It's a Wonderful Life

There's excitement whipping through the air in my small hometown as we've finally reached the evening before the Pumpkin Festival once again! I love sitting on my front porch, where, as you know, much of my knitting takes place, and watching the rides roll in. I live on Main Street just a stones throw away from the festival grounds.

This is the view from my porch swing of some of the rides now peeking over the top of a building across the street, just waiting for some screaming passengers to board tomorrow. One of my favorite things about the Pumpkin Festival is going to bed every night while it's in town and listening to the music and yelling and general buzz of activity coming from the crowd that's so close they seem to be in our driveway just outside our bedroom window. I love the great big festive feel it brings to this little corner of the world, if only for a few days. Mind you, I'm sadly unable to join in on those fabulous rides without tossing my cookies. I can ride the Ferris Wheel as I have no fear of heights. I do, however, suffer from serious motion sickness. 

So I enjoy watching grandkids on rides and taking part in the Craft Faire, which is this Friday and Saturday, where you'll find my cousin Kathy and me in Booth Number 62. We hope to see you there! I'm still finishing up a couple of last minute items. Every year I promise myself I will be completely ready by now and every year.... well....

I just got this shawl on the lace blocking wires this afternoon...

And... I'm still knitting my last pair of fingerless mitts. 

But they'll be finished in time. As of a few hours ago all of my items, except these final two, are tagged and ready to go. 

In my defense, we had a busy week around here last week. 

Not only was Scott on vacation all week but we celebrated his birthday along with our son-in-law Brandon's and our grandson Archers. 

Archer turned three years old on Sunday and we celebrated at a local park.

His Grandma Charmain took this darling picture of him coming down the slide in his Paw Patrol cape and mask {and Batman t-shirt!}. 

His cousin Parker, our grandson who turned three in May, was there to help him celebrate along with a few other little cousins and friends. It was a fun day!

The other thing that occupied two very full days earlier last week was that we painted the kitchen, along with the help of our nephew, Brendan. 

What a job!

We painted walls, cabinets, trim, a stairway down to the back steps,
kitchen chairs and table legs.
Everything got two coats.

PHEW!!!

Nothing like cramming a whole lot of work in just before Pumpkin Festival!

But I'm so happy it's done. And I love my new kitchen.

All of the paint came from our favorite paint store here in Morton:

Miller Paint Shop

The wall color is French Gray Linen and the trim is done in Silvery Moon.

Fresh paint always makes everything seem so clean.
It makes me happy.

I have one final thing to share with you that makes me very happy...

Today marks 6 years for this beloved husband of mine
in his freedom from his battle with pancreatic cancer
Thank You Jesus.

It truly is a Wonderful Life.

"Of course, of course I'm grateful.
How can I not be grateful?
I have been afforded such a wonderful life."
Katherine Heigl
{and Danette Bartelmay!}