Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Bits of Real-Life November

When I first started writing this -- which was mid-November, right before we visited the kids -- it was  a glorious November day, one of several. The temperature hit 65, and maybe even topped it. The sun was out and there was no real wind! It couldn't have been a better (or more unusual) day for the season. When you have a day like that, you grab it. We know what is around the corner. Today there is snow -- and so cold!

But on that earlier lovely day, I headed down to the ditch and was pleased to see my buddy Harry was still in town.  


The color is largely gone, but what was there made for some lovely reflections.


It appears that most of the birds have disappeared, too. But this robin, high in a tree, was having a grand day! (Although today at the feeder, it's sparrow food fight! That's what a little snow will do to Birdland!)


Rick had a good month too. Nicholas Goluses, a guitarist who heads the guitar program at Eastman School of Music, was doing a concert in town and Rick managed to get a private lesson with him. I've rarely seen Rick so over the moon. He picked up some wonderful technique advice and also some praise and excellent feedback.


I stopped by after the lesson and enjoyed chatting with Nick and with Rick's own guitar teacher, Brad, who studied under Nick at Eastman. It was a grand time.


A fellow who does home energy analysis for Consumers Power (one of our power companies) came by to check out insulation and areas where drafts get it. It was fascinating to watch him. First, he put this barrier and fan into the doorway to suck out the air from the house. 


Then he could measure where the air was coming in -- mostly through soffits, around windows and in some areas where the insulation might be a bit shallow. 


(He even went into the basement, which is always a little embarrassing, but I asked him not to judge). I certainly need some things done, and unfortunately, they're aren't the pretty kinds of things -- like "Look at my lovely new sofa!" They're the things you don't see, but are important. So, it's all on the list.


And, I picked up my poinsettias from the Symphony fundraiser. I got three four-inch pots but they really are quite full and generous. Best of all, it's a good cause.

 After a haircut and a doc appointment and a fistful of errands (oil change, grocery store, a return, and an emergency visit to the dentist to get out a piece of dental floss that broke in my teeth), it was off to join Rick and the grands!

 And yes, Thanksgiving was nice. Rick's mom was here, so just the three of us, but the feast was worthy of a crowd! (The aftermath? Not so much fun the next morning!)


And, for the first time in ages, our whole tribe was able to be together, if not for Thanksgiving Day, then a couple of days after!

 

If you missed my post about the art sale (it was good!), my Gypsy Caravan link is up and running HERE -- in case you see anything you want for holiday gifts! 

I'd say November has been a pretty terrific month, considering it included "falling back" with the time change (not my favorite) and a few bumps in the road (the MRSA/pseudomonas infection is back again)! But it's the merry season, so onward!

Sharing with:    Saturday's Critters    /   Friday Face Off   

61 comments:

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Busy, busy, busy!! Love those giant ornaments on the street square. How wonderful for Rick to have a private lesson. Send some snow my way, will you, I'd love a white Christmas.

My name is Erika. said...

It sounds like a good month. And it's not quite over either. I can sympathise with needing some home repairs. We need new windows. Ours are from the 1970's (except for a couple) and we added storms but it is time for windows. Too bad they are such an ouch repair. And I never knew you had a curved corner sink. That's pretty retro and fun. I want to get a farmhouse sink (the one that comes down over the front of the counter), but add that to the list. I may need a job just to get everything taken care of-smile. I hope your end of the month is as nice as the beginning of the month Jeanie. Hugs-Erika

gigi-hawaii said...

Too bad about the infection; hope it leaves your body ASAP and permanently. I like how you always put a positive spin on things. I tend to be gloomy, but always love coming here for an uplift. Keep going!

Anvilcloud said...

It does look as though you had a good month. Now, onward toward Christmas.

Sami said...

So nice that you managed to get the whole family together after Thanksgiving.
Those giant Christmas balls are nice.
We would love new windows in our house, but we see no point in spending so much money in a 70's house, which will probably be demolished if we ever sold it, so someone can put 2 houses on the big block of land.
I read some of your older posts and re the one about the books - I recently read 2 Bill Bryson books I bought at an op-shop. The "Neither here nor there", same parts are funny, but I agree he complains a lot about things he should have planned better. Then I read "Down Under" about Australia and I found it quite funny in general and he doesn't appear to be as grumpy.
I don't think I'd ever seen a poinsettia with that beautiful colour, generally only all red.
Hope your MRSA infection gets cured quickly. All the best Jeanie.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

November was always a wonderful month in Pennsylvania- in Florida pretty much the same although today it was 64 degrees when I woke up which is very unusual. I love the poinsettias that you picked up and looks like your had a wonderful Thanksgiving and also some celebrating afterward! Always good to be with family.

