What’s New from the Wood Shop

We’re experiencing typical January weather here in the Dakotas.

Ice, Snow, Wind, and Cold…

Not conducive to outdoor activities.

So Hubby has spent a lot of time with his indoor hobby…

 in his Wood Shop, at his lathe.

This new tree design fits in nicely with your other decor,

and the fresh green color will carry over into spring and summer.

It is a great Hobby for him in retirement.

No two trees are exactly the same.

Some folks prefer the smooth and symmetrical trees,

others like the Rustic look with some bark left on the edges.

All in a couple days of work, or should I say “play”?!

With all this turning, Hubby could use some more wood.

If you know someone who is cutting down a tree,

or even trimming a few large branches, please contact us.

Take care,

~Natalie

Sunday Blessings ~Quitters Day ~New Year, Fresh Start ~My Word for 2026

I hope you all had a great start to our New Year,

grateful for the accomplishments and blessings of the previous year,

and looking ahead at new beginnings…

A fresh start.

Do you have a 2026 Resolution? 

Or, maybe you call them “Intensions”??

If you are sticking to your new goals,

Congratulations! Keep up the Good Work!!

This Friday was Quitters Day.

Studies show that 80% of people have given up

on their resolutions by the second Friday in January.

I’d rather choose a Word for the Year.

By focusing on a single theme, it becomes a habit.

In 2022, my word was “Organize” and yes, I’m still working on that.

“A place for everything, and everything in its place”

“Gratitude” was my word for 2023.

I am Blessed, and for that, I am Thankful.

For 2024, my focus was “Joy”

This was perhaps my favorite…looking for something

 that brings me Joy, every single day.

I enjoyed finding Joy in the Little Things.

Last year, my word was “Balance” and

This one needs more work.

So, along with Counting my Blessings,

Looking for Joy in the Little Things,

Finding Balance in my Days,

Here is my Word for 2026…

Take care,

~Natalie

What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~Storing Away our Christmas

It appears our cats are questioning this.

Why are we putting all this away?

While the warm glow of Christmas Tree lights are gone,

We carry the lasting gifts of Peace, Love, Joy, Hope,

and Friendship into the New Year.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Welcome 2026 ~Our Holiday Report

Christmas is now a Memory…

Visions of Sugarplums Dance in my Head.

A couple of weeks have passed since my last post.

And it was not because our days were not blog worthy.

Here’s my Report.

Christmas Eve Worship services at Zion…

…Followed by a lovely evening with good friends.

We retired empty nesters shared good food

and great conversation with another couple who was

also spending the evening, just the two of them.

Together we created a charcuterie spread of meats, cheeses,

crackers, dips, shrimp, fruits, and veggies.

Thank you, Brum and Katzy.

We prepared and brought Christmas Day dinner to

Hubby’s Mother in her Assisted Living Facility.

She was a pretty Happy Great Grandma.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing our daughters gather

their families together to celebrate a Holiday.

Our grandchildren love spending time with their cousins.

Thanks to Friends and Family,

we had some packages under our tree.

Those Friends and Family, they spoil me.

Consumable items make the best gifts for Seniors.

Homemade Spiced Nuts savory for snacking, and

the Dark Chocolate Cherries are decadent.

We look forward to trying the Honey Mustard and Maple Butter.

More Kitchen Goodies.

Self-Care products include Lotion, Shower Steamers,

a new Make-Up Bag, and Comfy Cozy Pajamas.

New Years Eve found us here,

Sharing an appetizer, and toasting to our memories of 2025.

Celebrating the New Year with Friends,

cheering for the NSU Wolves Basketball Team.

I hope you had a delightful Holiday Season,

along with plenty of rest and relaxation.

Wishing you Peace, Joy, Love, 

 and much Success for the New Year.

Take care,

~Natalie

It’s Beginning to look a Lot Like Christmas

Christmas…the most Magical Time of the Year.

Our Grandsons had a little chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Hubby has been quite busy in his wood-shop,

as he has his creations on display at a local downtown boutique,

the Tumbleweed Market.

These trees are new this year, and are Mazzie approved. 

From my Sewing Studio, this Santa.

He was a special order for a friend of mine.

Gracie was good help checking the lights for our tree.

As soon as the tree was decorated,

Mazzie found the perfect spot to relax and

enjoy the warm glow of the lights.

I switched out my dishes to reflect what’s happening outside.

Yes, I packed up the dishes with flowers, and brought out the Snowmen.

Our soup of the week was Lasagna Soup.

Hubby’s hand-turned candle holders adorn our table.

Battery candles were such a smart idea.

There is nothing cozier that a

Christmas Tree all lit up.

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season

with those that you love.

Take care,

~Natalie

Welcome December ~Thanksgiving Weekend Report

It’s a New Day, a New Week, and a New Month.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Thanksgiving 2025

We prepared our meal in five Crockpots and transported 

 it to Great Grandma at her Assisted Living Facility.

She’s 96, she is doing well, and

She looks so happy.

We kept the meal prep and cleanup simple with

paper plates and an easy appetizer.

The five crockpots were filled with a Turkey Breast, Stuffing,

Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, and Creamed Corn.

This photo greeting came across the miles…

Seeing our daughters and their families

celebrating together brings me Joy.

Friendly Mail also brings me Joy.

Black Friday Blizzard.

On-line Shopping brings me Joy…

Shopping at home, cozy and warm, wearing comfy clothes,

Sipping coffee with a cat by my side.

Notice how the fresh snow actually sparkles.

Yep, those are Bunny Tracks.

It’s tradition for these Retired Empty Nesters to go out on 

Small Business Saturday.

First Stop, Natural Abundance.

At Novel Ideas, we purchased books for each of the Grandchildren.

This is my friend Kristi, she and her hubby

provided wonderful personal customer service,

typical in a locally owned boutique.

Next stop, The Tumbleweed Market.

Here’s Hubby with his second cousin, Tammy.

She and her daughter, Amber, are the new owners

of this charming boutique.

The Tumbleweed Market has something for everyone.

Perhaps you’ll recognize Hubby’s Hand Turned Wooden Trees.

We stopped for a lunch break in a local Bar & Grill.

Lagers has the best Chicken Tenders in town,

So we shared a basket.

We both stayed creative this weekend, Hubby in his Woodshop…

These little trees have become best sellers.

…And me, in my Sewing Studio.

I had this Special Order Santa to finish.

How are you doing on your Shopping List?

This is a great checklist when shopping for Grandchildren.

Today is Cyber Monday.

In addition to shopping your local small business,

remember to check out the Etsy Shops.

When you shop handmade, and make a purchase,

there’s an artist somewhere

doing a Happy Dance.

 Take care,

~Natalie