The Little House on Big Horse Creek

A Christmas Carol

2019-12-08T09:02:00.002-08:00

Every year my Aunt Edie and I have a tradition to go to a Christmas Play.

This year we were joined by some of her friends and attended a local theater production of a Christmas Carol.

For a local production the acting, set, and costumes were all superb.

It gave me an excuse to wear red lipstick and my new Christmas outfit from Loft :)

~Tonya

Thanksgiving 2019

2019-12-06T21:20:00.001-08:00

This was the first Thanksgiving I cooked the whole meal by myself!

My Sister and her family drove up from Hickory and we celebrated the day after Thanksgiving.

My apartment is small, and not sure Granny would be able to get up and down the steps, so I cooked over at Granny's house.

My brother in law, Matt, told my Sister it was the best Thanksgiving he had ever had.

About 10 minutes after I got back to my apartment Life Alert called to say Granny had fallen and hit her head.

She was trying to hurry to the bathroom, tripped on a rug, and fell.

She will be 98 in January and does amazing for her age, but she is not very steady on her feet, and her eye sight is starting to deteriorate.

I spent the night and all day the next day with her. I heated up leftovers and we watched PBS and Hallmark movies all day. It felt like old times and made me sad for lots of different reasons. I love her so much and my heart aches to see her age start to catch up with her.

A reminder I need to spend all of the time I can with her.

~Tonya

Cranberry Eggnog pie was a crowd favorite.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

My cute niece Lulu

Saturday in Mount Airy

2019-06-06T19:30:00.002-07:00

I am so behind trying to catch up on blog posts now that I feel like blogging again.

I recently met my friend Kim for lunch and enjoyed a day out in Mt. Airy, North Carolina.

Mt. Airy is where Andy Griffith was from and the town of Mayberry in the Andy Griffith show based on.

After lunch I visited the local museum. I highly recommend the museum! The exhibits were great for a local museum with a small budget.

I do not get to see Kim very often anymore so it was such a treat to get to see her.

Thanksgiving in Tennessee Part 2

2019-01-22T18:58:00.003-08:00

Thanksgiving in Tennessee

2019-01-22T18:51:00.001-08:00

My friend Laurie asked me if I would help do her a favor.

One of our co-workers was selling his truck and her friend who lives in Memphis Tennessee was interested in buying it for his teenage son as a first vehicle.

She asked if I could drive her car and she would drive the truck to meet her friend, and then we would continue on to Manchester Tennessee to spend Thanksgiving with her family.

We immediately ran into a snag before we even left because the battery to the truck was dead.

After a few trips to Auto Zone we were finally on the road.

I had such a wonderful time!

Family friend Meg took me out exploring one day to a water fall and a State Park while Laurie went shopping with her sister.

Laurie's Mom, Althea, has been making Christmas cookies to give out to her neighbors for over 50 years! One morning I was honored to help Mrs. Cimino put together cookie plates and then we walked through the neighborhood to deliver them.

Alfonso and Althea met during the Korean War, he was a pilot and her a nurse. After the war he became and aerospace engineer. He designed their home so it has some great mid-century space age details. It reminded me of the early 1960's Barbie dream house.

Thanksgiving Day we went down the street to her Sister Jill's home for a wonderful dinner.

I love a family tradition they have.

Someone picks a quote, poem, or prayer. They print out a verse or sentence on a sheet of paper, roll them up and tie with a pretty piece of ribbon, each person gets one and take turns going around the table reading your part.

Mrs. Cimino's mother also passed away when she was 17. We can relate to each and I really enjoyed spending time with her getting to know her better.

I also got to meet several of Laurie's nieces and their families too.

Her sister Jill loves antiques as much as I do! I really enjoyed visiting her home and she also cooked our wonderful Thanksgiving meal.

New Years Eve with Granny

2019-01-22T18:45:00.001-08:00

December & Christmas 2018

2019-01-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

31

2018-01-16T20:08:00.001-08:00

A few months late, but here are a few pictures from my 31st Birthday.

Granny and my Aunts gave me a little party.

For gifts Granny gave me a shoe rack and my aunts gave me Halloween decorations (they know me so well!)

I am so thankful to them for remembering me and all they do for me throughout the year.

