Good Thursday Morning

To Everyone, how are you?
  We have had some interesting weather here the last few days. Snow all around us but missed us altogether, (ah shucks,)  however, it is awfully cold with the wind chill factor! Today the sun rays are breaking through the clouds and things seem to be a little brighter.
How's your day and your weather? Sure hope you are having a good one.  
 James sends his regards and says he really miss blogging, he can't seem to get back into things since his surgery. He's still on light duty, but doing ok at his job. I keep telling him things will get better...
  
  We went thrift shopping a while back, I need to get pics and post...I am so far behind with everything. I'm having a bout with Fibro and my terrible back, I haven't done too much, however it is a slow, very slow pace that I attempt to do anything. Hopefully when warmer days come, I'll be able to get going.

Speaking of get going...

  I think I have worked all the bugs out of the new blog and you should be able to get to it now. The link is here  . Although it is a "cat" blog, I really would like for you to follow/join us with your canines and/or any other furry-pet.
  We want all our friends and their pets to be with us, so if you haven't signed in to follow us, please do! Don't have a pet, that's ok, come on over and follow us anyway...we want you there! Soon, our competition will start and it is for the pets. I'll let you know when we will begin.

If you would like to learn more about the competition, please click, here .Thanks so much for stopping by today...we love having you here! Come back to see what we are doing... At Our House!

Best of Wishes To You & Your Family,
From all of Us

All The Best

Wishing You All a Happy Healthy and Prosperous 2013!

  "Welcome" to all, especially those of you who are our New Followers...we appreciate your being here!
 I'd also like to extend a "hardy welcome" to those of you who just stop by to visit...come back to visit and see what's happening at our house. Leave a comment just to say hello, you don't have to be a follower...

Don't forget...You are Always Welcome At Loretta's Home!

Best Wishes To You and Your Family,
From All of Us

Change of Plans

Good Morning, I am so happy to be here this morning.We had a nasty storm to blow through during early hours this morning, with heavy rain and high straight-line wind.
   Yep, trees down, power out and everything else that comes with these kind of storms. Fortunately, we came through it all unscathed. Temps will be dropping to freezing and rain again on the holiday. Now that I've given you a complete weather forecast...A little humor to start the day.

  I want to tell you, our plans have changed with the children coming home. My son in the Navy had last minutes duty changes, and Jason, who lives in PA had to carry the children's mom to hospital for emergency surgery.
  Since they would be losing days from their visit, we decided to change the time they will come home.
  That leaves James and me with the pets this year. That's fine, we relish the thought of sharing this time together.

  I have been visiting your blogs, but somehow never getting around to everyone, but please know...I will be there soon!
We will be taking a few days off from the blogs...I am tired since I'm still work with the paper. I have so many Emails to attend to from readers. Parties are too many to attend, you feel like making a clone of yourself. I have an appointment, so I'll close with the thought of returning soon to visit!
 
 Take care and have a lovely day!

Best Wishes,
Loretta

Joyfully Yours...

 This time of the year gives all of us much to be thankful for, especially family. So much has happened in this world today that has robbed us of our JOY. However, being with family gives us love, peace of mind, feelings of giving and joy.

May you all have Peace, Love , Happiness and are filled with much Joy throughout the year!

Best Wishes,
James & Loretta
                                             

 

Why Is There So Much Hate...

 
                                                     In This World?

“Why”- a short word, yet, one that demands an answer. An example of this: when a gunman rushes inside a building and takes the lives of men, woman, and children; wounds several others, and then turns the gun on himself. Obviously, he was full of hatred…for himself, for others, and for society in general. Afterwards, a saddened community leaves piles of flowers, and teddy bears where a tag was seen among the pile with the word, “Why?” Grieving parents, friends, as well as millions of people the world over share the same question, “Why?” The loss of life this past Friday was infinite as measured in history; and for as long as we all shall live, it will be etched in all our minds and hearts. They were, for the majority, innocent kindergartners!

Why do innocent children die this way? Why is there so much of this kind of hatred? That the world is full of blind, unexplainable hatred has likely not escaped your notice. In fact, for one reason or another, you may have been a victim of hatred yourself, and maybe you too have probably asked “Why?” possibly more than once. Even this time of the year, when peace on earth, good will toward men and love, is the norm among many…hate, crime and violence has no boundaries.

