Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you’ve all been having a great weekend. We have finally gotten our first snowfall although it’s not too much at all. Just an inch or so but enough to make the roads pretty slikkery and awful. At least we didn’t get a huge dump of it like others have had. It’s coming though. It’s only a matter of time when you live on the Prairies before the snow shows up and usually lots of it. I’m pretty sure you can click on all of the pictures for larger views if you’d like.
This is my favorite view out my front door when it snows. I like the way the snow sits on the trees so you’ll probably see this picture with varying degrees of snow throughout the winter.
All those tracks through the front lawn are courtesy of Sammy who went crazy dragging me along behind him when we came home from our walk.
This is one of Sammy’s most favorite places to walk. He loves to walk along the fence smelling all those good dog smells. It’s not his mommy’s favorite place though because the wind coming off that playground in the winter is verrrrrrrrry cold!
I’ve got the urge to start putting up some Christmas decorations. I know it’s early but as soon as it gets colder and then when the snow starts it just makes me think that it’s time to see Christmasy stuff. The only problem is digging it all out of storage and going through it again. I used to always put up a tree in my bedroom but didn’t last year. I think I’m going to put it up again this year and see what Sammy thinks of the pretty lights. We don’t do much for gifts anymore but I’m going to pick up a few things. I’m knitting my mom some dishcloths but it’s slow going with my sore hands. I’ll keep plugging away though as it’s good exercise for my sore joints and I do have a month and a half to go so I should be able to get quite a few made. For Sammy, I’m just going to buy a package of socks and I’m sure he’ll be more than happy. lol.
Oh, something else I have to share with you is some bookmarks I bought from the lovely Sherri of Sherri’s Jubilee. She has a wonderful Etsy site where she sells her very pretty ribbon bookmarks, some jewellery, and other creative goodies that she makes. Anyhow, I bought quite a few – some for me (most for me), but a few as Christmas gifts as well. I’m a little weird with my bookmarks; I like them to match the book I’m reading in some way whether it be color or picture. So, of course that means that one or two is not enough and that meant I needed to get more. Here are a few pictures of some of my favorites. Aren’t they gorgeous!
I just love these. All of them!
On the reading front I have been doing ok but not great. I’ve got a few books on the go right now. I’m just finishing up Her Sister’s Shadow by Katharine Britton and then I’ll be starting Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love. In addition to that I’m also working on Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray, The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, and last but not least Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (that I received from the lovely Sandy at You’ve Gotta Read This – thank you so much Sandy!). Yup, lots on the go. Now let’s see how much I actually manage to get done in the next few weeks. There always seems to be something else to do and getting to sit down and read for any length of time anymore just doesn’t seem to happen for me. The blog is pretty busy for the week though. Here’s what will be happening…
Monday – Review of Her Sister’s Shadow by Katharine Britton
Tuesday – Review of To the Moon and Back by Jill Mansell
Wednesday – Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love
Thursday – Book Spotlight/Giveaway of Southern Fried Woman by Pamela King Cable
Friday – Review/Giveaway of Come Back to Me by Melissa Foster
Saturday – Book Spotlight/Giveaway of Fool’s Mate by Laura Pedersen
As you can see, a very busy week. I only hope I can keep up to my own blog. The whole of November has been really busy. It slows down a bit for December but who knows, it may book up yet.
Now for Sammy Bear. He’s his usual rambunctious self and causing trouble at every turn. As you probably already know he is the only one of us happy with the snow. He just loves it as you’ll see from the pictures below. It’s also the first anniversary of me bringing him home. Last year on November 13 he came home with me. It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year and it’s certainly gone by really fast. I love him dearly and feel blessed that although God closed one door with taking Buddy who I miss so much, he opened another with Sammy and brought another loving and beautiful pup into my life. Enjoy the pictures; there’s a few this week with the snow and all!
Mommy – snow!!! Yahooooooooooo!
Snow, snow, and more snow! Look at me go crazy. You can barely see me I’m moving so fast. Oh boy, I like this stuff!
