Where the Weekend Went ~Good Friends..Good Food ~Work Hard..Play Hard ~God Bless America

It has been tradition for us to gather with these friends

on Memorial Day. This was Pre-Coronavirus,

before Social Distancing was a part of our lifestyle.

This year was a different holiday, indeed.

We spent most of our weekend working at home.

Hubby worked hard on the yard and planting our flower pots,

while I worked inside on the everyday house chores.

A hearty weekend breakfast of eggs and toast...

my personal favorite is the Over-Easy Egg.

This is one of the Wash Tubs that my mom and I

used on Laundry Day. We salvaged it from the Farmhouse.

The highlight of our Memorial Day was the

Taps Across America event.

Trumpet and Bugle players around the world

came out to their balcony or front porch and

played Taps to honor America’s fallen heroes.

Several of us drove over to their neighborhood

to listen to our friend, Dennis, play his trumpet on the front porch.

He performed with perfection.

Later in the afternoon we gathered at Alan and Kari’s home

for some good food and great conversation...

with the appropriate Social Distance observed.

It was a beautiful evening, so we could be out on the patio,

roasting some marshmallows, making S’Mores.

If you are still in need of a mask for your summer outings,

I have several available in a variety of colors and prints.

Memorial Day is a special holiday to remember

and pay tribute to those that serve and

to their families who have given the intimate sacrifice.

Stay Safe and Well, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Honoring Those Who Serve and Have Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for our Country

"As we express our gratitude, we must never

forget that the highest appreciation

is not to utter words but to live by them."

John F. Kennedy

Take care,

~Natalie

Quarantine Questions ~Is Pizza Friday a Thing? ~Are You All Participating? ~What Pizza is Your Favorite? ~Do you Prepare Homemade, Take and Bake, or Order Delivery?

Hubby and I have been staying close to home

since I returned from Massachusetts...which is 10 weeks now.

We go out only for essential errands like groceries,

prescriptions, and to mail packages of masks at the usps.

Hubby worked from home for most of that time,

taking care of the very essential work they do

at the DOL regarding Unemployment.

For me, every day is pretty much the same,

however we do look forward to seeing what we can create

for Pizza Friday. Last night, an Italian Sausage Supreme.

This is what was under that layer of cheese:

Italian Sausage

Caramelized Onions & Red Peppers

Mushrooms & Black Olives

It was delicious!

Last week... Chicken Bacon Ranch.

The addition of green onions added

a little pop of color and just the right texture.

Before that, Turkey Pepperoni and Veggies,

Shrimp Alfredo,

And Chicken Cordon Blue...

Another favorite of ours.

Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Green Onion, and Red Pepper.

We prefer a Thin and Crispy Crust, so I have been experimenting

with a variety of pizza dough recipes. One thing is constant...

I like to add Italian Seasoning in with the flour.

Since I really have nothing but time on my hands,

I like to prepare Homemade Pizza. However, when we order,

It is usually from Dominos. This is my favorite...

from the Build Your Own Menu,

Chicken, Spinach, and Roasted Red Peppers.

This was pretty tasty, too.

From the Dempsey’s Take and Bake Menu...

The Mrs. Brady, it was their Pizza of the Week,

A delightful combination of flavors.

Now it’s your turn to tell me about your favorite pizza toppings!

Stay safe and well.

Take Care,

~Natalie

Senior Hour at the Supermarket ~Mask Making Update ~Do You Still Need a Mask or Two?

Helper Cat and I make another batch of masks every day.

As long as I get requests from our family and friends,

I am going to keep on sewing...

Over the weekend, I finished a large batch.

A friend and business owner

is providing them for all of their employees.

Since I now have a good variety of masks in my inventory,

I took a day to tidy up my mess, and focus on some house chores.

Starting with a trip to the Supermarket.

I so appreciate that they designate the first hour of their

daily opening for Seniors and First Responders.

I was alone in the produce section...

I was alone in the bakery...

And I was alone in the meat department.

You can see, there is no shortage of beef here.

However, the poultry is another story!

Seriously, there were very few other patrons

at 7 o’clock this morning.

And the folks I ran into were wearing masks.

It was a good shopping day at the supermarket.

Oh, how I’ve missed being able to take the time

to browse for what I need.

And the experience will be even better when we are allowed

to bring our own shopping bags! This is just after one  trip.

In case you are wondering how the

Patriotic Mask Collection is coming along?

This is just a start...

Let me know if you are interested.

#slowthespread

Stay Safe and Well.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~A Daily Walk to the Park ~Weather Permitting

Jack’s house is close to a Park.

We walked there often, if the Spring weather cooperated.

Here’s Jack with his Uncle Jake.

Running up and down the ramps was perhaps

Jack’s favorite thing to do.

There he goes again!

The slides are fun with assistance from Mama...

...even better with Mama and Aunty Emily,

one on each side.

Just a quick walk to the park makes for 

plenty of great memories.

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~My Report ~Quarantine Question ~Do You Still Need a Mask? #flattenthecurve #slowthespread

Do you recognize our handsome neighbor boys?

Their mom asked if I made child-size masks.

I did not hesitate to seek out a pattern

and appropriate print fabrics.

A lucky find at Hobby Lobby was this

Dinosaur Print Fabric

for our Dinosaur loving Grandson.

None of these boys go out and about very often,

however, it is good to be prepared

in the event that they do.

Remember this photo? I created my first masks on March 29th.

Since then, I have made a batch or two nearly every day.

Every morning, we make coffee,

send messages to family and friends,

and watch the news while we cut and press.

The kitchen counter is just the right height for

cutting, pressing, and pinning.

Stitching is done in the Sewing Studio.

Blue tends to be the most popular color, and elastic

that goes behind the ears is the most popular style.

However, I am still using both patterns.

This is the one with elastic that goes around the back of the head...

much easier on your ears, especially if you

wear your mask for an extended length of time. 

Back in March, I decided I wanted to make masks

for family and friends at no charge.

But, I have accepted donations so I can purchase

more Mask Making Supplies.

In addition to some very generous cash donations,

I have received print fabrics and elastic,

A variety of Baked Goods.

Tasty looking Canned Goods,

And plants for our Outdoor Living Space.

Lizzie, our Helper Cat, provides excellent support...

well, most of the time, anyway!

Stay safe and well.

Take care,

~Natalie