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.

Happy Valentine’s Day to our Family and Friends ~What’s in our House Thursday ~The Little Things That Make Me Smile

Best wishes to all of you for a warm and wonderful 

Valentine’s Celebration with someone you love.

May it be filled good company, 

great conversation, 

A delicious dinner, 

and maybe a sweet treat.

We were happy to know that our Valentine boxes

reached our daughters, their hubbys,

and our grandson

 in time for this special day.

Here on the home front, one of my favorites is the 

little tree on my bathroom vanity.

When the Christmas ornaments come down, 

my Valentine ornaments go up.

Another highlight of my day was a

Valentine manicure.

This pretty pink color is called Ecstasy!

Thank you, Diane.

Tomorrow, the Valentine Decor comes down...

so I am enjoying it for just one more day!

Sending warm hugs and love 

to each and every one of you.

Take care,

~Natalie

These Empty Nesters Return Home from our Week of Family Vacation

Hubby and I cherished the time we spent 

with our family all together.

Emily and Jake had an early flight, 

so we hugged goodbye at the airport.

Amy and Nick loaded their rental car and then 

we all said goodbye to the Airbnb.

Hubby wanted to shop for some clothes for work

 in the Maple Grove area.

We stopped for lunch at one our favorite places, 

the Claddah Irish Pub.

Much to our delight, there was live jazz music!

I also enjoyed the fish tacos.

Remember when we were kids, 

there was no air conditioning in our vehicles?

Yeah, I don’t know how we survived!

This was the actual temperature,

The heat index was 108 degrees!

About half way home, 

we were just tired of sitting in the car, 

so we got out to walk along the trail 

in the Appleton City Park.

It was hot, but it was just the break we needed.

\

Once home, it was time to pack up 

and return the borrowed baby equipment...

...And to store away the remains 

of our Fourth of July Celebration.

Amy and Nick were spending 

the rest of their vacation in the states with his family.

Emily and Jake were spending a week 

with his family at a reunion in Canada.

Baby Jack was adjusting to his new Pack ‘n Play,

Sleeping at his Grandpa Steve’s.

Precious memories.

We are blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Yay for Friday ~Here's Where the Week Went ~Is it Spring Yet?

You all know I have been planning and preparing for a trip

to see our daughter, son-in-law, and our new grandson.

Besides packing my belongings, 

I have been organizing around the house.

When I turned my calendar to April,

I thought it was safe to pack my snowmen away...

Nope.

Another Snow Day for our School District...

and anyone who is thinking "those lucky teachers",

think again.

It creates havoc in the lesson plan

plus the days need to be made up at the end of the year.

Even in retirement, I remembered the stress I felt as I laid awake, 

listening to the wind and the snow pellets hitting the window.

"will it be a snow day? will it be a late start??"

So many of my foods labs required two or three consecutive days.

Most of my labs filled the whole 87 minute block.

And, I often had Guest Speakers/Field Trips on my agenda for other classes...

Teachers...you have to admire their flexiblity.

Back to packing for my trip...

I have tried on all my clothes to make sure they fit.

I have gathered my electronics and the necessary cords.

I have purchased travel size personal care products.

Thank you to the sweet nurse at my last appointment that

gifted me with some samples, the perfect size.

Remember the trip I took with hubby for work?

I so enjoyed my time at this Child's Boutique.

The owners were so personable, so when they offered 

to giftwrap my purchases, I couldn't say no.

As soon as I was out on the sidewalk,

I realized that TSA would not approve,

So, I have sliced open all of the packages.

Several folks have asked about how my hubby will manage.

He says he is looking forward to "having a break"...

and then he says he is kidding. haha

In our 36 years of marriage, we have been apart only a few times...

when I was working on my Masters Degree,

and when I was caring for my mother.

I do think he will enjoy having the house to himself for awhile.

Do you think the cats will miss me?

Do you think they will even know that I am gone?

All this planning and preparation will be so worth it.

In just a few days, 

I will be able to scoop this baby up into my arms.

Take care,

~Natalie