About The River

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Happy Halloween and the Wednesday Medley

Trick or Treat! Happy Halloween from our house to your house. Boo!






It is Wednesday and it is time for the Wednesday Medley.
Terri asks the questions.
We answer the questions.



 1. You’re in a horror movie. Are you the final person left, the first to die, the comic relief, the skeptic, the smart one, or the killer?


I am the smart one. 
I will use all my knowledge of raising two boys, who have taught me a thing or two about survival. Not that I survived raising them LOL .. but as a girl .. you learn a few things as a Mom to Boys. Like when they start to fart and they really stink and it could kill someone. 

Yep, I am the smart one, I am going to survive this horror movie.

 2. While watching scary movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, the person with their eyes covered the whole time or the person who falls asleep?

I have my eyes closed.





 I have a fear of spiders.. my dear husband loves to put these plastic spiders around in different places to scare me. 
On the bathroom soap, in my coffee mug, on the coffee pot ....

 3. If you were dared to spend the night in a “haunted house”, would you do it?


No Way!
The last time I entered a haunted house was 2014. It ended up one of the characters knew me. We were entering a made up gulag room. My boys and husband made it safe out of the room, but the guard shut the door before I could get out. I just about died. Here it was a high school student that I was an aid in the classroom of. I did not know that until he started to laugh his head off from giving me the scare of my life. 
No more haunted anything for me after that! 


4. Favorite horror monster or villain?

I read Frankenstein for the first time last year. I LOVED it. It has become a favorite of mine. I recommend for all to read it.
Image result for frankenstein the book
5. Favorite horror or Halloween-themed song?


Bobby Picket "Monster Mash" 


6. Tell us something random about your week.


Our son Sam should be finishing The Forge today or early Thursday. His last big test at Basic Training. We carved a pumpkin for him.

We put our green light up for America's veterans.


America’s veterans are some of our nation’s bravest, hardest-working men and women. However, it’s hard to show them the appreciation they deserve when, back home and out of uniform, they’re more camouflaged than ever. Greenlight A Vet is a campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green.


Happy Halloween

Max our Cat inspecting the jack o lanterns.
 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

The Forge


 The Victory Forge

If you are a regular reader of The River, you know our son, Sam has been in Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He is in his final test, The Forge.


 Sam is now in the Forge. 
My sister gifted our family the candles to burn during this final test for Sam.


Prayers for Sam!

May he do well and complete the task before him.


I will be honest, I had a hard weekend. I just wanted to hug him. Talk to him, meet his battle buddies, meet his Drill Sergeants and so much more. I have had a few cries this weekend and a few more Monday. 
Thank you for the prayers my dear family, friends and blog buddies.

 ♥
Carla
  

Monday, October 29, 2018

An Autumn Project

My Little Greenhouse


 I shared last week that my husband and I were working on a project. 
This past week we finished it.
A little greenhouse for my Little Garden That Could.



 We will be putting shelving up in the spring, just before I get busy starting seeds. 
We built a raised bed on the floor of the greenhouse.
I planted Perpetual Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Radish, Butter Oak Lettuce and some tulips inside. This all will be an experiment on how things will grow in the greenhouse during the winter. It is not heated. The lovely sunshine is the only heat at this time. 


 I will be doing some landscaping around the greenhouse in the spring. 


A little greenhouse is something I have wanted for a long time. I saved my bouquet sales during the summer to go towards purchasing my little greenhouse. 
I have a feeling you just might find me in it during a cold, yet sunny day in the winter, soaking up sunshine and taking in that greenhouse smell.
 

Monday, October 22, 2018

Joy List Monday

One of the bouquets I made for my Flower Subscription business .. using edibles in the bouquet.


 Joy List Monday

 a weekly ritual
a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties
and graces that make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day


 ♥ Sunshine .. goodness we went for about three weeks of clouds, rain and fog. When that sunshine came streaming out for not just a few moments but for several days .. a jump for joy was had!

♥ A little project is happening here .. I will share soon .. each time my husband and I get a little more done on the project,  I do another jump for joy.

♥ A new to us place to walk. It really was there all the time, it was the first for us to think of taking our daily walks there.

♥ Autumn colors .. I do love them. The only thing I wish I could do would to be able to glue on the leaves until after Thanksgiving.

♥ Apple Pie Bars .. a new recipe I made over the weekend.


Another bouquet using dried seed pods. I am noticing texture makes a bouquet just as much as the blooms.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Hot Fudge Golden Grahmas Parfait

 Hot Fudge Golden Grahams Parfait
This is a fun sundae. We hosted a dinner party a few weeks ago and I wanted to try a new dessert. I found this fun recipe and it did not disappoint.

