THE ROOST

Gardening with Ladies

I belong to a Ladies Garden Club and we had our November meeting at my house this past week.

Not only do I enjoy learning about gardening but I love being around these older ladies.   Most of the women in my group are 20 years my senior..... at least.  

I have learned so much from these sweet women & not just about gardening but also about being a lady in a day when it can be hard to find one. 

If you observe them for only a few moments you will see something very different & refreshing in their manner.

Most of them come dressed as if they were going to a meeting at church and they are always on time if not a tad bit early!

Their conversation is very gracious & sincere.... they are careful not to talk on top of anyone and they listen very attentively but never withholding a compliment when it is appropriate.  

You would never catch one of them bringing something store bought to one of our meetings...... only home baked goods, and oooh are they good!   And we would never eat on paper.  You don't have to have fine china but just not paper.  It doesn't even matter if it matches as long as it is not paper.....I think you get the point.

Soooooo I worked my big butt little fanny off this past week knowing that the ladies deserved the very best I could give at my house.  I was determined to use the last of the fall foliage that was in my yard and not spend millions on fresh arrangements.  

Here is what I came up with....

This pitcher turned vase holds forsythia that has turned a beautiful burgundy.

I added a tad in this little vase too.

I had one dogwood that was late in shedding its leaves and a small clipping worked great for the centerpiece.

I can't resist hanging a wreath on a mirror.

The table was full of home made dessert.....brought by some of the members.

They were not served on paper....:)

And they were wonderful!

This bowl held artificial greens with a variety of artificial fruit.

I tucked in a couple of fall picks on the mantle...

  And placed a large pine cone ornament on the antique book of Wild Flowers on my

coffee table.

Having 30 Gardner's in my home at one time was hard work.......but I loved every moment of it.

It was well worth all the effort to enjoy the company of these sweet little ladies.

Great Start

I can't think of a better way to start the week out than with two blog awards! 

The weekend was wonderful since Mr. Perfect came to visit Grammie.

 & now two really kind bloggers have passed on awards to me!  And their blogs are great reads!  Go check then out.

The first award is from JuJu & Family...

Isn't it lovely?! 

Now I am supposed to name some of my addictions.....

1.  Coffee in the morning.....first thing then I can open my eyes.

2.  Books......All kinds but I have a special love for old hymnals.  

3.  Candles.....keep one burning most all the time.

4.  My lap top......enough said...

5.  A certain little boy...

.

 

6.  This cream I put on my feet at night... You must get some before winter hits!  You will find it at Bath and Body Works.

Now for the second award from Our Daily Big Top.

Doesn't the thought of someone loving your blog just make you blush?

200

With this award, I must answer the following questions with single word responses....

1. Where is your cell phone?   Kitchen
2. Where is your significant other?  Here
3. Your hair color?  blonde
4. Your mother?  vacation
5. Your father?  vacation
6. Your favorite thing?  family
7. Your dream last night?  silly
8. Your dream/goal?  faithfulness
9. The room you’re in?  den
10. Your hobby?  blogging
11. Your fear? loss
12. Where do you want to be in six years? here
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you’re not? shy
15. One of your wish list items?  watch
16. Where you grew up? Arkansas
17. The last thing you did? cook
18. What are you wearing? loungewear 
19. Your T.V.? on
20. Your pet? asleep
21. Your computer? MacBook
22. Your mood? relaxed
23. Missing someone? grandson
24. Your car?  SUV
25. Something you’re not wearing? jewelry
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your Summer?  fun
28. Love someone? yes
29. Your favorite color?  changes
30. When is the last time you laughed?  tonight
31. Last time you cried?  Tuesday

There is no way I could choose a few bloggers to give these awards to...PLEASE pick up one or both & start your week out on a good note too.....These are really a lot of fun to think through.

Pickled Teeth

He's got two pearly whites coming in & he is coming to show the good fairy Grammie!

I tell you this kid is way ahead of schedule on everything!

"D" thought he deserved a present for saying my name.....well, you can bet two pearly whites 1/16 of the way in deserves a gift or two!

Maybe I will get him a......

or should I get him.....

WAIT......how many teeth do they get in???

On second thought I probably should........just get him........

They say you should give what they really, really like!

Some kids are just easier to please than others.

What Are You Watching?

Watching TV is not my favorite pass time.   I think it is because I  just can't seem to find a show that I enjoy.  

I have started watching several different ones but they make a turn for the worse and I just can't stomach it..... 

Unlike a lot of chicks I love to watch football......especially pro football.   Kinda strange I know but I spent a lot of time watching it with my dad growing up and got hooked.

After reading this post from Sarah I am bound and determined to watch The Office.   Yep, I am probably one of the only Americans that has not seen a single episode.....she says you are guaranteed a good laugh and who couldn't use that these days!

There are members of my family that have their favorite shows.....

 

But staged TV made to appear real reality shows aren't really my thang......dawg!

I know it is disappointing!

My oldest daughter has watched The Biggest Loser and likes it but the time I tuned in..... half the show they cried after voting someone off....

Oh I have tried the game shows too....I can't think of the name of it..... but the one I watched a few times had all these skinny model's on it holding brief cases with dollar amounts in them and you try to pick the one with 1,000,000.00 in it.  I couldn't get past the skinny, beautiful models to enjoy it....My problem I know!

Soooooo until something just looks outstanding I guess I will stick to my books, talking to the hubbie & reading your wonderful posts! :)

But please tell me what your watching these days......

A Note of Thanks

Thanksgiving is two weeks from tomorrow!

