Back Home In Aiken.....Just Taking A Stroll

Coffee Shop Moon Beans.....next door to The New Moon Cafe

Brodie's Fabric Shop.....

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound......

I suppose the little town of Aiken South Carolina was providing all that we wanted and needed on the day after Thanksgiving. A stroll in Aiken, provides a sense of a Norman Rockwell setting from one end of the town to the other. The townspeople were friendly and courteous. We had lived there before, many years ago. Visiting family for Thanksgiving, tradition held, that Black Friday we would visit all the shops along main street. We looked for familiar faces along the way, hoping to say hello to those we hadn't seen in a while. We had lunch at a sandwich shop, The Moon Cafe, that boasted of the best food in town. They were right on spot. They're also known for their coffee, by folks all over the area and the aroma lingering as we dined , left no doubt this was most likely true. I thought to myself, that Starbucks had nothing on this little place. We stopped by to say hello to the ladies at Brodie's fabric shop, and bought fringe that would decorate Christmas pillows, homemade, out of old green and red sweaters. We were made to feel welcome, and stayed longer than we planed. As we left, we wished the ladies that were already in the spirit of the season a Merry Christmas. It felt good to say the words, for it was the first time to do so this holiday. Hardly noticing our feet were beginning to hurt, we kept walking along. It was loud and could be heard from one end of town to the other. Someone was playing the Saxophone. We eventually found this tall friendly black man standing in front of Lionel Smith Ltd., a clothing store. Close by was a large jar that looked like it may have held pickles at one time. A sign had been placed on the side of the jar that read, "tips." We shared a little "small talk" with this nice gentleman and then he began to play on that shiny gold musical instrument, one of the finest arrangements I have ever heard of Amazing Grace. The sun was shining, the air was cool and all seemed right with the world at that moment......We were back home in Aiken, just taking a stroll.

Thanksgiving Blessings

From The Tree To The Table

Not exactly part of the Thanksgiving theme, are the oranges now ripening on the trees in my yard. Florida Navel oranges are some of the sweetest, seedless and best. We were all waiting on the cool snap to finish up the ripening process. They say the cooler weather adds the finishing touches in creating the perfect sweet orange. So without further ado....I raise my glass of juice, wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving.....

Holidays At The Beach

In most parts of the country, fall is in the air. Here on the Gulf Coast of Florida the same thing is happening.....well, lets put it this way....the weather is a little cooler. Gone are the temps in the 90s and now our daytime temps are in the high 70s. Needless to say, we are loving it! This past year they completed the Clearwater Memorial Bridge. As you can see from the photos, this is a gorgeous structure, and it leads to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It may be hard to get your head around the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas here, but we do. Frolicking on the beaches can be put on hold for a while. This coming Thursday, tables will be laden with Turkey and all the trimmings. Do we have pumpkin pie? Absolutely....most likely on the same desert plate with a nice slice of Key Lime Pie.....Busy times around here preparing for the holidays, even at the beach.....

Thanksgiving Refrigerator Art by Lily

Almost Time....

It's that time again. I've been bringing out a few Christmas decorations, getting organized and making plans. A visit to Robert's Christmas store for a bit of inspiration and then I'll be ready for some serious "hanging of the green".....Some of my friends are completely decorated, but I'll wait until we celebrate Thanksgiving and then go into "high decorating gear." Times are so different now, for when I was a child we decorated a week or two before Christmas and that would just be a Christmas tree. Now days, we decorate the whole house inside and out and many of us have more than one Christmas tree. We love Christmas so much, we want the celebrating to last the whole month of December, and so it should. Oh how I love that the world is reminded each year of the birth of Jesus, saviour of the world. As a matter of fact, I've been listening to Christmas Carols for quite a few days now. 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.... Hmmmm....deck the halls with bells of holly....fa la la la la....

Be Thankful Unto Him....

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good....Psalm 100:4

Rustic Grandeur

From the looks of this fine old rusty gate, you would think it has seen it's better days. Not so true, coming from a lady that appreciates "yard art." This old gate with it's timeless beauty has a perfect spot, leaning against a fence, surrounded by branches of a drawf Crape Myrtle tree. Personally I like the looks of the whole affair, summer, fall, winter and spring. Now it is fall, and the old gate can be seen from top to bottom, allowing appreciation for all it's rustic grandeur. In the summer, the Crape Myrtle has an abundance of leaves and masses of gorgeous fuchsia blooms. The gate, barely seen, enhances the Myrtle's showing with bits of it's metal elegance. But for now, we're enjoying the evidence of Fall. With tiny red and brown leaves, there is evidence of the blooms having ceased, with the appearance of brown pea size clusters of berries. The gate has been in this location of the garden for quite some time now, seeming somewhat like an old familiar friend.....

"Bling" And Other Pretty Things

I have a friend that does a lot of shopping on the Internet. Tiffany & Co is one of her favorite places to shop. It seems the romantic interest in her life, introduced her to 'Tiffanys, by purchasing for her a few choice pieces of jewelry, "Bling" and other pretty things. Founded in 1837, Tiffany's little gift boxes have been bringing smiles to feminine faces for quite a few years...

