there's been a blip in the blogging ...

i seem to have so much on my mind these days and yet so little time to actually take a moment to write things down ...

so, today, i am sitting here in front of my laptop pondering the day ... wondering how i shall possibly get all the "to do" items done and moved to the "to done" list ...

but knowing i will ...

kids have half days this week ... so i am ever thankful that my groom has recently temporarily retired so he can help out ... doesn't matter what i have on my plate work wise, the family has needs as well ... thank heavens they do their own laundry or we might be getting "calls" from concerned community members ...

my secret weapon, the costco quiche, cannot be overrated as a fabulous back-up dinner ... even the somewhat particular teenager in the house is happy when quiche is on the menu ... and the vegetarian in the family is happy with all that non-meat protein ...

we leave tomorrow for a family thanksgiving trip ... we are staying at one of our favorite spots, the alta crystal resort near crystal mountain, outside of enumclaw ... it's not a fancy place by any means but it is a wonderful family spot ... with lots of family activities ... skiing nearby ... hiking on location ... and a heated outdoor pool ... what is more fun than rolling in the snow and then doing a cannon ball into the steaming pool ... okay sitting in the hot tub and watching this is way more fun in my book ...

i took my wee doggie out for a walk on this grey drizzly morning and must say was considerably cheered to see someone had "tagged" the path behind my house with a very pretty and colorful bird nest ... does anyone recognize this lovely treasure? ...

the garden is soggy and wet this time of year and pleading for a wee bit of raking and barking but there are still some bright spots to be found ...

i love my stained glass window art in the garden ...

and the fish always lend a bit of color as they come up to feed ...

but what has really been keeping ms heart busy these days is preparing for the upcoming, first (annual--hopfully) happy valley arts & crafts fair ...

i've been working on scarves ...

the bits and pieces cut and ready for sewing ...

i've been thinking of making a heartfelt banner for years and finally took the time to put one together ...

and the gauntlets are getting ready to keep hands warm ...

sharing space with the cushions ...

we've been distributing postcards and posters to as many people as we can ...

it's been a really busy but fun ride this autumn ...

between organizing the craft fair, working on my own pieces, trying to stay on top of homework for night school ...

but i would not be telling the truth if i didn't say i am going to be happy to tuck the sewing machine away for a night or two and focus on my family and some good books and bad magazines for a few days ...

so ms heart is wishing you all a very happy thanksgiving ...

and i'll try to be more diligent about keeping up with the blog ...

but probably not until after december 5 ...