We are so thankful this morning for safety through the storm, for our electricity when so many do not have it, for a warm, dry house, when so many do not have that either.

 

 

 

Everything was closed down yesterday, and most things today, also.

Activities in our day included one little girl (and I) making her first batch of cupcakes.  She hung in there with me throughout the entire process.

 

 

 

She was happy placing the tiny "eyes" on each cupcake.

 

 

She eagerly participated in playing the harmonica and guitar with her Paw paw.  A brand new experience for her...which she enthusiastically embraced.

 

 

Our son-in-law studied for his upcoming sermon (this Sunday), and appreciated some quiet moments to do so.

 

 

Our neice was staying with us since she had a day off from school.  Somehow, she studied through all the socializing:)

 

 

When we found out we were getting more overnight guests because of the storm, our neice and daughter whipped up some chocolate chip cookies.

After all, what does one do during hurricane warnings?

 

 

 

 

Another neice and her husband came overnight, and I am sure you have no problem understanding the "why" of it.

 

 

So, in the midst of the big storm, we were so privileged to share a meal together, of taco pie with salsa, salad, and warm chocolate chip cookies.  I kept remembering my mother's words when we were young, that "we could always make room for one more", and that we did last evening.  We sat around the table and had some interesting after dinner discussions.  It was certainly a memory we will hold in our hearts for a long time.

Now that we hear all the stories of the devastation that so many experienced and continue to face from Sandy's wrath, we are more grateful than ever for the day we had.

And, no our neice did not deliver her baby last evening.  We all continue to wait for that very special little one to arrive.

 

Good morning friends!
Another Saturday morning has arrived here.

The roses that were here all summer and gave us so much beauty to enjoy...

...are now gone, and this is what remains in my garden.

The forecast for the next few days is a bit foggy, but from all indications, they are calling for a major storm of historic proportions. (to hit here on Monday and Tuesday)

As in all forecasting, I tend to be a bit skeptical.  Yes, I am one to prepare.  But,  I am not one to stress out about it all. 

I remember as a teenager and young adult, watching television with my dad, as he would be tuned into the weather channel during times of storm forecasting.  I especially remember how involved he was in the forecasting of the huge snow storm in 1996.  I guess I picked up some of that from him. But, I also tend to be more of a wait-and-see type person.

How do you handle weather forecasting?
The lines in our grocery stores indicate that people here are taking the forecast seriously.

Thank you for stopping by today.
I will let you know how it all turns out.


Top photo from Google.
 

Early last evening we drove through roads on our destination that simply added breathtaking beauty to our day. 

"October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter."  ~Nova S. Bair

As I stopped to take pictures, the only sound was the rippling water and the distant tractor engine from a nearby field.  The solitude created a peaceful respite from the business of the day, and the schedule we were keeping.

On the rural roads, we saw signs everywhere of preparations being made for the coming winter.
Farmers at work in the fields, harvesting the crops, and taking all the necessary steps to get ready for the months ahead.

Storing hay has taken a different twist in this part of the state, and now is covered in white plastic.

Our grandchildren call them giant marshmellows.

What a clever way to store the harvest.

 

 

 

 

The corn is in the corn bin and ready to supply feed for the cattle.

Each autumn, I watch this farmer make these preparations, as the farm is close by, and each summer I see how depleted the harvest has become.  I find the cycle quite interesting.  I admire how they continually plan ahead for each season of life.

 

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.  For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."  ~Edwin Way Teale

 

 

 

 

 

"Autumn carries more gold in its hand than all the other seasons."  ~Jim Bishop

 

 

What are the signs of the upcoming winter in your part of the country?

 

 

 

 

We gathered at a local park on Saturday, to celebrate the birthday of two special little guys.

 

Picnics are casual events with our family, especially when dealing with the wind.

Menu;  Mac and Cheese, sauteed chicken, apple sauce, and cole slaw.

 

The birthday "cake" request from their mother, was watermelon.

So, watermelon it was, in skewer fashion, along with a fruit dip that I discovered on the "Iowa Girl Eats" blog.  It is so simple and was a big hit.  Here is the recipe that she has labeled as "the best fruit dip EVER."  Try it and see if you agree;

Ingredients;
7 oz. Marshmallow Creme
8 oz. low-fat or whipped cream cheese softened to room tempeture
2 Tablespoons of frozen orange juice concentrate

Spoon marshmellow creme into a large microwave safe bowl, and microwave for 20 seconds.  Whisk in softened creme cheese and orange juice concentrate until very smooth.  Chill, then serve with fruit.

You see, their mother told me that watermelon is their favorite, and that they don't like cake...really?

Obviously, she was wrong.  Isn't that so often how it is with children?  They say one thing and then turn around and prove you wrong.  Looks to me like maybe next year we will do watermelon and cake again:)

 

 

At dusk, on a cool, windy Fall evening, this was the perfect place to celebrate together.

 

 

 

 

We can't believe they are three years old already.

What joy and fun they add to all of our lives. 

 

 

Their new flashlights were a hit.  In fact, they carried them with them all evening.