Here I go again! Funny though mommy is just standing in one spot watching me tear around. Hmmmm, she couldn’t keep up anyway. I’m just a streak through the snow.
Let’s see what I can find to put in my mouth and run around with. There must be some kind of grass or something still here. Mommy put up this fence because I like to go run around the garden and be bad in there. Plus she yatters on about me getting hurt all the time because I’m going so fast. Minutes after mommy took this picture though I stuck my paw into one of the bigger gaps and I think I may just fit through there. I’m gonna try it next time we’re out and the best thing is it’s going to be really hard for her to come in after me. Yahooooooooooo!
Yaaaaay! My first walk in the snow. Let’s go mommy! Hurry! There is no time to waste here – dogs have a lot to sniff and play in when it snows and you know how I love the snow mommy. I know mommy isn’t happy with the snow but I sure am!
Well that’s it for me this week. Sorry for such a long post – I hope you all made it to the end. lol. What’s everyone else up to this weekend? Did you do anything interesting or just relax with a book? Is anyone else excited to start decorating for Christmas yet? If Sam lets me I’m going to relax with a cup of coffee and a book. I’d like to have at least one relaxing day out of the weekend since Sam kept me on my toes running around after him yesterday. That pup of mine has more energy than even he knows what to do with. Have a great week everybody and I hope you’ll join me here this week for all that I have planned. I’ve been a horrible commenter these past weeks and I’m going to make a huge effort to get out to visit you all this week!
Oh wow! Snow. I should not be surprised as Winter is here, but we had such a strange Autumn here in the UK (with summer temps in Oct) that Winter has not registered with me yet.
I have not seen bookmarks like those before, thanks for sharing.
carol
Darlene, thank you so much for mentioning my etsy site on your post today! I just put alot more new items on there and I’ll be putting more on there today!
Sammy sure does love the snow-very cute!! Have a great rest of your weekend and enjoy the “light” snow!
We got our first snow as well but luckily enough it didn’t stick at all. And the weather has warmed up since so we’ll see when we actually get snow that stays. Sammy looks so happy running in the snow!!! I bet that he loves the snow until it grows taller than him 🙂 Hope you have a great week Dar!
Dogs are so funny when the weather turns. Our Lab used to get what we called “the scoots” when it got cold. She would just tear all over the place like the devil was chasing her. You are having a very busy week! I think you will enjoy Shades of Grey…just a tiny bit different than other WWII novels. I have been working on my Christmas cards, so I have been in the holiday mood as well!
The snow looks so wonderful, but I know how you hate the cold! Also, those bookmarks are just beautiful and I love them! I like to buy bookmarks for the readers in my life for Christmas too. I can’t believe that Sammy has been in your life for a year already! I remember when you brought him home and he was a little crazed pup! I hope that you have a wonderful week ahead, and I also hope that you get all your Christmas decorations sorted and located this week. Take care, my friend!
The dusting of snow look so pretty Dar. Sammy looks like he really loves it. That first shot with the snow on his face is sooo cute.
And those bookmarks are lovely! Can never have too many bookmarks.
I haven’t decorated for Christmas yet, I do enjoy it, but don’t tend to do it till after Thanksgiving. Last weekend while out on a trip to Home Depot I spotted the cutest little lit up, blow up penguin for the front yard. I love penguins, so hubby bought it for me.
I can’t wait to display him 🙂
Enjoy your Sunday and happy reading. Snowy days are perfect for that.
You can keep the snow up there. We don’t like it and neither does Milou! Sammy is so cute in it. We don’t do that much for Christmas anymore either – we need some little ones in our family.
Cooper is jealous! We had snow, but it was too warm to stick. Water, frozen water . . . whatever. He loves to play in it, LOL!
Love those bookmarks too. She does a great job.
Ooh you have snow! I am so envious. This time last year we had snow, but this year I am still walking around without a coat! Sammy looks gorgeous.