All Things Bright And Beautiful

I have been wonderfully inspired by various designers. Gorgeous colors of deep fuchsia, bright pinks and beautiful teals. Decor by Designer's Guild and Morris-Humphrey.

New Eyewear

My eye exam began sort of like this today.....

My new eyewear is sort of like these.....

Well if it just don't beat all! I have been noticing my eyes have changed, and best of all, for the better.....been taking my glasses off more and more. Seems I can see better without them. I've been blaming it all on sitting at the computer for long periods of time, visiting my favorite Blogs and all the other places that keep me glued to the Internet. It's a good thing...the information age is here and I'm staying on top of it all, or at least trying to. So, today I had an appointment with my Opotomologist. Things were looking good he said...no problems...and I'm seeing better out of both eyes. He said it wasn't uncommon, for as we grow older it happens sometimes. Whatever.... The fun part of the whole day, was selecting new eyewear. Have you noticed all the great styles now? It's enough to make contact lens a hard sell. I looked for those great frames worn by Sarah Palin, but they were not to be found. I'm pleased with my selection... again I selected black frames. Just part of who I am, I suppose. I also got some great Tortoise Shell frames for my single vision glasses to wear when I'm sitting at this computer. All in all, today was quite productive. This evening I have that good feeling of accomplishment....hmmmm

I Want To Be An Astronaut

Launch from the Kennedy Space Center

I really wasn't prepared for these words to come from my five year old granddaughter, but they did. I had asked her the question, "What do you want for Christmas?" She replied excitedly, "I want an Astronaut Space Suit!" My startled reaction was followed by an explanation from my daughter. Seems they had ventured out into the night, stood beside Tampa Bay, and watched the Space Shuttle Endeavour launch, the night before. My grandchildren are home schooled, and they have been reading about the Space program. It's funny how we have become involved and interested right along with our children. It happens, grandparents are that way. So, we are planning a trip to the Kennedy Space Center in January, and will see a launch "up close and personal." Seeing the launch from our area is beautiful at night, but we can hardly wait to see it in the daytime... see the fire, the smoke and hear the noise. By then, I suppose my granddaughter will have her space suit costume, and will most likely be wearing it. If you have future Astronauts in your home, or have an interest yourself, you might have a look at the Kennedy Space Center website..... http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

Jimmy Stewart

"It's A Wonderful Life"

This evening we've enjoyed PBS's presentation of the life of Jimmy Stewart, narrated by Johnny Carson. Both of these great entertainers are gone now, but we still have movies and television programs to enjoy, seeming as though they are both still with us. What an amazing career Jimmy Stewart had, and most of us get a glimpse of him each Christmas, watching "It's A Wonderful Life." In my family, it's very much a part of our Christmas tradition. Gives us kind of a warm fuzzy feeling that all is right with the world. I have many favorite scenes, but the "prayer scene" is one that is most memorable to me. Most of us can recall the movie and most scenes in their entirety, having watched it so many times. The scene mentioned, the "prayer scene" is where George Bailey, reduced to tears, sitting at a bar, contemplates taking his life. Clasping his hands, bringing them to his face, he quietly ask for God's help. You know the story, God sends him an Angel, Clarence. "It's A Wonderful Life" has many beautiful messages...love of family, love of life and love of God. We'll wait until December to watch this favorite movie once again. Place a warm Throw over our laps, have some sugar cookies, a bit of Egg Nog and watch the snow coming down one more time over Bedford Falls.

A Favorite Place To Shop IKEA

Bedding photo taken from Ikea website...love the lamp..

Love the colors...found at Ikea and brought them home with me...

My new window curtains....

From the looks of the Ikea Store in Orlando Florida yesterday, you would never know that the nation was going through a financial crisis. The place was crowded and most carts will filled to the top. I love love love this store. For those of you not familiar with it, check it out online and look for one in your area. Founded in Sweden in 1943, Ikea is a flat pack furniture and accessories retail store. Mostly modern and contemporary designs, the store appeals to all ages. Young families can furnish their homes beautifully for reasonable cost. It's not hard to find things you don't want to live without. I found new window curtains for my family room.....love the fabric. They have awesome bedding and beds for children's rooms as well as children's toys. Not your average store...you've got to put this on your list of things you must do and soon ..."shop at Ikea"...and no I am not getting paid to advertise this place and own no stock in the company. Check it out...your gonna love it http://www.ikea.com/ click on photo of fabric

Worship The Lord

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son,
that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but
have everlasting life.

A Wonderful Suggested Read

A bestselling author and remowned radio and television host, Glenn Beck delivers an instant holiday classic about boyhood memories, wrenching life lessons, and true meaning of gifts we give to one another. We weren't wealthy, we weren't poor.....we just were. We never wanted anything, except maybe more time together.

When Eddie was twelve years old, all he wanted for Christmas was a bike. It had gotten harder since his father had died and the bakery had closed, but he hoped his mother would somehow manage to get him the bike. Instead, he got from her a homemade sweater that he left crumpled up in the corner of his room.

Based on a deeply personal story, The Christmas Sweater is a warm tale of family, faith and forgiveness.

