The Top Ten Things The Leighton Girls Have Loved About October 2014!

1. Little Leighton’s continued healing!

2. Cool nights. Cool mornings. The Beginnings of crisp, lovely Autumn days!

3. Pumpkins!

4. Fall Fashion! Sweaters, sweatshirts, more jeans/less capris—which leads to less leg-shaving (does not apply, of course, to Little Leighton...lucky gal...), boots, and more scarves! (I say “more” scarves because TLC wears scarves year-round—even in the hideous Texas heat of August—Silly Woman.)

5. Little Leighton’s healing!

6. Fun Shopping Adventures! The days of browsing quaint shops feel much lovelier and tres pleasant, in terms of getting in and out of one’s car.

7. More pumpkins!

8. Trick-or-Treating! (As I type this, Little Leighton is two hours away…going from door-to-door in her neighborhood—dressed as…wait for it…DRUM ROLL…a Fancy/Sparkly Pumpkin!)

9. Thoughts of Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas holidays!

10. Little Leighton’s better and BETTER health! Yippee!!!

Happy Halloween, Our Sweet Sillies…Wherever in the World Y’all are…

ELC's TOP TEN FAVOURITE TELLY SHOWS!

First, I’m two days late on this post. Time flies when you’re babysitting Little Leighton (LL) while her parents go to a wedding! We picked LL up on Thursday morning in Fort Worth (She rode the bus! Ha. Just kidding.) and then took her back to TLC Sunday afternoon after her nap. She was sick, sick, SICK with a mean old cold the entire time she was with me and My Sweet Hubby (MSH). Still, when she wasn’t struggling to breathe while trying to nap or sleep at night, she was a DOLL. She’s a Funny Girl. Trust me on this one.

I’d thought I’d do a post Sunday evening. Too pooped. Then I flat forgot yesterday. I was gone for several hours during the day. Once I got home, I plopped myself on our davenport and started watching my Monday night shows. (I go back and forth between The Voice and Dancing With the Stars!)

As I looked up all the shows I DVR in our Great Room (That number would be 71. Yikes. Now, a few of those are MSH’s. I end up deleting a lot. My rule is this: If I haven't watched something I recorded four months ago? It's gone.) and in our bedroom (That number would be 17. Wow. Two or three of these are also MSH’s.), I realized it’s not surprising I have no time to read a book. (I’m currently on Page 124 of Gone Girl. TLC read it in 2 days. I’m going on two weeks. Sheesh.)

I intended to tell y’all about my NEW favourite telly shows. Unfortunately, there aren’t ten of them. And that is the requirement for this month’s posts. Ten of something.

I then decided my best bet would be to share with you my favourite shows at this time. The shows I cannot wait to see each week. The shows that make me laugh out loud. Cry.  Talk to some of the characters—like they can hear me. Like they’re real peeps. The shows that make me happy. Or cause me to think. Or, best of all—inspire me. I realize I’ve mentioned some of these shows before. Because, in January, we’ll begin our fifth year of this blog. Wwhhhaaaattttt? Wow.

Here’s My List (I’m numbering them but, truly, these are all equally important to the quality of the entertainment portion of my  life!):