What you need:
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons honey
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 cups Golden Grahams cereal
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; lightly grease.
Bring sugar, honey, and 3 tablespoons water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring, until mixture is a deep-amber color, 6 to 7 minutes; remove from heat.
Immediately stir in salt and baking soda, then quickly stir in cereal and almonds.

Spread mixture on prepared baking sheet. Let cool until hardened, 40 to 45 minutes.
 Break into clusters.

Scoop up your ice cream, add your honey comb and swirl on your hot fudge!

Enjoy!
 

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

~ Wednesday Medley ~


 Let's Go Brewers!


 I am a baseball fan. I LOVE baseball. I enjoy listening to games on the radio. If I do get the game on TV, I will have the game on the TV, but will have the volume turned up on the radio.
My Milwaukee Brewers are playing hard to make it to the World Series. 
Come cheer on the Crew with me.

 Now lets go see what Wednesday Medley is all about.



 

Hello Friends, 
It is Wednesday and it is time for Wednesday Medley.
Terri asks the questions.
We answer the questions.



 1.  The Circleville, Ohio, Pumpkin Festival starts today.  All things pumpkin are everywhere. What is your one very favorite pumpkin flavored food or drink?  Do you wish it was available all year or do you only want it in the Fall?

My favorite pumpkin treat would be pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. I make pumpkin bars until about February, because they are also a favorite of my youngest son, he requests them often.

 
Autumn Hikes are my favorite!
2.  What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?
 
Blue Jeans!
 
 
3.  What is the most interesting thing you have seen online this week?
 
Sadly, it is bad news .. I am not sure it is interesting but it is of great interest to me because it is in my home county. 
Very sad and scary!
I know some of you have heard of the story on the news and asked how close to home this was to me. Barron is about three miles from Cameron. My husband has a co worker who's girlfriend lives two houses down from the home that the parents were killed.

4.  Is it better to be a "big fish in a small pond" or a "small fish in a big pond"?
 
I am a small fish in a big pond. I say this because I am a small person.
I do have a funny story .. it is funny now .. not so funny when it happened.
 
My sister and I were at a Christmas Market in Chicago not long ago. I am about 5 feet and a little extra when wearing shoes. 
We were with in the pond of people at the Christmas Market. They all seemed to be tall people .. I could not see anything. I go so worked up, let go of my sister's hand and told her, " I see a way out!" and I took off. I am sure I looked like a running back in a football game. I could see the sidewalk and all I wanted to do was get out of that crowd.
I did it! I looked back at the sea of people. My sister was coming up to me, she was steaming mad. "Never do that to me again!!"
 
 
5.  My Joe has become obsessed with playing chess on the computer.  Do you play chess?  Are you good at it?
 
I would like to learn how to play chess. 
 
 6.  Tell us something random about your week.
 My decorative corn that I planted this year in my garden. I was so happy with how well of a harvest I had. I had poor luck the past two years. This year I tried a new seed with shorter growing days. 
I think this basket of corn says "Happy Autumn!"
 
 
 

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

For Those Who Like History

For those who like history, I think you will find this interesting.
If you are a regular reader here at The River you know our son is at Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He recently shared in his letter the reason behind the greeting "40 Rounds" for their Battalion.
 
Photo taken at Wisconsin's Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin

During the Civil War is when the 2-13th IN Regiment came into being. (This is the regiment Sam is in now at Fort Jackson.) There was a rival Regiment or Battalion that had just recently gotten fancy buttons or pins for their caps. Anyway, they went around boasting, bragging and showing off their new, fancy, button. When they approached this one 2-13th Private they showed him the button and acted all posh and condescending. The private responded with "we only need 40 rounds." and tapped his ammunition pouch. It stuck ever since then.
 
Madison, Wisconsin



How about a little bit of Wisconsin Civil War history, do you know the story about Old Abe?

 
 
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2012) -- The Screaming Eagle insignia of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is perhaps the most recognized and famous shoulder sleeve insignia in the United States Army.

However the history and symbolism of the patch is often forgotten. The eagle on your shoulder is not just any American Bald Eagle, but instead, it commemorates the most famous animal mascot that ever served in the United States Army.

In 1861, an American Indian named Ahgamahwegezhig -- or Chief Sky -- a member of the Flambeau band of the Chippewa tribe, cut down a tree in an attempt to capture two American Bald Eaglets in their nest. Chief Sky later traded the surviving eaglet to Daniel McCann of Eagle Point, Wisc., for a bushel of corn.

McCann took the bird to Eau Claire, Wisc., and briefly kept it as a family pet. Caged inside a modified oaken cask, the bird grew larger and quickly became too expensive to feed. McCann actively sought to sell the as yet unnamed bird to the many units of Wisconsin troops passing through the area enroute to their muster site at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisc.

After many unsuccessful attempts to rid himself of the bird, McCann eventually sold the eagle for $2.50 to Capt. John E. Perkins, commanding officer of a militia company called the "Eau Claire Badgers." Part of the money was, reluctantly, given by local tavern-keeper S.M. Jeffers.

