Last of the Fall decor - Lost in the shuffle

I want to make a huge apology to those blogs that were missed in the drawing for my Challenge.
Somehow they got lost in the shuffle or I didn’t get an e-mail with the actual link in them…it’s not an excuse, just the way it turned out and I’m so sorry.
Because of that I’m doing a separate drawing with these blogs…hope this is okay with everyone.

1. Dianntha:  http://ohiofarmgirl.blogspot.com/2012/09/choosing-my-blog-name.html

2. Margaret:  http://maggieslilfixins.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-real-leaves-are-now-beginning-to.html

3. Danice:  http://homespunhannahblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/all-about-this-blog.html

4. Lecia:  http://farmhouseprims.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-did-i-get-my-blogging-name.html

5. Robyn:  http://primlish.blogspot.com/2012/09/karens-blog-title-challenge-and.html?m=1

6. Pam:  http://civilfolks.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-we-became-civil-folks.html

7. Francine:  http://primitivestars.blogspot.com/2012/09/happy-hump-day-well-this-is-day-im.html
(Francine’s blog was on the original list but I put the incorrect name – I used the name on her e-mail but didn’t realize this wasn’t the name I was to use)

Thank you everyone who joined in and again sorry you weren’t on the list…but look at it like this…now you have a one in 7 chance instead of one in 47!  Better odds I’d say!!!

RANDOM PICKER CHOSE NUMBER 4 ! 
Congratulations Lecia:  http://farmhouseprims.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-did-i-get-my-blogging-name.html
Please e-mail me with your full name/mailing address.

You will receive one of my Mr. Jack Penny Rugs along with a surprise just like the other winners of the first drawing.

I must admit I have not been visiting my wonderful friends blogs lately – at least not as many as I would like to visit, so this morning I decided to do it different and got on the blog interface blog roll to start visiting…I’ve only made it through about 6 of them and decided I have been doing it for well over an hour!  Yikes it takes forever to go through the list. Do you find it difficult to visit all your friends?  Please know that I’m not ignoring you – I just need to find a good method of getting through them in a reasonable amount of time. Any good suggestions would be welcomed.
I thank every one of you who are so faithful to me – you are really what this is all about.

So…I finally got the last of my Fall decorating finished.  Remember I said I was waiting for the flea market to find an old wood wagon or wheel barrow to put in place of the White Wicker chair???  Well…NONE – NADDA – well, there were two wagons but the price was so high and they would not come down to where it was acceptable to me.  So I guess I didn’t need one bad enough to pay $195.

We were there from 7:30 to 12:00 and had such a good time – it was the last one of the year and so full of wonderful Fall things – oh my the Bittersweet was EVERYWHERE.  What a great year for it.  Most years if you didn’t get to the 2 or 3 vendors  by 8 a.m. that had it then you were out of luck.
I bought from 2 different places plus some Pumpkins, Cale, some Broom Corn and a large gourd that I hope to dry after I’m finished with it outside (any suggestions here would be helpful too!)

The one bunch of Bittersweet was in a long vine so I used it on the coffee table in the screen room. (now it’s not like that – I put it in a  circle on top of the nest – like a ring.
 

I’m sure all of you have this problem when you are doing ANYTHING….Baby has to be on or touch anything I’m working with – this time it was the leaf clusters that were going out to the front porch basket.
 

I can’t ever seem to get my front porch like I want it – most years it looks the same

The gourd we bought is the tall green one and then the white one in front (I have to go out often and pick up the small gourds because the squirrels like to play with them)

Remember all the dried's I bought in PA in August…they are in this bucket on the front porch along with some wheat
 

The leaves have turned quickly this year and falling just as fast.  Doug wanted to blow these off but I like them – so I got a picture quickly before they were gone.  I like the look – but I don’t do the work so I guess I should not stand in his way huh???
That large cluster of Bittersweet on the door was from the flea market too.

I made this Penny Rug for a customer as a special order…normally this Santa is on a round piece but she wanted a 14 x 44 runner – I like how it turned out and I heard from her last week in an e-mail and she loves it!

I’d like to thank all my Canadian friends a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Guess that’s it for me today.  Thank you everyone for being there – if only we could get a blogger convention going it would be awesome wouldn’t it!!!!

