BOSTON BROWN BREAD
The string of Saturdays is coming to a close. I wish I could say I accomplished something grand and glorious these past two days, but the truth is I didn't do much of anything yesterday, slept too long this morning, and am looking forward to beginning a new week tomorrow. November will soon be just a memory and December will be upon us. I'm not sure I'm ready for it just yet...
Today was Thanksgiving Day. We stuffed and roasted the turkey, peeled and mashed potatoes, warmed the rolls and forgot the cranberry sauce. It was a wonderful family day. We had our whole family, minus Jim, and my parents. Every holiday celebrated with my mom and dad grows more precious with the years. We talked, laughed and shared things we are thankful for. Beth and Adam brought a new game and we worked on the traditional holiday puzzle. Before our tummies signaled hunger, we poured the coffee and served up the pie. I will likely head upstairs to bed still full and toss and turn for a portion of the night. Yesterday felt like Saturday to me, Thanksgiving always feels like Saturday, and I have two more Saturdays ahead before Sunday comes along and sets everything straight again.
This pen was full of fluttering turkeys Sunday afternoon when we came home from church. Today the pen is empty. What ever could have become of all those birds? I snapped the photo back in October when the sun was bright and the days were warm. Wherever those turkeys went, I hope it's warm... with potatoes and cranberry sauce.
Somewhere out there in the orchard a turkey is running for his life. Ben found his tracks coming from the orchard behind the house, up through our backyard, down the driveway, and off into the orchard across the street. This is a bad time of year to be a turkey even if they are the star of the show. 
I finally finished my caned chair. It has an unusual binder because I was too impatient to wait for my husband to drill out the holes before I started the caning process. Now the holes are are too packed with cane to tie on a regular binder. My solution was to find a fabric alternative and sew it on with thick thread. Now it is ready to be donated to the Silent Auction at church.The wind was bitterly cold today. Normally I would choose to stay inside my toasty warm house, venturing out only to gather some firewood or perhaps to let Sofie relieve herself, but today was my day to go shopping so out into the cold wind I went. Ben and Hannah came along because, not only do they need socialization (ha ha), but they also enjoy my company. In spite of our dire economy, the parking lots were packed with cars and the stores with people. We made several stops ourselves, nearly every one requiring a long walk from the car to the relative safety of the store. Now, several hours later I am blessed with another case of chapped lips. Such is the joy of the winter wind and the reason I like to take photos from the doors or windows of my house. I would buy myself a ski mask but I don't think any of the banks or stores I frequent would take kindly to my wearing it.
Josh came to play tonight. His mommy and daddy went out shopping together. Josh wandered around the house, called Sofie a kitty, checked out the cupboard doors, and played with some cars. I decided to get the play dishes out of the toy cabinet and Josh and I cooked up a storm! It's never too early to teach a man to cook just in case he moves far away someday and finds himself in need of cullinary skills. Josh is off to a great start and enjoying every minute of it. Grandmanita, you would be proud!
The other day my friend, Sherri happened to mention how she and her son had collected "oodles"of sea glass on the lake shore in November. I told her she had found a treasure as Alysa and I failed to find even a shard on our trips to the beach this summer. Well, on Wednseday night at church Sherri and her son, Caleb, had a present for me, a little bag of sea glass with a special note inside. What a wonderful surprise! I'm thinking they are pretty brave going to the beach in November.
A few days ago I was thinking about cleaning out some of my junk. That evening I had an email in my inbox asking if anyone had a specific school math book. I happened to have Saxon Math 76 in my collection and so I emailed back and told the individual they could have mine. Too bad this is the only edition I can't find the test and answers for, but it has inspired me to go through my boxes, sort and toss, and send out a list of what I have to moms who may be looking.
Somehow, in the midst of my book sorting, I also managed to clean out and vacuum inside and under my sectional. It was partly because we needed to change some water in the fish tank but it is another task accomplished none the less. By tomorrow no one will be able to tell it was done, but I know the crumbs and dust bunnies are gone for the moment, and all of Sofie's dog chews have been removed from the dark corners of the sofa where she buried them since the last couch cleaning.
Wonder of wonders, supper is on the stove tonight! Last night I had to pull frozen hamburger patties out of the freezer because I had failed to plan ahead. I also took out a pack of chicken legs which were turned into soup today. It's a cold kind of day, perfect for hot chicken vegetable soup and some bread and peanut butter.
Old Man Winter has awoken early this year. I rather wish he would go back to bed for another week or so. I mean, I like him around for Christmas and all, but I'm not ready to haul out the snow shovel just yet. Actually, I have much to be thankful for when the cold weather arrives. I have a warm, dry house, an ample supply of firewood on the back porch, and several family members I can send outside to potty the dog for me. I didn't quite make it through my basket of apples this year. First it was too warm for them to keep well on the back porch and now it is too cold. See? They're covered with snow. I think they're frozen. Oh well, I have several jars of applesauce made and stored away. When it runs out there's always Mott's.
