I Love The 'Ber Months...

Image via Handmade Treasures by Jan

My youngest sister, Jan has a lovely group on Facebook - "Handmade Treasures by Jan" - as well as her "Treasure Trove of Gratitude" group. You may want to check them out.

Jan shared this image she created and I loved it. The 'ber months really are my favorites. To me they signify the earth preparing for rest after a productive spring and summer season. 

I'm especially looking forward to this year. I still have canning to do this season, and it's much more enjoyable when it's cooler outside. I'll fill the pantry in preparation for the winter ahead, and when the snow flies, Handsome and I can stay safely tucked in the farmhouse with the girls.

This year is especially exciting for us as our elder granddaughter is getting married in October. She's our first grandchild to "tie the knot". We love her fiancé, and can't wait to celebrate their new beginning.

How do you feel about autumn? Are you a fan or not?

PS. Sorry I'm behind on responding to comments. I promise to catch up soon!

Sunday Funday...

With Son #2's Family

It's not your eyes. I didn't want to take one of those "everybody crammed together in front of someone holding the iPhone", so I set the shutter to get a "better" image. I guess it was so far away that my old iPhone 8 couldn't get a sharp image. Even so, you can tell who's who, and I love all the smiles.

We spent yesterday with Son #2 and his family finally having our Christmas celebration with them. Illness delayed us first, and then we determined waiting until the wicked cold weather broke was the safe way to go. It got up to 21º on Sunday and was wonderfully sunny. 

Family with Grandpa

We had a grand time sharing a meal, getting caught up, and opening the gifts that had been waiting over a month. Of course, we needed photographs before the girls had to leave for other commitments. One was heading back to her college dorm, and the other had to work her second job last night.

Grandpa and I left shortly afterward and were home before dark. All the furry girls were glad to see us, and we were happily tired from our day. I don't think there really is anything better than spending time with beloved family.

I spent Saturday canning, and I'll be doing more of the same today. I've been taking pictures, so if you want to see what I've accomplished, I'm posting about that tomorrow. 

Oh, I'm also taking a Zoom class online this morning that I'll tell you about later in the week. It's not needlework-related, and there are more sessions this week. I'm pretty excited about it. It's about 90 minutes long each session, and will start at 11 am CT, so I'm going to grab a coffee, my supplies and a notebook. 

I hope you'll join me again as I look forward to a fun and productive week. I'll see you again tomorrow!

Date Night With Our Granddaughters...

We had a Friday Date Night with our granddaughters to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. This was all their idea, which made it even more special!

We picked them up at Son #2's home and proceeded to Milwaukee from there. When it started snowing mid-afternoon, I was concerned that we'd be traveling in crummy weather, but it stopped just before we left home, so the roads were clear sailing. It did snow while we watched the Milwaukee Symphony perform the music track behind the film, but again, it stopped before the end of the performance.

The coolest thing about driving there and back was that our parking spot is almost where this photograph was taken, so all we had to do was cross the street twice to get back in the Explorer!

 

 

Directly outside the theater doors was this little area with the Hogwarts School flag, so people were taking turns posing in front of it for photographs. Unlike the time when I went alone with the girls, there were no big merchandise sales areas. They had a web address shown during intermission if folks wanted to purchase any show souvenirs.

Of course, there was a butter beer (Granddaughter #1), a soda (Granddaughter #2), and popcorn for during the performance. Butter beer, by the way, isn't beer. It actually is a sparkling beverage that tastes like butterscotch candy. It's quite enjoyable!

 

 

One more photo on the way out after the performance. We had a fabulous time, and were so happy that the ladies chose to spend a Friday night with Grandma and Grandpa to celebrate my birthday. Granddaughter #1 is engaged now, and Granddaughter #2 is a college student, so it was a real treat to know that they wanted to be with us rather than the million other things they could have been doing.

 

During the movie, all four of us took turns preempting the dialogue. We've all seen this one so many times that we know exactly what's going to happen next - and who's going to say what. We laughed about that (among other things) all the way home.

We had a great time, and we all agreed that we'll make this an annual event until all four of us (with Potter-loving additions, of course) have seen all seven movies together like this. We're already looking forward to the next one!

 

I agreed to cover an early shift today, so I'll be at work by 5:30 am. I'm sure there's a nap in my future this afternoon. Have a great day! See you tomorrow.

 

A Celebration...

Today we'll be celebrating Granddaughter #2's high school graduation.

It's hard to believe she grew up so fast. 

