 |
| Me with the three grandsons! |
 |
| Daughter C with her hubby T |
After eating a snack and doing a birthday cake, we went Trick-or-Treating. We only went to four houses...that was enough!! Then we came home to open some birthday presents.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween evening
All of the guests have left after an exciting evening. We had to pack a lot into just a few hours. Grandkids were here to have late birthday party for the twins mixed with Halloween and Trick-or-treating. Of course I had to get into the fun of dressing up!
After eating a snack and doing a birthday cake, we went Trick-or-Treating. We only went to four houses...that was enough!! Then we came home to open some birthday presents.
After eating a snack and doing a birthday cake, we went Trick-or-Treating. We only went to four houses...that was enough!! Then we came home to open some birthday presents.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The 30th day of Halloween....spook story time!
Gather around, my pretties, and I shall tell you of a local legend. It is about the "Gates of Hell" located in the rural area between Troy and Collinsville Illinois. The old stories say that anyone who begins their journey on midnight and passes through all seven gates in the correct order will be whisked away to Hell!! Other stories say you must finish the journey at midnight to be whisked away. There is another myth connected to these "gates of hell" that says there are "Hell Hounds" that guard the gates. Anyone foolish enough to linger around the gates will be dragged to Hell by these "Devil Dogs." Another version says that if you drive through them and stop under the seventh one and turn off the headlights, the "Hounds of Hell" will come to drag you off.
One of the "Gates" has a distinct reputation and has locally been called "Acid Bridge." The story here says that in the 1980's some teens were out drinking and driving and supposedly dropped some LSD, or acid. They had managed to find 6 of the 7 gates. They continued to drive around until they came upon what they thought was the seventh one. They were driving too fast, missed the entrance and crashed into the concrete walls. The auto was burned up and all of the occupants were killed. It was several hours before this accident was discovered. Some locals say that this ghastly accident is reenacted on the road near this bridge.
So what are the "Gates of Hell" you may be asking. They are actually a series of seven railroad trestles where the roads go underneath. They are located on rural roads, some of which are rarely traveled. In Troy Taylor's book, "Weird Illinois", the author gives a part of a chapter to these "Gates of Hell." Mr. Taylor visited the area but was only able to locate 5 of the 7. In a recent Troy IL newpaper article, the directions were given to all seven gates. A few months ago, my SIL and I were in that area and he gave me directions to where he knew of two of them. The road at these "Twin Gates" is narrow and many blind turns as are many of the roads in this area. Nevertheless, I have now driven through gates #4 and #5 - the "Twin Gates".
My kids and I are thinking that perhaps we shall tempt fate one day and find these 7 "Gates of Hell" but we will do it in the daytime. We might be silly, but not stupid!!
MORE WEIRDNESS: While the DD and SIL and I were reading this article, I took my book "Weird Illinois" off the shelf to look up the section about the "Gates of Hell." While flipping through the book to find the right spot, I found two places where there was these piles of shredded paper, like it was marking the page.
Upon closer examination, we found that it is shredded money!
Now, how this got here, I have no idea. I have never had shredded money and this money looks like it would have been shredded by the feds. See how tiny it is? I had loaned the book to my SIL some time ago and he returned it in a couple months later. There was nothing in it like this then. I put in on my bookshelf and hadn't touched it until yesterday! DD and SIL were both weirded out by this too. I looked in other books on the shelf, nope...no shredded money there either! There doesn't seem to be anything of significance about the location of these piles, other than perhaps the title of the chapters..."Unexplained Phenomena" and "Personalized Properties".
 |
| Photo from "Weird Illinois" by Troy Taylor |
So what are the "Gates of Hell" you may be asking. They are actually a series of seven railroad trestles where the roads go underneath. They are located on rural roads, some of which are rarely traveled. In Troy Taylor's book, "Weird Illinois", the author gives a part of a chapter to these "Gates of Hell." Mr. Taylor visited the area but was only able to locate 5 of the 7. In a recent Troy IL newpaper article, the directions were given to all seven gates. A few months ago, my SIL and I were in that area and he gave me directions to where he knew of two of them. The road at these "Twin Gates" is narrow and many blind turns as are many of the roads in this area. Nevertheless, I have now driven through gates #4 and #5 - the "Twin Gates".
 |
| Photo from the Times-Tribune newspaper |
MORE WEIRDNESS: While the DD and SIL and I were reading this article, I took my book "Weird Illinois" off the shelf to look up the section about the "Gates of Hell." While flipping through the book to find the right spot, I found two places where there was these piles of shredded paper, like it was marking the page.
