Harry London Chocolates, Or Is That Fanny Farmer?

Harry London Chocolate factory has seen me a couple of times...well actually only once...oh you be the judge. We went there when John was young for a factory tour. I  never did seek out that brand of chocolate, mostly because I never was drawn to chocolate at all, and when I reached 50 and decided I liked it a little bit, all I wanted was Godiva, which I still like in moderation.  However that spread to other things like Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream and now even Klondike bars with dark chocolate. I have to admit, it is really the ice cream I like the most...okay how did I get here?

I'm trying to say, we made our second visit to the chocolate factory and it is now Fanny Farmer. She bought Harry out a few years ago. Not being a big fan, I didn't know until we decided to take Caleb there last month. It was still a good tour, informative and we all enjoyed it.

Lehman's Hardware

When the 'kids' were here in October, we decided  to go with them as far as Amish country when they left to visit with Beth's family in the Columbus area. We stopped at Lehman's Hardware and it has grown a LOT since we were there last. I took lots of pictures inside, but only this one of Caleb outside.

The other picture of Caleb was taken inside by the fireplace.  No, it was not cold, but, if you are trying to sell fireplaces, you have to have a fire, if you are going to do things right.

I added the picture of the backs of Amish hats from the internet. That was an interesting shot. Wish I had noticed who took it, so I could give him or her credit. It was supposedly taken at Leiman's.

I added also the descriptions of Lehman's that  I found online. It is very interesting and well written, something I thought would add some interest to anyone who sees this layout years  from now.

The Big Apple

When you hear that it is a big boy, what do you think? Does the image of a large hamburger come to your mind, or do you think, human being? Big boy can mean different things to different people at different times. Someone might think a big boy is 5 feet tall.

Caleb's  little brother is not yet one; so Caleb is our big boy, even though he is not tall at all. Caleb visited the Big Apple with us in October.  As you can see from the picture, we understand the Big Apple to be something all together different from what you were thinking.

This big apple is in Holmes County, part of Amish Country in Ohio. It is at the Troyer  Country Market. I think it  impressed Caleb... and  I enjoyed getting pictures of his big smile.  He was the  apple of my eye that sunny day we saw THE BIG APPLE... AMISH STYLE.

YaYa Farm and Orchard

Back in September, John and Beth took Caleb and Oliver to the YAYa Farm and Orchard in Colorado. It turned out to be a perfect photo op. The pictures are super pleasing to this grandmother.

It was a good combination... a lovely rustic location, sunshine, super photographers and beautiful grandchildren. I couldn't ask for more.

A Gentle Hand

I didn't know the type of bird this is; but as I do several times a day, I consulted Google and found it right away. Of course, I wasn't confident that I was right, so I emailed Beth to see. It was right.

Caleb was hand feeding a lorikeet at the Denver zoo. What a gentle fellow he can be. Being up, close and personal with this bright feathered bird had to be an experience he won't soon forget...maybe never. And I'll not forget it either. I am thankful that Beth and John take a lot of pictures. I would have certainly missed this without the photos.

Completed Chemo

Several of us from ORU were able to get together for a big celebration this week. Notice the blue ribbon on Sali's coat. She has successfully completed her chemotherapy. Next will come radiation.
We pray God brings her through  it as well.

Sali has a beautiful spirit and her positive attitude has been a blessing to us all. Thank you, Sali, for being a great example for all those who must follow you in the years to come.

100 Years Old

I'm excited about two things today. One is, I've completed pages for our friend, Greeta's 100th birthday. It was September 18, but I've just now gotten it together. She is a wonderful child of God and we hope to see her live many more years.

I also heard our governor's acceptance speech tonight for his second term in office. He has been a fantastic governor and we are totally thrilled to have him reelected with a large majority. He is a man of God and has governed with love for his fellow man.

The election this time gives me hope for a better tomorrow. Perhaps we can get our country back on the right track and quit all the division of man against women, black against white, rich against poor.  We are all in this together. We must all be united and pull together with the help of our Lord God in heaven.

Sleep well ladies and gentlemen.

Sweet Dreams

Wishing Ava sweet dreams is probably not necessary just yet. But it is a sweet sentiment anyway. What a doll baby she is, so cute, so pretty.  I'm a lucky great gramma...except that everyone's lives are so very busy these days. But at least I get to see pictures fairly often. This  one just warms my heart.

Tomorrow is voting day. Our country is on the wrong path. Everything the present administration is  doing is taking us farther and farther from freedom and  the possibility of making a good living. It is important to take back our nation, lower taxes and put people back to work. Please pray about this and get out there and VOTE.

Little 'Pianists'

Don't think I've ever seen a little one who didn't want to pound the keys of a piano. However, Caleb learned very quickly to 'play' softly. He is now teaching his little brother the trick io touching the keys lightly. He seems to be catching on as well, with a little accented note once in a while. It is fun to watch and it isn't irritating like the pounding can very well be, grand children or not.

Please continue to pray for this upcoming election. There is so much riding on the outcome...a life of freedom for these little ones, for example.  At this time it is down to choosing either freedom or crushing, paralyzing socialism.  Study your choices, pray about them and get out there and vote for freedom.

Halloween Policeman

If you've followed the blog, you may remember that Caleb met a policeman the day we all went to Pike's Peak this spring. He was impressed quite a bit.  And now he has a police uniform. He donned it for Fort Collins' celebration of Halloween downtown called Tiny Tots. It was from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. a good time for parents with young ones to head  downtown and gather up treats from local businesses.  Later that evening, he say out front with candy for those who came by their house to treats.  It was a fun filled day for him and his little brother Oliver who dressed up as an owl. That was a 'hoot'.

Now, this is the way I remember Halloween, except for the daylight hours. We did go out after dark, with a parent, with one left behind to hand out treats.  We went to neighbors homes. We knew them all back then and didn't worry about what they might put in our candy.  We even ate homemade cookies and popcorn balls without any worry. No one got hurt, unless they stumbled over their costume and fell off a step. It was a safe activity that we could look forward to from year to year. 

There were no eerie people to set out scary displays that would make ones skin crawl...at least not in our neighborhood. Today, less than a mile from here live people who, I believe, live for Halloween.

Every year, their yard looks like a graveyard come to life. It is pretty disgusting and it makes me shiver every time I have to pass it.

Okay, that is my opinion and I'm glad I'm free to state it.

Good night, sleep tight, sweet dreams.