Pumpkins & Other Things

Here comes the Great Pumpkin--right down Pumpkin Lane.

That just goes to show why we don't have Halloween Carols--they're too hard to pen!

It's been a long, long time since I've had a few minutes to post. And will probably be a while before I do again.

But, this being my fav time of year, and being I don't have much planned for the next few minutes, and being I have missed this soooo much---here I am!!

My little pumpkin, Hank, is ill--he has flu & pneumonia. But, they started him on meds, and the Dr thought both were in the early stages, so he's home recovering. Just hate it when kids are ill. It's difficult to be pleasant when you are adult & ill---millions of times harder when you're only 3. And to this day, moms & dads don't get that. You have to become a yaya before it totally sinks in!

Plans for Halloween? We have the annual Trunk or Treat here in town, and Friday is the Merchant's Costume Contest---I think we're going to participate this year--depends on the weather. That's right, I said the weather. We are planning to do something to the outside of the kitchen front & if it rains Wed & Thurs (as predicted) that could put the hiatus on that!!!

I would like to take the time to carve some pumpkins--and by golly I just might. That's one of the things I miss most about having kids at Halloween--they keep you accountable for all the "traditions". Making costumes, baking cookies, carving pumpkins, fixing hot cocoa. All of those things that make this season so fun--yet are so easy to lay aside when no one is there to push the point. I think that's the reason we get old! We forget to have fun--to play--to create. And we become grouchy old blobs!!! So, get up off your tush & let's get to celebrating!!! Ok, I think I'll do some more decorating. Or maybe I'll go ahead & bake some cookies!

Drove through a neighborhood last Friday evening that was really decked out--didn't have my camera!! boo hoo Sooooo I think I'll go back one evening this week & snap some shots!! Hope they don't report me!! I'll post them too!!!

Have a good week all---and get to having some fun.

Apple Butter Making Days!

This is my son-in-law stirring the apple butter in town square at Mt Vernon MO.

Courthouse steeple in Mt Vernon.

Apple Butter Making Days awards. Think these were "special order"????

And here we are--except Erin, who was taking the picture. Daughter, son-in-law, son, me, Hank, hubby. Yes we all loaded up (even my sis & her husband--I'll have to share more pics later) and drove to Mt Vernon MO a couple of weeks back for Apple Butter Making Days. This is a festival that has gone on for several decades. It's a BIG deal in Mt Vernon & over a 3 day time period, they have around 30,000 visitors--not too shabby for a town of around 4,000!!!

Lots of crafts, talents, and food--lots and lots of food. Lots of apple butter! It sells out quickly so we got our case first! And it is delicious!

Looks as if this will be our vacation this year. The economic fall hit us pretty hard, but we are recouping! Hubby finally found a job in June, and the catering is steady, so can't complain. We are determined to stick to our policy of not owing for anything-- no vacations, no big outlandish Christmas presents, no THINGS. It's quite freeing actually. We no longer assess our "wealth" by the things we aqcuire. We've become more focused on who we are than on what we have. And it feels pretty danged good! We now know to enjoy each & every moment regardless of where we are, we take time to visit with family rather than taking time to decide what we shall do! Time will come when we can visit the country, but right now, we are so very grateful for how God has blessed us. We have health, we have food, we have a roof over our heads.

And today, of all days, that being blatantly shined in my face. I am on my way to a funeral--a girl I was raised with, her mother is one of my mother's best friends, we spent alot of time at their home growing up. She was 4 years younger than me, so we didn't "run around" with one another. But she was part of my background. And she passed away suddenly Thursday morning--died in her sleep. Makes me stop and take stock of what is important. And it sure ain't things!!! It's my kids, my family, my husband, my spiritual growth, untangible items that are eternal.

Whew--enough of the "debbie downer"!!! It's a beautiful day--sun shining; I was afraid it had closed it's doors due to lack of funding! It's crisp cool--just the kind of weather that makes you feel alive. Pumpkins are showing up on all the doorsteps, fall colors are beginning to show themselves, the harvest moon is on the horizon. It's just great---I love this season!!! Best of all-The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown will be on soon---

And then the season of overeating!!! What more can a plump gal ask?

Ok, enough rambling. Have a wonderful fall day!!!

Family Reunions

1st & 2nd cousins.

All the gang who showed up.

Yes I know you don't have a clue who these people are--and I don't intend to list all their names. BUT--this is a family reunion from my dad's mother's side of the family. And these are the remaining few.

It makes me a bit sad that so many of them have gone --- and that a few others don't attend. It makes me a bit sad such a one time large family has dwindled.

My grandmother was one of 7 (I think???) children. And then they all married and had children. So at one time, this was a big group getting together. I remember 35 years ago, when I was newly married, meeting with great uncles, 2nd & 3rd cousins. I just didn't appreciate how meaningful those family ties would become.

Why do we miss those so very much when we didn't even see them that often? Well, because that's our family. It's where we came from and who we were & are. My grandmother stayed here in her hometown until she was unable to care for herself alone. I believe 2 of her brothers stayed here also. Other brothers lived only 30 minutes away; one had the nerve to move out of state. But even with all the closeness of proximity, families got so busy raising their own kids, working, keeping up with daily life, that after "great grandmother" passed, the gatherings diminished. It was too bad, cause we have such a great time when together!

My dad had only 1 sister & i brother--he never married. I had 3 cousins, girls, that we were raised with almost like sisters. We have tried to remain active in one another's lives, but, alas, it is difficult.

Still, when we get together, we laugh til our sides hurt, reminiscise, gossip, eat, hug---we are family. We will forgive faults & failures, rejoice in triumphs, love unconditionally--we are family.

If I Had Known. . . . . .

