The Latest

October has been jam packed with lots of fun and we finally have some fall weather to enjoy.  I'm excited to share some of my fun with you.

I am in a Pokeno group and we play the first Thursday evening of every month.  I hosted it this month and even though it was still rather warm here at that time, I just pretended that fall had arrived  and the temps were cool.  I served a chili dish and used fall decor.  Don't you just love my cute goblets with the fall leaves?  I found those at the Dollar Tree a few days before and had to have them.  I mean for $1.00 each, why not? ~chuckle~

I attended a function at this gorgeous home a couple of weeks ago.  Isn't that front entry something else!  The lady hosting this function has such a flair with decorations.

Our sweet Case was 2 months old yesterday.  His Momma found him some cute caps to wear during his first Oklahoma winter.  We went to see this little guy and his family a couple of weeks ago.  We had such a good time but the weather was sooo cold and it was sooo WINDY!  We left 90+ degrees for 30's and 40's degrees.  Burrrrrrr!

Bridget and I went to the outlet mall for a while one day and Poppa and Case hung out in the food court area.  We would check in periodically and they were both doing well, so it all worked out and was a fun outing for us.  Poppa had to have a refresher course in giving a baby a bottle. ~grin~

Clancy celebrated his 11th birthday on Oct. 2nd and he got a guitar.  I know, the guitar looks bigger than he does.  But, the salesman assured them that this was the size he needed.  He has started guitar lessons and is eager to learn. He told his Momma and Daddy that he wanted to play in a praise and worship band one day.  And, I have little doubt that if he sets his mind to it, he will do it. 

Coleman is going to be a dragon for Halloween.  He could hardly wait for the costume to arrive and once it did, he did not want to take it off.  He puts it on everyday.  

On our way to Oklahoma we stopped to see my only two paternal cousins.  We had not seen each other in 20+ years.  We had such a good time recalling childhood memories and catching up with each other.  We all agreed that we would not allow so much time to pass between our next visit. 

The Grandgirls had their pictures taken in the cotton fields a few weeks ago.  Cotton field pictures are popular here and always make for such a great background.  And, I love the one of the girls not in the cotton field as well, especially the way the sun is setting between the trees.  

Andi Kate had to decorate a pumpkin this past weekend as one of her favorite book characters.  She chose Fancy Nancy.  My DIL invited me over to share in the fun and I thought Fancy Nancy turned out as cute as can be.  I don't know how we survived our kids school projects without Pinterest.  It is such a helpful resource. We had such a fun time being creative.

Tommy and I have never had professional pictures taken.  We've had pictures taken for church directories but they are generally not anything to get excited about.  I decided it was time for us to have some taken.  We did them about an hour before sunset and had such a good time.  I imagine the gal took close to 200 pics.  We had a zillion poses of us together and by ourselves and different outfits.  I was so pleased and these are 3 of my favorites. 

Have a wonderful new week!

22 Random Facts About Me

This was another Q and A I saw on Facebook a while back and thought it would make a good blog post.  If you are like me, it's always interesting to know more "tid bits" about folks. So, in case you are interested..........

1. Do you make your bed every morning?

Well, depends on what you call "make." ~chuckle~ I don't always put the spread, the pillow tuck and the pillows on the bed, but our bed is always made.  That means sheets are straightened, retucked , and  and folded back very neatly and the pillows are always fluffed and all is ready for us to crawl in a neatly made bed that night.

2. What was your first car? 
I did not have a car until after I was married.  I occasionally got to drive our family car before that.  My first car was a red Pontiac Firebird  with a white vinyl top that my Hubby and I bought shortly after we married.  

3. What two grocery items do you never run out of?
Only two???  Well, I'd have to say bread and cheese.  I guess that sounds weird but cheese toast is a staple at our house.  No joke!

4. At what age did you start doing your own Laundry?
Hummmm.......I never remember doing my own laundry until after I got married.  That's hard for me to believe because I had a lot of responsibility around our house growing up but I don't  remember ever doing my own laundry.

5.if you could, would you go back to high school?

I do have fond memories of my high school years but not fond enough to go back. 😆

6. Can you parallel park in under 3 moves?

Even if I do say so, I am a VERY good parallel parker.  And, of course, the backup screens in vehicles today make it all the easier.  

7. A job you had which people would be surprised you had?
Money was very, very tight when I was a teenager and I was always looking for ways to make money.  During the summer when I was 15 and 16 I cleaned two of our neighbors houses and did their ironing.  I was thrilled too death with the little bit of money I made.

8. Do you think aliens are real?
NO

9. Guilty pleasure?
I love Shark Tank and have probably watched EVERY episode!  I enjoy those trying to get a deal and I enjoy watching the Sharks reactions to the various products, services, etc. And, finally seeing those that land a deal. I have never watched any other show as much as Shark Tank in my life.

