Saturday, September 22, 2018

BLONDIE PLAYS CATCH-UP




Hi everyone!  I know all of you have just been devastated that I haven't posted in over a month.  Perhaps I should have said that I needed to take a break, which I've never done in eleven years, but it was so much better to torment myself everyday with thoughts that I was acting like a sloth and had no discipline. 

 I've heard stirrings that a lot of ladies have given up writing blog posts and instead use Instagram.  I've been doing Instagram for a little over two years and I think this might be true in a lot of people, but not for me.  It's important to do what we like and what we have time for.  I still love to write and weave little stories about my mundane life, so I'll never give up the blog.  I know I've said it before, I do feel its important to post on a regular basis.  Some do it to be dependable to their readers, and because they feature ads and depend on their blogging for income, much like a business.  So--when I'm lying in bed at night, thinking of the mountain of life happenings I want to bring you up on, it turns into one looming project that nags at me.  Realistically, I'm not making any money on my blog as I do with writing news columns.  But that's just a little twinge of excuse-making sometimes,  I want to write as I've been doing all my life.  And now I do it for a living, with teeth clenching deadlines, its overwhelming but definitely not uncommon and I roll with it.  Enough said.

  One other thing: for awhile just recently, we were commenting on blogs, and after, we filled in our name, email address, and website.  Then you could check a box saying, "Please save my information for further comments."  All of a sudden that stopped.  Now whenever I post a comment, I have to fill in those spaces and its a time sucker.  What happened?


When you go for a stretch of non-blogging, seasons change whether you realize it or not.  I use my photos as a guide to write, and I gasped when I realized I hadn't even finished telling you about the end of summer (or August), and now we are getting ready for fall.  We had a lot of great times at the lake, of course.  Emily and Mike come up quite a bit with Madelyn; she loves the beach and water, the large amount of open space inside the cottage where she can run and do whatever she can't do at home.  The last time we were there we had some rainy days and so Mad and I made cupcakes together.  I know every Grandma likes to brag, ahem...but I was really surprised how focused she was on mixing the batter, and later, carefully frosting and adding sprinkles.  She spends a lot of time coloring, drawing, painting and putting stickers on paper.  Its a good way to get that eye/hand coordination.  I thought I'd be sweeping sprinkles up for days but she didn't even get any off the plate.  But I'm not a bragger.  ;-D


Since I'm also a lazy photographer, I don't have much to offer from my summer gardens.  The Husband has completely taken over the big perennial garden we started at the lake a few years ago.  After my back surgery in April, I was in no shape to weed or even plant anything new.  He has totally claimed it as his.  On afternoons after he's finished fussing over it, he pulls up a lawn chair, pops open a beer, and just sits there looking at it.  Sheet.  He can have it.  I'm thinking of a raised bed for veggies and flowers next spring.  I'll ask The Beach Boys to dig it out when they are doing their water and beach cleanup.  Hee hee.  I will not be out-maneuvered by someone who doesn't even know what compost is.  Notice my photo bomber, Milo above.  My sedum is getting huge, the plants are like bushes. 




I had to mention that we met up with my blogger friend Cindy, who no longer blogs, and her hubby Dan right here in Chicago.  Since they are in Western Wisconsin, we've always met some place halfway, and believe me, there is not much between Chicago and Black River Falls, WI.  But it was Cindy's birthday and she wanted to spend a few days in Chi Town.  So we had a fun time hanging out in Millennial Park, one of the places they hadn't been.  And they covered a lot of ground in three days.  Temps were in the mid nineties and we were dripping wet.  We finally ducked into one of our favorite restaurants, Paisano's on State St., for some great Italian food, and then wandered over to Macy's, which held a lot of childhood memory for Cindy. When it was Marshall Field's of course.  Dan had never been to Chicago, and The Husband wasted no time in playing tour guide.  Big eye roll here.  I admit, he knows everything about Chicago: its history, layout, architecture, and every shortcut you can imagine to avoid a traffic jam.  Anyway, it was a fun time and I hope we can get together before Christmas.  Can you imagine taking a gamble to meet a blogger who was a total stranger, and become the best of friends while meeting once a year for ten years?  Life is full of the strange but true.  And the rewards of taking a leap of faith.  Love ya, sista!




