Happy Halloween

Look how much fun we had in 2010 when we dressed for a halloween party. It was a last minute preparation for these 70+seniors. I think we did good. That was a happier time for me and it is nice to have great memories!

And, last but not least, my Sweet Granddaughter and my Precious Great Grandchildren. I am positive they are going to have a great time this evening along with their daddy also dressed in Ninja Turtle costume. A Whole Family of Ninjas!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy evening.

Mary

Self Explanatory

Will my home and garden ever be organized again? I need some of that energy that I had when I was Young At Fifty when I could go from early morning to late night most of the time! I had no idea that "things" would be this difficult at this stage of life and it will only get worse.

OK now, let's all think happy thoughts about all of our blessings. You know the complaint list could go on forever if we don't "nip it in the bud".

Have a Fabulous Day. We had a nice gentle rainfall last night. We are so Blessed.

Mary

Almost Finished

But, then, maybe not. I have not decided how large I want it to be. I probably will use it on my dining room table.

It has been a lot of fun because there are so many variations in the stitches. And, the color combinations are endless. It is a good opportunity to use yarn from "the stash". I am using Cascade 220, Peruvian Highland Wool that I used to make The Babette Blanket (below) a few years ago.

The pattern is the center mandala of Betty's Blanket. The photo below is an Internet image. Click the link for the pattern.

Unfortunately, the lighting this evening is not very conducive to taking photos of my mandala.

And, this photo below is of Sophie's Garden. Image is from the Internet. Click the link for pattern.

I enjoy picking up a crochet project most evenings. Especially when I am working on something that is interesting and not repetitive stitching. Of course, in full disclosure, I have many different projects waiting on the sidelines to be finished. I have always been in awe with people that finish each project before starting another. I have only known one lady from the past who approached everything she did in that manner. I think that is a behavior that was more the norm years ago before a lot of people had any discretionary funds. We humans don't seem to have the discipline like times past, like following the depression. It makes me wonder why most of us - have too  much STUFF. That's a joke!

The evening is getting chilly and it is time to snuggle with Lily and do a little "stitchy stuff".

It is always difficult for me to take "good" pictures of Lily. She is a very happy baby but I never seem to be able to get her to smile when I take a  picture. Unfortunately, she is exhibiting more symptoms of her heart disease. We are regularly in touch with the Vet. She does not seem to be in any pain. But, probably next week we will go to the Vet for at least some lab work. I love her so much!

Kiss your children and pets!

Mary

Will They Ever Stop Falling, Falling, Falling

I am beginning to think NOT.

It seems as though there have been more pine needles and acorns this year than any year in the past that I can recall. And, it looks like there will be a lot more to come. It only takes a few minutes before more leaves, needles and acorns are falling where I have already cleaned with the leaf  blower.
The acorns are not only heavy when carrying the full buckets (believe me) they can be quite dangerous falling from above. As they hit the roof or patio furniture day and night, the noise can be heard in the house. A bit of danger can happen if they hit your head or a person slips and fall on them!  Everywhere I look on the property, acorns are everywhere! There will probably be lots of little trees in the future.

LOOK - Some more blooms of this magnificent rose. And, there will be even more.

 The White  Chrysanthemums have opened with a nice big splash!

They are so lovely.

Again this year the plant has grown to tall heights. It is hard to believe that this started off as a little four inch potted Chrysanthemum. It is about five feet tall. And, you can see where I have had to tie it up so the stems don't fall and break. What a plant.

So much of the garden looks so bleak at this time of the year with the drought. But, I really enjoy anything that is blooming.

We enjoyed another autumn day with sunshine and then cool nights.
Take Special Care.

Mary

And, They Weren't Kidding

This morning The Weather Channel had a local advisory alert reporting a Flash Flood Warning for our county including the wildfire area until 10:30 AM.

Shortly after I heard the alert it was as if the sky opened up and torrents of rain started to fall. I could hardly believe how heavy and loud it was. In addition there was thunder and lightening. My poor little dog, Lily seemed frightened "out of her skin". Comforting her was my number one job!

This picture was taken from my front door. The water was coming in sheets across the patio even though the area is sheltered by many large trees.

I did not want to go outside in the rain so these pictures were taken from doorways. 

I am so hopeful that the people in the burned out areas were not severely affected by this event. It was fairly brief but of course there is a high level of danger with mud slides and other inconveniences - especially if you are living in a tent or other less desirable situations. 

The world needs our prayers!

Mary

Up Close - Real Close

Today was a day to get together with three of my friends that try to spend one day a month together . We just decide about a place to see, a place to eat or who knows what. There are so many things to do and see "in our own backyard" so to speak. It is  always very casual and sans makeup or anything fussy.

