A Stop at a Farm Market

 It had been ages since Shirley and I had been to Cracker Barrel for turkey and dressing but yesterday we fixed that mistake!! So glad that the CEO of that establishment came to her senses and got things back like we like them.

While driving home we stopped in a farm market... so cute a place and I bought some goodies.

 I couldn't pass up a tray of huge muscadines. Now, for those of you who are not from the south.... muscadines are wild grapes and are soooo good. Most people don't eat the skins 'cause they are tough but the taste of the pulp and juice is just divine. These were so big....

I also got some sweet potatoes. Love them baked with butter and brown sugar on them. I bought a quart of pickled spiced peaches but those are on hold for the holidays. 

As we parked back at my place Shirley noticed a grape vine growing in a tree by the parking area. It looked weird! By doing a google picture id I found out that a tiny insect called a leafhopper was causing that pretty pattern on that leaf.  I like the look. but, I am sure it isn't healthy for the vine.

I think it just puts you in a different frame of mind to get out and enjoy the sights of a new approaching season. 

Storing Up For Winter

 

Yesterday afternoon I sat down at the table on my balcony and just watched the breeze fluffing the leaves. Some fell, some hung on for dear life. The fountain was going, the water splashing around. I could hear a rustle somewhere and saw a dark object in a nearby tree. 

It was a squirrel. I'd never seen a squirrel in that particular tree. They are usually scampering up and down the pine trees past the driveway, chasing each other out one limb and then another. I grabbed my camera. 

There, evidently, was some sort of nut or seed pod on that tree and he was having himself a feast! I sat and watched him run out a limb, grab something to eat and scoot back to this one spot to munch on it. He did it over and over. Getting fat for the coming winter, I guess.

Gee, I wonder if I can use that as an excuse that when I eat more than I should I can say I am storing up for the wintertime!

A Sad Thought

 

Yes, it's the first day of Fall. We always said Fall but I love saying Autumn. Sounds more lyrical, I guess. 

However you say it just enjoy each golden day. Too soon the cold winds of Winter will be whistling down our chimneys. You know what I mean... I don't even have a chimney! haha

I made a lemon cake the other day. It's been years since I made a cake! And, this one was done in my toaster oven. 

Lemon.... that sounds more summery but I saw the recipe and made it for Michael's birthday recently. It was good.

But, I am trying hard to get sugar outta my life. Lordy, that's hard. Not only sugar but fried foods and a bunch of other stuff that's not good for you. 

Are you on a search for healthier eating?

Got any fav recipes you'd like to share?

On to a sadder subject

I had never really paid attention to the name Charlie Kirk until he was killed. Guess I live under a rock, cause there were a ton of people who knew and loved him.

However, his passing affected me deeply. I spent all yesterday afternoon watching his memorial on tv. And, I cried for Erica and those little kids.

I think the reason why it hurt so much was that Charlie was the same age as my Dad when he got killed (by lightening).

My Dad left a wife he loved beyond anything, a daughter age 8 and me (I was still in my Mother's womb) 

I know what those little kids will go through... not having a Dad. 

The older I get, the more I miss mine. 

I just pray that all the violence against those who think differently than you will stop. 

Chatting and Chewing

 Yesterday we had our monthly Chat and Chew meeting in our lounge. Had the best time! That Chat and Chew was my idea. I just have a hard time conversing in a meaningful way when the room is full of people also conversing!! This group is small, we take down our own lunch and we usually spend 2-3 hours just catching up. 

I have gotten to the age that when you interrupt my train of thought, that thought's done left the building! Can't remember what it was and yesterday I noticed others doing that, too. Guess we all belong to the same club. 

and on to other subjects...........

Son Michael left Sunday morning driving back to Alabama where he lives. I miss him (and his little dog).

 He got home safe and sound. What mother doesn't love hearing that their kid arrived at their destination safe and sound? 

Tuesday morning Shirley told me that Michael was in the hospital. Little stinker didn't let me know... guess he didn't want his Mama to worry. 

It was a severe case of acid reflux that had asperated enough so that some had seeped into one of his lungs. They kept him overnight, gave him a bunch of antibotics and he's fine now.

What was funny about that was.... they asked him when was the last hospital visit he'd had.

Sept 8, 1957, he said.

The day he was born.

That boy has not ever been a patient in a hospital!!

Lordy, I wish I could say that.

3 abdominal surgeries

a tonsilectomy

a breast lumpectomy

2 knee replacements 

and I birthed 5 babies.

Can't say I've never been to a hospital.

My air conditioner/heating unit went kaput while Michael was here. Luckily, we were having cooler days and too, the office brought up a portable air-conditioner for us to use. 

Yesterday I got a new unit installed. Took them all day but now I can stay cool if I want... or when winter gets here I can be toasty warm. 

Take care.

Quote

"We have two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen twice as much as we speak. So, be a good listener."

Robin Sharma

More Celebrating!

 Another birthday celebration!! 

Yep, same guy. same birthday but 3 days later than the actual day. 

Michael and I drove over to the Eastern Shore... now, if any of you don't know what the 'Eastern Shore' is, it's this: The Chesapeake Bay splits off a slice of Virginia and the long peninsula that is on the east side is known as the Eastern Shore. It's Virginia but separated by a big body of water. 

Any way...Michael's big sister had promised him a seafood lunch as her part of his birthday. She and her hubby are house/dog/grandchild sitting at their daughters house and couldn't join us on his big day (the lunch at the Mexican restaurant). 

They took us to the Island House. What a view. 

Everyone got shrimp but me and I chose a crab cake sandwich. It was soooo good. 

We had a great time. And, Michael got his seafood! 

On another note: I don't know about all of you but I have a difficult time pronouncing worchestershire sauce. To be funny, Michael started calling it 'wash your sister sauce'.  Well, I knew what he meant.... and I thought it was cute. But, then Moms always think their sons are soooo darn cute, I don't care what age they are. 

Ole! Happy Birthday!

 We had a birthday to celebrate yesterday. 68 years ago Michael came into our lives and he's been a blessing ever since. 

He was the cutest baby!.

I treated him to lunch. I let him choose the location (of course, I did... it was his birthday)

We went to La Parilla's Mexican restaurant near my apartment. He was a happy camper. Loved his coconut margarita, his chimichanga, and best of all, the fresh guacamole made at our table. Oh lordy, that stuff was yum. 

We finished eating and he thought he'd escaped the usual noisy song and dance routine a lot of places do for birthday people. 

NOT SO FAST, buddy.

Here they come... a humoungous sombero and singing and they put a swipe of whipped cream on his nose. I loved it! He endured it! And, he had ice cream drizzled with carmel sauce all in a tortilla shell. 

It was just the coolest thing. We had such a great time and I am so happy I got to spend his special day with him