Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I Love Candy Corn


Hello...my name is Patricia Louise Musser Andrews and I am a Candy Corn Junkie! What's a poor addict to do when everywhere I go there are bags of the wonderful candy crack...check out lines, the dollar store, bulk food store, drug store...why, even the hardware store is selling the addictive confection!!!


So, like any Junkie...I keep myself well supplied. There is a ceramic pumpkin bowl, filled to the brim in the kitchen and a nice leaf candy dish on the end table...you guessed it! Right next to where I sit, to read or watch a favorite show or two.
These little kernels call my name. And I can never eat just a couple...No, I have to have a couple of handfuls! Yes, soon I will be walking around enjoying my daily sugar rush and wondering why, as my sugar plummets...I am plum out of energy!? Sorry, but you'll have to excuse me...I am feeling the need for my next fix!

Love to all!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Winds Of Change


Fall Colors Of Munising, Michigan

Autumn has finally arrived in Michigan. It is a cool, blustery morning. A large potted plant has been blown off the bench where it has perched all Summer. And we have a small limb or two from the Maple tree on the ground waiting for Tomer's attention when he arrives home this evening.
Yes, the time for flip flops, tank tops and shorts is no more. It's now time to pull on a sweater, jeans and for putting socks on your tootsies...I can't stand cold toes...Brrr.
But, I love it here! Where I snuggle in with a hot cup of coffee and watch as the wind blows the the leaves from the trees.
Soon, we will find ourselves bundling up...waiting for the car to warm up. Oh, and shoveling snow! Things that we in Michigan sometimes murmur and complain about. But, I love to feel the warmth of my home envelop me upon my return...where the fireplace will once again glow and I will cuddle beneath a quilt made just for me. And watch, as new fallen snow brings quiet peace to the Earth. So....
Blow winds blow.

Love to All!

Saturday, September 26, 2009


Thank you Rick over at Organized Doodles for letting us share your talent!

It's That Time Again


Tree Condo built by Tomer and Son-in-law David. Nestled in the woods of Bronson...it's really their Deer Blind

I have the day all to myself and I can do whatever, whenever! So far, all this ol' grammy has done is savor my first cup of coffee and watch Fox News...without Tomer moaning about it.
He and our oldest Grandbaby, Madison left for the woods of Bronson last night. This weekend is the early, Youth Bow Hunt. Maddy and Papa, have been diligently practicing and were more than ready to hook up the trailer and head out last night.
They just called and were leaving the Tree Condo to meet cousin Leo for breakfast at their favorite M&M Grill. Where, they have the best chocolate chip pancakes you've ever eaten! Since, I was never a Hunter, Tomer is thrilled to have a Daughter and Grandbabies that share his passion.



View from the Tree Condo.

Bronson is special because it is where Tomer's parents lived for over 30 years...after his Dad retired. And his beloved Uncle Willy, took him as a kid on weekends, to plant fruit trees and share his love of the land. It is 120 miles Southwest of here...beautiful Farm Country still.
Well, enough of my rambling...I think I'll go watch a movie and after that I just might do some cleaning. There's no hurry...I have the whole day and I'm going to enjoy it!

Love to All!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Mmm...Ice Cream


Today was a special day at Xavie's Preschool, an Ice Cream Social. And since Mama and Daddy had to work this ol' Grammy went so that Xavie wouldn't be alone for the festivities.


I arrived as they were washing up for lunch and got a few shots of their classroom.
It was hot in there...bless their little hearts they didn't seem to mind at all. Just the grown ups were complaining...we're so used to A/C that some are wimps or just spoiled I reckon.


So I pulled up a little chair and sat with my boy as he ate lunch. Ice cream was to follow and they were more than ready for the cool sweet treat.


Xavie demanded "Grammy take my picture!" As if it wasn't going to happen. LOL
So, here is my sweaty haired boy at the end of a good day at School.


Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."


Love to all!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Another Birthday


Beautiful bouquet given to me by Xavier.

Yesterday, after church we had another birthday celebration. Our baby girl Mandy turned 31...how can that be? Seems like just yesterday, that she was being rocked in my arms. Now, I rock her baby, Xavier.

