October Craft Day...

Donna, Linda, Jan, Kim, Sara, Marie, and Adrienne

Well, this was a fun project!! We all made scarecrows this month (except for Linda K whose hands were bothering her). 

We all started with boards, a narrow trim piece to create the brim for his/her hat, papers, paints and other trim. 

I used a strip of birch bark for the top of my hat, and you just had to know there would be acorns!

Sisters

Jan used a pretty fall-themed napkin with pumpkins that she decoupaged to the top of her hat. We each painted the faces on our scarecrows, too.

We also made ornaments. If you look closely at Jan's and mine, you'll see ours hanging from the brims of our scarecrow's hats. I'll do another post with closeup photos tomorrow.

This will likely be our last craft day for the year. The Portage ladies have upcoming craft shows where they'll be vendors, and then there are the holidays to consider. Unless plans change, we'll be back at it in January, weather permitting, but I think this was a great project to finish out this year.

October Classmate Dinner...

Front-Deb B., Cal, Mary, and Lisa. Back-Jan and me.

Another late afternoon gathering to enjoy time with old friends. I took Jan with me for a meal out, and she was embraced with open arms.

We all left by about 5 pm (like good old people lol) so we'd be home in time to watch our Brewers baseball team clinch the World Series! A perfect evening to a great day where sports history was made.

We have lots to do before I go back to work on Monday, so Jan and I are going to be really busy. I have artist trading cards to make for this month, too! Better get to it! See you tomorrow.

It Was A Perfect Day For A Wedding...

We didn't take our cell phones into the church, so this is the only photo we have from the ceremony (so far). The photographer shot this one from the balcony. We're looking forward to seeing all the results. 

The reception was held in a wedding venue barn at a local county park. It was a beautiful setting, and you could feel the love. Family and friends gathered to celebrate two people who had been friends and dated since junior high school.

We had great seats for dinner. I could see these two as they shared private conversations through dinner. They're so sweet. Aaahhh. Young love. We sat with our elder son, his wife, and our grandson, so that was great, too.

Then, there's us. One of our son's friends took this picture. I think it will be part of this year's Christmas card. 

We had a wonderful time watching as our elder granddaughter promised her future to a young man who has already felt like family. 

Watching her parents and sister, as well as his parents and family, it's no wonder these two chose each other. We know they'll work hard to make their marriage last. It's who they are.

 

September Classmate Dinner...

Front row: Deb B., Dan and Deb N Back row: Cal, Donna, Brad, and Lisa

September's classmate dinner was yesterday afternoon. Our smaller group was perfect for conversation and fellowship. 

I worked an extra shift from 10 am until 2 pm, and it was a busy shift for me. The scheduled cook didn't show (or call in) so I was on my own. Not wanting to turn folks away for the lunch hour, I got busy.

Not only was I cashiering, but rather than turning away customers coming in for lunch, I told them our kitchen was closed except what could be cooked in our fryer. At one point, I had four occupied tables! I also kept our warmer stocked with "grab and go" food. Needless to say, my shift just flew by, and I was pleased that I could manage to salvage a lunch hour where our restaurant would have been otherwise closed.

The third shift cashier clocked in early, I balanced my till, changed out of my work clothes and drove to the restaurant for our dinner. Handsome stayed home this month, but I brought dinner for him home with me...including two pieces of "Fudgy Wudgy Chocolate Cake" (restaurant's name, not mine). All in all, I'd say it was a good day from start to finish. 

Today is (mostly) a home day. I have a mid-day hair appointment, but otherwise I'll be at the farmhouse. I'm looking forward to it!

Happy October!

More About Sunday...

As I told you yesterday, my Sunday drive began hours earlier than actually necessary. As I came off our hill, my view was beautifully sunny, with autumnal fog lying across the marsh. I thought it looked magical.

I drove the by-pass around Fond du Lac and continued west toward Portage. Within mere miles of Fondy, the "beautiful, autumnal fog" developed into a pea soup-thick blanket that stretched for about fifty of the remaining sixty seven mile trip. I gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my hands actually hurt when I finally stopped (the first time) at Adrienne's.