Just wondering what this is growing along my fence.  Weedy but pretty.


I have a twenty-five year old jade plant a the lakehouse.  It took a little tumble which actually was a good thing; it had grown bigger in a way that made it off balance and I wasn't sure if I wanted to mess with it.  So some very large pieces broke off and I took this as a sign that I should be a little more courageous, if only with a plant.  I put the stems in water until the little whisker-like roots appeared, then potted it and left it out in the sun for most of this summer.  I am so HaPpY!  Look at the size of this.  Sure beats spending $9.99 for a little pot with two stems (sorry Home Depot).



The fall decorating got of to a slow start.  It was a little early for me but every time I went downstairs to do laundry, I'd pull a few things out of my autumn bin.  I would think, this is enough.  I have a much lighter touch these days keeping in mind I have to put it all away in a few weeks.  But then I started to to think how little kids notice everything and anything new, so I was motivated to add more.


The mantel was fun because most everything was there.  Its such a huge surround, if I try to scale back it looks too bare.  Too much and its obnoxious.  Anyway, I think it says fall.


I won these velvet pumpkins in a giveaway a few years ago that Debra from Common Ground hosted.  Another blogger made them and I feel bad that I don't remember her name.  They are gorgeous and those are real stems. Ignore that little candy dish there.  I mix a lot of kiddie candy in since The Husband would devour all of it if it was all chocolate.  And he obviously has.


More attempts at tabletop decor.



I have three of these crates that I was lucky enough to score in a Christmas grab bag.  This is the smallest and its great for corralling a few items.  This is not a new design tip, but it really makes me smile when I have an unusual container.


This little critter always comes out in the fall.  His arms wrap around little acorns which are actually salt and pepper shakers.  A little bit of whimsy.  I never fill or use them.  Purely there to amuse me.


Little Miss Madelyn came over this morning while her mama went out for a design consultation and relaxing manicure.  With just a few more weeks until she turns two, she has become delighted with exploring everything in her world, and imitating what she sees going on around her.  When she used to sit and stack my spice jars, now she actually pretends she's cooking...shaking that stuff in and stirring.  


Last night I made some sugar cookie dough and this morning when I had her here, we sprinkled the flour over the the counter (her favorite part--I mean actual permission to make a huge mess!).  We rolled the dough in balls, patted it down, rolled it out (she had her own small kiddie rolling pin), and then cut out shapes.  I only have to show her steps once and then she's on her own.  It astounds me.  After they were baked and cooled, we frosted them, added sprinkles, and then had a tea party.  I actually found a real Fiestaware children's tea set at Marshall's the other day for---wait...$7.99!!  We had so much fun, and I was exhausted afterward.  Love you mama's.  I did it with four under the age of ten, but I still wonder how.  



"I'm sorry.  I simply can't bake without my vintage apron and jewelry."



July, 2019 may sound a long way off, but not for my little girl Abigail Jane.  That's the wedding date and so it was officially time to start hunting for the gown!  The first prerequisite was no strapless dresses, and it had to tie in a bit with the long ivory silk dresses of her fourteen bridesmaids.  Sheesh.  And she also wanted to go to a variety of shops, big and small.



We made our way from River West downtown, to the burbs down south.  She fell in love with the first dress she tried on.  It was originally $10,000, (I'm catching my breath even now), but it had a few tears in the netting so it was marked down.  I was in the hall frantically checking my savings account on my phone, when she said she just couldn't decide in the twenty-four hours they were going to hold it.  Yes!  And cheers between sisters on a job well done thus far.

And we finally found THE DRESS!  She's my daughter so I'm partial, but she is stunning in this gown, it is her looking her loveliest.  The wedding will be outdoors at dusk on gorgeous Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, and she is going to outshine the moon and stars.  Sniff sniff.






