Happy Halloween

Wordless Wednesday

Welcome

That's all the words you get today! 

It's Wordless Wednesday

Well just a few words.  

Come back Friday for the story.

Tuesday This/That

Hello.  Welcome to a late post.  I thinking about this post and was 
going to write it on the Tablet and practice a bit but it needed to 
be charged! 

That's how I roll; always needing to charge something or put gas in!

It's usually me needing the charging!

Things are slowing down a bit for me.  But I've got tons of chores around the house to catch up on.  Our mothers are both just rocking along as well as they can be.  The each have different illnesses. 

 Mainly both need something to do.   They are bored and lonely and have no desires to change their circumstances.  I am working hard with my mother to encourage her to go to activities at her new residence. 

She is in a very nice skilled nursing center.  They don't use the old term of nursing home.   Friends and family ask me alot how is she doing?  They are really asking 'Is she better?'  She won't get better.  

She is 93 with congestive heart failure and she is mad.  I encourage

but she isn't real open to anything.  

I/we; the Cowboy and I think my exhaustion stems from dealing with both moms.  I hope that is the case.  

Since things are settling down I am trying to get back to posting more regularly.  

I am also trying to make menus for our dinner and sticking to them.

And I am trying to cook more. 

And I have decided to do something new here on the blog.  Starting 

next Tuesday I will be featuring a recipe from a book that I've read recently.  Most of you know I read all the time.  I mainly read cozy 

mysteries.  I post reviews over on another blog My Reading Journey.  I would love a visit! Click here leave me a comment please.  

I've tried the last few months not to post alot of reviews here 

at My Journey Back.  And I will still post most of my reviews over at My Reading Journey but I'll be choosing a few books to feature here.  

I am planning on getting back to making plans for traveling and I'll be posting about places we want to visit someday. 

 

So that's a little This and a little That and a few plans.  I hope you'll be a regular visitor and leave me a comment too.  I love to know you've been here.  About that.  I still can't read comments on my computer but I can read them on my phone.  I am clueless what is up with that.  Blogger is well it's blogger!  

Tomorrow is Wordless Wednesday come over and see a post with no words!

Happy Homemaker in Texas

Welcome

Today is Saturday and that means Happy Homemaker

I link my post on Monday over at Family Corner

The weather

We've a had a few days of sunshine.  Yea.  Not much rain in the forecast.  Just sunny fall weather mostly 70's low 80's.  Fall 

is so nice in Texas. 

On the breakfast plate

I think I'll scramble an egg to go with some fruit. I have 

blackberries and green grapes in the fridge. 

What I'm wearing 

Jeans and a ragged t-shirt will be going outside soon and do some 

work on beds, moving more rock.  I've decided to put rock in the front bed and just a couple plants.  I tend to let it go. 

On the reading pile

  

This weeks menu

Monday-One Potato Two Potato Soup, BLT's

Tuesday- Taco Tuesday

Wednesday - Beef Stroganoff, Noodles, Green Beans

Thursday - Ham, Navy Beans, Fried Okra

Friday- Pasta Primavera, Salad

Last Week's Menu
I never did get a menu done but this is what we ate.
Monday- Don't remember
Tuesday-Went to M.I.L.'s but didn't stay for dinner stopped 
and got a 7.99 pizza at Domino's.  It was nice for a change.
Wednesday -Hamburgers, Potato Skins
Thursday- Bacon Carbonara.  The recipe is here.  It was so good.
Friday -Grilled Cod, Fried Shrimp, Twice Baked Potatoes.
I had bought cabbage for slaw and never did make it!

Today's To Do List

Go to hardware store

Buy Pansy's

Laundry/clean house

Read and maybe some crochet

Finish 'Falling Up' the greenhouse room

My 'Ta Da' Moment

Brought my new painted white shelf in from outside.  It was lot heavier than I thought.  Actually I drug it through the wet yard. 
Later the Cowboy wondered what the tracks were!  It looks so 

good!

