Kinda/Sorta Jingle Bells

I found a lovely set of metal bells in the C major scale at, of all places, Cracker Barrel. You should get some! Serious fun. And today, while playing 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God 'I discovered that it is also a full body aerobic work out.

Famke had a wonderful time with them too. She was delighted to play Jingle Bells for me. For a veeeeery looooong time. Be thankful the video is short, as the song exactly as it is played here for my/your viewing pleasure was not. I loved every minute of it, but this is just a sampling for those who might want to purchase these for their own budding musicians.

These were going to be a Christmas present, but when I thought about it more deeply, I want my daughter to like me.

Keep Your Eye on the Forehead

Kado appears to be having a good time with the bells. But do notice that in the very beginning of this short video he has a perfectly white forehead. Soon into it he seems a bit startled. Then, notice how a red spot appears over his right eyebrow, increasing in brightness. I hope it was gone by the time he got home. Good grief. I never noticed it until I watched the video.

Bad Beppe. Bad BAD Beppe.

I Told You So

See? Didn't I say in the post below that I would be playing with these?

I cannot stop myself.

Anyway, I just LOVE this picture.

I cannot stop imagining all of the really cool stuff I could add to the scene.

I thought out loud about taking a mirror off the wall and arranging them in the middle of the dining room table.

THGGM said a resounding "No" to that idea.

So, I'm continuing to play.

Certainly this will not be the end of it.

Skaters

No. I do not skate, anymore. But do I have fond memories of it.

The most fun EVER was when my sister would hose down the backyard and we would skate out there.

So when I happened upon these nostalgic looking figures I knew immediately that I wanted them.

I did not buy them immediately.

Today we made a special stop to see if they were still there. They were.

I've been happily playing with them ever since.

They won't look like this for long, as I keep tweaking and rearranging them every time I walk past.

Expect more pictures.

Fresh New Faces

There are fresh new faces, but some old ones are missing. Now the day wears on, with much hugging and kissing. (G. Johnson)

Thanksgiving Dinner at my brother-in-law and sister's home in Grant was lovely! The family, the food, the fun!

The most incredible thing happened on the drive up. For many years, THGGM and I would stop at my parent's home and drive 'up north' to Grant with them. It takes about 40 minutes, and it was always enjoyable. Last year, with just my dad, was quieter. It was SO obvious that my mom was missing for the first time - she had been living at the nursing home for almost a year and had adjusted to it nicely. So it didn't seem sad, really, just very different.

Normally, the Thanksgiving drive was the first time we would listen to Christmas music. This year, THGGM announced that he hoped I didn't mind, but he wasn't in the mood for that yet. So, he popped in his newest CD.

We were singing along, enjoying the late November look of Michigan. I'm always on the lookout for deer, either dead or alive. It's my contribution to our relationship.

The route we drive is a very familiar one. Never before have I seen large hawks in the area. I'm sure they have always been there, but I have never seen one.

I'm sure you know where this is going.

Right along the edge of the highway, on the closest tree branch possible, just sitting there like it was waiting for us, sat a very large hawk.

I pointed it out to THGGM, who said, "Are you going to be okay?"

The words where just out of his mouth when from his new CD, Carrie Underwood starts singing "Temporary Home".

Seriously.

My dad was one of those old faces that was missing yesterday. And, in the short video above (i took a video because pictures of rocking babies tend to blur) are the fresh new faces.

My dad was SO thankful that he got to know his four great grand children. They were not just pictures on a bedroom dresser. They are little souls that he got to hold in his arms.

We all miss him. But, we shall see him again. Someday.

(lyrics to last verse of Carrie Underwood's "Temporary Home")

Old man, hospital bed

The room is filled with people he loves

and he whispers, "don't cry for me,

I'll see you all someday"

He looks up and says,

"I can see God's face"

This is my temporary home

It's not where I belong

Windows in rooms that I'm passing through

This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going

I'm not afraid because I know

This was my temporary home.

Just a Bit about Today

I'm finding it difficult to believe that TOMORROW is Thanksgiving. Wasn't it just Thanksgiving yesterday? Seems like it to me.