Destructive hatred is based on prejudice, ignorance, or misinformation and is usually triggered by fear, anger, or a sense of injustice. Not having a proper basis, this hatred results in shocking results and repeatedly gives rise to the question, ‘Why?’ All of us know people whose characteristics or habits may irritate us at times and with whom we find it hard to interact. But irritation is one thing; the desire to do people bodily harm is something else. That’s why it’s difficult to comprehend how a person can nurse feelings of hatred for entire groups of people, oftentimes people he does not even know. Long-standing hatred of other ethnic groups, races, or nationalities is behind many of the problems in today’s world. When coupled with racism, hatred becomes even more sinister. There is no mistake, such hatred still exist! And it is so deeply rooted that even when the conflicts that it has spawned are resolved, it remains. How else can we explain the difficulty in maintaining peace in war-torn and terrorist-plagued countries?

We live in a world that teaches hate! People are inherently selfish. And selfishness, if not kept under control, can turn into hatred. A person motivated by hate is consumed by his own passion, and never care about others. On the other hand, these very same people profess to love the true God. How contradictory! How selfish! How can a person say he loves his Creator and hate his fellowman? (1 John 4:20) He sees man daily, but man has never seen God!

Hate can be replaced with love…unselfish Godly love. Love deprives hate of its basis, and triumphs over it. It is the strongest force in the universe because, “God is love.” 1 The heart that beats for God’s adversary-the devil…the god of hate will not beat for long. However, the heart that beats for Almighty God, the God of love, will beat forever. Which quality dominates your life, love, or hate?

Thought Provoking...huh?

Article From My Column This Week

Loretta

　

　

Now Try It!

I think I have worked out the problems, Please click on the link in the next post and try again!
Love You!

Launching of New Blog!

Good Evening Everyone,

I want to share with you the launching of our new blog entitled: She..."Spoke To Me" here
  We are still working out the final parts, but it is open for viewing, please stop by to check it out and to become our followers.
Please leave a comment to let us know you were there. Miss Kitty and I are very excited about it!

Best Wishes,
Loretta

Is It Me Or...

When I wrote my post yesterday, I was shaking, angry, confused, and yes...shocked! Today, although my emotions are in check, I am left with a sense of loss...a deep loss, as I'm sure everyone of you are experiencing today.
  Prayer has given me solace. It is unfortunate we all live in a violent, loveless, hate-filled world with people who are selfish, cruel, yes, evil!
 
  While we go on with out daily routine and lives, subconsciously, our thoughts are still on those parents who have suffered this tremendous loss. Sadly, they will have to live with this deep sorrow. How utterly devastating!
 
  We talk about it, try to rationalize, make sense as to what went wrong and through this person's mind, what demons he was fighting, why so much hate, especially for his own mother? Nevertheless, this doesn't fix-what-this-person-has-broken! Those innocent lives can not be restored...those babies are gone, and their parents are left here to try and live with this havoc. You have to be made of stone if you aren't feeling this pain with them!

  I pray they will find a sense of closure first, just to get them through each moment, hour, and eventually...days. Faith in God may have been shaken, but faith will be needed to  get them through this horrific loss. I pray they will draw closer  to God and rely on Him!

  Let's all continue to keep them all in our thoughts and prayer...they all have  much sorrow ahead. May God Bless Them All!

Loretta                            

Tragedy Strikes Again

It is with heavy heart and mixed emotions that I write this post. There has been another school shooting, this time at an elementary school! Dead are 27 total, as of now...18 of them small children ages 5-10 years old!
 
  Oh, my Lord! Why, why such loss? Why is a short word but, demands answers. But, are there answers for all of this horrific carnage? This world is so full of hate, ignorance, injustice and sick people who only think of themselves... someone who can shoot down killing a child this young, My God!

  Pray for this school, the students, parents and those who loss their precious babies...Lord Bless the Children! What a horrific event these children had to witness...

Let's pray they don't have problems dealing with this tragedy! Our Hearts goes out to all of you!

God Bless,
Loretta
 

Happy Sunday

Good Afternoon Friends,
  How are you today? I couldn't say good words about the weather because from reports, I know some of you are getting inclement weather. Sure hope it isn't too bad and you're able to withstand it.
  It is suppose to rain tonight here and turn cold with a morning low of 30 degrees, 50 is the high. This pattern will hold until mid-week, then it starts to warm up again! Ugh, flu weather! 
  When I had some time, I stopped in to see what you have been up to and I want to let you know, you didn't disappoint. I've loved your decor` baking, and yummy things to intice the tummy! "You guys rock!"
 
