Hi everyone,
I’m sorry about your toe, Charlotte! I am feeling your pain right now…as I have been dealing with Plantar Fasciitis in my left heel since the first week in August. It is excruciating and infuriating at the same time. Don’t ask me if I’ve tried…this and this and this…or bought this and this and this… I have… nothing seems to be working… some days it’s manageable and some days it’s just not! I’ll be glad when this “season” is over!
Speaking of seasons… our church had a very nice Fall Festival for the American and International Students from Southern Illinois University. I don’t know how many years we have put this on, but it’s been a LOT! We try to make a “Home away from home” for the International students as they get so lonely for their families and countries. I was setting up my “station” and heard them giving some instructions and directions (and translations given) and they were asking the students where they were from. We had 31 nations represented… I can only remember some of them… Brazil, Haiti, Colombia, Peru, China, Swaziland, India, Ecuador, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Japan, and one little girl yelled out, “America!”
The weather was cool, but at least it wasn’t wet. It had rained the afternoon and evening before, and it did hamper the big bonfire, but it still was quite a sight to see.
Let me share some pictures. We didn’t have as many as we had last year, and it could have been due to the change of dates… usually we have it on a Saturday night, but this time it had to be moved to Sunday because of the rain Saturday.
Before the food is served, there are games to be played… I saw they had Tug-of-War and Jump Rope this year… Somehow the students who don’t speak English that well figure things out…
Here is a group picture of “most” everyone who was at the hayride…
There is a lot of work that goes into a big event like this, and it seems like we have more crock pots than people. Here is Sylvia, who was in charge of getting the food set up, and my hubby getting all the crock pots plugged into this electrical maze my hubby made a few years ago. Somehow the magic he did keeps the fuses/circuits from blowing. It’s a big long electrical system with outlets every so often.
We like to give the students a Taste of America so we have Beef Chili, Turkey Chili, Vegetarian Chili, and there may have been chicken chili. Then we have cornbread and other things to go with it. Just waiting for the students to come through.
Here were some friendly faces getting ready to serve the students.
Here they come…
Besides the Chili and fixin’s, we have “stations” all around the perimeter of the grounds… so the students can taste more of our “other” “hayride” specialties in America.
Here is the “Chunky Applesauce Station.” it takes LOTS of peeled apples to make this. Carla and Kevin did a wonderful job of stirring it in a copper pot over a fire, until it’s “just right!”
This isn’t a very good picture, you can see what he’s doing a little better.
Here is “my” bowl of it! The frig the ice cream was being stored in, went kerplunk, so the ice cream was melted when someone went to get it. Oh well, it still tasted good to me!
We had the “Hot Drinks station.”
Joy ran the “S’mores Station.” Sometimes you see Joy Carter’s name in the comments… well, this is Joy! They were set for quick S’More’s making… pre boxed graham crackers and Hershey bars pieces, so you just had to roast your marshmallow.
Then my hubby and I were in charge of the “Caramel Apples” station. We stuck apple quarters on skewers and I dipped them in the melted caramel and then they could roll them in chopped peanuts, really fine peanut pieces, mini chocolate chips or sprinkles. Sometimes all of them!!! :o)
Our table looked SO neat before things began, but I should have taken an after picture. One sticky caramely mess! ME TOO!
Here are some happy customers…
Jeb (from India) and Carroll (from Colombia, South America)
Esther was her last year for her very first caramel apple… She brought a new friend this year.
Here is Marianella, from Peru, who lives here.
We always have a HUGE bonfire from the trees and bushes that Keith has stacked up. It was a little wet from Saturday’s rain, but it was still big…
After the bonfire, lots of students can go on the hayride. Because of the time change (the night before) it was pretty dark this time!
If you don’t want to go for a ride in the dark, sitting on bales of hay, you can try your hand at country dancing… and I’ve said this before in past “Hayride” posts, but somehow the language barrier seems non-existent when it comes to music. Ashriel was our “caller” this year and when she calls out the directions for a particular dance, somehow, with LOTS of laughing, it seems to work. Here are a few pictures of the students having fun!
Sometimes this video would work and sometimes it just stayed black with the music playing… hope it works for you. The next one works.
Well, that was the 2025 Hayride/Taste of America/Fall Festival in a nutshell! Hope you enjoyed it as much as the students did!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a fun evening everyone had! I would be at the caramel apple station for sure. LOVE caramel apples, and they’re so much easier to eat that way. Both videos worked just fine for me, too.
