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

The Last Day of June ~Here’s my Report ~What happened to the Month

June was a month full of family, friends,

fun, and celebrations.

It was a beautiful evening for the first 

Downtown Association Summer Outdoor Concert.

The night is even better when we find good friends on the Plaza.

Thank you, Mayor Schaunaman, for sharing this photo of the view from above.

We look forward to another concert this Thursday.

Another “date” took us out to the Theatre to see our Community Production

of “Come From Away”

This year we celebrate the 100th Birthday of

our historic Capitol Theatre.

I caught up with this good friend at our Summer Arts Festival.

We both taught at CHS and 

I loved when my classroom was right next door to hers.

 We could just step out in the hall, make eye contact, 

and know what the other person was thinking. 

We look forward to dinner with these friends once a week.

We often go out, but when it’s nice, it’s fun to put something on the grill.

This time it was Baby Back Ribs.

And you can’t have BBQ Ribs without Mac & Cheese,

Cole Slaw, and Cornbread.

Thank you, Wendy, for bringing half the sides.

One of my June highlights is was a a visit from Lorie.

We started teaching together in 1979 and have been best friends ever since.

She and her hubby have moved to live closer to grandchildren,

but when we do see each other it’s like we haven’t missed a heartbeat.

Another highlight was a visit from one of my college friends.

We both majored in Textiles, Clothing, and Fashion.

We arranged our schedules and registered so we had our classes

together and could be lab partners.

Last, but certainly not least, was spending this past weekend

with my High School Bestie.

We met in the third grade and have been friends ever since,

despite not living near each other.

We were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings.

This year we celebrated her and John’s 50th Anniversary…

And our 45th.

So, to review,

We kicked off the month by celebrating Memorial Day

with daughter and grandsons.

We celebrated both our anniversaries with these special friends.

The family celebrated our little Princess when she turned four.

I enjoyed a birthday lunch with this special friend.

Good Food and Great Conversation.

“How did we get to be this age?”

This post would not be complete without including this guy

who has been by my side for better and worse,

 in sickness and health, and through thick and thin. 

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

What Turning Seventy Looks Like

This is what Seventy looks like…

…and this is what Sixty looked like.

Where did those ten years go??

My 70th Birthday Celebration started like every other day…

Morning Inspiration, Messages, Physical Therapy, and Breakfast.

Then Hubby took me out and about to WalMart,

where the Self-Checkout Attendant sang Happy Birthday to me.

Fresh-cut Flowers always brighten my day,

a gift from our daughter and her family.

Thank you, Emily.

We enjoyed lunch at one of our favorite places.

Hubby grilled a PorkTenderloin for our dinner.

Summertime Dinner-Prep is my favorite,

as hubby grills the protein while I prepare the sides.

We tried a new recipe…

I’ll post the link in the comments.

I’m loving these green blossoms that look like buttons.

I also love friendly mail.

These cards came from good friends across the miles.

It’s not a Birthday Party without a Cake, right?

My traditional (and favorite) is a 

German Chocolate Cake.

My mother baked one, from scratch, every single day year…

Until I got married.

And when one marries a man that doesn’t like coconut,

The next best choice is a Turtle Cake.

It was a Sweet Ending to a great Celebration.

Take care,

~Natalie