And Just Like That, It's November!

 

What? November already??? How did that happen? And wouldn't you know it would bring the time change along with it! I know, it's supposed to be great...we get an extra hour to sleep in, right? LOL. Not if you have a cat!

I couldn't sleep at all last night,  looking at the clock every hour trying to figure out what time it really was in cat time.  He's used to eating at 5:30 a.m.,  which means with the time change I would have to feed him at 4:30 a.m.  That wasn't so bad today because it was still 5:30 in my body clock time too, but I know it will be more difficult as the days go by if I don't  help him to adjust to the new time as well. So today it was really more like 4:45 before he was fed. Tomorrow I will try to wait until 5:00, and so on until he catches up with our new time.  Now this afternoon it's the same thing...he's wanting to know already where his food is, and I'm trying to hold him off as long as I can.  He keeps coming up and nudging me, trying to remind me. So far he hasn't hauled off  and bitten me...but he is very capable of that I've discovered, so I am trying to maintain my distance until it's really time to feed him. LOL.  Yes,  those cat behavioral classes do sound like a good idea.

I'm going to share pictures with you from last night's Halloween Trick or Treating time, along with the new calendar pictures for November...

Blackie stayed close by my side for part of the time, but decided there was too much excitement for him so he mostly stayed around on the back porch out of the way...

Lily Grace and Scarecrow became good friends, and they enjoyed watching the children come and go:

This is from the Billy Graham calendar

Lucy Goosey looking out on the "world", with Blackie nearby, watching for the children to come looking for candy...

"Ask God to help you see the world the way He sees it."
Billy Graham, The Journey

The most interesting folks who came by our house last night!  They weren't trick or treaters, however, but I considered them a "treat" for sure! I did ask their permission to take their picture and they were happy to pose for me.

"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Mark 16:15 NLT

Me, preparing the bags of candy with the Scripture verses. I added another verse to every bag this year, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish by have everlasting life."  

Our porch was really "scary" LOL.

Blackie found a place to hide and watch the excitement.

Actually, I didn't take any pictures of any of the children who came by last night. My camera (phone)  battery was dying, so I had to preserve it for possible important stuff.  However, we had a good evening with a good number of kids...seemed like more were a little older this year than in times past. But that's okay, because the older kids can actually read the verses that were in the candy bags...and I had prayed that God would bring the ones that He wanted to be here, and then I had prayed that God would honor His word, and that it would not return to me "void":

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

I did what I believed God wanted me to do, and the results are left in His capable hands.  

Long about nightfall, the groups of people started thinning out, and so we packed up the stuff and headed back inside.  It kind of looked like this John Sloane Country Seasons calendar picture for November...the yard was deserted, the moon was coming out, and everyone was settled down for the night:

Here's the Susan Branch calendar offering for November...I had to look up the quotes...

I had to look up Ivy Compton Burnett to find out where she wrote that quote above, and AI provided the answer as such:

"AI Overview

This memorable line is spoken by the character Duncan Edgeworth in Ivy Compton-Burnett's 1935 novel, A House and its Head. [1]

In typical Compton-Burnett fashion, the quote uses a sharp, dry allusion to the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin to deliver a biting commentary on money, class expectations, and domestic power dynamics. [1, 2]"

I am not familiar with the author or the story, but I do remember Rumpelstiltskin.  

Again, I had to resort to AI to find out about the above quote from Queen Victoria: 

 "While popularly attributed to Queen Victoria's appreciation for smaller private retreats (such as her beloved Osborne House or Highland cottages like Frogmore or her private spots), it circulates mostly as an enduring piece of domestic folklore and cozy inspirational wisdom rather than a heavily documented state decree. [1, 2]"

Regardless, I like the thought and idea.  I wonder if this "small house" below would do?

Well, if I had to stay in that cabin in winter, I would hope for a wood stove and fireplace, and would probably enjoy some good hot soups or stews, homemade bread fresh out of the oven, and definitely some hot tea!

Here's the Teapot Calendar offering for November...very strange, I'd say...Not my "cup of tea" for sure!

