ADDING "FALL TOUCHES" TO MY FRONT PORCH...

THIS WEEK THE WEATHER HAD TURNED "COOL" SO I PULLED OUT MY "FALL DECORATIONS" BOX AND BEGAN TO ADD A FEW TOUCHES TO MY FRONT PORCH.............. I HAD THE SAME PILLOWS FROM SUMMER BUT TOOK A PIECE OF SCRAP "ORANGE FABRIC" FROM LAST FALL AND SEWED UP THE PILLOWS....I ALSO ADDED SOME CUTE RIBBON ( MY SISTER GAVE ME) THAT SAYS "POTTERY BARN" ON IT....NOTICE THE MUMS MY HUBBY BOUGHT FOR ME.... A BIT OF GARLAND; SOME WOODEN APPLES ADD TOUCHES OF AUTUMN............
AN OLDER WREATH TURNED "NEW" WITH A FEW ADDED BERRIES; RIBBON...... I HAVE USED THIS "TIN" FOR SEVERAL SEASONS I JUST CHANGE THE BERRIES OR FLOWERS...
I BUNCHED ALL MY "SUMMER FLOWERS" TOGETHER AND MADE THIS SWEET LITTLE GARDEN TO ENJOY NEAR THE "FRONT PORCH"...........

I HOPE YOUR ENJOYING THE BEGINNINGS OF "FALL" I WILL BE TAKING THE
NEXT FEW DAYS HELPING OUT CELEBRATING MY "MOMS" 90TH BIRTHDAY
PARTY!....................QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP............

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth
• 1/2 pound chopped cooked chicken breast
• 1 1/2 cups egg noodles
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Cook onion and celery in butter until just tender, 5 minutes. Pour in chicken and vegetable broths and stir in chicken, noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes before serving.

STROLLING THROUGH THE "FARMERS MARKET".........

GRANDPA AND SWEETEST GIRL GRANDDAUGHTER
ENJOYING TIME AT "FARMERS MARKET"..........
"OH THAT OATMEAL COOKIE" WAS SOOOO GOOD! THANK YOU GRANDPA!!!................... MUMS FULL OF COLOR FILLED THE MARKET THIS WEEK............MY HUBBY BOUGHT ME SOME TO TAKE HOME..............
THIS BOOTH SMELLS SOOOOO GOOD WITH ITS FRESH PRETZEL BREADS AND OTHER ROLLS; COOKIES MUFFINS ........... WE SEEM TO "FAVOR" THE SAME BOOTH EACH TIME WE GO............THEY HAVE WONDERFUL FRESH PRODUCE AND GREAT PRICES.........
I LOVE THE PRETTY RED PEPPERS........THEY JUST TASTE BETTER THAN THE STORE............


We have enjoyed the "Farmers Market" many times this summer. In fact, we see the same people that also come out each week. It can be a great way to enjoy healthy delicious veggies and a fun inexpensive time for you and your family.

HOUSEWORK AGAIN?????

I HAVE A SMALL COLLECTION OF APRONS! I REALLY ENJOY THE VINTAGE ONES FROM THE 1940'S... *** If you enjoy Aprons be sure to see "Journal for Woman" on my sidebar..... and the beautiful aprons she made.........

I CAN FIND VINTAGE APRONS FOR AROUND $1 AND THEY ARE FUN TO COOK IN WITH YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN..............


This morning after I had coffee; breakfast; my time with my Bible; and my walk I walked in my bedroom to once again make my bed..........Ladies have been doing this routine for years and years. I remember my mom making up the beds so neat and tidy in our home and there was nothing like getting into a fresh made made with clean tight sheets for a good nights sleep.............
But..........I am afraid now a days we see "housework" as a burden never ending........ Its the beds to be made; the clothes to be hung up; laundry to be done; ironing (some have given this up for good ha); sinks to be scoured; toilets to be freshened; wastecans to be emptied; brooms to sweep; mops to swiffer; and its never ending.........