In light of their newly acquired mascot, the unit renamed themselves the "Eau Claire Eagle."

Perkins' unit entered federal service and was re-designated as Company C, 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The Eau Claire Eagles' mascot was adopted by the new 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment which was quickly nicknamed the "Eagle Regiment." After much deliberation, the mascot was named "Old Abe," in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.

During its time awaiting muster into Federal service at Camp Randall, the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment purchased a special, shield-shaped perch on which to carry their mascot. It was here, in Madison, Wisconsin where "Old Abe" was named in honor of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.

The 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment spent its entire military service in what was then known as the Western Theater of the American Civil War comprising: Missouri; Arkansas; Tennessee; Mississippi; Louisiana; and Alabama. "Old Abe" was present during all of the 8th Wisconsin's battles and was carried into combat by a sergeant on a special perch alongside the 8th Wisconsin's National and Regimental colors.

Seeing "Old Abe" atop his perch during the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, Confederate General Sterling Price remarked, "that bird must be captured or killed at all hazards, I would rather get that eagle than capture a whole brigade or a dozen battle flags."

During "Old Abe's" service, the 8th Wisconsin participated in many battles, expeditions, and pursuits of Confederate forces. Among these were the battles of: Iuka; Corinth; Island Number 10; Big Black; Champion's Hill; the Red River and Meridian expeditions; and the Battle of Nashville. "Old Abe" was there every step of the way.

The 8th Wisconsin's most famous fight came in June of 1863, when the regiment participated in a futile frontal assault along Vicksburg's Graveyard Road. "Old Abe" and his regiment, then part of Mower's Brigade, failed to penetrate the center of the Confederate fortifications near a 90-degree bend in the Confederate defensive positions known as Stockade Redan.

Their enlistments having expired, the men of the 8th Wisconsin were mustered out of federal service in late-1864. The 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment was no more. On Sept. 26th, 1864, a contingent of 70 8th Wisconsin veterans marched "Old Abe" to the state and presented him to Governor James Lewis. "Old Abe" was donated to the people of Wisconsin by the loving comrades alongside whom he had fought for four years.

In 1865 an enterprising Chicagoan, capitalizing on "Old Abe's" fame, sought to enlist him in support of the United Sanitary Commission's efforts to provide aid and comfort to wounded Veterans. Thus the "Army of the American Eagle" was formed. Children were "enlisted" to sell paper photographs of "Old Abe" in much the same way that schools raise funds today. Proceeds from the sale of these photographs went to benefit local veteran's charities.

The Wisconsin War Eagle's post-war life was punctuated by frequent nation-wide travel in support of veteran reunions, patriotic gatherings, Soldier relief benefits, and special exhibitions during which he achieved a rock star-like status. In 1876, "Old Abe" again toured the country as part of America's Centennial Exposition.

"Old Abe" lived out the remainder of his life in an aviary in the Capitol building. In 1881, a fire broke out in a paint and solvent storage area near "Old Abe's" aviary. A month later the famous Wisconsin War Eagle, weakened by fumes, died in the arms of his handler, George Gilles.

Many newspapers and Veterans groups wondered aloud "what would become of this famous, flesh and blood war relic?" Upon his death, "Old Abe" was preserved and exhibited in the Capitol building's Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall until a fire destroyed the display in 1904. Sadly, only a few of "Old Abe's" feathers survive, carefully preserved by the Wisconsin Veterans' Museum in Madison.

Today, large sculptures of "Old Abe" stand atop the Wisconsin monument at Vicksburg, Miss., and atop the entrance to old Camp Randall, now the main entrance to the University of Wisconsin's football stadium. Since 1865, Wisconsin-based J.I. Case farm implement company has used "Old Abe" as part of their corporate logo. "Old Abe" also serves as the mascot of several Wisconsin high schools.

Since 1921, "Old Abe's" head, in profile, has served as the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). A large-scale diorama of the 8th Wisconsin's Color Guard, complete with "Old Abe," is on exhibit in the atrium of the division headquarters building on Fort Campbell.


Thursday, October 11, 2018

Black Widows and Ghosts

Hello Friends and right in the middle of October we might as well talk about Black Widow Spiders and Ghosts! How on earth did I get on this subject you may wonder .. well let me explain.

We are making our travel plans to head down for Sam's Basic Training Graduation in November. We will be staying in a cabin on Fort Jackson property, Weston Lake Recreation Area and Campground for three nights of our travel. I shared with Sam the exciting news of where we will be staying.

In the letter that we received from him Tuesday he shared the following ..

"The Drill Sergeants warned us about Black Widow Spiders and "Jakes" which is the Army nickname for snakes.  South Carolina has quite a lot of Black Widows apparently, so they warned us about sticking our hands in certain places that we could not see in properly" Really Spooky!"





