Double Heaping Of Blessings Hodpodge

The giblets are simmering.

This year, we get to have two Thanksgivings. The 'free' turkey won at the local IGA has already thawed, so, husband said, "Better cook it now." Works for me! I never turn down those kinds of lovely smells. The Jack Russell Terrorists, especially Jack, haven't left the throw rug sitting near the stove all morning. He's such a moocher. There will be  the traditional cornbread stuffing, homemade turkey gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, and mashed sweetened yams for dessert. There's probably more but I've drooled on the keyboard and have to stop to clean it up. *grin* Yum yum!

For the official day, we've been invited to our local dear friend's home for another happy repast. By the end of this week my belly will look like an overfed turkey. Guess I'd better steer clear of the woods. *lol*

El Cheapo Telephone Stand

Last Friday, my husband bought an antique telephone stand for only $19 at a local auction. This little number is solid wood, very well made. He's been refinishing and repairing the table as the weather permits all weekend. There's really plenty of furniture for our tiny living room but I wanted a small table next to the love seat. Fits nicely, don't ya think?

And it's finally cooled off in our neck of the woods. The sky is a deep blue, the air fresh and crisp. It's so pretty today. I think I'll start raking all the Long Leaf Pine needles that the wind left us this weekend. They would add a nice touch around the roses bed.

I hope everyone is having a good day and will be able to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Thank you for visiting with me today.

Funny Friday: Dog Memes

Pining For A Pantry

It's been a hoopla of activity in our neck of the woods with yet another 'remodeling' project for our almost 24 year old home. (I blame the new hormones ... they're working splendidly, much to my husbands chagrin!) Next to the last thing to be changed was the pantry I've been pining for. OK, here's a brief history of the house for the newbies: this room started out as the laundry but because it leads into the carport, it migrated into a sort of impromptu front door for the neighbors. My fellow country friends will understand why. Anywho, now that the carport is looking so lovely, I just couldn't have folks weaving past dog smells and clutter before entering the house plus our kitchen is teeny tiny with very little cabinet space. Thus, the pantry idea.

BEFORE

First, we sold the coffin style deep freezer on Craigslist. You know, that thing sold in two hours!? I had no idea freezer's where so popular. It was taking up way too much real estate for just the two of us, and since it was still in excellent working order, we where able to obtain a top dollar resale price.

Next, purchased a smaller upright frost free freezer on sale (my favorite word!). Whilst at Lowe's purchased a single door white cabinet with lots of shelves and matching coat hooks. Moved all the dog items to the left hand side of the room (in the back). We are so organized now.

AFTER

Voila! Just add food.

Sam III was cool with the whole renovation thing, but his brother Jack was totally freaked out. Someone moved his cheese! I found him cowering in my office with a shattered look on his face. Poor little guy. Several dog cookies, a chew bone and hugs later he was much improved.

The, hopefully, last scheduled remodel is the guest bedroom or The Blue Room, as I call it. The new flooring is purchased, so, we're all set. All that remains is removing and disposing of the 23+ year old carpet. I think that should wait until after Thanksgiving. The older I get, the longer it takes to recover from all this 'fun'. *lol*

Wordless Wednesday: Abandoned Blue Bird Nest

Delta Breeze Was My Need

The day started gray, cold and still. After a near sleepless night, fraught with worry about real or imagined medical concerns*, the sky fit my frame of mind.

Irregardless of the physical circumstances, it was time to feel Delta wind on my knees. After a quick rundown of all the mechanical essentials to ensure safety the metal steed was ready.

We had made arrangements to meet up with a new friend 'Nemo' for a lunch feast from the Honda CB1100 Forum that my husband participates in. 

Redbirds (Hubby) and Nemo

Of course, the first words out of my mouth at the restaurant parking lot was "Did I find Nemo?" Being the great guy he is, Nemo chuckled warmly and, on that happy note, we all enjoyed a scrumptious hot meal at the Steffens Restaurant in Kingsland, Georgia.

Satilla River

near Folkston, Georgia

After the noon repast, induced by a picture perfect sky my state of being improved.

Yours Truly with my

2012 Suzuki V-Strom DL 650

After 150 miles of twisty piney flats, abandoned farm houses, flowing rivers and swamp overlooks, I was beginning to show signs of fatigue. I parted ways with my companions and headed back to the stable to enjoy hot tea and snacks.

By the end of the day, we had an orange tinged sunset with thin streaks of gray set against a stunning azure blue sky. What a magical way to close the day.

*By the by, I am happy to note that the Duavee is working splendidly!

Thank you everyone for your prayers, concern and encouragement.

You are appreciated more than words can express. xx

Paris Attacks

This evening as I was preparing a post about a much longed for ride on Veterans Day, world events where suddenly thrust to the forefront of my mind. These words of comfort needed to take precedence to my joy as others are suffering. I want to offer my heartfelt prayers for the people tortured, dying and living in fear in Paris this evening. I'll refrain from the "I told you so" moment for I'm sure they are also thinking these thoughts. We must remain armed and ready for what is also approaching our very shores ... or may already be here. And I will add that, no matter what the future brings, even if it brings war, torture, and prosecution, as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Stay safe out there, my friends, and remain vigilant. Muslim hordes will soon be coming to a town near you.

Paris Terrorist Attacks

Wordless Wednesday: Veterans Day