After eating breakfast in downtown Portage at (what else?) the Portage Café, I took the scenic route through a town near and dear to my heart  I ended up at Silver Lake, located on the north side close to my last apartment before I moved back here and met Handsome.

I pulled into the beach parking lot and turned my Explorer off. I opened my windows and enjoyed the view. A solitary pontoon boat cruised around the shoreline, occupied by a guy and his dog. 

Soon after, a dad pulled in with his young son. Both of them carried fishing poles down to the water, as dad recited the rules of the day..."First fish wins", "Biggest fish wins." and "Most fish wins." I never did see them reel one in. Apparently nothing was biting, and they didn't stay long.

I enjoyed the view until about twenty minutes before everyone would be arriving at Adrienne's, so I put on my seat belt, smiled a farewell, and left Silver Lake not knowing when or if I'll ever return. Serendipity brought me there. Purpose would have to bring me back. I'm glad I took photos to remind me of my well-spent morning, though. 

Oh, and thankfully, the fog burned off completely by the time I made my return trip home. "No fog" was the best ending to a perfect day.

 

September Craft Day...

First, let me apologize for my inconsistent posts. These new hours are wonderful, but this night owl is in bed by 10 on work days, and sometimes I just forget to post first. I'll try to do better.

This month's craft day was yesterday - a Sunday for a change. Of course, I didn't read the info carefully, so I arrived at 9 am to find it didn't start until 1 pm. sigh I realized my error when no other cars were at Adrienne's. 

Rather than ring the doorbell, I checked the messages to find the time change. I drove in to Portage and had breakfast at the downtown cafe. Then I drove around town a bit. I found a small lake near where I used to live and sat and read until it was time to meet up with the ladies. It was a perfect day for a little lake time.

This month, our project was a fall/Halloween floral arrangement in upcycled tin cans. Can you tell which one is mine? 🤭

Adrienne went with a skeleton/ghost theme.

Kim also chose little ghosts.

Linda added a pumpkin to her ghost arrangement.

I'm not much of a Halloweener. We've actually never lived in a place where we had trick or treaters, and although you know I love fall, I've never decorated with skeletons/ghosts, etc, opting for an owl and acorns instead. I painted these and added them to my arrangement.

Marie had a trio of girlie ghosts in her arrangement.

So that's what we all made this month. I got home by around five after a full day in my old stomping grounds. It's amazing how much things change when you haven't been around in about thirty years! (I actually only found my old apartment by the lake by accident!)

I'll share a few photos of that tomorrow. See you then!

 

August Classmate Dinner...

Another classmate dinner has come and gone. Likewise for this month! The time just continues to fly and soon enough it will be September.

We had a larger group this month, and Handsome joined us again. (He took this month's photo.)

Front row: Bruce, Deb B, Brad, and Cal. Back row: Mary, Lisa, Dan F., Deb N., Dan N., and me.

I took orders for caramel pecan rolls and they ordered seven two-packs, so I spent the morning baking. Just so you know, it wasn't my idea to hold them up for the photo, but I did laugh that they did.

Today, I'm going to locate tomatoes for canning this weekend, and start another "Something Blue Bridal Brooch" for our granddaughter. I'll tell you more about that tomorrow. 

The sun is shining, and it's going to be a perfect day for just being home. Hope you enjoy every minute of yours!

Veggie Days...

I received this beautiful box of goodness from Dawn and Pete yesterday and will be processing them into stewed tomatoes (with the addition of onions and fresh basil. The gorgeous green peppers are from Shelly. Why the delay?

Because I received nearly forty ears of fresh-off-the plants sweet corn from our neighbor Earl on Saturday. Handsome helped me shuck most of it, while I stripped the golden goodness off the cobs.

By late afternoon, we had fifteen pints cooling (with lids popping) on the counter. Of course, we had fresh corn on the cob with dinner both Saturday and Sunday nights, too. There's really nothing better.