10. If the world ends, do you want to be one of the survivors?
I'm proud to say that I have the guarantee of being an ETERNAL survivor because I know Jesus Christ as my Savior.  As a result, I am going to live forever in my heavenly home. 

11. Sweet or salty?
A little of both but prefer salty a little more

12. Do you enjoy soaking in a nice hot bath?
I do but I NEVER take the time to do it.  We have an awesome spa tub in our Master Bath and I've only been in it one time since we moved in this house 4 years ago. 
~what a shame~

13. Do you consider yourself a strong person?
I really do.  I've surprised myself over the years how often I've had to pull myself up by my bootstraps and trudge forth.  I might break after the fact but I  do what I have to do when I have to do it.

14. Something people do that drives you nuts?
Folks that have no clue about time or organization if it affects me.  Hey, if it doesn't affect me, well, no BIG deal.

15. Do you have any birthmarks? 
I always wanted a birthmark when I was little but I did not and still do not have one.

16. Favorite childhood game?
Monopoly. Our family did not have a TV until I was 9 years old so we filled our time playing games.  I have the fondest of memories of us gathered around the kitchen table playing games.

17. Do you talk to yourself?
I did as a child, all.the.time.  But, guess I outgrew it but on a rare occasion I might revert back to my childhood. ~chuckle~

18. Do you like doing jigsaw puzzles?
Not particularly

19. Tea or coffee?
Oh, COFFEE all the way!  My days begin with a fresh cup or two and it's not unusual for me to enjoy it in the afternoons in cooler weather.  I love me some coffee!!!!

20. First thing you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
Besides a wife and mother, I always wanted to be a nurse.  But, that wasn't in the cards but I have been a long time care giver and that's often sort of like being a nurse. ~smile~

Wednesday Medley

Thanks to Katsumi for taking over the Wednesday Medley since our friend, Terri retired from doing it.  

1. The first week of October is National Mystery Series Week. Do you sleuth alongside Nancy Drew or Miss Marple? Fan of Nero Wolfe? 



Well, I must confess that I have never even heard of any of these except Nancy Drew and I've never read any of her books.  

2. The first week of October is also National Chili Week. Do you plan on celebrating with a bowl of red? Have a top secret recipe to share?


Oh, we are big chili fans here and I'e already made a big pot in spite of the hot weather.  And, I always make enough to freeze.



And, my "secret" recipe is this box of Ballow's Chili seasoning.  Oh, my goodness, my sweet neighbor told me about this a couple of years ago and I've been a "believer" ever since.  Even my Hubby said it was the best chili he's ever eaten.  So, go get yourself a box!  Cooler weather is eventually going to get here. ~smile~


3. October 2nd is National Name Your Car Day. Does your car or did a family car have a name? 
Neither of our cars have a name but when I was growing up our family car always had a name and it was Bessie.  I can still hear my Daddy talking to her.  Perhaps it's time for us to name our cars.  That might be fun!

4. Today is also National Walk To School Day. Did you walk to school with your friends? Take a school bus? Ever have someone carry your books home from school? 
Indeed, I walked to school and later rode a school bus.  I never had anyone carry my book though.  My Mom sent me out the front door to walk about a block to school in the first grade and, amazingly, the thought of anything happening to me on the way to or from never entered her mind.  ~sadly times have changed~

5. And it is National Pumpkin Seed Day. Do you like pumpkin seeds? Do you carve the pumpkin and roast the seeds? Do you buy packaged, prepared pumpkin seeds? Or more of a pumpkin spice person?


Well, I've never heard of such a day and while I love pumpkin and all things pumpkin, I've never, ever tasted a pumpkin seed.  And, they don't sound appealing to me at all.  Pumpkin Spice, yes, very appealing!

6. Please tell us something interesting about your week. 

Today is this little guy's 11th birthday.  How can it be?  He was the one that made us Grandparents for the very first time.  He is one the sweetest and most responsible kids I know and is the best BIG brother.  We love our Clancy!

Happy mid-week!

Prime Purchases

Well, what a way to start October!  The first Tuesday happens to fall on the very first day of the month and that means it's all about Prime Purchases.  You know I love this link up and love sharing with you my "finds" this past month.


Shine Infusion Spray 
Do you ever wish that your hair had more shine?  Well, my dears, if you do, then you need this Shine Infusion spray by Chi.  It adds the loveliest shine that is not sticky or yucky.  

AMAZON

Candlesticks
Amazon has some of the nicest pieces of home decor that I'm slowly but surely discovering.  I ordered two of these Royal Victorian Candlesticks for our foyer table and they are just gorgeous and look like they belong there.  I am using electric candles and they have the nicest glow through the globes. They are 23 1/2 inches tall. I was worried that they would arrive broken but they were packed wonderfully and without any damage.