Milo's lymph nodes were slightly swollen a few weeks ago so our vet said he is not completely in remission anymore.  The goal has been to keep an eye on him with bi-weekly exams.  He had actually been acting quite normal and then we spent an entire weekend with his back legs giving out over and over.  Once he'd hit the wood floors, he clawed desperately to get up and couldn't, so we were lifting him up.  I really thought that this is when the quality of life ends.  My doctor had mentioned acupuncture for the pain in what we thought were his hips.  So I agreed.  And this is what it looks like.  You can Google what it involves in canines because it was all Greek to me.  I do know he didn't feel a thing, and it turns out his problem is actually in his lower back, just above his tail.  I brought him home and he didn't fall again for a whole week.  I knowwwwwwww!  But he has just started to again, not a lot.  He has the second of three treatments on Monday.  If the problem is not alleviated, it simply isn't an option anymore.  

It might sound like we are entirely overboard on not giving in to cancer and old age with this great guy.  The chemo, although not the cheapest thing we've ever done, gave him another year, and maybe we will be blessed with more.  I was happily surprised that the acupuncture was $89.00, and it included a full exam so I expect it to be less on Monday.  I'll take it.  






He often acts confused; staring at walls, pacing from room to room, and as you can see above, taking a nap on the bathroom floor.  Senility in dogs is very much like some elderly people.  They get confused and disoriented.  When he paces from room to room, it may just be familiar patterns, or he could be looking for our children he used to find in a bedroom, the office or the family room, years ago.  The bathroom?  I think he just liked the sun and breeze coming through the window as well as the soft rug.  Since he's deaf he is pretty much undisturbed all the time, which is a blessing.  He needs his rest.




I'm wrapping it up here.  Just wanted to share some books I have corralled up.  Girl, Wash Your Face, which I'm barely half through, is extremely interesting and grabs you from the beginning.  A non-fiction book of humorous but totally relevant  situations and tips on how to stop believing the lies you have been telling yourself, from self worth to believing criticism.

Alas, the remains books have not been opened yet.   I mean, I haven't written a post in six weeks, do you think I have time to read?  Ha!  Every time I tell myself to write, I decide that catching up on my reading is more important, so I settle on my bed with eighteen pillows and the two dogs, the book, and my phone alarm set for one hour.  And then I promptly fall asleep.

I'll give you more reviews on these books in another post.  In the meantime just look them up on Amazon for a nice description and the good and bad reviews and ratings.




I'll leave you with this.

I've missed all of you and I'm already feeling energized and ready to roll on more posts.  Maybe I just went dormant for awhile.  Who knows.

HaPpY FaLl YoU'aLl!

Jane x

51 comments:

Susie said...

Blondie, I have missed you terribly. Wow, you are creating a little chef. :):) I loved all the pictures. Mady is adorable with her apron and jewelry. :) Oh your girl is getting married, your family is growing. Wishing Abigail the very best. I am glad you have met your blog friend so many times. What a fun thing having your very own tour guide for Chicago. :):) Blessings to all of you, hope you are doing fabulously. xoxo, Susie

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I have been thinking about you and wondering how you were doing. Your Mady is adorable and if she was my granddaughter I would spoil her and send her home. It takes a lot of time to plan a wedding. I know your daughter will be a beautiful bride. I do some reading on my tablet through kindle unlimited. It is cheaper than buying books. I can get all kinds of books to read. I read all kinds. I put my fall decorations on my apartment door today. The kids are bound and determine that I will decorate my apartment for Christmas. Take care. Hugs and prayers from Your Missouri Friend
Shirley

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I agree about blogging. I don't think I'll stop, but have gone from every day posting to twice a week. And that is just fine. Instead of thinking of things to write, it's quality over quantity now. Instagram will never be enough for me - It's about the words, not a single photo.

14 bridesmaids! Can't wait to hear all the wedding plans. I had so much fun being the MOB.

Stacey said...

Hi Jane! It's always a good day when a post from you pops up. I take blogging breaks periodically but it's never on purpose. It usually has to do with a dry spell or just being overwhelmed by all the overdone extremely perfect pictures I see. I have to take a break from overstimulation!

That's going to be a big wedding. How fun though!

Little Madelyn is looking like a little girl now not just a baby. You capture the sweetest, cutest pictures of her.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Hi Jane! Hey, I have been seriously absent too - but recently posted cute pics of my grand daughter - she turned two over the summer and I figured I'd better post before it is fall...got it done just in time, eh?

Loved your post and hearing all your news.

