Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon (Official Music Video)

Christmas.... 2019, down 'the rabbit hole'.


'Christmas'... 
is Magical.
Like Matthew 18:20, promises.
<3
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them."
'Love'.
<3 

It wasn't the 25th, but....
'Christmas'...
It Was,
 indeed.
<3 <3 <3 












Little Jack, and...I, were on the Same Page.
He was playing, and having Great Fun....
then, the next thing I saw, was him....nearly asleep, workin' on his Grader. 
: )
He's Definitely a Conner/Helm/Glunz.
: )
If you're too tired for the work ahead... Don't Quit!!
 Bring the 'work'...to your level...and Keep on Goin'!!!
Hahahaha!!


It got Pretty Rowdy!!
Oh My.
<3 <3 <3 
Tinsel Was Flyin'....Everywhere!!!
<3 <3 <3 
The Old...French Furniture....
was Rockin'!!
The Kids thought the Settee...was a Wrestling Mat, and a Trampoline!
Hahahaha!!
<3 <3 <3 
{It's...old, but...it's 'Tuff'. <3 }
Miss. Willow, had so much Fun, as...did All of The Grandkids, here....
with the 'Tinsel'. 
<3 <3 <3 
{Liz told me, 'Tinsel'...is like my 'Moss', that I love so. {Straw, too <3 }
One Can Never...have Too Much!!!

Slept in John's old...Lazy Boy, last night.
When I looked into the room, where 'Christmas'...had Exploded, last night...
there was Tinsel...Everywhere!!!
{I, couldn't have done it better, myself. : ) }
<3 <3 <3 
I scooped up most of it, and....saved it.
<3
Have, every year.
<3
It's so much more Beautiful....
year, after year.
<3
It holds many memories.
<3
Candy wrappers, and...a little card, Daughter, Liz...made, for her tiny, Mad Hatter Hat, ornaments, were  scooped up, this morning.
<3 
I'll tuck it all away, for next Christmas.
<3 <3 <3 

Last year, I...couldn't find it, in myself...to put The Tree up.
When Miss. Meadow came walking in, yesterday, and saw The Tree, she about...flipped.
<3 <3 <3 
Meadow, was Two, when The Tree was last, up.
She didn't remember it.
It, was 'Priceless', to see the little faces, when they saw....The Tree.
<3 <3 <3 
The Tiny Ones....saw the little trucks, with Ornaments, piled on their beds.
Somehow, they....just didn't think that was right.
: )
I watched them, as they 'unloaded' the little old trucks, that are here, and there...
and began hanging the Ornaments, on The Tree.
<3 <3 <3 
Priceless.
<3 <3 <3 

I'm going to work really Hard, this 'New' year....to bring 'Magic'...to those, who 'Need'. 
maybe....
 just, a 'moment'....at a time."
{I don't move as fast, as I used to. : ) <3 }
<3 <3 <3 
Love, to Each....and, All.
Barb C.

{watching our Grandchildren's Faces....yesterday,
reminded me of how important 
'Magic' 
can be. }
<3

Friday, December 27, 2019

Charlie Daniels Uneasy Rider

After Christmas....'Christmas'. oh....my.


Hope Everyone....had a Lovely, Peaceful...
Christmas.
<3 <3 <3
For the First Time, in my life...
I'll be preparing 'Christmas Dinner', after...Christmas.
Tomorrow.
; )
I'm trying to find all of the positives....concerning this belated 'Christmas'.
: )
Went shopping, this afternoon, for groceries, and was delighted...to find So Many....
'Christmas' items, reduced.
<3
That, was a Positive...Thing!
Did the shopping, filled the cart, with Amazing...Deals!!
but...
forgot a few items.
Realized That, as I was approaching the Check Out.
I asked a kind, Young Man...working the 'Self Check' lane...
{I don't use them, but...saw him standing there.}
If...I could leave my cart, near him...while I went to gather what I'd forgotten.
: )
He was Very Nice, and said... "Sure!!"
<3
I, ran...with another cart, as the first...was pretty full.
When I returned...
my Original...'Buggy', was gone.
: (
Turned out, the 'Security Dude', saw it, waiting....
and thought it was left.
EVERYTHING....
I'd spent two hours shopping for, {in a 'Mad House'}
 had been put back, on the floor.
oh my.
: )
oh...my.
: )
The Folks, working there, {Target}....
were so Kind.
<3 <3 <3 
{I...wanted to Cry. : ) I don't like shopping 'retail'. Ever. }
but, later...
I, thought...
How Blessed, am I....to have a 'Full Cart', and...
be able to Run Back...for more.
<3 <3 <3 
It took us awhile, {Thanks, 'Team Target' <3 } 
but...
we managed to get most everything back...in order.
: )
<3 
I'm tired....{had many miles to go, after...}
but...
So Very...Thankful.
: )
Christmas, after 'Christmas'....
may have to be on 
New Years Day, 
from here on out.
; )
Love, to All.
Barb C.