When it seems like just yesterday, she was sitting on Grandpa's lap.

I'm going to try to recreate this photograph again with them today.

Congratulations, Granddaughter! Grandpa and I are so very proud of you.

Love Is In The Air...

The Proposal In France

Handsome and I went on Facebook yesterday to see this. Granddaughter #1 had traveled to France with her boyfriend's family. They left last week. What a romantic her boyfriend fiancé is. He dropped to one knee, completely surprising our girl, and asked her to marry him. They've been together through her high school years, and she's now graduated from college. She said on her post that this was the "easiest yes ever".

Happy Couple

There were a lot of photos of the event, but these two were my favorite. We've all loved this young man, and now it's official. He'll be family soon enough.

We're so very happy for our granddaughter and her future husband. We can't wait to see them when they're back stateside. I'm sure there'll be a celebration waiting for them. Congratulations are definitely in order!

Celebrating Our Graduate...

Another reminder of why we're so glad we moved back to Wisconsin. On Saturday afternoon, we celebrated our elder granddaughter's high school graduation. The ceremony was held in June. She and her folks decided it would be just the four of them attending the actual high school gratuation event, so we didn't learn until later that she graduated cum laude. We're so proud of her!

Family and friends gathered for an outdoor party at her parent's home (our younger son and his beautiful wife), and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. There was plenty of sunshine with a gentle breeze, great food, and easy conversation. We had a delightful time visiting with both her friends, and her parent's friends - some of whom we've come to know and love over the years - and some new acquaintances for us.

You knew I'd get photographs for you, right? Well, I didn't let you down. The first is a photo I'll cherish of both our granddaughters with Grandpa and Grandma, and a wonderful photograph of the graduate with her Grandpa. This one melts my heart.

So, I'll close today's post with a warm "Congratulations, Granddaughter! We're so proud of you and the young woman you're becoming." 

I'll be back to see you on Wednesday. The short guy with attitude will be back to chat with you tomorrow. I bet you can hardly wait. wink

Tuesdays With Tag - Oh, How I Missed You...

Storytime Corgi, Tag

 Hi, Everybody!

I got a huge surprise last weekend. I mean, nobody tells me anythin'! She walked through the door, and my heart was all aflutter. (What? Yes. "Aflutter" is a word!) The girls and I were actually in our kennels when everyone arrived for Dad's Birthday party, so I barked my head off when I saw her. Someone finally had to calm me down, I was that excited!

I'm In Her Arms Again

It wasn't too long before Mom released me so I could visit with my girl. I jumped right up onto the sofa so I could cuddle with her. She was as happy as I was.

Our Visits Are Never Long Enough

I spent the whole afternoon cuddlin' our granddaughter. Can't you see how happy we are just lookin' at us? I was in hog heaven. It was the best day ever. What else is there to say? She came. We snuggled. She went away again. I sighed. It was over almost as quickly as it began. I know she'll visit again soon. I'll be ready for her! I miss her already.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

Tuesdays With Tag - Celebratin' Team Red...

Brynwood Needleworks - I Was Just A Puppersnapper!

  Hi, Everybody!

I'm gonna make this post short and sweet (like me), but it's chock-full of Birthday wishes for a special someone. Granddaughter #2 had a Birthday yesterday, and I don't want to miss sendin' BIG smooches and hugs her way.

She and I have had a special bond since I first me her. I think it's because she and I both have red (ginger) fur. We just go together, don't we?

Brynwood Needleworks - The Birthday Girl

Her mama took this picture of our girl recently. I guess she's not a kid anymore. She's grown into quite the young lady. I can't wait to see her again in person. I'll be savin' some extra smooches just for her.

 

HAPPY "EXTENDED" BIRTHDAY, GRANDDAUGHTER #2

Love from all of us.

 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

Tuesdays With Tag - Sweet Sunday...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Little Girl Is Growing Up

  Hi, Everybody!

Boy, did I have a fun weekend. Our girls came to visit on Sunday, and I was over the moon. I've written about my granddaughters before, and how I'm more than a little partial to the redhead. We have that in common. (I do love my other granddaughter, too.) Click HERE to read another post about the little redhead from 2013, when she and I were both puppersnappers.

Brynwood Needleworks - Opening Presents

 

Mom said I was lookin' at her with attitude in this picture. Maybe I was. Maybe I wasn't. I was just happy as a clam sittin' where I was, and Mom was laughin' at me because I was lookin' so "smitten". That is always a "yes". I spent the day followin' Granddaughter #2 around. It was great.