Wanted to let you know I know who made those velvet pumpkins that Deborah at Common Ground gave you in her contest: it was Becky from Timewashed blog - don't think she blogs anymore, and her etsy store name changed from Timewashed to Flax and Willow. She is on hiatus from her etsy store, too, which is a shame because I have her pears and her pumpkins. She is AWESOME.

Her store can be found here under the old name url: https://www.etsy.com/shop/timewashed

Glad you're back, sweet friend. Glad to know you are well. Hugs. ♥



Anonymous said...

It’s always a joy to see a new post from you, I’m so sorry about milo, it’s so hard to see our pets health fail, poor old guy,, a wedding!, now that’s exciting and baking with your grand baby, you are well and truly blessed!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Always fun to read a post and catch up. I am so glad you - Cyndi and Dan get together as often as possible. I feel like you, the odds of meeting her were really in the not about to happen chances, then she had a son living in Phoenix and of all thing joined in on a Blogger luncheon and the rest is history. Since her son has moved back to Wisconsin we don't get to see her, but I love following her on FB and Instagram.

Glad all is going well.

Kit said...

Good to see you! Nice to hear of all your goings on. I hope you have a lovely Fall. :) K

mary scott said...

Madelyn is a beauty. She must be destined to be in creative arts or a great pastry chef. Blessings to Milo. Always enjoy reading your posts & follow you on the "gram". thanks

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. So good to see you back. Speaking of back, how is your's doing after your surgery? So sorry little Milo is having problems. Hope the acupunture helps him. Our little Kai has a bad spine and his little back legs don't work as well as they once did, but he is a trooper and just keeps running anyway. Pain meds are helping alot so far. Little Maddy is such a doll and how much fun that she likes to cook and the jewelry and apron must be just what she needs. I miss having little ones around. I don't intend to stop blogging, because like you I love the words and the photography. I only post once a week though. I could never think of enough to write about any sooner than that..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy

Dewena said...

Your little sous chef is just darling! Jane, that time with her is so much more important than regular blog posts, as is time with sweet Milo. You'll never regret time spent with family and friends. Speaking of friends, it is absolutely wonderful to read about an annual meeting with a friend made through blogging--for ten years!

A year seems like long enough to prepare for a wedding but it passes so quickly. But having the dress is huge!

Lynne said...

jane . . .
It is wonderful to have such a gift of writing.
Staying busy with your deadlines and still taking time to write a post,
Our gift . . . for sure.

Maddie is scrumptious . . .
Love her little apron, jewelry and all . . .
Amazing how fast they learn, isn’t it.
Please keep on sending us sweet messages about her.
She is a shinning light in my day. Love, Love . . .

Sad for Milo.
Our “Snickers Girl” doggie, just turned 13, is having some problems too.
I can’t bear to think of life without her, and in the same breath, I can’t bear to think of her being uncomfortable.
So we walk a tight line, keep a good eye, listen to our vet doc . . , and keep her going as long as we can.

A wedding . . . I love a wedding . .
And fourteen bridesmaids . . . I don’t want to miss out on any pictures.
I am sure your daughter will be stunning . . .

Enjoy your fall days, at the lake and your home . . .
I look forward to your next post.
love
lynne

Terra said...

Blondie it is good to read your post. Milo is extra cute with his brown spots on his white coat, and you are taking good care of him. Sad to worry about our little furry ones. A wedding on the way will be a joyful focus for you in the coming months.

Lorrie said...

Hello Jane,
How lovely to catch up with you in this post. I don't think I'll give up blogging for awhile, either. IG is fun, but kind of shallow. One can say so much more with words rather than just photos.
FOURTEEN bridesmaids - wow - can hardly wait to hear more wedding plans. I'm glad she found her perfect dress.
Little Madelyn is a sweetie, and obviously a child prodigy, taking after her grandmother. She is so cute!

Anonymous said...

Hello, that pretty plant looks like Himalayan palsam? It's one of the alien species (eu reg.) In Finland. And we try to get rid off it. It is seedy and in no time you have only that growing in your garden.. It is pretty, thoug.
Wellcome back to your blog - i thought that something x has happened to you.
I'll go back to reading, just wanted to write about the Impatiens glandulifera.
Xxx Eeva
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impatiens_glandulifera

Rita C at Panoply said...