1. Grey’s Anatomy. Love it. Need it. Will simply not know how to cope when they all decide they are done. I’ll need therapy. Possibly meds.
2. Parenthood. Didn’t begin this show until last year. That makes me very, very sad. I do intend to go back and watch previous years. It is incredible.
3. The Voice. Love. Love. LOVE. Everything about this show. The Judges. (Blake and Adam are full of fun and charm. I adored Usher and Shakira. Miss them very much. But Pharrell and Gwen this season? They are two classy, CLASSY artists.)
4. Nashville. I am a Country gal, Folks. I live in the country. I have been obsessed with country music since I was 19 years old. That’s a long, long time. I think it’d be a blast to live in Nashville. Tennessee is BEAUTIFUL. This show, to me, is fascinating.
5. The Blacklist. MSH and I watch this one together. We have very few that we both enjoy. It replaced 24 for us—in the “scary/violent/spy/suspense” genre of TV. We don’t usually quite understand what the heck is going on—and we don’t even care. I’m serious. We could watch it without the sound on. It is a heckuva ride every single week.
6. The Biggest Loser. I cry every single week. Every. Single. Week. I think Alison is fantastic. I treasure the trainers. Bob? My hero. I am beyond impressed with the courage of the contestants. I always say this to whoever will listen to me: Every person in America—or the World—should watch this show for inspiration. Period.
7. Dancing With the Stars. When all my other friends (and TLC) abandoned this show, I couldn’t. I get furious with the Judges. I mean MAD. I think they’re too critical and rude. But Tom cracks me up. Most of these contestants inspire me, too. Even though I get it. They’re celebrities doing it for the exposure. Makes no difference to me.
8. Shark Tank. Another show I insist (Oops—didn’t mean to say that!) MSH watch with me. Every week I try to think of something we could invent so we could be on this show. All six Sharks—even Kevin—are interesting people. I’d rather be home on Friday nights, watching this show, than at a 5-Star Restaurant in Dallas. Or watching a Texas high school football game. I’m not even kidding you.
9. Modern Family. I thought I’d never get over the end of Friends. This show is unbelievably funny to me. It has helped me cope with my loss. I laugh out loud the entire 22ish minutes (I don’t do commercials. Ever.) The cast? SPECTACULAR. Seriously.
10. The Middle. Another fabulous comedy I must watch. Each week I say something like this to TLC: Sue is my most favourite! The next week? It’s Axel. The next? Brick. The parents? Hysterical. Yes, I know, because of the writers. They admit that—I’ve heard them do it. But they are all talented actors and comedians. I missed the first year of this one. That makes me sad.

Humour me, please: There are five more shows I have to mention: Long Island Medium (TLC network). She rocks. The Millers. NBC. I think. Amazing cast/funny show! About a Boy. NBC. I’m out of adjectives. This one is beyond CLEVER. So extremely CLEVER. Chrisley Knows Best. USA. A reality show that TLC and I are both obsessed with—completely obsessed. The new season just recently began. Angels Among Us. TLC network. She’s as sweet and precious as Theresa Caputo. I believe in Angels. I believe this lady is remarkable.

Humour me, pretty, pretty please, for a few more new shows that intrigue me:

Marry Me. NBC. (A new one.)

A to Z. NBC. (A new one.)
Bad Judge. NBC. (A new one.)
How to Get Away With Murder. ABC. (A new one.) This show, together with Scandal, (Not a new one.) is raunchy. Irreverent. Shocking. Insanity at it's finest. In my humble opinion, both of these are completely inappropriate for the time of the evening they're aired. However, unfortunately, I'm hopelessly addicted to each of them. (Perhaps I'm actually a teensy-itsy-bitsy bit ashamed of this confession.) I cringe as I watch. I say things, to the characters, like: “How stupid could you be?” Or, to myself: "Well, that scene was completely unnecessary." At the end of this week's episode of each of these series? I cannot wait for next week’s. I need as much help, me thinks, as Shonda Rhimes. Yikes.

Yes. I need to turn off my telly and pick up a book. Or go to bed.  I’ll let you know how that works out, okay?

By the way: If it helps your opinion of me, in any way or at all, I rarely ever, EVER watch television during the day. Cross my heart.

TLC's 10 Favourite Fall-ish Things To Do:

Disclaimer: I may not technically do all of these things. Some are "bucket list items!"

1. Decorate pumpkins. (Because carving is too messy for my OCD tendencies.) Pinterest has so many cute ideas! Monograms. House numbers crafted out of gold thumbtacks. Polka dots. Glittered stems. I want to do them all!

2. Wear a scarf. every. day. I LOVE scarves! (Little Leighton really wants one of her own, too!) I'm currently on the hunt for something Burberry-esque, minus the Burberry price tag.

3. Starbucks. As much as I love all things pumpkin, I actually prefer their Skinny Vanilla Lattes over the PSL. (But I'll have a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin on the side, please and thank you.)

4. Visit lots o' pumpkin patches!

5. Go on a hayride! (We actually went on a hayride at a pumpkin patch this year!)

6. (Learn how to) Bake Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts. Yummy! I would actually love to go apple picking, too!

7. Sit on a quilt and gaze at the pretty, twinkling stars. Crisp. fall, evening air is enlightening.

8. (Learn how to) Knit or crochet a cozy throw blanket. 

9. Have a movie night--outside! We have friends that would host an annual Halloween Party. They would set up a projector and screen in their backyard. We would cuddle-up under blankets, munch on popcorn and have a ball! It was always so much fun.

10. Let a big pot of (Gluten-Free) Homemade Taco Soup simmer on the stove all Sunday afternoon. Nothing beats football watchin' and soup (and cornbread!) eatin'.

