Blogger Issues

I made this banner for my blog this month.   I thought it would compliment my background.  I've been trying, FOR DAYS, to load it onto Blogger.  Each time I try, I get the following error: This image could not be uploaded due to an internal error.

Any ideas out there?

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Signs of the Times

Hello Friends.

Can you believe it is November already?  We are only a few weeks from Turkey Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.  How exciting!

Today, I thought I'd share some signs of the times with some fall photos.  I hope you are having a fabulous fall. 

 

 

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Turning 87

Caution: Poor quality photos ahead!

Hello Friends.

It has been a glorious weekend here in Ohio.  Today the sun is shining, the skies are bright blue, and there is a crisp freshness to the air.  It is an ideal fall weekend.  

Last weekend, my dad turned 87!  We gathered at my brother and sister-in-law's home for a potluck celebration of his birth.  Dad enjoyed having all his children and grandchildren together in one spot.  

The joke in our family is how Dad fixes EVERYTHING with Duck brand duct tape.  Do you have someone like that in your family?  Are YOU that person in your family?  I digress...  At Jordan's urging, I ordered Dad a special individual birthday cake to resemble a roll of duct tape.  He got a kick out that. 

After dinner, we all stuck around to watch the Ohio State football game.  It was an exciting game and Ohio State pulled out the victory with only seconds left in the game.  That was the "icing" on Dad's birthday cake. 

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!     

Life is a Whirlwind

Hello friends.

Yes, I am alive and kicking.  It has been a very hectic and stressful fall here.  There have been fun times with birthdays, festivals, and football.
 
Unfortunately, there have also been many health issues.  In the past couple of months:

• Niece-in-law - shoulder surgery
• Brother #3 - shoulder surgery
• Nephew #2 - knee surgery
• Nephew #1 - shoulder surgery
• Great Nephew (age 4) - broken arm
• Brother #3's girlfriend's son - broken foot
• Sister-in-law - hospitalized with chest pains

Although I am not responsible for the day-to-day care of these loved ones, I don't worry any less and their illnesses have been a distraction.  I am happy to report they are all healing nicely. 

The one person to whom I am responsible for day-to-day care is my father.  He too has had some health issues lately.  At 87, I suppose that is to be expected.  In recent months, he has undergone eye surgery, his kidneys have been in distress, and he has some much needed back surgery coming up.  I was not thrilled about the idea of surgery, but the problem is diminishing his quality of life.

As if this weren't enough, our family sustained quite a scare two weeks ago when my youngest nephew (age 8), who is wiry, funny, and energetic had a seizure.  He was so brave as they poked and prodded him at the emergency room.  Thankfully, they quickly ruled out a tumor and referred him to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus.  He has undergone tests and early indications are that this ailment can be treated with medication.  We are very thankful. 

Speaking of thankful, don’t you just love your blogging buddies?  They are the most encouraging, thoughtful, and generous people.  

Lynn always has an encouraging word to share with me when I am feeling vulnerable.  She has become a real pal in the past year.  While I was away from blogging, I received this wonderful care package this special buddy and her sidekick, Earl.

She sent me a jar of her homemade jalapeno relish.  Look at how sweetly she decorated this jar.  Does that not say Hi, I’m Happier than a Pig in Mud?!

Oh my, is it DELICIOUS!!  To my family…you won’t like it so don’t even try it.  ;o) I’ve tried it on hot dogs and in tartar sauce and it is amazing.  I may try it in my potato salad next time, if there is any left.  

Oh, and there is this sweet little sachet.  It smells heavenly.  
Thank you so much, Lynn.  YOU ARE THE BEST!   

I hope all of you are having a wonderful fall.  It is just beautiful here today.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Halloween Table

Halloween Greetings!

The table is set and ready for a Halloween Feast.  

The cauldrons are ready to serve piping hot Dead Sea Soup followed by Brain Cell Salad, and Cat Litter Casserole. 

Happy Halloween!

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

I'm linking up to 

Tablescape Thursday 

 

  

Getting Ready for the Three G's

Hello Friends!

We are getting ready for the 

annual visit from the three G's: 

Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghouls.  

The mumkins and scarecrows 

are in place outside.  

 They will be joined shortly by 

freshly carved Jack-o-Lanterns.

Inside, the house has been overtaken by...

 Wicked Witches, 

Rowdy Rodents, 

 and Scary Spiders.   

Are you ready for 

the little tricksters?

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Greetings Lords and Ladies.  

Recently, Jordan, Ashlee, and I ventured into Southern Ohio for the Ohio Renaissance Festival.  Jordan and I wanted to go to this festival for years, but something always got in the way.  

This year we planned ahead and made it happen.  We got up early in the morning and drove the two hours to Harveysburg, Ohio, which sets four miles (and four centuries) west of I-71. 

As we got out of the car, we saw many people dressed in Renaissance Period garb.  These were not people dressed up for a Halloween or masquerade party, these people are lovers of history and assume a new persona.  

We were there just prior to the opening and people were gathered outside the Castle's gate.  Standing above the grated gates, the queen greeted her people.

What lay before us inside the gate was much more than I anticipated.See for yourself...

Jordan decided he wanted to join in on the fun so we stopped in at Swan Lace to get him transformed.  There was so much to choose from and as Jordan was trying things on, Ashlee and I oohed and aahed over the pretty dresses and corsets.

Check out my handsome bard.  Jordan, who is shy by nature was being coached on how to pose by this interesting gentleman.

The day we went, the festival was celebrating Romance Weekend.  While we were eating our lunch, a flower vendor came by and asked Jordan if he wanted to buy his lady a flower.  She chose a beautiful rose.   

The festival offers many of the usual fair foods of chicken strips, fries, and pretzels.  However, we opted for the specialties.  Jordan and I enjoyed bread bowls filled with beef stew for Jordan and Ceasar Salad for me.  Then Jordan and Ashlee had THE festival specialty, smoked turkey legs. 

The festival boasts 11 stages with continuous entertainment.  We enjoyed several shows, but still left a lot unseen. 

We had a lot of fun and look forward to returning next year.  We are already making plans for OUR clothes.  If your area hosts a renaissance festival, we highly recommend you check it out.  It is unlike any other festival you've attended. 

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

I will be linking to the following parties:

Mosaic Monday

Seasonal Sunday

Blue Monday