Yesterday Paula asked what other American Girls I have. I have Molly (she was my first one and most closely represents my era–I was born in 1946), Kirsten (her last name is my maiden name–Larson–and I’m pure Swedish, so this was a given!), and Felicity (purchased at the AG store in Chicago back when it was the only one, and this was my anniversary present that year!), and GT 4, my AbbyRose Lian. She was the first Asian girl that AG dolls every did, and she’s beautiful. I think at various times I’ve sent Jeanne pictures of all of them except Felicity. Last time I took her out, I discovered her legs have gotten loose, and I haven’t had her fixed yet. I think I got my new AG catalog but haven’t looked at it yet.
I’m still hobbling around, the purple on my foot is getting a little more pronounced. It’s uncomfortable, but not terribly painful unless I try to do something I shouldn’t. 🙄 No bruise has shown up on my hip yet. I will be seeing the podiatrist on Friday.
Thank you all for your kind comments about my foot. I actually already had a surgical shoe (bought when I broke a toe or little bone on my other foot a few years ago), and it’s reversible, so I’ve been wearing that ever since Friday morning. It really does help!
Paula, I used to buy Skechers quite a lot, but haven’t in several years, as at one time I had a podiatrist that didn’t think they were very good for my feet. I have to admit, although they were comfortable enough, I found I had more support in the New Balance shoes, so that’s what I wear now, and I can get kids’ sizes (I have Really small feet) that don’t look like children’s shoes.
By the way, I like Katie’s name! Skye is becoming popular these days, or Skylar/Skyler. I have a great-grandson named Skyler; my cousin has a granddaughter named Skylar!
Dorothy, I have a Magic Attic doll, too, and she was the one I was going to take to lunch Friday. I have Rose, who I think is really beautiful. I used to have Allison, but didn’t really bond with her, so I think I sold her. Those Magic Attic dolls were so well made, and designed by Robert Tonner.
Dear Charlotte, I am glad your toe is a little better. I am hoping that it will be healed very quickly.
I have Magic Attic Meghan. I wanted her for a while and then I was lucky to find her a few years ago. I am not giving her to my friend, though. She is staying here.
Charlotte Noelle, your namesake, is doing a count down to Christmas. I told her that right now her name is on Santa’s Naughty List. She told me that Santa makes a new list every month and when December comes, she will be on his Nice List. Honestly, that girl has an answer for everything. But I sure hope that this means that she and her sister Selah won’t be arguing like they usually do over the next couple of weeks (laugh).
[Sofa Sisters: Charlotte Noelle and Selah are Little Darling dolls.]
Dorothy, I really enjoyed your story about Charlotte Noelle and Selah! Too cute!
Hope they behave with Christmas around the corner.
Dear Paula, thank you for your nice words. We were on a Little Darling Yahoo, then ning, then Groups I.O. site where we could post pictures of and stories about our dolls. I created all kinds of tales about the mischievous Charlotte Noelle and her nemesis sister Selah.
I always brag about how my 50 some girls get along so well, but David tells me that he hears them in the night complaining because one got an outfit when someone else thought it was their turn. They probably don’t do it in front of me for fear there would be no new wearing attire for a long time. Not worth the risk.
Thank you Charlotte for listing the AMG’s girls you have. It’s fun to hear about which dolls everyone likes and have and the names we give them.
And I too like the 50’s era and the clothing styles back then. Then the Civil war era.
I have 3 Skechers pairs and they’re comfortable to walk in – just that one pair stops short but I’ve learned how to maneuver in them – and I’m careful on smooth concrete which is where I’ve fallen each time.
Glad you’re seeing a podiatrist soon. Hope your foot heals and you have no problems with your hip.
Since Katie is Scottish, I thought Skye would work. Laura recommended the various Katherine names as a first and I think that would sound nor balanced.
I did not realize you had so many AG girls. What a great collection! I got my new AG catalogue in the mail today. I wish Jaiden still wore girl’s sizes because those dresses on the cover are lovely. I bought her a couple AG outfits when she was younger when we still had our wonderful AG store in Houston. Sorry that your foot is still giving you problems. I have some Skechers summer sandals I love but my walking shoes are Easy Spirit Romy and they work so well I haven’t wanted to change. But I do love the Skechers you can just step into. Haven’t tried a pair as yet but want to. My hairdresser’s name is Skylar and my grandson is Skyy. I would love a Magic Attic doll. I had no idea they were designed by Robert Tonner. I think I checked on one on eBay once, but it was going for more than I could afford.