Fabulous Party Feature

A great post over at Dona's on blended families.  Check this one out over here. 

Loved this one.  A mom oasis.  We all need one! Read it here. 

The Fabulous Party run every week, all week.  You can link anytime over at Our Holiday Journey.

Click here to link 
The party will be back here on Sunday November 4th 

A few garden plans

Add 
I bought a couple small mums the other day at Walmart.  I like 
the smaller ones.  I'll leave them in the greenhouse for a bit then 
plant outside. 
I will be picking up bulbs and getting them out. I want to add to my flower garden for next year. 
The Zinnias are still making me smile. 

These all came up from the earlier planting.  I didn't dead head or cut any blooms I was hoping they would go to seed.  There are some tiny ones.  Maybe they will bloom before it gets to cold. 
I plan to plant 2x's next spring what I did this year.  The butterflies have found my garden. 

From the camera

Poinsettia's from last Christmas.  Two small $1.00 ones I bought at the grocery store.  I wonder if the color change on the leaves is the start of changing to red?    Just like Walmart I have Halloween Pumpkins and Christmas Poinsettia.

Scripture/Devo

Favorite Photo Friday-A Story Behind Wordless Wednesday

Welcome.  Today I am sharing the story behind a photo I shared 
for one of my favorite days Wordless Wednesday.  I began this 
new feature a few weeks ago and thought it would be fun to share some stories. 

Here's this weeks photo

Doesn't that face make you smile.  And maybe crack you up.  
He can really be silly sometimes.  I have no idea how I managed to get this shot.  But I thought it was so cool with all that hair blowing in the breeze.  
This shot is actually a couple years old when he was in a longer hair phase.  He was watching a lot of the Disney channel and wanted to be Austin from Austin and Ally.  Hence the longer hair.

This shot was taken at the Fall horse show in our town.  And few more pics.  

 This is the "Really Gigi?" shot.  This is the look I get when he's 
done with my 'snapping'.  His hair is a mess because he has had a helmet on all day. 
 
 Some time he doesn't realize I am taking another one. 

 And then there's the 'Ham' again!  These were close to the end of the day after he had ridden.  Enough of that shirt tail tucked in. 

A boy and his horse. 

Always makes me smile!
Thanks for visiting. 
I hope you enjoyed a few older pics.
Have a Wonderful Friday!

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning.  Welcome to a beautiful Thankful Thursday.
My day is going great!  Is yours?  I have a day off today! Yea me!

So I am soooooo very Thankful for a day off. 
I am Thankful it isn't raining either!  I was off yesterday too and it rained all day!  I stayed in and read a good book!  

I borrowed this cute graphic from my friend B.J. over at 

Sweet Nothings.  She writes a fun blog where she shares her 

decorating, family life and cooking/food.  It's always a yummy visit at B.J.'s.  Click here to stop in. 

I am Thankful my mother seems to be settling into the rehab where she is.  She seems to like the staff.  She doesn't do any activities.

But I keep hoping.  She is 93 and fiesty.

And I am Thankful for friends and the patience, love and support I have received from everyone over the last few months.  The bloggers,  the publicists, tour hosts and friends have been real sweet when I've been behind.

I am happy to be able to be a part of Pen Friend again. A new 

Holiday round is starting.    Maybe we can be Pen Friends. 

I am off to the post office to mail long over due packages. 

And I'll be getting stamps so I'll be ready for my new Pen Friend.

Have a Blessed Day!

Wordless Wednesday

Add A Caption _________________

Come back Friday for the story!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Buster's Ears Trip Him Up-Children's Book Review

About the book 

Buster was sure he was the fastest bunny in the meadow. But during a race at summer camp, nothing goes as planned and Buster gets tripped up. After his epic fall, his older sister, Ivy, helps him see that failure is an opportunity to grow. As Buster remembers God’s love, he is able to let go of others’ opinions and accept that it is okay to try your best but not always be the best. Edited by Edward T. Welch, Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up ends with a special section that guides parents in teaching children how the gospel of Jesus Christ comforts and sustains us through failure and turns our focus away from ourselves and toward others. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses that will remind children and adults of God’s love and help for those who get tripped up.