Bible Study Fellowship

We've so much to be thankful for. Sometimes I am just "blown away" by all God has given to us....free of charge. Just look around you...light and warmth from the sun...air to breathe...water to drink and food to eat. Most of us have shelter. Any one of us could sit down and begin listing our blessings and most likely run out of paper before we were finished. In recent times, I have joined a Bible study .....Bible Study Fellowship...an international Bible study. All over the world, women of all ages are studying the same lesson that I am, each Monday night. We are studying in Exodus, about Moses and the Israelites and how God provided for them. I have been reminded once again of how God cares for us and provides ALL of our needs. Just this past week Bible Study Fellowship has been allowed into Communist China....talk about answer to prayers. If you so desire to do something wonderful for yourself, try this Bible study in your area. Take a peak online http://www.bsfinternational.org/ All Good Blessings for you this weekend......

Sunrise

Today I saw the sun come up, like Neptune from the sea,

I saw him light a cliff with gold and wake a distant tree;

I saw him shake his shaggy head and laugh the night away

And toss unto a sleeping world another golden day.

The waves, which had been black and cold, came in with silver crests,

I saw the sunbeams gently wake the song birds in their nests.

The slow-retreating night slipped back, and strewn on field and lawn,

On every blade of grass I saw the jewels of the dawn.

Never was monarch ushered in with such a cavalcade;

No hero bringing victory home has seen such wealth displayed.

In honor of the coming day, the humblest plant and tree

Stood on the curbstone of the world in radiant livery.

By....Edgar A. Guest

A Gentleman

Look around if you will, and think on this for a moment. How many gentlemen are in your life? How many can you speak of that are in public life? Not a whole lot out there, and this is sad. For the past two years we have had to endure what I would call a shameful display of grown men and women, bickering back and forth, throwing all the rocks they can find, without any care for how they fall or who they hit. Not a whole lot of anything being sacred anymore. Not many role models out there for our youth, are there? I know a few young men who are setting the example for this generation, but only a few people know of them. They are today's "Gentleman"....They are well-mannered and considerate men with high standards of proper behavior. They think of others before themselves. They act with purpose and conviction and live by their word. I hope you have men like this in your life. While thinking on this, I remember a gentleman we were priviledged to watch as he led our nation as the 40th President. Ronald Reagan had purpose and conviction. I need not go into all that he accomplished in his life politically, for what impressed me the most was he lived by his word, trusted in his Maker and led by example. I found this photo of him, riding his horse El Alamein, at his ranch, Rancho Del Cielo. When I think of this gentleman, Ronald Reagan, the one word that comes to mind is integrity...adherence to a code of value.

Astilbe

Believe it or not, the bedding plants are in all the nurseries and shops around here in Florida. Poking around as I do, and now that I have more time on my hands for doing just that, I've had time to familiarize myself with new and interesting plants and flowers. I've found an old beauty and now in a variety of colors that will knock you off your feet. My favorites are various shades of pinks and fuchsia. Astilbe, sometimes known as False Goat's Beard and False Spirea, is an absolutely gorgeous perennial. I think I'm completely impressed with this beautiful feathery plume like flower.

Do You Remember?

Tonight we watched a movie. The first bit of dialogue spoken by the main character had so much profanity, I had no idea what he had said. He then took the Lord's name in vain. This was our first indication that the movie was lacking in a whole lot, although it had Clooney and Zellweger. Profanity was filling up way too much space in the subject matter for the plot to amount to much. What a shame that they (Hollywood) just don't get it. When a decent movie is at the theaters around here, everyone is talking about it and they show the movie in several theaters to accommodate the crowds. That seldom happens, so we usually watch movies in the comfort of our home, having selected an older movie or a recommended movie. They're usually much better, for they were made back in the day when morality, values and decency had a place in our society. Do you remember the movie "It Happened One Night" with Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable? Can you only imagine for a moment the motel scene where they place a blanket hanging from a clothes line between the beds? Remember the pajamas? Call me Corny, but I happen to believe certain things should be left to the imagination. Ah, Rhett Butler when he gathered Scarlett up in his arms and carried her up that long flight of stairs....hmmm. I like to think that somehow or sometime things will go back to those days. That Hollywood will stop mocking Christianity and listen to those ten commandments. How grand would that be? With 85 percent of our population calling themselves Christians, you would think they would stop this practice. Most of us out here would just rather not watch bad behavior or listen to bad language. The movies did just fine back in the good film days....do you remember?

We Need More Prayer

Do you complain about your circumstances, blaming the economy, the government, people? God is the God of all circumstances, so our complaining is always against His ordering of our lives, whether we admit it or not. He has always provided. Do we have short memories and weak faith? Perhaps we need more prayer and less grumbling....and just maybe there are a few lessons we need to learn along the way, on this journey of life.

"Throw Me a Pillow"

Shopping on the internet is often times quite fun. I love just poking around this time of year, trying to find unique things for Christmas gifts. That is how I came upon these gorgeous needlepoint pillows by Aileen Anne Collections. The four I've selected are my favorite out of all the selections, but there are many many more. If you have a dog lover in your life, you might take a look at the online store. Hmmm...I love these...