Friday, November 21, 2008

Friday Fragments

Welcome to my front yard. Isn't it beautiful?? When we got up this morning it was snowing slightly. I had an early morning {7:15} breakfast date with some of the "Loser Housewives". It snowed all through breakfast and I had to brush my car off when I left the restaurant for a pedicure and manicure appointment. After all, I will probably be wearing sandals in Las Vegas next week. LOL I enjoyed an idyllic two hours being coddled, came out in my flip flops to four inches of snow. Let me tell you that wasn't fun, brushing all the snow off my car and driving home with freezing feet.

The snow has stopped for now and the sun is out. It sure is pretty around here even if we're not terribly thrilled with the cold. Jim is getting the snow blower out of the garage and going to work pretty soon. I wanted to get a couple of pictures while it was still pristine and unspoiled.




Here's Homer (my car).



This shot of my bird feeder was taken from the dining room window. If the bird feeder looks odd, it's because Jim and our resident squirrel have been having a war. Jim keeps adding extensions to the pole, and Mr. Squirrel keeps crawling out there and getting into the feeder. I think we'll have to give in and buy one of those expensive "squirrel proof" feeders.

Jim has finally finished painting the upstairs bathroom. We had a serious discussion about the colors I had chosen and, of course, I got my own way. Well, you've heard the saying, "Be careful what you pray for". Oh my!!! When I get the room all put back together again, I'll post a picture and you'll see what I mean. I will admit it's getting a little better with time, but I think I'll need to wear my sunglasses when I go in there.

Cheryl's Random Tuesday post was all about Thanksgiving; memories, traditions, favorite foods, plans and what she's thankful for. She challenged us to write about our take on those things. So, Cheryl my dear friend, here we go:

A Tradition - I guess the tradition that sticks in my mind{and, sadly, is no longer} was the day after Thanksgiving shopping trip with my mom. My mom was legally blind and depended on me to help her with her shopping. We would leave early in the morning. We had a favorite spot for breakfast and a wonderful lunch place. We had such a good time on those days. In the early days of my marriage, it was just mom and me. As the girls grew older, they were invited. I remember one time when we took my mom's sister, my Aunt Jessie as well as the girls. My aunt had terrible rheumatoid arthritis and didn't get out much. We had the best time. I remember laughing and laughing.

Many of our old traditions have changed since my mom passed away and my MIL has moved to an assisted living facility. We make the most of the times we have together and I believe new traditions are being formed. Nevertheless, it is sad to let go of the old ones.

A favorite memory: Oh my gosh, there are so many wonderful memories associated with this holiday {one of my favorites}. I think one of the best is making Indian headdresses with my nephews and my girls. What a very simple project, but one that just delighted the kids. My girls were pretty little the first year we did them and the boys were so patient with them.

When the girls got older, we began a tradition of making a Christmas decoration during that visit. My MIL was such a talented and "crafty" woman. The girls just loved the time spent doing crafts with her and their great grandmother.

Favorite food: Once again, that is really hard to choose. I think that even though I like it all, I am most fond of mashed potatoes and my MIL's turkey gravy. The best part was always about 9 o'clock in the evening when we dragged everything back out and made hot turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes and lots and lots of gravy. OHHHH! the heartburn.

Plans for this year: Well, last year Jim and I stayed home alone and had a quiet Thanksgiving dinner. It was really lovely and I didn't mind one bit. After all, he's my best friend. BUT this year we decided that we want to spend the holidays with our kids. So, we are going to Las Vegas to have Thanksgiving with Brian and Gretchen. Given all that snow outside, we are quite anxious to go. We are hoping to make a trip to Chicago for part of the Christmas holiday. All-in-all, things look pretty rosy for holidays.

Five things I'm thankful for: It's hard to narrow it down to five. Let's say five OF the things I'm thankful for. I know we aren't supposed to use the generic friends, etc., but they are included.

1. There was a piece in the local newspaper asking for people to submit in five words what they are thankful for and I said, "The joy of the Lord".

2. I am so thankful for 40 years, both bitter and sweet, with my dear husband.

3. Friends, both near and far, who make my life so meaningful. That includes you dear friends in blogland.

4. Being able to walk.

5. Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha, available only during the Christmas Holiday season.

6. I'm sorry, but I have to add this one. Free popcorn on Tuesdays at the Regal Cinema.

Okay, guys. I think that's it for this Friday. Our flight to Vegas leaves at 6:45 on Monday morning which means we need to leave the house at 4:30. I will probably post sometime next week from Nevada where it's 75 degrees, but for now I'll leave you with my best wishes for a wonderful weekend and a Happy Thanksgiving.

~hippo hugs~

9 comments:

Faye said...