Oh A Happy Day!

2017-12-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

On Thursday, December 21, I was confirmed a Catholic.

After a very rough two years it feels as if my soul has been healed and I can finally move on with my life.

It's been a very long time coming.

I started RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes NINE years ago.

Anytime I was in crises mode I always found myself pulling out my rosary beads and Catholic prayers for comfort.

I started back the RCIA classes in March of this year.

I was grateful I was allowed to be confirmed right before Christmas instead of having to wait until Easter.

The best gift I could ever receive.

I chose the teacher of my class Patrick Hessian and his wife Penny as my sponsors.

Several of my Aunts and my dear friend Laurie and her husband Don came out to support more.

I felt so happy that night!

It was such a beautiful service and the words Father James said spoke to my heart.

Later we all went out to celebrate as a group for a lovely dinner.

I am really horrible at making decisions (maybe it's a Libra thing?)

I feel like God made this one loud and clear.

If only I had listened to those promptings from the very beginning.

I feel like it really is the start of a new beginning for me.

Much love and happiness in the New Year!

Love,

Tonya

(Ignore that it is was the end of the day, by that point, my leggings are all stretched out and the curls had fallen out of my hair!)

Christmas 2017

2017-12-25T16:26:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and many blessings for the New Year!

Is anyone else having issues with Blogger lately?

I am sure it does not help I need a new computer :( since the Blogger app does not work any longer I have had a time uploading my photos!

Also, what is with this 3rd party hosting thing?

Just a few pictures and life happenings from this Christmas season.

Honestly, I have been feeling a bit lonely and not very Christmasy (is that even a word?) this season.

I did not feel like dragging all my Christmas things out of the attic, out to my car, then up the stairs to my apartment.

My tree this year is "old fashioned" I bought a cheap potted Norfolk Island Pine and decorated it with a garland of cranberries, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, and apple sauce cinnamon ornaments.

I love listening to two of my Christmas albums:

The Lower Lights-Come Let Us Adore Him

and

Sarah McLachlan-Winter Song

The windows at my church.

I was confirmed a Catholic last Thursday!

I will post about it tomorrow :)

My little apartment from the park across the road.

A gorgeous tree in the park I can see from all my windows.

Lots of cuddles with Betty Cat.

Binge watching shows on Netflix, Acorn TV, and Brittbox.

The Five is a favorite mystery.

Seriously my shows have gotten me through this year!

December is the month of sugar!

Krispy Kreme doughnuts from a co-worker.

It seemed like everyday someone was bringing in more gifts of candies and desserts!

My new wreath and rug for my entryway.

Just a few Halloween things....

2017-10-17T18:22:00.001-07:00

My apartment does not have any outdoor space.

Since Halloween is my favorite I still put a few things to decorate outside my door.

My neighbors are two older men who probably don't care, but it cheers me up anyway :)

I actually moved to the apartment down the hall from my old one but more on that later.

:Looking forward to coming back to my blog!

Purple fairy lights.

The ribbon wreath I made years ago. I love Halloween colors!

A cheap outdoor rug I bought at Dollar General for 5.00. I thought it was cute and the colors matched my wreath.

Random pictures of life lately....

2017-06-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to leave anything in plastic packaging.

I love my new thrifted table to keep my laundry supplies on.

I love the morning and evening light that comes into my apartment.

Lunch breaks in Ashe Park.

Bathroom decor inspiration.

Back to brown hair.

Freezing cold river trips with friends.

Lunch in West Jefferson.

Granny!

My sweet Betty Cat :)

Depression

2017-04-22T18:15:00.002-07:00

Hello friends!

I just wanted to drop in and say I have not forgotten my blog.

I have been going through a very deep depression.

I did not realize just how bad it had gotten until I nearly lost my job this week.

Monday I even scared myself to the point I thought I don't want to be here anymore.

I am seeing a therapist and I have a doctor appointment scheduled to maybe change my anxiety medication and seek further help.

Last year was an extremely terrible year + moving and resulted in a breakdown of my overall health and well being.

I know it was for the best, but my own Father took from me the only place in the world that I have felt safe and loved. As my wonderful therapist pointed out I am grieving what I left and lost even thought the change was for the best.

