Open House... 10 'til 5... Saturday...and Sunday... : )

I am calling it 'Quits'..for tonight...
I have a Million Miles...to go...on The Shop...
{Had a Sweet Gal... diggin' in  The Rabbit Hole...last night....
She asked..."You have to have this done... when?"....
I told her...she said..."I'm...So...Sorry....for You"...
Oh My...
I'll be up at 5... and get done...what I can... and...that's...all I can do...
There are Three things...I know for sure...
I'll have Treats...
I'll have Wine...
and some Very Fun...Vintage Christmas!
{The Rabbit Hole... may be a Mess.. but...then...
 It Is... What It Is!}
{Miss...My Peg...: ) }
Love to Ya!
Open House...
10 'til 5....ish...
December First...and Second...
Hope to See Ya... : )
{It's after 12... and I keep hittin' replay...on " Merry Christmas from The Family"...
 I gotta tell ya... This Crazy Song...Totally....Cracks me UP!!!!!
 {oh my...oh..my...}
{It's...Soooo Not....How I Hold...Christmas...}
an Amazing...Stress Reliever...tho....
{I don't know why...it strikes me...so...
I nearly Fall off of my Chair... Every Time... I watch it....
it's almost...better than...Aleve... : ) }
Yes... I'm Crazy...}
ahhh...
Hallelujah...Everybody Say Cheese...
Merry Christmas...
: )

The Mad Bunnies... were Taken Back... when I started piling Old Metal Shavings... John had pitched...from some of his Metal Work...all over the Little Tree... {I had to Dumpster Dive...in our Own...Dumpster....} They were Waaaaay tooooo Cooool....to Pitch!

The Bunnies...were also... a bit...Overwhelmed... By The Glow...from the Old Bells...I hung...today... oh my... I Like 'em!

I worked by Candle Light.... in The Green House... tonight.... So Much...to get done...

Merry Christmas... from...Me...and the '49 Ford...

 

Merry Christmas...

from Me...and the '49 Ford....

 

What is it...about...Old Trucks?

Old...Rusty... Trucks...

They're like Modern Day....Work Horses...

Ya....Simply...can't Help... but

Love...These Old Souls...: )

 

I'm back down The Rabbit Hole...today...

Much to get done...

Open House...

Saturday and Sunday...

10 'til 5ish... : )

Me...and the Old '49...

Hope to See Ya!

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

{See...that Ribbon...Had to Go! Came in...this morn...after I took the image...of the '49...

{while the Frost...was still Glistening...}

...and plopped the bow... on The Old Cupboard...on the Porch...: )...Much...Better... : ) }

 

It Is...What It Is... : ) and...It's...All... Good...

I spent the afternoon...and early Evening....Down the Rabbit Hole....

It feels...so good...to be there...

even...in all of the Chaos...

it doesn't matter...

I just keep working away...

I brought lots of new stuff in...but haven't gotten any of it out...yet...

That...will be tomorrow's Journey....

I always...get 'lost'... in there...

I reset...the area...for the Treat...Table...

Tomorrow...will be a Long Day...

So Much...to get done...

but...

I have already decided...

'It Is...What It Is....'

and...it's...All...Good...: )

I can only do so much...

The Folks that know me... ahhhh...they won't care...

and...I'm making Deals.... on things... so... Everyone...should be Happy...

and...That's what it's all about...

Open House....Saturday and Sunday...

10 'til 5ish...

Hope to see ya... : )

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

{Mom...is holding her own... I'm Glad...she's back in the Hospital...

I told the Dr. and Nurses... No More... Pokes...and Prods....

 unless it's Heart or Breathing related....

No More Tests....

Just... get the excess fluids... down....

and...let her rest...

Thanks....So Much...to Barb O.

{I had no idea...she'd just lost her Mother...}

{So....Very...Sorry}

She called today...and was such a Light....

God Bless Her...

Peg...is in Florida....

Thank God... for a Safe...Journey...

Life...is Good...

It's...All... Good... }

 

 

 

Just...looking at this image... makes me want to go back down... but... I can't... I...simply... need to...rest... tonight...
 I'll be Happy...and...look forward to seeing it...in The Morn...: )

Cleaned... and put together...display pieces...and serving pieces.... ahhh.... Chocolate... : )
{and...a spot...for a little Wine.... oh...yes... : )

I put a Wreath...and Bow...on The 49 Ford... {The Bow...is going Away... No Likie!} I tried to find some Wide Ribbon...to wrap around the Old Ford... but...nothing seemed right... so...for today... just a Wreath... : )

Blessings...

A Dear Friend...and I...walked through the Door... of The Rabbit Hole... this morn...

and were Greeted by this...

What a Beautiful...sight...

a Blessing...
{It's...The Moments... we can gather... Beauty...and Tranquility...into our Soul...that gives us...the Strength...to carry on...
Funny...how...just a Peaceful 'Moment'...
can put a suit of armour... on one... to enable...us to take on...an entire Day...
Filled...with Chaos....
a...Blessing...a True...Blessing...}

I had intended to work there.... today...

But...

Received a call...from the Hospital... Mom... was being released...

She's not...doing a lot better...

They...simply...can't do anymore...for her...

so...

I put it...in 'Overdrive'...

Hauled Treasures in...the Shop...
Plopped them...there...

then...

 walked away... and took care... of my Mom...