Upon closer examination, we found that it is shredded money!
Now, how this got here, I have no idea. I have never had shredded money and this money looks like it would have been shredded by the feds. See how tiny it is? I had loaned the book to my SIL some time ago and he returned it in a couple months later. There was nothing in it like this then. I put in on my bookshelf and hadn't touched it until yesterday! DD and SIL were both weirded out by this too. I looked in other books on the shelf, nope...no shredded money there either! There doesn't seem to be anything of significance about the location of these piles, other than perhaps the title of the chapters..."Unexplained Phenomena" and "Personalized Properties".
Friday, October 29, 2010
Ancestor's Ball - 29th day of Halloween
Let me start with thank to Aine at The Deepest Well for hosting the Ancestors Ball 2010.
I am Roxanne, daughter of Patricia, daughter of Hazel.
I am also daughter of Jerry, son of Eva, daughter of Anna, daughter of Adelia.
My mother died when I was a child of 6 years old and she was only about 25. My memories of her are few. However, there have always been times that I thought I could feel her presence.
Patricia was a devoted Christian lady and wanted my brother and I brought up in the church. After she died, my Grandma and Grandpa took over taking us to church for the next few years. I don't remember Daddy going. I think he was mad at a God who would take his young wife and leave him with 2 small children.
Daddy got married less than 2 years later to a woman with three kids. This step-mother was like those stories of step-mothers we were told as children (think Cinderella, Snow White, etc). My dad died when I was 19, By this time I was married and had three kids.
I didn't know my mothers family when I was growing up. It is only through the magic of the internet that I now have made contact with some of her family. There is still much unknown.
My Grandma Eva was also a Christian woman but she probably would be ok with my having came to a different path. Grandma was a lively character.
One of my best memories was during the year that we lived with her before Daddy remarried. She played the organ and she ROCKED that thing. She had one of those "new-fangled" organs that had synthesized drums, horns, guitar and other instruments. (Keep in mind, this was over 40 years ago!) You have never heard "Onward Christian Soldiers" played like she played it. It was all she could do to tone it down when she played at the tiny country church.
When I was 16 yrs old, she let me drive her Cadillac one day. I was so surprised by her choice of radio station when I turned that car on. It was a hard rock station that at the time, I didn't even listen too. Of course, I was more into the Pop music at the time. I asked her why that station and she told me that she really likes that music. She died when I was 18. I still miss her a lot.
For the ancestors ball, you must expect there to be some real rocking music being played. Grandma wants it that way. I invite all of my ancestors known and unknown to come and enjoy the get-together!
I am Roxanne, daughter of Patricia, daughter of Hazel.
I am also daughter of Jerry, son of Eva, daughter of Anna, daughter of Adelia.
My mother died when I was a child of 6 years old and she was only about 25. My memories of her are few. However, there have always been times that I thought I could feel her presence.
Patricia was a devoted Christian lady and wanted my brother and I brought up in the church. After she died, my Grandma and Grandpa took over taking us to church for the next few years. I don't remember Daddy going. I think he was mad at a God who would take his young wife and leave him with 2 small children.
Daddy got married less than 2 years later to a woman with three kids. This step-mother was like those stories of step-mothers we were told as children (think Cinderella, Snow White, etc). My dad died when I was 19, By this time I was married and had three kids.
I didn't know my mothers family when I was growing up. It is only through the magic of the internet that I now have made contact with some of her family. There is still much unknown.
My Grandma Eva was also a Christian woman but she probably would be ok with my having came to a different path. Grandma was a lively character.
When I was 16 yrs old, she let me drive her Cadillac one day. I was so surprised by her choice of radio station when I turned that car on. It was a hard rock station that at the time, I didn't even listen too. Of course, I was more into the Pop music at the time. I asked her why that station and she told me that she really likes that music. She died when I was 18. I still miss her a lot.
