What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~When Great Grandma’s Garden is Ready for Harvest

A favorite meal at our house is Italian Spaghetti.

Making our own sauce is labor intensive, but so worth it!

Great Grandma loves her Garden,

however it requires the work of the whole family.

On Monday, I came home with a box of ripe tomatoes.

Aren’t they beautiful?!

The pepper is from her garden too.

Blanching and peeling the tomatoes goes much faster

if there are two people in the kitchen.

I took charge of the boiling step...

...and after their ice water plunge, hubby handled the peeling.

We used both red and yellow tomatoes.

We filled our 20 quart stockpot,

and simmered them for a couple of hours.

Since hubby is not fond of big chunks of tomato,

I ran small batches through my blender to make a smoother sauce.

On the second day, I add the rest of the vegetables...

...and the browned meats.

It simmers for hours.

The house smells sooo good!

We package it for the freezer in portions that are

Perfect for these Empty Nesters.

Of course, we have to sample it right away

with fresh Parmesan Cheese and a Green Salad.

This fun pasta shape was a part of a gift

from our daughter and son-in-law.

Thank you!

Take care,

~Natalie

Wednesday’s Work ~Winterfest Preparations ~Here’s my Report

Turkey Tails. Remember last week

they were taking a bath in the Vanilla Coffee Stain.

A Big Finish for the Burlap Stockings...I did the hand-stitching

in the car on last weekend’s trip to the Bison Game.

I can’t wait to show you what is happening in here!

Stocking hats...Get it?!

Do you like this fabric

for these Snowman Scarves?

These week’s highlight was a package from Japan.

These coffee candies are the best!

I hope our daughter stocks up before they move stateside!

I am so looking forward to giving my feet this spa treatment.

Since I have shed my walking boot and the wraptor,

these feet are in need of some pampering!

And the best...artwork to hang on our refrigerator!

We are thankful that all of that snow melted

and we are enjoying some beautiful autumn weather...

...however, cleaning up the twigs and leaves keeps Hubby busy.

He cleans them up one day, and the next day we go outside

and the yard is covered again!

Do you all have a quick, go-to meal when you are busy?

For us, it is this Shrimp Pasta dish.

I know that looks like grass clippings on the top,

but it is chives from what is left of our herb garden.

Have a Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday.

Take care,

~Natalie

 p.s. Remember that for now, this is now my new motto.

Our Weekend Report ~Celebrating the Inauguration of a President ~Congratulations Dr. Alan LaFave

,

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend of celebration 

with our friend, Dr. Alan LaFave,

and with his family and friends.

Events started on Thursday evening with a recital.

Alan is such an accomplished musician.

He performed beautifully on the clarinet.

Here he is with his Graduate Professor, Advisor, and Mentor,

Dr. Robert Spring of Arizona State University.

All of these musicians shared their talents with us.

The recital was just so inspiring.

Then everyone moved to a nearby venue for a reception.

I was proud of our Aberdeen Jazz Group 

that provided the entertainment.

Alan joined them for a couple of tunes.

And the food was delicious.

We gathered early the next morning.

Here I am with the First Lady of VCSU.

The Processional was so impressive.

Many of us were moved to tears.

The collegiate choir performed 

such a special arrangement of a song called “No Time”.

It was truly beautiful.

Then the big moment.

It was time for the Investiture and

Presentation of the Presidential Medallion.

The Inaugural Address by our friend was heartfelt,

emotional, and uplifting.

Valley City State University’s President enjoying a photo session

with representatives of the student body.

It was time for everyone to relax

and have fun the rest of the evening.

After some appetizers at a nearby Sports Pub...

We attended a concert by Transit Authority,

a Chicago Tribute Band.

We all just loved the music.

Alan was called up to the stage to address the crowd.

The trombone  player to his right,

was one of his students when he taught music.

It was a lovely autumn day.

We all made our way home, leaving

Valley City State University in very good hands.

Congratulations to our dear friend, Alan.

We were honored to be a part of your special day.

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy Fall Y’All ~Time to Bring out Autumn Decor for the New Season

While it was the First Day of Autumn, our weather 

is still quite summer-like. No complaints here...I love summer!

But because the calendar said so, it was time to swap

out the summer decor for the rich, warm colors of Autumn.

Remember, last year I went up to the attic and found Hubby’s 

Vintage Toy Pickup? This year, I purchased these felt pumpkins

at Target to take the place of the Christmas Tree...for now.

On the Coffee Table, I replaced the Hydrangeas 

with these Fall Flowers.

Little Witch with her Black Kitty.

This was created by one of my Blog Friends.

I think it is awesome!

Thanks, Brenda

This Ghost greats you in the foyer...

You can see it from the top of the stairs.

See the box? I am also packing up some 

of my summer clothes for storage.

Another gift, a fresh crisp towel for the kitchen.

Thank you, Debra

Soon it will be time for fall baking...

Pumpkin Spice and Apple Cinnamon.

This special vanilla is from Emily and Jake.

Thank you!

Another greeter in our foyer.

Big witch with her Black Kitty.

This cute pumpkin can stay on the shelf through Thanksgiving.

I guess Black Cats are a favorite.

Happy Fall, Y’All

Take care,

~Natalie