One of us wanted to take lunch fixings to our friend who was in the middle of the disastrous wildfire and did not know for days if their home was burned down. Their house sits on 10 acres and five houses around them were burned and ashes were all that remained.

The firefighters were able to save their house partly because of the good "defensible space" that they try to keep around their house. This is their house at the far left of the picture. You can see all the blackened ground around the big trees. IT (the fire) was really really close.

And this is the front porch that I have sat on in the past when everything surrounding it was green and lush.

 This is looking from their house out to their greenhouse that did not survive the fire!

 This is what is left of the greenhouse with the damage. The pile lower center is burned oranges and a couple orange trees. The greenhouse had been filled with organic produce.

 Some more pictures as we walked around some of the property.

 It is horrendous but they feel very blessed to have their house.

They are still is a state of disbelief, horror, confusion and fatigue as they live through the process of returning to some form of normalcy and dealing with all the bureaucracy. It seems like it is the ol' saying "get ready to wait."

 The house is owned by our friend on the left. Along with her husband we enjoyed a great lunch.

And, to sum it up as we drove away one of their neighbors was in the middle of the ashes where his house sat. And, he is the neighbor that called them at 3 AM to tell them the fire was coming over the ridge and they better get out!

I do not think I did justice to this post. It is so difficult to describe what we saw!
It was so good to be with friends and also spend some time with the homeowners.
Let's all count our blessings and pray for the less fortunate and reach out with a helping hand.

Mary

White Bean Chicken Chili

Yesterday, was reported as the warmest day for the remainder of the year. That sounds like soup weather to me. Yes, the night temperatures have already started to lower and the heavier bed linens are creeping onto the beds. And, they feel good.

Now, what's this about soup?

How about something that is quick and easy - and yummy!

           White Bean Chicken Chili
                    Simple ingredients:
12 ounce cooked Chicken, chopped (rotisserie chicken, canned or simmered in water until tender)

Three (15 ounce) cans White Beans, drained

One (4 ounce) can Green Chiles

24 ounce jar Salsa (choose mild, medium or hot)

Three cups Chicken Broth

1 tablespoon Cumin - optional

Sixteen ounces Monterey Jack Cheese, grated. 

I did not add any cumin because mine was out-dated. With the salsa and green chiles it was adequately spicy for me. I have learned to do some tasting before I add any hot spices to a recipe that I haven't made in the past. Combine and cook ingredients except cheese in soup pot. After heated through, add the grated Monterey Jack Cheese and blend well until melted.

I have seen variations of soups similar to this one. Soups are so great to make because you can easily add or subtract ingredients.

I think it is time to check the use-by-dates on all of my spice bottles in the cupboard!

I always like to put small containers in the freezer for later use. Serve with a yummy multigrain bread and this makes a nice and easy supper on a cool fall evening. Garnish with sour cream, more shredded cheese or maybe a little crushed tortilla chips.

A walk in the garden. It was so good to see some honey bees in the garden yesterday and today. Actually, there were quite a few  buzzing around. It has been awhile since I have noticed any. I used to see many honey bees as well as bumble bees. It takes a minute to see the bee in the middle of the flower.

These yellow Gerbera Daisies are such a cheerful yellow color. I can't help smiling whenever I notice them! Smiling is good!

Hope you enjoy Your Day.

Mary

Now - I Like This Idea

And, I will SHARE. That's just the way I am.

It seems like I have read many many blogs lately describing "Trials and Tribulations" during troubled times.

Hope your day is Bright and Sunny. Let's think happy thoughts.

Mary

Near Perfection

The roses in my little garden continue to bloom much to my surprise. It is wonderful!

 I imagine the additional care I have been giving them is making a difference. Also, the warm weather may be contributing to the longevity of this year's blooming season.

This is a hybrid tea rose called Signature that I ordered from Jackson & Perkins several years ago. At the beginning of this blooming season I was concerned about the health of my roses. A little TLC goes a long way!

The coloring of this rose is absolutely gorgeous. As the blossom matures the color changes to beautiful cream center with florescent pink tinged pointed petals.

Oh, how I enjoy my flowers! If I did not have them, I sure would miss them!

My state of mind as of late has been all over the place. It is like a roller coaster. It seems like I have lost my "mojo", not just a little but maybe all of it. Yes, I acknowledge that it has been a rough year for me as well as a lot of people.

Someone commented that they felt "lopsided" since the disastrous wildfires. There is such a feeling of unsettledness that permeates our well being. It seems as though the only place I feel happy is when I am outside in the sunshine - and puttering in the garden. I can not even imagine what it is like to only have a pile of ashes and no home to go to. Five hundred homes decimated to ashes! My heart aches for so very many people. It will take years to recover if there is such a thing.

I feel somewhat guilty for not feeling happier in my current life but it is what it is and I am trying my very best.

There is so much to be grateful for!

Mary