A SHORT TRIP

I am leaving tomorrow morning for a flight to New Hampshire where my daughter will pick me up to go to her home in Massachusetts. I like flying into Manchester instead of Boston and she is almost as close to one as the other. I checked the weather and it is supposed to be rainy and windy. Yuck.

I am looking forward to seeing my grandsons and New England is so pretty now.

I will be back next Sunday -- see you then!

DINNER OUT

Yesterday I talked my husband into driving me out in the country about 25 miles from home to pick up a small hutch that I had found on-line on Craig's List. It was a beautiful day for a drive. I haven't decided whether to paint the hutch or leave it the natural maple. It will go in the kitchen to display more of my "stuff." Do you think I should paint it all one color, paint only the shelves or leave it the way it is?

One reason Ken was willing to drive me in the truck to pick this thing up was that it was near one of our favorite restaurants. It is called Jimmy's Grill and is a real country locals place. For people who know about it, though, travelers coming from Washington, D.C. to the beaches in Delaware like to stop also. Ken and I love their fried shrimp, although they are known more for their fried chicken. I embarrassed him by taking pictures of our food so I could post them here. I had fried shrimp, cole slaw and corn fritters. He had fried shrimp, limas with slippery dumplings (a local thing) and collard greens. They also have the most wonderful homemade rolls. I know all this sounds pretty ordinary, but I guess you have to be there to experience it. Here are the pictures. Yum!

THIS N' THAT

There is nothing exciting going on here lately. Actually, that is not entirely true. The local Jazz Festival was this past weekend. One of the headliners was Joe Piscipo doing his Frank Sinatra impression show. The convention center hosts several acts a day and many of the local restaurants have free jazz shows. To attend the big shows isn't free, though, and since I am being frugal (maybe an overstatement) these days, I didn't go to anything.

Thursday night will be our annual Realtors' Auction. We raise money for needy children to help give them Christmas presents (each child also gets a warm winter coat) and provide money for worthy causes throughout the year. There will be lots of food and silent and live auctions. It is usually a lot of fun -- local real estate companies compete with each other to create the best "basket" that raises the most money during the live auction.

Next week I leave for Massachusetts to visit my daughter. I am looking forward to it so I can catch up with her and with my grandsons. My oldest grandson recently attended a bar mitzvah - by himself. He was invited by one of his classmates. Beth and Dale delivered him to the temple and then picked him up and took him to the country club for the party. He had a new suit on and wore a yarmulke. He commented to his parents that he would no longer complain about Mass at his church being long - the bar mitzvah service lasted three hours. My youngest grandson is starting to take lessons to play an instrument in school - his choice is the bass fiddle. A beautiful instrument, but so big that he isn't allowed on the school bus with it!

I have been thinking about the various bloggers I have enjoyed who have "retired" from the blogging scene. It is interesting how involved we get with each other and how we miss those who aren't "with us" anymore. Life is so busy these days - sometimes it is hard to include everything in our lives.

I have been remembering my trip to Paris two (?) years ago and wondering if I will ever be fortunate enough to return to my favorite place. In memory, here is a photo I took of the Sacre Coeur.
Bon soir!

P.S. Just remembered something my oldest grandson said. He is taking French in school this year (7th grade). When asked why he chose French he said, "Well, you know it is the best language." That's my boy!

AUTUMN...AGAIN

FOR A FEW DAYS there I thought that summer had returned. Yesterday was around 80 degrees. Yes, it was beautiful, but geez, I thought this was autumn. Today should be in the 60's which is fine by me.


I just read the most inspiring post by Barbara at The Clark Homestead. Stop by if you can. It really expresses what so many people are doing these days and for some, what they have always done. Making do. Being frugal. Doing what our grandparents might have done. I can't say that I am one of these people, but I never did have wealth so some of it comes naturally. But - the idea is there. The seed that germinates into something. If I could I would put a windmill up or install solar panels. I would have a goat to cut the grass and a few chickens for eggs. What I can do is plant a better garden next year. I can refrain from buying that handbag that I don't really need. I can be more aware of where my money is being spent. These are tough times for a lot of people and we can learn from this. I have been reading a lot of blogs written by smart, strong women who are tightening their belts and getting on with life and doing their parts (big and small) to make their lives and those of their families good. There is a lot of doom and gloom out there right now, but I don't read it in those blogs. They are truly uplifting.

On a lighter note, here are a few pictures of some decorating I have been doing. I love my Fall "tablescape." We never use the dining room table, but this Thanksgiving we will do it proud because my daughter and son-in-law and grandsons are coming to Grammy's house - driving all the way from Massachusetts. With the dog.



Those glass domes and soup tureens were all bought at thrift stores for a few dollars each. The vintage suitcases the same. Really. See how frugal I can be?









There's a picture of Chloe strolling by. And of course, the king of the palace - Beau the poodle with some of his treasures - a sock and two stuffed animals that are now stuffing-less.


Have a wonderful day, dear bloggers. I love you all.

TODAY ON BEECH DRIVE

What wonderful weather we have been having. I just love autumn. I have a pumpkin and mums on my front doorsteps, Indian corn hanging on the door and an "autumn tablescape" on my seldom-used dining room table. My daughter and son-in-law and grandsons are coming down from Massachusetts next month for Thanksgiving. I am going up there at the end of the month to visit over Halloween. Life is good.

Yesterday I drove up to Pennsylvania to meet up with my sister to put flowers on our parents' grave. (Here is a picture of my sister relaxing while waiting for me to arrive at the cemetery - late as always. She has the holes dug all ready and waiting for the flowers.)

On my way back to the turnpike to head home I drove past the house in which I grew up, past my old elementary school and high school, past houses where friends used to live. I stopped into my mother's favorite consignment shop (we used to love to go there together) and I bought a beautiful blue wrap scarf to wear with my blue jeans. Mom would have approved. It was a happy-memory filled day.

Thanks for stopping by!