"Button Trees"

Each year my family makes little "token" gifts to share with each other.  The gifts are usually hand/home made which makes them even more special.  Over the years there have been lots of goodies, homemade chocolates, cookies, dips, trail mixes, soups. There have also been handmade crafts, angels, snowmen, special bulbs, tiny teddy bears, stockings, gingerbread men, glittered pine cones, bells and so on.

 

The token gifts are to be minimum in cost as well which adds to the challenge!

 

This year Hubby & I went to several craft shows where we saw "Button Tree" ornaments and I knew we had found our gift idea.  A trip to Walmart for the special Christmas buttons, then to The Dollar Tree for the sprigs of greenery next to a small store that sells all types of spices for the cinnamon sticks we had gathered our supplies.  Once home out came my button jar and ribbon. 

 

The trees were easy to craft and are sure to give a festive look to wherever they are hung, be it on a tree, wreath or peg shelf!

 

Thanks for visiting.

 

Blessings,

Sher



Happy December...A Day Late...

 

Each month brings it’s own simple joys just as each season does as well, at least to this ole heart!

We’ve already had over a foot of snow before Thanksgiving which has long since melted except for some parking lots where it was piled.  More snow flurries are in the forecast for the weekend and already the winds are blowing cold. 

Since my vow to have less Internet time I have been able to get more things done.  The tree is up and decorated along with the living room, Christmas cards are written out, craft work is coming along and most of all I’m feeling less stress.  Not wanting to lose touch with my dear friends or favorite blogs I will be back posting and writing again every few days. I thank those who understand and hang in here with me. Tomorrow I’ll start decorating the kitchen. Tonight while the cold winds blow our little house is snug , warm and cozy while Christmas lights add a special cheerful glow. 

Some of the simple joys of December for me are watching snow flurries as they dance in the air, colorful birds at the feeders, Christmas lights that shine brightly and the welcome sight of candles glowing against window panes. The smell of wood smoke on a cold winter’s night and watching flames leap on fireplace hearths.  Braided rugs, patchwork quilts, wool coats and knitted hats, just some of my favorite things.  I enjoy the weeks and days that lead up to Christmas, they are magical as our hearts are full with the wonder of this most special holiday.  

May our biggest blessing be that of simple joys shared with loved one’s and dear one’s always!   

 

Best Wishes,

Sher       



What DID We All Do?

What did we all do before the Internet? If you’re like me, I’m sure you don't remember those days before technology became a part of our daily lives.
 

I ask this question because I have heard others say that the “Internet is their life” or their “lifeline to the outside world” and I wonder how we all managed before personal computers, smart phones and the like?
 

Was the world a bit kinder? The pace a little slower? Our lives a little fuller? Wouldn’t we visit with nearby friends and family in person or actually talk to them on the phone? Wouldn't we refrain more often from hurting others with our words? 
 

The Internet is a great tool for learning new things, I know we’ve used it to repair appliances, look up information that otherwise would have required a trip to the library and to stay in touch with friends far and wide. 
 

Please realize I’m not knocking the Internet, only my or our almost addiction to it. How many hours are wasted sitting in front of this screen and riding the super highway to the world? Facebook, Pinterest and sites that hold our attention often far to long to where before we know it the time has gone by and we’ve missed out on “living”.
 

Many mornings I’ve been on the Internet and not realized the  hours that have slipped by and when I started to notice that was happening is when I began to question if reading about life through a screen was equal to experiencing it?  I guess I’ve decided that it’s not. My house isn't cleaner, my crafts or sewing projects aren’t being completed, the pets aren’t getting as much attention, I’m not going outside to enjoy the fresh air and see the sights of geese flying, horses running in a pasture or any of the little things that bring joy to my life and yet are easily taken for granted. 
 

So, I’ve decided to step back from the Internet, some days I may dip back into my “favorites” or write a note now and then to a friend, but for the most part I’ll be re- learning how to live my life without so much time sitting in front of this computer screen or even the TV screen for that matter. 
 

Thanks for all who read or left comments on my blog, I appreciate that you were here. Enjoy the holiday season and remember to take time to experience the simple beauty and joy that comes from life itself!

 

Blessings,

Sher

 



Simple & To The Point....

 

Wishing all who read this:

 

~ * ~ A Very Happy Thanksgiving! ~ * ~

 

 

Taking time away to enjoy the holiday with family!

Blessings,
Sher

 



Living in Central or Upstate NY we are used to wintry weather but the first storm of the season is always a bit uneasy. Once again we bring out winter jackets, shovels, snow blowers, ice melt and regain driving skills. Usually the first snow is light flakes with maybe an inch of accumulation and without strong gusty winds.  It gives us a chance to practice for winter (driving on snow covered roads with white-outs takes patience) and we have time to ease into the season.

 

This time the storm came on the heels of a warm, sunny Saturday. As the afternoon waned the winds picked up and the temp began to fall. All night the winds blew in strong gusts and a light snow  began to cover the ground. By Sunday night the snow fell heavier and the winds continued.