Dear Barbara, there are quite a few Magic Attic dolls on ebay now. The prices vary. I think that the key is to find one in good condition or one that is able to be fixed and dressed as needed. I don’t have any talent in fixing up dolls so I try to fine ones that don’t need much TLC.
If you want to know more about the dolls, you can watch this YouTube video that Rachel Hoffman (Virtual Doll Convention) made a while back.
https://www.virtualdollconvention.com/video-gallery/v/xy875ngsrfxaddj9xb3kns64hz4h6d
What fun for the foreign students, Jeanne! I wonder if American born kids were also there? Maybe working? Everything looks so good and it certainly looked like a crisp, chilly fall day, which really is the perfect time for a hayride, bonfire and square dancing! That bonfire was something else! A great way to end the evening!
I had no trouble with the videos, and really enjoyed them. That reminds me of my days taking square dancing in junior high, and continuing through high school. It was a fun way to meet people and dance, even thought I wasn’t that great in regular dancing, square dancing is easy for everyone, even those with two left feet!
About Sketchers shoes, I wear them all the time, but after awhile, the cushiony soles get too soft and you feel like you are walking on rocking chairs! Still I love and wear them during the day. I do prefer firmer soles on the newer ones.
So now, maybe tomorrow we will see a dress? Hope so, but today’s blog was a barrel of fun!
HI Linda,
I had to let you know, YES, there are lots of American students who come too! We have quite the menagerie of cultures in our church!
Great pictures! Thanks 😊
Oh my, Jeanne, your festival looked so so so fun. I wish I could have been there. I see so many nice happy people, I am sure it was a great time for everyone. Yes, melted ice cream is yummy.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I love the videos too. what a great tradition. Your neighborhood looks and sounds like our neighborhood here in Brambleton, Virginia about 25 years ago before all of the technology buildings and humans moved in.
Now we are “city” and I loved those days long ago when our county was not so populated and crushed really with building. Oh well.
Our new neighborhood has a gathering on the 16th in the afternoon called Friendsgiving. It looks nice. we might go. After caring for both of my parents for 15 years, and the grieving sorting moving, I need to find some new friends.
Charlotte, I am relieved you have a boot and that you are moderately comfortable. I remember when I cracked my baby toe (tripping over the vacuum cleaner long ago) that it was terrible to walk around, all the blood would rush to my lower leg and my whole foot would throb.
Today, we have to go vote for our new Governor in Virginia. Virginia has changed and my vote matters. Even though our district has changed with the move, I have not changed my address on my drivers license, so I will vote at the old place. My hubbs votes at the new location.
Shoes. Plantar Fasciitis? I used to get that way back when I was figure skating.
I know it is horrible. I have sketchers for in the house wear, but they are not comfortable, really. Most of the time I wear (inside always only, I can’t go in socks or bare feet bc I am clumsy) I am wearing my moms (🥰) old New Balance shoes #577, but I used to wear the 928s all the time, the tie up ones. They do not make them like they were. I am very fussy about shoes, my feet bottoms are always sensitive. Outside, I always wear Keen shoes. They make me feel stable.
I hope all of you dearies have a super lovely day.
I printed out some patterns for AG and Welliewisher. So I should start thinking about making some things for my grand girls.
I better get moving this morning,. busy day.
(((hugs)))
Dear Jeanne, thanks for sharing these photos. Your group always does such a wonderful job in planning and hosting this event every year. I am sure that the young people felt welcomed and honored. You can’t go wrong with good food and good friends!
Thanks Jeanne, for sharing the fun photos. I know how much work it took to get the event put together. I’m sure those attending had a blast. Loved seeing the videos, although, square dancing has never been my forte. I would have been crashing into people all over the place. 🙂
It was nice to see “Joy”, and her S’mores station. Always a favorite. 🙂
As to Sketchers, I have a closet full. I’ve not had a problem with any of mine sticking to the floor so far. But, I’ve found that they do get very slippery as they age. They don’t have particularly strongly made soles and do wear out fairly quickly if you’re a walker. When that happens, they become paint or garden shoes until they start leaking. Yes, they do that as well. And the latest models have a very high, thick sole so you gain a lot of height there. I can’t wear those so it is getting very hard to find the regular ones now. Not sure if they even make the any more. Guess I’ll have to try a different brand.
