Thanksgiving is gone-but Christmas is on the way!

We had a really nice Thanksgiving with Kurt's family. I will post some pictures. We had more than we could eat. I was so thankful to be able to spend time with my family. Kurt's had to leave around three as her family was coming to their home. We went out to Tom's around five and spent some time with Tom, Mary and Keith's Mom. Kevin called us in the evening to wish us a Happy Thanksgiving.

Keith went to the gun show in Fort Wayne yesterday. Kurt has a table there to sell guns. Kraig was there too. Christy and the girls came later in the afternoon. I stayed home to put up the tree, decorate and wrap packages. I talked to Kurt on the phone and he said Bob took pictures (I always go with Keith and take pictures for my scrapbook) I hope I can get some pictures from Bob. I sent turkey sandwiches for the guys. I put mayonnaise on them so they wouldn't be so dry. I found out something about my grandson. He does not like mayonnaise. Keith said he took one bite and then did not eat anymore. Kurt asked him what was wrong and he said it had mayonnaise on it. I will never make that mistake again. Sorry Kraig!!

I sold my nativity scene last year at our auction. I had had the same one for years. It was very large and very breakable. I bought one at an estate sale in the hills of Georgia, just north of Clayton, Georgia near the Carolina border. We stop at lots of things that look interesting and this is one stop I am glad we made. There was a sign that said "Estate Sale" and an arrow up a narrow road on a hill. We went and it was just a little ways up the hill, but the house or "Log cabin" was really interesting. They told us it was built before the civil war. Just walking around in the house was neat. I found this nativity scene there and I put it on the fireplace mantle. I bought another one at the "Hopkins Girl's Craft Sale" to put on the coffee table that is grandchildren freindly. It is stuffed and they can play with it. I couldn't really get a good picture of the tree. I put burgundy and gold ornaments on it both shiny and frosted, round and teardrop shaped. Gold garland, gold and burgundy silk poinsettas, and burgandy berries. It has a gold star on top. I'll try to get a better picture later. I bought a package of 100 hangers and only had three left, but I still have 18 bulbs left!! Keith is going to have to wire up the hanging light as it hangs right in front of it. When we go to IKEA, hopefully the Thursday after Christmas when Kevin & Sarah come home, I will get a new light fixture for there.

We have had beautiful weather the last couple days with near record highs in the high 50's. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Keith got a new toy.

I had a doctor's appointment in Toledo today, so Keith went along. After my appointment we went out to lunch and then an afternoon of shopping. Keith bought a swivel screen portable DVD player. It will be nice to take along on vacations. He is playing with it now to figure out all the bells and whistles.

Kurt, Christy and the kids are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Will miss Kevin & Sarah, but they could not come home this year. I am really looking forward to it. Bought a 17 pound turkey so I am sure we will have plenty to eat.

I am ready to put up my tree. I bought all new decorations this year. As Keith mentioned he would like to have a "nice" tree. Not the decorations that I have used for the last 36 years!! It will be a change, will post a picture of the tree when I get it decorated. I will miss the decorations Kurt and Kevin made as children but maybe they won't.

Happy Turkey Day to you all.

MURDER MYSTERY!!

Well, everyone has gone home, and the mystery is solved. No one guessed the right suspect, but we had alot of fun. First I served them a meal of tater tot casserole, apple salad and crescent rolls, coffee and lots of different teas. I also served bottled water from the Peabody Hotel in Memphis! I wore my apron that Kevin and Sarah brought me from their honeymoon while I was cooking and serving.

Our mystery was set in Paris in June of 1940. Everybody came in costume and some were really neat. As it ended up, Vickie Apt also known as Princess Idelle Chattre was the murderess.
I am posting some pictures. Bev Glore was Duke Schwazhe B.U. Klare (complete with military uniform and mustache. Jerra Mae was Barbara Z Enhussie (dressed in furs and jewels) Judy Koerner was Belinda Screete (owner of a thriving high fashion studio) Zelma was Weyland W Awfcorce (a pilot of renown) Jane was Khover T. Ageante (well travelled and worldly individual) Patsy was Malcolm R. Conntint (a soldier of fortune gangster type) and Judy Shipe was Mare K. Trairie (a journalist for a newspaper). JoAnn and I were extras as everyone showed up. We were Justin Case and Sue T. Case.

Keith came home from his auction in time to take a group picture. I will post some pictures.

Everyone said they had a great time and I have had two call me after they got home to tell me again how much fun it was! Sorry, I got carried away with the pictures, but I have so many good ones. I will have to have Kevin show me how to add as a slideshow sometime.

Murder Mystery!!

