One more picture from the Lights Before Christmas. It was that magical dusk time of the day and we came upon these huge orbs that were covered with lights. "Dan" I said, "build me some". I don't think he heard me and maybe just as well because it would take a LOT of lights!

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving 2010 is history already. We ate, we drank, we enjoyed each other's company and we had fun. We baked, we roasted, we played board games, we visited the Cleveland Westside Market, we went to the Lights before Christmas at the zoo, we laughed, we hugged and we had fun. I like this picture---it is a few of us at the Toledo Zoo visiting the Lights Before Christmas. It was cold but, again, we had fun! It is kind of a representation of the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

What a great time of year! Everyone I talk to either has family coming in or are going to visit family. With that being said, my heart goes out to those who are lonely or have lost a loved one. The loneliness and grief becomes even more acute amidst other's joy. On a happier note--I took today off and I am going to do this EVERY year. I have been having a wonderful day---baking and preparing for the festivities. Just me and Magglio. Every now and then, he takes a nap and I have a cup of tea. These Cranberry Muffins are going to be our breakfast for Friday---we are getting up early and heading back to the West Side Market in Cleveland. Food. It's all about the Food.

Does this coat make me look fat? Magglio was told by the vet---much to his chagrin---that he has gained a pound every visit! And he cannot gain anymore!! And this guy lives to eat! Plus he thinks he is a lap dog so every pound is very noticable to us humans.

It may have looked to passersby that we were having a tag sale---and good thing nobody stopped to browse. But it was a warm sunny day so we pulled as much furniture outside as we could and cleaned the carpets! Because---the holidays are coming and guests are coming too! And afterward! Up went the Christmas tree!

It's been one thing after another---sick dog and vet appt, hair cut appt, grocery shopping and all this after 8 hours of work. I'm not complaining but I didn't have time to take a picture for today. And I had plenty of opportunity too----like the scary looking child sized sock monkey display at the grocery store, or almost falling off the treadmill on my lunch hour at the gym or even the sad looking family of pumpkins I saw lined up at the curb awaiting the garbage truck. Instead, here is a picture from Magnolia plantation in Charleston. This cyprus bench was placed there over 175 years ago and the trees grew around it. Interesting, isnt it. Cyprus must be pretty durable!

Company's coming! And I am getting the urge to bake! I have new appreciation for Thanksgiving--it used to be a holiday I took for granted. Perhaps it is because so many family members have scattered throughout the country-----and some of those loved ones are coming back to Ohio next week! From places like Indiana and Virginia! So here's to good food, family and fun times!

I couldn't wait any longer---it's rainy and cold outside and there is a Christmas tree inside! I've been collecting Christmas kitchen ornaments this last year and decided to put a little tree in my kitchen to display them! I know--it isn't even Thanksgiving yet but I couldn't wait!

It's getting to be that time of year---lists are made, plans are drawn up and then, for whatever reason, nothing goes like we wanted. This year I have decided to make less lists, less plans and just kind of go with the flow. We will see what happens----

It's November 13---the middle of November!--and what were we doing in this 65 degree weather? Riding around in a convertible! I definately wanted a picture but I couldn't ask the driver to do the honors, so I got creative. Gorgeous, sunny autumn day--but it won't last for long!

I know I have used these pictures before--but it's Veteran's Day and I love being able to honor the Vets in our family. It is fun over on Facebook to see people using pics of their Dad's--and Mom's----in their profile today. I've been watching WW2 on the History Channel and I cannot comprehend the horrors of being in a war. Thank you to all our Veterans and Active Members of the military for giving us the greatest gift of all--freedom. The pics are my dad, Edward P Kinsey who was a 2nd Ltnt in the Army and my father in law--Donald Liberty Gross who was in the Pacific. Isn't that a great middle name--Liberty? He said his Mother was offered a Liberty Bond if she named her son Liberty. I wish we would have carried on the tradition with our kids.

I am still on my food high. Thinking about unexpected treasure we found at the West Side Market in Cleveland. Look at all the fresh pasta---some of the Ginger Lemon is sitting in my refrigerator. Part of the fun was going up on the balcony and watching the excitement below--or sipping your coffee like we did. And yes---the neon sign does say Cannoli--filled to order. We finished our last one last nite.

We live 2 hours from Cleveland and never realized that Foodie Heaven existed a morning drive away. Oh sure, I was there as a kid---but I thought like all good things from the past, that it no longer existed. I was so wrong. The West Side Market is still thriving and full of tempting goods such as Canolli, Apple Fritters, the BEST looking meats I have seen in a long time, cheeses and fresh pasta and so much more. I knew it was a good sign when the first vendor we saw was Magyar---Hungarian!! We came home with too many cannoli, Hungarian smoked bacon(we put it on our pizza, butternut Ravioli and Lemon Ginger Fettucine----oh, and Hungarian White Breat and Nut Roll. And while there we ate a huge Apple Fritter. We are definately going back before the holidays for goodies!

Snap.There's that hour I lost last Spring! Don't forget to turn your clock back tonite. I think we should just stay on Daylight Saving's Time year round--but that's just me.

I have found my sewing niche in life! Handbags, tote bags and any kind of bag. It is fun to choose fabric---and fun add-ons like old brooches and they are very forgiving of small mistakes--because after all, it is just a tote bag!! And an added bonus--I can customize the lining with pockets to fit whatever I want. Such as knitting needles, Ipod and camera. This pattern is from Ava Rose Tote bag on Etsy and the fabric is from Ikea. Yes, those are Christmas lights on the porch and in the bushes. I took advantage of the nice weather last week. No, I am not turning them on until after Thanksgiving.

There's a photograph that has been causing great excitement to photography and history buffs. I didn't want to post it and infringe on copyright law but you can see it if you google "oldest photograph of humans Cincinnati"It is the riverfront in Cinci and it was taken in 1846 and has images of humans on the riverfront. You can zoom in and almost peek in people's windows! It reminds me of a pic I took in Cincinnati looking into Kentucky but it does have a riverboat in my picture too!