And, a MONTH from today is Christmas? I'm more ready for Christmas this year than any previous years, so I am not complaining. To sooth myself I've been sitting at the piano playing through Christmas music. Such fun. I'd rather do that than bake.

Which reminds me, I shall be baking today. Cornbread for THGGM's stuffing, pecan pies (an incredibly simple recipe actually) and pumpkin rolls.

Presently, my kitchen is in need of a complete cleaning before I begin.

I had this idea (having ideas is a reoccurring dilemma for me) that I would wrap my new empty boxes of tree lights with off-white textured wallpaper I thrifted a few years ago. So, I did that. They looked great. But a touch too plain. SOooo, I wrapped glittery ribbons around them and made an attempt at bows. They do look plenty good enough, but I wrapped them at my primitive wooden kitchen table, which is now harbouring teeny tiny bits of bronze colored glitter in every nook, cranny, crack, dent, and what-have-you. Since I do not think that glittery pumpkin rolls will be a hit at dinner tomorrow, I must get to it.

And, I'm also hoping to update my Simply Thrift blog (www.simplythrift.blogspot.com). Everything was half price yesterday at Valueland, and I did manage to spent $4.59 there. It was hard though, as I got there after the sale had been going on all day.

My dad's funeral was three months ago today. While shopping at Valueland yesterday, I came across a few of his things that we had donated there. It was weird. Actually, what is even more weird is that he probably bought them there in the first place.

Running through my head today will be Bing Crosby singing "I've Got Plenty to Be Thankful For" from Holiday Inn. Maybe we'll have time to watch that tonight. That is, if I get that baking done...

Happy Thanksgiving from Judy at Anybody Home!

Only ONE Month Until Christmas

Today In My Life

This is what I see when I look up from playing the piano.

Not a lot of color, but I like the more subtle look.

I'm still in the process of floofing the trees and covering up cords. Just when I think I'm done, something else emerges that needs attention.

This afternoon I journeyed to the nursing home, alone, to visit my mom. She was in a very cheerful mood and we had a great time singing at the hymn sing. We even sang 'In the Garden'. I did not cry. Nope. Not THIS time.

Then, on the drive home I was flipping stations (something i DESPISE when i am the passenger, but do with wild abandon when i'm the driver.) One station was featuring a Carrie Underwood song on their 'download or delete' segment. It was "Temporary Home".

I lost it then.

It's a great song. Really.

Little Trees

This year, I am happily decorating all of the little trees.
On the kitchen tree I have thrifted cookie cutters tied with bakers string. I like how it looks.



I cannot STAND mice, especially in my kitchen, but these fictional ones are kind of cute.

I wish the light were better, but it isn't. The book is all about making cut-out cookies. Hopefully, sometime between now and Christmas I'll get some more made. We did make 'pumpkins' but that doesn't count for Christmas.

Missing Dad

Everything seems so different in the world I live in.

It never seemed to me that I was doing all that much for my dad, but now that I'm not doing ANYTHING at all for or with him, it's left a large gaping hole in what had been 51 years filled with dad.

So far, only once did I catch myself just as I was about to say to THGGM, "Do you want me to call him?". THGGM was trying to pin down the date of an accident my dad had that did some damage to his car. In filing the report with my dad's insurance agent, they asked if he knew the date it happened. I knew my dad would have remembered the date, but I could only get close, which is when I caught myself sucking in the breath to ask if he wanted me to call him.

Now I go to the nursing home to see my mom painfully aware that I am going alone. When we would ride out together, I always drove. I'd take those times to ask my dad questions about stuff along the way, just so I could rest assured that his vision okay.

One thing I would occasionally notice on those rides was a hawk flying overhead or perched on a telephone pole along the highway. I'd ask my dad if he could see it. Repeatedly I would comment on how I'd like to see one up close. (I tend to repeat the same things over and over and over. See? Like I just did!)

Last month when I turned into the parking lot at the nursing home, a hawk flew right beside the car. It landed in the crab apple tree just outside the main door to the home. The only available parking spot at the time faced right into that tree, and the hawk stayed on the lowest branch, right at my eye level. Even when I got out of the car and shut the door it did not move. I was able to get a really good look at it. Then, it flew away.

Just like my dad.