Boud said...

Interesting about how the technician finds the drafts. Now to remedy them! Sorry you're not well again, though you do take it lightly, it's not fun. And I'm glad your Thanksgiving went well, in episodes!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Wonderful images, it is good to see Harry was still hanging around. Pretty capture of the Robin and a beautiful blue sky. You did keep busy, November seems to have flown by. The family photo is wonderful. Take care, have a great day!

acorn hollow said...

Where to start this post is full of great things! How exciting to get lessons from someone you admire. Rick looks thrilled.
Glad you saw Harry and Thanksgiving sounds great but the day after sounds perfect♡
I haven't bought poinsettias in years you have inspired me to get one.
I am going to take a look at the gyspy tour after comment.
It was a wonderful November
For you
Cathy

Valerie-Jael said...

Love all the photos, dear Jeanie, especially the last one where you are all together. Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving, too. Have a lovely week, take care, hugs, Valerie

DUTA said...

I like to contemplate family photos, and the one of you and Rick's family is a delight to the eye: beautiful people.
The robin is so, so cute, and the reflections in the water of your pictures, so attractive!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Great family photo and sounds like a wonderful Thanksgiving. I always love hearing about all you're up to. Congrats to Rick for landing that lesson. How fun! Have a great week, Jeanie. I need real poinsettias since I have no kitties to eat them this year.

bobbie said...

A day with a view of Harry is always a good day! Feel better soon!
bobbie

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

I love that variegated poinsettia! I'm not sure if I've ever seen one before. I used to work at a flower shop that had four acres of greenhouse attached and every Thanksgiving it was full of poinsettias that that started shipping out wholesale. I do love them.

Rita said...

It does look like Rick was over the moon with that private lesson! Nice!
Sweet family photo. I don't think I have seen a variegated poinsettia, either. Beautiful! I hope you are feeling better. *love and hugs from Fargo*

Bill said...

No wonder November has flew by you. So busy with life and things to do. :) Wonderful photos, nice reflections, a cute robin. You may proceed onward toward Christmas. Have fun!

Lisa's Yarns said...

Hooray for the pleasant weather! We had some really nice, warm days in November, too. I missed them since I was in NYC where it was cooler than usual. It's been miserable here. It was 6F this morning. Burrrrr. It's too early for this crap! Although I am loving the heated seats and steering wheel that our new car has! We've never had those features and they being put to use during the cold spell.

I usually try to help with the after-dinner dishes during the holidays but I missed that this year as I was cuddling sick Will. :(

roentare said...

Lakeside images and the family photos are just lovely

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Love all of your photos, Jeanie. The first one with the reflections are lovely. Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. Nice photo of everyone. Sorry to hear about your infection--hopefully you will heal soon. That's really nice that Rick had a special lesson. And that poinsettia is a color I've never seen--so pretty. Take care and stay cozy. I'm sitting by the fire trying to warm up.

Red Rose Alley said...

First, I'm sorry the infection is back, Jeanie. I hope you get the care and treatment you need for it. That is the most unique poinsettia I've seen. You know how much I love your pictures when you visit the Ditch. That first one is so pretty, as you can see the Fall colors still lingering. Oh, and that precious Robin! Glad you had someone come in and check out the draft areas. It's so cold here right now. Your felties are soooo cute. And a wonderful family photo. Have a terrific week, Jeanie. I sure do enjoy your posts. : )

~Sheri

kathyinozarks said...

Sounds like a good month for you

Linda P said...

You've been busy and I think you'll continue that way with Christmas preparations in mind. I loved seeing all the happenings in your life this month.

Sharon in Las Cruces NM said...

You are just so good at your photography work and descriptive phrases to all that you enjoy in your life. Makes me smile. love all the bright color things you post that make a dreary winter day just sparkle. it is finally cold day and night here in Las Cruces; guess I can say our Winter has arrived. Have a great December Jeanie!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, you have been busy this month. I am so sorry the infection has returned, take care. I always enjoy a trip to the ditch and the lovely photos!

La Table De Nana said...

Take care..some keeper pics there Jeanie..I hate when things come back..:(I hope you get better fast.

Marilyn Miller said...

So glad you have had time at the "ditch" and that you had a lovely Thanksgiving and family time too. So sorry your MRSA/pseudomonas infection is back. I hope it goes away quickly. Also happy your sale went well. Oh and poinsettias! I need one. Your speckled one is so pretty! Glad Rick had this special lesson too. After years of playing I am not sure I would have thought to arrange to have a special lesson, but how wonderful for him. Enjoy the day and onward to good health and holiday celebration. xoxo m

Sandi Magle said...