Sam continues, "There are Rattle Snakes and Copperheads down here too, but Jackson is apparently known for it Black Widow population." 

I set Sam's letter down and  looked at my husband, he knows I am deadly afraid of spiders. That is why I live where it gets -40 degrees in the winter, we do not have such things as poisonous snakes and spiders. We have WINTER and it keeps them all away. 

"Black Widow Spiders! I am staying in a cabin! In the woods, with Black Widow Spiders!" .. that is me wide eyed saying the above to my husband.

The letter from sweet son continues ..
"Apparently, the woods of Fort Jackson are haunted by Civil War ghosts. The places we camped at last night is said to be a location of sightings and such. So, depending on where you camp.. you might see and hear some spooks. The Drill Sergeants also confirm the haunts."

I googled to see if all this silliness could be ..


Fort Jackson

More than one entity is said to haunt the site that trains over 50% of our army’s bravest. Many have seen a female soldier, identifiable by the distinctive hole in her helmet (and the hard-to-ignore detail that she’s a ghost), who occasionally appears in the latrine where she passed away. Others have reported hearing disembodied female voices accompanied by humming. Additionally, in the B Company 369th AG Barracks, numerous soldiers have spotted a shadowy male figure who moves about from room to room as they sleep. Like anyone can get any sleep with a paranormal being looming above them.





Hurricanes
Spiders
Snakes
Ghosts

Goodness ...





I will take this!

We are so excited for our trip South. We have not traveled to the Carolina's or Georgia. We are looking forward to our Southern Adventure in November, spiders, snakes, ghosts and all, here we come! 

 
 Carla

 

 

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

The Hard Path of Duty


Encouragement is something the trainees at Basic need. The Drill Sergeants, Recruiters and Military families that have done Basic will let you know, the trainees love receiving mail and encouragement.

I am reading a book about Abraham Lincoln, who happens to be Sam's favorite President. I have been able to share many quotes from the book with Sam in my letters to him.

Here is one I thought we all could use .. the daily news, the constant storms in life and in the weather .. sometimes you feel all out of steam. After reading this advice from Abraham Lincoln, I smiled and said to myself, keep on keeping on .. do what you can to make your neighborhood, community and family feel loved. Do not let the WORLD get you down. Keep your eye set on the goal and the dreams you have.

Abraham Lincoln was asked the best advice to give a young person. Lincoln looked to his own life, remembered how hard he had worked as a young frontiersman, and said, "It is much for the young to know that treading the hard path of duty .. will be noticed and will lead to high places."  Lincoln talked much about the "hard path of duty." It meant not only working hard to help others, to support your family, to live a life of integrity, no matter how hard it might be at times. For Lincoln, being ambitious, achieving things, and acquiring material wealth was not enough. The "hard path of duty" meant to be responsible and do what you had to do, not just what you felt like doing. 

 
At times we feel like crawling in that hole and saying "Forget It" .. but we are and can be LIGHT needed for just that moment.


As our Nation prepares for another hurricane, I send prayers and love to all.

We did receive a bulletin from Fort Jackson where Sam is stationed for Basic training. 
The base is preparing for high winds and lots and lots of rain.
 
 

Friday, October 5, 2018

TBB ASKS .. OCTOBER



1. Favorite Fall Color?




Red .. a full red tree with the sunlight dancing on the leaves is my favorite.

 2. Apple Cider Hot or Cold?
 Cold
We have an orchard that we visit and they have a Tap of Cider .. it is one of our favorites to get a nice refreshing glass of cider after picking apples.

3. Carmel Apple: Yes or No?
 Yes

 4. Pumpkin Doughnuts or Apple Cider Doughnuts?

Apple Cider Doughnuts .. freshly baked, still warm .. yum! 

5.Long or Short Cardigan?
 Long

   6. Favorite Football or Fall Party Food? 
 Chili with corn bread on the side.

7.Orange or White Pumpkins?

 Orange
I did purchase two white this year for the first time. I think I like them. 

8.Hayride or Bonfire?
 Both .. Hayride and a bonfire after with S'more's.

9.Favorite Fall Baked Good?
 Apple Crisp



10. Most anticipated Fall activity?
    Autumn hikes with my family and friends.

Have a great weekend.
 
Carla
 

Monday, October 1, 2018

Joy List Monday


In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir

 ♥ a weekly ritual 

a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces
that make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day

 ♥ a lovely Autumn hike 
 ♥ letters from our son who is at Basic Training and letters are the only way to communicate for 10 weeks .. those letters are true treasures
 ♥ sharing memories about our dog Molly who recently passed .. sharing all the adventures 
 ♥ brownies 
 ♥ baseball .. Go Crew Go!