Scattered Seed

We have a very small bathroom, but it has been bothering me in a very big way. It’s been awhile since it has had a face lift, and in my mind, it couldn’t wait any longer.

Just over a year ago we had a contractor in to give us an estimate on a total makeover, and we were gathering ideas for colors and fixtures. Then the economic mess, and we decided we had better wait, since the project was going to be more expensive than our recent kitchen renovations.

With just four weeks till Christmas, and the kids coming home, I needed the project to begin, even in a small way.

We picked out the paint this afternoon, and George started as soon as we got home. The blue, which seems to have been there forever, is becoming an antique rose.

Just seeing the fresh paint on the walls has cheered me up!

We bought a new faucet and looked over the vanities, sinks, and countertops.   Except for the shower and floor,  maybe we’ll just plug away at this project ourselves for awhile.

Garrett arrived this morning at seven, having driven down from Buffalo in the wee hours of the morning. It was a treat to wake up and find him on our doorstep.

George was the cook of the day.  He prepared and roasted our 14 lb. turkey…..

made the sausage and walnut stuffing…..

the rich and cheesy mashed potatoes…..

and the brussel sprouts sauteed with bacon…..

I did my part earlier in the week,  with pumpkin and chocolate pies, pumpkin bread….

and the last minute relish tray….

There were plenty of leftovers,  and I’ve already put the turkey carcass to boil for turkey soup this weekend.

Dishes took about three separate attempts to get them all done (I do miss my dishwasher on days like this!),  and the rest of the day was quiet and relaxing.

In the few minutes it took for me to dish up the requested piece of pie,   the tired cook fell asleep!

It was about a month ago that Garrett sent me a link to an article about a rug made of granny squares. He wondered if I could do that for him, for his new apartment. I said yes before I counted the total number of squares, or figured out how long it would take me. I’ve learned my lesson with this project!

the pattern…..

and my progress so far…….

231 squares to go!

We headed up to Seneca Falls today to celebrate Dad’s 82nd birthday.

Evelyn gets all the credit for putting together the snacks and cakes.

She made this delicious raspberry crumb cake along with the traditional chocolate frosted birthday cake.

It was fun getting together, visiting,  and catching up.    We hadn’t been up to visit in over a month,  since George had been so sick through the month of October.

My niece’s two children kept us entertained and reminded us all that we were that young once.

Dad said he had a good day,  as I know the rest of us did.   Happy 82!

Each time a birthday comes up, I am drawn to my stack of photo albums. I think I have about twenty-five, covering our thirty-seven years of marriage and the growth of our three children.

Today I picked out the third album, knowing I would find some treasures to share.

Morgan and her dad tease each other over the timing of her birth. She was due the 23rd of November 1980. Since I had already had one C-section,  there was no question in the doctor’s mind that I would have another one with this birth.

At the doctor’s office toward the end of my pregnancy, the nurse set up the delivery schedule. I walked away from the desk with the date in hand, November 17th. George noted right away that it was the first day of deer season. The nurse said ” sorry, maybe you can name the baby Bambi”.

I told Morgan that story once upon a time, and she has teased her father about it ever since. She even attributes her vegetarianism to that instance related to her birth.

So, my choice for photos this November 17th, Morgan’s 29th birthday, are special moments of her with her dad…..They really do love each other.

Happy Birthday Morgan!

Morgan called me this morning and pointed out that I hadn’t posted anything  in the last few weeks. She thought that I had fallen off a cliff in the blogosphere, but I assured her I had just been a little overwhelmed in other areas of my life.

I don’t know how I ever raised three children and worked. At this stage of my life, empty-nested, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

So I have been busy….
crocheting granny squares for a Christmas present, buying birthday presents for November birthdays, decluttering the house for the holidays when we could have seven adults in this space, and crocheting, crocheting, crocheting…..Did I mention that I need 383 squares when I’m done?

and this is how it’s coming so far…

I have also been trying to concentrate on healthier habits,  like getting sleep and making better meals.    I tried a new recipe today with some leftover chicken – Southwestern Chicken Stew…

Between it all,  I try to fit the birds in.    Project Feederwatch started this weekend with very few visitors here.   Probably the 70-degree temperature had them finding nourishment elsewhere….

and ladybugs don’t count.

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So forgive me if I fade in and out.   I’ll try to do something interesting once in awhile that doesn’t involve a crochet hook!