That...was a Real...Adventure!
But...will have to say....she seemed Much Happier...
when she got back...in Familiar Surroundings...
I got her all situated...and went over everything..with the Nurse....
and...Mom...was doing very well...when I headed home...

{I began...writing this...last night...when I got home....
Got a little supper....crawled...in bed...
{thought I'd finish my post... this morn...}
and the phone rang...
Mom had gotten worse....
Much...worse...
They called to say...they were waiting for Dr.'s orders to have an ambulance come...
I had them call from Mom's room... I could hear hear...Frantically...Crying out for Help...and struggling to breathe...
They put her on the phone... and I asked her...to please... relax... be as calm...as she could be...
 Help...is on the way...and this panic...and stress... was very hard on her heart....
she...has to be...Calm...
I told them to Get an Ambulance...NOW!!!
 or...I was calling 911....For Her...
oh my Lord.... {why...would anyone...wait...for a Dr. to call back???
 Mom's Oxygen level was in the low 60's......while receiving Oxygen...
I don't get it.... I truly...do not...}
I called the ER...and told them..to expect Mom... and Not...run the Battery of Tests...they had...just a few days ago... Simply....see...what was going on...with her heart...and lungs...{They did a all sorts of tests...when she came in last time...oh my....I didn't want to see her go through them, again... {unrelated to her heart...and lungs.. {she has cronic issues...}
I'd be coming....
She was taken in.... and has had a ruff night... a very...ruff night...
I'm headed back in...now...
Don't know...what I'll find...
 The Nurse said she has been combative...
through the night...
 won't allow them to draw blood...oh my...or...even touch her...
I'm hoping...I can talk to her...and..she has her mind...and will...somehow...understand...
She...has got..to let them help her...
They have her on a lot more Oxygen... and Antibiotics...
I ... am still...planning on The Open House....
I have to...
I can see.. it may not be...so Beautiful...and may be...simply...
 what it is...
Kind of...like...'Life'...
{My Peg...is enroute...to Florida... her Granddaughter...is having her First Baby....and Really... Needs...Peg....
{she had wanted me...to go with her... when she found out...she was going... I would have loved to...but...there was no way...and Thank The Lord... I couldn't... oh my...}
{Her Granddaughter's Husband...is in the Service... and is out at Sea... She's all alone...}
 {Who would have thought...a year ago...Peg would be driving herself...to Florida... with...Clo... riding shotgun!!! What a Gift... What a Most...Wonderful...Gift....}
I'm putting it All...in God's Hands...
Every...Bit...of It...: )
Love...to ya...
Barb C.
 

 



Diggin' into...Christmas! Open House...This Weekend!!!!

I'm diggin' into The Rabbit Hole...Today!

Holiday Open House...

This Saturday...and Sunday!!!

10 'til 5!!!!

I'm looking forward...to spending a little time...there...: )

It's always...sooo good...for my Spirit...

I have had Christmas Music playing... there...and when I walk in...

The Little Shop... welcomes me...and envelops me...

with...The Warmth...that can only be found...this very

Special...Time of Year.......

I also...have Lots of New Gatherings...to go through...and to get in...

{dare I say.... "It'll be like Christmas!!!!"...}

oh my... : )

I'll have images...of The Shop...tonight...

Love...to ya!

Barb C.

 

Angels....

If...you have ever had a doubt.... that Angels... are Living... among us...

I so....wish...you could have been with me today...

There would be No Doubt...left...in your mind...

This is my Dr.

How it came to be...that He...

{out of the Hundreds...who could have been called...}

was called in...to visit with me...and Mom...

well...

That...was a 'God'...Thing...

Dr. Cearlock...has been my Physician...for 27 years...

I Adore... Him...

{He reminds me...of Abe Lincoln...

 {It's all...in his eyes... he has... the Most...Soulful...Caring...Eyes....

I do...believe...the Eyes...are a Window...to the Soul...}

He has been such a Gift...to me...and my Family...

He's not Mom's Dr. and, they had never met...until...today...

Along with his Practice... he donates his time...to The 'Free Clinic'...and Hospice...

and...Always...has Students... with him...Teaching...them...

an...Angel...

I asked him...if I could take a picture...of him...with Mom...

He said.."Sure!"...

{When he first...came in the room...he dropped down...on his knee...to be next to Mom...

Close...to her...

and...spoke...directly...to her....}

It...was So... Respectful....

I then... took these three images......

{I had to post them all...they tell...a Lovely...'Story'... : ) }

{he was telling her to Smile...and be Beautiful...for the Picture...

but...look at his hand...

 He'd never met Mom...before... but...he put his arm around her... and was so...Caring...}

an...Angel...

We visited...for close to an hour... about Mom's Wishes...and her...health issues...

He...like myself... knew... Mom...is not a Hospice Patient...

She...said... She's Up...for a Fight!

and...Not...Ready to Throw in The Towel...

She Loves Life...

{tho...she doesn't want to be kept alive...by a feeding tube... or...a ventilator...or...have CPR...performed...on her frail...body...

but...she wants to Live! {I'm with her...on all of that... I don't want any of that...either...}

She wants to Sing Songs...and let the Lord...decide...when it's her 'Time'...to move on....

He, and his Wonderful Staff... opened the door... to so many Options...

and... just having him there...

Was a Gift...

 a Priceless... Gift...

It felt like... The World..was lifted off of my Shoulders...

yes...Like an Angel...would do...

I told him...how very Much...I Love Him... and what a Gift...he is...to us...

and...to so very many....

a... Priceless...Gift...