I know we are thinking about recipe's, travel & time with loved ones.

Along with those things I want to toss something else out for you to consider....

Several years ago I got an unexpected Thanksgiving note in the mail on a beautiful note card.

The hand written message began like this....Each year at Thanksgiving I like to write a note of appreciation to those who have been extra special to me or my family.....

The note went on to say why she was specifically grateful for our family that year.

I was touched and encouraged beyond measure.  I had never heard of this Thanksgiving Tradition before.    

This couple has made it a practice to write 3 to 5 letters every November to families and individuals that have touched their lives in one way or another that year.  

What an incredible gift of gratitude to give to others.  It took time, thought & humility.

This time of year we often give away can goods, loose change & extra coats......Why not give out a sincere letter of thanks.....hand written, thought through, honest thanks...for the people who have touched our lives in a special way....it may be in a small way but in way that deserves an extra thanks.

Wouldn't this be an awesome Thanksgiving Tradition to start?  

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.

Sew Easy

I have a task that I really despise and I don't know why........Because it isn't that difficult. I think it may be some of the steps that are involved.

Like opening up this...

And getting these things out....

Then using them on this...

It takes a total of probably 10 minutes tops....

I finished just in time to put the shirt away until spring.

Did I mention that it was my hubbies shirt & the button had been missing for 4 weeks?

Sorry dear, I will try to do better in that area.

Do you have a task that you just despise with all your being can't quiet get done or is it just me and these darn missing buttons?

He Said My Name

Guess who is chattering up a storm?

Yep, Mr. Perfect!

I know you have never heard of a kid talking this soon!  I certainly haven't!

His mom and dad think that he is saying Dad-d--dad-d.....but we all know he is really saying Ga---mie------Ga-mie.

They sound alot a like if you make believe think about it.  I can see where they would totally be mistaken.

S000000.............Grammie was his first word.....sigh.........how sweet is that!!!

Bloggy Sisterhood

Boy, did I have a treat on Thursday night!  Do you remember that Shannon won the beautiful cream Italian leather Latico wallet that I had on the Bloogy Give-Away?

When she mailed me her address to send her the wallet you won't believe where she lived.........Yep, in my home town!  UNREAL!!!  

So we chatted on e-mail and she and I decided to meet up at one of our favorite stores in town that was having a Christmas Open House!  

We had our picture made by the Christmas Tree just like good bloggy sisters do!

In case you are confused she is the young cute one on the right and I am on the left with my eyes half closed because it is past my 8:30 curfew! 

It was SO good to get to meet her in person!  She is precious inside and out.  

She and I and Queen B , who lives in my hometown, are going to have lunch soon.....If Queen B lives through her shopping trip at the North Pole!

Maybe someday we can organize a bloggy reunion ........I am NOT kidding girls.  I feel as close to ya'll as I do to some of my "real" friends!  I guess it is the praying & sharing & laughing & crying we do together through these post and comments and give-a-ways!  

Who in a million years would think that you could have this kind of connection through a "silly" blog?!!!  

I'am thankful that I do & I hope that the fun won't end anytime soon!

Doggone Sweater

Every year I get my winter sweaters out and try them on to see which ones I might keep and which ones I will be getting rid of. 

Usually I will have one or two that has a little hole on it or maybe is just a little too worn out or it is just not "gettin it" for me. 

From time to time I come across a sweater from last year and I think.....What was I thinking when I got that? 

I do change my mind from season to season like most of you do but I am probably not quiet as picky.

 

I try really hard not to get caught up in the whole clothes thing.

It is really hard though with all the beautiful things out there.

When you think about it you really don't need that many options......I think that is why you often get confused on what to wear.....You have too many to choose from.

Having tons of clothes is just way overrated! 

In fact I have one sweater that I wear to all special occasions.  That keeps life simple & easy and most people don't remember what you have on like you think they do.

Besides if something looks good on you why not wear it often!

I really don't want my clothes to define me.  I would rather others like me for me and not what I have on.

After saying all of that I will say I was very sad this year when I realized one of my favorite sweaters, a red Woolrich, was way to small.   It is so warm and goes with anything. 

 

I am not sure how it happened.  I was told I was full grown last year when I got it.

Maybe it accidently got washed & put in the dryer with all the people clothes.....

Thats another thing that is way overrated......

Washing and drying things!

 

Remnants of Fall

When October is over I start getting a little tired of some of my fall decorations but I am not quiet ready for the Christmas ones yet.....Although I have purchased a few new ones and I can't wait to get them out!  Remember the ones I got when I went to the Corvette show?

What I didn't show you was the incredible dishes that I passed on.

I am a sucker for dishes, especially festive ones like these.

Anyway.....back to Fall, ya'll.....

I wanted to have a few different things out to finish up the season without breaking the bank.

Sooooooo, on my walk today I collected some leaves and filled a little pitcher I had with them after adding cold water.

Doesn't  it looked nice on my coffee table?

I also gathered some hedge apples from a neighbors yard for the dinning room.

Then I hung a wreath I had on the antique piece in my living room that can go from fall to winter....I usually leave it up until spring.

These small acorn ornaments in this iron dish look fall-ish and carry over nicely for Christmas.

 A  few vegetables at the super market filled up this punch bowl on my kitchen table........

Aren't the colors vibrant?

Last but not least I put out a bowl of apples in the kitchen to snack on since I 'am trying to shed a ton of flab few pounds.....

right by the fall cookbook with my favorite dessert in it! ;)