Tuesday, October 10, 2017

It's Good to be Home

The joys of home . . .
I'm back to my routine after spending six wonderful weeks in Turkey.  Oh, Turkey. Maybe you have read the disturbing news about America and Turkey suspending visas?  What a mess; I wish our government would stay out of other people's business!  But, that's a story for another time...

Today I thought I'd share a little bit about what I've been up to this week.  My jet lag is not so bad and my energy level is high.  Yes!  My home is always "clean" but not everything is organized in the cupboards, closets, etc.  I recently discovered a new blog and it has really inspired me to get myself in gear and try to decorate a little more posh.  It's been fun as I have so much "stuff" to decorate with.  And, my cupboards have been cleaned along with my closet.  So, things are looking up.

My new decor for my nightstand.  I used to read in bed years ago but not anymore.  My nightstand looked so bare and neglected.  When I wake up now, I see something bright and happy.


I went to the store to buy fresh flowers but I didn't feel like buying pink or red flowers for fall.  Instead I opted for this "green" bouquet.  It matches the decor quite well and will last for a long time as it's fresh greenery vs flowers.

 
I found my fall decorations and decorated the mantle in the family room.  I bought these little pumpkin candles years ago and have used them as decor vs candles.

I just have to show you my new electric tea kettle.  I think this is the 5th one we have had.  Years ago when they came out, we bought one and it lasted for so long.  Since then we've gone through a couple of them that didn't last long at all.  This is the latest one from Amazon.  The cost was $25.00 and free shipping, too!  So far, it's working great, heats the water fast and is an attractive design, too. (Do you spy my new cookie/cake tin? A new buy this week from Home Goods.)

 
 People have asked me how did my cat Lilly get along without me for so long.  She did great.  She got to stay at home and we have some dear friends who come by every couple of days to take care of her, pet her and let her wander in the back yard for awhile.  The best thing I did before I left was to buy Lilly this HUGE covered litter box.  It's amazing and no more mess.  I should have done this years ago but Lilly is a 17 pound cat and my dear Pumpkin was 15 pounds.  Try and find a covered litter box to fit a big, beautiful kitty!

I left my completed needlepoint in Turkey after I had them framed.  This is a new one I've started on and it's huge compared to the other pieces.  It's going to take me awhile since the colors are a bit darker and for my eyes makes it more difficult.

It's nice to be home and get ready for all the upcoming fall activities.  So many people have asked me if it's safe to go to Turkey.  We've never experienced any problem whatsoever.  Staying home could be just as toxic with the horrible Las Vegas shootings and the San Bernardino shootings.  Both of those incidents hit very close to home.  And, since yesterday morning we have a horrible wild fire near us burning down houses and destroying beautiful  natural areas.  If the wind had blown in the opposite direction, we would have been in danger.  We've been having Santa Ana winds which are strong, warm winds that cause havoc each year.  My hearts and prayers go out to everyone effected by these sad events.

I'd love to hear what you've been up to.  I'm going to plant some spring bulbs, iron and enjoy my day at home.  It's always good to be home.  Thank you for visiting today!

My best wishes,

Pat






17 comments:

  1. You have been busy, and you fix-ups look great!

    That litter box is really intriguing - is it metal?

    I can't imagine being away for six weeks - but then, since I din't have that much vacation time anyway, it's not an issue ... ;-)

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    1. Hi Bridget, thank you for your kind words. The litter box is plastic. I found it at my local Big Lots store for $15.00. I know you have kitties but maybe not as big as my Lilly? I was hesitant that Lilly wouldn't like it but she easily took to it. Hope your week is going well. Pat :)

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  2. Glad you had a lovely trip. Some people are just wicked, the evil things they do, I'm glad you are safe the fires sound terrible.

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    1. Thank you Marlene for visiting today. Yes, with all the bad things in the world happening, all I can do is pray and hope for the best. I hope all is well with you. Pat :)

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  3. I think creating a beautiful home and praying and going to church are the best things we can do in light of so much trouble and natural disasters. love what you have done to your home, it's lovely!

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    1. I agree with you Elizabeth 100%. My joy in life is my faith, family and home. Thank you so much for your comment. Pat :)

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    2. Yes! Thanks for your comment the other day about your set of Minton dishes! If I had complete sets of all the main dishes I have, I would have at least 6 sets too (I have 1 full set of fiesta, and about 4 or 5 incomplete sets that I love mixing and matching from)! It's such a blessing to be able to make a beautiful table and not hard to do if one makes it a priority... :)

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  4. I wish you would share the blog that you are following. It sounds like something I would like. Your updates look great. So glad that you enjoyed your trip.

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    1. Thank you so much Cathie. The new blog I discovered is http://www.margaretpowling.com/
      It really inspired me to "put down my knitting needles and crochet hook" and try to decorate my home like I used to. Thank you for your kind words. Enjoy your week. Pat :)

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  5. Glad you’re home safe Pat, sounds like you had a good holiday. Looks like you are rejuvenated after your holiday with all that tidying and sorting. Everything is looking lovely :). B x

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  6. Thank you so much. It's always fun to get away and yet it always feels good to return home. I hope I keep my energy level high for the holidays! Enjoy your day dear friend. Pat

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  7. Glad Lilly is happy to use it. QT is such a woose, we put in cat flaps but unless you hold them open, he won't use them. We've tried all sorts to help him, but no, he's too afraid. Cathy x

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    1. Aren't cats creatures of habit? I thought Lilly would have a fit with the new litter box but luckily she didn't. Lilly doesn't like anything that changes her routine :) Thank you for visiting. Pat

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  8. Lovely new touches you have given 'home sweet home'Pat. I do love the pretty lamp you have on your nightstand. The mantel looks wonderful, too, and the pretty green arrangement. I just heard about the visa problem in Turkey and hope it is lifted soon so you can enjoy your visits there again. I like the new electric tea kettle and your baked goods tin. They certainly go 'hand in hand', don't they? I'm so glad to hear that you are safe from the wildfires. So very tragic for so many and still such a danger. Lilly must be so happy to have you home again. Love the new needlework. Sending hugs xo Karen

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  9. Thank you Karen. My decor skills have a long way to go to match your beautiful style. You've encouraged me to try new things as I faithfully read your blog. Lilly is one happy kitty now. And, things at home are caught up and back to our routine. I hope you and your dear ones are enjoying the fall. Many thanks, Pat

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  10. Hello Pat. I'm glad that you are enjoying life now that you're back from your time away. It's good to have some time now to put a few new touches into your decor. I think one looks around the home and appreciates those little things, ornaments, flower arrangements etc. that give us pleasure. I'm happy you're safe from the wild fire, but it's a terrible experience for those caught up in them and we remember them in our prayers. Your new needlepoint picture is lovely and it's just waiting for you to work on it. Sending my best wishes, Linda x

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    1. Thank you dear Linda for your kind words. We are so fortunate compared to those in northern California where the wildfires are burning whole neighborhoods. The photos coming out are so, so sad. I've enjoyed starting on my new needlepoint and enjoying the cooler mornings outside in the garden. I hope all is well with you and your dear family. Pat

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