If you can read this, it will tell you more about it.

And here's an interesting quote...perhaps it's true...but many would probably still prefer coffee! LOL.

Well, I seem to have come to the end of the calendars for November....and it is pouring down rain outside on this Sunday afternoon on the first day of November!

As you can see, the rain is little by little dissipating the green algae on Still Waters Pond, and hopefully all of that water sitting on top of the pond will stay there and continue to fill the pond little by little.

If the rain keeps coming down all night, it could make a wonderful difference.  We are supposed to get rain for several more days, so here's hoping and praying!!

This quote from Hebrews 13:15 is very fitting for today, and for this month of Thanksgiving:

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."

Amen.

I am very thankful to be starting this month out right with some wonderful rain, and so much to be thankful for in this special month of Thanksgiving.  I hope to "count my blessings" every day... we sang that hymn in church this morning as a matter of fact:

Count Your Blessings

1 When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]

4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. [Refrain]

Baptist Hymnal, 1991

Amen!

Let's all count our blessings every day, Okay?  

Bye for now!!!

Monday Monday

 I know it is late already...Monday is almost gone, but I just now sat down at the computer to try and play catch up with reading my blogging friends' posts and then try to come up with something worth sharing. Soon it will be Tuesday, and I may or may not be able to get the Tuesday 4 post done on time.  But first things first...it's Monday, so here are some photos from over the past couple of days from here on Still Waters Pond to start out...

I had just been thinking to myself that we had not seen much of the Canada Geese lately, and I wondered if the cold weather had sent them further south in search of warmer waters.  I may have been thinking out loud in the kitchen, because my hubby called me to the living room to look out the window and see the flock of geese that had just landed on the pond:

I love the morning light and trees on reflected on the pond...

Yes, there was quite a large flock of geese!  I think at least a dozen of them were out there...

However, when they caught wind of me watching them from the back porch, they lined up in a row and swam to the other side of the pond...

These few stayed a little closer to our shore for a while...they may have been two different flocks...

They stayed out there for a while and then a little later we heard them honking and up they flew to seek bigger waters for the rest of the day...

Now, this evening we observed that there are just two of the Sand Hill Crane family out there on what's left of the little marsh island in the pond.  Yesterday afternoon we saw the whole family for a while, and then just three of them, and then now this evening just these two.  Maybe the time has finally come for the two "colts" from last spring to finally take off on their own, and I am thinking this is Mom and Dad Crane out there by themselves, perhaps getting ready to think about building a new nest...I've been waiting and watching for this for some time, as you know, so I will keep you posted as things develop.  

There really isn't any land left on that marsh island for them to build upon, so I have a feeling they will have figure out something else if they are serious about this.  

I just enjoyed watching them out there this evening until it got too dark to get a decent picture. I love seeing their reflections in the water.

For those of you who aren't on my Facebook page, you probably haven't seen the most recent sunset photos from a couple of nights ago.  It was really amazing!

The photos never do it justice!  But I though you might enjoy seeing more of God's masterpieces with me!

Now these are just random photos of random things going on around here...

A few years ago my "One Word" for the year was "Believe".  Throughout the year it seemed as though the word believe was popping up in all kinds of interesting ways...but there was one way that I really don't believe  I ever actually noticed until just the other day.  I was putting on my makeup and when I pulled out this little eye shadow container and looked at it more closely I noticed that it had the word "Believe" written on the top of the container!  I have had this for several years and honestly I don't think I ever saw this before! Probably because I normally don't have my glasses on when I am putting on my eye make up!  LOL.  I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I do put on a little bit of eye shadow to help my eyes not look so pale behind my glasses.  This container is already several years old, and I've barely used it up, so it will most likely last a few more years! I only use the blue shades anyway. I just thought this was kind of funny that I'd never noticed it before!

For those of you who are "The Adventures of Lily Grace" fans, I must apologize that we really haven't written any new adventures in quite a long time. It's totally my fault, not Lily's. She still has plenty of little adventures, but she needs my help to get them written down in the computer.  Once in a while she makes cameo appearances here on my blog, like she did a week ago when she got this lovely new dress for Christmas from her Auntie Peggy.  

