed the chance to help out with this service. It impressed on me, as a very young girl, that it was very important this voting business. Thanks grandma for the lesson taught!

So please... take the time to cast your vote.

Enjoying the Fall Skylines

How can you beat looking over the forest.. as the beautiful colors of fall change into the month of November? The joy of returning home after a weekend of being in the city, working in the E.D. My heart fills with joy at the beauty, God gives in the sights of Fall. Love this Indian Summer!
What is your favorite joy of the fall season?
Many joys for you this first day of November. :D

Happy October Holiday Weekend

Wishing everyone a fun final weekend of October... I found fun in noting some of my fall decor, this wood stove will soon be naked, so can produced the warmth from cold days...

While cleaning out boxes of UFO projects.. this quilted black and orange table runner was hided away.. I quickly added it to my table. I must after this season passes, add that final binding. I guess... that is why, it was hiding in the UFOs..

Very excited about this post newel.. dh found this newel at one of our auction trips. He has spent much time refinishing and has newly made all the new steps to our loft. He is now working to complete the banister and spindles to complete the staircase. Great job.. hubby.

Great weekend everyone.!

October Thoughts

This month can be a tangled month... Busy times and scary images to television shows. Actually, not a favorite time for me to watch that HD TV. But a perfect time to take all those tangle thoughts of ideas that roam my brain to wake me in the wee hours... So many ideas for the approaching holiday season. What to do first, what can possibly get accomplished and what order to work it out... As this month comes to a close, those ideas are coming together into a possible feasible plan. Skipping that TV time does help and the simple fact, October is over this weekend!

Favorite Fall Visitor

Hay has all been bailed and the process of combining the beans and corn is being done.. But my son's helper came to visit while chores were getting done. Our friend, Ned and he was very excited to tell us all hello. Hi Ned... your antlers are growing big. You are becoming a grown-up buck, Oh my!~
The lovely Fall days this season have definitely been joyous, perfect temps and wonderful fall colors and yet already October is almost over!
I have had a great season, also for celebrating seven of my kids and granddaughters birthdays. Now October is quickly passing... The last week of it! and quickly the
Christmas season will be here. I find myself feeling the need to create gifts. Look out sewing machine here I come...

Bullet # 2

The Teacher's Funeral by Richard Peck. A comedy in Indiana in 1904. This was the car in the book that destroyed Aunt Maude's hat.

On Saturday,Brenda B. along with my fun daughters, & granddaughters Maddy, little Miss Laura spent a rainy day at the Garden Barn. We meet to enjoy it's Fall Open House. It is a barn built in the 1867. It's owner has lovingly decorated with antiques and gatherings of fall vignettes.

We enjoyed warm apple cider and coffee while browsing and discussing the decor. We then realized our tummies were hungry... we agreed to visit next, an original A&W restaurant that remains in this college town of Indianola. Your order is placed by a phone from your booth and oh, was that cold Root Beer in a classic, frosty mug heavenly.

Brenda told us her class was busy discussing the The Teacher's Funeral and she is sharing the changes we have from classroom in 1900s. This brought back the memory of Brenda hosting my sisters at the one school house on our retreat last year at this time. The Bullet #2 was a highlight in discussion of her class and in the book. We had such fun that day! Thanks again B.B.

Now that our Bee sister gathering is past, I find myself missing the fall celebrations. But what fun we also had at our Cancun retreat this year.

Book Club Meets Author

The week after returning from a great Sister's week with my sisters... my book club went to Des Moines to meet and hear one of our favorite authors... this is her latest new book. Sara Gruen was very fascinating and listed below is the interview on "you tube", please check it out..
We loved her previous book "Water for Elephants" and looked forward to this next one.
She spent quite abit of time here in our State to research the Bonobos. The Great Ape Trust and actually became very friendly and close to their family. "The Ape House" is based on one of the females of The Trust. I was so very excited and thankful Dorene shared her book club evening with us.. We all carpooled to the event and had a quick delicious meal at The Gateway market. Then on to listen and get our very own autograph copies of her new book.
The summer has went so very quickly! I have hardly had time to take a breath and do justice to my blog... so sorry but I will slowly try to catch up. I have missed it but at the same time have enjoyed all the joys of the summer season.

YouTube - GreatApeTrust's Channel#p/a/u/1/HZ-40_4chlI

OMBC --Went to see one of our favorite authors..
YouTube - GreatApeTrust's Channel#p/a/u/1/HZ-40_4chlI

Bee Sister Retreat Time

Looking forward to laughter and fun by the ocean with my sisters once again. Bev is this year's host and will be sharing her time share location with us. Can you guess where it may be?

Must go finish packing after a very busy word week. It seems the fall season is arriving early as seen by the children that visited in the E.D. But it must be fall if it time for Sister Retreat!

Hola to you all! Off for fun with the Bee Sisters!!!! :D

An Evening of Simple Pleasures

The Lost Hours--An evening with my good friend. Her home was our destination for discussion of this fun summer read. A story of friendship and relationship in the South.
It was Brenda's turn to host her chosen book for us this month. She is a lady of detail and many were found as I entered her lovely home. She captured the theme quite well. Flowers everywhere from neighbor Bill and perfect as many of scenes from the book took place in a garden.