For the ancestors ball, you must expect there to be some real rocking music being played. Grandma wants it that way. I invite all of my ancestors known and unknown to come and enjoy the get-together!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
First Fire Ritual - 28th day of Halloween
This evening I did a "first fire ritual." This is a ritual that I came up with a few years ago. The purpose of the ritual is to cleanse and bless the hearth for the coming winter. It is also a time of reflecting on the past year, its triumphs and failures. The harvest of what was started earlier in the year. It is also a time of setting new goals and resolutions for the next year. This ties right in with the countdown to Samhain/Halloween. Some years I have had a friend come over and do this with me, but his year I was by myself.
I do this ritual the first time I start a fire in the fireplace after summer has past and that just always happens to be sometime in the last two weeks of October. First I make sure that the firebox area is clean of all dirt. The ashes have been cleaned out by late spring, but dirt still manages to get in during the summer months. After it is clean, I lay in my 7 pieces of kindling wood. I use 7 to represent the seven directions: East, South, West, North, Above, Below and Within. I sprinkle tobacco on the wood as an offering to the spirit of the wood and the element of fire.
Once the fire gets going good, I lay in a few larger logs and get a nice hot fire. I sprinkle white sage and sweet grass on the fire and smudge the firebox and chimney this way. I give thanks for the warmth and nourishment to be given during the upcoming months. I then just sit and look at the flames and meditate for a bit.
After meditating and watching the dancing flames, I then move into the releasing and invoking part of the ritual. On a piece of paper, I have written things that I am releasing from the past year. This past Imbolc, I set a resolution to reduce the amount of negativity around me. This led to me quitting my outside the home job (long story on that one) and ending a couple of relationships with non-family members who I had come to realize were just psychic vampires who brought nothing positive to my life. Harsh, yes, but it has been so worth it. One of those "friend breakups" included a ritual burning of items that she had gifted me but had her negative energy attached. Other things I released is less than great self-image and self-deprecation. There are a couple that were included that I choose to keep private. I place this paper into the fire and release it into the Universe to be dispersed.
On a separate paper, I have written some goals and resolutions for the coming year, especially for the winter months. Included in this is taking time for self-care and appreciating myself in all ways. I call forth for a growth in knowledge and wisdom. I also call forth growth and success in my business. Again, there are a couple more that are especially private. I place this paper in the fire to send this invocation to the Universe to open the way for them to come to me. I will meditate just awhile longer and then enjoy a glass of wine to finish off my little celebration.
I do this ritual the first time I start a fire in the fireplace after summer has past and that just always happens to be sometime in the last two weeks of October. First I make sure that the firebox area is clean of all dirt. The ashes have been cleaned out by late spring, but dirt still manages to get in during the summer months. After it is clean, I lay in my 7 pieces of kindling wood. I use 7 to represent the seven directions: East, South, West, North, Above, Below and Within. I sprinkle tobacco on the wood as an offering to the spirit of the wood and the element of fire.
Once the fire gets going good, I lay in a few larger logs and get a nice hot fire. I sprinkle white sage and sweet grass on the fire and smudge the firebox and chimney this way. I give thanks for the warmth and nourishment to be given during the upcoming months. I then just sit and look at the flames and meditate for a bit.
After meditating and watching the dancing flames, I then move into the releasing and invoking part of the ritual. On a piece of paper, I have written things that I am releasing from the past year. This past Imbolc, I set a resolution to reduce the amount of negativity around me. This led to me quitting my outside the home job (long story on that one) and ending a couple of relationships with non-family members who I had come to realize were just psychic vampires who brought nothing positive to my life. Harsh, yes, but it has been so worth it. One of those "friend breakups" included a ritual burning of items that she had gifted me but had her negative energy attached. Other things I released is less than great self-image and self-deprecation. There are a couple that were included that I choose to keep private. I place this paper into the fire and release it into the Universe to be dispersed.
On a separate paper, I have written some goals and resolutions for the coming year, especially for the winter months. Included in this is taking time for self-care and appreciating myself in all ways. I call forth for a growth in knowledge and wisdom. I also call forth growth and success in my business. Again, there are a couple more that are especially private. I place this paper in the fire to send this invocation to the Universe to open the way for them to come to me. I will meditate just awhile longer and then enjoy a glass of wine to finish off my little celebration.
Join me in a glass of cabernet??
