The Pumpkin That Says It All

I told you last time that I wanted to get a pumpkin at the grocery store with a funny face, and this week I rummaged through the box, and found the perfect one.  It even has a word written on it.  People in the world sometimes say and do bizarre things, and we are surprised and just flabbergasted when it happens.  We hear it on the news and even see it in our own towns and neighborhoods.  Whenever that happens, the only response that I can come up with is.......

I made one of my favorite things of all - my mother-in-law's potato salad.  It's such a simple recipe, and I love it.  I always add more eggs than she used to though.  ; )

Some people go to the store when they have a meal to prepare.  For me, I use what's in the cupboards and fridge most of the time.  *Some cooked bacon (I took the fat off), broccoli, bell peppers, onions, red potatoes, a little milk to keep it moist, sprinkle with a generous amount of cheese, cover with foil, and bake at 350 for about an hour.  It turned out really delicious.

Francesca is in her second year of Holy Communion classes.  This grandma is so pleased that she will receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion (the Eucharist).  She came out of her class one day wearing this sticker on her forehead.

Jess bought a new car!  And she celebrated by driving to Ventura Beach for the day.

"One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats."

~Iris Murdoch

Nel and Jess have a way with decorating for the seasons, and here are a few pics of Nel's creative fall ideas.  The greens are pretty that she used this year in her decorating.

These scarecrows belonged to her grandma.  I love that she puts them out every year.

This just cracks me up.

The landscaper came by and did so much work around here.  I like to get caught up on fall chores to get prepared for the cold winters we have.  The lawn looks nice, so I wanted to get a pumpkin for the porch.  It's just the right size and shape.

It's deer season, and they seem to come around in September.  Not a good pic, but it was exciting to see a doe across the street at my neighbor's house.

It's so neat that Renecke coaches Mia's soccer team.  When I first saw this picture, I saw a little "me" in Mia.  It's funny; every once in a while, when we see our grandkids, we see not only our children in them, but ourselves.  It can be a look they make, a smile, or even their personality. 

Along with the cooler weather, this is the first real sign of Fall.  We're supposed to get more rain this winter than usual, so I've heard.

So, if you're ever appalled at some of the things you see and hear out there, you can use my response if you'd like.......

Fall Hutch

This was the first time I decorated my hutch for fall, and I had a fun time doing it.  I don't usually decorate excessively for fall, but I have just enough stuff to fill this delightful hutch with autumn goodness.

I've had this white rose vase forever it seems, and it's the one thing I've never been able to part with.

I found this cute bowl this year, and filled it with chocolate.

I put my little accordion Hummel out because he has an orange scarf and he just looks like fall.

My hutch will be even more fun to decorate for Christmas, but for now, I will enjoy this autumn season with some cherished pieces - both new and ones that I've had for years.

I received a wonderful gift in the mail from my friend, Shug.  I was so excited when I saw all the goodies.  First of all, it was wrapped beautifully with a heart stamp, and everything was intact when it was delivered.  There was a devotional book with scripture verses, a funny face pen, some bookmarks, dried flowers, and a card with the most dear written words.  

I had a nice phone conversation with my sister, and it was so good to catch up with her.  It was like having a cup of coffee at a cafe' and chatting with someone so dear to you.

"We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us."

~John Muir

Have you ever tried Franz cinnamon swirl bread?  I make toast with butter sometimes, and it's wonderful.

These were in the Safeway parking lot, and I thought they were so Fall looking.

Then, I always have to put out my white pumpkin with the gold glitter stem during fall.

I ran into M. at the grocery store, the owner of the vintage shop in town, and we had a nice chat.  This is the vintage shop that I buy things from now and then, and I also donate stuff.  She travels every day from the city to her shop, which takes about 50 minutes each way.  I told her that's a lot, and she said she didn't mind it.  She's an inspiration to me, and I'm glad her charming shop is still open for us all.  I also saw some mini pumpkins with faces at the grocery store while I was there.  I think I'll get one next time - they're so funny and cheerful for fall.  Have a lovely September week.

September Smiles

 I love the month of September.  It has always been a calm month for me, except when my little ones were in school, and all the activities were busily piling up.  Nel and Renecke's anniversary is in Sept, along with two special birthdays - my mother's and Mother Mary's, which are just two days apart.  (The Catholic Church celebrates Mary's birthday on September 8).  The deer seem to come around in Sept, and one surprised me the other day on my front porch.  She was so close, looking out my window, and I didn't take any pics because sometimes we just have to enjoy the moment for what it is.  We had rain last week, and some chilly days.

