Pumpkin Carving

 There are times when you can not plan ahead.  But, sometimes this works out for the Best and the event ends up being tons of fun!

Take this past weekend.  Shanda's kids were all here with the exception of Trey (who was working).   This was really the only time before Halloween that they could get together and do their Pumpkin carving party.  

Son-in-law Tom, made sure we had plenty of BBQ for our Sunday evening meal.  BBQ, Beans, potato salad, chips, pickles, sweet tea and pumpkin cookies with Ice cream!! Delicious meal.

It was then time to head outside to let the fun begin.  Pumpkin carving can get a bit messy, but not to fear, Shanda had everything in its place, including a fun pumpkin table cloth, the tools for carving and Orange colored twinkle lights.  Oh yes...and plenty of paper towels and wipes.

Now...I was a bit concerned when I saw what Mylee was carving and then I really became concerned when I saw what her friend Emma was carving.  I'll show you all their pumpkins in just a moment...

Did you know that the inside of a pumpkin really stinks?  Gosh..the stringy insides and the seeds all smelled terrible.  While the kids were carving, the rest of us were rocking and swinging on the back porch...just taking in the nice breeze that was all around us.  We call this "Porch Chatter" (a.k.a. Family)....meaning that our porch gatherings lets everyone talk...sometimes all at once...and between the laughter and the jokes, a lot of memories are made.  

You might wonder what was going on here??  Well...seems the mosquitos are really attracted to TOM.  He wanted to make sure he joined in on the Porch Chatter, so he sat inside the house to keep from getting so many bites.  The screen was open, so he was able to join us..  lol..

I would like to say that none of the Pumpkin carvers have a true talent for carving (at this time), but it's not necessarily about the talents...it's about the traditions and not the end results....Right?

Now for the explanation of Mylee and Emma's carved pumpkins. 

As per Parent Magazine!

          

Emma's Pumpkin

            

                                                   Mylee's Pumpkin

What On Earth Is 'Six Seven?'

"6-7" is a viral slang / meme phrase that is circulating a LOT, especially among younger people...(Gen Z / Gen Alpha).  Wikipedia

Often used as a sort of joke phrase or reaction....people say "6-7" in response to seeing "6 and 7" together, or just because it is trending.  parents + 5

It's intentionally vague and somewhat nonsensical: there is no solid consensus on a fixed meaning. Merriam-Webster 

Basically, it means "So-so" not great, not terrible.  

It makes No sense to us older folks...but to the younger generation this is something that has been taking over!....even in the class rooms at school.  There are many youtube videos about it, and the kids think it is hilarious.  I suppose you could say 4-5....but the whole point is that it is 6-7.

                Carson and Emily

Anyways..... it was a fun-filled evening and we had many laughs as we all would try to do the 6-7 the way the girls were doing it!!  I'm thinking that perhaps those two pumpkins belong to the younger generation.  They're probably out there on the porch taking selfies, or hashtagging #PumpkinGoals, and laughing at us old-school pumpkin carvers.  You know...the ones who still think triangle eyes are classic.  

I suppose every family carving night needs a little youthful flair in the form of two trendy pumpkins trying to go viral!

Shug...🎃

From Sailboats to Sales Racks

 Columbus Day!  That curious Monday in October 🎃 that tends to drift in like a ship through the fog. Some people celebrate it, others forget about it entirely, and a few just know it as a day when the mail doesn't run and the bank doors are locked all day long.  

Do you remember learning about the ships when you were in school?  The Nina...the Pinta...and Santa Maria.  This stirs up memories for me of school projects.  To learn the name of the ships, our teacher had us learn an old song....

The Nina, The Pinta, The Santa Maria..add 'em up...one, two, three.

Sailin' high....sailing low...see Columbus go, go, go.  

This is all of the lyrics that I remember!  lol. 

We also colored maps and made paper hats!  

Fast forward to Columbus Day today... I think the real celebration has shifted from exploration on the high seas, to exploration of the Columbus Day "Sales" that are so strongly advertised from furniture stores, car lots and online retail shops.  

In many communities, Columbus Day has now evolved into Indigenous People's Day, a beautiful and respectful time to honor the first inhabitants of this land.  Their heritage, wisdom and contributions were huge in shaping America.  

