Thursday, November 30, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 30

I give thanks for all the methods of keeping in touch with family and friends. From texting, Facebook, Twitter, and Skype to good old-fashioned letter writing and sending Christmas cards, it always great to hear news from afar, to see pictures of fun family events, and to celebrate the special occasions.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 29


I give thanks for memories and my patience, perseverance, and (limited!) artistic ability to scrapbook them into keepsakes for my family and future generations. I encourage you to preserve your family's memories. If you don't have the time or interest to scrapbook, at least label your photos (on the back with a photo-safe pencil) or on your computer. Don't let your family photos end up in a second-hand store where people will wonder Who? Where? When? Why?

Memories are precious - label them, journal them, preserve your stories.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

If this is Tuesday, it must be England #84


In case you hadn't heard...

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 28


 I give thanks for our military life - I've already covered the job security but we also have so many great benefits. I know they say that you don't join the military to get rich but we do have a lot of free or low cost benefits that really add up - medical care, dental, life insurance, legal and financial assistance, child care, self-help courses, recreation centers, commissary and exchange shopping, not to mention the camaraderie and support of other military spouses and families.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/27/2017


I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Thanksgiving weekend.  It's time for another Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  Click here if you'd like to join in.  I'm thinking this will be the last week for the fall photo - Friday is December 1!

The weather:::

Clear but chilly - LOVE it!

On my reading pile:::
Part Four of Keep the Home Fires Burning - finally started reading it!

On my TV:::
Outlander, Season 3, on STARZ
Bramwell
The White Princess (we worked our way through the White Queen over the weekend)
The Durrells in Corfu on PBS

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Grilled Shrimp, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
Tuesday - Ham Steak, Macaroni and Cheese
Wednesday - Lamb Korma
Thursday - Fish and Chips
Friday - Flank Steak, Mushrooms, Roasted Potatoes

On my to-do list:::
  • Continuing on with the Holiday Grand Plan - it's Holiday Decor Week
  • Overseas Transfer Workshop with Vic today
  • Dentist appointment
  • Stay home for heating company to install new heating system
  • Volunteer shift at the gift shop
  • Sign and seal all Christmas cards and get them in the mail
  • December Daily starts Friday
  • Drop off more Christmas items at the consignment shop
  • Gift of Memories Weekend at Hallmark
  • Colonial Tea
  • Holiday Open House with dress uniform for Vic and Christmas glamour for me - we received an invitation to the premiere event of the season at one of the local historic homes - I'm sure the decorations are going to be amazing!

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
December Daily

Looking around the house:::
Laundry, sticking to the daily housekeeping plan.

From the camera:::



This was an amazing event - if you ever get the chance to see a movie accompanied by a symphony orchestra, especially a movie with a score by John Williams, not to be missed!

Something fun (or intriguing) to share:::


I've never seen placemats like this before - what a great idea!

What I'm wearing today:::
Jeans, long-sleeved shirt, fleece jacket, socks, and clogs.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Days 24, 25, 26, and 27

 I give thanks for a safe and fun Black Friday. In past years, in spite of media reports that there were some less than orderly shoppers in some places, we spent the morning with a considerate and cheerful crowd, swapping shopping tips and Christmas ideas while we waited in checkout lines. I hope your Black Friday was fun and easy on your wallet!


I give thanks for the seasons. Fall is absolutely glorious, followed by winter's snow, spring's revival, and then the sunshine of summer. I LOVE to see the seasons change.


 I am thankful that we were able to obtain housing on the Naval Station. I feel safe when Vic is traveling and I am thankful for the maintenance services that are just a phone call away.


I give thanks for giving hearts - for those who give their time and resources to help others. This holiday season, please give responsibly. Do your homework to make sure that your giving really benefits those in need, and not those in administration.

Thursday, November 23, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 23


I give thanks for treasured ornaments that evoke precious memories. At this time every year, as the Christmas decorations come out and the tree goes up, I am reminded of my wonderful family and friends and the special times we have spent together. Our Christmas tree is a collage. There are ornaments from all of the places we have lived, for all the special events, and for all of the people who have come in and out of our lives. On our tree you will find mementos of Our First Christmas Together, Baby's First Christmas, Our Family, Mom and Dad, Nana and Poppy, our Kettlewell Family Christmas, USS DEWERT, USS KAUFFMAN, USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL, and USS JOHN C STENNIS. There are ornaments from Saipan, Jacksonville, Walt Disney World, Chicago, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Philadelphia, New York, Cape Cod, Boston, and Plymouth, and for the San Francisco 49ers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Chicago Bears, the New England Patriots, and the Seattle Seahawks. There are ornaments with greetings in French, German, and Filipino, and there are gifts from special friends.