AMAZON


Walnut Orbs
I needed some decorative filler for one of my fall containers and these  "fit the bill."  They are Walnut Orbs.  They, too, were perfect and look so nice.






AMAZON

                                                            Decorative Filler                                                           

And, more decor........these orange and ivory pumpkins made the perfect filler for another container I had.  They are well constructed and look even better in person.  I was most pleased. 




AMAZON



Disposable Gloves
I use disposable gloves a LOT!!!  And, it is so hard, or has been for me, to find them in sizes.  All I've found in our area are one size.  Well, one size isn't worth a flip in anything as far as I'm concerned.  No joke!  I want these to fit my hands tightly so that they stay on good.  I found these some time ago and they are great and I had to reorder .  As I said, I use these a lot for various things.  I always order 2 boxes at a time.




AMAZON


Sheets
If you are in the market for new sheets then you may want to check these out.  My friend, Katie, over at Preppy Empty Nester, recommended them the other day.  Katie likes good quality so when she recommended them I immediately went to check them out and ordered some.  They have extra deep pockets and are made of a soft, soft micro fabric. A set of king size is only $45 and they come in several great colors. If you are a lover of 100% cotton sheets then these will be an adjustment for you. ~smile~



AMAZON

Disposable Napkins
I found these Simulinen napkins a couple of years ago and I've never seen them anywhere except on Amazon.  They are the closest disposable napkin to a linen napkin that I've ever seen.  They are 16x16 and come in just about any color you could want and are very, very durable.  They work very well in napkin rings too.  They are a bit pricey, about 50 cents a piece but, I do not use them that often, so their worth it to me.  I just got these bronze colored ones to use for my Pokeno group this Thursday evening.  They are such a great color for fall.  And, the only upkeep they require is walking to the trash can to drop them in after they have been used.  A winner!

AMAZON

And, there you have it, September's prime purchases.

Welcome Fall.......

Today is the "official" first day of fall, BUT.......It feels like anything but fall here in NE Louisiana. It appears that this week is going to be in the low 90's and that is a nice drop from the 100+ degrees we've endured the past 2-3 weeks.  So, if those temps will keep right on falling then perhaps we'll be "officially" into fall before too much longer.

In spite of the high temps I put out my fall touches a couple of weeks ago.  I was more than ready for "all things fall."  I found these jeweled place mats at Homegoods when we were in Atlanta a few weeks ago and they work so well as the surface for some of my touches.  And, I got my jeweled pumpkin table runner at Pier 1 about 3 years ago and just love it.

I had a good time getting my tiered tray decked out with all things fall.  Between Amazon, Hobby Lobby and Etsy, I thought it turned out really cute.

Over the past few years I have picked up these touches at Homegoods, Tuesday Morning and this year I ordered the beautiful bronze leaf bowl (lower left hand picture) for the sideboard from Wayfair and the decorative pumpkins from Amazon.  Their all very simple but make a nice fall statement.

This little antique children's bench always looks nice with a decorative pillow(s) for the various seasons or holidays. Homegoods has the most wonderful selection of decorative pillows.

I am so proud of this new arrangement for our dining table.  Since moving in our new house 4 years ago I've  used the same arrangement pretty much all year long.  But, I decided that I wanted to change and use something that would be appropriate from now until spring.  The other arrangement will be perfect for spring until fall.  I do remove them if we use the dining table and I generally use something different at Christmas.  These arrangement are so big and tall that storage for them can be very challenging.  Thus, the reason I only want two of them. 

And, that is my "fall touches" that await falls arrival. 

And, I leave you with this sweet picture of Bridget and her boys.  This was one of the many pictures taken during Case' newborn photo session. When I saw this it made my heart smile really BIG!!!

Happy Fall Y'all!!!!!

Inquiring Minds Want to Know!

I have been "missing in action" lately and I do apologize but I just have not been in a "blogging" state of mind.  And, as I've stated before, blogging is purely fun for me and  if I feel that I "have" to, it ceases to be enjoyable.  So, hang in there, I'll at least try to make my posts enjoyable for you when I do blog.

Today's entry was another "FaceBook find" and I thought it would make a great blog entry. And, I always enjoy reading this type entries from others as it's a way to get to know them better.  

▪️First job - Well, as a teenager I babysat, cleaned houses and did a couple of neighbor's ironing.  My first job at an established business at the age of 16 was for Kroger's as a checker.  And, my first job as a young married was a teacher's aide.  I've done a little bit of everything over the years.

▪️Current job -Domestic Engineer, keeping the "home fires" burning and CFO of my husband's insurance business.  That means I pay the bills for him and make sure payroll info gets to proper authorities. 

