This Week

I've been packing for my sista's trip to Pennsylvania and New York City.  I'm down to 5 pairs of shoes and two raincoats.  Remember I have a slight obsession with raincoats!   I know what I'm wearing to the Broadway Show .  I have a sweet new briefcase/tote on wheels for my carry on.  This means I'm taking my laptop so I'll be blogging, as time permits.  So, you're pretty much coming with me.

Hubby and I have been trimming, pruning, raking, though it may not look like it.  It seems like there is a lot of yard work to be done.  My geraniums look good because I'm not watering them anymore.  They bloom with stress and look pretty on their way out.  We've started to take the patio down for the year.

The guys are busy and well.  Danny is in his last semester at Grand Valley University.  It is ArtPrize in Grand Rapids so he is busy at Bistro Bella Vita too.  Sam has a friend visiting from Washington this weekend.  They  were going zip lining yesterday.  It will be fun to hear about that adventure.  Max had his first week at Walla Walla Community College.  He and his roommate, Thomas have a nice place and are settling in there.  Kassie drove over yesterday to visit.

The museum gift shop has lots of new inventory.  I've been busy gearing up for Christmas.  And making a lot of plans for our annual open house, the evening of October 11th.  I have many demonstrators in costume for that evening. It's the night that the museum really comes to life.

September was beautiful this year, warm, sunny days and cool evenings.  The leaves are turning and the Fall light has been gorgeous.  We have our firewood stacked, our furnace filters changed and the flannel sheets on our bed.  I've got some new soup recipes.  Fall is here and I love it.

Oh My!

We leave for NYC next Tuesday.  The sisters/cousin trip to the city!  Oh my gracious, we are a tad excited.  What to pack?  What to wear?  What will the weather do?  How much luggage?  It's tough.

I'm pretty much going with my usual black and gray wardrobe with scarves.  I wanted a gold/mustard cardigan this Fall, however; I tried one on and the color was horrible on me.  Since I still wanted the gold, I went for the "sexy Boyfriend cords"  from the Gap.  I won't be rolling them up and I doubt they'll be sexy on me, but they fit, they are comfy and so soft.  I think I'm in love.

I bought these gray metallic loafers today, they seem to be comfortable.  They are Rocket Dogs.

I bought these black flats today too.  They seem to be comfortable.  They are Naturalizers and seem a little "old lady" to me.

I started with these black flats, the Molly from Born.  I bought them in May and was so excited.  I bought them specifically for my trip to NYC and I was in love with them.  Naively, I thought they might be the only pair of shoes I'd wear in the city.  HAH!  I have tried and tried to break them in.  Impossible.  A friend has these shoes too, she showed me her scabs and scars this afternoon from wearing her pair of Molly flats.  I have put them in the stretcher, I have pads in the heels, I've worn them in the house, I've worn them to work.  They kill.  I quit.  I am feeling hate in my heart for these shoes.  The shoes from you know where.

I'm really hoping one of the pairs I purchased today can fill the void the Molly flat has left.

It's hard to know which shoes to take to NYC.  Comfortable and fashionable and they need to go with several outfits.  It's been grueling, folks.

I think I finally have it narrowed down.   I'm taking my black boots, black flats(see Naturalizers pictured above), gray flats(see metallic flats pictured above), black heels (for a Broadway Show), leopard print sneakers (for a Central Park walk), my brown Born sandals (cuz I love 'em with jeans and they're comfy), 

and flip flops for slippers.  

Seven pairs of shoes... I'm trying to pack light.

Hey, before you start judging me... Melinda is taking three pairs of boots!

Anyone want to guess how many pairs of shoes six women will take to NYC?

Anyone want to buy a pair of black Molly's?  Cheap.

No matter how many pairs of shoes we bring to NYC,

 I'm sure we'll be shopping for more while we're there...

Happy Birthday Dad!

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday.  Hubby and I invited my folks and my Dad's family over to our place for dinner.  We had been wanting to have them come over this Summer and finally it came to together on Dad's birthday.  We decided not to join them for dinner but wait on them for dinner.  These special people  all deserve some special treatment.

 Hubby and I spent the day cooking and prepping.  We had appetizers set out on the patio.  The weather this September is perfect for the evening to begin outside and then come inside for dinner as it gets cooler.

 My sister that is a Snapsister came by for a impromptu mini shoot during happy hour.

Thanks Jodi!

 From the left, my Dad, Aunt Nelda, Uncle Darryl and Uncle Ed.  Uncle John doesn't live here so he wasn't able to be at dinner.  I hope Aunt Nelda got spoiled living with all those brothers!

 Pictured below, Dad and Mom, Aunt Judy, Uncle Darryl, Aunt Nelda, Uncle Ed and Aunt Twyla.