Of course, no money changes hands.  I'll be taking fresh-baked pecan rolls to both of them during the week. That's how it's done between neighbors in farming country.

Happy Monday, friends!

 

July Classmate Dinner...

Front: me, Julie and Cal. Back: John, Mary, Deb B., and Lisa

I get teased by one of the ladies when I say "I'm looking forward to tonight's gathering". She likes to remind me that 3:00 pm isn't "night". Silly me.

Even so, we shared another nice meal. I had the chance to hug my friend, Mary, whose husband passed earlier this month, celebrate John's son's liver transplant, hear all about a recent gall bladder surgery, and Julie's prize winning giant tomato making it into Guinness Book of World Records. 

As usual, our meal and visit lasted about two hours, and then we were ready to part company. Handsome joined us, and then offered to take the photo before we all said goodbye...until next month.

 

I Have A List...

 

I have more than a few steps left to complete my Monarch butterfly, so I made a list. Thanks to my trusty notebook from my class with Owen, I have all his instructions from start to finish. I'm really glad, too, because there are a few steps I know I would have missed.

Once these steps are completed, my butterfly will be finished. 

I know I'll get back to my needle dancing soon, but these days I've been consumed with clearing out clutter. I've come a long way, too. I have boxes of things going away and already the spaces I've been working on feel lighter. I'm motivated to continue. 

The heat has broken (finally), so it's perfect for clearing, boxing and cleaning. I guess this is where farmers came up with "Make hay while the sun shines". (I know that's not completely appropriate, but I'm going with it, and I know you understand my usage.)

This afternoon is another classmate dinner. Another of our group has lost her husband, so I know some heavy-duty support will be in order. We'll have another group photograph taken, so I'll be sharing that tomorrow. See you then. I'm off for my morning cuppa.

July Craft Day...

Adrienne's 

Saturday was busy, but fun. The ladies decided we'd paint this month. Adrienne found a painting tutorial on YouTube, so we we set up to followed along on her television as we painted.

Kim's

I sat next to Kim, and Marie and Adrienne sat across the table. (Arie sat at another table with George, who painted his own project. He's such a rebel!) 

We all felt apprehensive during the process, so there was a lot of stopping and starting of the video...and more than a little sighing or nervous giggling.

Aria's

But in the end we were all content with our finished watercolor Aurora borealis" paintings..

Marie's

Once we lined them up, we all said what we liked about each other's work. Some of us (😑🤚) decided painting is not our forté, but we had fun nevertheless.

Mine

Linda didn't make it to craft day, but I went to her house after, and we had a great visit until it was time for us to go to her son and new daughter-in-law's wedding reception.

They were married last month out of state, so this was an informal party to celebrate. It was nice to see everyone I hadn't seen in a while, and to congratulate the happy couple.

Sunday was a true day of rest. I have PT this morning, and then I'll get pack to my butterfly. Happy Monday!

June Classmate Dinner...

Back row (l-r): Dan, Brad, Deb B, Handsome and me Front: Bruce, Deb N, and Lisa

Handsome joined us again this month for dinner. As always, we had a great visit, and shared events since our last get-together.

One of our regulars, Cal had surgery last week, so he continues to heal. We'll see him again next month.

I made two dozen cinnamon rolls, and with the exception of the four I kept at home, sold almost all of them to my buddies. Deb B. was so enthused, she opened her duo and tore one apart to let everyone know they were tasty. 

I was originally going to bring one two-pack back home until our waitress asked if I had any left because they looked so good. She ended up purchasing my last pack, so I came home with an empty tote. Yay, me!

I'm going to work on my Etsy shop today. My plan is to update current listings, and add a new category or two. I should have new items up by the end of the day. 

Now I'm going to pour a cuppa, feed the birds, and then get busy. See you later!

 

Fall In Love With Your Life...

