A Miracle and a Gift

 

Good evening friends.  I know it has been such a long time since I have visited with you through my blog, but I have tried to keep up with you as you have posted on yours.  Hope all is well with all of you.

For those of you who do not follow me on face book, let me give you a quick update on my health issues. Saturday a week ago I was admitted to the hospital with yet another health problem.  Thank God they were able to find  the problem quickly and after several days in the critical care unit, I began to improve.  During those days, the kidney procedure that was scheduled was done in the hospital and I am so glad to report it was a success.  Praise the Lord.  I want to thank all of you who have sent up prayers for me during this time.  There was an abscess pressing on my kidney as big as a grapefruit. The doctors and nurses said it was a miracle that I was alive.  Had it busted, well,,,, the results would not have been good.  I am so thankful  God took care of me.  I am home with a drainage bag, but able to get out and about.  All the back, hip, an kidney pain is gone.  Again I am so blessed and am on the road to recovery.  Prayer changes things and I can't say enough how much I appreciate all your prayers and concerns.

Okay on to some fun stuff.  On Thanksgiving evening Mr. P . decided he was going shopping.  Now, you would have to know the Mister.  He is one who goes into a store, gets what he wants and out he goes.  Definitely not a shopper.  I was still sick, so I tried  to tell him he was going to have to be patient, careful, and have a good attitude as he did not know  what he was getting into.  Well, off he went.  He was gone maybe 45 minutes, when I heard him return.

 

Well he was smiling so he kept his good attitude, however he came in empty handed. He said he would pay whatever price rather than fight the mobs.  Didn't take him long to learn a lesson.

 

Mr. P. lives by the rule if it works leave it alone,  That goes for everything.  So needless to say we were still watching this.

 

 

I know, hard to believe huh?  Yep a little 19 inch. heavy t.v.  But it worked, had a good picture and yes it was a color t.v.   I guess since I had been home bound and sick, he felt sorry for me watching this thing all the time so he went and bought this.  The t.v. was what he was going to get on Thanksgiving evening.

 

 

 

Wow,,, what a difference.  I am in love with this one.  Yep, we have moved up a notch.  And I really think it is time. Sorry about the dried up magnolia leaves.  I haven't gotten around to decorating the mantle, since I have been sick.  Another picture soon, I promise.

 

While he was updating things around the house, he decided we needed new phones also.  What has gotten into this man??  And he also bought them while I was sick.  Think he does some good shopping on his own, right?  We now have smart phones and can't get use to them.  Yes, we are from the old school.  Change don't come easy for us.  Darbee Rae is trying to help Papa learn all about his.  And she knows what she is doing, too.

 

 

I have not had too much Christmas spirit up until now.  Feeling better, my mind has turned to all the things I have not been able to do before.  Today I started my candy making.  I can remember as a little girl, my mother and grandmother would make divinity together as it will harden so quickly once set.  They would dip it out onto wax paper together and I would patiently wait to lick the spoons they used.  Well today Holly and I made the first batch of candy and she and I and of course Darbee Rae dipped it out.. Was a perfect dry and sunny day for candy making. 

 

 

Why don't you come on over and I will share some with you.  Have you started your baking and candy making for the holidays yet?

 

I will be around more often now as I am feeling better.  Hoping you are all enjoying the season and lets not forget the real reason we have to celebrate.  The birth of  Jesus .  Wishing you all a blessed evening

 

Until next time..

A Little Extra Thankfulness This Thanksgiving

 

 

 

Good evening friends.  I bet many of you are in the kitchen preparing for the big turkey day tomorrow.  And so excited to be having family and friends gather around your tables.  Hope each and every one of you have a wonderful day.

 

I just wanted to stop in and let all of you know who have been so good to ask, pray, send cards , and show your concern about my surgery where we stand at this point.

Surgery was yesterday and it did NOT go according to plan.  Once Dr.N got into surgery, the kidney was not as the CT or MRI had portrayed it.  So the procedure he had planned could not be preformed.  And in the middle of the surgery my blood pressure hit rock bottom.  I was in recovery forever and they were trying to get it back up.  They had to admit me and this went on all night.  It did finally start coming up just a bit, and this afternoon I was released to come home. 

