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

Senior Hour at the Supermarket ~Mask Making ~Where the Quarantine Time Goes

I left the house early yesterday to take advantage

of Senior Hour at my favorite Supermarket.

I had my list, my face mask, my Clorox Wipes,

and my hand sanitizer with me.

(No worries, this is a Red-Light Selfie)

If you know me well, you know that I love browsing in

a nice supermarket. I like looking at

the colorful produce, the beautiful baked goods,

and the artistic display of fish and seafood.

I was pleased that the store was not crowded

and almost every single person was wearing a face mask.

So I stocked up on necessary supplies.

This is how I felt when we went to the store a week ago...

While I was there, I chatted with three friends

that would still like a face mask.

So, when I got home I promptly

finished this batch, and cut some more.

As long as there is a need, I will keep sewing.

Remember, I am not charging for the masks,

but I do accept donations.

I have accepted crafting supplies, Lysol wipes,

generous cash donations, and baked goods.

Hubby and I went out this afternoon to 

drop off his finished paperwork at the office.

We stopped by to leave a mask with these good friends.

Notice we visited at a safe distance.

We both hope you are all staying safe and well.

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. Leave a message if you would like one of my masks.

Easter Blessings ~Here’s my Report ~Where the Week Went

This year was a different holiday, indeed.

I enjoyed seeing your on-line photos

of children all dressed up,

your colored eggs,

and your Easter Baskets.

Hubby and I also dyed a dozen hard cooked eggs.

Look who else dyed Easter Eggs.

Papa and Gigi enjoyed these photos.

Jack’s Aunt Emily and Uncle Jake

made their own batch, too.

A Good Friday Blessing was our weekly

Happy Hour FaceTime Chat with these Friday Night Friends.

This is not a blessing.

I think we have had a dusting of snow

three different times this week.

However, it is a blessing to see the sunshine

come out and melt that snow on the ground.

Last week I reported on my Mask Making project...

making them for our family and friends.

I had several folks comment and send messages,

so I took the week off from Spring Cleaning

and spent my time in my Sewing Studio.

If you are still in need, please let me know.

I have about a dozen left.

Plus, I’d be happy to make more.

While I am measuring, cutting, pinning, sewing, and pressing,

Hubby is here in his “work-from-home” office.

This is where he spends most of his day.

Helper Cat splits her time between us.

However, I think she finds checking his emails is rather boring.

So, My Easter Report...

The Bunny visited our house, twice!

We found two slices of Lemon Meringue Pie

in a box on our Front Porch.

(Thank you, Charlotte and Chuck.)

While I was preparing dinner, Hubby answered

the doorbell to receive this

Cheerful Easter Chick gift bag.

Inside that bag, two sweet handmade cards

and colorful Easter Eggs...

And inside those colorful Easter Eggs,

we found sweet Chocolate Candy.

These handsome young men were responsible

for that kind gesture.

How did they know that we’d missing our young family?

 Maybe because they were missing their own

Grandparents on this special Holiday Sunday.

Sending virtual hugs your way.

(Thank you Parents, Brittany and Ken)

This is a tough time for so many people.

Whether you are getting rain, sleet, or snow,

the sun will come out.

We will get back to our familiar routines

of school, work, and daily activities.

Someday.

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Valentine’s Weekend ~Here’s My Report ~It All Started with a Lovely Dinner Party

It was a wonderful weekend to celebrate love.

We were invited to a Dinner Party with

our Friday Night Friends.

We get together every Friday to celebrate the weekend.

We are all retired, empty nester couples...

all of our children and grandchildren live far away.

Our hostess, Wendy set a lovely table.

The red heart doilies under our salad bowls stole my heart.

Here we are...the Galentines.

We all know that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Wendy worked all afternoon on her Bolognase Sauce.

She kept it warm in her crockpot.

Charlotte prepared her Olive Cheese French Bread.

And Patty tossed her Salad with homemade dressing.

My assignment was dessert.

I made a Chocolate Ribbon Cheesecake

with a Strawberry Garnish.

Here’s my recipe if you are interested.

Here are our Valentines.

A gift from the heart...

There isn’t anything better than that.

This came to me in the mail this week

from my long time college friend, Debra.

I love, love, love, getting something in the mail

besides bills and junk.

“Much too good for Children”

Who else remembers this quote by Mrs. Trunchbull on Matilda?

Sending love over the miles.

Guess which card is from our grandson, Jack.

Of course, Hubby treats me like a Queen.

His coffee-themed card, a new mug, and a Starbucks gift card

came together to be the perfect Valentine.

I mean, here’s the bottom of my new mug!

So...our Valentine’s Day lives on with these chocolates.

You all remember those Crystal Candy Dishes on my table?

Hubby’s favorite candy on the left,

My favorite candy on the right,

And something for everyone in the center.

Take care,

~Natalie