Nesting

I have been GREATLY enjoying a very quiet day alone, at home.

Nesting.

I'm trying to be somewhat minimalistic with my Christmas decorating this year.

"Somewhat" being the operative word.

There will be many pictures to post. MANY.

Hope I can get to it.

Yesterday when there were many strong men here, THGGM had them move the love seat out of the living room. Amazingly, it now seems HUGE and the living room and dining room seem like one united space.

I'm loving it.

Let the Decorating Begin!

Well. I've started!

I think we've decided to put the 'big' tree in the basement, so I'm busy decorating little trees.

It's coming along nicely, although slowly.

Kado with Hair

Jonge and Famke thought Kado needed to try hair.
He LIKED it. He really really LIKED it!

End Migraine Pain Forever

No. I don't have any ideas on how to DO that, but I sooo desire that someday it will happen.

Yesterday afternoon, with NO prior warning, I got sacked with a BAD BAD one.

Thankfully, I was able to sleep and woke up an hour and a half later without it. Or, without the worst of it.

It's still sort of 'over there', to the left of normal.

Anyway..,

I didn't get it until I made it safely home from the nursing home, where I found my mom looking chipper and down right pretty! Her hair looked amazing, her skin was glowing and her nails were polished. I, on the other hand, looked like an absolute mess.

And, I ALMOST lost it again. Those hymns. Those hymns filled with such hope sung by so many who will live out the rest of their lives in a nursing home.., well.., it gets me every time.

Both crying and trying not to cry are two of my migraine triggers.

A new resident was sitting at the table with us. She is there for physical therapy as she learns to live without a recently amputated foot.

Diabetes.

Let's end THAT forever, too.

Teeny Tiny Picture

Yes. It's a teeny tiny picture, but I just HAD to post it!

Youngest Son is in a play this month.

He is playing Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

I LOVE the picture, although it doesn't look anything like him. He is a very nice man.

My reason for posting?

See that washboard he is wearing?

That is MY washboard.

I thrifted it a few months ago.

If the grid goes down, I'm ready!

For Great Aunt Carol

Whose birthday is TODAY!

Happy Birthday Aunt Carol, we love you!

(And tomorrow is Aunt Kara's birthday!)

Friday?

How did THAT happen? Oh, well. It did.

Two nights ago, THGGM had a truck load of weird dreams. That is not unusual for him.

I even dream boring.

Last night though, it must have been my turn for weird dreams.

I had a few.

The one I had just before I woke up was really strange. It was the kind of dream that feels very real.

In the dream I woke up, looked out the window, saw that it was very dark yet decided that I would go back to high school.

Apparently, there was something that I needed to finish. So, I left my parents house and walked along side of the garage, through the gate, into the alley - into another alley - across a field - all in pitch blackness. Sort of a weird purplish blackness.

When I got to school I sat on a bench while waiting for the sun to come up and the doors to open.

The sun came up, the doors opened, but I remained seated on the bench.

Soon, the principal came out and sat on my lap.

That probably should have seemed a wee bit 'off', but in the dream it was perfectly normal. Especially after he turned into a cat.

Next, the cat turned into one of those wool flowers I made earlier in the week.

By now, everything at school seemed perfectly normal. Many people coming and going, a lot of cars, everyone carrying books.

I got up off the bench and walked home in the day light, holding my flower pin.

Many times I can somewhat tell what my dreams are about. But not with this one.

Fun Times

Last weekend, as I sorted and resorted children's toys and wondered how I ended up with more toys for these three than my three ever had, I had NO IDEA what a hit it would be.

I added no new toys. Just regrouped a few and put them in somewhat see-through drawers for easier access.

Well, today they made many REdiscoveries.
The wig was one of them. I'm not sure if you recall how difficult it is to get a two year old to comply to your wishes, but Famke NEVER wants to do what I think would be 'darling'.

But, she discovered the wig on her own.
Oh, did she EVER know that she was cute! I knew she would be, but I hadn't much proof as she isn't as motivated to impress ME as I am to impress HER.

Jonge even removed his Bob-the-Builder hat long enough to put it on. Oh. And the pink gloves? Those are his work gloves.