Brynwood Needleworks - Miss Shelly's Kittens

The weather was really nice on Sunday, and we had other visitors, too. Our granddaughters were takin' pictures of them, and Dad was beside himself. He's not a fan of these visitors at all. Neither is Bella, but the visitors didn't have any idea about that. They just hung around, playin' and enjoyin' our porch!

 

This spring, Miss Shelly started takin' care of a feral cat after she had kittens. Three of them. Two of them are still with her, and Miss Shelly thinks the third one was adopted by another mama cat. Now, Mama and her kittens show up in our barn during the day, and then go to Miss Shelly's the rest of the time. They were all here on Sunday.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - We Love This One

 

Cat's don't bother me a bit. When I was a wee lad, the lady who owned my bio mom and dad also had lots of cats hangin' around their farm. I kinda like them, even now.

 

Mom is kinda partial to this pretty face. The kittens are shy with us, so Mom doesn't know if this is a boy or girl, but she said she'd guess it's a girl. Isn't she pretty?

Brynwood Needleworks - Black Kitten

Her litter mate is a black cat. He's really handsome, too. There's an adult black cat that is spendin' the winter sleepin' in our wood shed. He shows up in the trail cam photos down at the Habitat, so Mom thinks he's eatin' the food she leaves out for the opossums. She's nicknamed him "Soot". Maybe he's related to this little guy?

 

The kittens and their mama hung around for at least an hour before heading back up the hill to go home. Luckily, Bella never saw them, so they didn't get chased today. 

So, that was how our Sunday went. All in all, it was really nice, and I always look forward to the next time I'll see our girls. I think Mom and Dad are lookin' forward to it, too.

 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

Strawberry Sachet - My Farmhouse Hydrangeas...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet "Farmhouse Hydrangeas"

 

Over all the time I've been making these, I've never made and kept one for myself. Now, I finally have one for myself. 

I still have enough of this fabric to make a few more, so if someone would like to request one similar to this one, just let me know. However, this exact one will be staying here in my studio. 

 

 

I hope you had a great weekend. We spent yesterday with Granddaughter #2 and her family to celebrate her thirteenth Birthday. It was something this Grandma and Grandpa really needed. We hadn't seen them since March! Next weekend is her older sister's Birthday, so we've already made plans to see them again. We're already looking forward to it.

I'm baking a couple of loaves of bread today. I'm called for jury duty tomorrow, so I want to make sure Handsome has bread for sandwiches this week. Don't worry. Two loaves won't be overdoing it for me. I'm still behaving and taking it easy.

Tag will be back tomorrow. He's got some cute pictures to share with you, and I'm sure he'll spin his usual snarky yarn to go along with it. That's how he rolls, you know. I'll see you again on Wednesday.

Tuesdays With Tag - Happy New Year's Eve...

Brynwood Needleworks - New Years' Eve - Taggart

 Hi, Everybody!

This is our last visit of 2019. Next week, we'll enter a new decade. 

Lucky for you, I'm here to  help you say farewell to this year. 

We had a great day yesterday. My girls came to visit with their parents. It was awesome!

Brynwood Needleworks - Hangin' With My Girls

As soon as they got here, Boo and I gave them the once over. Then, the girls and I retired to the livin' room to chew the fat for a little while. I told them all about what I've been up to lately, and they were happy to listen...and give me lots of pettin'. These two young ladies are my favorite girls in the whole world. Sure. I love all kids, but these are ours mine. They adore me, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Feelin' Pretty Cocky

Mom was lookin' at me, and our younger granddaughter shot her the sweetest smile. The whole room lit up! I, on the other paw, gave Mom my best, "What's your problem?" look. She says I'm fickle. Whatever.

Brynwood Needleworks - Ahhhhhh. Just Right.

All I can say is that this is one comfy place to spend the afternoon...so, I did! I stayed in this spot until it was time for my peoples to have dinner. I'm not allowed at the table. They only let me hang out under it. I don't mind, because I often find schnibbles that just happen to hit the floor. Of course, The Black Dog isn't usually very far away either.

Like I said, it was a very nice day. It was snowin' all day outside, but it was warm and cozy inside the farmhouse. Everybody left before it got dark outside, but we'll have great memories of this Christmas, and the time we spent with all our family this season.

This is the last time you'll see this signature. I'll have a new sayin' and a new picture to sign off each week in 2020 - startin' next Tuesday. Thanks for visitin' with me again this week. Wishin' everyone a Happy New Year from Bella and me to you. Stay safe out there.