 ▪️Dream Job - I have always thought I'd love to be a nurse and in all my years of care giving I have often thought that I had earned that degree. ~smile~  But, I'm pretty content with my life just as it is.

▪️Favorite food - Bacon and anything with bacon in it.  Love me some bacon!

▪️Favorite dog - Hands down, a Golden Doodle.  I'm not really a "pet" person but if I were, I would have a miniature doodle.  I'm pretty sure they think they are human.

▪️Favorite footwear-I'm a big fan of Michael Kors shoes, they are very stylish and comfortable.

▪️Favorite Candy - The ooey, gooey Turtle candy. I never, ever eat them but they have just the right amount of everything I like, chocolate, pecans, and caramel. And, they have just come out with "Turtle bites" and I did buy a bag of those the other day but have only eaten one.  Shucks, even the bites have 55 calories in them and they are just that, a bite.  But, ever so often, just a bite will do. 

▪️Favorite Ice Cream- Blue Bell Vanilla and slivered almonds make it all the better.

▪️Your Vehicle color - Pearl white and I'm pretty sure it is the most popular color of vehicles on planet earth.  There's sure nothing unique about it.

▪️Night owl or early bird - Early bird, I've always loved the early morning and am most productive in the early hours of the day. 

▪️Favorite day of the week- Even though I do not work outside the home, I still seem to really enjoy Saturdays. But, it really depends on the week.

▪️Tattoos - Well, not unless you count permanent makeup.  I've had my eyeliner, eyebrows, and lips all tattooed and, might I add, the eyebrows and eyeliner were bearable but the lips, Oh, my goodness, NOT worth the pain I endured. ~just sayin'~

▪️Like to cook -Well, I don't mind cooking and am definitely not a gourmet cook, just plain and ordinary.  I LOVE to bake and feel I'm a much better baker than cook.

▪️Can you drive a stick shift- Indeed I can, it's what I learned to drive on and it was in the hills of Virginia.  Oh, my, it was an experience to say the least.

▪️Favorite color - A blue gray but my closet screams black and white. ~chuckle~

▪️Do you like vegetables -There's few if any vegetables that I do not like.  I could live off veggies for sure!

▪️Do you wear glasses- Only readers and sunglasses.  I can't make it without either of them.

▪️Favorite season- It's a tie between Fall and Spring.  I'm always excited for both of them to arrive.

I'm betting you found out something about me that you didn't know.  And, I can't close without sharing a picture of our little Case.

Indeed, he is one very LOVED little boy.  He'll be a month old Thursday.

August Prime Purchases

And, it's the first Tuesday of September.  My goodness, we won't turn around twice and it will be Christmas.  Speaking of Christmas, perhaps you will see something here today that would make a good gift for someone on your list.  This is always a favorite post for me as I do love shopping Amazon.  It doesn't get any easier, that's for sure!


I have a lot of  4 X 6 frames as that is the size that I prefer to have sitting around.  Most of them are several years old the easels on many of them are just about worn out.  I decided to replace the oldest ones and I found the greatest selection on Amazon.  I love the vintage look and I've had a good time filling them with pictures.  I never lack for pictures with 5 Grans. ~chuckle~


AMAZON


AMAZON

If you are in the market for a comfortable, yet stylish pair of shoes then these may be for you.  They are by Softt.  It seems that all of the "comfort" shoe manufactures have really gotten on board with very stylish looks along with their comfort.  I got these in this platinum color and also black and they come in 5 other colors as well.  They can be dressed up or be worn with jeans.  Suit yourself but I promise you that they are comfortable and I feel very secure walking in them.  








AMAZON

I've shared with you before pillows that I have gotten off Amazon.  This is a zippered heavy cotton and linen 18 x 18 pillow cover.  I ordered the pillow inserts as well and I am using them on the benches on our front porch for fall.  They are so colorful and perfect to welcome fall.  Amazon has pillows, pillows and more pillows for any and all decorative purpose you may need/want them for.

AMAZON

And, my last item are these fabulous bags!  They are a silver heavy duty plastic bag that can be used as a tote, gifts, shopping or you name it.  They are around 15" x 14".  You can ask my daughter or DIL and they will tell you that I.love.BAGS!  Bags of all shapes, designs and size.  If they need a bag they know who to call.  I seem to use them all the time for one thing or the other.  So, thought I might not be the only person that loves pretty bags.  And, these are ONLY $19.99 for a package of 50.  Can't beat that! 

AMAZON

That's it for this month's Prime shopping post.  Hope you found something you can't live without.  ~chuckle~  Always a fun post for me.  

Wishing all of you a wonderful week and thinking of and praying for all our dear friends in the path of hurricane Dorian.