The real crap part is that my Dad moved out from Granny's about two weeks after I did.

If you can please spare a few prayers for me I would greatly appreciate it!

I will keep you posted.

Much love,

Tonya

A new start.....

2017-02-21T16:47:00.001-08:00

Betty Cat and I moved out about two weeks ago.

I found a large affordable studio apartment about a mile from the house in Lansing proper.

Technically I am still a little house on Big Horse Creek.

I do not have any outdoor space but the park is just across the street.

It's not the fanciest place, but all my needs are met!

I have lots of painting and fixer upper projects to do, but they are coming along.

Granny asked to keep the other two cats.

I think Miss Betty showing up was meant to be.

I was having a hard time finding an affordable rental that met my needs.

I was having a terrible day and stopped at little hole in the wall restaurant for some comfort food.

Before I went to restaurant I prayed that I would be able to find a place.

Something told me to pick up a little news paper called the Second Hand News and the apartment was the first ad I saw!

I called the next morning and quickly came to see it on my lunch break!

Here I am all moved in except for a few things.

I ordered a couch and a kitchen island I am waiting to receive.

A new start in life....

I feel like I am slowly getting my sparkle and sass back!

I just wanted to give a little update.

I will post more pictures later.

95

2017-01-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

On January 13th sweet Granny turned 95!!

95 and still the coolest lady I know.

We are so blessed to still have her with us.

We had a small Birthday party for her at the house.

Unfortunately, I had terrible cold and spent the evening in bed. Boo!

The pictures are courtesy of my Aunt Edie.

She had to tell everybody at the party that my Instagram friends wished her Happy Birthday from all over the world! York England to Brisbane Australia!

Meet Betty

2017-01-19T15:43:00.001-08:00

Introducing our new kitten Betty Cat.

About 3 weeks ago I was watching a movie on my bed.

Both Mr. Jack the Cat and Sasha Belle were on my bed too.

I kept hearing a faint cry.

I thought it was the cats dreaming or something.

Later, I went to let Sasha Belle out of the house and on the porch was this sweet little kitten.

I think somebody knows I love cats and dropped her off.

I did try to locate her family just in case she may of wondered off.

I did not have any luck.

We decided to keep her!

She fits right in :)

She is so sweet and loving.

She is like a child playing with all her toys.

She reminds me allot of our beloved Muffin that past away several years ago because she eats, and eats, and eats.

I bought some de-worm medicine from the vet just in case and set up appointments for shots and to get her fixed.

I wish I had a picture from the other day.

Betty Cat snuck some of Granny's left over Birthday cake.

It was adorable, she had orange icing all over her face and whiskers.

She curls up beside me at night to sleep :)

She is one of those little blessing in disguise.

I feel she was lead to us and we were meant to have her.

We already love her so.

I am not ashamed to admit I'm a cat lady ;)

Betty Cat

Remembered....

2016-12-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

My Mom loved holidays and always made them special for us.

My last really happy Christmas was 2003, the one before she died.

I have blogged before it's not about receiving gifts, but that you feel remembered and apart of a family.

Technically I have family, but I am not part of a family unit.

This year has been extra tough.

This is the first Christmas in 10 years I have not decorated a thing. My Aunts came over and decorated the house for Granny this year.

Ever since I was a child I have loved to browse antique shops and thrift stores. Something about them comforts me. I enjoy looking, even if I don't buy anything. Usually for Christmas Mom would go back and buy me something old I have been admiring in one of the antique shops.

I am always browsing about Salvation Army on my lunch break. The workers there are so nice and they do such good work in our community. It's very sweet that they remember me. A lady told me "I just love to see the things you buy." that particular day I bought an old handmade apron and a 1950's purse for my Aunt. Another day "Where is your bright lipstick today?" "More books for you and Granny today?" Last week as I was checking out with some beautiful vintage gloves the worker said "we saved something for you!" They had put back and given me a very old cookbooks for Christmas. When I got back in my car I started crying. The sweetest gift anyone has every given me, and could not have come at a much needed time. Just the fact that they know "you like the old stuff" and remembered me. I could't help thinking just maybe my Mother knew I needed this little act of kindness this year. I felt her spirit close to me this holiday season and it was comforting and helped me to get by.