Well, we've had quite a cold snap here lately, and Lily has been complaining a little bit about being too cold even though she loves her pretty party dress so much and didn't want to take it off. So we searched in her little wardrobe box and found this cute pajama outfit with long sleeves and pants, and put it on over and under her dress, and now she is warm enough and can still wear her party dress!

(in case you are wondering, the pajama outfit had been a gift to Lily Grace last year from one of her Aunties!  Yes, there are several people out there who just love to dote on this sweet little girl...so no, I'm not the only one...LOL)

Here she is with all of her sweet friends, having their daily visit and tea party.  She's holding a sweet  dolly that was also a gift to her from her other Auntie Debbi.  Yes, Lily Grace is still very much active and a happy little girl. Maybe we can share a few new adventures sometime soon.  

Speaking of adventures...Our Grand puppies Sugar and Spice were over for a visit yesterday afternoon...oh yes, and their parents came along too...but anyway, I was eating a chocolate chip cookie in front of the pups...and these are the looks I was getting...

Spice just sat there and stared at me, like "how dare you eat that cookie in front of me and not give me any!"

But Sugar, after being told that no, she couldn't have any of my cookie, went and laid right down and pouted...just like this...

It really was funny but kind of pathetic.  And yes, their Mommy Rose had just given them each an acceptable doggy treat, so they weren't being mal-treated at all.   It was just comical to see their reactions...especially this pouty face! LOL.

Well, I guess I've run out of random stuff to share tonight.  It's going to be a busy week with doctor appointments and other "random" activities going on, so I may be kind of in and out throughout the week. At least I think it is supposed to warm back up for a few days, so hopefully we can get outside and do some walking, etc.

Here's some thoughts and a verse for the day: (from tomorrow's calendar devotional)

I love the thought by Elizabeth Barrett Browning...Yes, God's gifts are so much greater and anything I could ever dream up.  The gifts above of the beauty around us in nature, the sunsets, our health, our families, our homes, our churches, our friends...these are all God's gifts to us...so much better than what I could have ever figured out on my own.  God knew exactly who, what, where, everything that I would need for life.  And He is definitely my "Loving God and my fortress...my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge..."   I am so very thankful for God's provision and protection...way beyond my best dreams! Amen!!

Here's a favorite old hymn..."Count Your Blessings"

"1 When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]

4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. 

[Refrain]

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done."

(Author Johnson Oatman Jr.)

Have a blessed and wonderful rest of your week!! 

Tuesday 4: The Thanksgiving Feast

 I'm sure we are all in the middle of our Thanksgiving preparations in one way or another...if you are hosting the dinner, then you are probably cleaning your house and thawing the turkey...and starting the baking of pies or other desserts.  If you are traveling elsewhere, you are probably getting things ready to take with you...whatever the situation in your life right now, let us all take time to pause and give Thanks in all things...the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly. God is with us no matter what...and that is something to always remember and give Him thanks.

Here are this weeks Tuesday 4 questions and answers. Maybe you can join in?

The Thanksgiving Feast

Welcome, welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 .

Let's talk about the Thanksgiving Feast.

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?

We normally celebrate with our immediate family, some extended family, and oftentimes with friends gathered together with us.  This year it will be exactly that...our immediate family who live here/nearby, our extended family: my sister and her hubby and their daughter and hubby and I still don't know if their son will come or not...we shall see when they get here...and also one of our special friends here locally will join us.  If we didn't have any family nearby we would most likely invite others to join us who also don't have any family nearby. That's always been our tradition...if our house was bigger, we'd fill it up.

These pictures are from  a couple of years ago...It will be pretty similar to this again this year...maybe a couple of different ones or some who aren't coming...but close...

2. Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City? The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season. What does the day hold for you?