Our tradition is for me to make whatever the birthday boy or girl requests...Mandy requests my homemade pizza...here the dough is resting in pan...waiting to be topped with our favorite items.


Mushroom and Green Pepper for the Birthday girl.



Plain ol' cheese pizza for the boys...I did add mushrooms to the bottom section cause Kellerbell doesn't do green pepper.



Singing Happy Birthday, make a wish...time for cake and ice cream!
Happy birthday to you, Mandy...Daddy and I love you!

Luke 11:13
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"


Love to All!

Saturday, September 19, 2009


1 Chronicles 16:34 (New International Version)

34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Looking Ahead



Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

With the weather feeling cool and crisp and the gardens slowly fading. Tomer and I are just maintaining the plants that will survive until the first hard frost. As most of you, my thoughts are now on my home but Tomer's are consumed with the sights and smells of the Woods in Bronson...where he and family gather to hunt, share breakfast and stories of the days adventures.
With thoughts of gardens behind us, we were looking ahead to Winter and settling in for a season of rest. Until today, when in the mail was a small envelope addressed to...The Gardener. Hmmm...what's this? What a pleasant surprise when upon opening we read these words.
Hello,
The Taylor Garden Club likes to commend our residents who do an excellent job tending their yard. Your yard is year round a joy to see. Your tulips in the Spring a joy to see, and Summer and Fall are always nice. The Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month. We would love to have you visit or join.

Wow! I think we are going to take them up on their offer. What better way to make new friends and learn from one another? I'm looking forward to it.

This is one of the goals of the Taylor Garden Club.
Create a
"Butterfly Friendly Zone"

Butterflies are beautiful flying insects whose lifecycle depends on many types of plants, trees and shrubs. These "flying flowers" are in a general decline, through loss of native habitat, herbicide and pesticide overuse. The Taylor Garden Club is leading the
"Make Downriver a Butterfly Friendly Zone"
project, encouraging everyone to follow some simple guidelines that will attract butterflies to make your home, their home!

Delightful Dozen
Plants for Successful Butterfly Gardens:Wayne County, MI

Where Butterflies Feed
Nectar Plants

Butterfly
Bush
Swamp Milkweed
Butterfly
Milkweed

Purple
Coneflower
Zinnia
Joe-Pye-Weed

Aster
Mexican
Sunflower
Lantana

Blazingstar
Tall Verbena
Wild
Bergamot

Where Butterflies Lay Eggs & Caterpillar Feed
Host Plants

Clover
Swamp Milkweed
Butterfly
Milkweed

Dill, Fennel
& Parsley
Pearly
Everlasting
Rue

Spicebush
Shrub
Turtlehead
Tulip
Tree

Violet
Willow
Tree
Hop
Vine

Butterfly Gardens Guidelines
Plant in sunny place sheltered from the wind.

Plant groups of colorful nectar flowers that they prefer.

Plant for diversity in height, color and blooming times.

Include larval host plants for them to lay eggs on and for the
caterpillars to feed on.

Avoid the use of pesticides. Handpick or use water sprays to
remove unwanted pests.

Rocks of stepping stones can be used as sunning spots for
these cool blooded creatures.

Provide a puddle in a sunny spot for "puddling." They need to
sip salts and minerals from damp sand or soil.

Provide some shelter. Butterflies rest in tree and shrub foliage
on rainy or windy days. Leaving some leaf litter, a brush pile,
or a small stack of wood or branches gives shelter to a variety
of butterflies which winter here in Michigan.



Butterfly Friendly Zone

Love to all!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

5 WORDS


1. KINDNESS...
Other than living my life for Jesus...kindness was next on the list of things my Mama and Daddy instilled in us. Daddy was the kindest man that I have ever known. We heard daily "You children be kind to one another," or "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all." So, I try to always be kind. Kindness matters.


2. TRAVEL...
Nothing excites me more than to load up the car and head out to the open roads. Destination...who cares! Tomer and I listening to the David Crowder Band, Third Day or Michael English...surprise. Just sitting in silence watching the world pass us by. Making lots of stops for a to go coffee or a pit stop because of the coffee...cheeseburgers and french fries from the Golden Arches, that for whatever reason welcomes me. Road trips are my favorite way to travel!