It's now been a year since I quit my stable, regular hours job & bought a catering business. What a year! A year of getting my feet wet in this business--of learning how to take really deep breaths when frustrated, cause nothing else will suffice--learning who should do what around the kitchen---so many more "learnings" but it would just bore you to tears.

One major thing I have learned is how tough I really am. When I'm dead tired, but have to finish the dishes, set out the trash, make the paperwork for the next day, schedule orders in the right fashion, make a grocery list, I have learned I can keep on moving! And I have learned that I can only please one person--myself.

This "owning one's own business" is not for the frail or weak! The business never leaves--it's like a shadow, always right behind me. Even when I take a day "off" there are errands to run, groceries to purchase, menus to plan. It just never stops. And the stress of it all can be overwhelming! But, there again, I am one tough cookie.

I love the picture at the top of this post--even have a card. But it really, really has alot to say about my life! I "spot" clean, do laundry, wipe off the toilets, but my gosh--how I long to clean out the closets & rearrange the kitchen cabinets! That's how desparate I have become for "me" time!!! I'm willing to do housework to relaxe!!

Just wanted to keep in touch--hope you are all ready for fall cause here it comes!

Happy Fall!

Where Have I Been????

Wow-it's been a long LONG time since I updated my blog--hope I haven't lost any friends--It's just that summer has been long & hot, and alot has been happening. The picture above pretty much sums up what I do 24/7. I cook, bake, serve, arrange, display, and do it all over again. The above was a "pink & black" shower given for a friend of my sisters. It turned out really cute and, of course, the food was deliciouso!!

And then there's Hank--the apple of my eye, the treasure of my heart. I try to have him at least one night every two weeks--I'd have him over more, but his mom & dad are stingy & won't give him up. It's like they LIKE him or something!! ha ha But he is growing like wheat--and now he's going to be a big brother. Mack Alexander will be born sometime around Dec 10. We are too excited to describe. AND--the kids are trying to move back to this area. Like 5 minutes away from me. Like I will see them every stinkin day if I choose!! Nooooo I'm not glad at all!!!

This wasn't part of the above shower, but it was for another shower. Seems like all the gals are requesting pink and black! Well, I like the combo also, and I like the zebra effect on the cake.

These were part of the pink & black shower. They were really cute! Oh it's so much fun to take creative license! And most of the time the shower givers let me.

This summer wasn't nearly as slow as I had anticipated. I really thought July would be a lazy time---but NO! It was extremely busy. No complaints tho--it pays the bills! The past two weeks were a little slower but the calls have been coming in this week. One year ago today I was so afraid of jumping feet first into this venture. I was working my final days at the school and trying to understand all of this catering. Now, after one full year, it is so much more comfortable! I do miss the office crew & the comradery that we shared--I have to stop in & see them every so often. And they do call on me to provide food when needed, so the cord isn't completely severed!

But life has definitely changed. And I am working my butt off and enjoying (almost) every moment! Except when I drag home exhausted. Which is at least 2 or 3 times a week. But after a good nights rest, I'm ready to rock & roll again.

AND--I have become an addict. Yes, I admit it--I have joined the wonderful world of facebook. It has hooked me up with so many friends & acquaintances I haven't heard from in eons. It's been fun to have popcorn conversations.

AND--hubby has gone back to work---yoo haw!!! We once again have insurance & steady income (from him). I'm certain he feels better about himself also. He's back in the aerospace business & we are fully aware that could change at any given moment. But for now, we'll just take one day at a time.

Ok, gotta run & email some quotes for fall events. Just wanted all of my cyber friends to know I will still be reading your blogs!

Hello August!!

Gosh, where does the time go???? Today is the first Monday in August, kids are preparing to return to school, summer is winding down and today I had a ROOT CANAL!!!! Yes, I know none of those things have anything to do with the other--sometimes I talk in circles!



I had today off & tomorrow also, then the calendar is full. Don't you just love a day off? Just the sound of it is relaxing!!




So, not much going on--except the ROOT CANAL. I must confess, it wasn't nearly as bad as I anticipated. Well, that is, after the injection! Since the tooth was a lower one, the entire nerve had to be blocked---ouch! Then it had to be "renumbed" as I felt something! Ouch!!! After that it was smooth sailing. The Dr appeared to be something like 15 years old. It's sad how young the drs are looking these days.




So now it's evening---I have tomorrow off---and I'm enjoying life!



You have a good evening & I'll post more later.

Down Time

I found some pictures taken last year during our Colorado vacation & thought I'd share them--perhaps again? I don't remember! Anyway, today I have a day off. And I'm running around trying to do anything and nothing. I start one thing then decide to go to another. So, as usually happens, nothing will get finished!!! Our days are so filled with timelines, committments, meetings, etc., that we have totally forgotten how to just "be". Just sit & relax. Try it---bet your mind's voice will start to tell you the house is dirty, the laundry needs folded, dinner needs planned, projects need finished, the lawn needs mowed. And on and on and on it goes. Until sometimes one just has to say STOP!!! And see the flowers!! (Nice seguey, huh????) I'd love to be looking out the front window and see this--it was soo cool (temperature) there. I'd like to just take it all in once more. Guess in my mind's eye???

And these beautiful poppies---we were so enamored with the colors of the mountain flowers. With all the 100 temps here, the flowers are spending all their energy here just surviving! But up in the mountains, where the days are cool and the nights are cooler, and streams flow around each and every corner, the flowers can take the time to work on those gorgeous colors!

Aren't these lush? They remind me of velvet. Maybe a Valentine's flower, or a Mardi-gras flower. Love those combinations of Mother Nature!!! She's certainly not afraid to combine the most vibrant of colors in the most unusual of ways. Extravagance of the eye!

And now, I'm thinking of a couple of other things I can run to. Oh right! Relax!!!

Have a great day!