Oftentimes the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is on the TV, but I am usually too busy in the kitchen to actually sit down and watch it. However I love to hear it in the background. The day holds for me a lot of cooking and work, but also a lot of joy in visiting with our guests and taking time to give thanks to God together for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.  At the end of the day I sit down and have a last piece of pie and a cup of tea and just relax and reflect on the joys of the day. I hate to see everyone go home. It's never enough time to really visit because there is so much work to do...but we always try to take time out after dinner to take a walk or walk around the yard if the weather is pleasant, or just find a somewhat quiet corner to sit down and talk. The guys are usually watching football and the ladies are on their own to visit. I just wish the day could be longer.  Those who travel have to leave before dark, which comes much too early.

Last year's Macy's parade. Somehow I managed to watch a little of it!

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?

Everything is good to me...but I enjoy the sweet potato casserole, the dressing and gravy, and whatever other side dishes people bring to compliment the meal. I like the turkey okay, but I could be just as happy if I didn't get any of it and just ate everything else! LOL.  I think this is a picture of my plate last year:

4. We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?

Most definitely. We usually all gather in a big circle and join hands and pray before we begin. Then after everyone is seated and while the food is being passed around, we take turns sharing something that we are thankful for in particular. Everyone is given an opportunity to speak if they wish, but they don't have to.

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone. May God shine his blessing love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.  Please go visit our other friends at the Tuesday 4 link up HERE

Now, back to the present day:  Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement on my last post.   Some of you have asked how the "Sip and Shop" at Dixie Cottage went, and I can tell you it was a very busy and lovely day!  There were many many visitors and lots of things were sold! We also held a drawing for three different gift baskets, and the winners were notified today to come and pick up their basket this week:

I wish I had thought to take some pictures throughout the day, but I was so busy at the cash register that I didn't have time to think about it. I was happy to see some of my special friends show up, and several from our church as well. It was a very happy day all day long!

We sold a lot of tree ornaments like these:

And mostly a lot of other Christmas decor items.  And I did make one purchase myself...

The vendor who brought in these special items last month was disappointed that they hadn't sold, so she marked the price down to half price...and said if anyone really showed interest and wanted them, to just sell them for $10.00.  Well, I told her if that was the case they were probably going to be going home with me as I've had my eye on them ever since they arrived but of course I wanted to give everyone else a chance to buy them first...but since she was so anxious to have them sold...well...who could resist?

Not me! And so, since no one else seemed to be interested...

They went home with me and you can see they made friends right away with a certain young lady a.k.a. 

Lily Grace: (and her dog Bailey).

We haven't named them yet...I guess we need to work on that and I will let you know. And certainly if you have any suggestions I'd be happy to hear them.

Now, one more big surprise!  Today I received a phone call from my brother Clifford from North Carolina, and he and his family are in Florida to have Thanksgiving with his wife's family, but he asked if they could meet us tomorrow morning over here at a restaurant for breakfast, and of course I said YES!!  We haven't seen each other since the fall of 2019, because you know what happened after that and we haven't had a chance to get our families together since then.  So this will be a happy reunion! He will be bringing his wife and also their oldest daughter will come along with them. They are anxious to also go and see Dixie Cottage, and so of course Benton and Rose will be joining us for breakfast as well and then giving a tour of the store. Thankfully Benton and Rose's friend is going to be taking care of the store Tuesday and Wednesday to give them a little break (and us too!!!) so we can get ready for Thanksgiving!  Then they will be back at work in full force on Friday and Saturday.  So anyway, this was an unexpected happy surprise and blessing! Another thing to be thankful for this week!!

Okay, I need to stop and take a break.  Oh, I've been still putting things back in order in our house since our big event last week with the floor installation.  Almost everything is back in place, but it has been a much bigger job than I ever anticipated. Thankfully Rose is going to cook the turkey on Thursday and the other family members are all bringing food too, so I won't have to do as much. God is good and we are very very thankful!!

I hope to write again soon, but if not before Thanksgiving, then please have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones if at all possible.  

If you'd like to hear a good Thanksgiving sermon from Psalm 100, and also listen to our choir singing "Count Your Blessings", then here it is!!  

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings—money cannot buy 

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Happy Thanksgiving!!