A comforting food I always make in September is oatmeal, adding a little of this and that.

Brother-in-law came in for a visit, and we talked about everything - family, politics, food, life.  We don't always agree on everything, and if I ever get elevated in discussions on certain topics, let's just say he knows me. ; )  I made him a cup of coffee and some pastry bites.  He's never tried them before, and since I bought two packs, I popped one in the oven.  He loved them.

A batch of Dolly's pumpkin spice cookies to remember her. *I placed a piece of Hershey's chocolate in a few, because cookies just taste better with chocolate. 🍫🍫🍫

A simple meal of chicken with soul food seasoning.

When I have leftover chicken, I love to make chicken salad sandwiches.

The kids are all in school now.  I do hope they have a good year doing well in their subjects, school projects, and everything in between.  Oh, I remember being excited about that first week of school, and picking out those favorite outfits to wear.

Changed my coffee cup to one with a mountain scene because when fall arrives, these mountains are so pretty.

My blog friend, Susan, who has been with me since I started blogging, sent me a couple of gifts in the mail.  This is one of them.  It reminds me of my three grandgirls, Francesca, Mia, and little Charlotte.  It was a thoughtful gift, and I don't see these porcelain figurines at the vintage shops that often.  They are hard to find, and she knows how much I love them.

I can't forget about caramel and apples this time of year either.  Instead of the plastic wrapped caramels, I found these mini Caramel Bits.  Just melt some with butter and dip the apples in.  I can only have a couple, as it's such a sweet treat and I have to watch my sugar intake.

So much to smile about in September.

Everything's Fall In The City

 I needed some good insoles for my shoes, so I had to drive to the city to get specific ones.  My son had to get his laptop fixed, so he went with me.  I knew it was going to be a hot day there, and I don't like the 50 minute drive with fast morning cars and trucks behind me, but thankfully, the highway wasn't too busy.  I had a really fun day, and brought home lots of goodies.  Except for the weather, everything was Fall in the city.

We first stopped at Starbuck's.  I ordered a coffee and a pumpkin loaf, and my son ordered a croissant and a pumpkin latte.

Our next stop was Target.  They open early, and I like to beat the crowds.  I bought some make-up and a soft white pumpkin.  I also noticed this neat looking tea pot and had to put it in my cart.  It's a cream color with a copper handle, lid, and spout.  I've been wanting a new tea pot, and this one is so unique looking.

I have a thing for soft items, and I bought this pumpkin just because it was the softest thing.

We next went to my happy place, Hobby Lobby.  Yes, there were so many cute Fall things, but nothing that sparked my desire to bring home.

Our next stop was Barnes & Noble.  Jess gave her brother a gift card, and he browsed and found something.  He bought a Greece cookbook and an iced coffee.

While my son went to get his computer fixed, I moseyed on over to Michael's.  Didn't find anything there that caught my fancy either.  My son ended up getting a new laptop, which will be good for his college courses.

We then drove over to get my foot inserts.  I need good support in my shoes, especially when walking long distance, and these particular arches were recommended to me.  

It was the afternoon, and we were starting to get hungry, so we saw Olive Garden in the distance, and I said, "Yes!"  Their Chicken Alfredo, salad, breadsticks, and iced tea never disappoint, and it was all so delicious.  I brought half of it home to eat later that evening.

It's a must to visit Home Goods when I'm in the city.  Soooo many cute things there, and I usually never leave that place without getting something special.  I bought a pretty glass pumpkin.  It's from the Martha Stewart collection, and it's the most unique pumpkin I've ever seen.

Our last stop was Trader Joe's.  Oh my, they have so many goodies there to enjoy.  Nel and Jess love this place as well.  I always have to get the Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized onions.  They are amazing.  Just pop them in the oven, and enjoy.

I also picked up a bottle of the French Sparkling Pink Lemonade.  Me and the girls used to get this drink for wedding and baby showers throughout the years.  It's got a fizzy taste and wonderful.

And I can't come home without picking up the moistest pumpkin spice cake.  Nel was thinking the same thing, cause she just picked up one from Trader Joe's too.  This cake is the best.

My son also picked up a Turkish Shawarma chicken and Persian cucumbers.  He made a meal on Saturday, and it was really good.  Our family loves different cultural dishes.

After a scorching hot day in the city, it was time to head on up the mountains to the cooler temperatures.  When we got into town, we noticed the trees were shaking from the breeze.  Fall is coming!