I love your sweet little felted animal tree...they are so adorable. Looks like a very full couple of weeks, and now it's so cold, really a total change. We couldn't put lights up in November because the leaves just wouldn't drop on the bushes, and now it's so cold. Ugh. But, time for the holidays! Hugs, Sandi

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Lovely photos Jeanie. Seems like there are always home repairs. Sorry your infection is back, feel better soon. Glad your Thanksgiving was wonderful. I cannot go to bed with a messy kitchen. It feels so good to wake up to a clean kitchen. Happy Wednesday.

Divers and Sundry said...

We're expecting sunshine and a high of 61F today, and we plan to enjoy time outside. We may not get snow at all here.

It looks like you had a nice Thanksgiving and family gathering. Sweet!

Joanne said...

We had a home energy audit last winter (it was required by our electric company to put in our solar panels) and it was interesting to see how/what they did. It sounds like you had a lovely November.

This N That said...

Sounds as though you had a busy month...but then, you are always busy..
Sorry to hear that your infection has returned..It's a tough one to get rid of.
There seems that there is always something to do around a house..
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your house!! I like to wait until December..almost there..

Iris Flavia said...

So much going on! (I´ll be careful flossing, thank you for the warning).
Morning after really does look... like work! But bet it was worth it.
And yay for reunion, no matter what day.
Big WOW on the BIG deco!
Enjoy the holiday season (I visited Christmas Market Hanover today with a friend).

Tom said...

...Jeanie, Rochester, NY is my home town, so I know the Eastman School of Music well. MRSA/pseudomona doesn't sound like something to mess around with. Take care and be warm and well.

Pamela said...

I love the family photo!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Jeanie, it was nice to see your after-Thanksgiving family photo and thanks for your comment on my holiday post. It was a pig that was roasted outdoors and the turkey was also cooked outdoors in an electric smoker and BOTH were delicious!

As for home repairs, every time I hear about other people needing them, it makes me glad we are dealing with any of that. Just today, we had apt maintenance do a couple of small fixes. Sure, we could have done these things ourselves, but no need to, so a nice benefit of apt living.

The felties look really nice and if we had a tree up, I might consider a new ornament, but the Christmas village is in its place this year...maybe next year😉

carol@The Red Painted Cottage said...

Jeanie, I love the family photo with all of you! And how exciting for Rick to have a special lesson/tips from someone he admires. It sure did turn pretty cold. We’ve even had snow. At least our decorating is finished and now it’s onto baking for me. Take care of your health!

shoreacres said...

Your technician with the red light looks like something out of a sci-fi flick. Are you sure he wasn't checking for aliens? Are you sure he isn't an alien?!?
I love that Rick got his 'private lesson.' That surely was a treat for him, and one that will keep providing benefits. Thanksgiving here was notable for one new reason: by the time dinner was over and the last guest gone, the kitchen was entirely cleaned up, the leftovers stored, frozen, or sent off to other places, and there was nothing for it but to put my feet up and relax. Perfection! Do some of that relaxing yourself, despite the season. Your health depends on a little rest!

thepaintedapron.com said...

You had a busy November Jeanie, and so sorry your illness is back...That inspector would have a field day at my house, I have leaded glass windows that are beautiful, but they are not insulated so my house is freezing when the temps drop! I'm glad you had some special family time, and I love the giant ornaments in the last photo! On to December!
Jenna

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

The energy analysis inspections are grand for finding your energy leaks. I love that you had one more photo of Harry before winter. Thanks for sharing your good moments as I always enjoy walking down to the pond with you.

Polly said...

We're having very cold weather and severe frost here in the UK. Your poinsettia is very pretty. That was a bit scary with the dental floss, I have had some get stuck but always manage to get it out. Congratulations to Rick, well done, what a treat. The photo of the robin is lovely.

Sandi said...

I wonder how far south your Michigan birds migrate. Maybe they are here in North Carolina with us.

Gotta say...I love how your counter curves by your sink like that. Good design!

Sandra Cox said...

Your fall photos are gorgeous, as is your caravan selections.
Glad Rick had a good time with the instructors.
Sorry your infection is back:(

Breathtaking said...

Hello Jeanie :=)
A good morning to you from a cold rainy morning here in Portugal. Your family photo is lovely. I know how difficult it can be to get the family together on special occasions. Your house look very festive, and I love the robin photo and Harry the heron at the pond which still has nice autumnal colours. Just lately I have been seeing many different coloured Poinsettias.I only know the red ones and always buy one at Christmas, but I love the new two coloured one you have.

Drafts in the home are a major problem for someone who has a chest infection like you do, besides increasing your power bill, I'm glad you are getting it seen to and hope you stay warm and get better soon.
All the best
Sonjia.