A new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family—bring gospel help and biblical counsel to families. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces. The last page of each book contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps children apply biblical truth to specific issues. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life.

- Each story, based on a different animal family, will keep even the youngest child engaged.
- Brightly colored, fun illustrations welcome children into a detailed animal world.
- Each story helps children process a challenging situation with concrete, grace-based, help.
- Instead of moralism, children are offered a practical way to follow Jesus through a difficult situation.
- Based on CCEF’s model of hope and help that encourages a growing relationship with Jesus.

And I thought 
Charming and cheerful.  This was a lovely book.  I loved the illustrations.  I was given the option to read any of the 3 in the series.  

I chose Buster because I love bunnies.

Buster turned out to be quite the guy!  This was a delightful book 
with wonderful illustrations.  Joe Hox did an amazing job in the 
illustrating.  

Although the book is geared for 3 year olds to 8 years olds I would 
consider it more a book parents would read to the much younger audience.  It's not a book I would hand over to my 3 year old.  
Honestly I am not sure I would turn my 8 year old loose with it either.  

Although my children and grandchildren have been raised to have a love for books.  I just think there are books for them to handle and enjoy and then there are books that should be read under supervision or be kept for family time.  This is one I would definitely use for family time.  Or to be read together with the parent at bedtime.   

I liked the Bible verse cards at the end but I just wasn't sure how they could be used other than by the parent.    The page is perforated for easy cutting out.  There are 4 verse cards featuring 
Psalm 40:1-2, James 4:6, Romans 5:8, and Hebrews 4:15-16. 
Although a nice touch I don't see how the Psalms and Hebrews verses in a verse card as a tool for this age group.  The are wonderful expressions of God's love and promises but they are long verses for this age.  

I enjoyed this book immensely and I would buy the others to complete the series.  My grand children would love the series. 

I received a complimentary copy.  
My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 


Buy the book 

Amazon

CBC

Book Review-His Promise by Shelley Shephard Gray

About the book (from the authors site)

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s latest Christmas novel in her Amish of Hart County series.

It’s set to be a white Christmas in Hart County, and Grace King is pet-sitting in a beautiful home with only a difficult dachshund for company. Just as she starts to miss the bustle of her large Amish family, Grace runs into a familiar face. Living right next door is John Michael Miller. He’s a fireman now, but five years ago, he had courted her older sister, then broke her heart. Seeing him again stirs Grace’s anger, but also reminds her of deeper feelings she’s done her best to deny.

The infatuation John Michael once saw in Grace’s eyes is long gone, though his complicated attraction to her remains. He had walked away all those years ago when he realized he was falling in love with the wrong sister. Now, as suspicious fires are set in their community, that’s not an option. Grace dismisses his warnings, and John Michael vows to keep an eye on her. But he can’t help wondering if he’s reconnected with Grace, only to risk losing her again.

Now all John Michael wants for Christmas is to keep Grace safe, in the hopes that they can one day have a future together.

And I thought

Each one is even better than the last.  This is a series worth checking out. 

Shelley Shephard Gray can spin a tale that will have you unable to put it down.  So plan a few hours to focus on this one and enjoy. 

With some suspense and some sweet romance the reader will be kept interested and turning the pages to the end. 

The characters are very endearing and weave they way into your heart.  

I have enjoyed every book in this series.  

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 

The series

The Amish of Hart County is a 6 books series with His Promise being #6.  I have had the priviledge, joy and honor to read each of these books.  Each book is fast paced and can be read as a stand alone with completely new characters in each book.  

If you are interested in a good clean book with some romance and some suspense you'll enjoy this series.  

    

   

For more about the books in this series visit the authors site.

Click here. 

Buy the book 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

What's For Dinner-Menu Plan Monday

 

Maybe I should have called this 'Who's Coming For Dinner?'