 

Yes this year Thanksgiving Dinner will be bought and brought to our table.  Holly and family will be with us, and we will all have a little something extra to give thanks for.  Although my problem has yet to be solved, and I am facing many more Dr. visits and procedures, God is still in control and he brought me through yesterday's ordeal

 

Hoping as you all gather around in preparation to consume turkey, stuffing , and all the fixings, you will pause and give thanks to God for all his blessings.

 

Until next time.

 

 

 

 

 

A Great Idea In the Wee Morning Hours

Hello all my friends.  Hope you have all finished your work week and are making plans for a great weekend. I finished all my Christmas decorating a little while ago, it's suppose to be a cold weekend , so I plan on nesting right here in the great room.  My kidney surgery is scheduled for this coming Tuesday and I don't want to take any chance of getting out and getting sick before then.  Please keep me in your prayers. 

And that brings me to the topic of my blog. There have been a lot of sleepless nights of late.  On one such night, I think a great idea came to mind.  Do you find yourself at every season photographing  the same areas of your home?  I am so guilty of that as I have very little wall space.  

 

This is one of those areas in my home.  This red cabinet is sitting on a white cabinet Mr. P. had made for me years ago, Here it is decorated for Christmas,

 

Here is another photo this time all decked out for Halloween. Okay so you get my point.  Well I have wanted a fireplace in my kitchen forever.  My kitchen is rather small  and I thought there was NO way I had anywhere to put a fake fireplace. 

Well ,bring on a sleepless night.  I way laying in bed thinking about my Christmas decorating and BOOM,,, there is was right in front of my eyes.  Get Mr. P. to make a fake mantle and put it right where the cabinets were sitting.  The red cabinet could hang over the fireplace. 

I was so excited to share my great idea with the mister when he came in from work the next day.  I told him exactly what I wanted.  Being the wonderful man he is, out came his tape measure and a few days later...... yes I had my new fireplace for the kitchen.  Guess that proves there is always room for something if you want it bad enough, huh?

So this year I have a new place to decorate and to share with you. Are you ready?

 

 

Yes, I think I had the perfect spot.  Looks so different than the cabinets that were there.

 

 

And with the red cabinet hanging above it.  I still have a little decorating to do on the cabinet, and I have to add  my greens. But I am so proud of my new fireplace.  Also brought a smile to my face as I have not felt like getting out and shopping lately.  I didn't have to leave home and got something new that I love.

 

I sure have missed meeting Holly and Darbee Rae everyday after school and going for lunch, shopping, and sometime just hanging out at their house. They rode out one day this week and we had a snuggle day.  Darbee Rae was so excited. She had to bring her new snowman p.js and we watched a Christmas movie.  She and Holly even brought popped corn.   Sure was good to spend some time with my girls.   So hoping soon I will be good as new and can resume the lifestyle I had a few months ago.

 

 

Well that's all on this cozy Friday night. Wishing all of you a great  and safe weekend. 

 

Until next time...........

A Wonderful Sunday

Good evening friends.  Hope you are all doing well and are enjoying the last few hours of a wonderful weekend. Although my health issues remain and I am hoping to get some results on my visit on Tuesday,  God is good and knows just what we need. 

For weeks, we had been invited to go to church with Holly and her family, and to lunch at a dear friends home and the men to have a target and skeet shoot competition after services. Well yesterday came and I just knew I was not going to be able to go,  Was in so much pain, I think I tried everything but standing on my head.  But you know what?  About 9:30, I sneaked into the bathroom and had a little talk with my Master.  I told him Sunday was his day, and if he would ease the pain, I would go to service and go to the festivities afterward as I wanted to so badly.  I came back in the great room and sat for a few minutes, went to the kitchen and made a ice box lemon meringue  pie. The ladies were to bring desserts.

Come this morning, yes there was pain, but nothing like yesterday.  I was able to get ready and us be at church on time.  God had answered my prayer. After hearing a great sermon, we all arrived at the home of my dear friend. 

