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

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ~Christmas 2019 ~Countdown...10 days ~Memories of Christmas Past

Thank you, everyone, for your sweet comments on my last blog post.

Hubby and I are so excited to host Christmas

for our family this year. 

After my morning coffee,

I start working through my To Do List.

Check out this cute plastic plate and bowl

that I found at Walmart. I bought a set just so Jack

can have his own special place setting.

It coordinates with this little plate I found at Target

that he can use for breakfast and snacks.

I washed up all the Christmas kitchen towels

and included all of the Lefsa cloths,

just in case we girls get a chance to make a batch.

I gathered all of the Christmas napkins I could find

in my stash...some paper, some cloth.

I also brought my snowman dishes out of storage.

They are all here on the counter waiting to

run through a cycle in the dishwasher.

I have not used them for years. I forgot how cute they are!

Plus, snowman dishes can stay in my cupboard until spring.

This is another photo from Christmas Eve 2014.

This year, we will set another place for Jack!

Enjoy the Holiday Season.

Spend time with family and friends!

Take care,

~Natalie

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ~Christmas 2019 ~Our Countdown has Begun

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

With anticipation of our family’s visit,

I have created lists upon lists.

Friends, I could really use a couple of elves.

I am cleaning and toddler-proofing,

shopping and wrapping,

menu planning and recipe gathering.

And...I am thoroughly enjoying every minute of preparations.

Trust me, there’s a To-Do List for Hubby too!

Naturally, my first priority

was to decorate the tree in our living room.

This is where we gather on Christmas Eve.

This tree is the elegance of gold and silver,

topped off with a Christmas Star.

May all your days be Merry and Bright!

Take care,

~Natalie

Thanksgiving Blessings to our Family and Friends

Vintage Holiday Crafts

Best wishes for a Beautiful Thanksgiving Day

spent with the people you love.

We will gather around our table later today

with family and friends to give thanks,

to enjoy good conversation and

all those traditional Thanksgiving comfort foods.

My ingredients are set out...

It’s time to get that bird ready for the oven.

I give thanks for each and every one of you.

Take care,

~Natalie

More Highlights from our Family Time in Minneapolis ~The Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center ~The Utepils Brewing Co.

Our family stayed in an Airbnb that was within walking distance 

of several family friendly attractions. 

So many times we have driven past the Sculpture Garden 

and we’ve seen that very large spoon with a cherry.

This time, we saw it up close and personal.

This tree was filled with wind chimes.

I do love the sound of wind chimes, 

but pretty sure the neighbors would find 

this many chimes annoying!

Many children were enjoying this swing...

Our girls took their turn.

Baby Jack had his afternoon cat nap in his stroller,

while we walked around the Gardens.

It was a hot and windy day!

The air conditioning, glass of water, 

and cold beverage at the Walker Art Center 

was a welcome relief from the heat.

Jake and Emily have good 

college friends in Minneapolis.

We all met at the Airbnb and then 

walked to the Utepils Brewing Co.

This may have been Baby Jack’s 

first visit to a Brewery.

He does look a little bit concerned, 

doesn’t he?!

Our dinner came from a food truck, parked outside.

Quite delicious!

We enjoyed time with our family and friends.

Then, hubby and I had a peaceful walk 

‘home’ through the neighborhood.

Take care,

~Natalie

How We Celebrated the Fourth

There is nothing better than having 

everyone together for the holidays.

First on our agenda...

Celebrating Uncle Jake’s birthday.

It has become one of our family’s traditions!

Another highlight was having both of 

Baby Jack’s Grandpas together for the day.

It was a perfect day...

Just hanging out with family and friends.

We ate good food, played several rounds of Cornhole, 

and lit up a few sparklers after dark.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Baby Jack visits Papa and Nana’s House

This is when Baby Jack meets his 

great grandmother for the first time.

It was love at first sight.

It was a pretty special moment.

Of course, great grandma brought gifts 

for Amy and Baby Jack.

What else did we do that first day?

Went to Target, of course.

Enjoyed some kicks and stretches on the play mat...

And relaxed on Papa and Nana’s patio.

It was a great start to their visit.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie