November Catchup

I am backing up a bit since my writing time has been limited this month so please be patient.  The first weekend of the month was my baby sister's birthday.  I know that some of you will find a great deal of humor in that sentence as a normal 60 year old woman doesn't usually refer to her younger sister as her "baby sister", but I do, I did, and I will.  I am not normal.  Sis and I were escorted to the "Fox" by her oldest son and a friend after a delightful dinner at Brio's where we were treated to an outstanding meal, great service, lots of fun and laughter. 

The "Fox' is unique, beautiful, awe inspiring and down right fun!  It takes to back to an era of glamour and richness no longer found among the great building of Atlanta.  The Fox just IS!  We were treated to a wonderful romantic comedy "Mama Mia!" which we thoroughly enjoyed.  The cast gave a great performance and the music was outstanding.  

The middle of the month was the quarterly Harmon family get together.  We met at Southern Pit Barbecue and since our group was so large they had to split us up - they don't do reservations - so all of us didn't get to visit but I so enjoyed the time spent with those of us that were able to sit together.  Next time we will make sure we get a space that can handle all us youngun's.  I met cousins I had not as yet met and enjoyed the visit with cousins I hadn't seen in a while.  Can't wait until February when hopefully more will join the group.  Would love to see the Louisiana cousin and the Minnesota cousin. 
 
Hubby and I are lucky enough to host Thanksgiving for the families.  It is such a treat for us to have everyone together at our home and enjoy all the great food they bring to share.  Dad even had a good visit with everyone for a while before getting tired and heading home.  Didn't get all of us in one picture this year, but we did manage to get a pic of everyone during the day.  Lot's of good food and many laughs throughout the day! 

The Dahlonega kids come in for Thanksgiving usually spend a few extra days with me.  It is a pleasant week for everyone.  My oldest grandchildren are growing so fast that I am afraid they will soon not fit on my lap. 

During the afternoon and early evening everyone got their game plans finalized and were soon off to early Black Friday shopping at 9:00 pm.  The deals were astounding and they all were ready to spend to save.  The different groups kept us apprised of their progress and I think everyone got pretty much everything they aimed for, mainly electronics and bicycles.  Then spent hours standing in line before getting home in the early dawn hours. 

I have spent the last few days recovering from a wonderfully full week and weekend and getting ready to head into the Christmas season.  This week I felt the first twinges that I always feel when Christmas nears.  Time to get the decorations out and get started. 

I hope all my reader friends enjoyed the day of Thanksgiving as much as I did.  Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Strange visitors

Deep into the reading of Inadmissible Evidence by Philip Friedman, a most unpleasant odor hit my nostrils and for a minute all thought and comprehension was focused on that horrible smell.   It took less than a minute for my brain to comprehend the source of this odor and I immediately threw the book and ran to shut the windows.  A beautiful but deadly (to the senses) skunk had sprayed its wares somewhere around my porch.  Hubby, with a huge smile on his face, slowly rose from his chair and found his flashlight as he headed for the door.  The puppies had not as yet been hit by the smell, as always, if Daddy was going out, that is where they were needed.   

The puppies came alive and I allowed them to join the outside activity, hoping against all odds that they would not locate said beauty and come in needing many baths which I knew would do no good.  After a quick turn around the yard and house hubby returned having not located anything.  We both settled back to our reading when something caught my eye at the door.  I quickly glanced about for the puppies and found them settled before the fire snoozing.  Again dumping my book I checked the porch and there drinking out of the puppies water bowl was a semi grown opossum.  He didn't seem to be in a hurry and drank his fill before turning to look up at me as Hubby opened the door.  He started to come in for a visit, but Hubby stomped his foot and the little rascal trotted off, straight under the hot tub. 

With flashlight and net, Hubby attempted to relocate our visitor to no avail.  He balled up tightly and was not about to leave his sanctuary.  Unreachable and not causing any harm we left him for the night determined to move him in the morning light.  Earlier in the day I had spent a good bit of time watching several deer play and graze in back of the house.  It was a day filled with wildlife! 

The next afternoon I cringed as the shots rang out behind the house, hoping that the hunter was a bad shot and had missed my friends.  Yesterday, there was a beautiful, if malodorous, dead skunk on the side of the road.  So is life -- here today and gone tomorrow. 

Enjoy life while it is available.  Whether wildlife or human, we are here for only a short time as was those that went before us and none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow here on earth.

Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Fall 2011

A most beautiful fall with warm breezy days and cool nights.  Tonight we will have our first freeze of this winter season.  This week has been full of wonder - my wonder roses are blooming and my beautiful long stems have the best buds and blooms of the year.  I know they will be gone on the morrow if I don't get out and cut them this afternoon, but I do hate to cut my flowers. 

The turning leaves are at their peak and the woods are a palette of earthy tones.  Beautiful!  The deer are enjoying a bountiful harvest of acorns in the back and I have certainly enjoyed watching them munch the little nuts.

The winter will be cold and drab, but the spring will come again in all its spendor and warmth.  Time for soup, a warm fire and my lap blanket.

Have a blessed week and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle