Come Browse With Me

I made the trek to the home decor store across the city...they are getting in Christmas stock about every other day!  I really wanted to get a peek at the gingerbread decor....I was disappointed.  Most is styrofoam!

The gingerbread girl and boy....as well as the houses....all lightweight decorated styrofoam!  Not what I had in mind at all.  In my opinion...it wouldn't be very durable.  The large tree.....styrofoam as well.  The tree ornaments were resin....as I thought everything would be.  Not the case....

They are not pieces worth investing in...the "snow" on the houses....cotton batting.  Anyhow...they are cute...also not budget friendly...at all. 

Can someone explain to me the allure of an upside down tree?  I just don't get it...what am I missing?

There were some cute pieces...like these adorable mice.....

And this sweet, chubby owl!  Adorable....

And I'm crushing hard on this decorator cushion...there were a couple...I did resist......

I thought these hard working elves were pretty cute....

And what's old is new again this year!  These ceramic trees have been around for years...brings back memories of the 70's ceramic classes I attended!  And the original ones are not budget friendly.....there is one on FB Marketplace here....currently listed at $160.  The trees now are reproduction....available in various colours...I purchased a pink one a few years ago from Michaels..  I've mentioned before.... grand baby has one in her nursery each Christmas.... I made in ceramics class for her great grandmother in the 80's.   Now it's been handed down to her and she loves having it lit during the holidays!

Since I was out and about....I popped into another store to see how far they had come putting out their decor.  Still a work in progress...but this large statue....I'm obsessed with.  I'm watching for him to come on sale....he's sturdy & heavy enough to set on the front step....without worry of him being blown off....

We have an inflatable outside dachshund.....this one is very lightweight and unless staked down...would easily take flight.  I had actually purchased one a few years back....but returned it due to its delicate constructions.  As it is...the one we have now....is unable to inflate he gets weighted down with snow....

A few new tree ornaments were on display....but I think we have ample ornaments for our tree!!

We've had some beautiful days the last week or so....that will all be changing today with rain and wet snow in the forecast.  My friend and I decided we will venture to the mainland tomorrow...when the driving will be less messy rather than our original plan of going today.

We've ventured with Liesel a few times to enjoy the beauty of fall....it was cool enough yesterday we all needed to bundle up....

The Burning Bush on our lawn in all its fall beauty!!  

My friend loves our lanterns....which prompted Mr. Seventies to dig up a few for her to transplant in her yard...they can be invasive...so she will have an abundance of them in her gardens next year....

We celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary!  It doesn't seem possible the years have melted away!  We celebrated quietly.... exchanging cards and gifts...neither of us felt like dining out.  Another time perhaps.

We chose to spend a quiet afternoon with grand baby.  She is starting to feel better...an x ray revealed she has been battling pneumonia & was put on strong antibiotics immediately.  Frustrating that two doctors and her paediatrician gave the "common cold" as a diagnosis.  Common colds don't not go on continuously....thankfully her mother kept pushing for results.  Since she is asthmatic as well...she will continue to use a couple of puffers. 

Looking forward to a road trip to the mainland tomorrow....I'll try to take you guys along.  In the meantime....be sure and enjoy a few blog parties.   Yup...I'll be there.  Later today at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for  Metamorphosis Monday

Marty at https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ hosts Inspire Me Tuesday and Lyndsey at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/  with Tell It To Me Tuesday!

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today!  Make it a great one.....

Hitting The Trails

It finally stopped raining & we've been enjoying sun!  We decided to check out our favourite trail...I was hesitant... I assumed with all the rain & wind we've had.....the trees would be practically bare....

I was wrong.....

While not an abundance of leaves on the trees as in other years....Mother Nature has done a magnificent job with what she's had to work with.......

I grew up in a small village in New Brunswick....we had an abundance of maple trees..... and I would get very homesick in the fall....

Here...you have to seek out the fall colours.  They are here...just our area is not surrounded by them...