God...Bless Him....

Thank You...God... for Sending Him...to us...all...

A Living... Angel... : )

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

{ Thank God...for Hospice... they do...Most Wonderful Things...for Folks... who...are ready...

Mom...is not...ready....

We talked about that...too...

 There will...be a Day... when... she is...when...we all are...

 and...Hospice... I hope...will be there...to help...us....

{Ya know... I...felt Dad...in the Room...with us...today...

as we were waiting...for the Dr.

{of course...I didn't mention it...to Mom...}

but...He was there...I could almost...see him...standing...right behind her...

 I think... he'd sure like to see her... and hold her...in his Arms.....again...

 but...

Mom...isn't ready... I just...know that...in my Heart...

 There must...be  more... for her to do... here...

and...Dad... was the Most...Patient Man... I ever knew...

He'll be glad...to wait...a bit longer...

I'm sure Happy...to Know...he'll be waiting...right there...for her...when...she is...ready...

I Truly...am... : )

{another...'Blessing'... of ...Today...}

 

Oh...My... : )

My...Early Christmas Gifts...and...I ask...for No More...

I worked on the Tree...today...

It's Therapy...

Much...Needed Therapy...

{I'm calling it...'Done'...}

Received...the call... from my Dear...Friend, and Customer...

Concerning... the Big Cupboards...

 {Kits}

This...has been weighing..Heavy...on my mind...

He said... "Do...Not...Worry!

 He'll Take Them... even if we have to Super Glue...

and Duct Tape them Together!!!..."

oh my...

This...was...

My First...'Gift'...

{I Swear...I deal...with the Most Amazing...Angels...

They Carry Me....when...I can't begin...to find my feet....

His main concern...was...about Mom...

What a Loving...Caring...Spirit...}

a Gentle...Soul... and...such a Hard...worker...

 He was enroute...to his Fifth Show...in so many weeks...

 oh my...}

Then...moments later...

I received a call...from the Friend... I had bought them from....

{who saw a side of Barbara...he'd Never seen before...

 When he delivered..the Massive Cupboards...

I will have to say... I was...Twisted....when I saw them... 

no...I was Beyond...Twisted....

My head...was Spinning...

{Literally...and My Eyes...were Rolling Back...in My Head...}

 I was Grasping...for anything... Solid....

to Stop...The World...and Let me Off...

I had Scolded him...

{with words...that Rarely...come out of my Mouth... : ( }

 Second...and Third... Guessed his decisions......and work...

Yep...

 I was a Mess....

A Storming... Mess....

 I called him...on Friday... and apologized... for my 'Behavior'...

He called me back...but...didn't leave a message...

Today...

we talked...

I, again...said I was sorry...for my Behavior...

 but... I was Lost... and couldn't see my way out... of this...

yet... I couldn't leave him... holding the bag...

but...I knew...I couldn't send these Cupboards...to my other...Dear Friend...

 and leave him...with a Puzzle....

 I also knew... I didn't have the money...to spend...on these....myself...

Spinning...

 yes...I was Spinning....

{between Mom...Thanksgiving... trying to recuperate...from Jan's... and...

all of the Day to Day...

'Life'....

ahhh.... So Very...Much...'Life'....

I'm pretty....

Raw...

It was then...he gave me...my Second...Gift...

He said to me...

" There is Nothing...You could ever Say...or Do...

That would make me...Stop Loving You....

I Know...Your Heart..."

and...I wept...

What Better Gifts....

Could...I Ever... ask for...

They Don't...Get Better...than This...

They Truly....Do Not...

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

{we'll get those 'Kits' together...

{John said he could... but...then...John...hasn't Seen Them... : ) }

{more... 'Life'... : ) }

 The Friend..I bought them from...said he'd come...and help..

{he's 4 hours away... I won't have him do that...

we'll get 'em...somehow...we'll get 'em..

It will all come together... it always does...

As my Other...Dear Friend said.....

 Even...if we have to use a Little... Super Glue... : )

yes...We'll get 'em... : )}

Mom..is touch..and go...

 They talked to me...about Hospice...Today... : (

Don't think...we're ready...for that...yet.............

I'm meeting with My Wonderful Dr. tomorrow...

he's visiting...Mom...at the Hospital...

Talk about...Angels...

My Third...Gift...

of the Day... 

oh my... 

I am...Blessed...

So...Very...Blessed... : )

{If...you have missed the Music... well...it's gone... hope to find....another playlist...

for Today.....

my song...would be...

"Palm of Your Hand..." Alison Krauss...

'cause...that's where I am...

in the palm...of His...Hand...

: )

and...So Very...Thankful...to be There...



Rudy....is Nestled....

Rudy... has found his Spot... in the Tree...: )

I had to have John...help...with him...this year...

Hoisted Rudy up...another couple of feet...Higher...

John...bought an Old Carousel Horse... that will be next to The Tree...

and...I didn't want Rudy...too close....

It was a Trick...getting him up...this year...

I was sweating Bullets...

{don't like ladders...and...don't like...hanging off of them...: (...as the Huge Tree....sways...back and fourth....oh my.... {I have it anchored to the Hand Rail...but...it still....swaaaays...}

I worked on hanging ornaments...off and on...throughout the day... still...have a Long...way to go....

But... it's fun... going through...all of them...

All...The Memories...

I should have it done...tomorrow...

Then...

It's getting on...The Holiday Open House!!!