3. HOME...
Home is where my heart is. Where I have raised my girls and cared for 5 Grancbabies that also call this place home. Home is where you are love and accepted no matter your faults. Where you are safe and cared for, Where you get lots of hugs, kisses
and I love you's. As I have grown older, I realize that home too...is anywhere your Mama and Daddy are.


4. CHILDREN...
Well, I'm sure that you know since most of my posts are about them... that children are the center of our lives. Grandbabies who keep us busy with softball, swimming, school concerts and other activities. Tomer drives a School Bus and we both still teach Sunday School. Train up a child in the way he should go and lead by example. Most of all give them unconditional love...children love best.


5. BLOGGING...
Blogging has added so many new friends to my life. It has taken me places that I never expected and taught me many lessons. Just as Aaron held up the arms of his brother Moses. I am blessed with Sisters who hold me up, whatever the need...most of whom I have never met...yet! I love sharing my life with you all! I am blessed.


Today, I received (after requesting!) 5 words from Pat over at Living on Grace. It's all part of a meme that you join in, if you want to. Here's how it works; Pat got 5 words from another blogger, and she did a post about the 5 words she was given. She then offered to give 5 words to someone else. I posted my 5 words from Pat and wrote about each of them. If you want to play along, let me know in the comments, and I'll give you your own 5 words! It's fun!

Saturday, September 12, 2009


Daniel 2:21 (New International Version)

21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Stuffed Cabbage And Birthday Cake



1. Up and at 'em early to get dolled up for a morning out with my guy...I'm in need of a new hair style...just don't know what!

2. First stop... a nice little restaurant for breakfast.

2. Next a trip to the Mart for groceries and a few essentials.

3. Make a Mexican Wedding Cake for Tomer's birthday celebration.

4. Can't forget the scrubbing of the Bathroom...that I think is my favorite chore...love when it sparkles.

5. Put together a pot of Stuffed Cabbage...the birthday boy's request.

6. Saurkraut and Kolbasz will be simmering in the Crock Pot.

7. More cooking but not sure what as yet.

8. By now I'll be ready to have a nice cup of coffee and sit a spell...did most of my cleaning yesterday after the boys left for the day...made me so happy to have it done.

9. We need a few decorations and it's not a birthday in this house without balloons...I love them!!!

10. Enjoy time with family...Pat and Hal are coming. I can't wait spend time with our favorite people!!!

Love to All!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Remembering 9/11



This is a sad day...I will never forget watching in horror as it happened.
But this day, is also my Tomer's 60th birthday. So, we praise God for the blessing that he is to our family. He served in the Air Force (1969-1972) and is a Vietnam Vet.
I am proud of his service but war changed him...he came back a different man and to this day does not like to talk about it. Maybe, one day I will post about this if he allows it. So, as you pray for our Nation today...please take a moment to pray for those who have served and the ones serving still. They deserve our gratitude.


I love you Tomer.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Xavier And God


Last night, Xavier insisted on spending the night. We (his Daddy, Papa and I) had told him no because he never stays. When the boy starts getting tired it's "I want to go home, I want my Mama." And if you know Xavier, he doesn't give up nor can you change the boys mind! Stubborn...describes Xavier.
So, as he sat in the garage insisting that he would stay...I gave in. But firmly let him know, that there would be NO calling his Daddy to pick him up...he was stuck here with his ol' grammy!
As Papa prepared to go to bed I asked the boy if he was sleepy...No he was watching his show. So, I sat at the computer as he got numb and finally slouched over. Just kind of ignoring the fact that he was going out. I figured I'd carry him to bed when I was ready for slumber.
Next thing ya know...he is up and going into the bedroom...he finally decided to give up and go to where it's comfy. So, we snuggled into bed and I started my usual singing. He asked me for a story instead...I ask "about what?" He responds..."about God." He gives me the title and I make up the story.
Off I go, telling him about the character of God. Well, Xavier takes over.
But let me tell you, it was no story...this 3 year old touched my heart with his observation. This is what he told this grammy, so seriously.
"There's not Gods (holding up both hands)...there's only 1 God...1 God. (holding up 1 finger) And He lives in heaven and looks down the clouds. And I can see His eyes and He fixes me when I'm broke!" My heart took a leap...Joy! That 3 year old boy has more understanding of God then some grown ups!!!The boy gets it...he knows God! Things get quiet, there is peace in that room...I start my singing. He turns on his side...Gods eyes watching as Xavie goes off to sleep...me too.
Matthew 18:3
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.