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The 26th of Halloween - The Witch's Sabbat - Samhain
I have not felt 100% today so have been moving sort of slow. Altering costumes this evening and listening to music. This is one of my favorites.
Monday, October 25, 2010
On the 25th day of Halloween
I spent the entire day working on a costume for daughter #2. This what I have so far. As my daughter is almost 6 ft. tall, I had to add 9" to the length of the skirt. It is made from white suedecloth to give it a sort of animal skin look. Can you tell what she will be? She is going to be Wilma Flintstone! She has the red wig and the "rock" jewelry already. She bought a costume online that had a dress too. The wig was good, the "jewelry" so-so but the dress was horrendous!! This dress is ready for a fitting and I hope that I don't have a lot of adjusting to do!! She wanted the dress to be an empire waist instead of the longer bodice. She thinks she is starting to show (oh yeah, forgot to mention, she is preggers) but I think that is all in her mind right now.
I am going to make a few adjustments on the masks for the little guy's costumes before I turn in for the night. It was a windy day today with stormy weather predicted for the wee hours tomorrow morning. I went out to watch the moon rise with the black clouds moving past...what an eerie looking moon tonight! Fantastic!!
I am going to make a few adjustments on the masks for the little guy's costumes before I turn in for the night. It was a windy day today with stormy weather predicted for the wee hours tomorrow morning. I went out to watch the moon rise with the black clouds moving past...what an eerie looking moon tonight! Fantastic!!
On the 24th day of Halloween
Ok, so the 3 yr old focus of activities continue. You can't expect any less from a proud gramma now can you?
We painted pumpkins, one for each grandchild. The twins did their own of course, while I did the one for the littlest prince. At 3 weeks old, he can't hold a brush just yet.
After the paint dried, we had to place the pumpkins 'just so' in the porch display!
Then we needed a little more work on the front deck. So we strung up the glow-in-the-black light cobwebs. I still have to get the black light bulb out there.
We painted pumpkins, one for each grandchild. The twins did their own of course, while I did the one for the littlest prince. At 3 weeks old, he can't hold a brush just yet.
After the paint dried, we had to place the pumpkins 'just so' in the porch display!
Then we needed a little more work on the front deck. So we strung up the glow-in-the-black light cobwebs. I still have to get the black light bulb out there.
On the 23rd day of Halloween
On this day I went to pick up the grandsons. We stopped on the way home to look at the Mississippi River and walk just a little ways on the Old Chain of Rocks bridge.
Then when we got home we tried on our costumes for the upcoming celebration! Yeah...the masks need some serious work. I am not sure exactly how small these costume manufacturers think children's heads are....
On the other hand...just how long does a typical three-yr old leave on the mask anyway?
It took me almost 2 hours to get them out of the costumes after this point. Gotta play super hero for a while!!
I forgot to add....After the moon was well up in the sky the boys and I went outside to the front lawn to look at her. If you ask them whose moon it is, they will tell you it is "Gramma's moon!" We did a short dance in the moonlight together. Of course a dance with these two means spinning around in a circle, but that's just fine.
 |
| View from the bridge...City of St. Louis way in the background |
 |
| We are not afraid |
On the other hand...just how long does a typical three-yr old leave on the mask anyway?
It took me almost 2 hours to get them out of the costumes after this point. Gotta play super hero for a while!!
I forgot to add....After the moon was well up in the sky the boys and I went outside to the front lawn to look at her. If you ask them whose moon it is, they will tell you it is "Gramma's moon!" We did a short dance in the moonlight together. Of course a dance with these two means spinning around in a circle, but that's just fine.
Friday, October 22, 2010
22nd Day of Halloween
It is a gorgeous full moon tonight. I took a photo but my little digital camera just isn't up to the task. It's a shame too.
I spent some time out there when we got home from having dinner with one of my daughters and her hubby. It was a little cool out but was so nice just soaking up the moon. I can feel the energy is different this month. I am sure it is because Samhain is just about here and that veil is thin. I think I shall go back outside in a little while and commune with all that is.
When I came inside, I sat down to the computer to do my blogs and catch up on the ones I have been following. Some really really nice blog entries the past day or two!! Its the hunters Moon by Serenity at The Domestic Witch. As well as her entry Samhain: Time to honor the dead. Then there was this entry at The Whimsical Cottage: A House Cleansing and Blessing.