It takes about three days to decorate our tree because with every ornament we stop and remember, and shed a tear or have a chuckle. Precious memories.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 22


I give thanks for simple pleasures - sharing a giggle, holding my husband's hand as we stroll around downtown, a cup of coffee on a blustery day, a blanket, hot cocoa and a movie on a wintry afternoon, the smell of something delicious baking in the oven, the sound of the school bus pulling up outside the house in the afternoons...little things that bring comfort, joy, contentment.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 21



I give thanks for safe travel and joyful homecomings for our military service members and other travelers and their families.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/20/2017


It's time for another Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  Click here if you'd like to join in.

The weather:::

Up and down this week - range is 47 to 64 - I hope the weather will be kind in your area if you're traveling for the holiday.

On my reading pile:::
I'm embarassed to say that Part Four of Keep the Home Fires Burning is STILL STILL still waiting on my Kindle.  I've been too busy with December Daily to read anything.

On my TV:::
Outlander, Season 3, on STARZ
Bramwell
Poldark on PBS
The Durrells in Corfu on PBS

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Flank Steak, Roasted Potatoes, Mushrooms
Tuesday - Holiday Potluck at Vic's office, dinner will most likely be leftovers from that
Wednesday - Grilled Shrimp, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving! Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Jelly, Rolls, Pumpkin and Pecan Pies
Friday and no doubt for several days to come - Thanksgiving Leftovers!

On my to-do list:::
  • Continuing on with the Holiday Grand Plan - it's Dining Room Week - time to get out all the fancy dishes and make a lovely centerpiece for the holiday meal
  • Thanksgiving Dinner and then it's time to break out the Christmas tree
  • Black Friday
  • 36th Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market
  • Harry Potter performance - the first movie will be shown and accompanied by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
My December Daily Product Play class has yielded some great ideas with circles, hearts, and stars that I will incorporate into my album.

Looking around the house:::
Laundry, sticking to the daily housekeeping plan.

From the camera:::



A photo in front of the tree at the Rec Center where the first craft fair was held - the tree had round, shiny ornaments along with sports ornaments - basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, etc., such a cute idea

Something fun (or intriguing) to share:::


Pottery Barn - so many beautiful decorations, lovely tablescapes and decor items

What I'm wearing today:::
Jeans, long-sleeved shirt, fleece jacket, socks, and clogs.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 20

 

I give thanks for Prayer Warriors - for those who pray for others. I am blessed to be surrounded by awesome friends and family who cover our family in prayer.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 19

 I give thanks for central heating, air conditioning, easy access to clean, running water, and sanitation...things we often take for granted.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 18


 I give thanks for planes, trains and automobiles! Although I would love to live in a quaint little English village with a central shopping area within walking distance, I am thankful that I have access to reliable means of transportation. As much as I might think I would enjoy a ride in a stagecoach or on horseback, I'm glad I don't have to rely on those methods to do my errands or long-distance traveling!

Friday, November 17, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 17


I give thanks for household chores. If there wasn't any laundry to do, it would mean we didn't have clothes. If there weren't any dishes to wash, it would mean we didn't have food to prepare and serve. If there weren't any dust bunnies to vacuum or clutter to clear, it would mean that I didn't have an active family to pick up after. Even chores have hidden blessings!

Thursday, November 16, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 16

I give thanks for Praise and Worship music - LOVE it! Among my top favorites are "Lead Me to the Cross", "Awesome God", "Only Imagine", "How Great is our God", and "God of Wonders."

"I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands."
Psalm 63:4

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 15


I give thanks for good health and the access to free medical care. Not everyone in this country has that privilege, and there are thousands in this world who have no access other than that provided by charitable aid organizations. I give thanks to those who give of their time and talents to provide for others.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 14


I give thanks for job security. In these challenging economic times, I am thankful for Vic's career, that his hard work has brought him success, and a comfortable standard of living for his family. The military is not for everyone, but for those who chose to make it a way of life, it has many benefits. The days of long-term employment with the same company and a nice retirement at the end of it are not as common as they used to be, but with the military, those days are still possible.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/13/2017


It's time for another Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  Click here if you'd like to join in.

The weather:::

Temperatures mostly in the 50s this week although we will have 67 one day and 49 this weekend.  Raining today - fall has definitely arrived.

On my reading pile:::
Part Four of Keep the Home Fires Burning is STILL still waiting on my Kindle.  I've been too busy with December Daily to read anything.

On my TV:::
Outlander, Season 3, on STARZ
Bramwell
Poldark on PBS
The Durrells in Corfu on PBS

On the menu for this week:::

I'm going grocery shopping later today so I need to make menus - tilapia tonight and that's as far as menu planning goes so far.