Seed packets she placed at each place setting of the flower Moon flower vine. A name card of the Latin quote used on the angel charm which is the book theme. "Perfer it obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim. --- Be patient and strong; someday this pain will be useful to you. Also on the table, we found letters mentioned, so we could place in our hands and read once again.

Many tea sandwiches of cheese , chicken salad, delicious grape salad, pasta. and bean salad. I can hardly do it justice it was a delight to the tummy. Very glad I skipped lunch, for I needed to get seconds. Dorene also made a delicious Oreo ice cream chocolate dessert. Yum! Do hope Brenda shares her recipes on her blog. We also had many choices of cold teas and of course, Cokes... because, they were in the book! Note the beautiful angel at the buffet head another very significant part of the book.

"The Lost Hours" by Karen White was indeed a fun, summer, quick read for us all and did give us a few thoughts to ponder.... A Wonderful evening of Simple Pleasures... enjoyed by all! Brenda... Thank you for all the details and great evening.

Summer has always been my favorite season. I enjoy the beauty of it all and the busy activities and events within the season.
But alias it takes me away from my blog. I still enjoy reading all my favorite blogs. but to take time for my own ,eludes me.

this month we had a great book club at Lynn's beautiful home at the lake. I so enjoyed discussing "Alone". The book for August was revealed by Brenda with beautiful charm bookmarks. The next book will be, "The Lost Hours" by Karen White. Brenda assured us that it is read by those... Who enjoyed "The Forgotten Garden " by Kate Morton. Everyone I can tell, knows that is my Favorite read!

Do you not just love the flowers of summer? My sister- in- law Barb came to visit with her lovely daughter and new grandson. It was a joy to spend time with them. He is very precious. and what a great smile he has at all times. We also spend a bit of time visiting some thread and bead shops for our stitching projects. Also shared some tips with each other for future projects.

So for now, I will continue to enjoy all the beauty of summer and hope all of you are as well.

Birthday for USA

Celebrating our Country's independence. This a favorite of our family as you can see it brings us all together. My daughter designed and brought us all matching T-shirts. When the rest of crowd arrived no one had any trouble spotting a family member!

Our youngest member here to celebrate the Birthday. and the sweetest of us all..

Our eldest member of the family was my mother, I love her spirit. As the rain began to fall into the evening, she remained on the porch. You could here her laughter and cheering everyone on to celebrate. That rain did stay away for our Corn Hole Tournament competition. We had new champion team this year and the prize was... my top picture shows .. {abit of trouble trying to place pic in the right spot}

Need I mention, the great food... we all enjoyed?! Pork roast for all done by my Son-in-law Chris and a little assistance from my brother-in-law, Gerald. It was superb! :} Homemade Ice Cream, watermelon, wonderful salads and desserts brought by the many wonderful guests. Our granddaughter brought a slushie machine with a wide selection of flavored syrups. The kids line for that... went out the door! A big hit for sure Maddy!

Indeed it was a great celebration by all the wonderful friends of our children who attend and I thoroughly enjoyed having my sister and her husband, my brother, sister-in-law and wonderful daughter come. Thanks also for my dear sister, who brought mother to enjoy in the celebration as well. Indeed a great family and friend time had by all. We felt very blessed to share with them all!

Happy Father's Day

Time speeds by, so quickly and life just happens. How long ago was I just a child, happy to enjoy a family picnic at a park. I do not even remember where... We grow up, life's journey continues down the road.
I remember on this day my father. He has been gone from my life for over a dozen years. But, I still remember his words of wisdom given to me from my father.
He had a cherished laughter. I laugh that filled the room. When ever I had a story to tell him, I can still hear it's precious sound. He too had many to share of his stories with passion. In my memories, I see us sitting around the dinner table listening intently.
If I listen quietly, I can still hear those sounds.
Happy Father's Day
I will treasure the memories and the gifts of life, you gave, always in my heart.

New Boots

Pillows for a baby bee sister. Fun projects from treasures found at past vintage searches. Still have a few more to get together for another SIL. But as always fun to me, when a few are indeed completed. These have been mailed off and received. My sister has had quite a busy spring. Foot surgery to recover from... then legs that had veins to be removed and a new grandson to welcome to the family. In fact, beginning the journey of becoming a grandparent, a new first joyful experience for my sister. I have enjoyed this journey for many years and have enjoyed every moment.
In fact, this is my youngest one, showing her new cowboy boots. She got these today with her Aunt Rebecca. Yesterday, was her last day of school and she came home with me from work. Miss Maddy wanted to share a week with us, to celebrate the beginning of summer.

Just love those boots Maddy. Now to do some riding on your horse, Spot.