 The holiday parade was yesterday however, I didn't cover it...I was so tired, I had to take a back seat; or, shall I say, a seat on my front porch. I left all that madness to the pro's!
  I slept in today, and feel a bit better, but Monday starts a new day with more holiday coverage. This will be my final week however, and then, I'm home to prepare for the children's homecoming. I have sought the help of my daughter Daun, who recently moved back to live here, to help me with everything. I am bracing for my grand's!
  James and I have missed visiting with you and he asked that I send his hello's and best wishes... Take care and wishing you the greatest of the season!

All The Best To You & Yours'
Loretta

Hello

 Hi everyone, thought I'd pop in to say hello and to let you know I'm keeping busy. Today was a busy busy day...I had to cut it shorter than previous days because the ladies wanted to work longer.
  These ladies can work circles around me, hehehe! I can't stand too long because of my back, so I sit a while, then start again. They are very motherly and understands why I have to work this way. I am just so happy to be able to do so.
  My neighbor, Miss Betty has moved and I'm missing her too much. The house has sold and I am bracing myself for the new neighbors. Ugh!
  I got in around 5 PM tonight and I am tired. I'm going to take a hot shower to relax and get to bed. No early bird here tomorrow! Soon, my house will be full and I have to save my strength for this happy meeting! Take Care...
 
Wishing you a peaceful evening and rest well!
All The Best,
Loretta

Welcome, Welcome...

Well now... how in the world are you? I suppose it could be better, but what's the use of bellyaching about it, right?
  I wanted to give you a heads-up letting you know I will be away from my blog for a while, and hopefully by then I'll know what I'm going to do about this picture loading thingumabob!
  Ooops, I've been hanging around town folks all day, and the vernacular has rubbed off. Lol! Deadlines are coming from everywhere, and I been doing the bunny hop!
  Seriously, I will be quite busy with the newspaper and helping with all the coverage coming up during this holiday. I have a number of assignments that will keep me on my toes and also out on a couple. I'll stop in to say hello when possible...I can't help it...I have to keep in touch... LOL! 
  
Until then, keep creating and most of all, take good care!
Warm Regards,
Loretta
  

Happy Monday

Good Morning Friends,
  Things are starting to look-up at the Thomas house. The wound is better with no more swelling, it is a warm 62 degrees, with showers expected today...and I am wondering,
what happened to our cold weather?
  Once we get cozy by the fire, with 32 degree temp and feeling the cold...the next couple of days, we are back to the warm temps. Oh well, what can we do but enjoy what we have and be thankful. It could be worse, huh?
  So, what have you been doing...I know enjoying family and friends...eating (hope not too much) but, what else? I suppose I will have to visit to see what you have been up too, right? 
  While James was home for the long weekend, we went to an estate sale and picked up some goodies. I'll get them up later when I get pics of it. Ooops...is what I've gotten for up- loading pictures. I'm not sure how I am going to handle this so I'll think it over and decide how to proceed. 
  
Wishing you all a terrific Monday. Take good care!

Loretta 
  

Hello and...

 How are you today? I've been visiting your blogs but was unable to comment because once again, a visit to Doc's was necessary. My diabetes is causing the wound on my hand to heal slowly. I'm being really careful not to upset it, although, it is completely healed on the outside. 
  It is my right hand, and I have the hardest of time using my left hand. Doc went in and drained it again, because of swelling, so I'm back to square one. 
  I'm going to take it easy these few days James will be at home, and away from the blog for a while. Thanks so much fro visiting us and leaving such nice comments, hopefully, I will be able to get back to a routine soon. 
  Wishing you a wonderful time spent with friends and family...we all really do have so much to be grateful for!

Warm Regards,
James & Loretta 


  

In All Its Beauty

Good Friday Morning,
  I was strolling through sites last night and found these beautiful photos of fall. Where we live, we don't see this and I always take to sites to witness this kind of splendor.
  I selected a few to share with you, keeping in mind some of you might have seen such ones.  Witness God's magnificent Glory!  Click on each picture to get the full effect. Enjoy...

          Autumn forest sunrise

           Autumn Reds

        Autumn Yellows

          Autumn Golds

        Autumn beautiful

        Autumn nature

     
 Autumn road... notice how the ground is undisturbed

 
 Autumn Autumn, I could sit here for hours

   Autumn colorful foliage

Simply wonderful...a gift from God that only He can give!
I am in total awe of His Majesty!

Wishing you a great Friday and a a beautiful weekend with family. To our friends on the east coast...you are in our thoughts and prayers as you continue to endure hardship from the ravaging storm Sandy!  Blessings to all of you!

  James is home with me today and he sends his hello and regards. 

Warm Regards,
Loretta & James  

  

Happy Wednesday

Good Morning,

  I just walked in from outside and it is such a beautiful fall, cold morning here! Leaves are falling and the air smells fresh and fall-like. Yes, this is all good, but I also see that the lawn needs to be raked, picked up and... Oh, I'll get to this chore later as I contemplate it all. In other words, forget about it for now! LOL.

  

I was shocked to find these roses on the lower section of the property. The camera doesn't capture their true essence of color, however, they are different shades of red. Kitty loves them! She touches them ever so delicately.

 

I tucked them in my water bottle while walking the property, nice vase, huh?

On another note: I've been sewing again...

This little craft seems to be just what Doc ordered, in so many ways I can't begin to tell you! Candle mats and door hangers this time. I need to get up to the fabric store to start on other things to do.  Here's just a few of them...I can make 

a bunch in a day if not interrupted...but, that'll be the day, especially with Kitty and Lovey in the room. Why can't they be like Amanda and get along! Lol! Enjoy...

Look at this "big ham"... she just pounced on Lovey and now they are chasing the other in the kitchen. Cats and Dogs... you can't live with them and... you can't live without them!

  Hope you enjoyed your little visit with us today and please, do come back to see us! I've been listening to a Betty Davis movie on A & E, so I'm getting a cup of coffee and snuggling in my recliner with ...THEM! Will be around to visit later!

Wishing you a most lovely day!

Loretta

Personalities Clash

How in the world are you? We finally are feeling autumn. We had low temps this morning and will have the same tonight as Jack frost comes to visit. 
  James is on a long weekend and we have been spending some time together with our fur-babies. Lovey and Miss Kitty can't seem to decide if they want to be friends or not. 
I can't ever get a shot of them together, because they are always running away from the other.

Here, Kitty falls asleep waiting to pounce on Lovey...James wouldn't let her do it!

Lovey ran to get in the chair with James thinking she could get away from Kitty

I got this shot of her when James told her to sit on the floor, however

Lovey never stops watching to see where Kitty is lurking. It is a never-ending thing all day with my baby... watching out for that Cat!

Finally she grew tired of being on the watch and came to me to be picked up. She quickly fell asleep in my lap. You think she felt saver in my lap?  That Kitty is mean-mean-Cat!

Greetings Everyone

I've missed you terribly...how have you been? I have some catching up to do because I know I have missed a lot. Please bear with me as I spend a bit of time with each of you. I'll get around to you soon.
  My hand is still rather stiff, but it has healed very well. I think I will go and have a little of the therapy Doc suggested because it's just not up to par yet. 
  Well, enough about me...while I was suppose to be resting with my hand up, I was so bored, you can only watch so much TV...I thought I would sew a handmade wall-hanger. Didn't get it all done, because I kept thinking of something else I wanted. Here's some of what I accomplished. Click on the pics. Thanks!

I start out by crudely sketching an object from sight, I don't buy patterns unless it is something I can't handle. Then I play around with it until it looks about right. However, I like  the crudeness and especially the prim look...that will come later.  

I give the piece a name, then cut them out and pin to felt. I use wool felt from the craft store. 

Here, you see how I pin the pieces to the door hanger after stitching it, then stitch the pieces on 

This is the finished door hanger

And here it is hanging on the door 

I made a crude looking pin cushion from a scrap too small, but it came together and I need it. It looks better than the one in the outset pic... If you look closely, you will see my sewing notions look worn. That's because I have had them since... Home-Eco in high school...some 40+ years ago! LOL!

This little cutie pie...I made for my Mom. She's always losing her small scissors and other small objects, so, I thought this sewing caddy would help. It will even hang wherever she is sitting. That is, if Braylon doesn't take it!

 My floral motif will become either a pillow or wall hanger. I haven't decided.

Seems my cooking has gone further south, LOL! I'm not worried, soon my kitchen will be filled with hungry people.
In just a few days they will all be home...wow! I have been preparing!
  James and I wish you all a very wonderful weekend! Our thoughts are with all our blogging friends on the east coast. We can only imagine the hardships you are experiencing. 
We were able to contribute to the care packages coming your way from Shreveport LA. Hopefully, you will be able to put to use the things our neighbors are generously giving! Take Care!

Blessings To All Of You!
James & Loretta

Good Evening

Hope you all have been well.  I am healing slowly and getting better. I had to go back to Doc once again, and was told the wound is look much better.  I have missed visiting with you, however I plan to spend some time with you possibly sometime before the end of the week. Take care  especially, those of you on the east coast with a new storm. 

You are in our thoughts and prayers... All the best.

