I’ll start with the good news that Nathan and Meagan and the grands moved into their new house last Saturday. After four weeks of living with Meagan’s parents (BLESS them!) Nathan and Meagan got the news that their house was going to be ready two weeks earlier than promised.
And there was great rejoicing!
Meagan’s mom, Sheri, posted a fabulous blog about the happy chaos that has been part of their lives for the past month in addition to some wonderful encouragement about this difficult season we all find ourselves in right now.
There is one story I especially love that goes along with this picture.
Be sure to check out her post and the story here.
Friday night we had a meal we have lovingly nicknamed, Frantic Stir Fry.
The story behind this odd moniker is that whenever we have stir fry, Steve unfailingly morphs into quasi-frantic mode because he is so determined that only one nanosecond elapses between taking the food off the stove and putting it in our mouths. Therefore, there is always a great deal of rushing about to make sure everything is completely ready (table set, water glasses filled, family gathered) at the precise moment the Parson Chef declares the veggies are in their most optimal state of crunchiness.
Happy to say the FSF was wonderful, as always.
I am determined to finish out the Wisconsin trip today so that I am not still writing about it somewhere in 2022.
Besides being with family, the best part of the trip was that I was able to fit in three different solo outings. (And bless my patient family for understanding how important those journeyings are to me.)
On one of those jaunts, I left Randy and Debbie’s house while it was still dark and the temp was 29 degrees. For a heat-loving southern gal, that is just a wee bit nippy.
As I was driving down roads surrounded by frost-tipped corn stalks, I happened across this collection of Mayberry stuff. I wandered around snapping photos and loving the solitude and the silence.
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A little further down the road, I found an old school my brother-in-law, Randy, had suggested I visit. On my way to the old school, I found an old barn and on the way to the old barn, I found an old church. More photo-snapping contentment ensued.
There was one photo that especially made me smile.
My question is this: there are two signs but one parking spot. Is there a fight for the spot every Sunday morning?
And lastly, here are a few more photos from Ruth’s house; always a feast for the eyes.
The last of the pictures from what was truly a marvelous visit. So many experiences, so many memories, so much joy getting to be with our tribe. Because being with one’s tribe is what all the expense and inconvenience of travel boils down to. It’s especially meaningful when you don’t get to be together very often.
So many moments stand out.
I remember the amazing steak dinner with my brother, Tim, his wife, Berit and their son, Andrew. We lingered at the table long after the last delectable bite and told stories and laughed and basked in the simple joy of being together.
Of course, being at my nephew’s wedding was a huge deal. I loved getting to see my brother, Phil, and his family, and my adopted brother, Ron who is a missionary, along with his amazing wife, Debbie.
Being at Ruth and Arnold’s house (sister and brother-in-law) and spending time with them and with Mom; being joined by my brother Mark, and his wife, Nancy, doing the hayless hay ride, staying up late to talk . . . such a sweet joy.
And I remember in particular an evening at Randy and Debbie’s house. As the conversation switched from topic to topic, difficult parts of life were shared, tears were shed, and hearts were bared. It was a safe place for each of us to be real and to be heard.
We share a unique relationship with Randy and Debbie from the four years we traveled full-time, living in RVs, doing concerts in thirty states, and writing original music for several studio recordings.
After all the talking and tears and sharing, we decided it would be fun to play some of our old recordings. There is nothing quite like listening to music in the same room as the people you played it with. Sarah hadn’t heard some of the songs so she was fascinated to listen to her mom and dad and aunt and uncle from back in the day.
After about half a dozen songs she trundled off to bed and left us four oldsters behind to listen to the memories . . . in the music, in the stories told, in all the experiences shared.
Our family isn’t perfect, just like your family isn’t perfect. But they are family. And I am grateful.
I am grateful for my tribe, for solitary meandering through cornfields, for the privilege and opportunity of traveling, and for belonging to hearts that have known me since my earliest days.
What about you?
Where is your happy place? A certain state? A certain spot in your own house or in your own town?
Do you ever get frantic while cooking a certain dish?
And although I didn’t really mention the subject in this post (although it’s referred to in Sheri’s blog) what is the COVID situation like where you are? Do you know people who have gotten sick? What are the restrictions/shutdowns like where you are? (Sometimes it’s just nice to share stories in challenging times and not feel alone.)
