I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We certainly did...which is why I haven't posted anything for more than a week. We had my three brothers and their families, Mom and Dad, and a neighbor. The fellowship was wonderful. So was the food. We made lots of pies: 2 blueberries, 2 pumpkin, 2 pecans and an apple spice cake. I tried substituting sourdough starter for the eggs in my pecan pie and it actually worked! Of course, Darling Abby was the star of the show again. She's getting too big too quickly. We just want to savor each moment with her.

One of our friends from church is making a quilt for her daughter's 15th birthday, so we were asked to contribute a 12" block. This is what we came up with.
On Friday after Thanksgiving, my cousin Susan and her boyfriend came to visit for two days. We had so much fun.
My children had fun taking Susan and John around the property. Susan held the bunnies,
and Allen showed them his hole he's been digging. I'm not sure what the reason is behind this hole, but Allen sure is proud of it. John was brave and jumped in the deepest part which came up to his head.
The first Saturday after Thanksgiving is the opening of Deer Hunting season around here, so John got up early with Allen and Mike. They found this "buck rub" fence nearby. I was expecting a much bigger tree and got a good laugh when I saw this measly sapling. No, no one shot anything...yet.

One last big event this past week was Ruthie's new violin. Mike's parents were given this violin, so they gave it to Ruthie. It was in terrible shape. So Ruthie's violin teacher took it to a restorer who performed a miracle! My only regret is that I didn't take a "before" picture. It is estimated to be 100 years old.

Not only is this violin now a beauty physically, but the tone is superb!

Our family is having the old folks from church this Friday, so along with lots of cleaning, we've been busy preparing songs and skits. We also have a Christmas piano recital to practice for, as well as special music for church. So there always seems to be someone practicing. I love it!

Our local weather website released the snowfall expectations for this winter. We are in the 11-16" section. Bring it on!

Today we went to the Farmer's Market in Charlotte Hall and bought a bushel of naval oranges ($20) and these huge cabbages (3/$1). We had already eaten a dozen oranges when I took this picture. For dinner I sauteed an onion and half a cabbage, then mixed with rice. It was delicious with a little soy sauce.

We spent a lot of time this past week being thankful for all that we have. Our salvation through Jesus Christ, our family, our health, our wonderful home, our church, our religious freedom, hubby's good job, etc. The list is endless.

Many blessings ~ Kathie