Summertime 2015!!

It's been a long while since I posted on the blog! Life just got complicated in so many ways; I lost my password, and couldn't figure it out--over and over again! So, maybe with a bit of luck and smart moves, I can start blogging again? I sure have missed my blogging friends! I've been busy planning our family reunion. It will be in July and I've still got tons to get accomplished, or so I think! Our sweet Mama will be smiling down from Heaven again this year, knowing that I continue the tradition of hosting the family at her home! These pix are from a few years ago--one of Mama and her brother, Mel Beasley--he will celebrate his 99th birthday in August of this year. Right now, he's in the hospital with pneumonia and we sure hope he'll be feeling better in no time at all! He has been educating and entertaining the nurses and doctors with stories about Mobile Infirmary's history--and gosh, he should know--being that he's been down in Mobile County for over half his lifetime! The other pix is a school photo of Hampden Ridge School, located in the community in which these two siblings grew up. My grandmother and several other relatives are in this photo. It was taken circa 1906-08 we believe. Hope you enjoy your summer activities as much as I plan on enjoying mine!!

Brrr~~ Baby, it's cold outside!

Hoping to use these cute printables for family Thanksgiving in the next couple of days!

Preparing our hearts for Christmas this year

It's going to be a different kind of year this Christmas; as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our KING--we as a family are celebrating it without our Mama this year, as she went to her heavenly home this past January. So, we are looking toward gathering in thanks with our families in just a few days for Thanksgiving, and preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Jesus at Christmas. Along with that, there are preparations for a holiday season, gifts to make and share, recipes to try and just some good old fashioned togetherness as we participate in the church activities and community events.

Some of my Favorite things to brighten my thoughts!

Mailbox arrangement to bring fall in along with the mail

My best friend, Frank Murphy, doing one of the things he loves best (beside riding the wind) and he's on the Sepulga River here, kayaking.

My two loves: Grandsons John Christopher Kirby and Alex William Kirby enjoying beach time with their parents and families.

My sweet Katie and her love: Luda--she might be the child, but she still teaches me so much!

A foggy morning view across the way from work--trees in fog. It's like the day slowly unveils itself.

 A cheerful scarecrow to brighten the walkway along with silly pumpkins.

October

This is one of my favorite pix of fall--taken a couple of years ago on the Old Federal Road near the Old Middleton Cemetery. It depicts the old-fashioned 'swamp daisy' as we refer to them, blooming in the ditches, all up and down the dusty dirt roads that you will find here in South Alabama. I enjoy picking some of these for bouquets--just wildflowers--the pinks and lavender blooms you'll see this time of year, the bright, sunshiny yellow of the daisies, goldenrod, and bright reds of the various berries on branches--makes for a beautiful bouquet anytime!
Riding down dirt roads is a favorite pasttime of mine--you never know what you might find around the next bend! It also doesn't hurt to get away from the constant busyness of town, and job responsibilities--just gives your brain a rest, you know?

Family Ties That Bind

From April to September?

It's been awhile since last I posted, believe it was April and now, it's nearly September. August brings kiddoes going back to school and hopefully, we'll have cooler temperatures with no major hurricanes this season! I'm looking forward to getting back to crafting and scrapbooking, and trying to find my footing! Both figuratively and literally! I'm having issues with plantar faciitis and it's a pain, believe me! Ouch! I've received some wonderful family photos over the last month, and hope to post them on the blog! I want to get back into heritage scrapbooking, so am taking a big room in my home and remaking it into a scrapbook and crafting area so I can leave everything out and stay inspired to create! It's good for the soul! I'll post some pix of the "new" crafting room when I get it done! Go enjoy the day! It's Friday here and the end of a very stressful work week. I am ready to play!