What delightful Memories Post! I love reading about your Holiday highlights.
I'm also laughing at the dump of snow...we're in this together now :)
AND I'm jealous....I've only been to Vegas once, but it was the BEST time!! We also went to the Grand Canyon and just stood in awe of God's creation....nothing prepared me for the sheer beauty.
Have a great time and make sure to take lots of pics for me, so I can escape my cold, snowy weather in my cyber-agination

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Pam,

Oh, my, look at your front yard with all the beautiful snow! Love it. As long as it's not in my front yard! LOL. When I was younger and lived where there is more abundant snow, I used to really enjoy it. Now, if we get a couple of inches, it creates all kinds of problem for me, in the boonies. These hilly roads get mighty slick with snow on them. Fortunately, we don't get snow too often, but it does happen at times.

Your Thanksgiving memories were a delight to read, and I enjoyed your thankfull list.

Have a wonderful time in Las Vegas. It will be nice to be able to wear sandals and shorts, etc. I was in Vegas a few years ago, and loved it. I still use my Vegas mug all the time.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear Pam. Looking forward to reading all about your trip.

Hugs and blessings,

Renie

Midlife Mom said...

Great post Pam! I love reading about the fun and traditions other people have. Your Thankful List was so nice too, I couldn't agree more!

We'll be thinking of you in that
75* weather in your flip flops with a nice new pedi! I can't imagine being out in 4 inches of snow in flip flops! You are a howl! The things we do for our manicures and pedis!!!

Have a wonderful time with your family and we will be looking forward to all of the pictures and details!!!

Winifred said...

As Renie says snow is lovely as long as it's not yours!

What exactly is a snow blower? People keep mentioning them but have to say I've not seen one. I assume it's something for getting rid of the snow but where does it blow the snow to? I keep imagining next door neighbours being hopping mad.

Wish you had taken a photo of your snowy flip flops. Something similar happened to me once. One evening in May it was raining and I was taking a friend home, we left at 7pm. It was raining slightly and I was just wearing a T shirt and flip flops. She lived in a town that was forty minutes away. When we got there I had to get out to buy petrol and we were in 2 feet of snow!

Winifred said...

Ooops! Forgot to say have a wonderful holiday with your family and enjoy the warm weather.

Anonymous said...

Hi Pam! Happy holidays and Duncan is sitting on my lap and said to be sure to say, "I love snow!" We love the photos of your yard!

Nancy said...

Hi Pam,

Oh, how I envy you the snow!!! I really DO miss that living here. Really, I DO! We've had some cold temps here for November...down to 22! Wanda said last night that she can't ever remember it being this cold in November before....I can't, either. Maybe in January or February, yes, but never in November!

Your thankful list was wonderful! And all the traditions and memories, too. That's about all we have now are the great memories of when we were younger and our parents still alive then. WE are now those parents!!! Yikes....we are getting up there, aren't we? LOL

I can just imagine how excited you are to get to Las Vegas!!! How long will you be gone? I remember coming to SC when we lived in Indiana...I couldn't wait to get on the road to see my kids!!! I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving together!!! We are all going to Tammy's this year. With my back, I'm just not able to do it this year.

Tim just had Punky put to sleep at 12:20pm today in FL. He couldn't wait til he could return home to SC on Monday. He's okay with it as he knew it had to be done. She was a delightful little kitty and loved him so much. I told him he loved her and that's WHY he had to make this decision to have her put down. So my heart is sad right now.....I'll do a post on her tonight or tomorrow.

Yes, you will love those pumpkin bars...just be sure to use a LARGE sheet....the largest size! I cut them into 3 rows lengthwise and then crosswise into bars about 1 1/2 inches wide. I usually get 39 bars total. My kids don't even want pumpkin pie anymore...even Stosh...they all tell me to just make pumpkin bars! Bet you can't eat just one! I sprinkle chopped walnuts over the cream cheese icing....Yummmmy!!!

Have a safe trip! I'll be watching for posts from there.

Love ya and hugs!
Nancy

Cheryl Wray said...

I CANNOT BELIEVE that snow you guys got. It is absolutely gorgeous, and we are seriously jealous down here (since we usually don't even get ONE good snowfall a year. :-)

And I just LOVE your answers to the Thanksgiving questions. I have yet to try the Peppermint Mocha, but I will have to soon! And I can't even imagine free popcorn. That's my favorite part of the movies!

I hope you have a WONDERFUL trip. Be safe and have a great time!

Monogram Queen said...

Thank you so much dear Pam for giving me a little slice of "near home".

I miss the shopping trips to Charleston me, my Mom, sisters and niece used to take. My Mom won't get around much anymore. Still I have a LOT to be thankful for and I hope you and JIm have a fabu time in Vegas!