{The only Tune...I could think of, that could match this day....
was, 'Uneasy Rider', The Charlie Daniels Band. 
: )
Seems, That Tune...has been 'Fittin'...for Most of my Journeys. : ) 
'After Christmas, 'Christmas'....included. ; ) }

{Target Folks, were so Kind....
They insisted, on helping me load....<3
 I'm sure they won't forget 
'The Ford' 
; ) 
Victorian Iron Beds...
Rusty, Gnarly...'Junk',
 and....
ratchet straps, 
Holdin' Everything...
down.
; )
Priceless.
<3 <3 <3 }

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Soaking in Every Last Moment....

Sittin' next to The Tree....
Soaking in Every Last Moment, of Christmas 2019.
❤️❤️❤️
Merry Christmas, to All. 
❤️❤️❤️

Merle Haggard - If We Make It Through December (1974)

John's 'Red Wings'.

Had to post this image, of John.... wearing his 'Red Wing' Boots.
❤️❤️❤️ 
I gave him the money for Christmas, the year before....
with a note, saying it was 'Red Wing' Boots Money.
😘
{I'd saved for months, for John's Boots. <3
When times are 'lean', they can be mighty...lean. }
He decided, he could get another year out of 'em!
Hahahaha!
{John got 5 Years...outta Those Red Wings! {with a little help, from 'Duct Tape'!}
The next year, I....went to Red Wing, and bought them for him, myself. 😁
Duct Tape...can Only Go So Far!!!
Hahahaha!
Merry Christmas.
😘
{It was very strange, walking into the Red Wing Shoe Store. Even, more so...wrapping Adam's.
I, know....Adam, like...John, would spend money on the Children, 'Long'...long....before, he would on himself. {My Dad, was The Same...Way. <3 <3 <3  }

Merry Christmas....

Spent most of the day....pretty quietly.
This, is the very First Year, I didn't have a 'Family' Christmas...on 
Christmas Day.
Very....Strange.
The Kids, all...have little ones, and...it's difficult for them to come.
They have other In Laws, to  visit.....
: )
{we've always kinda been 'Out Laws'.... Hahahaha!}
We'll get together, on Saturday.
: )
This Evening, Daughter, Liz....asked me to come visit, and bring some Supper.
So, I...did.
: )
Brought Supper, and whipped up some Oyster Stew.
<3 
That's, Always...been a Christmas Tradition.
<3
Santa, had left a couple of things, here....for the Kids, somehow.
: )
I, delivered them, for him.
; )
Had, to smile...when I pulled in.
The Kids, decorated 'Sneaky Pete'....for Christmas!
{Flatbed Ford <3 }
Love It!!
Liz, and...Jack.
<3
Adam, and...Baby, Vivian Elizabeth.
<3
Santa, knew Adam was in Need, of some New Boots!
I, about Fell Over, when I saw Adam's Old...Red Wing Boots!!

Exact same boots...
Wow!!
Jack, and Miss. Scarlett....had Great Fun, wearing one of each....of Daddy's Boots!

I, told Liz...she needs to write a story, about Adam's Old....Boots, about All...of the Work, and...Fun, they've endured, over the last few years.
Priceless.
<3 
Those Boots, need to be put in a Shadow Box, on  Display!!
: ) 
Oh My.
<3

Hope, You....had a Lovely, Peaceful...Christmas.
Hope, Santa...was Good, to Ya.
<3
Love, to You.
Barb C. 

{I'm going to post a picture, above...of John, from my phone.
It's one of my Very...Favorites.
<3
John, too...wore his 'Red Wings', to the Bone.
oh...my. 
{John has used Duct Tape, on his 'Red Wings', 
more...than once. : ) <3 }

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

The Carpenters - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Wishing All, a Very...Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy...New Year.