Jodi sent me a shot of myself with Aunt Nelda, I'm not sure what was so funny but we're having a good laugh.  I'm on duty so I've got the apron on and the timer in my hand.  Oh, and I hadn't had any wine yet, definitely, on duty.  Hubby was slaving away in the kitchen while I was yukking it up on the patio... 

He's a saint.

We moved inside for dinner.

We served pumpkin roll and honeymoon bars with coffee for dessert.  Hubby and I sat down and joined them for dessert.  It was fun to give them a special night, celebrate my Dad and enjoy the beginning of Autumn.

*If you click on the picture, you'll be able to read the menu.

Military Moms

This post has been on my heart for awhile.  I'd like to post this in the spirit of sharing and invitation.  I'd like to post this information so that if you need to join us, you can find us.  We are actually praying that military families find us.

Here is your invitation... On Friday mornings I meet with a group of women at North County CTK church.  It is a time for prayer for our military sons and daughters.  We meet at 8:00 a.m. and end before 9:00 a.m.
We consider it an honor and a privilege to pray for those who serve our country.

As we arrive, we share what's been happening with our son or daughter that week.  Some are stateside, some are deployed, we often focus on the deployed because their safety is heavy on our hearts.  We recently had three soldiers return from Afghanistan but we still have some out.  We have show and tell.  We bring pictures to share and sometimes our actual soldiers visit.  We consider them the best show and tell!

Judy brings us a picture that she or her husband has taken with scripture printed on it.  It's similar to when I was in Sunday School and got a star for attending and another for memorizing a verse.  I wanted those stars!  Now, I love to collect the cards.  I have verse cards in my Bible, stuck in the mirror, in my planner, in my purse, in the car.  Sometimes I give them away.  I appreciate Judy's cards.

We have no book except the Bible, we have no political or denominational connection.  Our connection is our love for Christ and our kids.  Pretty simple.  We bring our own Bibles, we have a map of the Middle East and a box of Kleenex that is marked, "Military Moms".  We cry and yes, we laugh.

We get each other. We rejoice when they return stateside, we feel the worry and hurt when a soldier is out in the field.  We understand when our soldiers want tobacco in their care package.  We get it when a Mom goes to get a tattoo with her son because he asked her to go with him.  It doesn't matter that she isn't the tattoo type, it's his culture so she gets the tattoos.

The moms all know that when the soldiers come home on leave that they are seldom actually at home.  They are out with friends.  They pack in as much living as possible during their leave.  We cook their favorites and listen to them if they want to talk.  We love having them at home and are happy for each other when they have someone coming home.

We pray for the military spouses and children.  The kids miss their Daddy.  The daughters-in-law are overwhelmed and tired.  Some spouses have been through many deployments.

I'm thankful for this group.  They get me and my concerns.  They understand the frustrations of the military.  They love their soldiers and are proud of them just like I love Sam and am so proud of him.  And they love the Lord.  It's common ground.

We pray giving adoration and praise, then thanksgiving and then petition.  There is no request too small.  We ask God for safety, for cheap flights(cuz we all want to see our kiddos), for a phone call from Afghanistan, for His timing, for good sleep for our soldiers, for good meals, for faithful military spouses, for a truthful media, for guidance for our country's leaders and always, always we pray for peace.

If you would like to join us or have a prayer request, please let me know.  

It would be an honor and a privilege to pray for your soldier.

Gettin' my Groove Back

*picture was taken at the Mt. Baker Tin Can Rally.

Our Summer was very short this year but we are having a nice introduction to Fall.  Warm days and crisp clear nights this season.  It seems as though I am having difficulty keeping up with the season.  The early mornings are honestly, kicking my bum.  It's dark, it's cold, and 5:30 comes too fast.  I'm in a deep sleep when the alarm goes off.  I don't like it.  Hubby and I are in bed by nine.  

Am I the only one struggling?  

It's making me whiny.

We've been busy, some of the gardens are cleaned out, the firewood is stacked, the fire alarm batteries got replaced and light bulbs got changed.  It's Fall cleaning and organizing at the Stone House.

Usually in the Fall I am baking, trying new dinner recipes, feeding guys and their friends.  This year it's just the two of us and I'm still on the "you want to grill something and I'll make a salad" routine of Summer.

I am trying to find my place as an empty nester.  It's not that I am not busy.  We are having a dinner party next week, it's the docent breakfast at the museum next week, the museum open house got moved up a week in October so I'm making a ton of phone calls, lots of new inventory in the store, I've got meetings at church, two vacations in October, we have a trailer to restore, and the usual work and house agenda.

 It's amazing how quickly the time I thought I'd have free has filled.  

But, it's all good.  Really.  I just need to find my new groove.