Gosh, Fall makes me so happy!

ELC'S Top 10 Favourite Signs It's FALL At Our Country Casa!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Those of us who live in North Central Texas love, love, LOVE Autumn/Fall! We've had it with hideously hot, stifling, horrible weather. Stick a fork in us. We're DONE.

Yes, TLC is completely, totally, FOREVER OBSESSED with Autumn. (That's one of the millions of things this Mama loves about her.) But My Sweet Hubby (MSH) and I need/adore/cherish Fall, too. For him, it's the beginning of having to mow (whether it's our lawn or pastures) every ten days to two weeks. Rather than every week. (Well, pastures are only mowed three to five times a year. But they are a big job that takes many hours when they require attention.) For both of us, it's the time of cool, crisp, simply delightful mornings and evenings. (It can still be quite hot at mid-day and in the afternoons in our neck o' the woods. Even in the typically "winter" months.)

Although we normally put out about forty pumpkins, this year we decided to cut back a bit. I think we've kept it to 20ish medium to large pumpkins. (I don't really count the tiny/small ones.) I have spared y'all pictures of all 20. You're quite welcome!

Here, then, are the signs around our place that it's Fall:

Hope each and every single one of you have had a lovely weekend...wherever in the world you are!

Punkin Smooches, Darlings...

TLC's Top 10 Favourite Signs It's FALL At My House!

As most of you know, I ADORE this time of year. It makes me so happy. Crisp air. Crunchy leaves. Pumpkins GALORE. What's not to love?

I wanted to share --via photos-- the Top Ten Signs You Know It's Fall at Casa de TLC.

Here we go!

1. Our own personal "Pumpkin Patch" in our front garden:

2. The new-this-year iron pumpkin on my porch from ELC's local HEB grocery store:

3. My FAVOURITE Pumpkin Scentsy Warmer ("burning" cozy scents like "Autumn Harvest" and "Cedar Cider") and the YUMMIEST "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin" candle from Bath & Body Works--both make my home feel quite "zen":

4. My sparkly "BOO!" sign from a local store in my Hometown:

5. Pinecones and a damask pumpkin:

6. A simple, rustic, burlap pumpkin:

7. Mini creamy white pumpkins and tiny pumpkin pie pumpkins (complete with those cute, little, twiggy curly-qs!):

8. Seven eclectic pumpkins, perched on my hearth (I suppose I should have made this #7!):

9. My "Trick-or-Treat" sign sittin' on my mantle (and all of the precious fabric pumpkins I've collected from here and there--"there" being the ones I've "borrowed" from ELC!):

10. My new FAVOURITE pillow--a sweet gift from My Sweet ELC (don't you love the word "gather?"):

Happy Fall, Y'all!

ELC's TOP TEN Favourite Things About 10-10

Last Thursday, TLC and Little Leighton (LL) came to the country for a 2-night visit. My Sweet Hubby (MSH) and I cleaned, shopped and got all of LL’s toys out the day before. We waited, anxiously, all morning long, for them to come up the hill!

Friday (10-10) morn, MSH had to leave for Ft. Worth for errands and a lunch meeting. TLC had a hair cut and color in town and also had to leave early. That left LL and I free to play and play and PLAY! Which we did.

From the moment TLC and LL arrive until they leave, and except for meals, naps and bedtime, LL is One Busy Little Bee! It’s been three weeks since her last visit. She always acts like it’s been six months—running around in “her” room, checking out the toys in the master bedroom and my office, looking for Morty, The Cat, and talking to Buddy Bear, The Dog. MSH and I savor every single second she’s here.

Here're my favourite things about 10-10 (Because you’ve been waiting patiently, for days, for this, right?):

1. Once MSH and TLC were gone, LL and I finished up a good breakfast of oatmeal and strawberries. While I washed dishes, LL played in her/The Guest Room. It’s right by the kitchen, so it’s easy to keep an eye on her. Since she currently runs (or as she says, “Zooms!”) everywhere (“I zooming, Gwammy!”), we all have to be ready to stop what we’re doing and follow her. She came out of the bedroom with her stroller and (doll) diaper bag. She told me she was going to “Go see the ducks, Gwammy!” (This is what she and I do when I’m at her home—we do this A LOT!) I asked her if she wanted to take one of her “babies” in the stroller, as it was empty. She said, “Yes, Gwammy. I get Sweetie!” We decided the “pond” would be in Grammy and Pa-Pa’s room. When we got in there, I suggested that the rug, by our French doors, serve as the “pond.” We always take a Ziploc bag of bread when we visit LL’s ducks. I got a baggie and some of her “pretend” bread and then thought of the two ducks in our tub that she plays with during bathtime. We put them on the rug and VOILA. A duck pond extraordinnaire. She had such fun! I’m confident this will be a new “regular” thing we do at some point during a visit.