Well, I commented (via my phone) but don’t see it here so will try again. I’ve been away from my computer because hubby and I have been in quarantine since the 16th. He tested positive. They would not test me because A.) I could breathe and B.) I was already in quarantine. I’m sure that I had it though. Ugh.
I LOVE to cook! In the kitchen is one of my happiest places. Out in the yard/garden is another one. I don’t ever get too frantic but it always wasn’t that way. As a young wife, there were definitely frantic moments trying to get everything done at the same time. Lol
I hope you are staying well!
Lee Anne,
Hopefully, the worst of it is over for you and your husband. No fun at all! I hope you felt well enough to putter around the house a little and get some things done.
I’m right there with you on the kitchen being your happy place. There is something very rewarding about getting to make something delicious and feed people you love.
Becky,
So happy to hear that the Florida Smiths were able to get into their new home early and in time for Thanksgiving! Such a blessing. And now the process of putting their own special touch to it that will turn it from “new house” to a home filled with love, laughter, tears, joys and memories begins.
As always, your photos are amazing. Thanks for taking me along on your journey through your photos. As a lover of old barns, your awesome photo is one of my all time barn photos. And, thanks to Ruth for allowing you to share her home. I enjoyed seeing the inside, she is quite a talented, creative decorator!
I have many happy places, but one of my favorites this time of year would have to be a comfortable chair, a cozy afghan, a pet on my lap and a book in my hands.
And, as for COVID, we are currently experiencing a rise in cases. Our county health department has issued a stay at home warning urging us not to leave home except for the essentials. Many schools are reverting to all online learning. I am so looking forward to a vaccine and an eventual end to all this!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs, stay safe, and God bless you all,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
I know. Aren’t barns so wonderful? Each of them has its own personality and so much character!
Wow. That’s pretty drastic to have to stay at home except for essentials. We’re not back at that point yet but we very well may get there since our cases are also shooting up.
In the meantime, enjoy your comfy chair, your cozy afghan, your book, and your pet. It’s the simple joys, isn’t it?
YAY! For a new home for the FL Smiths. I love the story behind the picture. I take naps occasionally if my son is with my sister =)
I have loved all of your WI pictures. It looks like a place I’d like to visit.
And I love a good stir fry. Just throw whatever I have in and viola! a yummy meal!
Have a blessed day!
Krista,
Yeah, that was a great photo, wasn’t it? I’m glad you get the occasional nap. SUCH a luxury!
I hope your stir-fries are less frantic than ours. 🙂 I agree. They ARE a delicious way to cook.
Dear Becky, the only thing I could conclude from the church reserved parking signs is that both the pastor and organist ride motorcycles! 😉
Fred,
Now there’s a solution I hadn’t thought of. It would be especially fun if the pastor and organist came on motorcycles . . . and were also MARRIED!
Your pictures are beautiful as always!
So glad Nathan and Meagan were able to get in their new house.
I don’t think I get frantic about one food but might be a little frantic when cooking a holiday meal, making sure everything is ready at the same time and some dishes don’t get cold.
In the County I live, we have had a mask mandate since June I think, possibly earlier than that. It’s been so long I can’t remember. I have basically gotten used to wearing one but then I don’t work so don’t have to wear one all day. At church, we have been able to take ours off once we sit down. I just read that because of the spike in cases, we will need to wear them at all times, except for the Sunday School teacher, praise team and pastor while preaching. The big Methodist church here in Overland Park just announced that they are going back to virtual services. There were other restrictions that went into effect on Monday, bars closing earlier (that doesn’t bother me), gathering limits, etc. My Florida friend’s mother-in-law lost a couple in her Sunday School class, both to COVID within days or weeks.
Phyllis,
Yes, holiday meals are pressure cookers, indeed. Too many dishes to get organized and heated and/or cooled as the case may be. And the hardest part of it is when half of the dinner guests gather in the kitchen to socialize and you’re trying to be polite and efficient and patient, all at the same time.
Sounds like you all are dealing with some changing restrictions where you live, as are we. I am just so glad I am not in charge of making those decisions. That would be a tough job.
