Gene Autry - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Audio)

Thanksgiving... Round Two.

Was up at 6, got the Killer Stuffing... done.

Added a lot of Turkey... to this batch.

Above is the Meat, Veggie... Nut... Fruit ... and So Much More...

part of the Killer Stuffing

Finally got a little smarter this year.

Every Year, up until this... I'd add the bread/stuffing mixes, to this... at the end... with more stock, bring it all to a hard simmer, while folding it all together.

I'd have to watch it so closely...  as it could Easily Burn, after adding the dry ingredients.

Don't Know Why.... I didn't do this... Always.

Prepare the dry stuffing in another cast iron Scotch Bowl, then when it's done... simply combine the two.

: )

MUCH Better, and Safer!!

: )

In my defense... 

Usually... up until a few years back....

Every Single Pan, and Burner... were In Use on Thanksgiving.

The Kitchen... was a Very Busy Place.

; )

Most everything had be prepared Thanksgiving morning.

I'd make Pies... the night before, and Cranberry Relish.... and, whatever salad... Meat, and Cheese Trays... we might have.

but...

The Candied Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes... Stuffing, Gravy... All had to be prepared Thanksgiving Morning, along with The Turkey.

It helped a Bunch... when The Kids brought things.

<3

but...

still...

had to make the above, on Thanksgiving.

It's so strange not having the Holidays here, anymore.

 Miss it.

Spent yesterday.... running around.

Didn't want to.

Black Friday... isn't a great time to be out, and about.

Crazy.

With Cold weather, finally reaching us, had to get the Fish Trough heater goin'.

While examining it, it looked like the heater had melted into the cord, last year.

Didn't notice that when I unplugged it this Spring.

It probably would've been ok, but... didn't want to risk it.

Love our Fish.

<3

So... Braved The Crowds of Traffic, and Store Folks, gathered a new heater....

some Pickled Beets, and... a Huge Jar of Pickles.

: )

Made Pickle Wraps, and Pickle Wrap Dip... this morning, to take to the Kids'. 

: )

Up until... a few years ago.... the day after Thanksgiving, was 'The Day.'

The Day...

'The Tree'... goes UP!!

; )

The Tree...

is always a Job.

; )

John, Bless His Heart, would help me put it up... 

and All of the 2000, plus... lights, on it...

which took us a Big portion of the day.

then...

he'd 

Walk Away.

: )

His Part Was DONE!!!

Hahahahaha!!!

<3

He'd go upstairs, Load Up a Huge Plate of Thanksgiving Leftovers...

come back... downstairs, head to his La-z-Boy, Kick Back...

and watch his Favorite Shows, while I... put Christmas Music on... and 

Played in Mountain's of 'Christmas'.

: )

Helping me with The Tree... was The Best Christmas Gift John ever could've given me.

<3

A Big... Big, Deal!!

<3

John would go to his Shop... every morning, Early.

Except Sundays.

It was his 'Rabbit Hole'.

John had a Morning Ritual.

: )

He'd get up about 5, feed Scoutaroo, feed the outside Kitties, then... head to the Shop...

make Coffee, and visit with his Pals.

: )

John had several Pals, he'd chat with... every morning, on the phone... over Coffee.

before he took on The Day.

: )

He sent me the above FB post, on what we be John's last.... day after Thanksgiving, 'Tree Raising'.

of course neither of us could've Imagined it would be.

So Grateful... we didn't know.

{we too often forget... 'Tomorrow' is promised to no one.}

The first year... I put Rudy... in The Tree,

 {He's a late 1950's, or early 1960's Store Display, Pal, Maurina sold me... in 2006, or '07.}

  asked John if he'd give me a hand.

: )

{It's kind of a Trick. ; ) }

John... was Not 'for' That Idea.

; )

He said...

"You're Gonna Break That Tree. It's Too Heavy."

but...

I was stubborn,

 {imagine that. : ) }

and...

Determined.

{imagine... 'that'. ; ) }

Told John... It would be perfectly fine.

: )

I'd wired the center pole of The Tree, to the Landing's Handrail. It was Secure.

It wasn't Goin'... Anywhere.

: )

<3

Can't Imagine... The Tree, without Rudy.

<3

Helper, Brandon... called a couple of days ago. Wondered if I was putting The Tree up, this year.

Last year, for the very first time, in 23 years, I didn't put it up.

Brandon lives at home... with his Folks... his Mom doesn't want a Tree in the house anymore, so... Brandon enjoys helping me with mine.

I... Appreciate The Help.

; )

Told Brandon, The Tree is Going Up... 

This Year.

: )

It... Has To. 

<3

Brandon may be coming tomorrow, to help...

or next weekend. 

We'll see how things go. 

; )

Better get Rollin'.

I've got everything Ready... to Go, to The Kids'...

but, me.

; )

{that's always a  'Trick'... too. ; )}

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Canon in D (Pachelbel's Canon) - Cello & Piano [BEST WEDDING VERSION]

Thanksgiving... '24. History.

Hoping Everyone reading this...

had a Lovely, Peaceful....

Thanksgiving.

<3

Hope Y'all Ate Entirely Too Much Awesome Food...

and, about now... are

'Feelin' as Full as a Tick!!'

; )

{Dad... always used to say that, after he ate too much. : ) } 

Didn't get a post written this morning, was busy cookin'.

; )

Made a couple Sweet Potato Pies, and... The Dressing.

'Killer Stuffing'

: )

BIG Batch!!

; )

Used a recipe from an 1880's Cook Book, for the pies.

It was Very Good!!

I... always do a lot of 'tasting' as I cook.

 Added quite a lot more Ginger, Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Nutmeg, and Allspice, to the 140 year old recipe, as well as a couple dashes of salt.

Was surprised when the recipe didn't call for salt.

To each their own. I like SPICE!!! : )

Took one Pie... to Allyson's... along with a Big Jar of Turkey Dressing, and a quart of Cranberry Relish.

What a FEAST... Allyson, and her Sis, Bethany Prepared!!

<3

Allyson made Incredible Sangria... to Start Off The Festivities.

: )

It's always such a Pleasure, to visit Allyson's Home.

<3

Get to visit with Many... Many... Many, Favorite... 'Old Friends'

<3

<3 <3 <3 

<3 <3 <3 

<3 <3 <3 

At the end of 'Thanksgiving'... we all sat beside The Fire...

 Visited.

: )

It was All I Could Do... to Keep My Eyes Open!!

It was Cold outside... Spittin' Snow....

I'm...

'Full as a Tick'!!

; )

sittin' beside a Cozy Fire....

Yeah....

Boy.

; )

Our Dear... Pal, Dale... was Put To Work, after Supper.

; )

Allyson asked him if he'd hang some Beautiful Sconces for her.

Dale.. was Happy to Help.

; )

Bethany... made the above,

Scottish Treat... for us.

Oh My... Goodness.

: )

Heavy Whipped Cream, Berries... and Rum.

{SERIOUSLY????}

: )

with...

a Crunchy... Toasted... Oat Topping.

: )

gads....

: )

It was a Lovely Thanksgiving, at Allyson's.

<3

Enjoyed visiting with Everyone.

<3

GREAT Food!! WOW!!

Allyson's Brother, Joe... made The Best Mashed Potatoes!!

They were So Creamy!!!

Over The Top!!

{ate a little More of Them... than I shoulda. ; ) oh my. }

Got Home.. around 6:30.

Finished cleaning up... and jarring up, what needed to be.

The Cranberry Relish, and the remaining Sweet Potato Pie, can go to Justin's... on Saturday.

{The Kid's are Celebrating 'Thanksgiving' then, when 'The Girls'... are Home. <3 }

The Turkey Dressing...