Just like old friends, it's always so nice and easy to catch up with you, Jane! Your Madelyn is a smart little girl, and i don't think it's being partial at all. Sounds as though she has an innate talent with artistic activities given her attention to the details and execution! I love how you say your husband works the garden and then sits and looks at it. That's what I like to do (except sitting is hard to do, you always keep seeing things to keep doing!). Love those fall touches. I am purging little bits at a time, getting ready for another community yard sale, and will let go of a few fall and Christmas items either there or in the antique mall booth spaces. Sounds like your 2019 wedding is going to be a big one! Cheers to good health and the promise of a new season full of promise and hope!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Every time I see pics of your grandchildren, I can’t help but think they should be models. It goes deeper than just being adorable. They seem to have the perfect personalities for the camera, and that’s just as if not more important.

I can relate to the ‘no strapless’ gownn. I’m not sure what her reasoning is, but Sarissa felt the same way because not only are they overdone, but no matter how well they fit you always see the wearer pulling the dress up. I’m sure her dress is stunning and she will look amazing!

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Hi Jane! I'm so glad to see a list from you - always love to hear what you have to say. Your granddaughter is so sweet - the picture of her baking is adorable. I think we've talked about this before, but my daughter is getting married next year in Lake Geneva too! She also chose a dress that wasn't strapless, lol. We are going to the menu tasting at her venue a week from Tuesday. Exciting times in both our houses. I hope you & I both survive! One last thing, your cute little squirrel is so fun. Jane

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Another wedding! How exciting! Sounds like you have been keeping busy!

Scribbler said...

How nice to see you again! It is always a pleasant surprise to find you in the in-box. I do see you on Instagram, since I am one of those former bloggers you mentioned who only uses IG now. You are going to be on Cloud Nine with this latest wedding! Always so much fun (and work). Little Maddy with probably have her own cooking show by the time she is 10 at this rate!

Net - "It's a Wonderful Movie" said...

What a lovely post... reminiscing Summer and your beautiful family. Taking a blog break sounds refreshing, actually. I've considered it over the years, but have yet to do it.

Your granddaughter is an absolute doll, and I'm sure you are going to have the best time planning the wedding!

Life is full of such sweet, beautiful moments! Thank you for continuing to share yours!
God's blessings, Net

oldgreymareprimitives said...

Gosh you covered so many subjects so here it is shorthand
Madelyn is gorgeous- I want one
Plants? One word root hormone for cuttings- easier- faster
Milo- just like for humans if you can afford medical care you can extend lives. Most folks cannot afford expensive vet care. I spent 10,000 over 4 years on my pets and had not seen a dr myself in 10 years.
When I realized that my Justice was sleeping 23 hours a day and being deaf and blind for 3 years. You'll know they tell you.
One of my best friends Carole and I have never met in person yet we know nearly everything about each other. Hours of talking some weeks and many more texting. I'd do anything for her. We stumbled upon each other thru blogging.
Blogger is going down- Have you noticed the site is no longer secure? I keep telling myself I have to save my 10 plus years somehow.
It began as my journal and continues. I keep trying IG but it just feels like everyone is just doing perfect selfies about themselves not really sharing like the old days of blogging. I have not made a single new friend thru IG but dozens when blogging.
Ok that's enough from me. : D
repeating..I want a Madelyn of my own but it looks bleak lol

Unknown said...

Those pictures of Mad! My goodness, adorable! How fun to decorate cupcakes with her, that is something my daughter is looking forward to, her daughter just turn 18 mos today:).
I'm happy that the acupuncture is helping Milo, the time you have with him is very precious.
Happy Fall!
Kathleen in Az

Bluebird49 said...

Hey, kiddo! I remember those pumpkins and the scale sitting your island. It's so good seeing Mads with her apron and spoon, helping make cookies. What a joyful time!

I truly hope Milo's treatments will continue to work. Any extra quality time with our loved ones s worth it.

It was so good to see a new post pop up in my e-mail. Very excited about Abby and THE DRESS!

Vee said...

So much to comment on! Your granddaughter is a cutie pie...a great joy in your life I can tell. How wonderful that your husband took over the flower bed. He did a fine job. Yes, the frustration of having to fill in information among other things in bloggin that are time wasters and joy breakers...too many to count!