I cannot begin to tell you just how hard it was not to plop the wig on Kado. But, apparently his head has no desire for hair so I thought it best not to get his hopes up. Daughter and Youngest Son had soft fuzzy heads like Kado's and they have plenty of very nice hair now.

And in that above picture of Famke? If you are wondering what was SO FUNNY? She is shrieking with delight, "I'm Beppe!"

Nice to know I'm good for a deep belly laugh every once in a while.

Alrighty Then

Hmm. This is not what I set out to do today.

No.

I actually sat down with yarn and a crochet hook, planning to make some fingerless mittens.

After many monotonous rows it lost its allure, and I proceeded to attempt twisting it into a flower.

That didn't work.


Then I remembered my thrifted wool blanket and gave that a twirl.

Those results were better.

I tried to make leaves by cutting three leaving the tops attached, but then I made a few tucks, rounded the tips and liked how it looked as a flower.

Ooooh. Then I remembered that I had retrieved a wool blazer and a pair of wool pants that THGGM was bringing to the thrift store.

What was nice about the blazer? It had interfacing which kept it from fraying. This was a nice bonus.

Only the flower pieces have been sewn.

The leaves are just sitting there while I try to decide whether I should sew them, glue them, add a pin back or what.



Usually, this means that sometime before Christmas next year I will open up a box and there will be all of THIS and I'll have a vague memory of this day and wonder about my sanity.






I DO like them.

I'm just not sure exactly what I could do with them.

Now I'm sort of wishing that I had stuck with the fingerless mittens. At least I would know what to do with those.

These things just came about.

Cutting up a wool blazer is FUN. There is lining and buttons and pockets and, oh, those pocket flaps are fabulous!

Made a really cute hat and collar for a croquet ball.
She looked lonely, so I plunked a wrist pin cushion on another croquet ball and now she has a slim friend.

Seriously. I need to find ONE hobby - ONE - and then stick with it.

Anyway.., I had a fun day. I always feel better when I'm making something.

Just a Few Minutes Left of Monday

After a weekend of being so tired I could barely move (i'm having issues with some weird sort of joint/muscle pain that renders me useless) I was wondering just how I would cope with three happy little energetic people today.

But, I had a LOVELY day! DiL2 (second daughter-in-law) came in the morning to play with her nephews and niece which made EVERYBODY happy! After she left it was lunch time, then nap time, and then Jonge and Famke woke up in time to see mommy when she came for lunch.

I had spent almost all of Saturday sorting through toys (i have more toys now than i did when my kids were this age). THGGM and I made a quick trip to Walmart for three three drawer storage units so now things are nicely stored and much easier for Jonge and Famke to find and put away. This made THGGM happiest of all, as children's toys all over the place causes him to break out in a hard case of ill-at-ease, and possibly an itchy rash also.

The above video is a short spot of the 'game' we played today. It's great fun if you aren't bothered by spit splattering across your dining room table. It involves blowing cotton balls with straws. We advanced to fake leaves and paper towel because they were close at hand. For some reason, Famke REFUSED to play. Her face at the very end of this video is SOOO Famke. I see that face a lot lately.

I gave Kado the day off from having his picture taken. He had three long naps today, and when he was awake he was a snuggle-y ball of hungry cuteness.

It's my goal to stay out of thrift stores until next year. It will take me at least until January to put away the stuff I already have. I'll make exceptions if I realize there is something that I simply MUST have. But, I know that the thrift stores are FULL of Christmas decor and I have a very hard time saying no to those.

Of course, I could sell off some of what I have that I no longer want, but then I would need to no longer want it, which doesn't seem to be happening.

So there you go, that was my Monday. How was yours?

Feeling Wantsy

This is an AGA range with the popular Emma Bridgewater motif.

I'm not often overwhelmed with "wantsy-ness", but I REALLY want an Aga range and I'd REALLY like the Emma Bridgewater spotty dishes.

Really really.

I don't necessarily want to COOK with it. I just want to sit at my kitchen table and LOOK at it.

Then I got to thinking, just how difficult could it be to PAINT SPOTS on my flat top electric stove?

It couldn't be THAT hard, could it?

A Bunch of Kado Pictures

There is just something about this boy.

Finally, I get a good smile, of course, not the whole head though.

