Almost October!

Very shortly, September will be over. My goodness, this month sure did fly by!!

September had many wonderful times, along with sadness, but I choose to

count it all Joy and be thankful.

Opening a gift from my dear friend, Mare.

She lives in California so Dan took pics to show her.

 I love this figurine and I think of JOY when I see it.

I have much to be thankful for. 

Thank you Mare...looking forward to seeing you soon.

Gorgeous flowers & card from Dan

Love the card from Kelly..she also got some cute clothes..sorry no pic.

My Mom baked me a raspberry pie..my all time favorite.

Of course Grandma's recipe!

more bd goodies from Dad & Mom

I received many messages, lovely cards and precious phone calls from my sons. 

I am blessed with so many loving friends and family.

I was so happy that my youngest son, Chris came to visit this past week, spent a couple days with us.  He took Dan & I out for lunch at Biaggis for my bd.  Delicious!!!

I had to go to the doctor yesterday. My knees have been painful for a while, but have gotten alot worse recently to the point where I don't have full motion, especially in the right knee and I can't put all my weight on my right knee. Xrays showed that the osteoarthritis has worsened..I have an appointment with the orthopedic doctor on Oct. 6. I am trusting the Lord!

Happy weekend everyone & happy October!

~much love~



MercyMe - Move

For Dan's brother, JR~ We will miss him

Bennett Funeral Service: Obituaries

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this time. God bless you.
Much love
~pam

one book..one thousand gifts

It all started with this author, Ann Voskamp and her book..

One Thousand Gifts

A Dare To Live Fully

                Right Where You Are

I am totally captivated by this book.

From the inside cover~

A beautifully practical guide to living a life of joy, One Thousand Gifts  invites you to wake up to God's everyday blessings.~

On September 16, I started keeping a journal, a list, of my own one thousand gifts. 

I will be posted my updated list each Monday, joining other bloggers who are doing the same in connection with this book and Ann's blog, A Holy Experience.

Pam's gifts..

1. an open book

2. a barking dog

3. sunrise

4. oatmeal & apples

5. baby bunny in the yard

6. flowers from Dan

7. brown

8. falling asleep

9. waking up

10. His Word

11. Sunday mornings

12. Dan

13. rain falling

14. birthday wishes from loved ones

15. animal crackers

16. tea in a new mug

17. "Wonder" by dc Talk

18. raindrops on the window

19. time to read

20. husband's tender embrace

21. our precious times of prayer together

22. faraway friends

love & blessings

xoxo

Pam

time away~bliss

Dan and I had a wonderful get away to Northern Michigan, we were gone September 11-13. It was so nice to spend time together, relax and experience part of Michigan we haven't been to before.
 We saw the Sleeping Bear Dunes and so enjoyed the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, what a gorgeous drive! Of course we  made lots of stops.  We spent time in Leland, Sutton's Bay, Glen Arbor, Silver Lake Dunes, Maritime Museum, and many more stops where I could take pics! I took a ton of photos..so if you would like to see more, here is a link!   more pics!

In Glen Arbor we found a delightful tea shop, Great Lakes Tea and Spice.

 We made a few purchases of tea, spices and flavored olive oil. 

Also in Glen Arbor is Cherry Republic. Oh what a fabulous place!!

We bought some cherry goodies, chocolate covered dried cherries and cherry wine to name a couple.

Dan and I fell in love with Fishtown, Leland’s historical district, that is where our hotel was, Falling Waters Lodge. Fishtown features rustic shanties and docks reminiscent of life and commercial fishing one hundred years ago. Today, galleries and unique shops fill these shanties, and charter fishing trips and the only public ferry to the popular Manitou Islands depart from those same docks.

Check out this short video that's on their website.

The evenings we were there, we had dinner at two different restaurants, both fabulous food and great atmosphere.
Sunday night we ate at The Bluebird Restaurant, located in Leland and Monday evening we had dinner at The Cove.  The Cove is in Fishtown, across the river from Falling Waters Lodge. So after dinner we walked a short bridge back to our room.

Here are a few "scenic" photos~~

A couple of Fishtown, I took so many more photos!!

Lake Michigan~gorgeous

Part of Sleeping Bear Dunes and no we did not climb it. ;-)

Little Sable Lighthouse

Point Betsie

It wasn't open when we were there, so couldn't get real close.

Like I said, I took many more photos, so if you are interested, click on the more pics link at the beginning of this post.  

I could go on and on about this little holiday that Dan and I had. 

Well, hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. 

Be blessed

~hugs~

Toledo Farmer's Market

Had a great time on Saturday at the Farmer's Market.  

There was so much to look at and what great prices!

Here are a few pics I took.

One of the entrances.

We got there before it got too busy.

Just a peek at some of the gorgeous flowers.

A sample of the many goodies!

Popcorn

more flowers..

I bought some sunflowers...

and

Tubular Roses.

They are so fragrant!

I also bought cantaloupe and apples.

It was a fun morning. I am so glad Cindy asked me to go!

Hope everyone is having a happy Monday.

Be blessed

Happy September, dreaming of Autumn

Happy September! 

I am dreaming of Autumn...

We are having very warm, humid weather right now, so it doesn't seem like Autumn is right around the corner.

Yesterday I tried a new recipe, Crunchy Chocolate Biscotti. I have never made biscotti before and I have to say, it turned out pretty good! Especially with a nice cup of tea. 

I have plans with my friend Cindy to go to The Farmers Market on Saturday morning. 

Cindy goes every Saturday, she says they have all kinds of wonderful things to buy. 

For some reason Dan and I have never been there and it's only a 15 minute drive from our house.

I plan on coming home with some goodies this Saturday!

~blessings~

xoxo