Glad that you will carry on. I hope that many will.

Sweet little Milo. May this week’s therapy set him on a good path.

Oh and happy planning a wedding! Abigail is lovely and she has at least three things settled: a groom, a gown, and 14 bridesmaids. 👰🏼

Preppy Empty Nester said...

What a way to end a post! That pic is gorgeous. I've been having trouble with posting comments. For some reason, they get swallowed up on some blogs. So glad that you came back to blogging. So fun that you met up with a blogger. Hope you're having fun planning the wedding. I hope that sweet Milo gets better soon. Have a great week, Jane.

Anonymous said...

in case no one else mentions, i think your "weedy but pretty" plant is physotegia, aka obedient plant. "weedy but pretty" is very apt. it's anything but obedient here in farmy NE ohio as it's very invasive. i had to get rid of it after just one season. maybe it could be kept in check by growing it in a pot, but i'd never take a chance on it again. obedient plant and perennial ageratum are the worst invasives i've ever had, but the ageratum is harder to eradicate. --suz in ohio

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Good to "see" you! You're giving you dear Milo a good, kind old age. Your home decor is lovely and warm - happy fall!

It's me said...

Hi Jane !!....i also posted not for a while.....i have n insparation Yet....i Will try this week but .....pfffff What about ?.....imam glad to read What you are up to...have a Nice week...love Ria happy fall....🍄🌻🌾🍂🧡🍁

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Jane, I always love reading your posts. It seems you do more in a month than I can do in a year. It's good to know you're doing so much better after your surgery. Your photos of the grands are so precious. Hearing about the baking sessions is so fun. You will give her memories for her lifetime. Michelle mentioned that Becky from Timewashed was the creator of the wonderful pumpkins. She's changed her name to Flax and Willow, but she's taking a little break. https://www.etsy.com/shop/flaxandwillow. The puppy butt photo is so cute, so sorry he had to have the acupuncture session, but hope it helps. My kitty doesn't even feel her insulin shots so I'm sure it doesn't hurt him. Keep us updated with your blog. I like Instagram, but that's what it is... instant pics with very little substance. Your personality and wit and presence shine through your words. We all love hearing from you!xoxo Deb

Jeanie said...

I'm always so darned happy when you blog, Jane, because you make me smile!

Love the crate and your fall dec. I'm minimal this year with our trip. We'll see what happens when we're back in November! And excited about your girl's big day! How fun is that.
And I'm so touched with Milo. I know exactly what you mean. You cherish every day so long as they aren't in pain or hurting too much and you'll know when you know. Till then, you're filling their little hearts with love and that's what matters.

Mad's adorable, all is SO pretty. And SO good to hear from you. (I'm with you. I don't see myself adding instagram to it. I love the detail of blogging, really getting to know someone better. And yeah, what's up with that "save for future comment" thing disappearing? Enquiring minds want to know...

Linda said...

HI Jane...
First off...that pink flower, is called Obedient Plant...a lovely Fall Perennial that the bees love!!!
I am so happy you are bonding with your wee sweet Maddy...isn't the baking fun???
I have been a bad blogger...but I finally posted again tonight...so much work,eh??
How lovely to have your daughters wedding to look forward to...how many bridesmaids???
I guess my cottage time is winding down...yours can go on and on, as yours is a home...not an old 80 year old cottage like mine! hahaha!!
Enjoy my friend...life is short...
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Kim said...

It's always fun to catch up with you, Jane! I love it when I see a post from you pop up in my feed. Lots going on in your world. Babies and weddings and puppies, oh my!!

The Crowned Goat said...

This was such a fun read and what a way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! I can't wait to hear more about the wedding and your grands could all be models. Oh my word, they are just the cutest. I totally feel you on the senior dog situation. We have two dogs 16 and 17 and the 17 year old has a bit of canine dementia. I don't know how much longer we'll have her for but like you, we're going to love her and snuggle her as long as we can. I love Girl Wash Your Face and it was fun to see your other reads too. I'll definitely be looking them up! Hugs, CoCo

Theresa said...