 

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

A Little Work, A Little Play...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Applesauce

 

Handsome and I had a great weekend together. The old apple tree across the drive has been dropping a lot of apples since our windy weather last week. We decided to pick up the windfalls (1-1/2 five gallon pails-full) and make some applesauce (there's another jar in the fridge).

 

On Saturday, we put up nearly ten quarts of it, and we'll do more later in the week (having already collected another 1-1/2 buckets). It will be nice to be able to enjoy it once it gets cooler outside.

Brynwood Needleworks - Harry Potter Shop Hop Crossbody Bag

 

Before making applesauce, I created this Harry Potter-themed BW Shop Hop Crossbody bag for Granddaughter #1. It's black cork, lined with Harry Potter™ licensed fabric inside. Destiny embroidered the Deathly Hallows logo on the exterior in matching black thread for a subtle design element. 

 

I ordered special pulls for this bag, but they didn't arrive in time for me to gift it to her on Sunday, so I'll be making more like this for the shop, but with the new pulls. I'll show those to you soon. 

 

We presented it to our granddaughter last night, and she loved it! (yay) She said it would be just the size she needs when she goes back to school in September. Seeing her smile was quite heartwarming. Granddaughter #2 loved her Hands-free Hipster, too. She got hers in time for her birthday ten days ago. Two handmade gifts. Two appreciative and happy Birthday girls. One really happy grandma.

 

Tag will definitely be here to visit with you tomorrow. Believe me, I won't forget. He's been giving me grief all week over forgetting him. I'll have porch renovation progress photos on Wednesday...after Tag visits with you. I have no idea what he plans to say, but I'm going to guess it'll be good. We shall see...

Tuesdays With Tag - My Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag In His New Trailer

Hi, Everybody!

Last weekend was the best fun ever! Mom and Dad got a new trailer for our little John Deer tractor, so they can use it for yard cleanup. Bonus is that I can ride around in it when it's not filled with other stuff!

Brynwood Needleworks - Ready To Ride

They finished puttin' it together on an exceptionally lovely day, so we took a little spin around the yard. It was awesome!

Brynwood Needleworks - Two Gingers

Even better was that our girls came for the day on Sunday. I got to spend time with our not-so-little-anymore red-haired granddaughter. We've been best pals since we were both puppies! She was three when we first met, and we've been fast friends ever since I was born and came to live with Mom and Dad. Whenever she comes to visit, you know where to find me!

**Our older granddaughter took our picture, and then they sent it off to me so I could show you. Aren't we cute?

Bella and I are so glad the really hot weather passed. I'm okay with it because I have a thick undercoat that insulates me from hot and cold, but poor Boo. That black fur just solar loads when we're outside, and she doesn't have the extra coat I have. She spends a lot of time pantin' and hangin' around near the water dish.

We're really likin' the 70-80º days, and mid-60º nights. It makes for some great sleepin' weather. We saw some pictures of horrible storm damage from over the weekend, and we're hopin' all our friends are okay. We were lucky and only lost a few branches off the big, old maple in the front yard, so you don't have to worry about us. Everybody, be careful out there! We think about all of you.

Well, that's about all the news that's fit to print this week. I'll see what I can get up to this week, 'cuz you know I'll be anxious to tell you all about it.

 I'll see you again in seven, 'til then...

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Family Funday...

Brynwood Needleworks - Family

Handsome's brother arrived yesterday to spend a few days with us. Our younger son wanted to bring our granddaughters to visit with us and his uncle, so we made an afternoon of it.

We all had fun catching up, and the girls enjoyed the stories the men had to tell. I could sit back and smile, feeling great contentment at the small reunion. This is most likely the last (partial) family photo we'll take on this porch before it comes down.

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Granddaughters

 

I had help from these two beauties to make dinner for all of us, and I couldn't have been happier chatting with them as we worked. 

We visited, feasted, and then said our goodbyes. Son #2 and our girls gave big, wonderful hugs and then turned for home. We cleaned up the dinner dishes, made coffee (half-caff), and sat down to continue visiting with Brother. Sleep came easy last night.

Today, I'll work on my orders while the guys decide what kinds of guy things they'll be doing. I'll also be shipping out some orders that came in over the weekend. I'm figuring to have a fun and busy week, so I'd better get to the studio. Tag can't wait to visit with you again tomorrow, and as usual, I'll be back on Wednesday. Toodles for now!