It's December First...and Second!!!!

10 - 6 Daily!!!!

Tons...of Vintage Christmas...oh my... : )

{and...Loads...of New Treasures... : ) }

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

{Mom...is holding her own... more tests...tomorrow... : ) She has the Doc's.... Baffled...

She also...had them...and the Nurses... Blushing...yesterday... She sang "Accentuate The Positive"...Over...and Over.... : ) {and...never Skipped a Beat!}

 I just Smiled...and Enjoyed The Music.... 

That's...my Mama... : ) }

 

 

Spent the Afternoon...with...Mom...



Spent the afternoon with Mom...at the hospital...

She's holding her own...

She is so...frail....

and...it's so...hard to see her... so bruised... from all of the 'pokes'...and 'prods'...

I visited with the Doctors...and Nurses... about all of her options...

it sounds...like she'll be there... for a while...

I did get her laughing, tho....I assured her...she was going to be Just Fine...

Tho...she's 92.... She's a Pretty Tuff Old Bird!
{Nobody...Laughs...like Mom...! It's a Hearty... Sincere Laugh...and...sooo Good to Hear...}

We talked of old times... and family.... Dad....

it was good...

It's so hard... when I have to leave....

{she...needs her rest...}

it breaks my heart...

I always tell her how much...I Love her....

and...in a Perfect World... we'd be together....Always...

Today... she was pretty good...about letting me go...

and called me back...into the room...

to say...

" Hey...I Love You...too...": ) }

The Tree....is UP!!!

The...Tree is Up!!!

Tho...my heart...wasn't in it...

 at first...

well....

Christmas... touches my Soul...so...

a...sentimental... time...

 Once...I heard John...dragging things out...

It didn't take me long...to get busy....

I have a Long...way to go....

The Tree.. is up...

and lit...

{nearly three thousand lights...oh my... : ) : ) : ) }

It's Not...Adorned...yet...: )

{I get to Play...with Vintage Ornaments... Tomorrow! }

We got the Old...Street Light...Bell...Up...

 I covered it...with a Wreath... Loads of Tinsel... !!!! : )

and...a Simple Bow...

fashioned from Vintage Gold...Ribbon...

I gathered...years ago....

I, also... hung...the' Christmas Candy'...Banner...

I was so happy to find...at My Sale.....this year...on the front of the Balcony...

{I tried...it in several places... and...it just seemed to fit...there...}

So...much... much more...to add...

I do...Love...this time...of year...

The Music... the Feel...

I can't explain it.... but...

I Melt...with Holiday...

 Christmas...Spirit...

I Truly...truly...do...

Hope... you do...too..

It Feels....Good...

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

 

It's when...The Old Bell...goes up...
 That's when...I really...'Feel'... Christmas...
I took a bunch...of Vintage Ornaments... and strung them together...several years ago...to form...a 'Clapper'... for The Bell...
I Do.. Love...That Old Bell..
It makes... me...Smile...
a Gift...for my Soul... : )

Got the Wreath...my Friend, Bud...made... on the Newel Post....and all Tricked Out... Loads...of Tinsel...
and a Vintage Bell... Fun...very...Fun...

I put...many Tree Toppers... atop...The Tree...
It always makes me Smile....
to see...
 The Explosion...at The Top...of The Tree....
{Thanks...Jo B. ... for the Inspiration... I think of You...every time...I gaze upon it.. : )  }



Roller Coasters...and Juggling Acts...sounds more like a Circus... than Thanksgiving.... oh my...

Thanksgiving....

oh my...

What a Day...

I hustled and bustled...all morning...

It's hard...to get everything done... and ready...to be served at the same time....

 Liz called...said she and her Family...were going to be later...

{We usually eat between one and two...}

I knew Justin, Katie...and 'J'...would be here earlier... they are always early...: )

With Mom being in the Hospital... I didn't have things done...like I normally would...

So...was Flyin'...

As the Kettles of Potatoes were boiling away...and I was preparing dips... the phone rang...

It was a friend...from far away...bringing me a pair of Massive Cupboards... for one of my customers...waiting at my truck...just...outside....

{I don't do business...on Thanksgiving...but...he was coming a long way...and was visiting Family...near... and with fuel being so high... this was the day...}

I had completely forgotten...he was coming...

I turned the food down...and ran outside....

We had to Hurry...and get them unloaded...

I bought them...for my customer..sight unseen....

knowing...that two drawers had to be made....

but...he assured me...they were otherwise... ready to go...

When my friend...opened the door.... to his box truck...

inside...was a Pair...of...Massive Cupboard...
 'Kits'...
Pieces... everywhere....

oh my Lord...

and...they were cut...in two... in the WRONG places... to be reassembled... for Free Standing Cupboards...

I just stood there... stunned...
I was Panicking...inside...

I hadn't paid him...for them...yet...but.... after all of his work... I couldn't leave him...hanging..

{I could have...{we had an agreement...that if they weren't like he promised...I wouldn't have to take them... he assured me...they were Wonderful... but...I couldn't... I just...couldn't do that to him....}

They were a lot..of money...
{Money...that I can't afford to lose...none of us can....}

and...they are Massive... they won't fit...in John's Shop...to be worked on...

I was...actually...in tears...Everything Running Through my Brain...
and...spinning... spinning....on where...to go with them...
They are Huge... and...Need A Lot...of Work...

We went...and put them...in storage...

