Sheri's Thoughts and This and That

You may have heard the word "influencer" being thrown around on social media.  The word itself makes me cringe.  First of all, do we really need someone to influence us, swaying our thoughts and opinions?  I don't think so.  Truth is, I have never been one to be influenced at all.  Not all the choices I've made were good ones, but on the most part, the decisions I've made were pretty sound, considering my unique story.  I know many people who are influenced by their partner, influenced with politics, with fashion and the clothes they wear, with the homes and areas they live in, with many different things.  There is nothing wrong with getting ideas and inspiration from others - I get that from my blog friends every day.  But in the end, the final outcome is my decision.  And I so wish that people would trust their own instincts rather than relying on someone else's version.  Sometimes I have gone into shops, and the clerks would say to me, "can I help you?"  I politely reply, "I'll know it when I see it."  They say, "you look like a girl who's on a mission."  And they're right....because I always know what I want even before I enter their establishment.  So, as you can see, I don't need an "influencer" to tell me what's best for me.  We know what's best for us.  And I do think that many times God has guided me.  I trust and follow Him, not the "influencer."  

I went to visit my friend, A, at the Home Shop.  She had a couple surgeries, so her shop was closed for a while, but she's back and healing, and it was good to see her again.  I used to like traditional Christmas decorations and ornaments when my kids were little, but now that I'm older, the whimsical ones appeal to me.  I bought this one in her shop.

The leaves are still hanging on, and Autumn looks prettier than ever here.

We had a great wind with rain on Wednesday night, and branches were blowing everywhere and crashing into the house.  The wind was howling loudly, and it was kind of scary and woke me up.  My neighbors heard it too.

I make a squash bake from time to time, and it's such a simple recipe with green squash, onions, ground beef, garlic salt and pepper, a little milk to keep it moist, sprinkled with cheese and bake.

The 100-year old pioneer wagon decorated for Fall.  

My favorite Panettone Bread is in!  It had more candied fruit and raisins, and it was really the best sweet bread I've had so far.

You know how much I love the decorative boxes.  When I saw this one, I couldn't resist bringing it home.  I have a thing for Santa's boots.  ; )

The house is already decked out for Christmas.  I will get to enjoy it for a couple months.  It took me two hours one day cleaning and placing things where I want them.  I will share a few pics later of it all.  I didn't feel like cooking after so I ordered Chinese take out - their szechuan chicken is delicious.

When I was a little girl, I used to have a dachshund named Cinnamon.  Out of all the dogs I've had through the years, this one was my favorite.  She used to sit with me while I rested by the fireplace, and was the most good natured dog.  So, you can imagine how surprised I was when I saw this Christmas cup with a dachshund on it.

Although I favor the whimsical decorations, I still have a few traditional ones that I will always keep.  This is one of them.  Jess gave it to me many years ago, and I've always loved it.

And my calendar page for November with the word, Change.  Honestly, I've never really liked change unless it was of the good kind.  But sometimes good things surface when we have unpleasant change.  This reminds me of Mia, Francesca, and Charlotte, who I'll see soon.

A Funny Story.....And Not So

 I love November, and I always remember and reflect on the first day of November, as it is All Saints' Day.  I pause throughout the day and think about all the dear Saints that I have become familiar with on this earth through stories and writings, and appreciate them immensely.  I was also pleasantly surprised that my Francesca was born on this day.

So, I went to the falls recently, but before that, me and my son drove to the lake.  Here are some pictures of that nice sunny day.  There is a road from the falls that takes you directly to the lake, and it isn't far at all.  It was so charming with all the colors of Autumn.

I heard that there was already snow on Mount Shasta, so I had to take a look for myself.

When I saw this painting I had to get it.  It will be so nice for the wintery season.  You'll have to come back and see it soon when I put it on my mantel with twinkling lights for Christmas.

Do you like my new kitchen towels?

And speaking of hot cocoa, I saw the movie "A Hot Cocoa Christmas."  It was a delightful film.

And as much as I'm looking forward to the Christmas season, I'm still enjoying Autumn.

Here's Charlotte painting her wee pumpkin.

And here's a story for you.

My internet has been going in and out for about a week, so I finally got the cable guy to come out and check on it.  He made sure all the wires were connected and couldn't really find anything.  Now, I'm on the large corner lot, and the utility pole is right in front of the house.  He decided to go up high and take a look.  He found nuts being stored inside the cable box that squirrels have buried - all kinds of nuts, not just acorns, but others.  He said it looked like nuts from people feeding the squirrels.  There were so many of them, and with the rains, it made them soggy and clogged up the lines!  I would have never thought that the reason my internet service was not working properly was because of those squirrels invading my space!  The worker told his mom, who lives close to me, to stop feeding the squirrels.  And she told him that she feeds the birds, but the squirrels just get into it.  I was talking with my neighbor about this, and he mentioned that the same thing happened to him before I moved in haha.

I thought these Lorikeets were so pretty, and such friendly birds.

Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, I'll leave you with a verse I came across recently.

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout our praises to our Protector who delivers us, let us enter His presence with Thanksgiving.

~Psalm 95

I hope you have beautiful November days.

The Waterfalls In Autumn

 I have been to the waterfalls in spring and summer, but I have never seen them in Autumn, and Oh, what I was missing.  Nestled in nature, they are surrounded by all the bright changing colors of the season, which makes them even prettier than they are in the summer.  Me and my son took a drive to the falls, which are only 10 minutes away, and it was overcast for a while, but turned into a sunny day.  We went to the lake first, which is right down the road from the falls, and I'll share pictures of that later.  These waterfalls are on California's list of beautiful places to visit.  So, come along while we take a walk and see this wonderful sight that has me in awe every time.  But first, let us drive through the coffee shop to get a Mexican Mocha with a little whipped cream.

The moss on this tree was so thick that it looked like the Grinch's arms.💚 

And for an extra treat, when we showed up at the house, the deer were in my yard and roaming the neighborhood.

Back at Nel's house, Mia had a special time making caramel apples with Nel.  Nel sent me a little note telling me how much she used to love when I made these for the kids growing up during the Fall season. 🍏  I'm pleased that my daughters are keeping the traditions alive and having so much fun with them in their own way.

I have to share a few more pics of the changing trees in town, cause the colors are brilliant.  And I know just where to go to see them.  ; )

We had a big wind Saturday, and lots of rain on Sunday.  Leaves were blowing everywhere.🍂🍂🍂

So, it was a nice time to stay inside and have a comforting meal of homemade stew,

 and Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's chocolate cake and vanilla frosting.  Have you ever tried her cake mixes? - they are so moist and good!

 Do you know what's also nice to do on a rainy day?  Go through old photos and remember.  Now, I was just in my early twenties when I was raising my daughters.  Didn't have a lot of time for partying or socializing like many girls my age, but looking back, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

my son

And one of my favorite pictures is this one of the girls playing in the leaves at grandma's house.

Have a cozy Autumn week.