On my to-do list:::
  • Continuing on with the Holiday Grand Plan - it's Attic Week, how appropriate since our heating system isn't working properly and the HVAC people will be out today to go into the attic to see what's going on.
  • Pick up my earnings at the consignment shop
  • Spouses' group board meeting
  • Manicure
  • Spouses' group field trip to the MacArthur Memorial with lunch after that
  • Bangs trim
  • Dentist appointment
  • Doctor's appointment
  • Start my overseas screening
  • Dirty Dancing - Broadway in Norfolk performance
  • Santa's Stocking craft fair
  • Old World Christmas Market at the local Victorian Museum
It's going to be quite a week!
  • An update on the vintage ceramic tree - I decided to buy it but when I went to Hallmark, it was much smaller than I remembered so I used my reward dollars on an ornament instead - I'm still looking for the tree, but in a larger size


What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
A faulty router discovered and replaced over the weekend means that I am three classes behind for December Daily - going to remedy that as soon as this post goes up.  Vic and I made all the Christmas Cards with the Stampin' Up supplies and they turned out very nice - can't post a picture here right now since several of my blog pals will be getting one in the mail.  I can give you a little sneak peak though.


Looking around the house:::
Laundry, sticking to the daily housekeeping plan.

From the camera:::


Beautiful decorations and a cute gift item at the gift shop where I volunteer

Something fun (or intriguing) to share:::
 I can't taken my Kitchen Aid to Okinawa so I was searching for a potato ricer to make easy mashed potatoes.  Oxo had one that has two handles that you push towards each other to force the potatoes through the holes but it looked cumbersome so I searched some more and found this gem - the Joseph Joseph Helix Ricer - you line up the top part with the red dot on the side of the bottom part and twist and voila, the potatoes go through with almost no effort - love it!

What I'm wearing today:::
Jeans, long-sleeved shirt, fleece jacket, socks, and clogs.

Catching Up on 30 Days of Thanksgiving - Days 10, 11, 12, and 13

A faulty router rendered us incommunicado for most of the weekend so I'll be playing catch up today.


I give thanks for my extended family. The majority of Mum's family is in the UK, and most of Dad's family on the West Coast. Mum had two siblings, Grace and Jack, and Dad was one of seven, and there are two surviving siblings on Dad's side - Mary and Carol. Many of my parents' siblings have been married more than once so there is quite a large number of cousins (my cousins on my Dad's side shown above in 2004), and now second and third cousins.

I often wish that I had been born and raised in one place, and had a huge extended family around me, but then again, I value the experiences that I gained from traveling around during my Dad's military career. I give thanks for modern technology that keeps us all connected.


I give thanks for our veterans. As the daughter of a retired Army veteran (Dad shown above in 1948 and Vic in 2013), and the wife of an active duty Navy servicemember, our veterans are very dear to my heart. All gave some, some gave all. I was amazed to rough calculate that I have over 100 family members and close friends who have served or are currently serving in the military. Thank you for your service and God bless you all. 


I give thanks for my friends. Having been practically from one side of the world to the other, they are pretty spread out, but thanks to e-mail and Facebook, we keep in touch one way or the other! There have been many seasons in my life and in each one, special friends.

Hazel, my grammar school (high school) classmate. We had a lot of high jinks in our years together and many, many laughs! 

My dear friend, Sharon in California. We worked together from 1978 to 1991 and she will always have a very special place in my heart.

My Sisters in Christ from our MOPS and Ladies Bible Study days in Florida, my Sisterchicks, how wonderful it was to see four of them this summer in Minnesota.  Our kids started off in the Chapel Nursery together and now they are all moving through their high school and college years. I can't think of Florida without thinking also of Janet L, Sophia's honorary grandmother "Mama Janet".

My dear friend, Jodie from Virgina. Homeschooling and scrapbooking were our passions while we were together, along with American Girl, anything to do with tea and tea parties, and Longaberger.

And Janet B, dear friend of Mum and Dad, who became like an older sister to me and my sister Barbara. Janet managed the retirement community where Mum and Dad lived and is dearly loved by all of us.


I give thanks for precious memories of special family holiday celebrations. Our family (Dad, Mum, Barbara and I) spent so many years in foreign countries, miles away from family, and as adults, we were often separated by an ocean. Now, Vic, Sophia and I are a bi-coastal family, soon to be separated by the Pacific Ocean. Holidays when we were all together were especially precious. In particular, we have our Kettlewell Family Christmas 2001, Thanksgiving 2002 which was Mum's last, and Christmas 2008 in Bend, Oregon which was Dad's last Christmas.  This photo was taken in Kettlewell, it's the bridge over Kettlewell Beck leading to the church.