Reflections on September 11th... // Plus, Uplifting New Movies to Watch this Weekend - See Here:

image via: Cross Cards

Dear friends... On this weekend, as we reflect on the 20th year since September 11th, 2001, let us pray for the family and friends who remain and never forget what happened that day. Psalm 34:18 promises us this: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Do you remember where you were on September 11th? I was watching on TV from home that day as each horrible event unfolded that morning and praying hard it would come to an end; I recall holding family close and calling other family members on the phone - just wanting that connection with loved ones. It was such a dark morning, but through it all came stories of heroism that brought new light out of the darkness.

News networks will, of course, be covering the 9-11 memorials throughout Saturday. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani began the reading of the victim's names at Ground Zero in 2002 and this honorable, heartfelt tradition will continue this year at the 9/11 Memorial in New York — carried out by family members of those killed on September 11, 2001. There will also be memorials at the Pentagon in Washington, DC and the crash site of the United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Also, be sure to watch on TV Saturday evening for the incredible Tribute in Light. The 9-11 Memorial & Museum describes it as "a commemorative public art installation first presented six months after 9/11 and then every year thereafter, from dusk to dawn, on the night of September 11. It has become an iconic symbol that both honors those killed and celebrates the unbreakable spirit of New York." The Tribute in Light at Ground Zero truly is a beautiful tribute; once again showing that light outshines the darkness.

My prayers go out to all whose lives were immeasurably shattered and changed forever on September 11th.

It is hard to transition on to other subjects after this, but at the end of this difficult day on Saturday, if you are looking for something lighthearted to watch on TV, then you may want to turn to Hallmark's new movie, which includes a storyline of a Lieutenant who has recently left military service and is adapting to life back home. I am beyond grateful for our military, who keeps us safe from terrorists every day. See details for this movie and others below...

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Saturday, September 11, 2001:

It's the first Fall Harvest movie premiere on Hallmark with...

Roadhouse Romance

image: Credit: ©2021 Crown Media United States 

Storyline: Lieutenant Callie Jackson (Lauren Alaina) arrives home from her tour of duty and must come to terms with everything that’s changed while she was away, especially at her family’s iconic BBQ establishment, Tucker’s Roadhouse. She is determined to continue her late grandfather’s legacy at the Roadhouse, which has always been a destination for great food and discovering new country music talent. Callie steps up to help her mother and aunt prepare for the fall festival at Tucker’s Roadhouse, which also means searching for her late grandfather’s special barbecue sauce recipe which was lost while she was away. After a chance run-in with TV director Luke (Tyler Hynes), who is passing through town, he helps Callie determine what is worth hanging on to and when it’s time to let go.

Credit: Copyright 2021 Crown Media United States
LLC/Photographer: Luba Popovic

Look for this MUSIC in the Movie:

Lauren Alaina performs her popular song “Run” and “What Do You Think Of,” which appears on her new album, recently released on September 3rd - Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World. (Sample the album at Amazon - click here!) She also sings a cover of Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing at All,” the first song she performed at Tootsies in Nashville when she was just 12 years old.

Roadhouse Romance premieres

Saturday, September 11, 2001

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, September 12, 2001

Love in Translation

Story-line via UPtv: Linguistics Ph.D. student Julie Walters can speak almost every language and believes that languages are best learned when doing fun activities like taking a painting class, hiking or visiting a Museum. When Dan, the handsome curator at the museum Julie dreams of working at, contacts her about French classes, sparks soon fly – could this be the perfect match?

Love in Translation premieres

Sunday, September 12, 2001

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

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Sunday, September 12, 2001

Chesapeake Shores

Season 5 - Episode 5

"They Can't Take That Away From Me"

Credit: ©2021 Crown Media United States
LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Storyline via Hallmark: As Chesapeake Shores Day approaches, Evan (Robert Buckley) decides to stick around – much to Abby’s (Meghan Ory) chagrin – and stays at Jess (Laci Mailey) and David’s (Carlo Marks) B&B. Mick (Treat Williams) learns that he is being sued and that Connor’s (Andrew Francis) firm is representing the plaintiff. Sarah (Jessica Sipos) receives some unexpected news and isn’t sure how to tell Kevin (Brendan Penny). Nell (Diane Ladd) has an idea to help Megan (Barbara Niven) get through to famously reclusive artist, Arthur Driscoll (Keith Dinicol). Kevin (Penny) becomes increasingly concerned about firehouse Captain Gahagan’s (Peter Bryant) ability to safely do his job.

Chesapeake Shores airs

Sunday, September 12, 2001

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, September 12, 2001

Redemption in Cherry Springs

Credit: ©2021 Crown Media United States

Storyline: After fallout from a story, reporter Melanie goes home to Cherry Springs for a break. When a friend disappears, she uses her skills to get to the truth, to the local detective's dismay.

Redemption in Cherry Springs premieres

Sunday, September 12, 2001

at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

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May you all have a peaceful weekend. We may live all across the United States, and even across the world, but I'm holding all of my dear friends here a little bit closer today.