                          Wishing Everyone, a Very....
Merry Christmas.
❤️❤️❤️
As I sit next to The Tree, this Christmas Eve, I feel so very Grateful, for having such Wonderful People, in my life. 
Some, I've known... forever. 
Some, only a while. 
Looking back, over the last year, and change...I, don't know how I would've managed, without them. 
❤️❤️❤️
It's been a difficult year. 
I was Blessed, very.... because, I know.... I'm not the easiest person to walk beside, especially...when I have the bit in my teeth.
😉
The last year, and more... have been a roller coaster ride, and many Battles, have been fought, and....won. 
I, couldn't have done that, alone. 
I'm so Grateful, for those....who have kept me, in their continued Prayers.
❤️❤️❤️
Such a Priceless Gift. 

The Lord, has shown me much, over the last few years.
Love, is Truly....The Greatest Gift, of all. 
It's Everywhere. ❤️
Sometimes, some days... it's easier to see it, than others, I....will, have to admit. 
😘
but, It's Always....there. ❤️
 
Sending Love, and Prayers....to All.
Merry Christmas. 
Barb C. 

Monday, December 23, 2019

Elvis Presley - Merry Christmas Baby - HD with lyrics

pachelbel's Canon in D--Soothing music(the best version)

Christmas....oh my.

This Christmas....
I, can't decide what 'Music'... to play.
Part of me, wants to play 
Pachelbel...Canon in 'D'.
: )
The other 'Part', wants to play....
Elvis Presley. 
'Merry Christmas....Baby'. 
; )
This Christmas, is Mighty...Difficult.
; )
Oh....my. 
: (
Guess...I'll Play Them Both.
<3 
Love...to You, and...
Merry Christmas Eve, Eve. <3 
Barb C. 

A few Reflections...by The Christmas Tree, Christmas Eve, Eve.

Priceless. ❤️❤️❤️

Saturday, December 21, 2019

The Tractors Santa Claus Is Coming (In a boogie-woogie choo-choo train)

On The Road... Today!

Oh My!
Pal, Allyson, and I Hit The Road, delivering Cards, for The Anamosa Antique & Vintage Market event, coming Fast!!!
January 19th!!! 
We visited West Branch Shops, and Dyersville! Had Great Fun!!! ❤️
We both Gathered All Sorts of Treats, and... Vintage Goodies!
Oh...my. 😉
We always enjoy Travels.... together. 
We Solve All of The World's Problems!!!
Hahahaha! 
Love, to Ya....
Barb C.

{Told Allyson, as we were Packin', More, and More...into her little RAV 4,
The RAV, must say..."Oh No!!!", when you pull in, at The Rabbit Hole. Hahaha!
We turn that little Rav, Into a Truck <3 : ) : ) : )
{Git'er Done.... ; ) }
<3
It's 'Christmas!!!' <3
Oh...yeah. ; ) 

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Miranda Lambert - It All Comes Out in the Wash (Audio)

Some things.... simply Bring a Smile, to my face.

Spent last night....basking, in The Christmas Tree's Glow.
<3 <3 <3 
: )
It's so much warmer...in the newer side of the house, where The Tree...is.
John, Insulated It...Well. <3 <3 <3 
A Dear....Pal, stopped by, yesterday.
<3
She, and I...visited for a Long....time, beside The Tree.
: )
We caught up, on so Much.
Even...'politics'. 
oh dear.
: )
She, and I...don't stand on the same side of the isle, but....really, we agree on so much more, than don't.
<3 
I'm one of few, she can talk to....about politics, who stand on the other side.
I, Love Her....and, Respect....her.
Our Friendship....is worthy of these discussions.
<3
We both, learn...and grow, from these conversations.
There's no way...in Heck, I'd Ever...let 'politics'...divide us, as Friends.
Ever.
Ever.
<3 <3 <3 
I, told her....like the song goes, 'It'll All...Come Out, in The Wash'.
In our Country's History, It Always....Has.
<3 
We are Blessed, to Live...in a Country, where we can speak our thoughts.
<3
Many, on this planet, don't have that opportunity, without the threat of being beaten, or...worse.
: (
oh...my. 
: (
She spotted the Book, I'd just found on my Travels.
: ) : ) : )




When I saw it, I...about Dropped!!!
Hahahaha!
{She told me when I get tired of it, she wants it. ; ) }
I, said....the fact is....
most 'Ladies', don't ask for much.
<3
She agreed!!!
Oh...my.
: )
Yes, some things, really...bring a Smile, to my face.
; )
Life, is too short, to worry about politics.
{It'll all come out in the wash. ; ) }
Love, and....Laughter, are The Best Medicine....for Most Anything!!!
That, being said....
Love, to You....
Hope you find Something, that 'Tickles' Ya....a Little, and...
It Puts a Big Grin, on your face...when ya think about it.
<3 