For me it's time with Handsome, family and friends, our pets, needlework, sewing, and preparing the goodness that comes out of our farmhouse kitchen. Plus, a hot cup of tea. Yes, definitely a hot cup of tea.

So Much Fun...

I went to town Saturday afternoon to spend time with family, and friends who are family. We were celebrating my second-eldest niece, and my eldest niece's daughter who both had birthdays this month.

One flew in from Colorado and the other came from Minnesota with her mumma. Also in attendance were my sister Lyn's widow, and her ex who essentially raised her two daughters. (Yes, the guys do get along well.) Add two aunties, a nephew, dear friends, and besties, and we had everyone we needed to have a great celebration.

I stayed about four hours and then came home. I was so happy to see everyone and share in the celebration. The girls were staying at my Mother's so it was a short visit for me. I hope next time we can have them here for an overnight. It was a great start to our holiday weekend.

 

May Classmate Dinner...

 

Front row: Al, Brad, and Cal  Back row: Deb, Bruce, Donna

We changed our dinner from Wednesday to Thursday this month to accommodate folks who couldn't join us on Wednesdays. As it turned out, Thursday apparently didn't work either. The result was a wonderfully small group of regulars.

Unlike the larger groups that end up with multiple conversations, we were all part of each story. We got all caught up, and truthfully, I heard one of these old friends laugh harder than I've ever heard him laugh in decades. It was great.

We're going back to Wednesdays from now on, but I'll file this month away as one of my favorites. I sure do love these people.

You're Important...

Gone too soon. I miss you, Krisann.

 

April Classmate Dinner...

Back row-Janet, Bruce, Deb B., Lisa, Donna and Cal. Front row-Deb N., Max, Dan and John

We had a nice-sized group this month. Couples who'd been on vacation returned, and as usual, the conversation was spirited and lively. A fun time was had by all.

We decided to change the day next month to accommodate schedules of our regulars, and give others who may be busy on Wednesdays the opportunity to join us. We'll see how that works out.

 

Friendship and Fast Fur...

Goodness, we had fun last weekend! I met up with Judy, her husband, their friends Bruce and Paula, and dogs, Elvira and Thumper. 

Judy was gracious enough to take the time to explain the process, and then we watched Elvira earn her 43rd ribbon, while Thumper earned number 7.

After every event, Judy's tradition is to slip the pups into something cute; clip her Bluetooth speaker to her belt, and play each dog's "theme music" as they pick up their awards.

Watching them earn their awards was great fun, but watching them collect them was just adorable.  

We gathered and put our lunch plan together before heading to Judy's friends' home for our barbecue meal. I left for home a respectable time later.

After Judy's dogs compete for more points Sunday morning, they'll be leaving for Tennessee. We exchanged hugs and goodbyes, and I left.

Once I was back home, I told Handsome all about FastCAT competitions. He was intrigued. So after getting a It more information from Judy, we went back down Sunday morning with Bella and Carly. 

We couldn't take one and leave the other home, so we entered Bella in the non-official fun run.  Her time to run 100 yards chasing a lure was just over 10 seconds each time. She reached 19 (plus) miles per hour, having never done it before.

Pretty impressive for an 11 year old, right? When she wasn't running, she was still amped up at the prospect. That's our girl.

Carly was pretty impressive, too. Once she understood the assignment. She ran the 100 yards in 9.2 and 9.5 seconds, and she got up to 22 mph doing it! By the time each of the girls accomplished their two runs, we were all a muddy mess. 

You know what that means. The back of my Explorer was a muddy mess, to say nothing of the girls. Baths were in order when we got home, and thank goodness I thought to put towels down to avoid having my car looking the same.

Handsome and I discussed how this could be perfect for us and the dogs. We're not quite fit enough for agility or hunting anymore, but this was right up our alley - plus, both girls loved it! We're definitely going to enter more in other events areas of the state.

I have an appointment this afternoon, so I'm going to enjoy my cuppa and get busy. I also decided what I'm going to do for a table runner  more on that tomorrow.