Sunday Blessings ~Pumpkins ~Family ~Football ~Good Food ~Fall Fun

Here’s a Flashback!

 This photo showed up in my memories today.

Grandpa and Grandma always had a big garden,

and our daughters got first pick in their Pumpkin Patch.

There’s no more Family Garden…so,

Hubby and I visited the Pumpkin Patch at Menards to get our Mums,

Pumpkins, and Cornstalk for our porch.

Photo Credits to our granddaughter who snapped this

picture during a recent FaceTime Call.

A highlight of my day is hearing from our family.

Our daughters often send a “photo of the day”.

This one at the golf course…

…to the this outing at a local Pumpkin Farm.

We’ve been enjoying our beautiful autumn weather here, too.

We have been “Homegating” and watching football in Hubby’s ManCave,

with the Garage Doors open.

It’s a challenge to find Heart Healthy Football Food.

These are Cheeseburger Sliders…

Just a little seasoning, and skimpy on the Cheese.

And they are served with all the Fixings.

We’ve had plenty to cheer about…

Two weeks in a row.

It was a beautiful evening to drive out to the Lake.

We snagged a table by the window,

with a view of the water and the Fall Foliage.

Just livin’ the Retired Empty Nesters Dream…

Taking advantage of the last summer-like weather of the year.

Behind us, a vibrant Sunset cast beautiful colors

over the entire sky for our drive home.

I hope y’all had a Wonderful Weekend.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

My Thankful Thursday Report ~It’s been Three Years ~ We are Blessed

This week was the three year anniversary of my accident.

I came home from the Hospital with a sling

and this fashionable neck brace.

I’ll admit, It was life changing.

Physically, I lost a lot of strength in my neck and shoulders.

I’ve accepted that I will live with constant discomfort.

Mentally, the change has been just the opposite, totally positive.

I am thankful that I can get out of bed everyday.

I look for Joy every day, in the little things.

I try to see the good in every person and in all situations.

I practice Gratitude.

As you know, Hubby is recovering from a life changing

 experience of his own.

It has been just five weeks since his surgery and he is doing well.

He still has restrictions but is practicing patience.

We are counting our Blessings.

Take Care,

~Natalie 

Happy Fall Y’All ~Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Mother

My mother loved that she shared her birthday

with the First day of Autumn.

My mother especially loved our community,

our farm, our church, and our school.

She enjoyed the Churchs Ferry Alumni Days and

was honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Parade one year.

The Class of 1938.

She was the oldest graduate to attend

the All School Reunion that year.

My mother also loved Family.

She traveled to spend Holidays with us…

Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Oh, and our Birthdays.

When here, we were all busy during the day with school and work,

so she spent time and became friends with Hubby’s Mother.

Here’s Grammy and Grandma,

dressed alike (without even planning) 

for Mom’s 80th Birthday Party.

Enjoy a Heavenly Celebration for your Birthday.

We miss you, but know you are watching over us…

And that those great grandchildren are

making you smile.

Take care,

~Natalie

Post-Op Appointment ~Here’s my Patient’s Report

It was a beautiful day for driving and a smooth trip to Sioux Falls.

We made it with 40 minutes to spare before checking in

so we had a quick lunch in the cafeteria.

It has been four weeks since Hubby’s Quadruple Bypass surgery,

and we spent nine days here at the Sanford Heart Hospital.

It was a good check up.

With Cardiac Rehab, Resting, and Walking,

Hubby is actually ahead of schedule.

And take a look at who’s behind the wheel!

Not sure who was happier about that Clearance…

The Driver or this Rider??

They reviewed his medications, checked his incisions,

and reminded him of his restrictions.

Still no lifting anything more than 10 pounds.

We had packed an overnight bag, just in case. 

We went downtown to the Phillips Avenue Sculpture Walk

and to browse some of the boutiques.

Did we purchase anything?

Yep

We enjoyed walking around The Falls Park.

We stopped for a beverage.

Cheers to a Good Report…Hard Work does Pay Off

And stayed for dinner.

The very charming R Wine Bar was a perfect venue

to continue our little celebration.

Hubby enjoyed the Mussels, his favorite.

I ordered the Caesar Salad, and we shared both.

This morning was foggy, misty, and gloomy.

We did some errands,

then it was an uneventful drive home.

Now, it’s back to the hard work of recovery.

We appreciate everyone’s love, support, prayers,

 and word of encouragement.

Take care,

~Natalie 

A Little “Me Time” Goes a Long Way ~Hubby’s Recovery Report

Last week, three different friends told me I looked tired.

And I’m not gonna lie, I was tired.

So Monday, I had an afternoon for some Self-Care,

starting with a Hair Appointment.

I felt better already.

There was half an hour before my next appointment,

so I enjoyed a refreshing beverage.

The Starbucks barista recommended the

Mango Dragonfruit with Coconut Milk. And it was a perfect

Pick-Me-Up while browsing Target.

Next on my Self-Care agenda, a manicure.

My friend Lorie always says, it’s amazing how something so small

can make such a big difference.

By this time, I felt so happy that this didn’t even stress me out.

Last, but not least, a Skinny Margarita…

…and lunch with Girlfriends.

We enjoyed good food and great conversation.

Thank you, Paula and Kari.

Here’s my Patient Report.

Hubby’s recovery is going as well as can be expected.

I drive him to Cardiac Rehab three times a week.

He is making good progress.

Tomorrow we return to the Sanford Heart Hospital for his

Post-Op appointment with his Cardiac Surgeon.

He still has plenty of restrictions,

so spends his time resting and walking.

Thank you, everyone, for your kind comments,

warm wishes, and prayers.

We can feel your love.

Take care,

~Natalie

Game Day Report ~Homegating ~Heart Healthy Football Food ~Is that an Oxymoron? ~Recipe Ideas

Just because we aren’t traveling right now,

doesn’t mean we can’t watch and cheer for our favorite College Team.

There were no complaints from our Furrocious Friends

 that we were staying home for the Weekend.

“Homegating” is just as it sounds…

A classic tailgating event, bringing fun, food, and the festive atmosphere

into your home, your driveway, or patio.

Football Foods are tasty and easy to snack on.

However, after open-heart surgery one should avoid

cheesy, creamy, greasy, salty foods.

For Week One

Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot,

Buns for Sandwiches, with simple fruit and vegetable bites. 

For Week Two

Monte Cristo Sliders…

And I went easy on the deli meat the cheese.

This Week

I prepared low sodium Chicken Tenders.

Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts were on Sale

 this week so I cut my own tenders.

The bowls, from left to right 

All Purpose Flour, Eggs, and Low Sodium Panko Bread Crumbs.

Seasonings in the Panko include garlic powder, onion powder,

paprika, and Italian seasoning…no salt.

Place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Let me know if you’d like a link to the recipe.

We are enjoying summer-like weather so we sat out in

the ManCave with the Garage Doors open.

These refreshing skewers use

Basil from our Herb Garden on the Patio.

Everyone has their own favorite place to sit in the woodshop.

Our NDSU Bison did not disappoint.

What are y’all watching tonight?

NFL Football or the Emmys?

Take care,

~Natalie