I was desperately trying to put them together...after we unloaded them......to try to make any sense...of them...after we unloaded them...
My friend...wouldn't attempt...to help me..said they were way too heavy...for us to put together... just the two of us...

{by then...I was getting a little...Frantic...I Needed to see them....together... for my sanity...I had... to get these Massive 'Puzzles'..together...in my head...to be able to figure out...
Some Way...to Salvage...a Very Bad...Situation...}

I called...Justin...to see if he'd come help...

and that's when he said...they wouldn't be out...until 4:00...when Liz...Nick and Scarlett...were coming...

4:00...?

The food... would be ready...by 1:30....

{I had no idea...they weren't coming until then...I assumed...Liz and her Family...would be here by 2:30...at the latest....}
I closed my phone... put a check..on my friend's Truck dash....
 left my friend...loading his packing blankets....at the storage garage...

came home... and started plating  the food up...

so it could be heated in the micro...

Cut the Turkey....

and putting extra...into containers....

Cleaned the pots and pans...and got everything put away...

sat down...at the table...
and thought...

I now...know why...Mom...always drank...on The Holidays...
and Dad... disappeared...
I truly...wanted to run away...
I thought...I'd go see Mom... called the Hospital...to see how she was doing...and the Nurse said...she was Sound...asleep... and she needed to rest... she hadn't been getting much ....
so... I just sat here..
Frankly... I was...Done...
Completely...Done....
Had...Nothing...left.....
This morning... I'm waiting...for my customer...to call me back...
Tell him...the bad news...
 I'm thinking...I should call...my friend...and apologize...for my behavior...
{already did...}
 I was... Gone... Long.... Gone....
I was planning on putting The Tree Up... today...
{ tradition...}
but...the Holidays... aren't sounding like much fun...today...
I kept...reminding myself... of Everything...I should be Thankful for...
There is Much...!....: )
But... Roller Coasters....and Juggling Acts... I am... Not....
Love to ya...
Barb C.
{My Cupboard Customer...just called...said...don't worry about it...today...he'd call back...Monday...and we'd figure out...a strategy... : ) then... texted me...a little later...and said.."Don't Worry"... I sent one back...asking him...to please send that message...every 30 seconds...: )}

 

 



Happy...Thanksgiving...to Everyone... : )

Happy Thanksgiving....to All!

We...have Much...to be Thankful...for...

Simply....seeing the light of day....and having...the opportunity...

to...enjoy...

Life...This...Moment...

is...a Blessing....

To...live...in this Beautiful Country...

is...a Blessing... 

Thanks...to Everyone...who is Working...and Serving...Others...today...

{From Waitresses...The Folks...at The Gas Station...Nurses...Doctors...Health Aids....Farmers...tending their Livestock...

to our Brave...Service Men and Women...}

You...are a Blessing...Thank...You.... : )

Hope You All...have a Most... Wonderful Thanksgiving...

and...enjoy...

The Moments....

Love..to You...

Barb C.

{Mom is Perkin' along...this Morn...and for that... I am...Very Thankful... : ) }

 

 

We can Thank...President Lincoln... for this day....of Celebration...
What a Man....

The Kentucky Girl's Pumpkin Pies...are waiting.... to be adorned...with Whipped Cream..... They sure... look....Goooood!

Got The Turkey...all Dressed... and Seasoned... and put in the Roaster...a little after 8.... {I feel like the Jerry Reed character...in 'Smokey and the Bandit'...on Thanksgiving... "Running on Schedule"...  I was thinking...what is my most important tool... on Thanksgiving.... It's the Clock...Holy Smokes...Timing...Timing...Timing!!!!

I get the Giblets...simmering...when the Turkey goes in the Roaster.... I put all sorts of seasonings in {fresh...Rosemary...from home...and dried Sage and Thyme ...along with Garlic...Pepper...and...a Pinch...of Dried Dill Weed.. {Dill...always adds a 'hint'..of Late Summer... to Everything...I Like...That!}... and let 'er simmer...all morning..{I add Coarse Ground Sea Salt...at the end...to taste...} This is the base...for the Dressing... I use a separate kettle...to saute' Maple flavored Sausage...Apples..Walnuts...dried Cranberries....Mushrooms...Onions...Celery....in...Butter...then...add the bread...{that I cubed...last night...and mixed garlic powder with...} I like to use a boxed Stuffing mix...with it, as well... Then...I put it all in the stock....{I mince the Giblets...and neck meat....as well....} and...finish it out...in the stove...
It's...Amazing...
it...Truly...is... : )



"A Kentucky Girl's Pumpkin Pie"... Pies... are making their way...into the Oven!

It's been a Long Day!

Just now...getting things prepared...for Thanksgiving Dinner...

Mom was taken to the Hospital...around Midnight... I spent time with her...and on the phone with Family...and Physicians...most of the day...

She is stable...and...I think...hope...she is going to be fine...

but...it's been a scary day...

I picked up what I needed....{that I forgot...yesterday...} on my way home... tonight...

then...Whipped up this 1880's Recipe...

It called for a LOT...of Brandy... {I got a Buzzzzz... just tasting it...whew! Those Southern Gals!!!

 oh my!}

I sent a text to my friend, Ed...with the recipe...and said I was making the 'Yankee' version....

One Wine Glass Full of Brandy...for The Pie...

One... for the Pastry Chef!!!!

