Blogmas: Day 10

It's been fun to post about gifts, treats and all of the other fun things that are part of Christmas. Through all of the fun it's important to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

 I've enjoyed sharing bits and pieces of ways we celebrate. Now it's time for me to step away.  As I type this my father-in-law and his wife are making the drive here from their home in Florida. They will drive all night and be here some time in the morning. 

The next couple of days we will visit and wrap of some last minute details. Before we know it the big day will have come and gone. I don't know about you, but I want to cherish every moment. Merry Christmas!

Wendi 

Blogmas: Day 9

Cozy December nights are even better with Christmas movies!

Wendi

Blogmas: Day 8

Some of our traditions are a little different this year. That is to be expected since our little lady isn't quite so little any more.

 We are still doing the things we love, which includes driving around to look at lights. This is our favorite house. We anticipate it's completion each year. 

Wendi

Blogmas: Day 7

Handmade gifts or gifts from the heart are fun to make and give. Oh, and also fun to receive!

I made this with my 6 month old great-nephew to gift to his parents. 

Wendi

Blogmas: Day 6

Christmas music is on morning 'til night.

I generally choose a playlist from YouTube. Even my great-nephew, Ben, approves. 

Wendi

Blogmas: Day 5

You won't find fancy wrapping in my home. Not that I don't love them or want to, but we have a naughty cat. Mr. Link may have eaten ribbon the first year he was here and required an expensive surgery. So, no pretty ribbons here.

Now is where I confess that I am an early shopper and wrapper. This picture was taken mid October. Why, because I like to sit back and enjoy the season. I will pick up a few little things here and there in December, but for the most part I avoid the shopping crowds and stress of will it be delivered in time.

 Now, it's your turn to share... is it ribbon and bows on your packages? 

 Wendi

Blogmas: Day 4

Making treats to eat and share is always fun!

 Homemade caramels is a favorite for a co worker of Chuck. We didn't make them last year and he is super excited that they made an appearance this year. 

 Wendi

Blogmas: Day 3

My all time favorite things leading up to Christmas is Christmas Cards!

 Not only do I enjoy sending them, but I LOVE receiving them! It seems that people are sending out less cards. Although I understand why, I choose to find joy in what I do receive. 

 Wendi

Blogmas: Day 2

Each morning while I am enjoying my morning cup of tea or hot chocolate this is my view.

It's a little different than usual because we downsized our tree this year. I felt the need to have a slimmer version due to some life happenings. The glow of the lights brings me so much joy! '

Wendi

Blogmas 2023: Day 1

Well, it's been a while. I have missed having a place to share bits and pieces of my life. I have been seeing different bloggers posting random pictures of things they are enjoying this Christmas season. I thought I would jump right in and share some ways I am cherishing the season!

 Nothing says warm and cozy like a cup of hot chocolate. I've replaced my morning cup of tea several times this month. Yum!

Wendi

The Hen House

I've had several people reach out to me about blogging. It seems that this little space that thought might have run its course hasn't. One of the things that has been requested is post with our projects. So, here we go......

In my previous ramble I showed our chicks. They have grown a ton and it was past time for them to leave the garage!

This is all Chuck, well except the door. The only claim I have that is that I wanted it to look like a screen door. Megan wanted a dutch door. Chuck took our ideas and ran with it. 
 

The solar lamps looks great at night. The wreath was from my decor stash and I thought the sign was cute.

See the plastic coop? That is what started this all. Megan has wanted chickens for years. The cost was off setting, then we were given this coop, all the equipment and a little run for free. Chuck deemed the old run past its prime, so we ended up with this beauty.

The chickens are happy in their new home and the neighbor cow poke is happy to visit. 
 

Take care, friends, and remember to look well to ways of your household!

Wendi 

Times Are A Changin'

So much as changed, yet so much has stayed the same since my last post. Now, how is that for an opener. Just for a reminder, I live in the suburbs of a large city. I'm actually 2 miles from living in another city and county. For most of my life my little area has been a safe place. That has started to change.

Sadly, not for the better. For the most part my little area of the world had petty theft like car and storage shed break ins. The shootings and murders were in other parts of town. Slowly those things have been creeping into my area. We have also seen a huge increase in homelessness. Every now and then I will see a small homeless camp and lots of beggars on street corners. 

I'm sure there are many that will say, "Why don't you move?" That isn't always easy. The housing values have declined, interest rates are up and our closest family members live near by. Thankfully we feel safe in our home. Our little street is quiet and we have good neighbors. I am hearing that this isn't isolated to my area. I see and hear that this is happening everywhere.

I keep feeling this nudge to prepare my home for what the future may holds. There are many ways that this can happen. 

I know that the poster is from WWII, yet I feel the advise is pertinent for the times we are living in now. Late last summer we were gifted a chicken coop. Let me introduce you to our six girls. 

They have grown so much since this picture. They are in their ugly teenage stage, so I will spare you the pictures. *smile* 

Since they are growing fast we (meaning Chuck) is working to get the chicken run complete. Honestly, I can't wait to get the girls out of garage. They are starting to well, smell like chickens!

Our spring has been different. One week we are warm and sunny, the next week we are having frost/freeze warnings. Gardening is on my mind. So far I have planted cabbage, potatoes, several kind of lettuce and 4 blueberry bushes. Gardening is pretty much a gamble. Some times the results are great, other not so much. So I will see how things go. A couple more weeks and I can start thinking about the big garden.

The plan is to add plenty to my pantry. Although the grocery stores seem to be pretty well stocked, have you noticed that they aren't carrying as much? My favorite store has really cut back on the variety of pasta that they carry.  Many times when I go I see that the shelf isn't full in that area. (I will have to snap a picture.) I also see limits on the amount of items at different times. Some people will agree with this and other won't... I feel that it's VERY important to keep a deep, well stocked pantry. The example of limited pasta stock plus seeing limits on different items from time to time is one reason. 

Another is that I keep hearing about poor crops and of course there is inflation. I notice a slight increase most trips to the store. Stocking up when you find a good price is a great way to edge inflation. I also know that not only is the U.S. economy not stable, but the world economy is not stable. This could lead to so many things, one being job loss. Thankfully, we don't have that fear, but as we all know no job is secure. 

I am also making plans for my home. I have some projects in mind. Several years ago there was a series along the line of making your home a haven. That is exactly my aim. As the world gets crazier and crazier the more I want to be home. 

The world is a changin,' and not in a good way. Please know that none of this is written in fear. The good news is that as a believer I know how this story ends.

Take care, friends, and remember to look well to ways of your household!

Wendi