Let me introduce you to Judy.  We were just kiddos, when my Daddy became pastor of the church where her family went.  We grew up together and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding.  She was a best friend.  Over the years, we grew apart, both of us busy with our lives and her having 6 children

A few months before Mother passed away at the nursing home, Judy's Daddy was admitted.  We saw each other there and began to reconnect.  She came to our girls party last year for Christmas and here we are today.  Seeing each other more lately than in many years.  Isn't it sad to loose contact with someone you love and share so many childhood memories with?

 

Thank you so much Judy and Ben for a warm welcome and a wonderful afternoon, I still love you girl.

 

And of course Darbee Rae has fun everywhere she goes.  She and Judy's grands are the perfect age for doing some serious playing

 

 

Ben was so good to the kids.  They got their turn at shooting too,

 

 

I think Darbee Rae found out, playing, and being a girly girl was much more fun,

 

 

 

Then came the time for the men to act like boys and the real shooting began,  It was so much fun to watch.  For me the skeet shooting is amazing,  I could watch all day,  Mr, P did okay but .......shhhhhh  his son in law out shot him by a mile,  In fact he got first place and got a trophy.

 

 

Yes today we did something out of the ordinary, and it ended being a wonderful day.  Memories that I will carry with me forever.  If you have someone you have been wanting to reconnect with , don't put it off,  Make arrangements to get together soon,  You will not regret it,

 

All you prayer warriors, please continue to keep me in your prayers.  God is good. I thank him for a great day.

Until next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Where Do I Start??

Hello to all of my blogging buddies. Remember me??  I know, it's been over a month since we visited , but here at the home place we have just been busy dealing with the cards life has brought our way. 

October is always a busy month anyway as I had a birthday, Holly and her Dad shared the same birthday, Darbee Rae had a birthday, and so did Kathy.  Whew,,makes me tired just typing it.  Well, I had a great day on Oct 4.  My BFF Jane and I took a short road trip, had a great lunch and was back in town in time to have ice cream cake with the family.  Oh, and Kathy's son shares my birthday as well.   On the 5th we went to the largest craft fair in our parts and it was so hot and we had to walk forever.  Not a single prim booth.

 

Traffic was backed up for miles and miles, waiting to park.

  Just not worth it, so don't think I will be going back.  Although the day was not wasted.  We found a neat restaurant that had a wonderful southern buffet to have a late lunch or early dinner. And then things started to go downhill.........

On Monday when my girls got out of school we were on our way to a neighboring town to get candles I wanted to go in my windows and a car rear ended us as we were waiting to pull into the road.  It was a  very hard lick in the back. Luckily we were not hurt and the lady who hit us was quick to admit she was not watching.  But my car was going to have to have a new bumper. Her car suffered much more damage as it busted her radiator, and knocked it into the fan,  We were  a little upset but continued our travel.  I did get my candles and will be able to leave them on year round in my windows.  

The next day I started feeling bad, and kept getting worse.  No, not from the wreck, but other health problems.  You must know, I have never ever really been sick.  Only had two X-rays in my life, only in the hospital 31 years ago when my child was born.  I usually go to doctor once a year for blood work and check ups. By Friday, I could not get to the doctor fast enough.  What was so sad, we had reservations at American Girl and Bristo to celebrate Darbee Rae's birthday  and for her to get a doll, and I was too sick to go.  Luckily Aunt Maudie was in town from TN and she took my place.

 

On Oct. 19, Darbee had her birthday party at the cabin for her and her little friends.  Holly did such a great job.  It was a "paint" party and the kids all had a blast.  The weather was perfect.  Cool and rainy, and we got to have a fire in the huge fireplace under the pavilion.  The family all spent the night ,but Mr. P and I went and stayed until bedtime.  Still not feeling great.

 

For Holly and Mr. P's birthday, the Davis' brought in supper and we had a quite evening together.