{I don't care...if  politicians are democrats, republicans, or....independents.
If, they don't have empathy, and....won't 'Stand', for Children...Elderly, {disabled} or...Critters, well...they won't get my vote. }
I, think of the Best Quote, from 'Edith Lucielle's Bait Shack, and Wing Depot', as I think about my voting criteria.
: ) 
"I Don't Care...'Who', You Are.
Who...'You Think'...You Are, 
or...
Who Your Daddy Is."
: )
If you don't have 'empathy', for those...who can't vote for you,
 You...
will be Dismissed, on my ballot.
Some elections, I didn't vote at all.
I, just 'Put'er on Spin'.
 ; ) 
Barb C. 

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Monday, December 16, 2019

"PRETTY PAPER" - Roy Orbison - from the Roy Orbison Show

Run!!! Run!! Run!!!

I'm Runnin' The Tires....
Off, of The Ford!!

Gettin' Cards Out....for The Anamosa Show!!!
Oh My!!
: )
I've...Been Everywhere!!
Thanks, to So Many....Pals, I don't have to be everywhere.
: )
They, have Graciously...Picked Up...Cards, and are Also....
'Runnin'!
<3

Stopped at Polly Ann's, in Mt. Vernon, Iowa....to leave MORE Cards.
: )
{Polly, Created these Beautiful....Cards, for us. <3 }
It was Great...visiting her Amazing...Shop.
<3 




Then... Blew Over The Mighty Mississippi....
landed in Coal Valley, Illinois.
: )
Visited Country Fair, and....
Pal, Tammy, at The Cottage!!
CHRISTMAS....
was 
Crazy, at Polly's, and Tammy's
WOW!!


Tammy had these Funky....Fun, Pink...and Purple, Gnarly....
little Trees.
<3
They, rode a Long...Hard, Windy....Ride, home with me, and The Ford.
<3 <3 <3 
It was nearly 8, before The Ford, and....I, rolled in.
Found one of Santa's Elves...Wrapping Gifts!!!
{Daughter, Liz. <3 Keepin' the Grandkids Gifts, here. : ) }
That Elf...thought I....was gonna help wrap.
Hahahaha....
; )
I, sat there, next to The Tree, visiting, chatting....
Listening to....Vintage Christmas Tunes,
 Sippin' Hard Egg Nog.
Hahahaha...
oh...my. ; )
Then...around 10....
Our 'Third' Daughter...
Kristi, Popped In!!
<3 <3 <3 
It was a Late....Night!!
<3

The Ford, and...I, have been Runnin' Hard, again....today.
: )
Oh My.
Have to share a few of my Favorite Finds, over the last few days.
As I was toolin' through Country Fair, I spotted a worn velvet....Photo Album.
or, what I Thought....was a Photo Album.
<3
I, absolutely Love....'Worn Velvet'.
'ANYTHING!!!'
<3 
{and...Rusty, Old....Trucks. <3 }
I, saw the price tag....on the Photo Album, and....nearly, put it back.
{I, have...a few. I, was Hunting Bottle Brush Trees, and Vintage Christmas.}
Then, I decided....to look at the images, inside.
: )
To my Surprise....
It, wasn't a Photo Album, at all.
It...was a 'Box', that held...a Book.
Oh.....my.
<3





Oh....my, my...my, my. 
: )
I'd Never....Seen, Anything....Quite, LIKE This, before!!!
Hahahaha.
It was 28.00, less 20% off.
: )
Priceless....to me. <3 
{and, I Nearly...decided 'No', because....I didn't 'need' another 'Photo Album'. }
Holy Smokes!!!
Found Dozens...
of these Old...Old, Plastic Trucks, Cars and....Trees.
<3
I've had Fun....Playing with them, over the last couple of days.
<3
People, seem to like to 'Buy', Online....these days.
: (
Oh...My, They Have No Idea....what They, are MISSING.
Hahahaha.
I've Always...Always...said, 
The Very Best....Places to 'Shop', for Unusual...Vintage, are The Antique Shops.
ALWAYS.
<3 <3 <3 
{Love...the Tiny....Old, Old...'footstool', under....the 1880's Compote. }
Spent, all....of 20.00 for Everything....in This Picture.
to me...
They, are...Priceless. <3 <3 <3 
{There's Much More, on The Ford. It'll find it's way...to the rabbit hole, soon.}
Shop Shops.
Local.
You won't be sorry.
Love, to ya....
Barb C.