I know that the Lord has given me this home to care His best for and for that reason alone I want to do my best. But I have to say I do enjoy cleaning up and being satisfied with the job well done afterward. Not to mention my husband also enjoys a clean home to live in and our children growing up mentioned to me later that it was important to them as well.
I remember visiting a beautiful "bed and breakfast" with my hubby one night. As we walked into that room the room glistened!! The bed was beautifully made up and the sheets clean and fresh. The bathroom sparkled! In fact, there were even nice little chocolates on the pillows. Anything to make us feel extra special!!!
If I had walked into that room with unattractive odors; stains on the carpets or bedding; dirty anything in the bathroom.... I guarantee we wouldn't be there too long without a comment. If the word HOUSEWORK leaves you with a bad feeling then maybe its time to take inventory of our hearts and our things God has put us in charge of.......... I know some ladies who just are not physically able to care for everything in their homes;
or they dont know how to clean; or they just work long hours and its too much for them.... for those I say: SIMPLIFY............

1. If you are in need of help look to hire someone. If money is tight maybe a young teenage girl for a time or two to help catch up..........

. 2. If you do not know how to clean; go to the library and check out some books . There are many on this subject. You may also have to swallow your pride and ask someone who could help.

3. SIMPLIFY............. You have heard it a million times but throw out clutter; give things away and live with less around you. It is simple but works. A bed with a sheet; top sheet; comforter can be easier to make that too many fussy things if that works for you.

THIFT STORE FINDS...TOSS PILLOWS FOR A BEDROOM

THIS WEEK I WAS THUMBING THROUGH A "ROMANTIC HOMES" MAGAZINE. I SAW SOME PRETTY VINTAGE BEDROOM PILLOWS AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF... I CAN MAKE THESE. SO...WITH $10 IN HAND I STOPPED BY THE THRIFT STORE IN TOWN. I PRAYED FOR THESE. I FOUND A PRETTY LINEN GRAY; SLATE BLUE; AND CREAM CURTAIN PANEL FOR $1. I FOUND 2 PILLOWS TO FILL IN FOR $1 A PIECE AND MADE THESE PRETTY PILLOWS .... I ALSO FOUND A CREAM BATTENBURG LACE CURTAIN
SET FOR $1 AND ONE OTHER PILLOW I WILL ADD.... WHAT FUN TO DECORATE ON A BUDGET ..THANK YOU LORD!

HERE ARE THE MATERIALS I FOUND............
I FOUND THE TINY ONE FOR .25 AND I FOUND THIS BEAUTIFUL QUILT FOR $1.50 FOR MY SWEET GRANDDAUGHTER..........SHE IS ALREADY SLEEPING AND CARRYING THIS AROUND!! SHE LOVES IT!!

I ENJOY THE BLEND OF COLORS..........
LAST I FOUND THIS PRETTY BLUE CROCK. FOR $1.50 I DONT NEED TOO MANY THINGS TO SIT AROUND BUT THIS REMINDED ME OF MY MOMS THAT SHE HAD IN HER HOME............

HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY FINDS.........

SNAPPING BEANS WITH GRANDMA....FALLS BOUNTY

THIS HAS BEEN A BUSY WEEK FILLED WITH "SUMMER
FALL BOUNTY........." THESE CUTE LITTLE PUMPKINS
MY HUBBY PLANTED LOOK SO CUTE ON THE TABLE.
THE APPLES LOOKED SO GOOD AT "FARMERS MARKET"

MY GRANDDAUGHTER DECIDED TO HELP ME "SNAP
BEANS"...........I LOVE THAT!! WE USUALLY GO ON THE
FRONT PORCH IN OUR ROCKERS BUT TODAY WAS
WARM SO WE HAD THE BEST TIME LAUGHING;
SNAPPING; TRYING TO EAT ( OHH NO); AND MAKING
ONE OF GRANDPA'S FAVORITE MEALS.....
WE SNAPPED; RINSED THEM; AND PUT THEM IN
A LARGE POT TO SIMMER ALL DAY ON THE STOVE...
A LITTLE HAM; ONION; CHUNKS OF HAM; SALT AND
PEPPER..........THE WHOLE HOUSE SMELLS GOOD...
THIS BOUNTY COMES IN ALMOST DAILY!!! WE HAVE
GIVEN MANY AWAY AND FREEZING MORE......