A Sweet Couple

 Last night we went to Derek and Kelsie's wedding at Bethel Church.  I love weddings at Bethel because that's where Hubby and I got married.  It brings back good memories.

Derek and Kelsie were so sweet as bride and groom.  Country folk.  Their reception was at the Samson Winery and the weather cooperated beautifully.  The mountains, the rows of grape vines and the Fall light were a gorgeous combination for this wedding celebration.

 The bridesmaids wore green and the guys wore white shirts with green ties and khaki dockers and boots.   There were cute chalkboards everywhere, gerber daisies, burlap, mason jars, a "love is sweet" candy and cupcake bar, volleyball, dancing, good eats, Samson wines, a photo booth, a kids table and some great toasts to the happy couple.

 One of the flower girls explained to me all about her baby sister's pink John Deere cowboy boots.  She wore a pair too.  There is something so sweet about soft white tees, lace white leggings with hot pink tutus and cowboy boots that just melts my heart.  When it got cooler this stylish baby added a jean jacket.

 Everywhere we go the four of us have a photo moment.  

 There were mason jars to hold the bridemaids' bouquets and keep them fresh.

 Best Wishes to a sweet couple, Derek and Kelsie!

Tin Can Show

 Last night Hubby and I went to the Mt. Baker Vintage Trailer Club's camp out at the Fairgrounds.  We met some friendly campers, some folks who are passionate about glamping and proud of their restored trailers.  Everyone is so nice!  I was looking at awnings, Hubby was looking for our missing window frame, and we were both on the hunt for Aloha trailers.

 I loved this set up with the polka dot awning.  The owner wasn't home so I'm going back today.

 When I begin a project it is given a basket and then as I collect goodies and ideas I have a spot to put things.  I am trying really hard not to buy things for the Aloha until it's road ready.  It's really, really hard for me.  Although it is fair to find things in our house and add them to the basket.

Let's hope I don't *drop my basket working on this project!

*By the way, if you didn't know... to drop one's basket means to have a nervous breakdown.

Grilled Corn Salad

This was a recipe I put together using leftover corn.  It tastes like early September to me.  Fresh corn, yummy tomatoes and fresh basil are in season, so let's celebrate!

 Hubby picks up corn for dinner on his way home from work.  He grills it on the BBQ.  He removed the husks and silk, washes the corn and then lightly sprays it with olive oil. He turns it a quarter turn every 5 minutes.  It's on the grill for 20 minutes total.  Then it cools and we cut it off the cobs.  There is always some sneaky silk and you can pick that out.

Wash some grape tomatoes and fresh basil.  Finely chop two green onions, including some of the green.

 Slice the tomatoes into thirds or fourths.  Let your basil dry on a paper towel.

 Add the chopped onion, the tomatoes and the basil.  I use a scissors to snip the basil.  There is less bruising than if you use a knife.

 Squeeze the juice from two small limes over the top, then drizzle with olive oil.  Add fresh black pepper and some sea salt to taste.  Gently stir until mixed.

Garnish with fresh basil and serve, preferably on the patio.

Take a Hike!

 On Labor Day we drove up to Artist Point at Mt. Baker with friends to go on a hike.  We took off from the upper parking lot and thought we'd do a token mini hike and then eat lunch, hike back to the car and then stop at Chair 9 for a snack.  Easy peasy.  We hiked to the first snow field, felt good, it wasn't lunch time so we kept hiking.  We thought we'd go the first lake of Chain Lakes.  

 We kept going, hiking, sliding, enjoying the views.  We stopped for lunch.

As we ate lunch at one of the lakes I suddenly heard something running up from behind me.  Something large and breathing heavily.  I froze. I thought for sure it was a bear and didn't even dare to turn around.  A very large Saint Bernard came panting up to me.  

Scared me to bits!  I was a little leery of bears after that encounter.
After lunch we hit the trail again.

Mark was our leader and he did ask if we wanted to turn around several times.  I thought it'd be farther to turn back so I always voted to keep going.  I nearly cried when he told us we were half way.  Honestly, I thought he was joking and that we would see the parking lot around the corner any minute.  Our poor leader had a choir of whiners behind him on the trail.

 The lakes were beautiful, the wildflowers were blooming, it was gorgeous.  Our elevation gain was 1700 feet and it is an 8 mile hike.  Once we got to Bagley Lake and the lower parking lot the guys agreed to hike back to the upper parking lot, pick up the car, drive back and pick up us girls at the lower lot.

I was fine with my 6.5 miles. Thanks guys!

We made a stop at Nooksack Falls and then on to Milanos for dinner.  We were all past the point of just a snack at Chair 9 and we could totally rationalize the pasta after our hike.  We also felt we earned ice cream at Edaleen in Sumas.  A beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest.