Tor's Hallowe'en Party

Morning Y'all,

So I went to a Hallowe'en party at my niece Victoria's and her boyfriend Adam's place with my brother Dave and niece Patricia.  We arrived a bit early to help out with the preparations ('cause we're nice that way lol) I chopped up the veggies and arranged them artistically on the Hallowe'en platters.  You all know that you can't just throw veggies on a platter and hope that Martha Stewart would approve.  It takes an artistic eye to be able to present a pleasing platter! 

Tor and Adam had gone crazy decorating the house in a style that Bella Lugosi would feel at home in.   You can also check out Tor's home decorating video on youtube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Sx3v1Tk04

Pretty soon the other guests arrived and the PARTY was on!!!!  There were some pretty awesome costumes, let me tell you.  When I was a kid we rummaged through the old clothes bag and came up with either a witch, a gypsy, a hobo or a ghost costume.  These days the costumes are a LOT MORE elaborate (as you can tell by this picture).

The most elaborate, by far, is Victoria's costume, which she made herself.  She was dressed as "The Thing" from the movie John Carpenter's "The Thing."

She made this costume with thrift store finds and some expanding foam.  Then she painted it to look as gory as possible.  (I think she succeeded, don't you).  Anyway, a good time was had by all.


So the day after Hallowe'en all of the store flyers started featuring Christmas toys, Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, Christmas.....well, you get the idea.  But before Christmas there is one more celebration for this family.  It's my beautiful daughter's birthday!  I'll just say that Jennifer is 29 again and leave it at that.  She lives much too far away and I miss her everyday.  Thank God for the  internet and video-chat.  I think I'll go and call her with some Birthday wishes right now!  'Bye 'bye.

Pumpkin Bonanza

Last weekend I spent a very enjoyable afternoon at a pumpkin farm about a half an hour from where I live.  My brother David, my two nieces Victoria and Patricia and Victoria's boyfriend Adam and I went to this great place called Leisure Farms. 

It's one of those places that is a working farm but also allows you to pick your own fruits and vegetables.  This summer we spent a few happy hours there picking the MOST DELICIOUS strawberries EVER.  Believe me when I tell you that the ALL CAPS are not unwarranted.  The strawberries were unbelievably tasty.


Last weekend Victoria suggested we go back to Leisure Farms.  It was Thanksgiving weekend and the farm was putting on a little shindig so off we went.  The first stop was the bakery.  Imagine stepping into a room that smells like apple pie, chocolate chip cookies and homemade bread all rolled into one delicious scent. Mmmm....heavenly.  Then it was off on a wagon ride, through the pumpkin patch, to an area in the woods where there was a fire in a pit and marshmallows were available for roasting.  (Mine caught on fire. Booo)  Patricia was a bee magnet but managed to keep her cool.

 Next was a short hike through the woods to a couple of rows of haybales.  Naturally the younger folks took some time to climb all over the haybales, providing many photo-ops.

The next stop was the pumpkin cannon.  Yes, I said pumpkin cannon.  Victoria couldn't leave without shooting a pumpkin from a cannon so she patiently waited in line for her turn...chose the pumpkin she thought would fly the farthest...inserted said pumpkin into the business end of the cannon...then 3...2...1...KABLAM!!!!!  Pumpkin guts everywhere!

A short wagon ride later we were back at the barn for hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.  We were each given a small pumpkin to take home.  Good thing too.  Patricia didn't have to "liberate" any pumpkins.  Victoria and Adam bought a whole bunch of pumpkins to decorate for their annual Hallowe'en party.  (I sense another blog post with a Hallowe'en theme in my future. lol)

Anyway, a good time was had by all.  After spending a fun afternoon together we finished it off with a delicious spaghetti dinner at home.  (Yep, with some yummy homemade bread from Leisure Farms)

Sadie

Today I'll introduce you to the love of my life, my significant other you could say.  She's fiercely loyal, friendly, warm and cuddly.  She's always happy to see me and never complains (unless I'm trimming her nails.  Wait....wha???)  That's right...I'm referring to my Golden Retriever, Sadie.

Sadiekins, Puppy-do, Beautyface McGee and Babydog.  These are just a few of her nicknames.  She spends her days in the lap of luxury.   I think in my next life I'd like to come back as a spoiled Puppy-do like Sadie.

She's four years old now and has changed quite a bit.  She still acts like a puppy though.  I thought Golden Retrievers were supposed to calm down around the age of four.  I'm still waiting!!!  She does have a lot of patience for my shenanigans though.

So, here's Sadie all grown up.

Who could resist those sad eyes?   She does milk it for all it's worth and it seems to work out for her. lol.

That's all for today.  Hopefully we'll get to chat again soon.  Take care.

Welcome

Here we go!

 

Good morning folks!  So, today is the first of what I hope to be many blog posts.  I've been thinking about blogging for a while now and finally decided to plunge right in, feet first, eyes wide open, heart in hand.  This blog will be all about new adventures, new hobbies, new friends, and new ideas.  Okay, so there might be some retro (read "old") ideas thrown in for good measure but I don't think you should discard the golden oldies just 'cause something new comes along. 

 

I'll be blogging about photography (my newest hobby), my beautiful dog Sadie, places I've been, places I'd like to go, friends and family, and lessons I've learned.

 

I think this blog will be a great ride and you're very welcome to come along!