A Visit and a Stay

So much time has past with both little and a lot of activity happening. Doesn't seem possible but it can happen. My injury from 2 weeks ago still hinders my level of movement, hence a little of activity. Decreasing what I feel like doing and what I can actually get done each day. But in the midst of this several things are happening.

Changing temperatures for one, along with a colorful hue of leaves overhead. We have seen a flock of geese fly over our place nearly everyday - heading north. One was very large with over 50 that I counted in the V-formation. I love the sound they make in flight. One of encouragement to the "point man." I look forward each Spring to hear of their return in the fresh blue skies. Their departure signals the coming of winter and their return signals the end of it. The promise of Spring ushered in on their wings. How awesome is that! God gives us an audible bell for the changing of the seasons from warmth, to cold, to warmth. We do not have a water source for them here yet. But hopefully within the next year or so, we can create a small pond and enjoy their company once more. Did you know that mate for life, and will not leave behind their mate if it should get injured or sick? I believe as humans we need to take a lesson from them in their level of commitment, don't you?

I have managed to get a few pots of mums set out in the year and on the porch. Bought them and some more "fall color" decorations for the house when shopping a week or so back. Large and small pumpkins along with an assorted group of gourds I plan to place in a basket to grace our living room table. The larger pumpkin sits by the front door to support the farm's scarecrow. The other sits upon our dinning room table with other little touches of the colorful hues of Autumn. It's a pie pumpkin and will be used as such once the turkey decor comes out for Thanksgiving.

The same trip to town took me by a new place to feed my crafting hunger that is always present. I thoroughly enjoy my visit to Hobby Lobby (for those who don't have one in their area, it is a mega craft/decorating store as the name implies). WOW! I had not been in one for years. Craft choices galore had me walking each aisle. I could definitely spend a lot of time and money on all the temptations this store carries. No visit is complete without stopping by the yarn/fabric section. They have free leaflets you can get for ideas of new projects, like I need any help with that! But collect them I do without fail. One in particular was a easy poncho for children and I immediately thought of Leah. So I chose a soft pink with a skein of multi-colored for some detailing. Their store brand is the softest yarn and I can see many projects being made from it. I was also thrilled to see that they also carry a brand that "Wally world" has dropped. They already had a sale on their Christmas ornaments, which gave cause to pick up a few specialty ones for gifts this year. You just can't beat 50% off this early in the season. Just walking through the Christmas aisles put me in a decorating mood and it is not even Thanksgiving yet. Every year I think the stores rush to see how early they can get Christmas put out on the shelves. By the time you get ready to purchase some of the items they are already gone.

Finding time to sit and sew, crochet and such is so hard for me. When so much calls for my attention. I realized this morning that I have too many interest for the time I have available. Then I wondered can you have too many interest? Possibly, but I know one thing for sure. I am never at a lost for something to occupy my mind or hands. The challenge comes in balancing it all with the necessary. Which always seem to loom larger than the time available too.

We have made much progress on our interior barn remodel. Despite the interference of health issues, availability of time, and good weather. We are down to 2 months left before Anna will need use of it's birthing area. It is like a "catch 22" if I ever saw one. Money is needed for the supplies, which calls for Lon to work extra shifts. Working extra shifts means no time to do the repairs, though we have the supplies. See what I mean?

Leah came to visit this past Sunday and stayed 3 nights with us. Enjoyed her visit like always but still felt a lost when she left yesterday. She is growing up so fast and I miss her daily presence like we once had. She enjoyed doing her usual activities, besides helping to plant in the garden. Watering the flowers on the porch is a must for her. Insisting that they are "very thirsty" every day, several times a day. I think all children love playing in or with water. I hope they survive her loving care.

I was able to catch several good pictures of her with our new kitten ~ Boots.

Can you tell she loves him?

I have much to do today. A lot of "have-to's" and a long list of "want-to's". But I can't seem to get going yet. I've made my list out and time is quickly slipping by. Getting started is my problem. It being the middle of the morning and my not having eaten my breakfast could be part of my dilemma. Instead here I sit, with my cup of coffee cooling beside me, with Boots nestled in my lap, sitting out on the porch, staring at my list and feeling somewhat gloomy. Should I just give into the grey clouds gathering in the morning sky? Or fight the urge to call it a day and simply start at the beginning of my need-to-do's and get done as time will allow.

Putting one foot in front of the other,

Deborah