I have Red Hat's for November and I am having a murder mystery. It is set in Paris in 1940 on a train just before the Germans enter France. We have ten members and usually we have anywhere from 6 members on up attending each month. As the game is for 8 people I was a little worried we may not have enough people. Guess what, they must think it sounds like fun as all ten members are coming. I assigned the eight parts and JoAnn and I will be Justin and Sue T. Case. We will be able to ask questions and to guess who did it, just not have a part. I am having it at our home on Thursday night. I will post a picture of everyone in costume. I am really looking forward to it. I will serve a light supper before we enter the "train".

Got most of the closet done. Got rid of over 15 pair of shoes. Can't wear flat soles anymore with my ankle. I also got rid of a whole storage container of sweaters. Will either put on e-bay or give to the Goodwill. Now I just have to go through the clothes on hangers. Some have been in there for years and haven't been worn. I am not good at getting rid of things, (wish I was a little more like Kevin - he is so organized-not sure where he got that trait) but was really in the mood when I cleaned the closet.

I also took out all the Christmas presents that I have boughten and that gave me some more room. I am planning on wrapping tonight to get them out of the way for the mystery dinner. Right now they are on the dining room table.

Keith has an auction in Coldwater, Michigan tomorrow and one in Toledo Thursday and Saturday. He is keeping really busy.

Happy Birthday Mom & Chloe

Today is Mom's 93rd birthday and Chloe's 6th birthday. I called them both today and wished them each a happy birthday.

Keith has been gone most of the week in Lima getting an auction ready, having the open house and today was the auctiion so he will be home tonight. I haven't really been doing much. I brought some movies home from the library (putting off cleaning my closet-which was my goal for this week) I watched Shaggy Dog with Tim Allen and Click with Adam Sandler. And I have been reading the new Janet Evanovich book.

I guess I can't come up with any more excuses, so I will go clean my closet.

LONG TIME - NO BLOG!!

I check Kevin & Sarah's blog everyday and sometimes more than once a day and I am disappointed when there is nothing new. I just realized that I have not posted anything since we got back from our vacation in October!!

We have been pretty busy, especially Keith with all his auctions and getting ready for them. We did go to Deer Creek State Park October 15-17th. Of course I had classes for my job, but Keith got a little R&R. Our 36th wedding anniversary was the 18th. Not a record - but pretty good for nowdays.

I took a day of vacation on the 20th and we got to keep the grandkids all night. Kurt & Christy went away with another couple to Brown County and rented a cabin to celebrate their 12th anniversary. Kevin & Sarah also came home on the 20th so we had a houseful and really enjoyed it. I bought the movie "Over the Hedge" for the kids, even though Kurt & Christy had taken them to the theatre to see it, they enjoyed it.

The next day, Christy's Mom came and picked up the kids and they kept them overnight on Saturday. Kevin, Sarah & I went out for lunch and then to Keith's auction. When it was over we piled in Keith's truck and went to the new IKEA store in Canton, Michigan. We had a great time and I bought a neat picture for above the fireplace that I just love. It is a photograph taken in France. Kevin hung it for me when we got home (around 1 a.m.) and he also installed a new light fixture to shine down on the picture which is really neat. We are looking forward to going back to the store with them when they are home for Christmas.

The next day Christy's Mom brought the kids back around noon and we headed out to the Engler Christmas. We all had a good time and Mom sang a song which we all joined in on the chorus. It made Mom really happy.

I set up a get-together for my cousins, John & JoAnn, Bob & Vee and Mike & Lynn at the country club on the 28th. JoAnn's daughter & her husband also joined us and we had a great evening reminising about the "old days". It was "Trick or Treat" night in Edgerton, so the kids came over before we went.

Keith bought some trees and ornamental grass at an auction that he had for a nursery. So we have been planting trees & grass. We took some to the lake and planted there on Monday night.

My mom is leaving for Florida on Saturday morning. Keith is in Lima for a couple days for a sale so I had Mom stay all night with me last night and we had a good time. Tonight I am going to a craft auction that a church in West Unity is having that I have attended almost every year for over 25 years. My friends Etta, Vickie and her sister Paula are going tonight.

Tomorrow I am taking a day off as Mom will have her water shut off in the morning and will be staying all night with me. I am taking her to visit JoAnn in the afternoon as JoAnn has some pictures of her Mom's (my Mom's sister) that she needs help in identifing who some of the people are.

Saturday I have a "Tasting Bee for the Busy Bea" that my club, Bryan Area BusinessWomen's Club is putting on. I have to take my pumpkin rolls and scalloped corn. Keith does not have a sale for the first Saturday since I can't remember. I have bought tickets to go to the "Odd Couple" at the Williams County Playhouse in Bryan. I think it will be fun. Mike & Ettta and John and JoAnn will be going with us.

So you can see I have been busy, but I will try to not wait so long to post next time. I will add a picture of the kids "Trick or Treating." Also my new picture. Isn't it neat?