Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for so many messages, phone calls and contacts from everyone - family, friends, and neighbors.

I am thankful to be able to cook my meal and have leftovers to package up for other future dinners.

I am thankful that I don't feel alone and have a special candle burning at the empty seat in my dining room. I lit it at 7:30 am and at 5pm it is still going strong. 

I am thankful for peace and quiet and the ability to look out my windows and see others enjoying the fresh air as they walk around the lake, probably after having their own good meal. 

Of course these are only a very few of my current feelings of thankfulness but I do experience it every day.

My beverage was a delicious glass of local cider. Next year I must remember to make some of the tiny creamed onions that everyone always loved when we fed a crowd!

don't forget to click on image to view larger

My approach is:  less is more - keep it simple. 

Some Treasured Gifts Through the Years

Each and every item shown here was a gift from a friend or relative. These are memories galore and thankfulness to all the givers. 

Many are hand-made. Remembering through photos is easy for me and, hopefully will give insight to others when I'm no longer here. Each image is documented as I have had a photo book made with information printed on a list inserted into the back of the book. 

The Lawrence Welk Show - Easy Listening - Interview Clay and Sally Hart ...

One hour of easy listening and watching at your convenience, to start the new year with music and dance. I hope you will share with me some of the old favorites...when you get a few minutes to relax.

Best wishes to all for a very productive and happy NEW YEAR!!

James - 2011

Frozen in January.

He started of the year with a new scarf and continued to become a fashion plate. His duds were varied through the seasons. In April, his attire drew a comment from a young grandson, who said, "Grandma! James would be embarrassed if he saw himself in flowers! He's girly!" Well, yes he was, but Spring was here and she brings birds, bugs and flowers. Besides, what is most beautiful in virile men is something feminine!

July brought flags, banners, and fireworks as he celebrated Independence Day with us by displaying the symbols of our independence.

August is a grand month for going fishing, exhibiting your license on your hat of course, and then for a birthday party celebration! As anticipated, his buddy "Wylie" breezed in.

When we left him for our extended vacation in September, he was chained to the premises as it was important to ensure he'd remain safely on guard. He aged during that time, becoming a bit greener around the gills, but staunchly held his ground even though his hat was snatched by a crow!

Turkey feathers RED??? Well, why not! Thanksgiving is all about thankfulness for colorful leaves, pilgrims, indians, gatherings, friends and family.

James is, after all, family!

Appreciation?

The Monday laundry blows in the wind - too much! I hate it when the sheet flips over the top line. I can't reach it to flip it back and if I reel the line in, the line soils the sheet as it rubs along. Sheets always seem to do this, but I'm simply not going to change the way they are pinned; the sun wouldn't do its job with the whitening and purifying process. And yes, I'm a bit old-fashioned.

Do you see the clothespin on the left bottom side? I jumped out of the box today - again. I grabbed the first thing of the correct size and weight and handy and pinned it inside the corner of the problem item. Threat altered!

I must tell Sue how much I appreciate the gift she gave me yesterday. It traveled far with her through several flight stopovers and held especially for a later presentation in a more relaxed environment.

I'll also tell her that I haven't found a non-conventional use for the exotic tea yet and will most likely just sip a cup soon.