'Killer Stuffing'....

I don't know.

Thinking I'll have to make another batch, Fresh.

: )

Trust me... That Killer Stuffing, is Better... day, after day.

; )

but...

Our Family... is Used to Fresh, from The Start.

: )

Don't believe I can slide today's 'Jarred Dressing'... off.

; )

As we all sat down... at Allyson's Beautiful Table, 

{That John Built, 'repurposed' from a mid 1800's Pool Table.}

looking at All of The Incredible Food, somehow...

my mind went to Louisiana.

The South.

The Food.

The Cooking.

: )

'The Holy Trinity' of Cajun, and Creole... food.

'Onions... Celery, and Bell Peppers'.

<3

my...

Iowa...

'Thanksgiving'

'Holy Trinity' would be...

Turkey...

Fresh, Cranberry Relish.

and...

The Killer Stuffing.

oh... my.

Ya put Those Three Together, 

: )

gads.

: )

Hahahahahahaha!!!

Love to Ya...

Prayers, for All.

Barb C.

<3 <3 <3 

John Denver - Back Home Again (Official Audio)

Happy Thanksgiving... Eve.

Wrote a fairly long post yesterday..

but, it... cut a little too close to the quick.

Deleted it.

I've been gathering Before, and After....

'IDOT/Fairfax' Bike Trail Accommodations, 

images, the last couple of days.

{have been for years.}

Words...

can't express, how Sick... it makes me, looking at them.

or...

how incredibly angry, they make me.

Saved them in Blogger Draft.

I refuse... to give their 'wrongfulness'... another Holiday.

They've taken... far too many, and... far too much, over the years.

bless their hearts.

Spent This 'Thanksgiving Eve'...

Prep Cookin'!!

: )

<3

Sweet Potatoes... for Pal, Allyson's Thanksgiving, are cooked, and waiting to become a Pie, in the morning.

Whipped up... about 10 pounds of Cranberry Relish.

Have the giblets... doing their job, making Stock.... for that...

'Heart Attack on a Plate'....

Apple... Sausage... Cranberry... Walnut... Pecan... Cherry... Turkey... BUTTER, and... Bread, 

{And a Whole Bunch More.... ; ) }

'Stuffing'

<3

: )

Tho... I'm not hosting Thanksgiving, this year...

still... had to prepare a Turkey.

Need the giblets, and drippings for other recipes.

Chose a small Turkey.

15 pounds.

It's not the prettiest Turkey, but... He's Doin' His Job.

<3

I tucked the Turkey's wings, like a Famous French Chef... advised, this year.

He... was wrong.

That's not a good way, to Tuck... Wings.

: (

The same... Chef, also... said,

 "Pan drippings, for Gravy... are a 'No, No'."

: )

{That... should've been my 'First' clue. : ) }

Look At Those Eggs!!

: )

Grandson, Justin... brought them this morning.

<3

Thankful...

Grateful, for Much...

and,

Many.

<3

Happy Thanksgiving Eve, to All.

Barb C.

God Only Knows - BBC Music

Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly

Prayers... for All.

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive - Bing Crosby with The Andrews Sisters

Don't mess with Mr. In-Between.

Long Day...

Busy Day, had to meet with Pal, Bill...

we had to meet with some Folks, concerning an Estate Sale.

While waiting for Bill... 

noticed Grandson, Justin... and, four legged Grandson, Gizzy, in Jethro's mirror.

<3

<3

<3

Those Boys!! 

: )

<3

Pal, Bill... after we met with Potential Client's...

helped me rescue the Huge... Rosemary plant, behind the Rabbit Hole, I planted...

in an Old Urn...

this Spring.

: )

{It was Kinda... 'Big', Movin'... that Beautiful Plant.

<3

: )

It may not survive... but, we Did Our Best. : ) }

I'll post The Tune,  above... Mom Sang... that turned so many faces red.

: )

<3

Priceless.

