Happy Halloween

The atmosphere was full of fun this morning as I participated in Trunk or Treat at my grandchildren's school parking lot.

Preschoolers, 4 year old kindergarten, kindergarten and first graders took part in this activity. You would never know that it was 36 degrees with a brisk wind blowing, because everyone that was participating in this event was enjoying themselves.

Here, are a few photos of my sweet grandchildren at St. Mary's Trunk or Treat.

I loved her wave and sweet smile when she saw me.

The room mother made each student bags with their names embroidered on them.

A big hug from my granddaughter.

My daughter and granddaughter

My grandson and me.

The smile says he's having a terrific time.

4 year old kindergarten class. Instead of costumes each class made hats to wear.

First grade class with their bug hats.

I was so happy that I got to participate in this fun event.  Happy Halloween everyone!

Cheerfully,

Paulette

Plato Wrote...

What and How Am I Reading

Friday night was windy with a chill in the air, the television held no interest for me that night. I sat down at my desk to check my email, delete, delete, delete went the junk emails, than I saw the Barnes and Noble email. Opening the email I immediately clicked on the link that would take me to the newly released books.

I spent some time reading the titles of the just released books, I know that you should never judge a book by its cover, but I do. Halfway down the first page of new releases I saw that one of my favorite authors just released her new book.

Kate Morton's website can be found by clicking on the link below:
http://www.katemorton.com/blog/2012/7/26/the-secret-keeper-is-coming.html

On the next page of new releases, I was delighted to see that Debbie Macomber released a new book featuring her angels, known as Prayer Ambassadors, named Shirley, Goodness and Mercy.

Debbie Macomber's website can be found by clicking on the link below:
http://www.debbiemacomber.com/

Yep, I wanted to read these two books, so off I went to our libraries online catalog to reserve these two books. I searched for theses books and placed a reservation request for both of them. Wait a minute, Debbie Macomber's book Angels at the Table, had fifteen reserve request before mine, I was number sixteen! Kate Morton's book The Secret Keeper, had three request and, I was number four.

Hmmm, newly released books have a two week check out period, so it could take several months before my reserve request came up.

I was anxious to read these two books, and television didn't appeal to me, maybe I should take a trip to a neighboring town where Barnes and Noble was located. As the furnace kicked on to take the chill out of the house, I remembered that it wasn't a pleasant night.

I went back to Barnes and Noble site where they allowed me to read the first chapter of Debbie Macomber's book Angels at the Table, I noticed that this book was available for download on e readers. Hey, I have an iPad that can be used to read books.

I was torn because I love the feel of a book in my hand while reading, my house is full of books, and magazines. My library card has noticeable marks from being swiped so many times because of all the books I have checked out. 

After a moment of thought, I decided to download these two books to my ipad.  

Friday night I snuggled up on my favorite chair with a cup of coconut, carmel flavored coffee, a gift from my friend Tammy from Tammy Loves Dishes, with orange and black tiger striped slipper socks keeping my feet warm, another gift given to me by Ruth from Dian's Timpanalley blog, with two newly released books downloaded on my iPad.

I decided to read Debbie Macomber's book Angels at the Table first. At 11:15 p.m. I finished this fun and easy to read book, and you know what I liked reading the book on my iPad.

I have already started reading Kate Moron's book The Secret Keeper, I am thoroughly enjoying this book.

I will again download books to read on my iPad, but I still love holding a book and turning the pages while reading, that is my preferred way to read a book.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the people in the areas that are preparing for the storm called Sandy. Be safe my blog friends and do let us know how you are doing.

Cheerfully, 

Paulette

Sheet Colors for Different Seasons

The transition from summer to fall/winter clothes has taken place in my bedroom closet. I imagine in the majority of other peoples closet, as well.

I also transition from light yellow Egyptian cotton sheets, to moss green Egyptian cotton sheets for the fall and winter months. 

Yesterday was an absolutely perfect day to hang my linens outside on the clothes lines. The temperature was in the 70's with the wind blowing enough to cause the sheets to flap in the wind.

I took the sheets off the line smelling the fresh air and sunshine that helped dry them. I folded my yellow sheets and tucked the sheet set inside one of the matching pillow case, placed it on the shelf in my linen closet and pulled out the moss green sheets, so I could make the bed. For me, this transition from yellow sheets to moss green sheets means winter is on the way.