Warm Regards,

Loretta  

Thanks For the Well Wishes

Good Morning, I hope this finds you all well. Thank you for your concerns and get well wishes. You all mean so much to me. 
  Doc's visit was a painful one yesterday. Inflammation was in the bite again and had to be drained. It is hard using my hand so I'll be brief today. James has been working overtime because of the conditions of the roads with the truck traffic. They have had lots to rebuild and repair. 
  These are some rugs I've tried to work on...please excuse my picture taking...not very good I'm afraid. Of course, Kitty added her two cents worth to the rugs. She went into my bathroom and got into my body powder again, then while I was trying to get a shot, she walked across the rugs dropping the powder on them. Ugh! I didn't realize it until I put them up on the blog. So sorry! Why didn't someone tell me cats were soo independent!

The top one was in the making. Sorry, I didn't get the other ones in here. Too much movement of my hand!  

I call  this one "In the Still of the Night"

This one is "Dark Night"

And of course, the last one here is called "Lone Wolf"
  James says they are too colorful, but that's what Autumn colors are, right? Thanks for checking on me , but I'm afraid I can't comment today on your blogs. I know they are lovely as ever. I need to take care of this wound. Being diabetic doesn't help the healing process. Take good care, until...

Lovely Thoughts,
Loretta 

Have Been Ill

Good Morning to you all, 
 We have been watching the weather reports and the damage left in the storm's wake. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to all of you. We can only imagine the full devastation you've had to endure from this huge energetic slow moving storm. God Bless you all!
  
  I have been very ill from cat-scratch-fever! Kitty's bite was very bad...I am seeing more of Doc than ever. I didn't want to be in hospital, so I had to visit him often. I am still on penicillin, etc., and have more visits, but feel so much better!
  I don't remember how it all happened, it was so fast, but she left two fang marks in my hand. The pain and swelling was awful, not to mention the procedures Doc had to do to treat it. 
  I just wanted to share with you what's happening with us...I'll be back with you later. I have to see Doc again today. Please take care and know you are all in our prayers.

As Always,
Loretta 
  
  

Cool Morning and Warm Days

How's everyone fairing this evening? Thanks for visiting us, we didn't forget about you...we've had things to happen, as the old saying goes...when-it-rain-it-pours!

  My Mom is doing better than before, but when the weather changes here, she has to get acclimated to the damp and cold. She loves working in her garden, so we have to be mindful of her, since she lose her balance easily and falls. 

  Wednesday night our elderly next door neighbor fell and broke her hip. Paramedics came and took her to hospital. They did surgery yesterday and she didn't have any complications, however, she will be in therapy for weeks. Glenn, her son is keeping us posted.  We are watching the house and things for him until she comes home. She is such a dear sweet person.

On another note, I am cooked out...neither one of us can decide what we want to eat. I had some sauce in the freezer and took it out for spaghetti...James didn't want it, so I just decided to make me some mock chili.

  Guess who came into the kitchen saying, "something smells good", and helped himself to my bowl. Isn't it wonderful how we can read their minds and know their stomachs, then cook enough for the both of us! LOl. 

  

Please overlook this serving of food...it belongs to James! See how he crumbled the crackers into the chili. ugh! He couldn't wait for me to fix it and get a shot!

Well, it-is-what-it-is! I had peppers and other garnishments, but this is all he wanted.

I didn't sit down to eat until James was on his second bowl...I didn't complain because he it was good to see him eating again.

That pot was near empty when he finished! Well, I know I'll have to find something to cook tomorrow!

  Hope you all have a very nice Saturday evening and enjoy the Autumn weather!

Warmth and Blessings From,

James & Loretta

 

Happy Wednesday

  I feel so Blessed to be alive!  I know you feel that way too! Top of the morning to you all, I don't have to ask...I know you gals and guys have gotten those creative-juices flowing this bright and wonderful day. (hoping it is sunny your way too.)
  I took these pics just before my lilies faded, but I forgot to show them to you. Spider Lily is the name and they are some very awesome ones. I waited to get a shot of them when it was almost dark to get a better one, because when the sun is shining on them they do not present their best side. Enlarge to see how pretty they are. Enjoy!

On another note...  James brought these two gems home last night for our dessert. I'm constantly asking him to bring some fruit when he sees a stand on the road and he did so today. 

 I thought they would be as good to eat as they looked, however, they were deceiving! Nevertheless, it was nice to have some fruit to eat for a change. (What they sell in our grocery is priced so high you can't afford any of it!)

Thanks for stopping by to visit and say hello. We love having you here! Wishing you a lovely fall day. See you soon... I'm off to Mom's to visit with her...will be back to visit with you later. 

Loretta