Pumpkin Patch with Grandchildren, Then and Now

Walter & I took three of the grandchildren to a nearby pumpkin farm that has opened its gates to the community for several years now.

This trip is probably best chronicled by just showing the pictures we took.  The children had a swell time in the newly added activity area.



Waiting to Do the Tennessee Slide

Nola Finishes the Slide on a Burlap Bag

Nola Practicing Driving Skills

Someone Joins Nola

Kash has a Rider During his Time at the Wheel

Seesaw Kash!  Creepy Corner is Behind Him

Grandmother Watches Nola on Tractor Seat Seesaw

Sunshine Blinds the Guys While Chandler Pulls their Wagon

Grandmother, Nola, Kash & Chandler in Front of the Rope Maze

Waving to Grandpoppie from the Corn Maze Train

See I Wasn't the Only Adult on the Train!

Seeing How the Pumpkins are Grown on the Vines

Grandpoppie and Chandler Smile for the Camera (That's a Shadow around Grandpoppie's Neck!)

Pumping Water the Old Fashioned Way

Everyone Wants In on the Fun

Funny Scarecrow with Grandchildren

Caught You on the Children's Hay Maze Slide!

Chandler was a Big Help with the Smaller Children



Pondering the Days End?



Taking a Little Rest Together

We Each Take a Small Pumpkin Home and Pose for One Last Photo in this Pumpkin Patch

Back in 2006 we also took the only four grandchildren we had to the farm.  Let's take a look back.  That trip was a free outing except for a couple of dollars for a tractor pulled hayride that spanned about three acres of the farm.  The big attraction for the children was the grain bins.  We watched for an hour as the grain was poured from one container to another container, all by kid power!

Austin, Colin, Chandler & Brandon at Site of the Activity Area Now

2006 Family Photo

Grain Bins Held Their Attention for a Long Time

2006 Everyone Likes the Feel of the Corn

Relaxing on the Flats of Pumpkins

Grandchildren Pose for a Group Shot - Ages Range from Six to Two

Grandpoppie & Grandmother Share Time with Sweet Boys in 2006

It was a simpler time in 2006.  The farm area had an animal petting area.  It was not as commercial as the farm is today.  The activity area was not developed then.  Today it costs $4.00 to enter.  Several attractions with separate prices have also been added.  On the Sunday we went it was crowded so seeing it all was harder.  Our grandchildren and us had a good time. We were tired more this time.

In 2006 we had food at home before we went to the farm.  Here is a quick look at the table we had.

Chili, Mummy Cheese Ball, Finger Sandwiches, Carmel Corn & Cupcakes

Treats at Home before Going to the Farm

Closeup of the Mummy Cream Cheese Ball

In 2006 we made homemade treats to serve the family.  Sunday we just went to McDonald's.  Yeah, I guess everything changes with time, including our energy level.  I am not complaining.  We still had a glorious time together.

God is good!

My Sister is Feeling Better

My sister is feeling better, so I am feeling better too.  She got to spend a few days back in Harrison at her family home.  For four days she got to go to her girl friends' homes and out to eat.  She even held a Bible study in her home Thursday night.

She was in her home alone for the first time in about two years.  She was excited to share trips to the local malls and local eateries.  Even though she sometimes sat and waited for her friends to return, she reported that it was all fun.

Where the lymph nodes were removed from her arm, she has swelling still.  Her arm is 7 cm. larger than the other arm.  Her doctor has ordered 12 massages for the larger arm.  She has had two hot liquid massages to date.  They make her feel good and are expected to reduce the swelling of her arm until it goes back to its normal size.

I told her she could come to my house now for a visit.  She said she would think about it!  It excites me that she is even thinking about it.

Pumpkin Mantel

I decided to decorate for fall and Halloween without spending any money.  An attainable goal I think.  Why spend when perfectly good decorations are in your closet already?

Rust Candles Repeat the Rust Color in the Picture Mat

Pumpkin Found Last Year for 99 Cents at Goodwill

I took all of my fall decorations out of the closet.  As I was taking them out I was evaluating their sturdiness and if I still loved them after the many years I have owned them.  A few had not stored well so they are gone now. 

As Walter and I are planning an extended family party this month, I wanted to decorate in a few more places than usual.

Pumpkin Side is Nice for Fall, A Carved Face on the Other Side Will be Turned Around for Halloween

I put pumpkins, gourds, candles and leaves on the mantel.  The picture above the fireplace was a birthday gift to me right after we moved into this house in 1997.  It is too heavy for me to lift it, so it will stay around a lot longer.  I do think it goes with the fall decorations.

Picture Above Fireplace Fits in with the Decorations

Later on I will share any other vignettes that I come up with.  Zero dollars spent so far.  That's a good thing.

Sometimes You Are Sad

I have been sad lately.  I can't seem to make decisions and find little joy in things that used to give me much pleasure.  I stay at home alone and busy myself with household tasks or watching TV for hours on end.  So what have I been thinking about?  My sister, a friend's death, financial decisions, insurance choices, etc.  It is hard for me to reach out to others for comfort.

Walter could see my sadness.  He did the nicest thing.  He surprised me with roses on a Friday afternoon.

