Day Three Hundred Thirty Three

Christmas Tree Shopping

It's our family tradition to head out to Savage Christmas Tree Farm near Baxter, Tennessee, the weekend after Thanksgiving to pick out our Christmas tree. Just follow the sign ...

Our traditional tree is White Pine. We like the long, soft needles. The tree farm seems to be trending toward the Frazier Fir, though. Cutting down a tree that is specifically grown to become a Christmas tree is best for the environment they say and will certainly stay fresher longer, especially in a house with a wood stove (which keeps us toasty all winter).

Such a beautiful day for tree shopping. We were thankful for the mild, dry weather this time out.

The one. We tagged this one and will return for it in a couple of weeks.

Can you see the Mockingbird perched atop this huge Frazier Fir like a tiny ornament? That little bird was happily singing its lungs out. So sweet. Probably some Christmas carol. It's that time of year again.

Day Three Hundred Thirty Two

Postcards From Poet's On The Square

The gang's all here around the tables at Poet's coffee shop this afternoon where we gathered to hang out, enjoy some tasty drinks, make a lot of noise, and play 'Apples To Apples'. From left around the table: niece Sarah Foy, daughter Kelly Kimbrough, grand daughter Shelby Myers, niece Julia Foy, daughter Holly Myers, grand son Elijah Myers, and son in law Kerry Kimbrough.

Holly and Elijah contemplate what the meaning of the word "is" is ... no, I'm kidding ... I have no idea what they're thinking, but I do know that Elijah concentrates better with a Fruit Rollup hanging out of his mouth.

Kelly, Shelby, and Julia are in the process of choosing the card in their hand with the word that best fits the meaning of the word on the card turned face up on the table. (uh huh yes it does so make sense.)

Sarah enjoys her orange mango (I think) smoothie while waiting for everyone else to choose their cards and lay them in the pile. She's got some sparkle going on there. I think those vampires may have rubbed off on her last night at the movie.

Each person takes a turn at judging the cards and picking the best match. Looks like Shelby's in the judges seat.

Shelby and Julia having some fun. (That's my peach smoothie--it was delicious)

Holly's thinking, Hmmm...which card...which card.....Elijah was content to just hang and toss in a card now and then.

Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmmm! Sarah says it doesn't get any better than this. Yummy drinks, fun card game, great family hang time. I totally agree. Let's do this again sometime. Soon!

Day Three Hundred Thirty One

New Moon!

Sister Ann, niece Julia, niece Sarah, sister Jane, daughter Kelly, and hubby Neil in the lobby of our local theater waiting to see 'New Moon'. Some of us saw it last Friday when the movie opened and couldn't wait to see it again. Missing from the picture are daughter Holly, son in law Jerry and grand daughter Shelby, who also joined us. My picture of the whole group right before we were seated didn't save on my cell phone. My bad error can be the only explanation. I'm still kicking myself. Would loved to have had grand daughter Shelby in the photo, too. She was so excited to see this movie and loved every minute of it.

Kelly snapped this picture outside the theater as we were leaving at 12:30 AM to head home. I liked 'New Moon' even better the second time around. Looking forward to seeing it again.

Day Three Hundred Thirty

Good Food, Great Time, Wonderful Family ~~ Happy Thanksgiving!

May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey be plump, May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious and your pies take the prize, and may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs! -Unknown

From left around our Thanksgiving table: Terry Sissom, Neil Ranft, Kerry Kimbrough, Jerry Myers, Shelby Myers, Elijah Myers, Holly Ranft Myers, Kelly Ranft Kimbrough, Hamp Mabry, and Ann Mabry Sissom. All of you around this table and those who could not be with us today are my greatest blessings on the planet. I love you all and thank God for you every day. Happy Thanksgiving 2009.

Day Three Hundred Twenty Nine

Little Things

There are so many things I'm thankful for in my life. Today I was especially thankful for Mrs. Smith's pies, ready to bake and tasting just as good or better than anything I could make from scratch. What a great time saver. Sometimes it's the little things. Wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!