Look at that gorgeous sky!  When we get nice weather.....it's truly beautiful here.  But we get a lot of wind...and it's rained most weeks for months....

Two important members of my pack...Liesel crashed on the sofa when we returned home...she has such a good time being a dog....sniffing....and checking everything out...

Today promises to be a beautiful day as well.  After a hair appointment....I plan to make the trek to Inspired Living...they've been busy putting out amazing Christmas decor & I need to check it out!  

My friend & I have a day trip to the mainland planned for Monday....looking forward to shopping & having lunch  & hanging out with her!

Also....today is the fourth anniversary of my dear friend Chris's passing,  Not a day goes by  I don't think of her...and miss her terribly.  Her first grandchild was born during the summer....she would have been overjoyed!  Rest in peace Chris.... plan to catch up & have a cup of tea when we are together again.

Til next time....

Boo-Ti-Full Hallowe'en Displays

Although the weather has been wet & windy for the last few days....we spent an enjoyable evening with grand baby...while her parents enjoyed their anniversary & celebrated at a local upscale restaurant.  In the meantime...we entertained our little with building blocks and games....and after supper...we bundled up and went to check out some of the Hallowe'en displays in their neighbourhood!  She loves to go for walks...and the weather turned out to be enjoyable....

Keeping in mind...grand baby is young...and some blow ups might be a bit frightening...we didn't get too close...

And she had no desire to get close to any of these characters!!  I thought perhaps Miss Peppa Pig (one of her favourites) might entice her...but she was content to check them out across the street...hanging safely on to Grampie's hand...

We understood...these creatures could be a bit overwhelming to a little one...so I crept in a bit closer for some photos...

She did however....enjoying seeing this photo of Peppa on her Mimi's phone....but that was as close as she wanted to get....

We enjoyed our stroll around her neighbourhood...and once back home it was time for pjs and snacks.  Her parents arrived home in time for her bed time routine.  We enjoyed our time with her...she's absolutely adorable...(spoken as a true grandmother)....

Yesterday....it was rainy & windy...all day.  We had hoped to walk the trails...but Ma Nature had other plans...we took in a movie in the afternoon.  Which lasted three and a half hours!!!  I'm certain Mr. Seventies nodded off a time or two....

I came across adorable slippers by Sketchers....with memory foam insoles!  I can't wait to receive them...they are so cute and hopefully are really comfortable!  I'm in need of some extra warm sleep pants for wearing around the house....the fleece leggings I ordered are great for walking...but since losing weight I'm in need of "lounge sleep pants".....

I'll share this precious photo of my girl....just chillin' in the sun....and keeping a close eye on her Mama!

She is never too far from my side....

Be sure and check out later today over at Susan's blog https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ later today for Metamorphosis Monday.

And Tuesdays are busy blog party days with Marty at https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ and Lyndsey's super fun blog https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/ for Tell It To Me Tuesday!

Thanks so much for spending some of your time with me...I truly appreciate it!  Are you getting ready for Hallowe'en?  Do you get a vast number of trick or treaters?  It's the one day of the year I wish we lived in an area where there are a lot of kids!  Mr. Seventies loves Hallowe'en and we enjoy seeing all the cute & scary costumes.  Since we live on such a busy road....we seldom have many visit...but take our treats to daughter's house...and while they are out with grand baby....we get to hand out treats and see all the costumes!

Til next time.....

 

 

Be Careful What You Wish For!

So...I've mentioned more than a few times how I would love to replace the pellet stove with a propane insert.  With the ever rising cost of propane....I don't see that happening any time soon.  With the days getting cooler...we turned the stove on the other day.....only to discover the auger (feeds pellets into a burn pot in the stove)...wasn't dropping any pellets. We replaced the auger a few years ago....likely time to replace again.  We have a repair man coming Tuesday....and he will also do a cleaning and maintenance check of the stove as well.  I hate to admit...but I do miss the heat from it...I'm no fan of the heat pump.