Twelve Red Roses Cheered Up the Kitchen and Me

My Favorite Flower Smells Sweet



Roses From a Dear Husband

I called my sister on Saturday as we were leaving my friend's burial.  Something about that timing should have given me a caution.  But it didn't.  I just wanted to hear Jean's voice.

My friend that was buried (age 43) is the daughter of a good friend.  She had fought lung and brain cancer for six years.  In February, 2006, we were summoned to the hospital where we heard the diagnosis along with her family.  We were to leave on a cruise with her parents that weekend.  They did not go, of course.  But there were many cruises to come later on when their daughter stabilized more.

She went through chemo, losing hair, setbacks, etc. but always surprised the doctors with her determination and spunk.  She beat the odds by a landslide.  Although given 6 weeks to live, she lived a good life for six years.

My sister is going through breast cancer and when we expected a remission we were told that had not happened.  She let her body rest for a month and has now started taking a new form of oral medicine.  She takes it daily and is expected to take it for five years.

I had my phone on speaker when I spoke to her.  The conversation was short and of no consequence.  She was alive, taking her medicine as directed by her doctor and had walked a short distance.  Nothing any more important than that.  Walter said he thought the call was eerily short.  Maybe so.  But sometimes it is a long call with laughter and stories shared between us.  And sometimes, the calls are just like this one - short with not much new information.  We are at peace with this "phone dance".

Thanks dear husband for the roses, and most of all for the concern and sharing of my emotions.  I love you.

Watertown Mile-Long Yard Sale

About 35 miles from where I live is a small town named Watertown.  I have lived in this area since the 1970s and have never been to this town.  One Saturday recently Walter and I decided to check it out as the newspaper had advertised a mile-long yard sale there.  Occasionally we like to wile away the time looking through yard sales or antique malls.  We never have a big budget for this kind of treat so we didn't plan to spend much.

A Quaint Dinner Across From the Railroad Tracks

The morning of the yard sale the weather was perfect so off we drove to Watertown.  I had hoped we could find suitable parking since I didn't want to walk too far or park too close to the narrow highway but most of the yards had wide access to parking areas.  We strolled through tables of glassware, linens, tools, jewelry and model cars.

Walter bought a jigsaw puzzle, two model cars, a Christmas bracelet for me, and a jigsaw tool.
I bought eight plates, eight napkins, and eight napkin rings which I have set out on our fall table.

Scarecrows Decorate the Buffet

View of Our Dining Area

Gourds Lend a Touch of Fall Color

Grapes and Vines Encircle the Plates

The plates, napkins and napkin rings were a total of $7.00!  I also bought a silverware organizer for $1.00.  I couldn't believe my luck.

The pattern is Mainstays.  It is dishwasher and microwave safe.  I haven't found anything about the pattern by searching the Internet.  Maybe I will come across some information later on.

We had a wonderful day in the sun, ate in a fun little dinner and found a few good bargains to take home that didn't break the bank.  Next year I will be watching for the mile-long yard sale advertisements although I know we covered more than five miles.

Family Supper with the Birthday Girl

Recently we had a mid-week family supper at our house.  That is not a common practice for us due to everyone having tight work and school schedules.  Now that I am not working, it is a little easier for me to cook for mid-week meals.

This was a little different from most family meals because our granddaughter Nola is turning three in a few days.  I decided to celebrate her birthday early at this meal.  She was so excited!  She just kept repeating, "It's my birthday, it's my birthday!"  Over the years the other grandchildren have learned that the birthday person gets to be the center of attention for that day.

Blue Willow Dishes Mean a Family Meal to Me

So we gathered around a meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, mac & cheese, mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, cornbread, Crystal Light, and lemonade.  That's really good Southern eating.

Chandler Smiles After His Meal

We sat at our table and had a good visit.  Keith had to work late, so he joined us at the table when he got in.  It was terrific to have everyone together.

My Grandchildren Keep Me Smiling, Although in a Silly Way

Of course we had strawberry cake and vanilla ice cream.  The birthday girl made a wish and blew out her candle without a hitch.

My Try at a Fancy Cake for Nola - A hit I Think!

Then presents had to be opened.



Kash Watches Nola Open Her Fishing Game

Remember Having An Etch-A-Sketch?

A Shopping Cart will Hold Many Groceries

Nola enjoyed each of her gifts.  She plays well with her brothers and shares everything without a fuss.  I know what you may be thinking, but I am not prejudice about any of my grandchildren.  No I am not.  They are all wonderful!

Nola is learning the social skills that a lady needs here in the South.  She is quite aware of the tradition of bringing a hostess gift when invited to a party.  If you don't believe me, just see the pictures of two exceptional gifts we received prior to supper.  She did these in her class and proudly gave them to her Grandpoppie and Grandmother.  Of course they were hung immediately for all to enjoy.

Elephant Painting

Pig with One Eye Open

Since we were taking so many pictures, Nola wanted to take one too.  I let her have the camera.

Nola's Mother, Brandy, Taken at a Three Year Old Level

Brandy is an exceptional photographer.  Looks like Nola may take after her.

After the meal was enjoyed and some leftovers were shared, we still ate for several meals from the food not eaten that night.  That is definitely a nice frugal way to provide both fun and food for the upcoming days.