: )

{These Iowa Girls... Oh My!!!}

I'm thinking about making an Apple Pie... and...I still have all the dips to do...and Veggies...

but... I can do that...in the morn...

My Old Oven...can only handle...two...of the Big Pies...at a time...

 

I LOVE...this Old Stove...have had it...for several years...

 {thanks...Cindy {Lady Bug Antiques}...for selling it to me....}

It is Wood/Gas Combination... but...we don't use the 'wood' side... The Top Oven...is gas... no pilot...no thermometer.... but... you get used to it...

The Kids...even learned on it... It's a Good Old...Stove...

and Sure Loves to Sing...on Holidays!!! 

I have all of The Cast Iron Pots...ready...and waiting...to make Mashed Potatoes...Sweet Potatoes... Gravy.... and...my Very...Very...Special...Dressing!!! { I make several quarts of that...and send it home...for the Kids... They LOVE IT!}

I'd better get Crackin'!

See Ya in The Morn!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.
Just got the pies done...and prep work... it's almost Midnight...
I can't get Mom...off of my mind...
I know...in my Heart...I have done...all I can... for her...
and...have put her...in The Father's Hands...
She Knows...The Lord....
He's Holding her... I know...
He's...Holding...me...too....

 



Gettin' 'er Done....my...way....

I worked...and worked... around the House... today...

So...many projects... that have been put on the Back Burner... for...years...

I scrubbed...and painted the Columns ....

Put...the rest of the applied...pieces... up... and painted...them...

(it's only taken me 12 years...to get that done...}

Waxed the Stairs...

Did...Loads...of Laundry...Rugs...and Bedding...

Then...tore into the Porch...

That...was Ugly...

It's become... such a Dumping Ground...

a path...to get in...and out of...

After The Sales... I would have stuff...just thrown in there...

all sorts...of stuff...

Good...Stuff...

I began...sorting... some of Mom's stuff...night before last... that had been in the garage...then...piled in the Porch... when Peg and I cleaned the garage...

oh my...

I was stopped..in my tracks...tho...

I ran across... the Sympathy Cards... from when Dad...passed away...

I dropped everything...and went through...each of them...

One of them... had the article from the Newspaper... about the Fire... he was in...

and tho... I don't remember talking to a reporter...

{I guess I did... I was quoted...throughout...the article...}

That...was Tough... reading...

Even...at 23... I was...very...Protective...of my Dad...

That.... was very Apparent....as I read the Article... 

I was Sooooo Grief Stricken...

I can't believe... I had... my thoughts...Any Thoughts...together....

{I Truly...thought...It was...the End...of The World...my...World...}

So...when the Little Crucifix.... was Glowing...yesterday...

and...I was so...Taken Back... by The Angels... with a Thousand Watt Bulb...

They knew... my heart...needed a Ray...of Sunshine...

It was a Hard... Night... 

I got...Much done... today...

and...it's looking... better....

Have the Turkey....thawing...

I'll be Baking...tomorrow...

Tonight...

I'm sippin' a Cool....Refreshing Beverage...

and Smokin'...a Stogie...

{Dad...would..Not...approve...

but... he'd Love Me... anyway... : ) }

Hope...You...had a Most...Lovely Day...

and...Did it...'Your Way'...

Just like...me...

and...My Dad...

Love to ya...

Barb C.

 

   

 

Dad...and his Old Tractors... They looked...pretty...decrepit...to the writer...I am sure... but...Dad...could make...anything run... with a little rusty wire...some... gasoline... {and...a Good...Used... Battery...: )}... Men...like the author... of the article... had no...idea... what a Gem... he was attempting...to portray...{and...never... ever could...} oh my...sure...wish... I could...have written...Dad's Story...it...would have been Worthy... of The Man...
But then... I knew him... and...Loved him...so....
{for the record... Dad and I were driving posts... for a fence... for his Garden...just before he died... with hand... post drivers... side...by side... I was pregnant...with Liz...He...was nearly...74 years old... and... that Old Tractor... was running...Grrrreat... nope...it wasn't Beautiful... but...in Dad's...eyes... it was... and...that's...all that mattered...}

 

I can See...The Entire Cupboard!!!! {This one...is one of my Very Favorites!} It's been in the porch...for a Long Time... I haven't cleaned things... there...but have sorted...and organized... There is going to be some Great Stuff...on The Memorial Day Weekend Sale... in May...I'm letting go of.... oh...my... : )

I finally got all the applied pieces...up...{I've had them...for 12 years...waiting...} I painted...and scrubbed... oh my... a Long.. Day!

This Little Light....of Mine...

I sat down... this morn.....in my Favorite...Coffee Sippin' Spot...in the House...

as...I always do...

{My Morning...Ritual... }

{The End...of The Old...Gnarly Harvest Table...only me...and Harold...Could Love... { and Ed...}

Attempting to get a little motivation...from the Strong...Brew...

I had no more...than gotten perched...

when...All of a Sudden...

A Ray..of Sunshine... Beamed through the Window...

and Struck.... the Beautiful... Old..Gold...French Crucifix... I had bought...a couple of days ago...

The Entire Corner Lit Up!!!

It was...as if... The Angels... where Shining a Thousand Watt Bulb...on it...!!!!

I have seen...a Lot...in my Day...

But...I have Never...seen Anything...like this....

The Prism Effect...from the Gnarly Glass...of the Old Cloche... made the Walls...Dance!

I just sat there...Stunned...

{it was almost...Blinding...

I couldn't make out the Crusifix...at all...