A Blessed Memorial Day to All

"Living" Pictures Pictures - CBS News

Soldiers placed to form living pictures! Mole and Thomas what creative people to bring together the many soldiers and create this... in the year 1910. Would you say, before Photoshop and digital enhancement? check out the many pictures done at various bases during this time of 1910 -- this one was done at Fort Dodge, Iowa.

I find these fascinating and love to ponder them. While remembering our soldiers, who have fought for our freedom and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Check out the many other photos at the above link and ponder.

Wow... a Great Weekend

A new colt arrived with our great mother Lady and he is a beauty... and...

This table built with father and son time for my son's green egg grill. Now getting ready to load for the trip home. but what a full weekend....

It had been a busy week work... but I knew my youngest son was coming home for the weekend to work on this project. This brought all my kids together with their families. It was such a wonderful impromptu gathering... Such joy to have everyone here. The table was finished and a bit of campfire fun and camping with the kids were done. I myself, rested in my own comfy bed when the tent time came. but did enjoyed the grilling time before the campout.

So glad the rains had stopped to have this wonderful weekend. I even still hit an auction with Rachel and Jamie... then met my other daughters and granddaughters at the Double R for lunch. We then decided to check out The Columns and had quite fun browsing the store together but... I took a quick time to sneak off and placed a bid on a crazy quilt, I had spotted at that auction. I then returned to see what they had found from their browsing time. The boys were busy working on their projects together and having their quality time as well.

On Sunday Kealah arrived with precious Laura and more joys playing with her. A bit of fishing was done at the pond with the girls.

I must say it was a great weekend! A Wow... for us both... to have everyone here sharing time together!

A Day in the Life of Iowa

Rain and more rain has been our week... But managed to continue to find joy amongst the raindrops. This goose had a partner, but just flew faster, then I could snap that picture. Don't just love how, they are always with a friend or partner? Water is getting close to the road but... maybe will hold out this time. Promise of sunshine for on Friday. Looking forward to see it's glory. Have a sunny weekend to you all.

Happy Birthday... Dear Laura

A celebration for a granddaughter... who just turned one year old! A smiling beautiful girl with her great great grandparents. This blessed granddaughter had seven grandparents with her this day to celebrate her first year of life! That in itself, is a wonderful blessing. We are thankful that everyone was able to attend and celebrate together. I find it is indeed a blessing to have a great granddaughter and look forward to her growing into a beautiful person as her mother and my daughter. Another joy of life indeed!

M-O-T-H-E-R

M is for the million things she gave me,
O means only that she's growing old,
T is the tears she shed to save me,
H is for her heart of purest gold
E is for her eyes with love-light shining
R means right and right she'll always be,
A word that means the world to me.

Howard Johnson 1915, songwriter

This is the song my mother said, she has been humming to herself all morning... Then she proceeded to sing it to me on the phone.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone.

Happy Nurses Day

This is National Nurses Week with the delegated day on May 6TH. I believe it was proclaimed by Pres. Nixon. But, we do date back to the Crimea War with Florence Nightingale. This picture is of the first ambulance for Iowa and who do you see but a nurse waiting to unload the patient. I do love this picture. Iowa Methodist and their school of nursing have been around since 1900. Unfortunately, the school closed in late 90s but our hospital is thriving.
Last night was a great time at book club at Linda's Victorian decor home. The food courses were... I believe, more delicious... then the ones discussed in our book's selection. "Service Included" Which was about being a Captain at the Per Se restaurant in New York City.
Time for me to head off for another stint at the E.R. and nursing challenges.
Happy Nurses Day to all you do the same...

May Day

May Apples in Iowa are always a sign that the Morel mushrooms time is here...

It was a busy May day weekend of springtime fun. Sunday found us resting from a busy weekend, but wanting to enjoy the beautiful weather. We took off for our hike into the back woods and saw many fields of May apples blooming... we searched and searched to find those prized mushrooms. Our friends Mike and Brenda had found quite a hull on Saturday and we were hoping to be as fortunate. It did appear... we should of went out on Saturday instead. We found them, but many looked.... as if they should of been picked on Saturday! We did manage to bagged this prize and find a couple others. A great size like this one, made a delicious meal for us!

Professional Bull Riding was in Des Moines this weekend and my daughter had given us tickets to enjoy the event in person. It was quite fun and enjoyed both nights! We stayed with my in-laws and that was a bonus of shared time together. It was also the opening of farmer's market downtown and a Arts odd & ends sale. The Art Center brings a fund raiser from supporters of the Des Moines Art Center. A dear friend, Julie at work stirred our interest for this event. It was filled with many shoppers and many items. I found a metal art lamp that was calling my name. Julie was weaving in the crowd also. We bumped into each other and her comment was... "this is insane"... but, I must say... interesting fun. Thanks for the heads up Julie.

Later I headed to the open house of the new location of Half-Priced Books Store with my MIL. Yet another place filled with lots of people. I loved the lay-out and plan to go back when I have more time to browse.

Needless to say, with such a jammed packed weekend after a long winter... we found ourselves a bit tired. But thankful to return to our place in the woods. The sounds of the birds seeing the May Apples, wildflowers, and mushrooms brought us joy.