 

This morning we woke to snow and winds, schools closed, some business' closed, libraries and meetings closed or cancelled. Cold, snowy and very blustery conditions greeted us and stayed throughout the day. We are thankful because as of a short time ago we had just about 10-12" of snow.  Area's west of us have more than double that amount!  We were blessed to not be in the path of the heaviest snow bands. The storm will continue through the night and is said to finally move off by tomorrow afternoon.

 

We are hopeful that the weather will clear for those traveling to join family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Speaking of which, our turkey décor out front is sure to be shivering, just like we will be when it comes time to bring him and the other decorations inside and bring out the Christmas décor.

 

So much for waiting until Thanksgiving is over before stringing lights and wreaths!

 

Blessings,

Sher

 

(PS. Photo from Pinterest...weather forbid actual photo of outside.)



Oh No Doc, Not As The Holidays Near!

😕
This represents my confused face and mind. Why not wait and see just a bit longer before jumping on a bandwagon that I don’t want to be on?

Okay, I know I’m not making sense but let me just say that there are some in my family who struggle with Type 2 diabetes.  All along I knew I had a risk of joining this rotten disease.  For the past two years I have been on pill medication for diabetes and now just as we’re getting ready to enjoy the delights of the holiday season the doctor decides it’s time to start on insulin shots each day. 

Oh no, not right now….let’s wait until after the holidays…I promise I’ll try to be good!  It won't be easy with all the homemade cookies, candies, celebrating and festivities of the season, Lord no!  I’m protesting the timing of this, it’s not fair, I’ve been looking forward to the goodies all year. 

Well, I know the needle is heading my way, it’s only a matter of time if I don't get control on myself and get back to exercising and eating better but oh how I love the homemade cookies my sister and I bake together, the homemade candy, special ice cream treats, pies, cakes, eggnog and meals along with everything in between!

I know I’m being silly and that my health needs to come first above these delectable goodies that come only with this time of year.  I have to be good, I gotta be good and yes, I must be good if I’m going to avoid insulin shots and constant blood sugar readings. 

It’s hard, it’s frustrating and it’s crap but it could always be worse, I tell myself because it’s true….it could be WORSE.  I’ve known others who struggle with serious diseases that require hospital stays and live in pain each day.  Diabetes is a mere inconvenience as long as we keep it under control and if that means forgoing some foods or eventually facing the needle, then so be it.  Still, everything in moderation when it comes to food, right? I think so, but I’ll try to do better in my choices and portions.  I’m sure it’s good-bye to my favorite red licorice sticks….they are nothing but pure sugar even if they are low in fat….and oh how I love them but I know they won’t love me back anymore. 

 

As someone sang in a song, "The times they are a changing" but I can handle whatever lies ahead, it’s just that it doesn’t seem fair to happen right now as we’re only days from the start of the holiday season.  Ooh, the turkey, the dressing, sweet candied potatoes, homemade applesauce, cranberry slices, apple and pumpkin pies, oh my! I knew I should have postponed my doctors appointment until after the holidays but oh no, not me! I didn't listen to my gut feeling to cancel and reschedule and now I have to face the piper and it just doesn't seem fair this time of year!

Wishing all who are reading this post nice days leading to Thanksgiving, the biggest meal of the year and for those who also have diabetes may we remember to take good care of ourselves and try hard to not indulge too much as we begin this festive time of year!

 

Blessings,

Sher   

~ "The Apple Man"~ (A Story From My First Blog...Years Ago..)

The story I shared today was written on my 1st. blog back in 2005. I lost that blog with computer troubles and just recently found out that my Mom had printed and saved those entries.  Thanks to Mom I am able to share these stories and feelings once more with you!*

 

"The Apple Man"

 

One autumn day an old rusty van pulled into our driveway and a very chubby man dressed in tattered shirt and overalls with a very torn and dirty looking hat slowly climbed out of the van. His boot leather was all crackled from wear and his face shadowed by what looked like several days beard.

I remember this old man because from the looks of his rusty van I judged him with my childs mind as a hobo.  I watched as he want to the back of his van and opened the rusty door which creaked with a mournful sound.  What he took out of the van was a bushel basket full of the biggest apples I had ever seen! He went to the door and knocked politely, and when Mom appeared he asked if she would like to buy a bushel of his wonderful apples.  I was sure she would nicely turn him away and not purchase his apples just based on his appearance and that of his rusty old van, but to my surprise I heard Mom say “yes” and watched as she gave him the few dollars he requested.  He left the bushel basket, closed his van then drove off, engine sputtering and choking the entire way.

After he had gone we kids each were given one of those huge apples and with the first bite discovered they were as sweet as could be! Never had we ate an apply as mealy and sweet as these, they were delicious!

That day I learned a valuable lesson…..never judge another person or turn them away based on appearances alone.  That tattered old man was obviously a farmer who went door to door in hopes of selling his apple crop.  I was so glad that Mom had looked beyond appearances and saw the good inside.  Of course this was many, many years ago when times were simpler and a whole lot safer, neighbors knew each other and folks were friendly.  I’ve never had as sweet an apple since the apple man appeared that fall and regrettably that was the last time we saw the old man with his tattered clothes and van full of the yummiest apples I had ever tasted!

* * * * *

Thanks for visiting!

 

Blessings,

Sher