: )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Heart - "Barracuda" (1977)

1977... was a Very Good Year.

Sweet Pal, Cheryl... called yesterday, invited me to join her at Edith Lucille's, for Brunch, this morning.

<3

I Gotta Tell Ya, my Old Stomping Grounds from Way Back... has made a Full Circle, 

with me and my Favorite People.

<3 <3 <3 

; )

It's Our 'Hang Out'... 

Man!!

; )

Our 'Go To'...  'Happy'... Place, like decades ago.

: )

<3

<3 <3 <3 

: )

Cheryl... is Quite a Woman.

: )

Indeed.

; )

After leaving Cheryl...

had make a stop at Aldi's.

Thanksgiving grocery list to finish filling.

Already have a Turkey... thawing. Grabbed a few groceries at Target, the other day.

Target... always has The Best Deals... on Turkeys.

{Love Target. <3 Used to work there. : ) <3}

Making Sweet Potato Pies, for Thanksgiving.

Texted Son, Justin... as I was shopping, wondering if he had any eggs?

He texted back.. that the hen's are layin' pretty slow, but... he'd check.

: )

then...

he said, 

" 'J' told you we'll be gathering on Saturday... right??"

: )

{actually... no, 'J' was convinced we'd be gathering on Thanksgiving Day. }

Hahahahahaha!!!!

No Worries!!

: )

Pal, Allyson invited me for Thanksgiving, I'll figure all of the cookin' out... as we go.

; )

Justin will be preparing an Amazing... Turkey.

He'll most likely be smoking it... slowly... ; )

{Christy... I'm Certain, will Also Be Rockin'... The Stove!! 

She's an Incredible Farm Gal, she Knows How To Cook!! : ) }

I, have to prepare a Turkey...  reserve the giblets, and drippings for 

The Most Amazing Heart Attack Causing...

 Butter... Maple Sausage... 

Apple... Cranberry... Cherry...  Pecan... Walnut... and So....

 Much More....

Dressing.

: )

gads...

<3

I'll make Two Batches... this year.

; )

One... for Allyson, her Lovely... Fam, and Friends, and... another, for Our Fam, on Saturday!!

: )

I'll be making Fresh Cranberry Relish, too.

: )

oh my.

: )

In my opinion... ya can't eat Turkey...

without a Big Scoop of Fresh... Sweet, and Tart...

Cranberry Relish.

: )

oh... dear.

; )

As I was leaving Aldi's....

passed my cart off to a Family who was heading in to shop.

They... tried to hand me a quarter, {that's the 'deal' at Aldi.}

Nope, told 'em... that cart was left astray, in the parking lot.

Seems...

It's Our Lucky Day!!

; )

<3

Even... Luckier than I knew.

: )

Walked a few steps towards Jethro...

noticed a Quarter, on the ground.

: )

Picked it up...

It had been run over a thousand times, I'd bet.

'1977'.

: )

thought to myself...

'That... was a Good Year.'

; )

Got my Driver's Permit... that year.

; )

That...

made me, about... half legal.

; )

: ) : ) : )

<3

<3

<3 <3 <3 

When I got home... today, put groceries away, then sat down, yet again...

going over more Images.

Google Earth... images.

: )

They go way back.

Loved seeing Our Scout... in the Pasture, and... 

the Building's that Stood, before the derecho, 'Iowa Hurricane' in 2020.

I've captured Hundreds, if not Thousands...  'Before, and After'... images.

Google Earth, has been such a Blessing.

<3

When I sat down... to write this post, wondered what Tune, might fit it, today.

Somehow...

Barracuda, by Heart...

popped into my brain.

?

Haven't thought of that Tune... in a Long time.

Sure Loved It, back then.

; )

When I brought the 'Tune' Up...

to post it...

bet ya can't guess...

what year, it was released.

???

: )

1977.

; )

It was a Very... Good Year.