To top it off, I signed up to participate in The Ancestors Ball Blog Party at The Deepest Well.
Well...off to look at the moon some more before it gets too cloudy to see her.
I spent some time out there when we got home from having dinner with one of my daughters and her hubby. It was a little cool out but was so nice just soaking up the moon. I can feel the energy is different this month. I am sure it is because Samhain is just about here and that veil is thin. I think I shall go back outside in a little while and commune with all that is.
When I came inside, I sat down to the computer to do my blogs and catch up on the ones I have been following. Some really really nice blog entries the past day or two!! Its the hunters Moon by Serenity at The Domestic Witch. As well as her entry Samhain: Time to honor the dead. Then there was this entry at The Whimsical Cottage: A House Cleansing and Blessing.
To top it off, I signed up to participate in The Ancestors Ball Blog Party at The Deepest Well.
Well...off to look at the moon some more before it gets too cloudy to see her.
21st day of countdown
Yesterday I spent some time in the neighborhood taking some photos trying to capture some of the color that is still trying to bust out. I also ended up at one of the small country cemeteries not far from my house.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
19th and 20th days of Halloween
Well...day 19 there was nothing done at all worth note for the countdown to Halloween. Illness and hospitalization in husbands family sort of took over a good portion of my time this week, especially yesterday, just keeping up with the updates and phone calls. All will be fine though.
Day 20, I decided I really need to get my new quilt out of the basket and try to get the binding on it so I can actually have it to use this year for the season! So, here it is folks. I have not trimmed it and put the binding on it yet. Will be working on that tonight and tomorrow.
Day 20, I decided I really need to get my new quilt out of the basket and try to get the binding on it so I can actually have it to use this year for the season! So, here it is folks. I have not trimmed it and put the binding on it yet. Will be working on that tonight and tomorrow.
Monday, October 18, 2010
the 18th Day of Halloween
I want to show you the Spirit board/table I made. I have not actually used it yet, but it makes a pretty nifty decor item too.
I got the idea from How to Haunt your House website. I don't have the room for as large a table as they made. I also do not have the talent to draw the symbols and letters as nicely as they have either.
This is their version:
My version is a much smaller scale. I took one of those inexpensive accent tables...the ones that are about 20" in diameter, and painted a base coat. Then I used stick-on letters from my scrapbooking supply stash. I drew a couple of symbols...and was less than thrilled..but oh, well..... Then I put a few coats of lacquer over the top. The letters are still raised up enough that a planchette would not move smoothly. I plan on using an overturned wine glass when I do actually use this for more than a decorative piece. So, I put a round glass top on it. I have a smooth surface and the paint and letters will not be damaged!
Not as fancy as the original version. However, having made it myself, there is my own personal energy put into it.
I got the idea from How to Haunt your House website. I don't have the room for as large a table as they made. I also do not have the talent to draw the symbols and letters as nicely as they have either.
This is their version:
My version is a much smaller scale. I took one of those inexpensive accent tables...the ones that are about 20" in diameter, and painted a base coat. Then I used stick-on letters from my scrapbooking supply stash. I drew a couple of symbols...and was less than thrilled..but oh, well..... Then I put a few coats of lacquer over the top. The letters are still raised up enough that a planchette would not move smoothly. I plan on using an overturned wine glass when I do actually use this for more than a decorative piece. So, I put a round glass top on it. I have a smooth surface and the paint and letters will not be damaged!
Not as fancy as the original version. However, having made it myself, there is my own personal energy put into it.
Awards
Well, this is a new one for me. I have been given Blog Awards. That's kinda cool! A long time ago when most people just did little personal website on geocities and the like, we occasionally got awards for our website. I am guessing this is the modern version. I am honored!
I want to thank Dragonfly from Witchery Grove for finding my magickal minded blog and offering these awards to me!
So its my understanding that there are "rules" for these awards. Really, rules?....LOL....more like a fun game!!
These are the ones for these,
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this on to 15 other great bloggers you recently discovered.
4. Contact the selected bloggers and tell them about their awards.
Seven random facts about me.
