Fall 2025 CatchUp

How could 2025 be almost over? I knew this was the year I would turn 90 (on December 26), and this fact seemed more unreal every day. I admit it has been sobering to ponder, especially when three very close friends passed away recently. My church (University Baptist Hattiesburg) had a celebration today of fourteen of us who had reached 90, some 90+. Ten were able to attend the breakfast and recognition. 

Back row (L-R) Obra Quave, Linda and Larry Smith, Nell Nation,
Martha Ginn, Barbara Ann Ross, Jimmie Mason, Bettye King
Front row (in chairs) Graham Hales, Nancy Ratliff

Thinking back over October, getting to attend two USM Symphony concerts was very special. 

With my favorite double-bass player Daniel Magalhaes

Participating in Nuestro Arte Gallery's celebration of Dia de los Muertos was an honor. My work was on display in the Artist Way exhibit on October 31, and I decorated a skull for the sugar skull auction. Proceeds from this auction go to benefit Latinx artists in our area. A Mariachi band added to the festivities. The purchaser named her Gladys. 

My fiber art displayed in the Artists Way exhibit on 4th and Main Street

My sugar skull (a.k.a.Gladys) covered in buttons

Amazingly creative sugar skulls on auction

To celebrate our country's 250 anniversary, the US Postal Service has printed this special stamp design. There are 20 stamps to the page, four columns deep with five stamps across. A description is printed on the back of the page. So clever!

Page of 250 anniversary stamps

Description of the page of stamps

Even though fall temperatures have arrived, a few favorite plants are worth protecting. This cane begonia has lived in this heavy concrete pot since I brought it from Texas in 1971 from my mother's house. 

I took care of this little bed of chrysanthemums for about a year, and it surprised me with reblooming. Being planted near the water faucet is probably the reason.

A friend gave me this fern to take care of over last winter because she didn't have room. It lived in my garage and has thrived and is ready for a second winter in my garage.

The sasanqua bush has started blooming. The flowers begin to drop and make a beautiful pink carpet to enjoy.

Thanksgiving holds many memories of gatherings in our early home with some invited guests, in my parents' home in Lufkin, and in my brother's home on Lake Austin. We used to drive from Mississippi through East Texas to pick up my parents and go on to Austin. Although we can't gather like we used to, there is so much to be thankful for and the location doesn't keep us from reminiscing. We have friends who are as dear as family, and they have made our lives richer by their friendship.

My cats, Elizabeth and Rahrah, turned 12 this month. They are quite happy and healthy after serious illnesses a couple of years ago. Outdoor/garage cat Lacey knows she isn't allowed inside, nor does she want to be. She enjoys the sunshine in her back yard. 

Elizabeth

Rahrah

Outdoor/garage cat Lacey