The yellow colored cotton sheets gives me the sense of a refreshing nights sleep, while the moss green cotton sheets gives me the feeling of being wrapped up in warmth.  

So, not only do I transition my clothes I switch the color of my sheets depending on the season. Do you change the color of your linens when the seasons change?

Cheerfully,

Paulette

What Lurks Below My Soil?

Radon is the buzz word in my subdivision. Radon trucks pepper the curbs, I never realized that there were so many companies that perform tests and install radon mitigation system.

What is radon? This explanation is taken from the American Cancer Association web page about radon:  Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It forms naturally from the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found at different levels in soil and rock throughout the world. Radon gas in the soil and rock can move into the air and into ground water and surface water. 

I decided before I call a company to come in and check my levels for radon, I would first use a radon detection kit, and see what they say my levels are. That way I will have something to compare to their readings.

So today I will start my radon test in the basement.  It appears to be remarkably easy, I will open the box place the charcoal sampler radon tray on a table in the basement and let it sit for 48 hours collecting air samples from the basement. 

I fill out the card slip in the radon tray and mail it off for analyzes.  A radon score of 9 or higher will require a mitigation system to remove the radon from inside my basement to the outside.

Here's, hoping my basement is radon free.

Cheerfully,
Paulette

Ice Cream, Apples, and a Laugh

Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim, Wisconsin is a must do while visiting Door County, Wisconsin. This landmark restaurant and ice cream parlor has been around since 1906 and is often featured on postcards, paintings and is the backdrop for many vacation photos.

Wilson's is located on HWY 42 in Ephraim, Wisconsin.

The obligatory vacation photo at Wilson's.

Our delicious afternoon snack was delivered to the table.
We all exclaimed how we won't be able to eat all of this.

My brother-in-law enjoying his ice cream.

Somehow we all managed to finish our afternoon snack.

Cherry donuts are replaced with apple cinnamon donuts at the beginning of August as the season changes from cherries to apples. One of my favorite orchards in Door County is the Wood Orchard, in Egg Harbor.

Wood Orchard has many varieties of apples from the good old MacIntosh to Wood Orchards newest apple SweeTango. This new apple was all sold out, but they say it has a sweet taste when you bite into it followed by a little tang. I will be on the look out for this new apple next year. 

Have you ever heard of the SweeTango apple?

Wood Orchard sells a wide variety of apples.

Honey Crisp apples were priced cheaper than in my area.

This is one sweet tasting apple.

We stopped at another orchard that we have never been to before and this place had us chucking for the rest of the day. I have no idea what the name of the place is, here is a cell phone photo of what made our day.

Perhaps there wasn't enough room to spell the word correctly.

Or maybe they were sick that week in first grade
 and never learned how spell the word home.

We didn't purchase anything from this place, but we sure did have a good laugh. 

Have a lovely day, I hope you find something that makes you smile and laugh.

Cheerfully,

Paulette

Wisconsin Cherries Help Make a Tasty Breakfast

During our respite in Door County, Wisconsin we ate at several restaurants, to be totally honest, we only ate one home cooked meal at the condo. I made chicken noodle soup in my new electric pressure cooker, disaster!

We of course ate at the popular Swedish restaurant Al Johnson's, I always eat at least one breakfast at Al Johnson's, I love the Swedish pancakes and meatballs. I wrote a blog about the restaurant in 2011, to read more about the restaurant and see photos of the Swedish pancakes, click here.

One morning we drove up the peninsula to the town of Fish Creek, Wisconsin for breakfast at: 

The White Gull Inn.

The signs at the entrance of The White Gull Inn. The red banner announces
that the Inn was voted the winner in the Good Morning America,
Best Breakfast Challenge in 2010.

Colorful mum plants line the walkway to
the entrance of The White Gull Inn.

Inside the restaurant was decorated for Fall and Halloween.

The dinning room was warm and inviting, a perfect
place on a chilly fall morning for breakfast.

A roaring fire is always a charming touch. 

The mantel was nicely decorated for the season.

My sweet sister and brother-in-law waiting for their award winning breakfast.

Cherry Stuffed French Toast, with a side order of bacon.

