How Do You Measure One's Life

My dear father-in-law died this past Tuesday.  He was 94 years old.  A brilliant man, he spoke several languages and traveled throughout the world.  An expert in his chosen field, he was co-author of a book and many publications.

To my husband, he was a role model father.  To my children, he was their Grampa.  To me, he was a kind, genuine man.  He's in a better place now, but I will be forever grateful for the fact that when he was around, we all experienced a little piece of Heaven on earth.
Rest in peace John - we loved you.

The Weekend

Yesterday brought another round of outstanding fall weather.  It also brought with it, my first cold of the year.  Regardless of the cold, I enjoyed myself thoroughly.  I bought my mom a new to her sofa because she will be moving into her own apartment the first of November.  This will be both exciting and scary for her.  We are focusing on the exciting aspects of it.
The sun was shining and the temperature a unseasonal 73 degrees (perfect if you ask me :).
I mowed the lawn...

Enjoyed my pumpkins...

Walked through the woods...

 and stopped every once in awhile to enjoy the scenery...

because everything is just so beautiful...

a few of my pets enjoyed it too..

Yes, Smudge does go for walks with me!!!

My baby girl - Violet :)

I went on a jaunt with Dave to an alpaca farm...
We had so much fun.

I got some wonderful decorating ideas...

and we got to see these wonderful creatures...

Aren't they absolutely adorable?
This is a mother and her baby...

So very, very peaceful.

Today it is raining.  I have put my crock pots to good use - one has chili in it, the other has apples cooking down for homemade apple sauce.  My house smells heavenly (so the guys tell me :).  My fledgling cold has manifested itself into a nasty villain.  Such is life.  I hope your weekend was good also.  Have a great night.

Sunday Morning Muffins

Want something quick, easy and delicious to enjoy with your Sunday morning cup of joe?  

Try these.

I call them Sunday Morning Muffins.
You can call them whatever you want. 

The recipe calls for two ingredients:

One box cake mix (I used a yellow cake mix, however, I think spice would be the bomb!!!)
One small can of pumpkin puree

Mix together - do not add eggs, oil, etc. - just mix dry cake mix and pumpkin.
Place in greased muffin tins, bread pans (whatever your heart desires), sprinkle with sugar and bake at 350 degrees until done.

I hope you enjoy them.
Have a great day!!!

Change

It never ceases to amaze me at how fast things change.  Last weekend the leaves on my trees were still green.

This weekend the leaves have changed and many of them have fallen off.

That's the way life is - constantly changing.

Some embrace change.    

Some do not.

However, it is the one constant in our lives.

So it is up to you how you handle it.

However, I want you to remember this...

Life is ten percent of what happens to you...

and

90 percent of how you react to it...

Perspective...

Something to think about.
Life is good - just ever changing.

The Weekend

We had an absolutely gorgeous weekend here - blue skies, sunshine and warm breezes.  The trees are just beginning to change color.  I think they are going to be beautiful this year - lots of reds and oranges :)

Dave traveled to see his father this weekend and while he was gone, I went to the Appleumpkin Festival with my mother and purchased a few items.  I bought this cute little picket fence and the "Welcome Fall" pumpkin.  Isn't it sweet?

I also purchased some pumpkins from my favorite pumpkin farm :)  

And I made sure that I had everything cleaned and decorated both outside...

and inside too...

 

because there is nothing more welcoming...

than a clean, happy and...

welcoming home.
Except perhaps a home cooked meal.
Tonight's menu includes home made chicken soup.
Have a great Monday :)

Little Treasures

I did a little thrift shopping with my Mom yesterday.  Volunteers of America (VOA) was having a 50 percent off everything sale that I could not pass up.  You know I love a good sale :)  Here are a few of the treasures I bought.
Old cookie cutters that go perfectly in my thrifted cookie jar...

A Halloween pillow...

A kind of spooky picture...

I also bought myself a scarf and a butter dish and I only spent $15 for everything.
Speaking of little treasures - here are two of my favorite castaways.
Stripes...

and Smudge...

Like all of the castaways that I have obtained over time...

they have become a beloved part of my home.
Have a great day :)

Fall's Bounty

Last Saturday, Dave and I traveled to Naples (home of the Grape Pie).  Dave wanted to get grape juice for making wine and I wanted to pick up some apples to make an apple pie.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day - blue skies dotted with cotton ball clouds and hints of oranges and reds dotting the hillsides...

wildflowers adorned the roadsides...

and fall's bounty ever so apparent...

We purchased grapes...

and apples...

and I made that apple pie (and it was absolutely delicious)!!!

Most importantly though, we had a great day...

and we shared our wealth with family and friends on Sunday.
Enjoy your Saturday.
You will find me baking and decorating today.