It was a Gold...Beam!}

then...grabbed the little Kodak... so...I could...hopefully capture...a bit of it...for you...

I so wish...you could have seen it...as I did...

It was...Moving...

I was going to take this...to the Shop....

but...

Think...it may...have to stay...for awhile...

It wasn't a lot...of money...

and...It sure was a Lovely Gift... This Morn...

a 'Priceless'...Gift... : )
a 'God Wink'...
{I needed...this...Much...this Morn... I truly...did...}

Hope Your Day...was Filled with Light!

Love to ya...

Barb C.

{The sad part is... I bought this Old Piece...for the Cloche... I was going to put a Christmas Tree...under it... but...The Crucifix...is bolted in... so... I set it aside...on the Gnarly...old...French..Stand...I bought...from Jan...{safe from the Kittys...}until..I have time..to take it apart... I don't sell many Crucifix's... so...thought...I'd keep it..{I collect them...myself}...and sell the Cloche...

I am So Glad.... It Spoke...Loud...and Clear...this Morn...

It Is...Together...and Shall...Stay...Together...}
{I have to laugh...while I think...about where this Cloche was... in the Shop...where I bought it... It was Up High....on an Old Cupboard... all I could see... was the very top of it... and...hated to ask...the Proprietor...to climb up...and get down...but...I Did... : ) I held the chair...as he... Climbed up.... High...very precariously...
I don't think...either of us...had any Idea... what a 'Priceless'... Piece...this....is...
oh my...}


Adventures.... Life...is..Truly...a Highway...

Truer words... have never been said....
Life...isn't much...without...
Adventure...
Whether...it be...through a Wonderful Book...an Old Photo...or...
Driving Down...Life's Highway...
Never Knowing...What...may be...just...Around The Bend...
ahhhh...
The Journey... : )
{Thanks, Aud...for sending it to me... Love ya!}

I have had a 'Standing Order'...for a Big Cupboard...for a Dear Friend... so...when my Sweet Friend, Kevin called...early...yesterday morning...about one..{Kevin said...it Had My Name On It!!! It was Big...White... Chippy Paint...Old...Old...Old...and...did I say...it was BIG!!!? One Piece...} that was in a Garage...at an Estate Sale...
 {Thank You...Kevin!: ) Margaritas...are in Order!}
 I bailed in the Ford...and Flew...
It is Big... and..it was so funny... when I told the Girl...I'd take it... {The look on her face...was Priceless...;: ) } She basically said..." You...and what Army????"... I told her..."No worries...I could get it myself...: ) "...
{why do Folks..always doubt me? I must look...weak...or something...: ( They should talk to the Folks...that come along with...on My Adventures!!! or Pegadoo!...she'd reassure...for...sure... : )
No Worries! I Love...Dancing with The Big Boys! }
Everyone...chipped in... tho...and that was So Nice!
{Thanks...to the Kind Man...who came out of nowhere..{Angel} and lent us a hand...: ) }
My Customer...Loved It!

Picked this up...at a New Shop...in Marion... {Loved It!} 'The Brick House'....
I was in a Hurry....when I drove past...enroute to The Estate Sale...
{I had heard good things about it...but hadn't stopped in...}
I was in a Hurry...heading Home..as well...and had only moments... but sure had a Lovely time...
 Don, the Proprietor...was Wonderful...
Had some Incredible Treasures...
Beautiful...Victorian...Pieces...
This...being one..of them...that came Home...with me....
a Beautiful Store...
{Marion, Iowa...has some Incredible Antique Stores... You could spend an entire day...just there... : ) }

 

 

I found these Amazing...{there is a pair} Vintage French Candle Sconces... at The Brick House...as well... These...are staying...in the House... We have them mounted to the wall...already...
I don't keep much...these days... not a Luxury...I can afford... But......these... were so.... perfect... for the House...
I'll call them..my Early Christmas Present....and...not feel guilty...about keeping them...

 

Found some Wonderful Little Treasures...at The Estate Sale...{Peg...will be Thrilled...with the Christmas Goodies...: ) {I didn't Have... a Swan...Like That One!!!} 

 

These Beautiful...Beautiful... Vintage Drapes... {a Dozen..or so..panels..} are heading down...The Rabbit Hole...
Wish...I had a place for them...in the House... LOVE THEM! Thanks, Kate... I do..Love Them...So!

I'm on the Go...Today! Justin 'J's Birthday Party!!!

His Third One!!!

Oh My!

Where does the Time...Go!?

I'm picking up Cake Pops...from..Sweeeet Audrey! { www.sweetcheekstastytreats.com   }

and heading over...this afternoon...

Much...to get done..around here...before...

Hope You have a Most...Beautiful Sunday...

Filled...with...

ADVENTURE!!!

Love..to ya..

Barb C.

 

 



Beneath My Poised...Appearance.... : )

It was...All...of That!!!

I was Soooo...looking forward to attending my Dear Friend, Klarika's... Naturalization Proceeding... Friday.......

Had been planning on it all week...

She has worked so Hard... to become an American Citizen...
She is from Slovakia...

I can't imagine...how difficult it must be..

I thought...how would I... begin...in another Country...

Learning...another Language...

{I struggle...with English!}
and...Learning...all about...the Laws...and History...as well...oh my...
I wouldn't...miss this...for Anything!!!

The Invitation she gave me... had the time of 12:30...to be there...

