Halloween Fun

Halloween is such a fun time of year. The boys came over today. We took Dakota, picked them up and then stopped at the dog park on the way home.

Once we arrived home, Brandon mowed the lawn and Jordan finished picking up stones and sticks that Dakota has dragged all over the yard. Then Jordan came in and vacuumed for me while Brandon finished the mowing.

We had a lunch of hotdogs and an ice cream cone for dessert and then Jordan helped Grandpa bring up the Halloween decorations from the basement.

Ghosts and scarecrows are some of my favourite Halloween things.

Orange pumpkin ghosts and the bride that we put up every year. In the background hanging by the door, you can see the witch that the boys bought me for my birthday one year. The green Christmas lights are up and will be turned on to give a ghoulish glow on Halloween.

Then came a little pumpkin carving. Even Grandpa got in on it this year.

Brandon wasn't too thrilled about having his hand in a cold pumpkin. But soon all the innards were out.

Jordan didn't seem to mind so much but you can tell by the look on his face that the innards were cold.

Ghosts and pumpkins. Perfect for Halloween. Brandon's is on the left. Jordan had his turned so the face is hard to see but he insisted on it having ears.

Jordan with his pumpkin. All ready to be lit up on Halloween.

Brandon coming back from the front of the house. His pumpkin sits in front of the ghost.

Hubby and I will have to take the pumpkins up and set them out of sight tonight, as the college students up the street are having a party. Last year they smashed all our pumpkins, including the resin one that Brandon gave me when he was about two. I did find one to replace it but it isn't the same. I'm hoping that they don't do any damage tonight.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend as much as we enjoyed our day today.

Good Things Happenin'

Good things are happenin' around this old house. First of all the leaves are turning a bit more. We had a killer frost on Wednesday. The blue jays are screaming and flying from one yard to another looking for food. They are comical to watch and they scold Dakota with a cacophony of noise. He ignores them totally, or sits and watches when they perch in the tree at the end of the driveway. It's hilarious to watch their antics. I enjoy autumn and its sounds, sights and fragrances.

There has been some good news today. First of all, Jordan is back in school after being off an entire week with a fever and a cough. The doctor said it was bronchitis. He still has a bit of a cough but is so much better than he was just a couple of days ago.

Brandon phoned me right after school and told me that he got 100% on all six of his weekly horticulture exams. He tried his final today and will get that mark back next week. Now he moves on to a different tech course. He's not sure which one it is, but I believe his LRT told me it was construction. If so, I'm not sure how he will like it but I told him it would be a learning experience and an adventure. I will update you as things progress.

Last, I had good news today. Another of my stories has been chosen for publication in Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love. The release date will be December 29th. I was thrilled to have two stories accepted to their publications within six months. When I get my contributor copies in January, I'll be having another giveaway.

And so some good things have been happenin' around here. I am always glad to count my blessings. What blessings have you received this week?

Show and Tell

I promised that I would post about the gifts I received for my birthday. Besides these, I received a beautiful Willow Tree Friendship figurine from Pea at Pea's Corner. I posted about it HERE.


A parcel came in the mail the other day and inside I found this beautiful fairy and a lovely card from a friend. You know who you are and thank you. She will be added to my fairy collection.

Hubby was a little late getting me something. He picked this up on Wednesday. It is an electric roaster that sits on the counter top. I will get a lot of use out of it and just love it. I'm going to be trying it out soon.

I've always wanted a red tea kettle. I've been watching for them to go on sale. Leave it to Mom to find one. This kettle holds three times the water my old one did and it whistles, so I won't forget it. It will also go great with my kitchen decor if I ever get it repainted.

This plant is an inky fingers coleus. Brandon grew it in horticulture class and gave it to me for my birthday last Wednesday when I picked him up from school. He said, "It's for your birthday, Grandma. Just take it home. Your birthday is Monday." Sweet boy. Now if I can just keep it alive. LOL Brandon also explained that there are over 300 kinds of coleus.

Has anyone ever heard of a "tender perennial?" Brandon and I were looking at kale last weekend and I told him to ask his teacher if it was an annual or perennial. He told me that it is classed as either an annual or a tender perennial, which means if it is a mild winter, it may survive, but won't survive a harsh winter. Go figure. I do know that sometimes annuals will reseed themselves but didn't know they were called tender perennials.

If you would like to take part in Show and Tell, please drop by and visit Cindy at My Romantic Home.

Thanksgiving Photos

Everyone had a great time at Mom's for Thanksgiving. She roasted a turkey with all the trimmings. Someone asked me what a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving dinner consists of. I think it's pretty much the same as an American one. Turkey and all the trimmings are served in most homes. Mom also served cabbage rolls, meatballs, corn, sweet potato, squash, homemade pickles, fried carrots (if you've never tried them, they are delicious) and for desert, our choice of apple or pumpkin pie. In honour of my birthday, she made a cheesecake. We all try to take a dish so she doesn't have to prepare everything herself. She is always afraid that she won't have enough food and always cooks enough for an army. Then before we all go home, she makes up care packages.

I got a few photos at Thanksgiving, but nothing like I usually do.

Melissa, holding Tarryn. Griffyn is wanting to be held as well. Tarryn can already count to six and Griffyn can spell his own name, say most of the alphabet, count and he recognizes some words. Great for kids that are 14 months and 2 years 4 months.

Griffyn. This is a great photo of him. He is having a ball. I love that smile.

Griffyn is busy building with Le*go and Tarryn is investigating the family photos that Mom has on her coffee table.

Brandon and Griffyn. They were having a good time together, though you wouldn't know it from their faces. LOL

Tomorrow I will show you some of the gifts that I received for my birthday. Hubby was a little late getting something, but wait until you see what he got me. It was well worth waiting for.

Our weather has been nice the last two afternoons. No rain today, but not as warm as yesterday and they are calling for a heavy frost.

Please keep Jordan in your thoughts and prayers. He's been home sick since last Thursday, running a high fever and coughing his head off. The Dr. gave him antibiotics but he can't go back to school for a couple of days.

Enjoy the autumn weather. Before we know it, the deep freeze will be here.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving

Monday is Thanksgiving in Canada. It is a time when we get together with family, have dinner and contemplate on the blessings received throughout the year. This year I have many things to be thankful for.

1. That I was born 60 years ago today. I was a healthy baby and never had many health problems during my childhood.

2. That I have lived these 60 years and though times have often been tough, I've never gone without food or a roof over my head. Sometimes the table was mighty lean, but there was always something.

3. To have the love of family and friends. I'm thankful for each and every one of you. You all have brought me many blessings.

4. To live in a country where we have access to clean water, food, shelter and all the things that many in third world countries do not have.

5. That in Canada we all have equal health care. No medical bills after a stay in hospital. No doctors bills. No worry about paying off huge amounts of money because of illness.

6. That hubby's stroke was only minor and there seems to be no lasting effects. I cringe when I think of what could have happened.

7. For grandsons who bring light, laughter and love into my life.

8. That my mother is still able to put together a Thanksgiving dinner, though she is 82 years old. She wouldn't have it any other way. She actually made cheesecake for my birthday. How awesome is that?

9. That I still have my mother and all of my loved ones to be with on Thanksgiving Day.

10. For God's blessings in my life. He knows our every need.

A turkey just like this big guy gave up his life that we could all feast on turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful for turkey. It is one of my favourite foods. So much to be thankful for.

I hope that each of my Canadian friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that those friends in America enjoy Columbus Day.