God Bless America!

Love and Blessings to You All, Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

Let us remember with this purpose in mind...

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”

(Romans 12:21)

HALLMARK CHANNEL'S NEW FALL HARVEST 2021 MOVIES in September and October! 🍁🍃🍂 SEE HERE:

Get ready to fall for new movies in September and October for Fall Harvest on the Hallmark Channel with Hallmark stars: Nikki DeLoach, Tyler Hynes, Laura Osnes and more! See all the new movie details below...

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FALL HARVEST:

Roadhouse Romance

Premiere Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 9:00 PM / 8:00c

Starring: Lauren Alaina and Tyler Hynes

image: Hallmark Crown Media

Storyline: Country music fan Callie is determined to continue her late grandfather's legacy. While TV director Luke is in town, he teaches her that sometimes it's best to look forward instead of back.


Reviews:

🍁 "I thought Roadhouse Romance was exceptional also, so happy for the good report on it's success." ~Clara

🍁 "I liked Roadhouse Romance. It was different in a good way. No misunderstandings...that twist that always seems to be near the end. Lauren had such a sweet spirit and beautiful smile. She and Tyler were very flirty and playful with each other...loved it! Of course I already knew how beautiful she can sing. So no disappointment there. Tyler was great as always. And it's family friendly! Big plus these days!" ~Joyce in Carolina

🍁 "It was good.. didn't show anyone drinking, but referred to it. But, of course it was centered at a Roadhouse. Actually, it had less than some other Hallmark movies. Other than that, the movie story line was good, the actors were incredible, (Being Lauren Alaina first movie)" ~ Rita Kaye

🍁 "I enjoyed Roadhouse Romance, too. Lauren Alaina was a better actress than Kellie Pickler, although I like them both. I glad that Luke (Hines) was frequently jotting down Grandpa Tucker's words of wisdom." ~Namegirl

🍁 "Roadhouse Romance Kudos to Lauren Alaina - I had never heard of her before and was pleasantly surprised. For a first movie I think her acting was pretty good and her singing was superb. She was a different type physically from the normal Hallmark heroine and it may be because of this that Tyler seemed slightly shrunken and not just as large as life as usual. The banter was good between them but while they felt warm and comfortable in each other's company I couldn't honestly say I felt any sparks. The secondary cast didn't quite live up to expectations. Cassie's ex-boyfriend was slimy, I didn't warm to her sister although I appeciate she had the worry of the failing Roadhouse to contend with, the mother seemed somehow unreal and Luke's partner was cold, manipulative and self-centred. I'm afraid the performances from them were a bit sub-par. It moved along at a fair pace even if the plot about a missing recipe seemed a bit twee. The ending was a bit unsatisfactory. I know Hallmark has a habit of not paying attention to the minor details. That must have been the smallest crowd of 300 at the Festival I have ever seen! Anyway how could the Roadhouse even accomodate this number of people? We saw Luke make a certain deal with his girlfriend and to be fair she kept her part of the bargain. When he returned it looked as if he had broken his promise or at least we weren't aware of any second deal - that is one thing that annoyed me. How they expected the future to pan out wasn't addressed. Normally in Hallmark you expect the relationship to be forever but in this case I was sadly left feeling unsure. Overall I enjoyed the movie with reservations. Tyler displayed his usual acting abilty - I think most would now accept he must be considered Hallmark's leading man" - Florence's rating 7.

🍁 "This movie is soothing for the country soul – with a touch of Southern charm! Lauren Alaina and Tyler Hynes are rather fun together; it was cute to see their playful banter back and forth. Most of all, I liked that Lauren Alaina’s character, Lieutenant Callie Jackson, served in the military and was finally home after two years. It was interesting to see her deal with changes that had occurred since her leaving, especially with an old boyfriend and the decline in customers at Tucker’s Roadhouse, which was her late Grandfather Tucker’s establishment. Overall, I thought Lauren’s acting was okay. I remember when she was on American Idol – so to me, she’s a singer first. I thought she looked the most comfortable when she was on stage (in the movie) singing. While she and Tyler were cute – I actually thought their characters seemed more like friends, at times, than potential love interests. There was also a bit of discussion on-line that the American flag in Tucker’s Roadhouse was improperly displayed behind the stage, but I don’t believe any disrespect was intended. The Union (the blue background portion of the American flag where the 50 stars are sewn or appliqued) is supposed to be on the left, but it was displayed in the movie on the right. Hopefully, they will get this correct in future set displays. Another note, I thought the production quality was mostly good, except whenever the characters were in the car. You could tell they were using a green screen to display the images outside and it looked quite fake. That special effect made the movie seem a bit cheesy; however, all in all, it was an enjoyable story; Tyler Hynes was likeable, as always, and Lauren Alaina was sassy and sweet, plus her singing was lovely. Roadhouse Romance is ideal for a family viewing!" ~Net

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Raise a Glass to Love

Premiere Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 9:00 PM / 8:00c

Starring: Laura Osnes and Juan Pablo Di Pace

Storyline: Aspiring Master Sommelier Jenna returns to her family vineyard to study and is intrigued by the natural methods of the handsome new, Argentinian winemaker, Marcelo.

