Kick Off to Christmas

 

We had our annual gingerbread house day at grandma's.  Thanks Anna for making the gingerbread this year for me.   We had a fun morning and then a pizza party for lunch.  

I had so much fun!  

What I really miss, being laid up in this chair, is cooking and baking.  I can't reach the stove safely or the sink.  So, Al set me up a work station in the kitchen.  With his help, I was able to make some Grinch themed cookies for an event we planned at our office/shop.  

Thanks Lisa for making a special trip to Walmart in Antigo, where they had Grinch green sanding sugars.  Oh and picking me up the cherry jelly too.  

I may have over done it, because my foot was VERY swollen.  I actually called the doctor.  I have been elevating it the past 2 days and today too.  I started watching the PBS series, Victoria.  So good!  

I have PT at 1:30 today.  Tomorrow and Saturday are the last 2 selling days in our office for 2025.  We are taking several weeks off.  We have several consignees to work on in January and February.  Then, when it gets warmer, I hope to be back digging out the years of estate buyouts in my pole building.  After falling on a rug, I am so LUCKY I didn't fall over any of my junk while digging out there this fall.  So LUCKY....

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Well, Challenging Months for Me

 It's been a bit since I posted.  

First, we had a very successful Ringle Harvest Day, it was my 29th year organizing it.  With my disease I was praying I wouldn't fall and I didn't.  We had a beautiful day, so many happy customers and vendors.  On to 3oth...

I did fall, Monday after, at the town meeting.  Good thing the fire department was right there.  I did break my femur.

In all honesty, I don't remember much of the first several days in the hospital.  I had surgery and then moved to the inpatient rehab area.  I was in hospital for 3 weeks.  

Look at all my hardware....

After a home visit, some moving around of furniture, fresh painting of a few rooms, resanding, staining wood floors (because, why not...rooms are empty.  Thanks Al) and transfer approvals, I was able to come home.  I am able to have in home therapies for now.  

I was totally blown over with a surprise from our town.  They made me a sign...I can't believe it.  My friend said, "it's not a memorial (because of disease) but a recognition of your accomplishments, we all still expect you to keep doing what you do."  The television station was there too.  I was so overwhelmed with emotions.

 

I feel so blessed.

We had a nice Thanksgiving just our children here.  Al helped me with the food.  The girls each brought things too.  

A few more last of season bouquets from a flower subscription someone gave me.  I loved it!  

Al's new drone's birds eye view of the farm

Al did get a 7 point buck for rifle hunting season.  

My friends took over a selling space next to my office/shop and we have been selling like a Christmas Conjunction.  It has been fun, the days I was able get out and go over there.  We have this week yet to sell - it was meant to be just seasonal.  

Well, that rounds out October and November for me.  Looking forward to December activities.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Putting Garden to Rest

 

My gardening looked different this year.  My new mobility offers opportunity for falling, so I stayed on safe ground.  However, Al took over and we had a garden.  We decided to make it smaller for next year.  

Marry someone who will try their best to make your crazy ideas and dreams come true.  Honestly, this is 3rd time trying to get flowers in this field.  If it doesn't work next year, I'll let that dream go.  Ahaha.  

 

Next year we are preparing for strips of flowers - working with nature not against it.  I don't know, too many years of it being a pasture and natural grasses.  We will try again.  

It was 80 in Wisconsin this weekend.  My little mobility garden did not disappoint this year.  I loved sitting out there on my walker.  

Getting ready for the Ringle Harvest Day Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 29 years!  From here on farm to the whole downtown of our little town.  Thank Lord!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Look Back at National Plaid Day

10 years ago today.  Wool plaid blankets still my favorite.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconosin.  

https://dickybirdsnest.blogspot.com/2015/10/national-plaid-day.html

Freeze Dried Herbs

 

Before:  Cut, wash, take stems off all except thyme (too small) freeze dry.  

After, take thyme off stems, fill jars.  I've always air or dehydrated my herbs.  This, freeze drying left them nice and green and they smell wonderful.  I'm so happy with the results.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Well, Thank You!

Thank You!

It only took 15 years....ahaha

Nevertheless, I'm proud of my work!

 Went thrifting at the "bins" in Appleton.  My walker wasn't holding me back.  

More subscription floral arrangements - Thank You!  

Happy Daughter's Day to mine.  So proud of the women they are!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Fall Activities

 Well, the Lord answered my prayers.  I wanted to have a "mobile" summer and I was able to get around with my walker.  I am still wheeling along, so on to a "mobile" fall with His help.

We went on a family trip up to Munising, MI.  I LOVE Lake Superior!  I am a water person.  

This area in the UP is known for all the waterfalls.  I even made it back to one that had a path.  

Moving into fall, I am still working on the event I do for our community Ringle Harvest Day  I can NOT believe it's been 29 years!  

My friend, Lisa and I are still working.  We are doing online estate sales posts (lot drops) almost every Tuesday.  We even did a whole house near us online in August.  So, I'm still working, thank the Lord.  Town Hall Trinkets  We have an "office" space for pick ups of lots in Hatley - a few miles down the road.  

We are participating in the Vintage Shop Hop  This is a wonderful collaboration with hundreds of shops in IL and WI.  

I still share an afternoon with my granddaughter, Lauren.  She is in 3rd grade this year.  Today, we are doing a science project.  

This week we will also be going down by Anna to watch our grandson, Ezra.  He is into tractors and getting stuck in the mud stage.  

I will try not to blog too much about my disease, other than to tell you positive things going on in my life.  I was encouraged by a reading yesterday in church about healing.  Now, I want all of you to know that Jesus will heal me.  We may not see it on this side of glory, but I will see my healing in glory.  Until that day, I will continue to have faith in His will for my life, how to use this for His glory and trusting in my healing - either way.  

I have always been an optimist, even being called "Little Miss Sunshine" by many teachers and neighbors.  I have always been able to adjust and adapt to challenges.  I am using that gift to help me each and every day.  Thanks for the prayers.

Blessing from Ringle, Wisconsin.