I'd thrown the old Quarter... in Jethro's cup holder, earlier...

 had to retrieve it... 

after the 'Barracuda 1977 Parallel'.

; )

Hahahahaha!!!

: )

<3

What a Ride.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Maren Morris - Rich (Official Music Video)

oh... dear. Liar's Pants. : )

While thinking about this post...

remembered something my Old...Pal, Julie...

used to say to me,

after sharing the day prior's 'events' that had unfolded.

: )

Julie would say... in her very Dry...

Calm... demeanor,

"so...

 Other than 'That'.... Mrs. Lincoln, 

How was 'The Play'???"

; )

Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!

Ya Gotta Laugh... at How Bullshit, unfolds...

throughout 'Life'.

; )

Picked up a letter from Fairfax, City Hall... that I had to sign for.

It's concerning the West Cemetery Road Bridge, and... Bike Trail.

oh... my.

basically...

further 'Condemnation' of our land, in my opinion.

Exactly... 6 Years to The Day, of the below IDOT/Fairfax...

'Memory'.

: (

They say... they'll only be asking for a 'temporary easement'.

That's Laughable, to me.

I've asked The Mayor, and The City's Hired engineer, repeatedly, 

"How will our land be impacted by this project?"

They've... Danced around that question, over and over, in e-mail...after e-mail.

: (

What I hear from City Hall, and Hall and Hall Engineering,

are...

Crickets... Crickets... Crickets.

: (

{In my Heart...

 I don't blame our Mayor. <3 

She's, I've been told, and witnessed,

 'despised' by most of 'City Hall'. : ( 

Mayor Beer, is trying to do everything by the book.

Be Fair, to All.

 Fairfax, Iowa... City Hall, 

in my humble opinion, isn't used to that. : ( }

I've begged for the topography survey of our land, I allowed Hall and Hall Engineering to conduct, over a year ago...

for Months, and Months...

but, the City, and Hall and Hall... refuse to share.

: (

Our Attorney, Charles Meardon... had to send out a 'Request'... for them, and a bunch More...

He thought we should 'See'.

{May God Bless... That Man. Beyond... Grateful for Him.}

It's Really Sad, that... I have to lean so hard, on a Lawyer, when...

Those that we should be able to Trust...

City, and State... 

employed... 

people, 

elected....

 'people' 

who... are supposed to be looking out for 'Us', 

are looking...

 'Away'.

 : (

The above image... is of our land, and... few others, Neighbors,

 that... sadly, in my opinion...

will also be Horribly Impacted by this Fairfax, Iowa West Cemetery Road Bridge/Bike Trail 'project'.

: (

{There's so much more, I can't get into... concerning the 'mess' }

Sadly... I believe... they might be as naive, as John, and I... once were, while dealing...

 for the first time, with The Iowa Department of Transportation, {IDOT} 

in the mid 1990's.

oh dear.

: (

Thank God... for Charles Meardon's Dad...

 'Bull Dog' Bill Meardon, back then.

<3

If it wasn't for him... fighting The IDOT 'Machine'...

: (

Heartbreaking to think about it.

: (

The above... is laughable.

Elevations... Elevations... Elevations.

Where are They??

Basin... Basin... Basin.

not... just for us, this time.

: (

It's interesting where the City has placed access to our land, on the East side of the Creek.

oh...my.

: (

Captured the above image... of John, after I brought him a snack...

and noticed his Favorite Cat, Philly... perched on his chair, and...

Dear... Polly, waiting for John to give her a Treat.

: )

<3

All John saw, was me taking a picture... that, oh my... He Hated... So!!

: )

John... was a Man, of Few Words.

; )

Many... didn't quite know how to take him.

 : )

I did.

I remember John telling me, while dealing with Engineers, concerning our land...

"You'll Know... when they're lying to you, their lips 'll be movin'."

{Was reminded of exactly That, again...by another... Very Wise Man, not long ago. : ( }

When I look at the above image... I know exactly, these days... who he's waving that

'Flag', to.