Love to All!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Cooking Out


We had a nice day at our daughter Mandy's...lots of food and of course we ate too much.



Son-in-law David...our grillmaster. No gas grill found here.



Papa and Lou on the deck...waiting for food to be ready.



Meet Sebastian...he is the sweetest fellow.



Mandy loves flowers...I wonder why?
Pray that your day was blessed...nothing like the love of family...good food, good fellowship.
The Lord is even better!


Love to All!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Happy Labor Day


Bridge at Lower Huron Metro Park. Where Tomer and the Grandbabies rode many miles on their bikes this Summer.

Summer is winding down. Today, we will gather at my daughter Mandy's for a cook out and celebrate our last day of summer vacation. My Tomer and Kelly officially go back to work tomorrow. Tomer has been studying his bus route and is more than ready to go through his pre-trip and hit the road again. Kelly will be found, once again, monitoring the hallways and keeping kids in order at an elementary school here in our fine city.
Ready or not...The Grandbabies go back to school on Wednesday. They have visited in their new classrooms and met with their teachers and all are happy, since they like the teachers they will have...thank the Lord.
When Labor Day is over and school begins it feels like Fall. No, Autumn hasn't officially arrived but the flowers are fading, the air is crisp and the leaves are beginning to change. Just like the days of our lives...things they are a changing!
Enjoy your day...

Love to All!

Saturday, September 5, 2009


God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of Spiritual Gifts.
Use them well to serve one another.
I Peter 4:10 NLT

Friday, September 4, 2009

Me And Jesus


Here I am, with a day all to myself. It doesn't happen often. But it sure makes me appreciate the quiet. Not having to say a single word...don't get me wrong I am a talker. How could I not be coming from a family of 8 children??? And as a Grammy, I find myself answering questions or fussing about something all day long...sigh.
But today...I can do whatever I like!
I happily breezed through my chores with my favorite Michael English CD's playing in the background. I can listen to all 7 of them if I so choose.
Instead, I think I'll brew myself a fresh pot of coffee and head out to the back porch with my Bible and meditate...listen to God whisper in the stillness of what's left of morning. My heart thankful for a quiet day...maybe I'll launder the bathroom curtains and maybe I'll make a batch of zucchini bread...I could even get groceries. Or I can do nothing at all!
But first, I'm going to listen to Michael sing "At the Midnight Cry & Up Above My Head" one more time, cause no one's here to ask..."are you listening to that again?"
Hope you have a blessed, peaceful Friday...mine already is...now if you'll excuse me...I'm going to go spend time alone with the Lord. Yep, just me and Jesus will be talking on the back porch.

Love to All!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Tasting


A fresh batch of Venison Salami...straight from the oven. Gotta empty the freezer because a new season's just around the corner. I know some are saying "Eeauh" but it is delicious!


Taste testing homemade Salsa made from tomatoes picked from our garden...now we need to make a trip to Mexicantown for their fresh chips cause these store bought ones just don't measure up!

I have nothing new or exciting to report...doing Laundry, but that is certainly not exciting...no, no, never will it be. Now, a clean kitchen floor that's a different story. My Fall cleaning is about done. Yippee! Then it will be time to decorate for Fall...did you finish yours today Connie?
Tomer replaced some plantings with colorful Mums today...I think 8 pots in all. And next week as the Impatiens start to fade...Mums too will take their place in the window boxes in our back yard.
Kell and I spent some time today trying to decide on our menu for Tomer's 60th birthday celebration...Yoy...we are getting old! The 3 oldest grandbabies had Open House at school and met their teachers tonight. Now, Maddy is back and gracing us with her presence! She hasn't spent the night in forever cause she now has a full social calender don't ya know? lol... Well, I am signing off...gonna go spend some time with my oldest Grandbaby. We are going to watch Cinderella III. This ol' Grammy is blessed...Taste and see that the Lord is good...He is...all the time!

Love to All!