Featuring Montmorency cherries grown in Door County, Wisconsin.
Here, is a little trivia: Wisconsin in number three for producing
cherries, Michigan is number one, and Utah is number two.

Two golden slices of egg bread, with pockets of Wisconsin
cream cheese and cherries, served with maple syrup.

The inn was beautiful, and the food delicious. Good Morning America has provided the recipe for Cherry Stuffed French Toast, click here to go to GMA's page for full instructions.

Recipe from: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Breakfast/recipe?id=10642711

Just down the hill from The White Gull Inn there was boat docks, so we decided to see how many boats were still in the water. I forgot to take a photo of the boats that were left in the bay, because I was taking pictures of this property that was for sale.

This older home sat on a corner lot across the street from the bay.

This house with wood siding and window air conditioners is being sold for...

$499,000! Location, location, location.

More sights of Door County tomorrow.

Cheerfully,

Paulette

I've Been In Northern Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin is one of my favorite places to enjoy summer days, with the gentle breeze coming from the waters of the bay, and the gusts of winds that pop up from the lake side, but the fall colors in October are gorgeous and equally enjoyable.

I have just returned from Door County where my sweet sister, my brother-in-law, my dear friends Renee and Louie, and myself spent a week of relaxation, shopping, eating, and fellowship.

The red star on the Wisconsin map indicates where Door County is located.
The map on the left is a close up of Door County, the red star is where my
condo is located, in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin.

Inside of Harbor View Park, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin 

Vivid colors surround us on either side of the road, beautiful.

The shore line of Green Bay taken in Peninsula State Park.

Birch trees are among my favorite trees.

The weather was damp, rainy, and often times cold, but the beauty that surround us was breathtaking. I'll share more of my trip up north, tomorrow.

Cheerfully,

Paulette

Vintage Inspired Cards from Laughing Elephant

I like mail, even junk mail. My love for mail started when I was young, every holiday my Godmother would send me a card. How important I felt when my father or mother handed me my envelope.

I have kept several of the cards that my Godmother sent me, I still enjoy looking at the vintage illustrations on the cards.

I send out cards to my grandchildren every holiday, and like every child, they love getting mail. Cards are often times tucked inside their baby books or placed inside scrapbooks. 

This Halloween I ordered vintage inspired cards online from 

Laughing Elephant for my family and friends. 

A few examples of the cards that Laughing Elephant sells.

More vintage inspired cards. 

I also purchased some Halloween stickers.

Twenty six Halloween Labels and stickers for $9.95.

Great graphics on these stickers.

Information about Laughing Elephantt taken from there website.

I have not been given any products nor have I been paid by, Laughing Elephant, to write this blog, I just like their vintage inspired products.

Five Food Allergies and a Birthday Party

Parents of children who have food allergies know that each day their child faces a health risk if foods containing the allergen are ingested or even touched.  From school lunches, treats passed out at school, to attending birthday parties, the parents and the child have to be aware because of health risks.

My grandson has had a dairy allergy from infancy and is abundantly aware of it. He will ask "Does this have any dairy in it?" before he will eat anything. He is a typical kid, but along with his family deals with food issue on a daily basis.

Friday, I helped celebrate my grandson's 7th birthday, and Saturday, classmates dressed in Halloween costumes filled the backyard for a Halloween themed birthday party.

In my grandsons classroom, there are two children who have food allergies that were invited to the birthday party, one is allergic to red dye and mint, one had an egg allergy and a peanut allergy and of course my grandsons dairy allergy.

My grandson has attended many parties where he brought along his own dairy free cookies, cupcakes, and milk because he was unable to eat the food provided, but rest assure he still enjoyed the parties and his friends!

At his birthday party, the food served was free of any of the allergens that the children were allergic too.

All of the children were able to eat the food served.

Rice Krispie treats made with Earth Balance.

Cupcakes made without eggs or oil, with
Duncan Hines Frosting Creations that contained no red dye or dairy.

Ghost Poop = mini marshmallows.

Spider Legs = pretzels.

All the product information was clipped from the packages so the parents of children with the allergies could read them to make sure all ingredients were safe for them to eat.

No child was alienated, and no big deal was made about food allergies, everyone ate the same food, a good time was had by all, the kids even ate the carrots and apple slices!

The cupcakes were made from a box mix using clear soda instead of eggs and oil. The children didn't even know the difference.