Rajani Rehana said...

Beautiful blog

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

You had a lovely November. Your photos of the water are beautiful; they speak fall to me. You have reminded me that I need to get out my guitar and get new strings before it's time to do some Christmas caroling.

crackercrumblife said...

That poinsettia is beautiful! Is it normal for them to be variegated? How lovely!

I love love love that you got to be together with your whole tribe!! Hands down the best thing.

Eek I would be afraid for people to see my basement too. It is hit right now. Lol.

I hope you feel better soon and happy first of December Jeanie!

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

Ah, the aftermath of Thanksgiving, sounds like you had a great one though! The energy audit sure looks interesting, I should see if they have such a thing in our area.

We all have those areas in our house that are off limits to guests. Ours is in the shed. It needs a little love to get it organized.

Velva- Evening with a Sandwich said...

Cheers to beautiful late autumn weather and to family gatherings, and all the daily things we call life.

Velva

Lowcarb team member said...

That was so nice that you managed to get the whole family together after Thanksgiving, such a nice photograph.

November seemed to whizz by and now here we are it's the 1st of December, I wish you a good month ahead.

All the best Jan

Lisbeth said...

Such beautiful photos. It seems November can be nice.
How nice to meet up with the family.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
Happy December! I enjoy seeing your ditch birds, Harry the Heron is a treat to see and the Robin is beautiful. Great photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jeanie, it looks as though November in Michigan was great, and I'm so glad you're feeling better! Love the ditch day photos, and kudos for Rick being able to snag a master class privately! I picked up some beautiful poinsettias also - the Ballet's fundraiser - and love having them through Christmas and beyond. I love your variegated ones.
This year I have a new little tree that is dedicated to nothing but felties, and I love it! I hope to post it, but I have at least 3 from you on it. I didn't request hanging strings on my pair of robins from you, but I may end up attaching some to them and hang them also. Right now they're nesting in a felted bowl I picked up in Sedona one year, in another part of the house.
Your energy inspection is a great thing. We have one section of town that's been without gas heat and water for THREE weeks, due to a water main that broke and infiltrated the gas lines. It was on the flat section of town, making it more difficult to purge the lines. It's a huge, ongoing consumer issue in the middle of rate requests from both utilities, still unresolved.

Happy December, friend!

DVArtist said...

I know I left a comment on this post before. Anyway, lovely photos. It is so nice for the guitar lesson and I love the photo of the family. Thank you for sharing with FFO and have a lovely weekend.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I wish my electric company offered that option. I'd be first to call!

What a grand photo of the entire group. I see even the dog was included. Rick's mom had her cell phone in her hand, which for some reason, made me laugh.

Great that Rick got to spend time with his mentor.

Sorry, Jeanie, but I couldn't go to sleep with that mess you left till the day after Thanksgiving. Yes, I'm a neat freak!

Lovely FFO photos.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How nice to get to spend time with family. I'm off to see what's in your shop! Happy December!

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Jeanie, “When you have a day like that, you grab it.” I couldn’t agree with you more and you have certainly treated us to some beautiful photos. Seeing those birds for me – including dear Harry - in such lovely surroundings would have been a joy. Great photo of Rick with his guitar, what a lovely experience for him to be in such great company. Interesting to see the consumer power man and how he goes about things. I have my own embarrassing basement so no judgement here. It’s a daunting task to be taken care of clearing things out this year. You’ve reminded me I need to get some poinsettias, I left it too late last year and I dearly missed them, so thank you for the reminder. Yours are beautiful! It was lovely to read about and to see your Thanksgiving, and the photo of your wares for sale. Thank you so much for sharing. November certainly has been a terrific month for you and I am happy to say we had the same. Now it’s time to stop this comment before it turns into an entire epistle. Wishing you a Very Happy December.

Barb said...

You and Rick both had a busy and productive November. I'm so glad Harry is still in residence. Wonderful that the whole family could get together after Thanksgiving. Our son came and made a feast for us Thanksgiving day (it was Bob's 79th). After the holiday. the other son visited with his family also bringing food. Now we're both watching what we eat! I'm sorry to hear about the MRSA - hope you can nip it before it slows you down too much. Snowing here and cold.

Shiju Sugunan said...

November was a truly memorable month. I hope you have a wonderful December!

Veronica Lee said...

Looks like Rick was on cloud nine with that private lesson!
Love every photo, Jeanie. My favourite is the one with everyone together.
Those giant ornaments are so pretty!

Hugs and blessings

MELODY JACOB said...


This is lovely. It appears to have been a very busy couple of weeks, and now it is extremely cold.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Love the variegated poinsetta and those huge Xmas tree ornament sculptures!

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