We had our first snow as well although I am not ready for winter yet and not in the christmas spirit just yet. Sammy sure has grown, you can tell in the pictures…he sure has a lot of energy and keeps you on your toes:) Sherri has beautiful things on her etsy site, she is very talented! Love the bookmarks.
Glad Sammy had such a great time in the snow. Our first snowflakes did not stick, yay! But as you say, it is coming. Shades of Gray is so good. Have a great week.
We had a smidge of snow the other day but today it is 60! Sammy looks like a ball of energy int he snow! Does it wear him out? Between Shades of Gray is intense but sooo good! It will be one of my favorite reads this year! Have a great week.
Awwww…Sammy is so cute. I always enjoy Sammy pictures! I’m hoping we get snow this year. It’s rare for us to get more than a few snowflakes here in my part of Virginia although we did get some last year. My little dogs didn’t know what to think of it with their little short legs! lol They almost disappeared in it. *giggles
Terrific bookmarks. They’re all beautiful. Thanks for sharing the snow pics. I have to admit that I love winter, and it looks like little Sammy does too!
Happy Sunday to you and sweet Sammy!
I can’t believe you have snow already! But it looks great. I don’t blame you for wanting to get the Christmas decorations out. 🙂
I sure miss the snow!! Looks like Sammy had a great time on your walk!
Those bookmarks are so cute!
Yikes! I’m not ready for snow! Thanks for the Sammy pics –
Patti
SNOW????? Somehow the snow seems to have missed us! We has snow all around us, even a foot of it not too far from here but we only got flurries. Its actually been pretty nice here.
I love the bookmark with the coffee cup, haha of course!
We still have no snow here, and it makes it so dark and gloomy.
He sure seems happy 😀
I thought your post was fun! I can’t wait to see what Daisy will think of the first snow! She’ll probably try to hide in the house like me!! Those are very cool bookmarks!! I hope that your hands loosen up with the knitting and yep, you still have plenty of time to get those done for your mom. That’s something that I’m going to do next year..cross stitch this marriage kit I bought for my son and his new wife. I love doing it and I feel a bit crafty working with my hands. I’m going in a totally different direction with my blog. I’m tired of reading on a schedule…worn out. I owe you a big email..just going through my emails and came across yours and I have yet to just sit down and type away..be prepared I’m feeling chatty!!
Hugs!
Staci
SNOW?!? Wasn’t I just asking you yesterday to post pictures of the turning leaves? 😉 I still can’t believe that Christmas is right around the corner. I didn’t decorate last year but I will this year. Hopefully Elle likes the tree and isn’t scared of it!
My favorite picture is the one with Sammy and the snow in his beard. Too cute! Stay warm.
Darlene,
Snow!!! It is absolutely like mid-October here and I don’t want to see snow until late December. The weather has changed in this part of Canada over the last years and we now enjoy a lot of mild weather with less snow. Must be all the manure from the dairy farms, the horses, etc. heating up the atmosphere here in eastern Ontario.
Sammy doesn’t seem to have a favorable opinion about the white stuff as he stares off the balcony.
Hi Darlene,
Been a busy week as usual, what with housework, errands, etc. Plus I am taking two courses so have to squeeze my regular reading in between the textbooks. Just finished Anne Tyler’s “Digging to America” and am now reading “Dangerous Instincts” by Mary Ellen O’Toole (part of my course but a book everybody should read).
Snow already, wow! Hope you guys are staying warm over there! And Sammy is adorable, as always! 🙂
The bookmarks are so lovely!! And I cannot WAIT to see Romeo’s reaction to snow!! He was born in June so he hasn’t had any experience with it yet. Based on Sammy’s reaction, it should be fun to see him go crazy in it!!
Wow, it doesn’t seem like a whole year ago when we met Sammy. It is always so nice to see his sweet face and learn of his adventures.
We had snow on Tuesday night but it was mostly gone by Wednesday afternoon. Then it just got muddy.