2. I tried to sneak off to put in a load of laundry. It took LL approximately 15 seconds to realize I wasn’t in our room. “Gwammy? GWAMMY? Where are you?” she loudly says as she “zooms” around trying to find me. Can you tell I adore the way she says “Gwammy.”

3. We read books in “her” room. She sat in my lap and listened to every single word I said. Of the five books we read, we read two twice. I’d read them ten times each if she wanted me to. Fifty. I would.

4. Once TLC got back home, we caught her up on our shenanigans and then started to think about lunch. I also needed to get our dinner prepared and in the fridge. I’d figured out how I could make my Hot Chicken Salad “gluten-free.” We sat LL up on the island and she watched, intently, as I cut up the grilled chicken and TLC cut up celery and red bell peppers. She asked for some of everything. I got her some Ranch dressing so she could dip the celery and bell peppers in it. Lunch on the island instead of in her high chair? Scandalous. She thought it was grand.

5. At breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks that occur while in a high chair at the kitchen/dining room table, LL reminds us “Buh-wessing?” (LL uses the letter “W” for her "L's" and “R’s." Sometimes, if I’m having a teensy bit of trouble understanding what she’s saying, I substitute the letter “W” in there somewhere and can figure it out 98% of the time!) We typically start her out on something like toast or a salad or some fruit while we’re getting everything together. As soon as we’re all seated, here comes LL's "Buh-wessing?": “God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.” We all say it loud and proud! She says every word with us. It makes me get tears in my eyes. If she has “seconds,” or when it’s time for her to have a cookie or some kind of dessert, she’ll say: “Buh-wessing, again?” Yep. We do it again. We figure we can never, ever thank God enough for everything we have. At Our 10-10 Special Island Lunch? We said our buh-wessing.

6. After a great nap, TLC and I surprised LL with a trip to The Pumpkin Patch at Lone Star Family Farm near Stephenville, Texas—about 16 miles from our home. It was hot—this is Texas—but it was FUN. We took lots of pictures at their cute little “photo spots” they’d set up. LL saw a charming cow (or it could have been a bull!)—in a pen. Eating hay. Two horses. Two corn mazes (We didn't have time to do either one.) We went on a hayride—a flatbed wagon of hay bales pulled by a big tractor. Although a tidbit dusty, it was worth every minute of the experience. We were actually the only three on the hayride. That made it quite special. Y’all know how we like to pretend we’re “Royal.” It's now a treasured memory!

7. After dinner, LL entertained TLC, MSH and me on the back porch. She sings the ABC song and misses not one letter. She dances. She twirls. She giggles. She makes silly noises. She laughs out loud and with gusto. She's a hoot.

8. Bathtime has always been a favourite time of the day for LL. MSH and I have a big garden tub with lots o’ toys. LL gets into her own little world and needs no entertaining. She’ll occasionally ask me if I’d like a “latte?” (She can say that “L!”) I, of course, think her lattes are the best I’ve ever had. Could she think I’m really tasting the bubbles? Hmmm. I don't know.

9. It’s quite the process to get LL’s jammies on. She’s still in diapers. So there’s that. Then she needs a saline nose solution every night. For on-going congestion. TLC has done this almost since she was born, so there’s really no fussing from LL about it. TLC will let her hold that container when she’s done. Friday night LL said: “Gwammy, this is gwuten-fwee!” Oh. My. Bless her precious little heart. TLC is educating her about her medical situation. Which, of course, is an excellent idea. Jammies. Teeth-brushing. (In cold weather, the final step is getting her hair blow-dried. Right now, in Texas, it’s not cold. In fact, it's still darn hot. Sigh.) LL isn’t a huge fan of brushing her teeth. She has to be reminded that Daniel Tiger brushes his teeth. And Elmo. And Abby. And Sofia, Doc and all the Disney Princesses. Eventually, when The Bedtime Process is complete, it’s time for books. Three, to be exact. Two prayer books and a Ladybug Girl.