; )

Makes me Smile.

{Did... back Then, Too. : ) }

Grateful... for Many, and Much.

<3

angry... too.

: (

When I went to the Fairfax post office, to sign... for the POS, it brought back so many memories.

: (

So Many Years.

So Many Lies.

: (

'May They All Rot in Hell'... 

came to mind, but...

ultimately...

I, wouldn't wish anyone, to...

'Rot In Hell'.

<3

: )

That... being said,

 : )

I Truly... Do Wish, that Liar's Pants...

would

Catch On Fire, with Every Single Lie!!!

; )

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!

; ) ; ) ; )

Bless their hearts. 

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{again... in my humble opinion, 

Spanky... Our Amazing Fairfax, Iowa... Volunteer Fire Chief, Would Be Exhausted!!!}

: ) : ) : )

Spanky's The Best!!!

Grateful He Hasn't Left Us!!

<3 <3 <3 

Carrie Underwood - How great thou art (feat. Vince Gill) 2011 ACM Girls ...

Fairfarren... Coletta.

Dear Friend... Dale Frese, lost his Mother, Coletta Becker Frese, November 16th.

Coletta's Funeral was today, in Norway, Iowa... near where Coletta lived most of her entire 89 years on this Earth.

<3

Coletta was a devout Catholic.

Her services, today... were in Norway, at St. Michael's Catholic Church.

<3

Same Beautiful Church... Our... Dear, Bud Schulte's services were held, just... two months ago.

Bud, was Very Close to The Church, as well.

<3

So Beautiful.

truly...

a

Sanctuary.

<3

<3 <3 <3 

I have never belonged to an organized religion...

have always felt, we are All... God's Children...

and certainly appreciate others thoughts, and beliefs.

After studying, when I was young, with several organized religions, it seemed to me, we have much more in common, than not.

<3

I prefer... to speak directly to The Lord, whenever... and wherever.

{I NEED His Help... Often!! ; ) }

Above is a statue of Michael... the archangel.

<3

He's my Favorite Angel.

: )

He's a Warrior.

<3

The Same Awesome Priest, I'd met at Bud's Funeral... 

who... actually, reminds me of Budwardo... : )

gave Coletta, a Beautiful Send Off, today.

<3

: )

Shook his hand, and Thanked him, again. Told the Priest, how much I appreciate him, and... his beautiful services, but... 

we've gotta stop meeting like 'this'.

: (

: )

The Priest told me... he needs to come visit The Antique Stores.

; )

Yes...

Indeed.

I've known Dale... and his former wife... Colleen, for decades.

<3

Wonderful... People.

'Family'.

When I shook Dale's Sister's hand... {Carmen} today...

introduced myself, as her Brother, Dale's... 'Other Family'.

: )

The Antique 'Family'.

: )

{like the 'Mafia'...

 Once You're In...

There Ain't No Gettin' Out. : ) }

Carmen TOTALLY Understood that... : )

Hahahahaha!!!!

I've only met Coletta, a couple of times, over the years... we visited several times on the phone.

: )

She... was a Lovely Lady.

Hard... Hard... Working!!

Oh My!!

<3

Told Dale... years ago... when he'd tell me how Coletta Insisted on Helping him clean house...and do yard work...

: )

"Dale... I Need a 'Coletta'!!

Are Ya Braggin' or Complainin'???"

<3 <3 <3 

A True Blue... Iowa Farm Woman.

<3

Priceless.

Fairfarren... 

Coletta.

{Posted Carrie Underwood, and Vince Gill... singing How Great Thou Art, 

above, for Coletta.

Somehow... I believe, she would approve.

: )

Coletta... was a Powerful Woman.

Underwoods performance is about as Powerful... as it gets.

: )

Vince Gill.

<3

He, and Alison Krauss.... I've Always believed, are Heaven Sent.

Angels... on Earth. }