Cold weather is also great for doing inside projects. Maybe I will be inspired to get some things made for Christmas. I still have a Nativity to finish (just the wise men) and I would love to paint some puzzles too. Maybe I'll work on some scrapbooks or photo albums. Or... maybe I'll take a nap.
My father called at 7 o'clock this morning. I didn't hear the phone ring but James came upstairs to wake me up and tell me that they had taken my mother to the hospital by ambulance. We prayed for her together and then I got up and took a shower. I wasn't quite sure what or how to think.
When I stumbled out of my warm blankets this morning and headed for the shower, there was but a dusting of snow on the ground. Later, as I made my rounds of the house, I glanced out my kitchen window toward the west. A dark cloud hung over Lake Ontario in the not so distant sky. "A snowcloud," I thought. By the time Troy arrived at 8:30 am, the sidewalk was covered with a thin sticky blanket of snow. The road was a whitened path leading up the hill. I put on my gloves and jacket and gathered Sofie into my arms. I took Troy along with me to the dog groomer. A few miles south we drove out of the snow and into the sunshine. The road went from snow covered to wet to dry. By the time we reached the groomer's house the sun was shining. We dropped Sofie off and headed back toward the snow which was quickly making its way south.
There is something magical about the first real snow of the season and this was no exception. Being wet and sticky, the flakes stuck to tree branches, highlighting each with a thick line of white. Imagine Narnia during the rule of the White Witch and you will know what our world looked like today. A walk through the woods would have been enchanting if not for the presence of deer hunters. Maybe one day I will walk the thin line of woods over by my mother's house where no hunters wait and it is safe to play in winter.
Sunday Night Breakfast is a rather common occurance at our house. After a late night chuch service (6:30-8 pm) we return home close to nine o'clock. It's really too late to eat anything heavy so breakfast often seems the perfect choice. Last night Nathan stayed for worship practice and his friend Max offered to bring him home if there might be some breakfast waiting. I smiled. "We're having French toast," I said, to which he answered "Sweet!" Last week we had eggs, bacon, and hash browns. I try to have plenty of orange juice available and sometimes they pop in a video to watch while they eat. Last night it was an old Roy Rogers movie. On those nights when I'm tired I stop to realize how quickly these days will pass and purpose to enjoy them while I can. One of my biggest fans of Sunday night breakfast moved to Minnesota last year. I'm looking forward to having him home again at Christmas and maybe he'll even be around to catch breakfast with us one Sunday night.
(I must admit that my picture folder probably isn't in quite the order that some of yours are. I have my own "Mom's Folder" for all my stuff and decided I had to put things in order before I could figure out which picture to post, so I clicked "arrange icons by name" to find both the folder and the photo.)
These two little shacks stood on the shore of Lake Ontario about a mile north of our house. I blogged about them almost two years ago. I found it somehow comforting that they stood side by side, but in more recent days one of the buildings has disappeared. I don't know how or why but now one stands alone looking cold and lonely. One day soon I'm sure it will be gone too, maybe replaced by another edifice more stately than itself. I'm glad I took the time to stop for a quick photo nearly two years ago.
I tag... (This is the hard part!) Vicki, Gudl, Shelly, Gmj, and Della
Today was a dreary rainy day but I had no small children. I decided to go out shopping. On my way to Webster I dropped My Darling off at Dave and Leta's house so he could help Dave with some home repairs. Leta had planned to go shopping too so we went out together (along with Ben and Hannah). It was a nice day in spite of the rain. We enjoyed our time together, returned a few baby things and picked up a crib mattress for the baby. After stops at Walmart, Target, and the bank, we headed for Wegman's to do a bit of grocery shopping.
Tonight I am cookin' up a pot of chili and plan to watch Ben Hur with my family. I think I will plant my rear end on the couch next to My Darling and relax for the evening.
I'm not sure if it is my mind or my body that is tired, but I don't have much to say lately.
Nathan took Ben, Nick, and Caleb out bowling yesterday afternoon. When they came back we had pizza and cherry cheese pie. Afterward we took both the boys back home and retrieved Hannah from Caleb's house. She had spent the afternoon with her friend Kara. They went out shopping, had Chinese for lunch, and were playing a game of cards when we arrived. Ben and Hannah have known Caleb and Kara since they were born so it's really nice when they have a chance to catch up with each other.
Today is Benjamin's fifteenth birthday. Because he was born on Veteran's Day, he always gets a day off school and a chance to get together with a friend or two. Unfortunately, his mother is a little slow when it comes to planning so, although he has a couple friends coming, I'm not sure exactly what they are going to do.
I was certain all the flowers in my gardens had finished blooming long ago, but it seems a few plants are just as confused with the wacky weather as we are. Hollyhocks usually bloom in July but just the other day I found a couple of smiling flowers outside the door to my husband's shop. A few years back I had roses in the snow so I guess anything is possible.
Not far from the backdoor is a bush full of birds. It is a flowering quince which lost its leaves several weeks back. For some reason the birds find it a perfect gathering spot and often its tiny branches are full of feathered friends. If they are still I hardly notice their presence, but if one is startled the whole bunch takes off toward the barn.