I was looking for images to share with my post and fell in love with this one.  That could so be my family.   

Have you seen the amazing photo's of formal dinners in a barn?

One day I'll have to share a few but for today I am sharing my menu for the week. 

Have you planned a menu?

We went shopping and bought some meat.  Our freezer was almost bar!  Got some ground beef, chicken and some fish.  Here's the menu.

Monday - Chili Stew from leftover Chili from weekend

Tuesday - Baked Cod, Fried Shrimp and Cole Slaw

Wednesday - They call it Fried Rice.  My M.I.L.'s recipe

Thursday -  Smoked Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans

Friday - Chicken Lettuce Wraps leftover Rice, Egg Drop Soup

This week it's going to be a super easy week.   These dishes just sounded good.  We haven't had in a while.  I am hungry thinking about it!

Have A Wonderful Week!

Hello Friends

Good Morning sweet friends.  I have a little different Simple Sunday post today.  I have a few things to share with you.

My computer is probably on it's last leg or gigabyte or something. 

It went to sleep late yesterday afternoon so I was not able to post 
the Fabulous Party till this morning.  It is up now over at 
Our Holiday Journey.  It will be staying there through October 
and return here in November. 

If everything rocks along and I can baby this computer a little longer.  

If not I want you all to know if I disappear it is because of the computer problems.  I am able now to post on the tablet but I have very limited photos.  So I'll try to be around hopefully it won't be boring.  

I am committed to quite a few books so I have to get those posts written and prescheduled before posting here.  Come and see me at My Reading Journeys.  

I'll be here as long and as often as I can.  I'd love to see your comments but that issue is not resolved either.   I can read emails on my phone, kindle and tablet.  I'd love to hear from you. 

Say a prayer for me.  Will ya?

Have A Wonderful Week

Happy Homemaker In Texas

Welcome to my late post.  Today I've been nesting/decorating.  

I love to decorate for Fall.

Do you? 

Well let's get on with Happy Homemaker

Joining Sandra

The weather

I see sunshine.  Haven't seen it in seems forever.  But it's shining 

and there are butterflies in the garden!  I have no idea what the 

week holds I am just happy for today!  

How's your weather?

On the breakfast plate

Skipped breakfast today.  Well I did eat a couple pieces of bacon that I cooked in oven last night to render the fat. 

For lunch I had a warm bowl of homemade Hamburger Soup.  Yum.

What I am wearing

hopes it's not TMI.  Still wearing red plaid p.j. pants and a cami. 

Been working hard moving things around.  P.J.'s are comfy for 

all the work I've been doing today. 

On my reading pile.

Today I'll be finishing up . . 

It's a good cozy read.  Perfect for any audience.  I enjoy this series. 

I'll be reviewing it in a few weeks. 

I'll be reading next to review this week. 

A favorite author.  My first time to read this series.  

Another great cozy to read. 

What I am thinking

I am glad the weather is so nice and I am getting so much done.

I'll have to stop and take pics soon!

Things that are annoying me now.  Things that are still annoying me!

A new prompt of my own because I am annoyed.

For some reason.  I cannot read the comments that people leave on my blog.  I click on them and nothing happens.  I can't moderate 

either.  I sent feedback to blogger.  I hope they fix it.  If you see spam on my blog(s) please ignore it!

Apparently feed back doesn't mean you get help. 

If you know how to fix this I would love the help.

This weeks menu

Haven't even thought of a menu yet.  I'll add later!

Fabulous Party Features

This one looked so good shared by The Bearded Hiker

Click here to read the post. 

And a yummy festive drink

I think I'll try before the holidays.  Click here for the recipe/post.

From the camera

           

We had a great dinner last night.  The Cowboy found lobster on sale.  We shared a huge T-bone and he enjoyed some lobster. 

I ate steak, tomatoes and onion rings.  Would have loved to have 

some of the lobster but it does really, really bad things to me!

Scripture/Devo

Source

Have a Blessed Sunday

and 

A Wonderful Week