Remember when we needed a new refrigerator a few months back & I wished the old one would quit (it was 20 years old after all)....and it did!  I'm sure the pellet stove can be repaired...the stove itself is fine...we've had the electronic ignition, auger and blower replaced in the past.  Not much else to it. So doubtful it will get replaced this year....

I came across these adorable ballerina slippers ornament....and grand-baby is in ballet...so picked up a pair for her Christmas tree....

And speaking of grand-baby...she has had a persistent cough for months....and months.  No fever...she's been seen by doctors and her paediatrician....no ear or throat infection...they said it was just a "cold" and it had to run its course.   Well....no cold lasts month in and month out.

Finally, she saw an amazing doctor this week....who suspects she is asthmatic.  (his own little guy had all the same symptoms).  Usually...the cough is worse at night....and it's such a violent cough sometimes they gag and/or vomit.   And of course, she is suffering from disrupted sleep (as are her parents).  A puffer was prescribed...to be used nightly before bed....and chest X-ray tomorrow.  In two weeks she will be re-assessed for any improvement.   Fingers crossed they are on the right track with her health care.  

I spotted these adorable candles while picking up the ballet ornament...

And I couldn't resist these cute pieces to set with the gingerbread house I purchased last week.  I noticed they also had them in red and green....but these colours go with other things I've stashed away....

I've decided to spread a little Christmas cheer in the primary bedroom this year......came across this quilt set.  Not sure why the king size was cheaper than the queen size...but I'm okay with that.  Especially with our high mattress and bed.  I'll add in a festive pillow and throw....

The sun is out...it's cool but forecast to be a beautiful day.  Have bedding on the line....love we can still have freshly outdoor scented sheets for a few weeks yet.  I have an online order to pick up for lined leggings.  I'm anemic....and freeze about 98% of the time....so hope anything lined will help.  I do not like being cold all the time!  

Yesterday for our walk...I wore a light winter jacket & a fleece wrap on Liesel!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!  Til next time.....

Mid October Already!!

We've taken Liesel and walked a couple of trails a few times...they have done an excellent job at repairing them and cleaning out fallen trees and debris.  Lacking though...are the fall colours on the trees.  The experts say due to so much rainy weather and lack of sun...and of course the fall out from high winds and the odd hurricane.  Today we have a "special weather statement" in place which equals lots of rain and northerly high winds.  Such as it is...

Mr. Seventies & I had flu shot appointments....we get the "heavy duty" vaccine apparently stronger for folks of our age.  We're due for Covid boosters as well....later in the month.

When I went to check the Christmas decor at another local store the other day... I suspect that is what all these boxes are!  Get busy people!!

Most Hallowe'en and fall decor is on sale...and they will be moving it out in the next week or so I suspect.  I did find one section with mostly tree ornaments....like these adorable gingerbread.....

I have a few of these "gingerbread cookies".....in different colour combos....

I decided to pop into Home Sense and pick up a couple of the ice cream cones I saw last week...

I noticed these pretty tree ornaments as well....I'm crushing on the colour combination....so pretty on a rose gold colour themed tree...

I haven't come across any Christmas cushions that have wowed me!  Then again I have quite a few in my stash already...

We are enjoying the fall evenings....and I love lighting candles and putting Hallowe'en and fall scenes on the tv screen....like this one.  Anyone who has a smart tv or chrome cast can have a beautiful seasonal screen.  I usually put a different one on each evening....(we are not tv watchers).   This particular one has lots of activity happening...from the pumpkin lady's hat moving...(there is a butterfly that flutters on her hat)....to various birds and crows & leaves blowing about....

Even though it's forecast to be a miserable day....I have errands to run and will be out & about.  I plan to hang out later over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for  Metamorphosis Monday  .

And tomorrow check out Marty's blog https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday and join us with Lyndsey at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/ for Tell It To Me Tuesday!!

My two favourite days of the week....lots of beautiful blogs to enjoy!   Thanks so much for hanging out with me for a bit today...my sincerest thank you.   