10. Saying good night to LL is THE BEST. She’s super-cuddly and loves a hug and a smooch. She says: “I wove you, Gwammy.” Sigh. My heart smiles bigger than Texas.

Hope Y’all have had a FABULOUS day…and that this week will be full of peace, joy, wisdom, magic and some sparkle here and there!

TLC's (and LL's!) Top Ten Favourite Gluten-Free Goodies

Since Little Leighton's (LL) Celiac diagnosis, and with the help and research of My Sweet Mom and Dad, we have become quite the gluten-free (GF) connoisseurs. If there is any blessing out of what has been quite the hellacious summer, it's that LL is young enough to not notice the difference between gluten-full and gluten-free. It also helps that GF foods have come along way--not just in taste but availability, too. (We now just need the price of these items to come WAY down. Gosh, they are expensive!)

For my first "Top Ten," I thought I would list our current favourite GF staples/snacks! This list is in no particular order, and it's important to note that I would honestly eat every single one of these products, even if we didn't have to--they are THAT GOOD.

1. Tate's Bake Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies. I have found these at my local Market Street grocery store, but Trader Joe's has one that is practically identical. They are buttery and crispy and delicious.

2. Annie's Cocoa & Vanilla Gluten-Free Bunny Cookies. These are LL's snack staple--she takes them to Sunday School and Preschool, since she can't have the snacks they provide.

3. Pirate's Booty. We CRAVE this stuff!

4. Justin's Maple Almond Butter. It is definitely pricey but worth every dollar. We love the texture and flavor. LL's Preschool is peanut-free, so she takes an almond butter sandwich (on GF bread).

5. Boulder Canyon Hummus Chips. This is my latest and greatest Costco discovery. We are obsessed with these! They are light and crunchy.

6. Earth's Best Gluten-Free Broccoli and Cheese Nuggets. I had actually purchased these before LL's diagnosis (without realizing they were GF) as a tasty way to sneak in extra veggies. She wouldn't touch them then, but, lo and behold, she truly likes them now. However, I am careful with these because we have to watch LL's lactose intake. Many, many Celiacs need to also be dairy-free, too. LL currently drinks lactose-free milk which has helped tremendously. (We are beyond grateful to our GI doctor who helped me figure this out!)

7. Trader Joe's Soft-Baked Snickerdoodle. This is an ELC and My Sweet Dad (MSD) discovery. In the first few weeks after being released from the hospital, LL requested these 24-7. Because we desperately needed her to gain weight, we let her eat them whenever she wanted. Yes, even at 5:00 in the morning. They are fluffy, pillow-like cookies! Delightful.

8. Katz Gluten-Free Powdered Donuts. (The Glazed variety are just as scrumptious!) Dare I say better than Mrs. Baird's? Quite possibly. We have "Donut Tuesdays" at our house every week. I count down the days! ELC and MSD have found these at Central Market. I located them at my local Sprout's. They're in the freezer-section.

9. Udi's Cinnamon Raisin Bread. An excellent breakfast option, but I also made LL's almond butter sandwich using this bread today to slightly "mix-up" her school lunch.  She really enjoyed it! (We've also found that the Udi's brand of breads--all varieties-- is our favourite.)

10. Sabra Classic Hummus. LL cherishes "dips!" Ranch (Hidden Valley is GF). Guacamole. She especially loves dipping red bell peppers into hummus--an excellent way to sneak in a little extra protein, fiber and Vitamin C!

Even if you don't need to eat GF, I hope you'll give some of these a try! I think you'll truly be pleasantly surprised at how yummy they are...trust me on this.

ELC's Top Ten Favourite Texas Towns/Cities

Note: This list does not include where My Sweet Hubby (MSH) and I live. It also doesn’t include the town where TLC and Little Leighton live. This is a list of towns/cities I love to visit. Most of them are places I’ve treasured for many, many of my sixty years on this Planet Earth. The order? It doesn’t really mean I love the 1^st one the best and the last one the least. I love them all. Truly. And mostly equally. I also believe these are places you should try to visit—if you have never had the pleasure.