OTHERS.........PREPARING A MEAL FOR A FUNERAL

I FOUND OUT SUNDAY MORNING AT SUNDAY SCHOOL THAT A DEAR FRIENDS FATHER IN LAW HAD GONE TO HEAVEN . WE HAVE "LADIES MISSION CIRCLES" AT OUR CHURCH THAT CARE FOR OUR MISSIONARIES ; SOME DIFFERENT EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR; AND OF COURSE FOR FUNERALS IN OUR CHURCH AND THE MEAL THE FAMILY WILL HAVE AFTERWARD. ....THIS PARTICULAR MAN WAS A WONDERFUL KIND ; GOOD HEARTED MAN THAT WAS ALSO A "SHUT IN" TO OUR
CIRCLE. THAT MEANS WE CARE FOR HIM THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR WITH CARDS AND VISITS.. THE LEADER OF OUR CIRCLE IS A DEAR FRIEND WHO HAS SUCH A HEART FOR OTHERS AND ALWAYS GIVES HER VERY BEST CONCERNING THESE MEALS. *MAYBE BECAUSE SHE CARED FOR BOTH OF HER PARENTS MANY YEARS
WHEN THEY WERE ILL IN HER HOME UNTIL THEY WENT TO HEAVEN AND CARES FOR HER BROTHER NOW WITH AUTISM..... SHE HAD HER CAR FILLED WITH SO MANY THINGS FROM MEATS; CHEESES; NUTS; CANDIES; CHIPS ECT.....

THIS TIME WE WERE TO PROVIDE A "SNACK MEAL" FOR FAMILY HERE VISITING FOR THE FUNERAL. SHE CALLED ON OUR LADIES FOR HELP AND THEN DID ALL THE SHOPPING....WE HAD SO MANY THINGS... WE MADE A HUGE MEAT TRAY FILLED WITH SEVERAL VARIETIES OF MEATS..... SHE ALSO PROVIDED BREADS; PICKLES AND CONDIMENTS TO GO ALONG WITH THIS. NEXT WE MADE A CHEESE TRAY WITH A VARIETY OF DELICIOUS CHEESES . FOR GARNISH WE USED SOME DARK PURPLE GRAPES IN THE MIDDLE...
SHE FOUND SUCH A GOOD DEAL ON THIS VEGGIE TRAY AT "GFS" SHE WENT AHEAD AND BOUGHT THIS ONE.............
THESE ARE THE "BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP" COOKIES (I KNOW I TRIED THEM!!!)....THESE WERE JUST FROZEN AND READY TO GO. ** MANY A TIME OUR LADIES WILL MAKE DESSERTS TO BRING BUT THIS TIME OUR TIME WAS SHORT SO THIS WENT VERY WELL IN A PINCH AND WERE DELICIOUS....+
I LOVED THIS "FRUIT TRAY" ...NOTICE THE FRUITS ARE NOT ALL "PEELED" BUT THEY ARE READY TO GO TO EAT OR FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE WITH....
A FRUIT SALAD MADE UP OF WATERMELON; MELONS; FRESH PINEAPPLES; AND CANTALOUPE.
I MADE A "PASTA SALAD" USING OUR FRESH TOMATOES; FRESH GREEN PEPPERS....
CHOCOLATE IS GREAT "COMFORT" FOOD!!!!!!!!!
TOMATOES; ONIONS; LETTUCE READY TO GO ON SANDWICHES.............(SHE HAD SEVERAL KINDS OF SANDWICH ROLLS............

As we drove over to the "friends home" and dropped off our things I couldnt help thinking of what it felt like when my dad went to heaven and others brought us "food" .....As the family visited and talked of everything you would see one; then two or more wander over to the kitchen and the food would come out.......... Then we would all "see" what others were having and the "comfort" of love from others eveloped us . The food was there given in love.............. No one was home and we left and as I had prayed for them all morning I was glad in my heart........It wasnt what we had done it was what we had left............LOVE...HIS LOVE!

WEEKEND PROJECTS..................BRINGING IN FALL

ON SATURDAY MY HUSBAND WENT OUT OF TOWN;
SO MY GROWN GIRLS HELPED ME WITH SOME PROJECTS
I HAVE NEEDED TO GET DONE FOR FALL.........
I HAD COVERED MY LIVING ROOM PILLOWS IN "ROBIN
EGG BLUE FOR SPRING/SUMMER BUT FOR "FALL" WANTED
TO BRING IN A "BERRY COLOR" TO MATCH WITH
ANOTHER "BERRY;CREAM; SAGE ; AND MUSTARD SOFA
I HAVE IN THE ROOM.....I WAS EXCITED TO FIND A
BEAUTIFUL CURTAIN PANEL THAT WAS HEAVY AND LINED
FOR $2 AT THE THRIFT STORE. WE MEASURED; CUT AND
COVERED THE "PILLOWS FOR FALL".............
MY DAUGHTER FOUND SOME "RIBBON" I HAD
STORED AWAY ELSEWHERE AND ADDED SOME
PRETTY DECORATIVE TOUCHES.... I ENJOY THE
BRIGHTNESS THEY ADD TO THE ROOM FOR "FALL"
I PLAN ON ADDING SOME "MUSTARD" COLOR FLOWERS
AND FOUND A "NEW CINNAMON CANDLE" FOR $3 AT
HOBBY LOBBY!!

