What'cha Workin' On Wednesday ~Winterfest Preparations ~Crafting ADD

Jasmine has been a good helper cat.

We switched out the summer decor

to the colors of fall.

Remember, the Winterfest Application,

submitted in mid-September?

We received our acceptance letter a few days ago.

This news prompted me to take inventory 

of items in my craft storage tubs.

These Snowmen Angels have wings cut from barnwood

from our family farm.

These Winter Gnomes are waiting for a good home...

...along with these tall Santas.

I just love how their toy bags turned out.

There are still a couple of these cutting boards in my stash.

What's new in the Sewing Studio?

Chenille Snowmen...waiting for their stuffing.

These snowmen can see the finish line.

They are just looking for their hats and scarves.

Some Wise Old Owls...

stop back to see how they turn out.

It has been a few years since I had turkeys in my shop.

These flat turkeys will take on a personality 

when they are stuffed.

Can you guess what these are going to be?

Crafting and Coffee...

It's a wonderful Wednesday!

Take care,

~Natalie

The Blog Worthy in my Life ~Where the Time Goes ~This Retired Teacher's Report

Two weeks have passed since my last blog post.

Where has the time gone?

Thank goodness I snap a photo everyday, 

to remind me of the blogworthy in my life.

Summer...my favorite season.

I shall miss the warmth of Sunshine on my Shoulders.

And, I am not alone.

Winterfest Applications were due.

I delivered mine, in person, to the Arts Council office.

I like the excuse to return to this old building.

For twenty-five+ years, I parked in this parking lot and

walked into the Old Central High School.

Oh, how I miss that Home Economics department.

It was fabulous.

With my Winterfest Application in the hands of the Committee,

it is time to go into crafting overdrive.

I am currently working on a new batch of these wine bottle giftbags.

The garage project continues,

cleaning, sorting, and organizing the storage area.

I have discarded the out-dated curriculum guides,

and these binders remain.

Does anyone need one?

Certainly a highlight, are the trips we make to Fargo to

visit my Alma Mater.

We enjoy a little tailgating at hubby's favorite

The Wurst Bier Hall.

And then, at my favorite tailgating spot,

with my Kappa Delta Sisters.

There is not a bad seat in the dome.

Sometimes our seats are in the rafters.

However, after halftime,

we can often find available seats much closer to the field.

So close, it feels like we are a part of the play!

"Sunday Funday"

The new mancave has become our favorite place to watch

our favorite professional teams...

the Vikings, the Eagles, the Patriots...

and of course the Minnesota Twins.

Football Snacks for Everyone!

Then we discovered this!

My parents both celebrated their birthdays in September.

My dad would have turned 99 on Sept. 28th.

My mother would have been 97 on September 23rd.

This year, of course, they celebrated their birthdays 

together again in heaven.

This photo appeared in my newsfeed this week.

One cannot turn on a tv without hearing 

news about North Korea.

Please keep our military and their families

in your thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

~Natalie

Retired Teacher's Trip through Nebraska ~The Road Home

The Tax Conference was over. It was time to

"saddle up the horses" and start for home.

We detoured through the Outlets at Castle Rock.

We experienced some interesting landscapes.

We had stayed in seven different hotels

during our nine days away from home.

This was the nicest place, of all.

It has been open for only 3 months.

Clean and Friendly.

Next state = Nebraska

Our drive through the

Nebraska National Forest,

and the Valentine Wildlife Reserve,

provided spectualar views of nature at it's finest.

Near Valentine, we visited the

Historic Bryan Bridge

We enjoyed relaxing on our way home,

before hubby was due back in the office.

Oh, don't you just miss

the lazy days of summer?!

Take care,

~Natalie

Retired Teacher's Road Trip to Colorado ~Here's What We Had to Eat

Don't judge me...

I did take photos of some of the more 

impressive meals we ate while traveling.

After our tour of the Anheuser Busch Brewery,

click here if you missed it

hubby and I shared this awesome burger,

topped with mushrooms and carmelized onions.

Their restuarant is called the Biergarten.

And then, after spending the afternoon and evening at

The New West Fest,

we finally found a place to stay. After checking in,

we walked to a nearby Bar & Grill to share this

huge platter of Loaded Chicken Nachos.

We enjoyed Continnental Breakfast in all of the hotels,

however, this was my favorite.

Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread with Cream Cheese.

So far, we had eaten burgers & fries,

nachos and hotel scrambled eggs...

I just wanted some lettuce.

In Boulder, at the West Flanders Brew House,

this salad with pears, beets, walnuts, and feta was perfect.

Hubby was in the mood for pizza.

By the next day, hubby was also on the lettuce bandwagon.

Now, in Denver, we ate at the Black-eyed Pea.

This was his Asian Salad with Grilled Shrimp.

I ordered the salad with Pears, Pecans and Feta.

I think it is my new favorite.

Then before we knew it, 

our vacation time was coming to an end.

In Sterling, Colorado, the hotel staff recommended this brewhouse.

Parts & Labor Brewing Co.

We shared the Brisket Nachos.

Chips with Beer Braised Brisket,

Queso Blanco, Cheese, Fried Onions,

and Pickled Cherry Peppers.

It came with a side of horseradish sour cream.

It was so tasty...but the portion was too big for two!

Another day spent in the car,

our last stop for a late lunch/early dinner was at the

Peppermill in Valentine, Nebraska.

We shared the Prime Rib Sandwich.

It was so very tender!

We spent the evening checking out the sites

in Valentine and lounging around

in the hotel.

We walked back over to the Peppermill.

We ordered the Sand Hills Sack Lunch.

(If you grew up in a ranching community,

you know all about this delicacy.)

That's right...

we just had to do it.

It was a great way to end our 

time vacationing in the Old West.

Home again, Home again,

Jiggity Jog.

After nine days of eating in

hotels, restaurants,

brew houses,

and steakhouses,

I was ready to eat a meal at home.

Hubby's Grilled Chicken

Pasta with homemade Pesto

Green Salad with strawberries and Red Onion.

There's no place like home!

Take care,

~Natalie