Our daughter captured just one of the beautiful scenes of the evening.  We all look forward to a return visit to this park.

We want to wish our daughter a "Happy Birthday" today on her twenty fifth birthday! 
We love you and wish we could celebrate the day with you.

 

Late last evening I arrived home and discovered that I was sent another Picasa album from my uncle.

You see, the photography thing runs in our family, and it is seasons like Fall and scenes from our part of the world, that cause us to want to capture it all.

As I sat there in the late hour and looked at each and every picture that he had taken this past week, I couldn't help myself, I just needed to share them with you.

 

So, if you enjoy photography like we do, and if you have a few extra moments this weekend, you may want to scroll down through each of the ones that I shared.

 

Lucky me, I have lots more, but I only tried to pick out the best ones for you.

Relax and enjoy!

 

The splendor of the flaming foliage and the fallen leaves on the wooded floor is a breathtaking scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is time to pull out the warm sweaters and put away the porch furniture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gazing at these pictures causes my heart to be content.  Content despite all the world and political unrest.  Content despite news headlines and local television stories that can cause turmoil in my heart in no time at all.
 
I want to share a few things from a book I read, written by Phillip Keller, on the subject of contentment;

"Contentment comes in a hundred hues.  Here are but a few from Mr. Keller;

The snug warmth of a well-built home keeping winter weather at bay.

The fit of a familiar, well worn jacket that has withstood a hundred storms(my husband has a jacket like this one).

Cups of hot tea and bowls of steaming soup shared with friends around the kitchen nook.

The stillness of  a star-studded night in black velvet.

The sweet melodies of fine music stirring my soul.  Old refrains full of refreshing messages from
The Most High.

Hearty laughter and high humor with deep chuckles.

The exquisite taste of clean, cool water, of fresh fruit, of newly harvested vegtables.

The happy unexpected surprises that come in the mail by letter or across the miles by phone
reminding us that others care, and pray, and share their love.

The warm grip of a friend's hand, the fond embrace that speaks solace to the soul.

The serene sense of repose that comes from being right with God my Father, right with others, right
 with my self...and creative in His care."

No leaf falls to the earth unnoticed.  Each is part of a grand design.  Because the yellow leaves and brown forest will give new life.  Leaves do not fall in vain.  After the fall  and winter disappears... spring will come.  Without fanfare, the cycle continues on year after year.

Wishing you all contentment through your weekend moments.

 

I am not sure what it is that leads you to visit here at my blog, and I must tell you at times I find myself wondering why it is that I share what I do.

Life tends to be so complex at times, that perhaps you may find the simple things shared here may provide a relaxing break for you.

 

I want only to share beauty and joy with my posts, although I am fully aware that life does not consist of only those things.

 

I know on a first hand basis, that some of you are going through some difficult times, and life changing circumstances, so I pray as I share, that visits here may perhaps lift your spirits for a few moments.

 

Today, I share some pictures of things that have added a smile to my day, and I do hope that you will find a smile here, too.

 

 

 

  

The gorgeous tree across the street from our home.

Every Fall it shows it's vibrant colors, and this year it seems like it is showing an exceptional array of colors.  I spend time on my porch staring at it's color and beauty.

 

My uncle sent me these two marigold pictures this week, including the bee busy at work.   His photography and the artwork in nature, continue to be a blessing to me.

 

 

 What exquisite color, design, and complexity in each and every petal.

 

 

 

 And, of course you would know why this picture brings a smile to my heart every single time I look at it.  Can't tell you how many times that has happened since I captured it:)

The older sister has taken quite fondly to her little brother, and together they share their smiles.

 

"All the statistics in the world can't measure the warmth of a smile."   ~Chris Hart.

(I couldn't agree more.)

 

 

 

"With a friend at your side no road seems too long."     ~Japanese Proverbs  

Moments of time that I wish I could make stand still.  What fun this young lady adds to my life.   I love watching her grow up, and am often reminded of how it seems like just yesterday, that her mother was the same age as she now is.

I have the book "One Thousand Gifts" laying on my coffee table, and I pick it often.  It serves as a reminder to me, to make the moments count in my life.  Ann Voskamp states that "Moments, that is all we have.  Moments.  Microscopic, fleeting moments.
How many moments of our lives have our eyes been wide open-but we've been rushing, racing, sleeping right through?

Receiving each moment for what it really is, holy, ordinary, amazing grace.
A gift."

The beauty and the smiles shared here today are gifts I treasure, and thought I would share them with you today.  Thank you for stopping here.

Fall has truly displayed its finest on the roads that I frequently travel, and always with camera on the seat beside me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could not resist sharing it all with you.

 

 

"Yesterday...

 

Like mintage spent, is past recall;

Its echo dimmed beyond time's wall.

 

 

Tomorrow...

 

Is never promised earthly man,

Nor does it often fit a plan.

Today...

Is gold than covers hills and dell,
and rich are they who use it well."

~Pearl Phillips


"Don't let what you cannot do interfer with what you can do."    ~John Wooden



Thank you for stopping by.