I miss you when you are gone and happy to see you when you return. Grandkids are the best and whatever they are doing is perfect. Love that picture with the apron and bracelet, that last picture should be entered in a photo contest. I pray that Milo will feel better, I know you love him and do everything you can to help him. Have a blessed day in your beautiful home dear friend, HUGS! (oh and squealing at the wedding planning, fun, fun, fun)

ann said...

Hello Jane. I started to write you a few days ago when your post was fresh, but I go interrupted. I feel so badly for you having to nurse and watch your little boy grow old and get sick. We do swear by acupuncture. Our old horse who has been injured and now has tendon damage and arthritis benefits from acupuncture, so I am sure that your little finds relief from his treatments. Keep writing, please. It's good for you and for your readers, too.

handmade by amalia said...

Glad you're posting again, Jane. I've been trying Instagram for a while now but can't seem to really connect with it. Blogging is still my favorite platform.
Amalia
xo

Melanie said...

Let me see if I can remember everything I wanted to comment on; what a nice, newsy post! Madelyn is just so adorable. I love that she's now at the age where you can bake with her. I used to do that with my boys and nieces when they were little.

So exciting that Abby is getting married and lots of fun dress shopping!

I hope that the acupuncture is helping Milo - so hard when our pets are old and failing. Zippo is still hanging in there at age 19, but I know our days are limited with him, too.

Now that the weather is cooler and rain coming in, maybe there'll be more time for reading? I just started The Light Between Oceans, and it's really good.

How is your back?

cindy hattersley design said...

Hi Jane
I enjoyed catching up with all your family. What a precious granddaughter you have! As you probably know I am from the Midwest originally, and grew up on a lake in Indiana, such fun times!

Decor To Adore said...

You were so missed! I am sad to hear that dear Milo is not feeling well. But I am so happy that THE DRESS was found.
I hope you are enjoying a lovely October.
Happy Tuesday,
Laura

Benita said...

Hey girlie! So glad to see you are still blogging! I've been away for quite some time (a year and a half) and some of the bloggers I followed are no longer writing...I get it. I had to leave and kept thinking I would come back but could never seem to do it. I would write all kinds of post in my head, but never made it to the computer. I can't seem to do the Instagram thing..too much babysitting and having to hashtag everything just to get someone to see it. AND, they keep changing how posts are put into the feed so I miss over half the people I follow. Anywho, I'm finally coming back to the blog..I think...LOL. Love all of the photos and the catching up on what's been going on with you! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

So happy to hear from you and certainly understand how live gets in the way with our blogging. Hope you are feeling well so that you can enjoy your days with sweet Madelyn...she is adorable. I love that she enjoys baking with you. Memories are being made that will last a lifetime.

Helen Philipps said...

Loved this post Jane! So nice to catch up and see little Madelyn with her jewels and pinny baking so beautifully! And the touching pic of Milo having acupuncture bless him. Your blog is one I always enjoy and would miss so I’m glad you are going to continue. Happy fall lovely lady xxx

Penny said...

I also took an unannounced break from blogging. Just nothing to say for the whole summer. Love your pictures of Madelyn. She is a doll and you are making memories with her. Excited about the coming wedding. Hope her dress was less than the first! Happy Fall Jane.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

That little Madelyn steels the show! What an adorable little girl. I hate that about the blogging too. I have to enter my information on so many sites over and over again. If I comment on my PC at least my computer has the information saved but that doesn't work on my iPad or phone. Will your daughter's wedding be at Geneva National golf club by any chance? My husband and I golf there during the summer (although we've been rained out many times this summer). I know they have a lovely banquet facility and great view of Lake Como.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
cocoya said...

It's always fun to catch up with you, Jane! I love it when I see a post from you pop up in my feed. Lots going on in your world. Babies and weddings and puppies, oh my!!

slot online

Lisa said...

Jane,
You always write the best posts and are so good at catching everyone up. Your little Madelyn is so adorable! I love seeing her grow up!

Rue said...

Hi sweetheart :)

It happens to the best of us. I'm blogging again at the moment, but then again it's time to be indoors ;) I'm glad life is good for you.

Your grandbaby is a walking doll!

xoxo,
rue

hotmail login account said...

Really this is the exactly information I m looking for and you help me a lot. Thanks for your help.

Evermolpro said...

Thanks for sharing information with all of us . Who visit your website . good work and great stuff .
Website Designing Company in Noida