What if Columbus and his crew could see America today..... I am sure the word "Overwhelmed" would not even hold a light to how they would feel.  Can you imagine them using GPS rather than the stars to navigate by?  

How will you all celebrate?  ME?  I most likely will celebrate by exploring in my kitchen.  Trying to figure out what I have in the pantry to cook a good meal with. I also plan to explore the UPS store this morning as well as Sam's Club (again). 

  How Blessed we are that these three little ships were able to conquer the massive waves as they came across the Ocean....We are Blessed to live in America!  

Hope I didn't cause the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria song to get stuck in your head for the day!!

Happy Columbus Day!!

Shug....   

Our LIttle Town's Annual Fall Pow Wow

 

Every Fall, our little town comes alive with one of its most beloved traditions.  The Annual Pow Wow!

This is an event that has been taking place each Fall, for as long as I can remember.  

We went this year, and even LUCY, our four legged sidekick, tagged along. 

Lucy sat proudly by Mylee during the parade with her tail wagging, and sharing a few howls with us as the fire trucks passed by....sirens going!  

I think the marching band and the fire trucks were a little too much for her.  

There were a few times when Kisses was all she was interested in.

The parade rolled through town with decorated floats and a lot of smiling faces from the kids riding the decorated trailers. 

This particular float really brought a lot of smiles to the kids faces...

And who do you recognize on this float.  Could it be my neighbor and friend Dotta?  Yes!!  She is on this float with her bible study group.

The parade ended at the city park and this is where the real fun begins.  Food vendors lined the paths, and they were tempting everyone with homemade pies, roasted corn, BBQ, Egg Rolls, and all kinds of fried delights that you could think of.  

Booths overflowed with handmade crafts, fall decorations and all kinds of treasures that make you say...."I don't NEED this, but I really think it is cute and ......"  So guess what?  you come home with something new!!

Pumpkins, mums and all kinds of Fall colors decorated the city park and even though it was 90 degrees, it did look as if Fall had fallen from the skies.  

The Pow Wow lasts all day, with music, games, dunking booth, fun things to do for the little ones, and a whole lot of hometown pride.  One of my favorite things about the POW WOW is seeing family and friends that no longer live in our little area. Its kinda like having a huge reunion!

By the end of the day, Lucy was tired and ready for her nap!  Our hearts were full and guess what?  My bag was empty...  I did not make a single purchase!!   

At the heart of it all, the Pow Wow isn't just a festival so to speak....It is a day where you realize  the best parts of life can be found in the simple places of this Country.  

Friends, Laughter and the "Already" excitement  that is in your heart in wating for Next year's Pow Wow event.  

Waiting for the parade...

Trista, Shanda and Mylee..

This may have been my favorite 

ride in the parade...  These two were enjoying all the people waving at them as they passed by!!

Happy Sunday!

Shug. 💛

Pumpkins and Fall Porch Lights

LOL....  Our air almost feels like Fall (if you stand in the shade long enough).   

This past weekend, I visited the Christmas Store out in Midland with my granddaughter-in-love and baby William...  Oh goodness y'all, it was like stepping into a winter wonderland that had accidentally collided with a haunted house.  

One side of the store was twinkling with ornaments, all kinds of sparkly garlands and plenty of Red and Green to make Santa super proud. 

The other side?

Pure Halloween chaos! Big glowing skeletons, crackling witches, a giant pink spider and plenty of pumpkins. 

I really deviate from the Halloween decorations....it's just not my thing!

But, I will admit, that the creativity and imagination behind those displays were something to see. 

Very Colorful for sure....

and...this wreath ↓↓↓

 

This really was a very nice store and I would go back if ever I have the opportunity.  

Back home in out little town, there are several homes dressed in pumpkins and lights.  I like to think of it like this....a pumpkin on a porch says, "we're grateful."  A porch light glowing says, "You are welcome here."

I do love lights (ALL YEAR LONG) and I love decorating, so this little visit to the Christmas/Fall/Halloween store was right up my alley!!

Here is my prayer for the season!

May our hearts be as warm as our front porches, May our homes be filled with laughter and cinnamon, And may we all take a deep breath of this changing season and say,

"Thank you, Lord, for another turning of the year."

PUMPKINS AND PORCH LIGHTS HAVE A WAY OF BRINGING US A KIND OF PEACE THAT SOOTHES OUR HEARTS.  

Shug....🎃