1. My favorite stones are amethyst and sapphire.
2. I couldn't care less about diamonds (yes, really)
3. My all-time favorite all-purpose herb is lavender.
4. My favorite all-time movie is STILL "Gone With the Wind"
5. I really enjoy working with Tarot and Oracle cards.
6. I am a cat person but dogs are ok...except my dog....she IS SPECIAL!!
7. I do almost all forms of fiber-arts there is....crochet, knit, sew, quilt, etc....
Ok....the blogs I am going to pass them on to:
Stop Calling Me That
Roxies Musings
Reiki Synergy
Go Out Beneath the Naked night
Simply Shylah
Muse of the Goddess
Wandering in the Elven Wood
Charmed I'm Sure
Practically Magic
The Gods Are Bored
Magic in These Hills
Yellowdog Granny
Aux Demilunes
Peek-A-Boo: Magic Among the Mayhem
Return to Rural
I want to thank Dragonfly from Witchery Grove for finding my magickal minded blog and offering these awards to me!
So its my understanding that there are "rules" for these awards. Really, rules?....LOL....more like a fun game!!
These are the ones for these,
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this on to 15 other great bloggers you recently discovered.
4. Contact the selected bloggers and tell them about their awards.
Seven random facts about me.
1. My favorite stones are amethyst and sapphire.
2. I couldn't care less about diamonds (yes, really)
3. My all-time favorite all-purpose herb is lavender.
4. My favorite all-time movie is STILL "Gone With the Wind"
5. I really enjoy working with Tarot and Oracle cards.
6. I am a cat person but dogs are ok...except my dog....she IS SPECIAL!!
7. I do almost all forms of fiber-arts there is....crochet, knit, sew, quilt, etc....
Ok....the blogs I am going to pass them on to:
Stop Calling Me That
Roxies Musings
Reiki Synergy
Go Out Beneath the Naked night
Simply Shylah
Muse of the Goddess
Wandering in the Elven Wood
Charmed I'm Sure
Practically Magic
The Gods Are Bored
Magic in These Hills
Yellowdog Granny
Aux Demilunes
Peek-A-Boo: Magic Among the Mayhem
Return to Rural
16th and 17th days of Halloween
My BIG activity for the 16th was watching the movie, "The Forgotten". I am not sure how this one got past me until now to watch. I thought it was pretty good. Not technically a spooky movie, it was suspense filled.
On the 17th day I picked up three little pumpkins. These are the little pie pumpkins but I am going to use them to 'represent' the three grandsons.
On the 17th day I picked up three little pumpkins. These are the little pie pumpkins but I am going to use them to 'represent' the three grandsons.
Friday, October 15, 2010
15th of Halloween
Meet Onyx. He is the perfect living Halloween decoration! He is such a sweetie actually. Just this evening I had a visitor talking to me on the deck when Onyx wandered around to the front of the house. Up he jumped to say hi! Standing on the railing with the orange lights behind him he stretched and flexed until he looked just like those black cat silhouette decor items. The visitor was quite enchanted by him! I can't remember a time that I didn't want a black cat and so when he was born I was quite pleased!!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
14th of Halloween
I have previously posted close-up photos of the decor so far on the front deck. I thought today I would take a photo of the view from the ground of the front deck. I waited until evening so you could see the orange lights.
As you can see, up front is plastic cauldron hanging from a hook. Once upon a time it had a working fan and light and white pieces of cloth that gave an appearance of a flaming cauldron. Alas, the cloth wore out and fell off and the fan only works when it feels like it. I still hang it anyway..its cute.
The wind chimes on the other side of the steps were bought at a local farm store. There is actually a pentacle design at the top of the chimes!! I HAD to have them!!
The rest of my day consisted of digging the rest of the sweet potatoes in the garden and getting them into storage, cleaning out a wagon to be used for hay rides this month, and reading a book.
I started "Harm None" by M.R. Sellars yesterday. I had not read any of his fiction until now. Now I am going to have to get the rest of his books! I have had a really hard time putting it down to do something constructive!!
As you can see, up front is plastic cauldron hanging from a hook. Once upon a time it had a working fan and light and white pieces of cloth that gave an appearance of a flaming cauldron. Alas, the cloth wore out and fell off and the fan only works when it feels like it. I still hang it anyway..its cute.