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Today we had our church baby shower. It was a long and busy day but full of joy and laughter. I was blessed by all the ladies and girls who came to celebrate with Dave and Leta.
We ate lunch together (chili, corn bread, and salad), played some games, and ate cake. It was a Teddy Bear kind of picnic. There were lots of presents, of course, but mostly friends and fellowship. It was a wonderful party. (You did a great job, Bethany!)
We have had a run of exceptionally good weather this past week. Sunny skies and warm temperatures prevailed making me wonder if it was truly November or if we had actually reverted back to late September. This morning an abundance of fallen leaves covered the ground and my boys were out raking again in the afternoon.
Dry, fallen leaves are wonderful! Not only do they form a gorgeous harvest carpet, but the are great for shuffling through and tossing into the air. They make lovely crinkling, crunching sounds under feet and stick on hair and clothing. We rake them into great fluffly stacks and launch ourselves through the air landing with a "ploof!" on a very soft bed. It's wonderful!
Yes, we have been blessed with an exceptional fall this year. A wonderful season to go out for a ride, wander the orchards, or simply play in the yard. Fall is still my favorite time of the year. I feel must enjoy every minute for I know the snow will soon fly and my auburn world will be traded for one laced in white.
I found this cute looking couple on Facebook and swiped their photo. Don't you think they're cute?
Someone is bound to ask me who they are... Do you think I should tell or just let them wonder?
And how about this adorable group of kiddos? Aw, why does family have to live so far away?
... and leave."What a mean thing to say but then we aren't always kind, are we? I've been thinking a little bit about President Bush and how so many people are quite anxious to see him move out of the White House to make room for Mr. Obama and "Change". Lots of folks are very upset with how Mr. Bush has run the country the past eight years but I can't for the life of me see anything he is totally responsible for that is so deserving of their disdain. I for one would like to thank him for keeping watch over our country since 9-11, for standing firm on Christian values, and for not giving up as the pressures have mounted. Maybe living five miles from a boarder nuclear power plant makes me think a little more about terrorists. Call me foolish and naive but I am proud to have had him as our President.
Josh came to visit today so we took some pictures. This morning we played toys, old toys, because they're the best. I found these two school buses on ebay. I think they're wonderful!
This afternoon we went outside for some fresh air, sunshine, and leaves. We took a walk around the yard and stopped across the street to say hello to "Grandpa Bob".
When we came back Nathan was raking leaves. Josh helped by walking through and sitting in the pile. Of course he had a little help getting in there
Aside from a ball, Josh's favorite thing is sticks. He wants to be a hockey player like his daddy when he grows up so he got in a bit of practice with the leaf rake.
In honor of Election day, this morning I elected to go shopping. On the way home I stopped to pick up Troy at preschool. It was a busy place filled with polling booths and voters. It is not my polling place, although it once was. I did not intended to take a nap today but after reading a book to Troy, I could not keep my eyes open. I elected to take a nap. When my small boy left for home I elected to walk back into the orchard and find some of those 20 ounce apples James and I spotted on Sunday. They make great pies and seeing as the trees have already been picked over and abandoned until next year, 
I elected to redeem some for baking. Hannah was elected to accompany me on my venture. Before supper James, Nathan, and I elected to exercise our right to vote. We stood in line for a short time, chatted with our neighbor, spent a moment behind a short curtain, and returned home to eat. I elected to make spaghetti tonight. When the dishes were done I eleceted to assemble two apple pies and store them away in my freezer until my son returns home for Christmas. The family is watching a DVD. We have elected not to torture ourselves by watching the Presidential Election. Whatever will be, will be.
I am looking forward to the Presidential election being over. I hate election years. Tomorrow I will go to the fire station and cast my vote. It is my right and my responsibility, but I sure hate the awful stuff that goes along with it and sometimes have to shake my head and wonder at the candidates. The decision was not difficult to make and no amount of campaigning will cause me to change my mind, I just pray that God's will be done and trust Him to take care of the rest. (Okay, I'm still learning the trust part, but I've come a long way.)
I'm not sure if the season is winding down or gearing up. I suppose it's all in how one looks at it and what season I have my focus on. Summer and warm weather are definitely behind us now. James and I went for a very nice walk back in the orchard this afternoon. Jasmine's eyes were pleading to go out and not wanting to leave her out unattended I decided a hike through the trees was in order. Sofie went along too. It was not the warm walk of September, instead a cold breeze gave us an earache and I wore my gloves to keep the wind from drying out my wimpy hands. Yes the warmer weather is behind us now.
Yesterday was full of mystery. A blushing bride showed up at my house after school and while I was in town I saw a large white dog riding a bicycle. On my way home I stopped at the grocery store for some candy and drove past a pumpkin behind the wheel of a minivan. Batman was running through Troy's front yard and on our way out to church we saw a gorilla driving a red Neon. Very strange indeed!