NOW MY GRANDDAUGHTER CAN ENJOY "GRANDMAS"
NEW PRETTY PILLOWS.............

WE DECIDED TO MAKE "HOMEMADE PEACH COBBLER"
"HEALTHY VERSION"...THE CONSISTENCY WAS ABIT
DIFFERENT BUT MY HUSBAND LOVED IT AND ASKED
FOR SECONDS!!! ** TOPPED WITH LIGHT WHIPPED
CREAM .....YUMMMM!
MY HUSBAND CAME IN LATE BUT WE HAD A NICE
DINNER THAT EVENING..........SMALL STEAK; BAKED POTATO; CORN
AND PEACH COBBLER!
ANOTHER PROJECT WAS TO HANG DRAPES IN THE
FAMILY ROOM.......... I HAD PURCHASED BEAUTIFUL
LINED DRAPES THIS PAST SPRING. THESE WERE
CUSTOM MADE AND I FOUND THEM FOR $6.
THE COLORS OF "ROBIN EGG BLUES; SOFT BROWNS;
AND CREAMS" FIT OUR FAMILY ROOM AREA.....
WE HAD "OLDER FABRIC" SLIDE CURTAINS THAT
NEVER SEEM TO WORK CORRECTLY . SO......WE TOOK
FOR OLD ROD DOWN ; PURCHASED A NEW ROD AND
HOOKS AT LOWES FOR ABOUT $22.00. They bring such
beauty into the room . I plan on adding some pretty touches
of candles; and flowers on the fireplace mantel too!

FALLING LEAVES.....PEACH COBBLER......AND AN ABUNDANCE OF TOMATOES....

THIS MORNING AS I WAS OUT ON MY WALK........
I COULDN'T HELP NOTICE THE GENTLE FLOWING
LEAVES COMING DOWN UPON THE POND.........
I SAW THE LARGE YELLOW SCHOOL BUSES TURNING
THE CORNER...........AND THOUGHTS OF "FALL" BEGAN
TO FILL MY MIND........... I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE TIME
OF SUMMER IS ALMOST GONE........BUT..................
I LOVE THE CHANGE OF GODS SEASONS AND THE NEW
HOPE THAT FILLS ARE LIVES AND SOULS AS EACH
NEW SEASON BRINGS WITH IT "GOOD THINGS"
AS FALL IS NEARING..........I CANT HELP BUT THINK
OF DELICIOUS THINGS SUCH AS "PEACH COBBLER"
"PEACHES ARE IN ABUNDANCE HERE".......AND
SOON APPLES TO BE PICKED IN THE ORCHARDS......

WE HAVE DAILY TRIPS TO THE GARDEN NOW......FILLING
OUR BASKETS WITH TOMATOES; GREEN PEPPERS; SMALL
PUMPKINS; SQUASH; AND PEPPERS........SALSA; FRIED
GREEN TOMATO SANDWICHES; AND BAGS GIVEN OUT
TO NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS FLOW FREELY.......IN
THANKFULNESS TO GOD .
TODAY I AM GOING TO WORK ON CUTTING; BLANCHING
DICING AND FREEZING MY TOMATOES SO WHEN
WINTER COMES WE WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE
FRESH TASTE OF "SUMMER TOMATOES" IN CHILI;
SOUPS AND STEWS....................


As God brings about a "new season" in His world..........I think of "Fall goals" I may have
in mind......such as apple picking; organizing a room or two; the start up of our ladies missions
group for the year and the baskets we will be giving out and letters and things we can do for
our missionaries; our ladies conference coming in October; walking with my hubby in the Fall leaves; and many other Fall things............

This may be a time to "renew" your life with the one who has given to you. Maybe taking
a step back and looking at what He is trying to teach you each day through what your going through. A time to look up and be thankful for where you are and what you have and being
content in your area. My life is not the same as it was when I was in my 20's or 30's but its
a great life now in my 50's. His direction is so much more abundant .