I sort of have a feeling that this one's eyes are going to stay blue, like his mommy.

Only the Shadow Knows

What IS this strange creature visible on my tree!?





















It's Famke!

Such a cute little lizard-comodo-dragon-E.T.-looking evening shadow of Famke!

Fall Friday

Jonge is a willing and capable worker. A HARD worker. He can see a job and stick to it until it is done, or he is tired out. Done seems to come first.

Kado comes out for cuddling. He is a good cuddler.

It keeps Pake going.

Famke is also a diligent worker. She happily helped to fill up the three leaf recepticles.

Pake loaded up the car and took those leaves to the yard waste place.

And, another one learns that the cycle of life involves A LOT of doing the same work over and over and over again.

Sixty Eight Years Ago

This small 'proof' of a school picture was among the things in my dad's basement workroom.

The picture is no bigger than an inch, but is very clear.

My mom used to say that Youngest Son reminded her of my dad and from looking at this picture I would have to agree.

I believe this would have been taken in 1941 which would have made my dad 15 years old.

Last Week Thursday

Ah, yes. Last week Thursday we were in Wisconsin visiting with the bestest relatives anyone could have. Truly.

We went out for breakfast, shopped in Greendale (home of Taste of Home), shopped for spices at Penzey's and had dinner at Old Country Buffet. After dinner my aunt was able to identify some of the 'unknown' people in the pictures from the treasure box I found under the guestroom bed at my dad's condo.

And this week Thursday?

This week Thursday I drank WAY too much coffee and had a banana for breakfast. I spent the morning chatting with Youngest Son and getting dizzy.

By this time (1:13 pm) I am extremely dizzy and on my way to the couch.

Hopefully, this dizzy feeling will pass and I will corral four HUGE piles of crafty junk into two large boxes and transfer them to the basement.

Except for the chat with Youngest Son, I enjoyed last Thursday better.

Add This to This to This and Get This

Hmm. I just uploaded these pictures and realized that I MEANT to put them on my Simply Thrift blog.

Oh, well.

This just goes to show how exceptionally tired I am today. Can't blame it on the sun not shining, because it is!

So, to the left is a small pedestal dish I picked up long ago for a dollar.
On the right is a clear glass dome I recently purchased for about the same. I forget exactly.

A few weeks ago I found the 1980 Holly Hobbie
skaters.

Today I was photographing some of my recent finds and stacked a few things. Hmmm. That gave me the idea to put these three totally unrelated things together (i like putting totally unrelated things together, otherwise things get inbred and disturbing looking).

And, I LIKE it!

Now, I'm envisioning them as winter decor. I know I have small white figure skates somewhere, and someone must have a muff and a green and white scarf.

(i know. i know. i need help.)

What a Difference Eleven Days Makes

If you care to, scroll down to my post from October 11. Wow. What a difference. No more beautiful yellow leaves visible on the trees. Although they are still around. On the ground.

I love this end of fall also. It just smells SO good outside.

Soon after I read the O. Henry story, "The Last Leaf" I found a rusty metal leaf at a craft store. It's moved around from house to house and from room to room, but it's always there.

You simply must read "The Last Leaf".

Because I said so.

The Brothers

After a Sunday that found me more tired than I can ever remember being since the last time I was this tired, I had an absolutely delightful Monday! This video shows just how sweet they remained after 10 hours with Beppe. And for the record, I am not an absolute delight. But, I try.

Oh, Wow.

A week ago, while sorting through things at my dad and mom's condo, my sister found their silverware. She already has a set so she asked if I would like it.

Of course, I like everything.

There were plenty of forks, spoons and serving pieces, but only four knives.

No problem. I pick through boxes of old silverware all the time at thrift and antique stores. I've never looked for knives, but I know they are out there.

Soooo.., Friday, when I entered an antique mall for the first time since I had the box of my parent's silverware, I noticed a box of silverware in the very first booth I went into.

Upon opening it, I discovered the same pattern as my mom's silverware.

And, if that isn't cool enough, notice that it has only eight knives!

I am SOOOO happy!

Add it up.

Are you back yet?

That means that I now have TWELVE knives!

I love it when things like this happen.

Love it, love it, love it.