Until next time....

Its A Woman's Perogitive...To Change Her Mind

I was all set to have a Grinch Christmas tree this year!  Had my heart set on it.  Then...something happened.  The more I remembered the time I spent shopping to replace our tree ornaments (we suspect ours inadvertently were sent to the thrift store or recycling station).   I love each and every one of our tree ornaments.

The thought of not putting them on...literally caused a pang in my heart.  I knew a Grinch tree wouldn't be happening.  It's been suggested to have two trees....our main tree in the upstairs family room....and a Grinch tree in the downstairs family room.  I think one tree is about all we can handle...and unless we have a power outage...we seldom use the room downstairs. 

I messaged my friend on the mainland & asked if she would return the Grinch piece she picked up for me.   I got to looking at a couple of photos of the ornaments on our tree from last year....and fell in love with them all over again.  It works much better for me...if I have a "theme" to stick to....even I get overwhelmed with all the Christmas awesomeness in the stores....and I can easily get off track.   Having a "sweet treats" theme (my name for it)....keeps me grounded....

And the more I remembered them...and loving each one...I knew I couldn't not use them!

And a trip through Home Sense....twice...sealed the deal!  I knew the minute I saw these....they were coming home with me....

I turned the corner....and saw this gorgeous gingerbread house!  It lights up!  I was crushing so hard on it...so it had to go in my cart....

There were four houses on the shelves that day....yesterday there was none.  The sales clerk said their Christmas decor is flying out the door!

When my neighbour invited me to join her at Home Sense...I could not refuse.  I picked up two gingerbread stocking holders....

I've been wanting white knitted stockings for a while now....and these ones are perfect!  And for a set of two - they were much cheaper than Amazon!  I'm hoping to find a smaller one for Liesel...

I may pick up a couple of these...if there are any left in the store.  I had a great chat with the gal at check out....she mentioned she hears time & time again....people leave without picking up something they saw....and come back later...only to find the piece or pieces gone.  I told her my strategy...(after learning the hard way)....to just buy it..and if it doesn't suit or I change my mind.....I can always return it!

She complimented me on being an experienced shopper...lol.    Oh...if she only knew!  I learned my lesson the hard way....

I debated picking this up for my daughter....in loving memory of her beloved Benson,  She will always be a doxie Mama...but I was a bit timid that it might be too soon.  I think I'm going to pick one up anyway....if I change my mind....I can always put it on my tree.  It's going to be their first Christmas without him...he was our tissue paper shredder and loved to open gifts!!

We decided to pop in to Michael's on our way home....and they are continuing to put out their Christmas decor and ornaments.   I saw a couple of tree ornaments I really like....but they are not on sale yet.  The saleslady advised they will be coming on sale in the next couple of weeks.....so I'll be keeping an eye for a BOGO sale or 40% off sale.  These are really cute....

There is even a new selection of tree picks this year!  How awesome are these??  A great place to pick up tree picks is the Dollarama!  They have some really cute spirals....and you can't beat their prices!

And a couple of these will hopefully be added to our coffee/hot chocolate bar area this year!  I'm watching for when they come on sale...cutest cupcakes ever!!!

Today....Liesel & I will be checking out the store where I picked up most of my tree decor!  I'm hoping they have things set out....

And...we plan to visit my nephew & wife in Nova Scotia early December!  My nephew's wife, Allison is one of my favourite people!!  She is funny, can decorate like a pro...and loves to shop!  She & I are planning a trip to Costco in Halifax that weekend!!  She decorates their gorgeous new home for the holidays right after Remembrance Day...so it will be completed when we visit!  I am so excited to see their completed home...in all its festive glory.  

Since they have two adorable French Bulldogs....I picked up this adorable mug for her...I plan to do up a basket of goodies for them & the pups!!

That is all my news for now!  Many thanks for spending your time with me!   Have an awesome weekend (forecast is calling for rain here for the unforeseeable future)....so until next time....