The wind chimes on the other side of the steps were bought at a local farm store. There is actually a pentacle design at the top of the chimes!! I HAD to have them!!
The rest of my day consisted of digging the rest of the sweet potatoes in the garden and getting them into storage, cleaning out a wagon to be used for hay rides this month, and reading a book.
I started "Harm None" by M.R. Sellars yesterday. I had not read any of his fiction until now. Now I am going to have to get the rest of his books! I have had a really hard time putting it down to do something constructive!!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The 13th of Halloween
A few years ago I made this matching table runner and 2 pillows for decorating the living room. I had actually hung the runner on the wall as a banner that year. This year I am using it as a table runner though. I entered this set in the county fair that year and I won the purple ribbon for best of show! I was shocked. Not because I did a bad job but simply because none of it was particularly difficult to do.
The pillow on the left is an appliqued block and the pillow on the right is a log cabin pieced block. Don't you just love the fabric though?
The pillow on the left is an appliqued block and the pillow on the right is a log cabin pieced block. Don't you just love the fabric though?
Days 10 - 12
On the 10th day of October it was more of the same as the 9th...spending time with the little Princes. That day was certainly NOT a typical mid-October day! This day wasn't so much about Halloween as it was about enjoying one of the last summer days for this year. We spent a great deal of time outdoors on the swing set.
The 11th day was my dog's birthday. She is now four years old!! She acts like she is only two. Again, I didn't really do much in the way of Halloween today. I had to go to the fabric store and stock up on some things.
The 12th day I made apple juice. This is the first year that our tree actually produced more than a couple of apples. I had thought I was going to be able to keep some apples in the basement but it is too warm down there and there were a few going bad. So...into the juicer they all went! I have some lovely fresh, sweet apple cider to drink now!
Oh yeah, that is a table runner I made for Halloween a few years ago. I will share more about that in the next post.
The 11th day was my dog's birthday. She is now four years old!! She acts like she is only two. Again, I didn't really do much in the way of Halloween today. I had to go to the fabric store and stock up on some things.
The 12th day I made apple juice. This is the first year that our tree actually produced more than a couple of apples. I had thought I was going to be able to keep some apples in the basement but it is too warm down there and there were a few going bad. So...into the juicer they all went! I have some lovely fresh, sweet apple cider to drink now!
Oh yeah, that is a table runner I made for Halloween a few years ago. I will share more about that in the next post.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ninth Day of Halloween
Today was a beautiful day! It fell just shy of record high temps. When I went to pick up my grandsons for the night, I saw people out on the lake in boats, in swimwear...who would think that you would be seeing men with no shirts and gals in bikinis in boats in Mid-Illinois on the 9th of October!!
Anyway...Today's activity for Halloween was geared for three yr olds. First we had the activity of pulling chairs up to the buffet where the little village is set up so we can stand and look and almost manage to not touch.
And then when winding down for bedtime we had a reading of an all-time favorite book.
Anyway...Today's activity for Halloween was geared for three yr olds. First we had the activity of pulling chairs up to the buffet where the little village is set up so we can stand and look and almost manage to not touch.
And then when winding down for bedtime we had a reading of an all-time favorite book.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Sixth, Seventh and Eighth days of Halloween
Wow...time slipped away from me! I have been busy and yet seem to not be making a lot of headway on things.
I have been doing deep fall cleaning while getting out the Halloween decor. That really stretches out the work though.
So, for the past few days I have added to the decor in my great room.
On the 6th day I added to the fireplace mantle a couple of cat figures...hard to see them in this picture.
I also hung a witches hat on my special broom on the side of the bookshelf.
On the 7th day I finally got out my spooky village pieces and my non-spooky fall pieces.
This one is the new piece I added this year:
But this is still my favorite piece. The witch is in motion flying in circles past the shining full moon over the spooky tree.
On the 8th day I added to my Halloween wine collection. One of the bottles is empty so I added a candle and let it drip all over the bottle. The other bottles have not been opened. I am really not much of a wine drinker....one glass once in a great while is it for me. So I buy wine for the labels. :)
I have been doing deep fall cleaning while getting out the Halloween decor. That really stretches out the work though.
So, for the past few days I have added to the decor in my great room.
On the 6th day I added to the fireplace mantle a couple of cat figures...hard to see them in this picture.