Becky,
Once again you enthralled me with your photos and stories. For a few sweet minutes I traveled with you, far from home. Enjoying scenery. Mouth watering over stir-fry. Examining the knickknacks in Ruth’s home. Guessing the meaning behind them. Remembering young love — and parental exhaustion. Such a fun journey at the end of a long day. Right from my recliner. Thank you. Lov ya, Cheryl
Cheryl,
What a sweet comment, mentioning so many things about the post.
Glad you take you could take a little recliner trip–right along with me. And glad that sitting in your recliner means you’re getting a little rest in the mdist of the all the craziness!
Hugs!
Your photos are, as usual, stunning! But by far the best picture this week is the Sheri’s of Meagan and Nathan snoozing. It speaks of so many things: The absolute exhaustion of parents of young children; the total relaxation they can enjoy because they know that Grandma and Grandpa have their backs for a few hours; the way Meagan has taken her arm out from under the warm blanket to put her arm around as much of Nathan she can reach.
I live in NJ these days. We’re part of the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) that got so badly hit on the first go round. Density of population is not your friend in a pandemic. But The governors of these 3 states and several others coordinate regularly, and they monitor the situation daily. When they can, they keep things open, when they can’t, they shut down or shorten hours or whittle away at guest lists. I love all these governors! My son works at home, and my d-i-l is unemployed (but works constantly with one severely ADHD son and another who wants to be just like his older brother), so we’ve been able to form a “bubble.” A few days a week I bring one or the other of the boys here for a few hours to supervise their remote learning. It lightens my d-i-l’s load a little, and it gives me a chance to see other people from the safety of my car!
Janet,
I agree so wholeheartedly about the photo of Nathan and Meagan taking the photography Blue Ribbon for the week. It is the dearest photo and the things you noticed and pointed out were so perfect.
Sounds like the governors where you live are using a lot of wisdom in dealing with COVID. As you said, densely populated areas present a much more difficult challenge.
Glad you are able to help out your d-i-l with your grandson’s remote learning. When you are a young mom with your hands full, even a few hours makes an enormous difference.
How wonderful that the young Florida Smith’s have moved into their new home! As we prepare to spend our seventh night in our new (to us) home, I can so relate to the picture of Nate & Meagan. (And our children are grown and enlisted to help.)
My happy place is the beach, and my happiest of places is the beach anywhere in North Carolina.
Steve’s FSF looks good. Anytime I cook, the frantic part is trying to get everything done at the same time. I’m more of a cook one thing at a time gal. My husband makes coordinating everything look so effortless.
Your pictures are stunning as always. I always look forward to seeing things through your eyes.
There’s nothing quite like sitting around reminiscing with family, especially when you are often separated by many miles.
Unfortunately, COVID numbers are on the rise here in North Texas and I fear the holidays will result in even more spikes.
Oh, and I vote that the pastor and organist are husband & wife who ride together! 🙂
Have a wonderful week!
Sue Ellen,
I love your idea that the pastor and organist are husband and wife who ride together. That explanation works for me!
Congrats on a new to your house. I know it always takes a whole for a new place to really feel like home but little by little, that transition happens. Glad you had grown up kid help with the move.
I agree that the most stressful part of cooking is timing everything, especially when it gets down to the last 5 minutes. That’s why I love one-pot meals–and especially my Instant Pot. It does everything at the same time!
Your pictures are fabulous! I love to see old buildings and wonder who built them, what the story is behind them.
We kind of missed covid the first couple times it made its surge, but now its rampant up here in Northern MN. LOTS of it. Ugh! Our Governor has issued a close on restaurants and bars at 10 p.m. each night, cause Covid knows the time you know…sorry! 😉 But, we can go to Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Menards and its safe…Makes no sense to me. Same with Church. I’ll get off my rant now.
My happy place is right at home. I LOVE to be home in my little house, reading a good book or putzing and baking for someone.
I am going to read up now on Nathan and Megan and their new house. How exciting for them all. I know about having family move in, Its happened here with my daughter and 2 children while my son inlaw was relocating and before they moved over there. Lots of fun, and we did really well with it all. Not a problem because we worked at it and said we would be gracious about it all.