There are things in your life that you may not be able to change but YOU can change YOU
through God. Take that walk outside and "listen" to the joy that He has for you. YOU must make that choice to be happy.... What goals do you have for this next season???

PEACH COBBLER

• 4 cups peeled, sliced peaches
• 2 cups sugar, divided ( CAN USE SPLENDA)
  
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 tablespoons butter ( CAN USE SMART BALANCE)
  
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk( CAN USE SKIM MILK)
  
• Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.(MAY USE LOW FAT OR LOW FAT YOGURT)

WHAT THEY TEACH US..............

I LOVE THE ELDERLY...........I ENJOYED
MY PARENTS AS THEY GREW OLDER
AND MORE IN LOVE....MARRIED 68
YEARS.............

I LOVE TO VISIT THOSE IN NURSING HOMES............MOST PEOPLE HAVE A HARD
TIME VISITING AND BEING AROUND SUCH PLACES........I GUESS IT COULD BE TO MANY
A FINAL PLACE THEY NEVER WANT TO BE...........

BUT I LOOK AT THE FACES. I SEE THE LIVES THAT ONCE WERE. MANY WERE WWII
VETERANS. SOME WERE LADIES THAT RAN A HOME OF MANY CHILDREN; RAN A BUSINESS; OR WERE AN ACTIVE PART OF THE EVERYDAY LIFE............

BUT NOW..........ALL MANY OF THESE THINGS GONE. GONE IS THE LARGE HOME;
THE BEAUTIFUL FURNISHINGS. GONE IS THE BUSINESS OF DAILY LIVING REPLACED
WITH A WHEELCHAIR AND A TABLE FULL OF NEW FACES AROUND A TABLE WITH
A BIB TUCKED UNDER THEIR CHIN. GONE IS THE LIFE THEY ONCE KNEW AND ALONG WITH THAT THEIR WILL.

NOW........THEY MUST ANSWER TO A NURSE; THEY MUST HAVE SOMEONE CHANGE
THEIR BEDDING; GIVE THEIR BATH; CHANGES THEIR CLOTHES AND TELL THEM
WHEN THEY MUST WAKE UP OR GO TO SLEEP.

I REMEMBER WHEN MY MOM WAS IN A "HOME" FOR A SHORT TIME FOR HER
REHAB. I WAS SO TAKEN BACK AS I WATCHED THEM WHEEL HER DOWN THIS HALL
TO A SMALL DINING AREA. SHE SAT WITH "STRANGERS" AND ATE AN AVERAGE MEAL. I REMEMBER SO MUCH THAT THIS WAS THE WOMAN WHO MADE EVERYONE'S MEALS. SHE SERVED BEAUTIFUL TABLES WITH BEAUTIFUL DISHES. THEIR WAS JOY IN HER HOME AND MUSIC AND LIFE...........I WAS SADDENED TO SAY...........BUT............

SHE NEVER COMPLAINED. SHE JUST ACCEPTED HER LIFE AS IT NOW WAS AND MADE THE BEST OF HER NEW PLACE.

WHAT DID THIS TEACH ME?

1. ACCEPT WHERE GOD SENDS YOU AND LEARN TO BE HAPPY......

2. LEARN TO REACH OUT TO OTHERS WHERE YOU ARE........

3. DONT LOOK AT THE PAST BUT KEEP YOUR EYES FORWARD .....

4. HAVE A CONTENT AND JOYFUL ATTITUDE............

5. IF YOU THINK YOU ARE CLIMBING A LADDER TO SUCCESS
OR TRYING TO GET TO THAT GREAT POSITION REMEMBER
IT CAN ALL BE GONE IN AN INSTANT. BUT.............GOD WITH HIS
MERCY AND TRUTH CAN RAISE YOU UP AND USE YOU IN GREAT
AND MIGHTY WAYS...........

6. DONT QUIT. REMEMBER WHO IS HOLDING YOUR HAND AND HE WILL
NEVER FAIL YOU.

I HAVE LEARNED ALOT FROM THE ELDERLY AND THEIR LIVES. I PRAY
THE NEXT TIME I AM AT THE GROCERY STORE AND SOME ELDERLY ONE
IS HAVING A HARD TIME REACHING THAT SHELF TOP OR OPENING A
BAG I CAN TAKE THE TIME TO "CARE' FOR THESE BLESSED ONES.....