Monday, November 11, 2013

A Nice Day to Sit on the Porch



This was a really nice day to sit on the porch and appreciate what we have.  Saying thank you to all our veteran's doesn't seem quite adequate....but it's ONE thing we can do....so,  for all of you veteran's out there...a huge THANK YOU!  I couldn't enjoy my life on this porch if YOU hadn't taken care of us in 'sunshine and in shadow.'  Much gratitude and love to you all (including my own hero, the old navy man!)
 

Sitting on the front porch this afternoon was a beautiful  experience...somewhat quiet, an almost  'whisper' of a breeze, a lot of sun and birds singing.  Quite lovely and I'm so lucky to have this porch to spend some good time on.


Sitting in my chair, I snapped this photo....that's the Catholic Church parking lot across the street....I love those trees way at the back.  I've seen deer and other wild animals over there from time to time and standing back in those trees brings a feeling of peace over you.....very quiet.



They are building something on the other side of the church and I think that is lumber or some such sitting back there.  I need to begin walking back there again...but haven't made myself do it for quite a while.  Sometimes I lose my determination...especially when it comes to exercise.

  

This is another view of the church property...this old house they use for children's events and such, I'm told.  The church building is over to the right of this little house.  The tree in this photo is the same one I was so upset over a year or so ago....it got struck by lightening and wind...and truly, it is still alive, but only half a tree...I still love it though.

  

We always put out a flag on the appropriate holidays and celebrations....and this flag is the Navy flag for the old navy man.  A gift from the grandson.


My porch from the South end.....

  

And, the porch from the North end.   (I'm told by some it's too 'junky.'  Fortunately, I don't worry much about the opinions of others, I just enjoy what I have, and, sometimes there is less 'stuff' on it, sometimes more!)



It's comfy.

  

I really do LOVE this kid's chair!


And, this old screen door, a gift from my favorite son-in-law.

  

And, my wishes for your "Happy Fall."

  

Dried hydrangeas, from what year, I do not remember. I just save them until they fall apart!
 
  

I wanted to go inside the house for just a minute, where I have my small collection of bird feathers, chosen from those fallen in my own backyard this year.  And, some Fall leaves, chosen from the front yard, just the other day.
 
  

 The leaves and other outdoor things....real bird nests, feathers and such.  Love that old wooden 'bird' box!!



               The little glitter bird and nest sent to me by my favorite and very sweet sister!!!


Some of those collected bird feathers.  I love walking around the back yard on the hunt for them....and I'm rarely disappointed...although winter is coming, so few will be found right now.

  

Well, one more bear photo......why, I don't know.  I'm thinking I should make more of these....someday.

  

 That 'bird box.'  Just had to bring it home from the flea market one fine day. 



And, now I am at the end of the photos....this one taken earlier today......part of the backyard.  As you can see, we no longer mow all two acres of our little plot here.  Well, we never did mow all of it, to tell the truth.  We did have a very nice older gentleman come and bush hog our 'back acre.'  He didn't charge us a penny, but did manage to squeeze a few bales of hay from it.  Now, he is not in good health and older....so not having anyone else to do it....we have been letting it go...back to nature, I like to think.  The grandson has been mowing the front acre, thanks goodness....after work, when he can.    So, another day is nearly gone...a beauty it was.  I'm thankful for the Fall weather, thankful to live here in the USA, and very thankful to be able to enjoy it with YOU.  pat

Monday, November 4, 2013

A Busy Month



  
I really should apologize for being absent for so long....feels like I've been away a very long time. Posting on my blog has taken a back seat the last month or so as my sister-in-law and I have spent the last while setting up my father-in-law in assisted living.  He is 93.  After doing that, we spent the next weeks cleaning out his house....packing, moving, etc.  My garage is now full of things we are hoping the rest of the family will partake of...probably around Thanksgiving.  Some have been to pick up a few things, including my sister-in-law and me.  Too big to be in his new apartment and with no one seeming to want this cabinet - it came home with me.  (Thanks to two very strong and tall guys...my grandson Ty, and his friend, Cody.)   It actually is two pieces of furniture....the tall cabinet on top of a long low cabinet.  Well, they aren't gorgeous and I probably should paint them...but as you can see, I couldn't wait to load it with all my fabric, so who really knows now if it will ever be painted.  I'm proud to have it though.

 

You may remember my studio 'tour' just a couple of months ago....if so, then you know my sewing machine table was here where the cabinet is...with lots of button cards on the wall,etc.  And, there was a white iron bed where I have now moved that sewing table.  (The bed is back in the house.  I've been sleeping on it lately and, boy, did I forget how comfortable that bed is!  I'm enjoying it!)  So, now, the studio looks different.....and I've rearranged the shelves the fabric was on.  Perhaps I'll show you what I've done with those in the next post...and hopefully, it won't be long before I post again.

I'm tired...but still a way to go before we are through at the house....sad to see an end to all the good times we had there....but awfully happy Gramps is liking his new place and with his own furniture and mementos around him.  You know, some things you do for love and this was one of them.  Y'all take care out there...see you soon!  pat

A Bit of Heaven

A Bit of Heaven
An original designed wall quilt with my vision of heaven on earth.