Wendy,
I’m right there with you on being curious as to the story behind old buildings. They are absolutely fascinating to me.
Yeah, that is sort of funny about the curfew. I don’t quite understand how that helps. And then the bars and restaurants being closed but Walmart open? Hmmmm…
I love to stay at home, too, and especially if it’s raining. There’s no cozier feeling.
Good to hear that you and your family made it work for your daughter and kids to live with you for a while. Not always easy but I’m sure you made some wonderful memories.
I so enjoy reading your blog and looking at your photos! My happy place is the beach, though I have to get through winter before it’s lake time. We’ve had a lot of that so far and thankfully I never have to worry about that.
I was released from my surgeons office last week and today from physical therapy, The improvement I have made has astounded my therapist. I still have a ways before I am back to normal, but once the swelling goes away I should be back to normal. I will keep up with the exercises, as this is what has helped me the most. I am back to baking and cooking, anything to keep me busy. I also read a lot and watch to much TV. I also have been crocheting grocery bags. I am trying to keep positive and hopeful for our nation to return to normal in the days to come. I even decorated the house for Christmas a week ago and that makes me smile.
Cindy,
Good for you for working so hard on your therapy and seeing such great results. I know you’re thankful to be able to get back to the things you love doing.
And good for you for already being done with Christmas decorating; that will just give you a nice long time to enjoy it all.
I’ve always known how much you love the beach. Being near water is so wonderful.
Beautiful scenery and photos of much loved people. i still love “Double Dose of the Holy Ghost”! My happy place is the ocean – the waves always wash out the fog that impedes my joy and refocus my heart. My 2nd happy place is my home where my loved ones reside.
The eastern half of CT escaped high Covid rates the first go round, but not so now. People got complacent about wearing masks around others very quickly and the Governor started us back to normal too quickly. I’m against complete shutdowns, but believe those vulnerable need to be provided for and protected. I’m not a group people person to begin with so I’ve not had as negative an impact as some. Three weeks ago, our company had to implement a temporary shutdown of the shop and I’m on reduced hours (16 vs 40) as the uncertainties with Covid worldwide and the national election (affects businesses negatively every 4 years) left us no choice. So I’ll enjoy the extra time in one of my happy places and trust God for the rest.
Guerrina,
You and my mom LOVE that song! 🙂
Yes, there’s nothing like the ocean to put all of life in perspective and to wash away the stuff that doesn’t need to be there. Amazing how therapeutic it is.
That’s a pretty big decrease in your hours. I admire your positive attitude about enjoying the extra time at home but I know you must have your worries. You’ve been through so much in all your years; God will bring you through this, as well.
I always love seeing your WI trips through your camera lens. Beautiful photos as always! Such a joy to have you guys here. The only bad part is you have to leave again. 🙁
My current happy place is a family restaurant here in town. I love their decorations and atmosphere plus they give you a sample of homemade vanilla pudding–yum! Would love to take you guys there some day!
Steve’s Frantic Stir Fry looked delicious! I always think the last few minutes before serving a meal–especially for company–are frantic. Raises my blood pressure every time!
Love to you all–sure miss you!
Love, Deb
Deb,
What’s the name of the restaurant? I’ll have to look it up online. Look forward to going with you guys!
I know. Those last 5 minutes before serving a meal can get a little frantic, indeed.
Your beautiful photography always catches me. What an artistic eye you have, Dear Friend!
Thanks, friend!
Great to talk to you today.
My happy place is the beach. Feeling the ocean breeze and looking for sea glass. My happy place at home is my craft room and spending time quilting. I get frantic cooking and trying to get all the foods done at the same time. My husband does most of our cooking though. If you liked the Dutch baby, there are lots of options out there. I love them and make a small version often. My Dutch husband really doesn’t like them. Go figure. I recently found this recipe. https://onedishkitchen.com/peach-dutch-baby-recipe/ Covid is on the rise in MI and we are staying at home. Difficult times for sure.
Patti,
Yum. I love anything with peach. That recipe looks great! Can’t believe I’m 58 years old and had never heard of Dutch Baby!
Glad you have a husband who lives to cook; works out well for both of you.
I was glad you were able to get to our beautiful Outer Banks; we so enjoyed our dinner with you guys.