Story from Christmas past

Weekend in Raleigh

2016-12-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

This is a late post I have been working on for several weeks and was not able to finish until now.

I ventured to Raleigh to spend the weekend with my Aunt Lisa.

It was so great to get to spend time with her and her husband Mike and friends Rebecca and Jen.

On Friday night we went to the North Carolina Art Museum. They have a fabulous exhibit Rolling Sculpture, Art Deco Cars from the 1930's and 1940's. Oh my word! they cars were amazing! I will try to post pics of few of them tomorrow.

After the art exhibit we had reservations at the fabulous Bella Monica Italian Restaurant.

Saturday after a wonderful brunch we went to see a Christmas Carol put on by Theater in the Park. Scrooge was played by Ira David Wood III, who happens to be the actress Evan Rachel Wood's Brother.

Later in the evening we had homemade soup by my Aunt, her friends Rebecca and Jen came over, and we drove around neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights.

We stopped by one house that was on the Light Wars show that comes on every year.

Rebecca and I both showed up wearing the same dress only in different colors on Friday and Saturday! I guess great minds do think alike ;)

Uggg back to work tomorrow :( At least it's only a short week.

Much love,

~Tonya

Card Swap

2016-12-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

Is anyone interested in doing a Christmas card swap?

Or do you know anybody who could use a card for a bit of cheering up this holiday season?

If you would like to participate please email me your address to:

tonyahartsog@gmail.com

and I will get you one sent out!

NC Outer Banks Beach Trip

2016-11-26T13:01:00.002-08:00

My sweet friend Kim invited me along on a beach trip to the North Carolina Outer banks.

The week was magical!

I think this mountain girl is starting to prefer the sea :)

The sand and sea rejuvenated my soul!

We stayed in an area called the "Crystal Coast" and explored the Atlantic Beach Area.

On the first day we explored Fort Macon

I am a sucker for historical details!

View from the bridge from Moorhead City over to the Island where our hotel was in Pine Knoll Shores.

The second day we drove to Harker's Island and took a ferry out to Cape Lookout.

The lighthouse was closed for the season but we still still enjoyed exploring!

This was one of the best days of my life! Only a handful of people were on the whole barrier island. Cold and windy yet such a gorgeous day. It was so peaceful, just us out walking on the beach picking up shells. One of the first experiences I have thought in a long time, wow I feel happy!

On the third day we went to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and later did some shopping in the little sea side town of Beaufort.

I just loved Nimbus the turtle!

The otters were another favorite!

We enjoyed a yummy seafood lunch at a local place called Sanitary Seafood Fish Market and Restaurant! Yes that is the actual name.

The view from the restaurant.

On our last day the weather finally warmed up enough for us to spend some time at Fort Macon Beach.

A very happy week I will never forget!

Halloween 2016

2016-11-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from Halloween.

My friend Laurie and I went to the Monster Concert at ASU again this year.

Fabulous as always!

I dressed up as Rosie the Riveter and Laurie was a faerie :)

Granny's new glasses

2016-10-25T16:02:00.001-07:00

Granny picked herself out some sassy new red glasses today!

Oh how I love her!

Just because

2016-10-24T16:25:00.001-07:00

I love her and isn't she cute?

Activity Days Halloween Edition

2016-10-20T14:06:00.001-07:00

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mister Toad was a success!

Most of the children hadn't seen it.

Hearing them giggle, laugh, and get excited was priceless :)

Oh I love this time of the year!

Doughnuts and Hot Chocolate

I made these lollipop ghosts as a favor to take with them.

This was my view on the drive over to the church, it was so beautiful!

Vintage for Ichabod and Mr Toad!

2016-10-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

My hair was looking very vintage today so I decided put on some red lipstick :)

I also wore some new to me vintage pearls I found at the thrift store :)

I thought my look was appropriate because tonight at church for activity days we are watching a Disney movie from 1949, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (one of my absolute favorites and yearly traditions to watch), and having doughnuts and hot chocolate!

The original 1949 movie poster :)

SOURCE is from Wikipedia The poster art copyright is believed to belong to the distributor of the film, RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.