A Box From The Past

I got a call early in the morning saying, "Are you going to be around?  I'll be over in about half an hour.  I have some Thanksgiving goodies for you."  And of course, my reply was, "Yes!"  My brother-in-law had just gone to the store and bought me a lot of Thanksgiving groceries - a turkey, potatoes, cranberries, apple pie, and more.  When I mentioned how thankful I was for it all, he said, "it's just what I do."  And it is.  Since I've been living up here, he's been surprising me with Thanksgiving goodies every year.

I made him a hot cup of coffee when he got here, and my son had just baked some French pastries, so I served him one with the coffee.  They were really good, flaky, and just a bit sweet.  I just found this Christmas cup last week, and thought it was so cute.

He not only bought me Thanksgiving groceries, he put a few snacks in there as well. It was hard to pry myself away from the nacho cheese popcorn in front, I had to discipline myself; they were that good.

He also brought me a bottle of French wine.  Who doesn't love a rainbow?

There was a big box that he was carrying when he came in, and I wondered what it was.  They were old photos of the kids growing up that belonged to his mom.  I guess  he's not the only one who's been doing some de-cluttering.  Many of us are now, and he's been wanting to give me these pictures for a long time.  I told him that I had most of them, but a few were taken by grandma when we visited her that I didn't have.  There was also treasured notes and things.  So, I've been going through this box all week to see what to keep.  I was close to my mother-in-law, and it was so heartwarming to see this one card that I sent her, and to read the words I wrote, and I smiled at the thought of her keeping it all those years until she passed.

It was a nice visit, and if you didn't know already.....I love surprises! 🙌

There was a dog who was peering through the car window at the grocery store that looked just like a teddy bear dog.  Not a good picture, cause it was raining and the window was up, but you can see what I mean.

We've had lots of rain!  And I am still embracing Autumn's quiet beauty.

A few days after I took the pictures above, a strong wind came to us, and blew all the leaves to the roof and ground.

I don't know who I'm going to give this to, but it was too cute not to buy it.  Originally, I thought of baby Charlotte, but the other girls love stuffed animals too.  With its bright eyed face, I may have to keep her for myself.

My first holiday coffee - peppermint latte.  

I have to show you the table Jess created, cause it was so delightful.  First, she picked up two pallets from Oxnard, and Francesca had the idea to paint it, so they painted it together.  She added seat cushions and unicorn inspired decor for a "unicorn garden party in the park."

I bought some Christmas tea for the season. Tis the season to be jolly.....fa la la la la.

~Sheri

Just Because in November

 I haven't done a 'just because' post in a while, so here you go.

My son had to take his car to the auto shop, and the shop is up the mountain, so I thought I'd come along for the morning.  While driving up the mountain, I got to take in the beautiful scenery, with all the Fall trees showing their color in the mountain landscape below.  The car just needed a part for the shifting, and it didn't take long at all.  In the waiting room, I noticed this picture on the wall, and loved it.  Such a classic photo.

After the shop we drove through town, and my son showed me the Museum of Art that was around the corner.  I have always appreciated paintings from talented artists, especially whimsical ones.

*painting by Anna Speshilova

At home cooking, and this was one of the best meatloaves I've made.  Had to take a bite of the end before taking the picture.  ; )

It's the season for hot chocolate, and I made my first cup one cold afternoon.

Italian bread toasted in the oven with butter and blueberry spread.

I saw these prayer candles at the store, and had to get this very special one.  The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Catholic devotion that symbolizes Jesus' love for humanity.  When I light the candle and say a prayer, a very special moment of peace comes over me.

A mural in my town on main street.  No more fires please!  Our CalFire workers are exhausted.....and great at what they do.

I bought another soft warm flannel.  This one is heavy for the freezing days ahead, and I love the blue colors.

Blueberry loaf with cream cheese frosting.  Oh my, was it good.

"Manners Maketh Man"

~the motto of William of Wykeham

I was so bummed to find out that my favorite burger place is closing this month.  This is where I get my delicious mushroom burgers - there's nothing like them.  So, one last time to enjoy the best burger around.  I heard that another good eatery will be replacing it, but will have to wait and see.

Some more Fall color before it leaves us.

I have been drinking McCafe' coffee, just to have a change from Starbucks.  I miss McDonald's up here, but they sell the coffee at the store.

I watched the movie 'Christmas Together.'  It's such a cute Christmas film.

Have a lovely week. ☕

~Sheri

I Want To Get My Ears Pierced!

Hello, and happy November!  This month is always a pleasant and soft one for me, giving thanks for all the blessings in my life.  We had some more rain, and with the rain comes no internet access.  The technician came out, and it took the whole day to fix the problem and get service back on again.  But he kept at it until it was done, what a good worker.  We are in full Autumn here in northern California, and first thing I want to show you are all the colors I am seeing around my neighborhood, and when I make my way into town.  No filters here, just straight from the camera.

A healthy meal - baked pork with lots of spices and potatoes.  Really good.  My son has taught me to use more spices in cooking.

I thought these were real because they were planted in the dirt, but after taking a closer look, they are not.

I know this sounds funky, but whenever I see a picture or plaque with a saying on it, I think it was meant for me, so it's hard not to bring such things home with me, like this glass frame I came across with such special words.  When my kids were in grade school, the Principle was not only an acquaintance, but he was a friend of the family, and I remember what he told me when I had a conversation with him one day, ~things always have a way of working out.~  I was young then, and wasn't sure about that, but looking back, I realize he was right.

There is a big craft fair going on this month, and I will be going to that.  Everything will be handmade with love and care, and I look forward to browsing through all the booths.

I was talking with Francesca on the phone this weekend, and I was telling her about the time I got my ears pierced when I was young.  I was around 12, and I told her that we didn't have the pretty, convenient earring boutiques back then like we do now, and that my mom pierced my ears at home.  First, she put ice on my earlobes for a time to make sure they were numb and I couldn't feel much.  Then, with a clean needle, she poked my ear, ouch! 😲  She did a nice job, and I had to clean and take care of them for a couple weeks after that.  I've had pierced ears ever since.

On Friday, Francesca's 7th birthday, she got her ears pierced!  This is an exciting day in a child's life, and one that will always be remembered.  She chose pretty pink earrings to wear for a while.

 

Do you remember the day you got your ears pierced?  Would love to hear about it.

~Sheri