I also hung a witches hat on my special broom on the side of the bookshelf.
On the 7th day I finally got out my spooky village pieces and my non-spooky fall pieces.
This one is the new piece I added this year:
But this is still my favorite piece. The witch is in motion flying in circles past the shining full moon over the spooky tree.
On the 8th day I added to my Halloween wine collection. One of the bottles is empty so I added a candle and let it drip all over the bottle. The other bottles have not been opened. I am really not much of a wine drinker....one glass once in a great while is it for me. So I buy wine for the labels. :)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
4th and 5th day of Halloween countdown
Since it frosted here, I had to spend some time in the garden. Also, had to help the husband with some things. However, I was able to get a couple of little things done for decorating for Halloween. Still have to get my village out.
But here is what I did get out and up.
This is a wall quilt that I made last year. I hung it up yesterday. I had made a matching throw quilt top last year too. I took it to a machine quilter to have it quilted. I told her no hurry. Then, just when she was ready to put mine in the frame, I had a different quilt ready that I needed done quickly. So, my new halloween quilt had to wait in line again. But....YAY! I picked it up this morning. I have to put the binding on it and then I will take a picture of it and post it too.
This morning, before leaving home to run errands, I put some things on my fireplace mantle. The cauldron is a wicker basket with candy. I will probably dig more things out later to display on here. But for now, this is what I got accomplished. I don't put too many things in the living room that I would be concerned about being messed with.
But here is what I did get out and up.
This morning, before leaving home to run errands, I put some things on my fireplace mantle. The cauldron is a wicker basket with candy. I will probably dig more things out later to display on here. But for now, this is what I got accomplished. I don't put too many things in the living room that I would be concerned about being messed with.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The third day
Of October and the countdown to Halloween!
Today I took an old grapevine wreath, added some leaves and my sign that I usually hang on a nail by itself and made myself a NEW creation for the front deck.
I have some candles burning right now but am thinking that I need to gather some firewood and light the fireplace up this evening. If I do this, I will do my annual "first fire" ritual. I like to smudge the inside of the fireplace and all around the hearth first for cleansing and then I stack some wood. Once I get a small fire going I sprinkle some herbs for blessing on the fire. I think it just gets my hearth area in a good place for the upcoming fall and winter seasons and holidays.
Today I took an old grapevine wreath, added some leaves and my sign that I usually hang on a nail by itself and made myself a NEW creation for the front deck.
I have some candles burning right now but am thinking that I need to gather some firewood and light the fireplace up this evening. If I do this, I will do my annual "first fire" ritual. I like to smudge the inside of the fireplace and all around the hearth first for cleansing and then I stack some wood. Once I get a small fire going I sprinkle some herbs for blessing on the fire. I think it just gets my hearth area in a good place for the upcoming fall and winter seasons and holidays.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
One the second day of Halloween
While not strictly halloween-y, this is something that happens in October around here...the first pot of chili for the coming fall/winter!
They are calling for a chance of scattered light frost for my area and so it seemed as good a time as any for a nice warm comfort food.
I am also doing a bit of clean up in the living room and kitchen (one big room actually) putting some summer decor away and making space for the autumn and Halloween decor to come out. I won't get much done as I will be leaving the house for the night, but its a start!
They are calling for a chance of scattered light frost for my area and so it seemed as good a time as any for a nice warm comfort food.
I am also doing a bit of clean up in the living room and kitchen (one big room actually) putting some summer decor away and making space for the autumn and Halloween decor to come out. I won't get much done as I will be leaving the house for the night, but its a start!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Countdown to Halloween
I have never done one of these blog party/exchanges before. Shoot, I am just now getting the hang of blogging at all! But it sounds like fun and I do love Halloween.
Today's activity for me was to watch a 1966 Dracula movie. It was sort of cheesy but fun!
I got stalled out last week on my fall decorating. Life got in the way! I did get a small harvest display on the front deck up. Now it is time to pull out my more 'halloweenie' stuff too!!
Today's activity for me was to watch a 1966 Dracula movie. It was sort of cheesy but fun!
I got stalled out last week on my fall decorating. Life got in the way! I did get a small harvest display on the front deck up. Now it is time to pull out my more 'halloweenie' stuff too!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)