Enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers is a quiet delight that stretches the holiday’s magic. We enjoy juicy turkey slices tucked into soft bread sandwiches with a blob of dressing and a swipe of cranberry sauce. Did you know that cold pumpkin pie, eaten straight from the fridge, tastes even better the next day? Yep! Mashed potatoes can be remade into potato patties. Leftover Egg Rolls (my fave)—packed with Thanksgiving goodness—are crisping up perfectly in the skillet or air fryer! We gather around...
13 days ago • 2 min read
Thanksgiving traditions weave together our gratitude and togetherness in timeless traditions. Families gather to share a bountiful feast—roast turkey carved at the table, or Ham glazed with pineapple glaze, savory dressing, tangy cranberry sauce, and velvety mashed potatoes with gravy. Before the meal begins, we pause to voice our blessings and gratitudes, our words encircling the table. Desserts crown the meal: pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, and gooey pecan pie, each slice a sweet nod to...
20 days ago • 4 min read
Thanksgiving isn’t just turkey and touchdowns—it’s a shared exhale, a pause button on the chaos, a pocket of quiet carved out from the world. Families crowd the kitchen, passing down recipes scribbled on index cards, arguing over whether we call it dressing or stuffing. The dinner table becomes a truce zone: politics pause, second helpings are mandatory, and someone always cries over the prayer. (me) Thanksgiving isn’t perfect. Someone will burn the rolls, someone will mention politics for...
27 days ago • 3 min read
"November is the month that tucks summer into bed and pulls the blanket of winter halfway up. Days shorten like candle wicks, leaves surrender in slow-motion applause, and the air smells of woodsmoke and cinnamon. It’s a pause between the blaze of autumn and the hush of snow: crisp, reflective, and quietly preparing for the long night ahead." Author unknown. Things to Do in November Chase the last warm-ish days: Find a trail, kick through leaf piles, or go on a scenic drive to see fall...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Exploring Your Mother’s or Grandmother’s Recipe Box this Holiday Season Do you have a cherished recipe box from your mother or grandmother that brings back fond memories. And have you recently delved into your mother’s or grandmother’s vintage recipe box? The holiday season is the perfect moment to dive into the cherished memories held in your grandmother’s or mother’s recipe box, uncovering heartfelt recipes that evoke warmth and connection to those special times with them. Using your...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
These are genuine pumpkins, fresh from our vibrant harvest! I'm absolutely smitten with the stunning blue Jarrahdale pumpkins. Last year, our local zoo gifted me one after their October festivities, and I was inspired to grow my own. Of course, the white pumpkins are just as charming and hold their own special place in my heart! Just so you know, both the blue Jarrahdale and white pumpkins reveal a vibrant golden-orange interior when you cut them open. And we will use them for pumpkin puree...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Halloween is a joyful celebration where little girls can transform into princesses or superheroes, and little boys can become firefighters, police officers, or caped crusaders. Adults can embrace the magic of Halloween by stepping into new personas and characters, becoming someone else for the night. Halloween weaves a spellbinding tapestry of eerie thrills and enchanting whimsy, transforming one night into a magical realm of spooky delight. Every year, we delight in donning whimsical...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
As October’s crisp air arrives, the "October Bucket List" begins a season of fun. Start by making a "boo basket" with treats to surprise a neighbor, then buy vibrant mums to brighten your porch. Thrift a whimsical costume like a witch’s hat or cape, and carve a grinning pumpkin for a festive glow. Knit a cute ghost or swap spooky books with friends for cozy reads. Paint candles for an eerie candlelit dinner, craft a ghost garland, and bake pies or cakes to fill the kitchen with warmth. Enjoy...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Our small Texas ranch offers us freedom, privacy, and a connection to nature. It provides us with a peaceful, simple lifestyle and is a legacy for us to pass down to our kids and grandkids. It's a place to enjoy activities like raising cows and chickens, gardening, and hunting. Also for us, it’s a proud way to embrace Texas’ deep-rooted ranching tradition with a smaller spread. Our ranch is indeed small per Texas standards, (only about 160 acres) but it's the perfect size for two retired...
2 months ago • 3 min read