I thought...when I got up......
 That gives me Plenty of time...to get my work done...Shower...and Dress...

I wanted to dress... Nicely...

after all... this is a Very Important Event...

at The New... Federal Court House....

I couldn't wait!

{I am Soooo Proud of Her!!!}

I got chores done... then...sat down...and ate a snack...

watched a little t.v., took Polly out...

{Plenty of time...:  ) }

Then...thought...I'd better jump in the shower...

When I went to put my Best Dress on...

I found...

It Didn't Fit!!!!

{ I looked like a Sausage...in it!!!}

{I Knew I shouldn't have had that Snack!!!

OR...the Last 150 Snacks...that has put a Frickin' Tire around my Middle!!!}

Holy Smokes...!!!!

{I don't have many 'Dress Clothes'!!!!!}

I started taring through the closet... wet hair...

No Make Up!!!!

TIC TOC!!!!!!

Couldn't find my new Nylons...!!!

I finally found a skirt... that fit... but...

 it was Tooooo Short!!!!

{and...LOUD!!! it looked like a '70's Flash Back!!!}

Oh My Gosh!!!!

I have...by now...strewn clothes...All Over the Bedroom!!!
{TIC TOC!!! TIC TOC!!!}

I found a Skirt...that was tight...around the waist... but.....I could breathe...sort of...

Good Enough!

Got my hair...mostly dry...

{It went...totally Flat... }

and put make up on...going down the road....

Hurry!!! Hurry!!!!

I made it to The Court House... had to park a block away...

So... I Ran!

In Heals!!!

It was then... I realized... I should have worn a SLIP...with This Skirt!!!!!

It was Sheer...Very...Very....Sheer!!!!!

{I was...thankful... I had a Longish... Suit Jacket on! Whew! and...I was wearing black hose... I told myself..."It's All Good!!!! Go! Go! Go!"}

As I was running down the street.... I remembered...
I Forgot My Camera!!! TIC TOC!!!! can't go back....!!!

I was smart enough..to know...I'd have to go through a metal detector...
 so... didn't bring my purse...That should at least... be a Breeeeeeze!

{They'd have a Field Day...in My Purse!!!}

Just..as I was climbing the Big Marble Steps...to The Court House...

The Zipper Broke...on my Skirt!!!

Holy Smokes!!!!!

{Dang That Snack!!!!}

Thankfully..it was snug enough...to stay up...and...my Jacket...was...LONGISH...

and...I Was Going To Make It...Just In Time...

{ minutes...minutes!!!}

Then...I get in the door... run smack into ...

a line...a Long...Line... with baby strollers... someone...kept setting off the detector....

and....

They are asking...Everyone... to take off...their... shoes...

and...

JACKETS!!!!

Oh....

My....

Lord....

as I made my way..to the front...

{My Mind Racing....on How...I was going to Get Out Of This!!!I thought...should he insist...I may...have to turn back... but...No...there was No Way...I would Miss This!!!}

I slipped off my shoes...

To see...my Big Toe... sticking...out of my Brand New Hose!!!

and...

A Big Fat Run.... Up My...well...Chubby... Leg!!!!!!

I put my shoes...in the tray...

and...it was as if...the man...KNEW....

by the look on my face....

He...simply.... should...Not...
 Ask me...to Take off my Jacket....
{think...he'd seen...enough...They are probably Trained...to Spot...this sort...of thing... : ) }

{I was wearing a sleeveless...tank top...under it... 

CAN YOU FRICKIN' IMAGINE!!!!

A Gaping....Zipper!!!!

Big...Fat... White Toe....
{with remnants... of Summers... Hot Pink...Nail Polish...and...Wafts... of Polly's Hair...all entwined...in my Black...Hose...}

A...Very...very....Sheer... Skirt...
and...

Arms...that Look Like Fluffy Marshmallows!!!!}

He let me through...with...Jacket...intact...

and No Alarm!

I ran...to get to the Court Room...where Klarika...was going to be...

to find...

It didn't start until....

1:30.... ; )

; ) ; ) ; )

oh my... : )
{she...had to be there...at 12:30... : ) }

But...I gotta Tell Ya!

It Was All Soooo Worth It!!!

I am So Glad I went....

It made me So Proud...to be an American!!!

They had Beautiful  Music...
Live...

We all Sang...!

 There was a Amazing Potpourri... of People...

From...all over the World!

The ages...were from 18 to 74....

all... becoming...American Citizens...

and...all...

So Very Proud...
Their Friends...and Loved Ones..were all Clapping...and Cheering!!!
{me...too!!!!}

It was Awesome!!!!

Everyone... should go...and sit in...once ...

It's....BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
My Heart...Swelled!!!

I am so Thankful... I was Invited...

It was a Wonderful...Gift...

It...Truly...Was!

Congratulations... Klarika....: )

My...Fellow....American!
She Looked...Stunning!!!
I have Never Seen her...with a Bigger Smile!
She...as were all of the others...Beaming!!!!!!!
I stood...and Congratulated The New...Americans...while waiting to give Klarika...a Big Squeeze!!!!
What.a Wonderful... Heart Warming...Event!!!
Love...to Ya All!

Barb C.

{Beneath... my 'Poised'... appearance... I am...Completely...Out...Of...Control'... : ) }

{Donita... I thought of you... when I titled..this post... : ) }
{ I realized...later... why my skirt was so... sheer... the lining...was tucked into my hose... OH MY GOSH!!!!!}