Christmas Tree Lane

Hubby and I recently enjoyed the beautiful 

Christmas Trees at our  Dacotah Prairie Museum.

So, I thought I would share some of the

festive decorations with all of you.

Merry Christmas.

Take care,

~Natalie

Our thoughtful neighbors...Thank You!

Our doorbell rang this afternoon...

It was the neighbor girl.

She and her mom have been baking for the holidays,

and they wanted to share their goodies!

Since my surgery, I won't have the strength or energy for baking...

so this is much appreciated.

Do you see your favorite Christmas cookie?

I have my eye on those Russian Tea Cakes.

Take care,

~Natalie

Cyber Monday Discount in my Etsy Shops

I hope this finds you indoors,

sipping hot coffee,

and checking out the great on-line deals today.

For 20% off in my Etsy Shops

use coupon code

CYBERMON

when you check out.

For Handmade items go here

Tins and Treasures

For Vintage and Supplies go here

Natalie's Notions

Have a Marvelous Monday!

Take care,

~Natalie

Black Friday Traditions...

We Geffre girls love to shop and there's nothing better than

getting up early on the day after Thanksgiving and going out together.

And, we've enjoyed sharing this traditon with our foreign exchange daughters...

here in 2012.

And here in 2009.

This year...there are no girls in the house,

but hubby was not opposed to heading out to the mall with me.

Notice, it is daylight when we left the house...

we thought we'd wait till all the crazies had finished shopping

and were home, back in bed!

How about you?

Any great bargains to brag about??

Take care,

~Natalie

Thanksgiving Blessings to all our Family and Friends

courtesy of Vintage Holiday Crafts

By now, most of you have eaten your fill, watched some football, played a few games and spent time with family and friends. We had a small gathering at our table this year...but enjoyed each other's company along with conversations with both of our daughters thanks to Facetime.

We have much to be thankful for...

faith, family, good friends, 

health, and health insurance!

Also, jobs that we enjoy, good food and warm homes.

I hope this finds you all happy and healthy...

perhaps resting up before heading out for a little Black Friday Shopping!

Take care,

~Natalie

An Early Thanksgiving Feast...

Do you all remember the fall display by our front entry?

Well, this week, something has enjoyed the refreshing nourishment of our pumpkin flesh.

The birds?  The squirrels??

Our 'watch cat' looks quite concerned...

If only she could talk...

Take care,

~Natalie

All Dressed Up...and No Place To Go

This is Winterfest Weekend.

Hubby and I look forward to this event all year...

This year, because of my accident,

we had to withdraw our application.

My Santas and Snowmen are just hanging out here in storage,

waiting for a new home.

Along with my Infinity Scarves.

We're all a little bit disappointed here...

but, we're hoping to be back next year.

Take care,

~Natalie

Help...I'm Turning into an Old Lady!

With two 'bum' wrists it takes me twice as long to do the things that I used to take for granted.

I need to get up between 4:30 and 4:45 just to get myself ready,

to the Supermarket,

and to school on time.

Sooo...just wanted to show you my first breakfast in the weee hours of the morning.

Right, it's a breakfast fit for an old lady...

And, my new hairstyle?

I guess, it's pretty much a "shampoo and set".

Most salons aren't even equiped for that!

You need to check yourself into the assisted living facility to get a decent "shampoo and set"!!

I guess it's inevitable...

It can't be stopped.

It's gradual...

You aren't aware that it's happening.

But, one day, you wake up and realize, 

you've turned into your mother.

Take care,

~Natalie

Where the Week Went...and Saturday's Work was not really work...

 

Another week has passed...

With physical therapy, my wrists are getting 

a little stronger and more flexible.

My friend and our School Resourse Officer came into my classes to talk about his role at Central and School Safety.  He conducted a mock traffic stop and some field sobriety tests with volunteer students.

Our school is also very fortunate to have a Prevention Specialist on staff to work with students and high risk behaviors. Here we are trying some simple tasks while wearing the Vision Impairment Goggles.

Saturday's Work

This Saturday, my work at home was put on hold,

as I had the opportunity to represent Electrolux and demonstrate the use of their cooktops and Lang's Audio, TV & Appliance Store.

The store is beautiful and they have a fabulous demonstration kitchen.

The weekend promotion featured complementary beverages and treats for the customers...

and you can see my demonstration set up on the other side of the island.

I prepared three recipes throughout the day...

Lemon Ricotta Mini Pancakes,

Sweet and Spiced Pecans, and

Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomato, Garlic, Basil & Procuitto Relish

Here's a sample of the Mini Pancakes with fresh Raspberries.

For a printer-friendly copy of the recipe, click here.

You will notice there is no oil in the batter...

plus the ricotta cheese provides 7 g. of protein per serving!

Let me know if you try the recipe.

Take care,

~Natalie