Karen

We have a winner(s) and more fun Fall

Yep, I’m late posting the winner(s) aren’t I – I know I said I’d draw the name today but I was down with a Migraine headache and it’s still there – it even made me sick to my stomach for most of the day so I’m really sorry – I imagine you are all on pins and needles!
But first…those ole Pumpkins just keep showing up at my door – this one is a large one made from an old Wool blanket. And I bought some more Bittersweet – the 3+lbs I bought form e-bay was wonderful but I still needed a bit more to fill in spaces.  I think I have enough now.
I bought it from THE CROW’S CORNER  http://thecrowscorner.blogspot.com/
Now tell me how I could pass this fella up!!! I didn’t measure him but he’s about 11 inches round.
Here you can get an idea of the size.  (I’m so unhappy with this hutch and what’s on it.  The shelves are so close together you can’t put anything of size on them so there are just piddly things on it. I’m hoping Doug can remove one of the shelves – not sure which one though)
This Bittersweet is much larger and a darker orange than the first batch…and the branches are thicker too. (this is $10 worth – I think they had a fantastic price on it)

Oh there I go again…forgetting to post the winner(s)…you read right…more than one WINNER!
I can’t express how pleased I was with the response to my challenge – I never expected to get so many.
48 ENTRIES!!
And the stories were wonderful – some were named for the obvious – some because of a family member – some from a street they live on…they all were inspired from something or someone in their lives.

This journey through blog-land the past 4 years has brought friends into my life I never would have made otherwise – never will meet most of them but reading about them, their families, their wishes, decorating, cooking – we even go through sadness and prayers together. What a wonderful family we have all become because of our blogs.

I hope you all learned something new from each of these bloggers and have made new friends to follow – I certainly have.
So on with the show so to speak.
Here’s the list of all those who participated – I hope if you haven’t visited them yet – please do so. They put a lot into this challenge.
1. Betty:   http://bettyjcrowe-throughmybackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-colonial-homes-challenge.html
2. Lori:  http://lori1971.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-beginning-of-frogs-lilypad.html
3. Sara:  http://salmonfallsprims.blogspot.com/2012/09/salmon-falls-primswhere-name-began.html
4. Heather:  http://thecountryschoolmarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/taking-challenge.html
5. Brenda:  http://therustythimble.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-all-in-name-and-my-celebration.html
6. Christina:  http://pendletonprimitives.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-colonial-home-blog-challenge.html
7. Cindi:  http://cindiscountrycorner.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-colonial-home-blog-challenge.html
8. Amy:  http://bumblebeelanecottage.blogspot.com/2012/09/whats-in-name-challange.html
9. Shannon:  http://bumblebeelanecottage.blogspot.com/2012/09/whats-in-name-challange.html
10. Cucki:  http://cuckistitchingcove.blogspot.com/2012/09/cuckis-blog.html
11. Vicki:  http://wwwoutmywindow.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-first-post.html
12. Tammy:  http://www.countrygirlathome.blogspot.com/2012/09/taking-challenge.html
13. Mildred:  http://maplelanehouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-name.html
14. Tiffaney:  http://www.foldedgingham.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-my-blog-got-its-name.html
15. Gina:  http://catnapinnprimitives.blogspot.com/2012/09/whats-in-name.html
16. Stephani:  http://www.frontporchprimitives.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-my-blog-has-this-name.html#comment-form
17. Goedele:  http://gingerbreadgem.blogspot.be/2012/09/the-story-of-my-blog-im-participating.html
18. Wendy:  http://ravenwoodwhimzies.blogspot.com/2012/09/ever-wonder-how-i-named-my-blog.html
19. Lauren:  http://rugsandpugs.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-it-all-began.html
20. Donna:  http://dirtymartiniqueensmusings.blogspot.de/
21. Laura:  http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-i-chose-harvest-lane-cottage.html
22. Laura:  http://rhodescreations.blogspot.com/2012/09/taking-colonial-home-challenge-giveaway.html
23. Beth:  http://grammagaga.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-came-up-with-name-of-my-blog.html
24. Robin:  http://thecrankycrow.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-cranky-crow-chronicles-or-how-this.html
25. Laurie:  http://myhomefortheholidays.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-came-up-with-name-of-my-blog.html
26. Laurie:  http://inmydreamsisee.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-new-friend.html
27. Camil:  http://primitivestars.blogspot.ca/2012/09/happy-hump-day-well-this-is-day-im.html
28. Linda:  http://simplycountryseasons.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-i-choose-name-i-did.html
29. Barbara:  http://nccabininthewoods.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-names.html
30. Ruth: 
http://countrylogcabin.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-came-up-with-name-of-my-blog.html
31. Tammy:  http://aprimitiveplace.blogspot.com/2012/09/fall-decor-pt2-and-challenge-answer-why.html
32. Sue:  http://primsue.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-came-up-with-my-blogs-name.html
33. Kendra:  http://thestonehouseprims.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-all-in-name.html
34. Katie:  http://alltheseboysx5.blogspot.com/2012/09/karens-challenge.html
35. Marie:  http://www.primitivesbyoldeladymorgan.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-story-on-how-i-became-olm.html
36. Margaret:  http://tillysfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-got-my-blog-name.html
37. Felicia:  http://raggedycreations.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-blog-name.html
39. Angie:  http://berryhomespunprimitives.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-blog-name.html
40. Tonya:  http://myprimitivecreationsbytonya.blogspot.com/2012/09/karens-challange-how-did-i-come-up-with.html
41. Sandy:  http://hobnobbers-sandy.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-we-came-up-with-our-blog-name.html
42. Pam:  http://mabeljanes.blogspot.com/2012/09/mabel-janes.html
43. Denise:  http://thekrazykraftlady.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-came-up-with-name-of-my-blog.html
44. Linda:  http://adayatrememberwhenfarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-name.html
45. Pam:  http://primsbythewater.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-got-my-blog-name.html
46. Patti:  http://windingvine.blogspot.com/2012/09/whats-in-name.html
47. Annie: http://scrappalachia.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-i-came-up-with-my-blog-name.html
I want to apologize to Danice for omitting her blog on this list48. Danice:  http://homespunhannahblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/all-about-this-blog.html
IF I OMITTED YOUR BLOG IT WAS NOT INTENTIONAL, AND BECAUSE I DIDN’T RECEIVE AN E-MAIL WITH THE ACTUAL ‘POST LINK’
If your name is here in the WINNERS LIST please e-mail me with your full name and mailing address – I will get your gifts out to you just as soon as possible.
DOING A RANDOM SELECTOR HERE ARE THE WINNERS….

