Thinking about Pumpin Pie

I have been thinking about pumpkin pie--turkey and dressing---sweet potatoes and lots and lots of family gathered together, giving thanks for all our Lord's Blessings. Yes, Thanksgiving Day is on the way, but then it should be everyday, right! We all have much to give thanks for when we stop and count our blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone---and don't forget to have a slice of pumpkin pie!

Blessed And Thankful

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, I find myself counting my blessings and reminiscing about so many family gatherings and yesteryear. While looking through photos to share with everyone, I came across this funny one from vacation. I know many of you probably don't have your tickets yet, but as you note on the sign, " the Pumpkin Town Prom" is underway. It may be pumpkin pie, or pecan following turkey and sweet potatoes, but a celebration to be sure! I loved the car that is ready for the prom queen, and the little red wagon for the children. The picture was taken at village in the Poconos, where we stopped and checked out the harvest goodies. There was hot apple cider, and it was welcome, as the temperature was about like it is here today, in the 30's.


I look forward to gathering in the kitchen (Tammy's this time) and preparing the meal with her and my sister. Just to have loved ones gathered and to hear their cheerful voices, and smell the festive aromas, is fulfilling before we gather together at the table. It does my heart good to reach out and touch my daughter, my sister, grandchildren, niece and nephew and cherish every moment that we share. In today's fast times, it is good to slow down and talk with those we love. Listen to the children's laughter, for they grow up too fast, and we don't have as much time as our ancestors did before there was automobiles and electricity. What is wrong in this picture? The faster our appliances go and make work easier, the less time we have. It is crazy, isn't it? We must take the time to realize we are blessed. We should ask the Lord to watch over all of our soldiers fighting for our freedom, and thank God for His abundant Blessings. Be safe as you enjoy our Harvest of Blessings.

Purple for Patty

As I was making my way through my photos from Massachusetts, I came across this photo which I took at Mahoney's Garden Center. When we were there I saw this table of purple flower pots and immediately thought of my sister, Patty. I was going to buy one for her, but somehow they lost their beauty when taken out of the whole picture, so this picture is for you, Patty. Just to let you know I am always thinking of you with love. Look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin, Squash or Gourd

Another week has flown by already! It feels like winter is just around the corner. We had our "first" snow of the fall yesterday. Although there was no accumulation, there were still some flakes glistening on the brown oak leaves on the ground this morning. The above photo was taken at a Country Garden Shop in Barnstable, MA. The crates were stacked on the roof and each had a pumpkin, squash or gourd in them. It made a neat display, and of course photo to share.


After my past post of planting daffodil bulbs, I was talking with my daughter this week on the phone, and told her I was "digging bulbs". She asked what I was doing that for, as just last week I was planting them. This week we dug our canna and elephant ear bulbs. These kind cannot make it through the winter in our temperatures, so they have to be re-planted each spring, so we took them out of the ground and gave them a home in our basement for the winter months. It is extra exercise, but cheaper than the health club, and more beautiful when they bloom next year.


All the good rain we have been receiving is great for the trees we planted, as well as the bulbs. I am still working on photos from our trip and taking advantage of the photo deals at Walgreens to have them printed. At 10 cents each, one cannot buy color ink and photo paper for that price. I am having a great time, enjoying our journey again as I travel through each day.
I have begun thinking about the holidays and all the blessings in my life. I look forward to time spent with those I love, and making happy memories together. I have been thinking about the past Thanksgivings of my childhood, when we would gather together for turkey dinner, and many times it would include my grandma and aunts and uncles. It seems there was snow on the ground almost always around that time. Dad would go quail hunting, and I bundled up and went with him a few times. I did not carry a gun, but walked quietly along and watched the bird dog point and flush the birds, and then we would have quail for breakfast the next morning. What a treat, and so very yummy. Mom was such a great cook, and I know for sure I am blessed beyond what I can even realize, to have been surrounded by family and made such cherished memories.
Enjoy the journey each day and give thanks to the Lord for all your blessings.

Bulbs, Books , and Blessings

With less daylight, and cool, gray days, I have been thinking of more painting, book reading and the upcoming Holidays. I have been keeping busy with the bulb planting, tree watering, and winterizing our plants. I transplanted some of my plants that were in pots on the deck into different pots, and did some trimming before settling them in to their winter home inside our house. We should have lots of good oxygen with all they will give off. When space is at a premium, it takes some creativity to find a spot for all the plants I can't bear to watch freeze outdoors. It doesn't help that I can't resist trying to start new plants off the cuttings of those I trim, thus they do multiply. We gave a couple to a friend for his office, and that made the task easier.

The oaks are dropping their leaves faster than usual. Many years they hold a lot of their leaves until spring, but the winds are bringing lots of them down already. My little dogwood has about lost it's leaves, where just a couple days ago it had lovely pink leaves outstanding against the browns and grays.

I just finished the book, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. It was very interesting and a little strange, but I find myself thinking about the story now that is finished, and wanting to go back and resume the book. It deals with raising dogs, yet gives much insight into people. When we made our trip south to visit Leon's brothers, we met a couple from Hilton Head in a restaurant and she was telling us about the book, so I bought it then and have been reading it since. Leon is now reading the book, at my recommendation. I am looking forward to having others to discuss the story with, as it keeps recurring in my thoughts.

I wanted to post another photo, but it took two tries and several minutes to get the one uploaded, so I will go ahead and publish this and try again next time. Hope everyone's journey through autumn in your corner of the world is beautiful and blessed.

November - Here already?

It is hard to believe that it is November, and soon the election will be over and 2008. We have been busy the last couple days with preparations for the upcoming photography meeting. With a couple contests due at SIPS, I have been trying to make decisions on what pictures to enter, and even taking some more for the Mystery Tour.



On our trip to take pictures yesterday, we ended up at Lowe's, and that is always dangerous when there is end of the season sales. Yes, we bought 15 trees--all evergreens. So today we have been busy planting. It was a wonderful day to be outside, and enjoy the warm temperatures of fall. We did get them planted and watered, and even had enough energy to have a bite of supper when we came in.



I will attempt to upload a picture we took of our plantings. Tonight we turn our clocks back, so less daylight at the end of the day tomorrow.