Grateful

Sitting here with a Vanilla Dream candle burning, the mist softly falling, and the dogs sleeping, I’m contemplate a nap. 

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Okay, I actually took a nap after I wrote that and now I’m back. LOL! It’s just a dreary Thanksgiving Eve and a good day for relaxing, especially if you don’t have to prepare for visitors or dinner.

 Lately I’ve been trying to work with layers on some of my photo’s. Kate from over at Chronicles of a Country Girl has inspired me to learn. Guess you could say I’m thankful for YouTube and the great tutorials, as well as Flickr for the free textures!

What else am I thankful for?

… a healthy and loving family, a warm and comfortable home, the fact that I’ve been out of work for almost a month and we can still pay the bills, my mothers continued good health (she’s healing very well! The doctor said ‘better than most people who have had the same surgery’), a good strong stable marriage, the animals in our family who were all adopted and whose lives could have had a much different outcome, plenty of food in the cupboard and on our table, and as always, friends and family.

 I have so much to be thankful for even if I don’t always know it or appreciate it. I’ll be especially thankful if my hubby ever installs that crown molding I’ve been hoping for in the living room.

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So, are you ready to turn the corner from Fall decor into Christmas pizzazz? Judging by the blogs out there I’d say many of you already have! I just can’t quite do it until Friday, it just doesn’t seem right. I have to ride Autumn’s wave as long as possible. The above photos were taken this morning.

My December issue of Better Homes and Gardens arrived yesterday and I just love this Poinsettia idea so much that I have to share it!

It’s a Poinsettia Topiary!

Instructions are below. I plan on making this in the next few days but with a red velvet ribbon instead. My husband who loves flowers and plants thought it was a great idea too. We’ll see how it comes out. If you make it I’d love to see the results!

Okay, I’ve gone on long enough. I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day. Please be careful driving. It’s the most dangerous holiday of the year (article).

Happy Thanksgiving.

Fireworks in your mouth!

Summer Shortcake (click for recipe)

Now THIS looks like something I would love to try for the 4th of July! Locally grown Strawberries have just came into season, and blueberries are almost ready to pick. Just delicious after Grilled Chicken, Corn on the Cob, and Boston Baked Beans!

I may not be crazy about Martha Stewart, but who ever does all the work behind the scenes sure does come up with some good stuff!