Drumroll, please…

1. Ft. Worth, Texas. I know it like the back of my hand, even though I’ve never actually lived there. It has everything! Big city museums and culture. FABULOUS (and some very fancy) restaurants. Beautiful architecture. Small town charm. It’s friendly. It’s fun. It’s where I would probably choose to live if I ever had to leave my country casa.
2. Fredericksburg, Texas. Y’all know I’ve mentioned this magical town many times in our blog over the years. TLC, MSH and I adore it. ADORE IT. Fredericksburg is not far from San Antonio (a city not on this list but one that is truly important to Texas history and full of charisma!). It’s a hop, skip and a jump away from other lovely small Texas towns that are definitely worth your time to visit.
3. Granbury, Texas. Approximately thirty miles from our country casa, I’ve loved this small Texas town for forty years (My Precious Autumn has now lived there for many of those forty). The new “Opera House” on the square is beyond amazing. Anyone who lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex should make a trip to Granbury for a play, musical, antique shopping and delicious food.
4. Austin, Texas. This is the town MSH grew up in (although he hasn’t lived there in 52 years!). It’s our State Capitol and a city full of magnificent history, entertainment, Five Star restaurants, and world-class shopping. It’s also not too terribly far from Fredericksburg!
5. Hico, Texas. This small Texas town is about forty minutes from our country casa. When I say small, I do mean fairly small! Although there aren’t a lot of eating places in Hico, they are all delicious. It’s worth a trip from the Metroplex—especially if they’re having one of their annual events.
6. McKinney, Texas.  This is a town close in proximity to TLC and one that has beaucoups of interesting sightseeing. Their Square has a beautiful Courthouse and the most wonderful shops. On a pretty Autumn day like today? I could stroll from dawn until dusk. And not have had nearly enough time to experience all McKinney has to offer.
7. Gruene, Texas. Close to Texas “tubing” areas, Gruene was a town that was once actually owned by one man. The tubing in this part of Texas is a must—at some point in a Texan’s life. You can find a reasonable and charming place to stay. I’d recommend visiting for at least one night—two days. But two nights/three days would be a perfect getaway!
8. Bandera, Texas. Dude ranches and cowboys—horse races and tubing—this CUTE town has it all! A great place for a family vacay. Can’t wait until Little Leighton is old enough to truly enjoy this great Texas spot.
9. Dallas, Texas. Not only did I not include San Antonio (which, as I’ve said, I do love), I also didn’t include Houston. All of our sons have lived in Houston. Three still live there. MSH and I go for a visit once or twice a year. The traffic in Houston makes us nervous. Or, actually, I should say scares us to death. Dallas is a place we know and do love! (Yes, Dallas drivers don’t love moi—I basically ignore the ugly gestures I receive almost every time I’m there…sigh…) In my opinion, Dallas is an interesting combination of the best of Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antone—all rolled into one splendid city!  
10. Decatur, Texas. This delightful little town wouldn’t have even made my list until MSH and I went to Oklahoma last week. I’ve been there. Or, I should say, I’ve been “through” Decatur on the way to somewhere else. Last week, we drove around Decatur for the first time—their Courthouse Square and the backroads that lead to the Square. I fell in love and intend to go back to spend some quality time there. I saw sooo much to explore!

I don't have a "West" Texas town or city listed. Or an "East" Texas town or city. Or a "Panhandle" town or city. Or even  a "South" Texas or "Gulf" region town or city. Trust me when I say these areas are all amazing places to roam. A new person to Texas would need a good, solid year to discover the mysteries and magnificence of our BIG State. I could only list ten today, don'tchaknow. Not fifty. Or 100. 

(It is currently yummy Fall weather outside on this Sweet Sunday. I’m heading out for a much-needed dose of country fresh air in a few.)

TLC's up next in a day or two...can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve.
bye for now, Dear Friends... 

ten . . . . . . . . . .

From the Oxford American Dictionary:

ten (ten) adj. & n. one more than nine (10 X). (From ELC: Duh.)

The number of laws given to us by God—The Ten Commandments.

In Texas, we have the ten-gallon hat.

But, for our purposes, October is the tenth month of the year. WOO HOO!

In honour of  TLC’s third favourite month (after Little Leighton's birth month and December), October will bring you posts of “Ten” fill-in-the-blanks. Lists, actually. Something else TLC loves…she couldn’t cope without the ability to make lists!

One of us should have our first Top Ten ? list by Sunday—at the latest. We hope you’ll be stopping by to check it out.

Have a Terrific Thursday, Fantastic Friday and WONDERFUL Weekend, Dearest Friends…

smooches and hugs,

ELC