I finished up listening to The Night Circus, and I took a notion to read Frankenstein on my Kobo.
Your bookmarks are beautiful! They can be such fun and bring alot of pleasure.
Hope you and Sammy have a great week!
I’m not jealous at all about that snow! I lived in it for sixty-two winters and am thrilled to be in Florida this year. It does make a nice backdrop for pictures of Sammy, though! My sister-in-law has a party business called Sherrie’s Jubilee! I had to go to Sherri’s site to make sure it wasn’t Sherrie!
Look at that snow! We are still having 80+ degrees here. Love Sherri’s book marks–I have a pair of her earrings that I wear all the time.
First snows are nice, but I tire easily of snow and the cold, yet it always seems to last so long. LOL
I love the shot of Sammy with the snow on the muzzle…reminds me of Charlee. This winter is going to be hard without him.
love the butterfly bookmark!
I’m happy we haven’t gotten any real snow yet, but I’m sure it’ll arrive eventually.
Those bookmarks are so pretty. And Sammy is as adorable as always.
I’m not sure if Sammy liking the snow is a good or bad thing…for you. Chloe hates being cold. She gets cold in 68 degree weather so although she is loving her walks, if it is cold, she will beg for her jacket or will be a pain the entire way. Sammy loving the snow could mean longer walks in the cold. Brrr!
I love Christmas, but this year the celebrations will be simple because the family business is still not doing well. It’s not doing as bad as it was say…three months ago, so for that I am grateful but the budgeting is a pain. I bought a few presents last Saturday. My daughter made it easy on me. Her list said “you choose” for about three items listed. She doesn’t ask for much.
My son…didn’t ask for much either. He gets it this year. He knows how stretched we are but his Christmas will be merry…although right now he probably doesn’t expect it.
Decorations are not up yet. Will probably do that the week before Thanksgiving.
Snow already??? Geez.
We had a Northeaster in Philly before Halloween but luckily nothing stuck because the temp dropped so fast but the ground was cold enough. Since then we’ve mild temps but I think that’s about to change.
Glad Sammy is enjoying the snow so far. He is so cute. I’ve contemplated another dog but we are going to wait a little while longer. I am excited for Christmas time this year. Last year I had my knee surgery and couldn’t decorate a whole lot. Cookies, a real tree and family…I love this time of the year. Have a great week 🙂
Dar, I’m sorry I’m so late to your Sunday post…this week hasn’t been the week I envisioned but life’s like that. You’ve written a fantastic post here! Silly you apologizing for its length!…it’s wonderful to read all about what’s going on with you. And, typically my comment is long! lol
How thoughtful of the snow to break you in slowly and start winter off slowly with a light first snowfall! lol It looks like you got less than we did here in NYC, that’s quite a feat! And I love the idea of seeing the pretty view out your front door with different amounts of snow!
It’s hard to believe you’ve had Sammy one year already?! Boy, does time fly! I feel like you just adopted him a few months ago although it also feels like he’s always been a part of your life! He’s so cute, Dar and he sure does like the snow from the look of him in these pictures…great commentary by you, too! I love photos of him!
( I know this one year anniversary is also painful for you, Dar. I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you.)
The ribbon bookmarks are beautiful! I especially like the the brown ribbon with the cup of coffee and the pink with the beads andmini cancer-ribbon. Thank you for sharing the info where to find them!
You’re reading a lot of books right now! I’m not familiar with many of them and am excited to read your posts about them. I’ve read some great reviews of Shades of Grey and look forward to reading it some day. Sandy is awesome, it’s just like her to share Shades of Grey with you. I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on the book when you’re finished it!
If you feel like decorating for Christmas, I’d say go for it! I’ve put up Christmas decoration when my heart wasn’t in it in the past – not fun. So if you are in the mood, capitalize on it! And the season is s short anyway you might as well enjoy it as much as you can…I have one request…please share photos!
I hope you find some time to relax this upcoming weekend!
Okay, I have some reviews to read!