Thursday, June 29, 2017

What'cha Workin' on Wednesday ~Our Garage Project Progress Report

Our helper cat has kept watch over 
the work outdoors.

My last progress report ten days ago,


Here's a view of the addition,
the only way in is through the existing window in the garage.

Next, another shipment of shingles.


But first, the old shingles must come off...
no matter how stubborn they are.

Another delivery?
This time it was siding.

Hubby welcomed the opportunity to help demolish 
the existing wall between our garage and the new addition.

While hubby was taking his work frustrations out on that wall,
our contractor was working his magic on the siding.

Today, I came home from an appointment to the best news...
the..dumpster..is..gone!
That eye-sore has been in our driveway for nine weeks.
I'm sure our whole neighborhood is rejoicing.

And inside our house...
Jasmine is looking forward to a little holiday break.

We'll be back next week to finish the job.

Take care,
~Natalie

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

"For They Say, When You Marry in June, You're a Bride All Your Life" ~Good Friends are a Treasure

This beautiful bride has dreamed of an outdoor wedding 
since she was a little girl.
However, it seemed as if Mother Nature had a different idea.
It was raining when we woke up...and continued to rain all day.

Until about 90 minutes before the ceremony,
the clouds broke...and we saw the sunshine.
The Power of Prayer!
The storm clouds moved to the north,
and provided the perfect backdrop for the bride and groom.

We had a great time celebrating with these special friends...

being there, seated with the family,
as this father walked his darling daughter down the aisle.

My hubby can relate, as he has "given away" two daughters.

So many emotions...
all happy.
But, also those dads are thinking,
"where did my little girl go?"

After the ceremony, we stood on the porch of the club to
watch the photo session...and the clouds.

When the rain came again,
it was a scramble to get everyone and everything inside.

An announcement by the groom assured everyone that 
the storm would soon pass and we could all move
out to the tent for the reception.
(What did we do before Smart Phones
and Weather Apps?)

A beautiful reception tent, indeed.

A heart-felt message from the father and mother of the bride.

And a genuine thank you message from the bride and groom.

The Look of Love.

A Beautiful Bride...A Beautiful Life.

Thank you for sharing your special day with us.

Take care,
~Natalie

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Welcome Summer ~An Evening at the Lake ~~Tuesday's Tip: Take the Shuttle

We have had some beautiful evenings here...
and it is just the beginning, as tomorrow is 
The First Day of Summer!

After a week of work, it was time to get out of the city,
and enjoy an evening at the lake.
provides a shuttle bus for those who want 
to make the trip out there as a group.

There are seats for a dozen people to ride comfortably.
They arrived promptly and 
we left our vehicles in a convenient location.
There is no fee to ride the bus,
however it is proper to tip the driver.

Here's what happens when your hubby gets ahold
of your selfie stick.

Seriously, we have the best group of Friday Night Friends.
We are all Empty Nesters, whose children live far away.
Spending time with these folks 
is a great way to start a weekend.


The driver also works out at the resort,
so within short notice, 
he fires up the bus to shuttle us back to town.

It's a bumpy ride...
an adventure, for sure!

It was a beautiful evening,
with beautiful friends.

Take care,
~Natalie


Monday, June 19, 2017

Monday Mania ~Garage Project Progress Report

Here is how our new "helper cat" Jasmine
has made herself at home.
Obviously, the construction noise 
has not disturbed her rest.

The poured foundation had a week to ripen,
while the contractor reshingled our roof.
Then the garage siding must come off...

Now, the framework can take shape.

Big news in weather was the forecast of a big storm...
possible tornadoes and tennis ball size hail.
My mission was to clear my side of the garage
to get my vehicle inside!

photo courtesty of  Dakota 105.5

The worst of the storm went around us.
We received lots and lots of badly needed rain.
The construcion site looked like a wading pool.

Everything was wet and soggy.

After a couple of days of sunshine,
the ground was dry enough for a shipment of more materials.

And it wasn't long before there were walls 
and roof over our heads.

Here's hubby, home from work,
checking out his new man cave!

Stay tuned.

Take care,
~Natalie

To enter my give-away,
and leave a comment
on my birthday post.

Friday, June 16, 2017

Remembering my Parents on their Special Day

A Heavenly Anniversary to my Mom and Dad.
I imagine they are dressed up and 
going out to a nice supper club.

And if the band plays "Alley Cat",
they will two-step around the dance floor.

They were married 71 years ago.

This special keepsake is in mom's cedar chest,
which is now here in Emily's room.


I smile every time I re-read that little story.

Take care,
~Natalie

To be entered in my
Birthday Giveaway,
comment on this post.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Celebrating Flag Day ~Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Grandma ~~Happy Birthday To My Blog ~~~A Blog Give Away

Flag Day
A day to commemorate the adoption of our United States flag.
Our community, like those all across the United States,
was proudly flying our Stars and Stripes.

It was easy to remember my Grandma's birthday.
She was proud to share her birthday with Flag Day.
If you have ever scrolled to the bottom of my blog 
you have seen this photo of Grandma and her sisters.

I recently came across this photo.
Grandma Hilda is on the right,
She would be 124 years old.

My blog has a birthday today, too.
My first post was 9 years ago.

And, like blog tradition, to celebrate,
I will prepare a birthday package.

Anyone who leaves a comment on this post,
between now and my birthday on June 23,
will be entered into the drawing.

Take care,
~Natalie

Road Trip ~Day Three ~Burger Battle ~Sweet Shopping Highlights

Our last full travel day took us through four states… Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Including some Big Bridges over some Big ...