Trying to get ready for the big rain coming in tonight. I filled a few deck places with more wood Bondo yesterday, so I’ll be out sanding and painting in a bit. Other person has the railings on the upper deck almost done. Yay. Of course, the yard is growing weeds now so much better than my cucumber crop this year. Any attention to that project will have to wait.
And, we drove up to Walmart yesterday. The sewing department still stands. Although, there were no buttons to be seen anywhere. I did come home with some sweet Peter Rabbit fabric quarters though. The whole store is being remodeled and people were wandering around everywhere lost trying to find the basics. I did find the Christmas, and they have those cute little cookie tray ornaments again, but in some new designs. They are the perfect size for a doll party. 🙂
And it looks like my latest has finally made it to the HK airport. Might be next week for his arrival. 🙂
Ah yes, I can imagine the Walmart remodel. I am glad you found some good stuff!
The closest WM to us is north and takes maybe 20 minutes to get there. They are actually polishing the concrete floor after removing the tile. So, it looks all shiny. But, it also has a huge glare from the fluorescent lights everywhere now. My eyes don’t care for it at all.
Wonder who is coming to the airport?
I hear the shark sound.
I’ll have to be on guard and be sure to secure the package somewhere. Don’t want to get caught again. 🙂
Our Walmart went through that remodeling, reorganizing thing a year or so ago. It was so frustrating. Especially since I just want to get in and get out these days since walking around such a huge store is a struggle at times. I do all my grocery shopping at a local market, family-owned that has been in Sealy for generations. It’s small, has everything I need and I’m supporting a local shop – and it’s just around the corner. I was looking for something in Walmart the other day that was not where it used to be and I got so frustrated after walking up and down aisles I gave up. Even with the reorganization supposedly completed they still keep moving things around.
Our trip to WM was interesting. I never did find the shampoo, but other person found the calendar I wanted. I would have missed that entirely. Now, I’m wishing that I had picked up one of those cute little ornament trays with holiday cookies. I think all of the ornaments have gone up a dollar though. Maybe next time we head up there, the remodel will be done. 🙂
What a fun event all of you arranged and put on for the students! That’s a lot of work and coordination in planning but I’m sure, so appreciated by them. It covered everything “autumn” – the area, the treats, especially the caramel apples and chilis. The bonfire, hay ride and dances- perfect!
Hats off to the planners and workers! Thanks for sharing the pictures, Jeanne.
What a fun evening and night that must have been, Jeanne. I enjoyed seeing all the photos and both videos worked fine.
Thank you for the compliments, Barbara, on my kitties and doll costumes. I hope your hubby’s ear is much better.
Always fun to hear what dolls everyone has. I remember Magic Attic dolls and getting the catalogs, but we went with Pleasant Company instead. 🙂
Hubby’s ear problem is improving but he has an audiologist appointment for next week because even with his ears cleaned out he still is having trouble hearing more so than before. Years of operating heavy equipment probably.
Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures. It was almost like being there. Wish I could have been. The videos worked perfectly, and I found myself smiling at all the young people having such great fun. People are people no matter where they are from and it’s great to be reminded of that. Your caramel apple booth looked as delicious as usual. David and I love caramel apples. Hubby is not a S’mores fan but I love them, so I would have spent a lot of time between the caramel apples and S’mores tables. But that is after having several bowls of different kinds of chili. Supper first and then lots of dessert.
I don’t think I mentioned my new dolly acquisition. When Jo Flitton still had Jo’s Doll Shoppe I fell in love with her 8″ Heartstring dolls. She sold the rights to the dolls and they are now sold under the name Little Charmings. They are sold on eBay. I ran across one the other day I could not refuse. She is called Geneva Summer. Her dress is beautiful and she has on the prettiest, pair of tiny yellow patent leather shoes. And the price was great.
Congrats on your new doll! I sure understand the feeling of, “ I must have that doll!”
Enjoy your Geneva Summer!
Congrats on Geneva. I’ve always wanted a Heartstring doll, but haven’t found one so far. You’re lucky to have found one. 🙂 I think we’ll need a pic of her when she arrives. 🙂
My favorite column of the year. I love seeing the bonfire and all the good food and happy people.
There is a huge tree across the street from me. It has finally turned gold and is stunning against the blue sky. It’s about 25 years od — I remember it when it looked like a stick.