Sunday Funday ~Where the Week Went ~Quarantine Highlights ~Much Misc ~Etsy Shop ~Face Masks ~Our Grandson ~Pizza Friday ~Grandma’s Garden ~Helper Cat

Over a week has passed since my last blog post.

I had to look at my photos to see

if anything blog worthy had happened.

I’ve been to the USPS with a couple of Etsy Packages...

like this Scarecrow.

 

And Hubby’s Wood Turning Creations

have gotten a lot of attention in my Etsy Shop, too.

I’ve had a few requests

for youth size face masks...

And it warmed my heart, when one of my former students

tagged me in her First Day of School post

with her children wearing the masks I created.

That was just the motivation that Lizzie and I needed

 to bring out the Cutting Mat and Ironing Board to make a new batch.

This is the black, white, and gray collection

I created for a neighbor’s request.

Let me know if you want to see what else is in my inventory.

Good friends traveled out of town to visit their children...

And brought us some treats when they returned!

Papa and Gigi are always over the moon

when we get photos and videos of our Grandson.

Doesn’t he look like such a big boy here?!

It was too hot to turn on the oven last week. So we ordered Pizza.

That darling pizza cutter is a gift from a friend...

A thank you for my making masks for her and her hubby.

I’ve been into making No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes lately.

And I love this crust that uses Ritz Crackers.

It is just the right amount of salty with the sweet.

My Mother-in-Law’s Garden has been producing...

and she generously shares tomatoes and cucumbers with us.

No store-bought tomato can compare to

the color and flavor of a tomato from Grandma’s Garden.

Last and certainly not least...

this photo was in my Facebook Memories.

This Cat.

She was really my best helper cat,

faithfully following me from room to room

as I worked on my daily house chores.

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Our Little Red Wagon ~Fun in the Neighborhood ~Taking Helper Cat for a Ride

What’s just about as much fun

as riding the train at Storybook Land?

That’s right,

Taking Lizzie for a Ride in our Wagon.

There are two seats in the Wagon,

however Jack would rather walk than ride.

We put on a few miles around

our neighborhood.

I’m not sure who had the most fun here...

Jack, Papa, or Lizzie?

Now, she wants to know...

When can we go again?

Stay safe and well, everyone.

~Natalie

Storybook Land ~Another Hometown Treasure ~Jack’s Favorite...Anything to do with Trains

It fair to say that Jack loved the trains at Storybook Land.

All the trains. This one is designed

so children can climb aboard and play.

We spent a lot of time here, just taking it all in.

To be honest, Jack likes anything with wheels.

Trains, Cars, Fire Trucks, and Papa’s Big Pickup.

Here’s Jack operating the Fire Truck at Storybook Land.

Of course we bought tickets to ride the Big Train

that goes out through the Zoo and all around the Park.

Jack took this trip very seriously.

Here he is with his Mama after our ride.

Remember this from two years ago...

This was his first ride

on the Storybook Land Express.

We had so much fun that we had to take Papa

out to the park again later in the week.

Once again, the trains were the most captivating.

Next year, we will get tickets for this train ride, too.

But Papa and Gigi were too big for this one,

and we wanted to go, too!

It’s fun for everyone of all ages.

“Bye Choo Choo”

See you next summer!

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~A Daily Walk to the Park ~Weather Permitting

Jack’s house is close to a Park.

We walked there often, if the Spring weather cooperated.

Here’s Jack with his Uncle Jake.

Running up and down the ramps was perhaps

Jack’s favorite thing to do.

There he goes again!

The slides are fun with assistance from Mama...

...even better with Mama and Aunty Emily,

one on each side.

Just a quick walk to the park makes for 

plenty of great memories.

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Mother’s Day 2020 ~Here’s My Report ~We Celebrated Across the Miles

I am blessed to be Mother to these Special Young Women.

While they no longer live nearby,

they still found plenty of ways to help me feel the love!

On Friday, this lovely card arrived with a

heartfelt handwritten note from Amy and Nick inside.

Included in the envelope, this card from Jack for Nana Gigi...

Art Work, Spring Stickers, and his Hand traced on the back.

It is proudly hanging on our refrigerator,

and I smile every time I see it!

Thank you, Amy, Nick, and Jack.

After Hubby made brunch, we ventured out to the Garden Centers

to select the traditional Hanging Basket for Great Grandma.

Hubby also treated me to these pretty flowers

to cheer up our kitchen counter.

 Thank you, Honey.

In Saturday’s Mail this gift from Emily and Jake.

Each day features a quote and short story written by Hoda.

They are a quick read and perfect for my Morning Coffee Time.

We all need more inspiration to start our day.

Yet, another package arrived yesterday...

A glass water bottle with bamboo lid.

A good reminder to drink more water!

Thank you, Emily and Jake.

Like a couple of old Empty Nesters,

Hubby and I went for a Sunday Drive late in the afternoon...

Ending up at this familiar landmark in Aberdeen.

I have two favorites at Twist Cone.

This is the Mounds Sundae.

Next time, I’m ordering the Turtle Sundae.

Both are sinfully delicious.

Whether you live across the country, or just across town,

 there’s a chance your family probably didn’t celebrate

all together due to the quarantine.

I hope you enjoyed a little time chatting on FaceTime

or through the glass of your Picture Window.

Stay Safe and Well, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~Atkins Country Market ~A Weekend Day Trip

Just six weeks ago I was spending my days

with this little ray of sunshine.

Remember that day when we took the

road trip to the Eric Carle Museum?

A tip from Jack’s Storytime Children’s Librarian...

“Go early and stop at this little Farmers Market.”

The minute we walked in the door,

I knew already that this was going to be a great day!

The produce displays were beautiful.

I picked up a bundle of asparagus and a red pepper.

There were products from neighboring New England states.

Handmade gift items from local artists...

...created with tender loving care.

There was a floral shop,

An impressive display case of meat and seafood,

and an area with a variety of wine and craft beers.

Seriously, there was something for everyone.

However, the highlight was perhaps their bakery.

Every kind of sweet treat you can imagine.

Again, there was something for everyone!

Jack ordered the Star Cookie and his Mama

had an Old Fashioned Cake Donut.

 This Nana Gigi enjoyed a Cheddar Red Pepper Scone.

It was a perfect place to stop for a morning snack

on our way to the Museum.

Thanks for the sweet memories.

Take care,

~Natalie