 

On Tuesday, we put the Car in the shop to be repaired and I had to get a rental.  That was a blast.  It only takes one young man to make you feel ancient.  Filled out the paperwork and he brought the car around.   He ask if I had ever driven a Hybrid???  I barely knew what that was. He told me to get in, it was running,,,,, really???  I couldn't even hear it.  And then he tells me you don't crank it with a key!  What???  And I have to drive this thing??  I told him I was from the old school.   He looked at me like I had four eyes.  Well me and the computer car made it home and believe me I have driven it only when I have had too.  I am so hoping to get my regular car back tomorrow. 

 

When I started this blog, my intention was to only share happy things in my life.  We all have boulders in our life.  It makes us that much more thankful for the good times.  But, I know there are lots of people who read my blog, who believe in the power of prayer.  So I am asking you to send up a prayer for me over the next two weeks as I have some test to try and find out what is going on.  Yes, I am a baby, and really don't know what to expect.  My first test is in the morning,

 

Okay on a bright side, I won a giveaway from White Sheep Farm while going through this.  I did explain why I haven't posted about my win and that will be my next post. Got some neat goodies.

 

Well, you know now why I have been missing .  I will try and be back soon.  Goodnight my friends,,,,   feeling BLESSED.

Vacationing in Amish Country

Hello  friends,  After being away so long,,,  I am trying so hard to get back on schedule.  But I have  to tell you something I am really proud of.  After not meeting my quota at this years craft show,  I have decided to make  try to make something for the show every week all year so that this won't happen and I won't have to get in a hurry next year.  Well,, so far so good.  Finished up a few stitcheries so far this month, little pumpkins, and 3 of these guys.  Don't you just love them?  I had never made a black jack before until this show and they sold right away on Sat. morning.  And guess what?  Holly and I both made us one.  WooHoo.  I rarely have anything that I make.

Okay,,, now on to our vacation.  We left on Tuesday after lunch and drove to Pigeon  Forge, TN, where we stayed the night.  We visited the new area not long opened called The Island.  They have a huge ferris wheel.  It changes colors while running as was beautiful.

 

We had a great supper at Cheddars and then were ready for bed.  We had a long drive still ahead of us come morning. 

 

 

We were on our way to Berlin, Ohio.  It is right in the middle of a huge Amish and Mennonite settlement.  Oh, we just love it up there.  Primitive shopping is everywhere and Mr. P. says the antiques in some areas are reasonable compared to around home. 

 

 

 

Love those huge witch's boots.

 

This is the porch of my favorite shop right on main street.  I really did some damage in that store.  I think we shopped there three different times.

 

Would have loved to brought this home with me, too.

 

We also love to ride the country side and enjoy the beautiful farms and the hard, but simple way of life for those that own them.  We were so excited when we came upon a barn raising.  We have seen pictures and read about them in the Amish books, but was thrilled to be able to watch.  We did at a distance so as to give them their privacy.

 

It was coming up lunch time when we drove by.  These big tents were up and the ladies were preparing  the noon meal for the men.  There were buggies and bicycles everywhere. 

 

The men were hard at work on the roof.

 

This was on Saturday afternoon.  Almost finished.  Just needed to add the doors,  Even has sky lights.  Was amazing seeing how the community came together to get  a task done.

 

We were driving down a very crooked country road and came up behind this buggy.  Thought it was funny that I snapped the picture right beside the Speed Limit Sign.  What??? No way you could go that speed on that country road.  Was tickled pink Mr. P. could not see far enough to go around the buggy.  Such a pleasant ride.  {hehe}

 

 

We always shop the market and buy butter and cheese to bring home,. Mr. P thought this horse and buggy was  cool.  What a great idea to have a trailer to pull behind it

 

 

On Saturday in Berlin was the annual Harvest Day Sidewalk sale, rib cook off and parade.  Last year it rained and most was canceled, but this year it was a beautiful day.  We were staying right on the street so we had a perfect spot to watch the activities from the steps of our hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

Families were coming from everywhere to watch.  All the kids had buckets and bags awaiting all the candy to be thrown from the floats.  I so enjoyed watching , This little boy was just precious.  I could hardly take my eyes off him

 

 

What a fun evening we had watching the tractors, and floats as they came by on the parade route.  After the parade we decided to go to our favorite Amish Restaurant to have our last big meal in Amish Country before we started on our journey back into TN, on Sunday to stay the night,

 

 

Love all the quilts on display in the restaurant.

