Hey g, I hear ya on no outside. It's darn raw here today. Was supposed to be warm, but you can't tell it by me. I've had a number of experiences over the years, but I'll tell ya'll about the first one I remember. When I was five my grandfather died. I had wanted to go visit him just before then but my parents wouldn't let me...long story. So, when he died I wanted to go to the funeral bad. They wouldn't let me, said I was too young. I was very adamant and really threw a fit about it. I didnt' get to go. Shortly thereafter, one night I was in bed. A storm was coming, something woke me up and I saw a figure of a man at the window putting the window down. I knew it was him. Right after that my mother came in to shut the window and was surprised it was already shut since I was too small to do it. I told her Grandpop had did it. That summer several times he came and shut the window before a storm. After that my mother wasn't surprised when she came in and it was already done. About ten years ago my father died. I live in the house where I grew up. Had moved back here to help him a few years before he died. Sometime in the first year after he died, I was at the computer in the living room with my back to the hallway. All of a sudden I heard his loud.. Hey.. It was how he always greeted us. My mother died before him and that was about the same time I kept feeling her around when I'd talk about her. Smiles. Guess he wanted to make himself known too. My mother and I learned when I first moved away from home that we could do the mental messages to each other. If one wanted the other to call, we'd just think of it and they would get the message. Then I started doing it with my aunt and later my best friend and I would do it. Still do it with my aunt and best friend. Friend lives across country and we don't talk often, unless one of us sends 'the message'. To this day I always can tell when my mother is around because we smell the cigarette smoke. No one has smoked in this house in twenty years at least.

Thank you everyone...:) Gosh yachter it's been years since I've blushed but I am now...I forgot all about that silly picture ...LOL. And you are so very welcome about the wallpaper. I know some people hate wallpaper and some hate the faux walltreatment look and then there is others that say it's out of style but if you love it that is all that counts...:) I'm glad all of you enjoyed the photos of my Halloween table. Yes, I glittered those skulls. I LOVE the Martha Stewart glitter. It's much easier to work with then regular glass glitter and it covers really well. The silver Witch hat came from Joann's it was originally very pricey (I think $30) but it was on sale and I had another coupon that they honored. In the end it cost me $12. I'm listing the blog below that hosts Tablescape Tuesday. In her blog post the bold print names are actually links to the other people that participated. Here is a link that might be useful: Today's post on 'Between Naps On The Porch' Blog

Two of my favorite fall vegetarian soups---peanut soup and corn chowder. Both can be made 1 day ahead. Peanut Soup ----------- 1T peanut oil 1 onion, halved, sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 3T curry powder 4C chicken stock (I use veggie stock) 1/3C rice (uncooked) 3 carrots, peeled, sliced 1/2C creamy peanut butter 1 1/2t sugar Chopped green onions and/or chopped cilantro Heat oil in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and curry powder and sauté until onion is translucent. Add 4C stock and bring to boil. Stir in rice and carrots. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Puree about half of soup in blender with peanut butter. Return puree to saucepan. Stir soup until heated through, thinning with more stock if desired; do not boil. Mix in sugar. Just before serving, garnish with green onions and cilantro. Corn Chowder ------------ 1/2 stick butter 1 small onion, chopped 1/2C diced red bell pepper 1/2C diced green bell pepper 1/2t ground cumin 1/4t cayenne pepper 1/4C all purpose flour 1C canned chicken/veggie broth 1C milk (don't use skim) 1 16- to 17-ounce can whole-kernel corn, drained, liquid reserved Minced fresh cilantro (optional) Melt butter in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers, cumin & cayenne and sauté about 8 mins. Add flour and stir 1 more minute. Gradually mix in broth, milk and reserved corn liquid. Bring mixture to boil, whisk until smooth. Mix in corn and stir until corn is just heated through. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve. (This is also good topped with sour cream and/or shredded cheddar cheese).

Thanks all!! :) I'm exhausted -- JUST finished packing up and storing the decorations up in the attic (above the garage) My back is aching ...... time for a glass of wine -- and a bath!!! :) LOL! Zip!!!! 521!!!! Wow!!! We were very worried about running out of candy -- but we managed to make it through the evening -- starting about 5:30-9:30 or so ..... This was our largest number of kids in 20 years -- our street was full of cars -- and kids -- but everybody was GREAT -- and so careful -- and polite!!! :) And 2015 is coming!!! Halloween is on a Saturday night! So (after consulting with the neighbours ....) we are all sure that (if the weather is anything close to last night) there will be even more kids! :)