#28 – LINDA FROM SIMPLY COUNTRY SEASONS
#44 – LINDA FROM A DAY AT REMEMBER WHEN FARM
#40 – TONYA FROM MY PRIMITIVE CREATIONS BY TONYA
You each will be receiving one of my Mr. Jack Pumpkin Mats and a little surprise!

ongratulations ladies and thank you to everyone who entered. I
only whish I could give you all a gift for participating.
Karen

Fall is here! Only 1 day left for challenge

YES….ONE MORE DAY LEFT TO JOIN MY CHALLENGE…so far there are 43 wonderful bloggers who joined.
Their stories of how they began their blog and came up with their names are so fun to read.  Some are the obvious and some we would never guess how they came about. 
On Saturday the 29th when I post the name of the WINNER – or it could be 2 WINNERS…I will also put a list of blog links to all the blogs who participated. 
This has been a fun challenge and I so appreciate all who joined in. BUT THERE’S STILL TIME….you could be a winner of something or some things…who knows what this girl will do or how many names I will draw…keep you guessing huh?
Here’s the link if you want to join in….http://mycolonialhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-post-challenge-that-will-have-winner.html
There are no rules to follow…just simply post how you got your blog name and then send me the link to THAT POST.
So on with my Fall decorating.  Still waiting until Sunday to find something to put the flowers in for the brick area at the back entrance – for now I just have it all sitting on the wicker chair and ground..not bad but not what I want either.  So wish me luck at the flea market on Sunday.  It’s the last one for the year so if I don’t find it there it won’t happen.
On with the pictures…
I still need to put the Witch sign on the twig wreath on the house – and put the tall can of dried flowers someplace. Not sure where they will land as of yet.
(click on photos to enlarge them)
This area WILL NOT stay this way – just need something for height here
See the Pumpkin in the corn stalks…he’s on a very long stake but Doug wouldn’t let me display him any place (didn’t even want me to buy it!) so I stuffed in down in the stalks and I guess I actually like it where it is rather than just stuck in the ground. Thanks Doug!!!  
I ordered some Bittersweet on E-Bay last week…3+ lbs. for $24.00 and is it wonderful.  They don’t cut it until they are ready to ship…very good quality too.  They give you a couple long vines, a few twisted ones and several small bunches. I’d order from them again.
Remember the Gooseneck Gourds from last week…I added some Bittersweet and now I like them so will keep them on the fireplace. Not sure what I’m going to do on top of the mantle…maybe nothing.See how plain they look here…
Much better now aren’t they?
I took double photos of some things showing the Bittersweet right after I put it out and then the next morning – all popped out!
I left some of the leaves on for some of my displays– I like it that way.

