Monday Memories ~It’s Been a Week ~Papa and Gigi in charge ~On our Way Home

It’s been a week since we said goodbye to our family,

and these beautiful, lush neighborhoods where our family lives.

The flowering Crape Myrtle Tree thrives in the sunny, 

warm climate of the Southern States.

This is my favorite route for a morning walk…

And it’s even more special with a Grandchild in a stroller!

Part of our time there was to provide childcare

 for grandchildren, while their parents were away for a wedding.

During the week, the kids spent the day at their preschool.

On the weekend, this Papa and Gigi were in charge.

We enjoyed a couple of hours at an indoor Play Park.

The space is divided into age appropriate spaces for the children.

Perhaps you can see our granddaughter right in the middle of the photo,

up there on the second level? She’s wearing a red TShirt.

Her little Brother was with Papa in an area for Babies and Toddlers…

Diaper-wearing Children, only.

This was perfect, as it was way too hot

to go to an Outdoor Playground.

Big Sister is quite helpful when it comes

to entertaining her little Brother.

Also helpful? A little Screen Time…

This worked well when Gigi was getting dinner on the table!

This week night outing was a highlight…

Dinner with the whole family, and watching the kids bowl.

The way home…as you know, we like to find unique places to stop for a break.

We found this “upscale dive bar” in Wentzville, MO.

Naturally, we shared a Burger and sides.

Sometimes the Lunch Special is too pretty to eat!

This was at Crave in Sioux City, IA

In the evening, after checking into our hotel, we find a local hotspot

to have a beverage and share an appetizer.

These Nachos were so tasty.

Thank you for following us along on our travels.

Now, at home, it’s all about our everyday,

ordinary house chores and projects.

Stay tuned to see what’s new from the Wood Shop 

And Sewing Studio.

Take care,

~Natalie

On the Road Again ~Visiting Family ~A Mother’s Prayer

It has been eleven days since we left home for a little

trip south to spend time with our family.

I am fortunate that Hubby loves to drive, as I like to ride shotgun

and work on my handstitching projects.

As if it wasn’t humid enough already…

This happened.

We frequently stop at Rest Areas to get out of the vehicle to 

straighten our backs, stretch our legs, and get some steps.

This one is a favorite in Paducah, KY.

Papa with our firstborn grandchild, the one that made us grandparents.

He’ll always hold a special spot in our hearts.

We enjoyed a little ice cream after a delicious dinner of Grilled Ribeye Steaks,

 Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans, and Corn on the Cob.

Yum, tastes like Summer!

And my all time favorite is when the whole family gathers together.

Knowing that our adult children and their spouses enjoy each other’s company,

and watching our grandchildren build relationships with their cousins,

All makes my heart happy.

Take care,

~Natalie

Sunday ~Counting our Blessings ~How to Tell if you’re a Crazy Cat Lady

Today is my Mother-in-Law’s Birthday. She is 97 years old.

She is our Family Matriarch, one who provides wisdom,

and emotional support for her family.

She is a a blessing for all of us.

Hubby and I enjoy the opportunities we have as Retired Empty Nesters.

Especially the retirement part, being able to gallivant around the countryside.

Summer seems to be fleeting fast and we’ve celebrated many blessings in our life…

Starting with our 45th Wedding Anniversary in early June.

We celebrated a Milestone 70th Birthday for Me.

Of the nine Birthday Cards I received,

Six of them were cat cards.

I think that makes me an official Crazy Cat Lady.

We went to my All-School Alumni Days.

We enjoyed spending time with my classmates celebrating

 our 52 years since graduation.

Seeing our Family Farmstead is not a celebration.

It is sad to see the deterioration that has been caused

by the flood waters of Devils Lake.

Speaking of Retirement,

Hubby no longer needs the many suits and sport coats

that he once wore to work.

He cleaned out his closet and has donated them to

the Chamber of Commerce and University Career Center.

You should consider doing the same.

   

I love summer for so many reasons.

A daily walk provides the opportunity to give thanks for the sunshine,

 green grass, trees, birds, and flowers.

The highlight of my week was a little road trip with a friend

who invited me to attend a ladies luncheon at her home church

in the little town where she grew up.

Our speaker talked about Brain Health and Cognitive Decline.

Let me know if you like to hear more about that.

I won a Silent Auction item and Yep, we wore aprons.

I wish I had taken a selfie of us.

Like most of the Country, we have been living in an Extreme Heat 

Warning…for over a week now.

How have YOU coped with the heat?

Take care,

~Natalie

Things in my House Thursday ~When your Husband is a Wood Turner ~There will be Signs

Since he retired, Hubby splits his time between our Yard,

the Golf Course, and his Woodshop.

The hand-turned trees are a favorite and his best seller.

I have several in our house, and leave them on display all year.

However, the wooden vases are pretty sweet, too.

Naturally they can’t be filled with water,

 but are perfect for sprigs of Holiday Decor.

My three tier centerpiece shows off hand turned bowls.

On that second level, a bowl created with wood from our farm.

Yes, it is one of my favorites.

This vase was perfect for these Spring faux tulips.

There’s always something on the lathe.

This tall vase is Birch.

This is the largest bowl that he’s created…

It’s stunning color is Cedar.

Ash and Box Elder

The Cedar and Ash.

You all know that I love the live edge.

Fresh off the lathe.

He has been building his inventory for the fall Makers Markets…

The Handmade Market in October,

and Winterfest in November.

Local friends, you don’t need to wait.

Hubby’s trees are available to purchase at the

Tumbleweed Market boutique,

downtown Aberdeen.

It’s a great hobby for the Hubby.

This is Ash.

Notice the grain of the wood inside the bowl.

No two bowls are the same.

Do you have a favorite?

Take care,

~Natalie

Independence Day 2026 ~Making Memories

We had a Wonderful Weekend celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.

The Parade, planned and organized by the Dacotah Prairie Museum,

featured local organizations, businesses, and community groups.

The whole Parade Route along Main Street was lined with people. 

We met our good friend, Alan, downtown.

Can you find us in this photo?

We actually met Alan the night before, too.

We had a nice dinner and checked out

the new Rooftop Bar at Three22.

It was a beautiful evening and Alan offered to grill Steaks.

Hubby grilled Corn on the Cob, and I prepared a Green Salad.

Kari was out of town caring for their grandson,

so I enjoyed visiting with their daughter.

Thank you, Alan and Lexi, for hosting us.

It was a perfect ending to our Holiday Weekend.

Who remembers where they were,

and how they celebrated the Bicentennial, fifty years ago?

I had finished two years at NDSU and was hired by the

State Extension Service to run a Youth Program in Carrington, ND.

My boys and girls dressed up in their Red, White, and Blue.

They decorated Wagons and were so excited to be a part of the Parade.

Cherish the memories.

Take care,

~Natalie