 

We left around lunch on Sunday morning.  Everything in town is closed anyway.  We drove through Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia before finally reaching our Stop over for the night.  I love the long tunnels we go through.  We don't have tunnels here.

 

 

Although I love my home, we had such a great time on vacation, coming home was kind of sad.  We did stay over and do a little more shopping in TN, before finally getting back to GA. late on Monday night.  Holly had fixed supper for us.  I really missed my girls, but enjoyed our time away.  I got a few goodies to remind me of a great time,

 

 

Hope you have enjoyed traveling through Amish country with me.  It is a wonderful place to visit if you are given a chance to go. 

 

Until next time...

Our Annual Craft Show ,,, Now A Memory

Hello Friends.  I am not going to apologize for my absence because I have been so busy.  As most of you crafters know this is a very busy time of the year for crafting with all the fall shows.  I had to buckle down and work really hard the last month to have items made for our Labor Day show. I was blessed to have Holly and Darbee Rae come one day and help.  Darbee loved sanding for me.

   It is a 3 day show in our home town and we have been doing it for years.  I was a slacker this year and did not meet my quota that I should have gotten done.  But that is okay.  Mr. P. had his re purposed furniture which brings lots more money.  Actually I only have a few tables and use his furniture to display my items.  We did have a wonderful show despite the heat. 

 

Just love having lots of customers waiting on us when we open.

All these pieces were going home with one couple early on Saturday morning.  I really think I enjoyed this show better than any in years past.  We have so many customers who come and visit every year.  This year one lady brought pictures of her vintage/country farmhouse kitchen.  She had used many items she had purchased over the years from Mr. P.  Let me tell you, it was magazine material.  Beautiful.!     This year she purchased a chippy old white mantel and said it was going into her dining room, and would be sure to bring pictures back next year to show us.

 

Meeting new customers is always fun too.  We had a lady whose husband is on a work visa here from the Netherlands.  She bought a big heavy white bench Mr. P. had built and had an old 6 panel wood door for the back.  She ask if she paid extra would he put it on rollers and deliver it to her home.  He agreed and on Sunday afternoon our son -in-law went with him to deliver it in a neighboring city.  He came back saying the house was huge, in a gated community on the golf course, and ALL her furniture was on rollers.  Hmmmm, wonder if that is a common thing in her country.  She assured him when they went back home it would be on the container to go back to her country with her.  How neat to have a piece of Mr. P's furniture going so far away.

 

This year I added a fruit stand to my craft items.  It was so much fun watching folks come by and think the watermelons and peaches were real.  They were the hit of the show and once word got around all the vendors were coming over to see them.  They were made by  patterns from Make Me A Memory.  I so enjoyed making them.

 

 

 

A close up of the watermelons and peaches.

 

 

 

 

Some more random photos from the show.  Ornaments are my biggest sellers,  While stitcheries run a close race.  I am sorry we did not get a picture of the whole booth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These tussie muses were new and a great seller.  They were from a Dee Duncan pattern.

 

As always Mr. P. had his chairs and flowers.  This was my favorite one this year and the first one to sell early Saturday morning.  It was planted in an old sewing machine cabinet.

 

 

 

This photo was taken on Sunday afternoon, and you can see clearly how empty the booth had become. And we still had one more day to go.

 

 

Well another year has come and gone and I would like to say thank you to our family, friends, and loyal customers that support us every year.  Thank you to all the new customers and new friends we made at this show and hope to see you again next year.

 

So.....did we take a long rest once the show was over??? No,,, on Tuesday we left out for a much needed vacation.  Can't wait to share those photos with you in my next post.

 

Thank you all for stopping by.  I haven't forgotten my giveaway that will come up soon.  Stay tuned. Hope you all have a wonderful evening.  Until next time.