END OF NOVEMBER ~ RANDOM PICTURE POSTCARDS

“November is usually such a disagreeable month...as if the year had suddenly found out that she was growing old and could do nothing but weep and fret over it. This year is growing old gracefully...just like a stately old lady who knows she can be charming even with gray hair and wrinkles. We've had lovely days and delicious twilights.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea








This one is actually from late October ~ Elijah killed his first turkey ~ I heard it was quite tasty

This one is also from end of October ~ Shelby is on the high school swim team ~ we enjoyed watching her and her team mates swim laps for their fundraiser ~ she swam 42 laps in one hour

Fluffy tail ~ Did I just hear sunflower seeds being poured into the squirrel—I mean—bird feeders?







Seems like we’ve had more than our fair share of rain this month



Knox was so proud of his Angry Bird Christmas tree ornament from Santa’s Workshop

Knox also got a Minion ornament ~ Minions are his thing right now ~ those tiny cupcakes [also from Santa’s Workshop] were delicious

He calls them “glubs”, just like his momma did at that age ~ so cute I can’t stand it


“In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones. Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still.”
― Cynthia Rylant, In November



Thanksgiving group shot ~ when everyone realizes the camera is still clicking pictures

So thankful for my crazy wonderful family

Leftovers ~ Round Two ~ even better the day after
"Harvest home, harvest home!
We've plowed, we've sowed
We've reaped, we've mowed
And brought safe home
Every load."
-  Harvest Home Song, Lore and Magick of the Harvest

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ranft/Kimbrough/Myers Families!

Knox ~ hiding from his mom

It’s turkey time! Shelby, Elijah and Holly dig in

Kelly and Shelby loading up

The men folk Jerry, Neil, Kerry were relegated to the back of the food line

Shelby heads to the table while Jerry looks longingly at that plate of food

I’m happy to report that we totally enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast! Ate too much. And I forgot to set out the cranberry sauce, my favorite Thanksgiving thing.

Beautiful gorgeous awesome day ~ too nice to stay inside

The guys got out in the street to fling some Frisbees around

Knox couldn’t resist our neighbor’s huge pile of leaves

Elijah didn’t jump [but I’m guessing he really wanted to]

More fun than pint sized humans should be allowed to have

Took a walk around the neighborhood ~ burned a calorie, maybe two. Maybe. Someday we’ll be hungry again and tackle those leftovers. I can eat some of that cranberry sauce I forgot to set out. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!! Hope yours was filled with family and food and some fun.

FOREVER 39

On this date in 1976, we got a big snowfall, a slippery ride to the hospital, and, about six hours later, a firstborn baby girl we named Kelly Teresa. Due on Thanksgiving that year, she arrived two weeks early which I was always grateful for ~ that and the fact she was the girl I’d hoped for. Flash forward [because anybody with kids knows that’s how fast it flies] and here we are today, celebrating her 39th birthday. How can this possibly be? She wanted Forever 39 written on her birthday cake. Nothing wrong with that [as any woman of a certain age will tell you]. Happy Birthday, dear daughter Kelly!! We love you so very much, and we’re thankful always for our almost-Thanksgiving baby. You are one of our greatest and most cherished blessings. Wishing you the best year ever!

VETERAN’S DAY

Land of the free because of the brave

Attended the Veteran’s Day parade at 11:00 this morning here in Cookeville


Grandson Knox was there to thank the veterans

ROTC

ROTC [high school I think] honor guard



I’m big time patriotic, and watching these veterans in uniform, especially the ones from WWII, marching in the parade was very moving ~ can’t help getting a bit emotional






On this day remembering those who gave their lives in service to their country

Thank you to those who are currently serving



My grandson Elijah marched in the parade with the Capshaw Cougar Jump Rope Team


My alma mater [I enjoyed being in the Cavalier marching band way back in the day] Love their patriotic colors

Elijah’s jump team pausing to perform a brief program to show off their skills



Love my town and how it knows the importance of honoring and remembering our veterans

Also attending the parade: son in law Kerry, daughter Kelly, daughter Holly, and grandson Knox

After the parade we went back to Kelly’s house which is right between the town square and Elijah’s school so we waved at his jump rope team as they walked [paraded] back to school. I love it when my grandkids run to me and give me a big hug which is what Elijah was doing here.
Happy Veteran’s Day! Thank you for your dedicated service to the cause of liberty.