 
The grain box is on my coffee table with the gourds from last weeks show


Areas in the kitchen
I so love my fabric Turkey from last weeks show…and the corn – probably one of my most favorite purchases this year

Don’t care for this but not going to change it
Random pictures of the dining room 



 
 
 

 
 


That’s it for me today – hope you are having as much fun getting ready for Fall as I am. I’m finished I think (well, except for the outside thingy I want to find – but if not I’m not going to stress over it.)
The weekend is coming up fast and so is the end of September – didn’t it just start???
Enjoy and blessings
Karen

Is it Fall yet? Folk Art Purchases

Goodness it seems even though we don’t live too far from the kids we just don’t see them as often as we would like.  Could be our schedule or could be that they are a young family and just have so much to do so we took a ride down there on Wednesday.
I can not believe how much Miranda has grown in a few weeks!!!  She’s now smiling and making fun noises.  Aidan is the big brother of course and told us everything she has been doing right on down to pooping her diapers…I think he’s going to be a wonderful protector of his little sister.

I was on Darren’s FB page and saw this picture of Aidan…it doesn’t even look like him! lol  Silly little guy!

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(remember you can click on the pictures to view them larger)

On our drives to the kids house we pass this farm that has a covered wagon for their fruit/vegetables they sell.  All the times we have passed it, it has been just too cute…but wouldn’t you know this one time I had my camera with me ready to take a picture of it, it was all ragged from wind and rain – but you still get the idea.  I bought 5 Pumpkins here.
 

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Probably much like all of you out there…FALL IS RUNNING THROUGH MY BLOOD right now…I need the cooler weather and we’re getting it actually.  Yesterday and today was very chilly but with long sleeves and a vest it was perfectly comfortable.  So I’m ready.
And ready with nice comfort food too!
Tuesday night I made stew from the roast dinner we had on Sunday and a cast iron skillet of yummy Corn Bread. Perfect comfort food for a cool Fall evening.

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Today we headed to Kane County, IL for a Folk Art show…WOW…it was fantastic.  I haven’t been to a quality show in just ages. 
Much of it was not in my price range (at least not without feeling guilty about buying it for the prices they had on things) but there were a couple very nice Primitive and reasonably priced vendors there and I could have shopped and shopped in the one.
She doesn’t have a shop or website which is so sad because her work is just beautiful.  Maybe some of you who have gone to the Folk Art shows have seen her products.  Her name is Marti Diederich and she sells things at the Olde Timers Antique Center in Sandwich, IL.
I was so happy to see some well made aged Primitives that didn’t look too ratty.

Got the Turkey and corn from Marti.  The two gourds and broom from two other vendors. Actually the broom came from http://www.lucyslazydayzprimitives.com/

A little closer look at Mr. Turkey and the corn
She used real aged corn husks for the feathers and on the corn…how unique!
 

Is this corn real and gorgeous looking or what!!!

These Gooseneck Gourds came from Marti as well - The picture did not come out well but I wanted to put the gourds up to show what they looked like. Not sure if this is where they will stay.  have to see what Fall is going on the mantle before I decide.

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Got myself another Blue Pumpkin and some little whites and the traditional Orange Pumpkins. Also a very large tri-colored Mum at Sam’s Club.
If I can only find something to display all the Pumpkins and Mums I bought last week I will be happy.  Next Sunday will tell cuz that’s the last flea market of the season and if I don’t find a wagon or wheel barrow then it’s a couple straw bales.

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I know there are a few of you that love to read Amish Fiction books like me – my cousin gave me this to read and I must say I’ve never read a more interesting and intriguing book in ages…it’s a murder mystery but falls around an Amish family. A must read.

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Last year at this time I was buying up Green Beans to string and dry – I have a few strings in the basement yet but never did anything with them.  This one I put Cranberries on the string. I wish I had done it with all of them.  This week I brought it up and added it to the gourd garland that hangs on the back of a cupboard that’s exposed by my front door. I like the Green Beans with the gourds.

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YOU HAVE 5 DAYS LEFT TO JOIN MY CHALLENGE!
http://mycolonialhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-post-challenge-that-will-have-winner.html
There are goodies in it for ya!!!  Just a few teasers…

 

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I hope I haven’t forgotten to mention something I was supposed to…seems there is though.

My following is growing I see and I thank you everyone for visiting me, commenting and for giving me the opportunity to express myself with this blog. If it wasn’t for all of you I would not be doing this at all – so again Thank You.

Oh…I know what it was…I closed my POPULAR SELLING BLOG SITE
Seems there were MANY sites that didn’t even exist anymore and some that never updated for well over a year (some even more) and it took so much time to go through each member and see if they were active.
Thank you to all who participated and I hope you gained a few sales from being listed.
If you have my logo on your blogs feel free to remove it.
It’s this logo…

Blessings to all
Karen