Review:
🍁 "Watched Raise A Glass To Love and loved it! I fell in love with Laura's co-star. I love kids but it was nice to see a couple, never married, who had never met, develop a relationship. Her parents are regular Hallmark stars. Family friendly!" ~kitkat

🍁 "Raise a Glass to Love - First of all, Laura Osnes was lovely in this movie; I enjoyed seeing her in this beautiful country setting. Overall, it was lighthearted and completely G-rated; however, there was a lot of focus throughout the movie on wine – creating it, drinking it and judging it. No scene went by without the mentioning of wine in some capacity; however, Laura Osnes shined throughout this movie. I only wish we could’ve heard her sing in the vineyard!" ~Net

🍁 "Raise A Glass To Love Wow - just Wow! There have been barely half-a-dozen Hallmark offerings this year anywhere near their former glories - this doesn't just join them, it knocks them out of the ballpark! The chemistry between Laura Osnes and Juan Pablo di Pace is simply off the scale right from the moment they meet and their acting was simply first grade. Ms Osnes in particular was a revelation. You can see Marcelo struggling to control his feelings although Jenna is slower to succumb as she tries to remain steadfast to her boyfriend and achieve her lifetime ambition of becoming a Master Sommelier. It was captivating to watch as the relationship progressed - normally with Hallmark you can pretty much know exactly what is going to happen but this was not formulaic and instead of the usual contrived situations there was a more mature and sophisticated approach with freshness and vitality - it was almost hard to believe this was a Hallmark movie. No good guy/ bad guy scenario between Marcelo and Jenna's boyfriend Aidan played by Matthew James Dowden or the expected roadblock near the end of the movie. In the end Aidan's outlook on life was just simply different to Jenna's although it took her long enough to realise it, maybe the one slight disappointment being that she needed to be pushed. There were also a number of other familiar Hallmark faces in evidence. I was so involved in the movie that when Jenna and Marcelo appeared to say goodbye, he to a fantastic job offer in Australia and she to her new job as Sommelier in Aidan's San Francisco restaurant I was literally on the verge of tears. Yes, there was a lot of wine drinking but I personally enjoyed the plot centred around the vineyard and the wine tasting although with the amount of time given to it I can appreciate that this might be excessive for those who wouldn't have a particular interest in this. And wonder of wonders Hallmark actually provided a pretty great ending as Marcelo explained to Jenna how they could be partners in a new vineyard sharing everything between them. When he said "Home is not a place, it's a feeling and for me I think it's a person, Jenna... Jenna, you're my love, it's you Jenna I LOVE YOU" And then a passionate kiss! Who couldn't be moved by this? I was crying tears of joy! - hubby was in stitches laughing at me. As the website says It's a Wonderful MOVIE Did I say how much I loved this - maybe Hallmark can restore my faith in it! Florence's rating 10 and it's not a score I give lightly. Memo to Hallmark - it's really about time Matthew James Dowden was cast in a leading role." ~Florence

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Taking The Reins
(Previously: Love at the Steeplechase)

Premiere Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 9:00 PM / 8:00c

Starring: Nikki DeLoach and Scott Porter

Nikki DeLoach - on the set of "Love at the Steeplechase" - via: Instagram

Storyline: A writer goes back to the family ranch to write an article about her passion for horses and discovers what ended her marriage and why she stopped riding horses.


Reviews:

🍁 "Warning! Taking the Reins is not family friendly. Has same sex couple near the end of the movie! Was like a slap in the face! Didn't see it coming! So disappointed!!" ~Joyce in Carolina

🍁 "My heart is hurting today. I watched Taking The Reins and it was a beautiful story until about 7 minutes before the ending. Then a gay introduced his boyfriend to Nikki's sister, took the guy's hand and said "let's dance". Until that point, I had enjoyed watching Nikki give one of her best performances. After seeing the gay scene, that movie was ruined for me. I was so upset, sleep would not come. I prayed myself to sleep. Now I am not sure I can watch another Hallmark movie until someone reviews it. Such a shame! Hallmark rated this movie G. What will it take for Hallmark to put a CAUTION on their movies?" ~kitkat

🍁 "Taking the Reins was a nice movie, until the last few minutes, when the guy the sister liked introduced her to his boyfriend. Then the camera made sure to show them in the background slow dancing." ~Jennifer R.

🍁 "Be warned: Taking the Reins is NOT family friendly.In the last five minutes, a man (not a main character, but a pretty important minor one) introduces his boyfriend and they hold hands and dance. I was so relieved that I had sent my ten year old daughter to take a bath before that part came on (she had been transfixed by the horses). It's a shame they threw it in - it was completely unnecessary." ~melnewlife

🍁 "Taking the Reins Alexandra thinks Matthew gonna ask her out when Matt has a boyfriend named Jared Alex asks Samantha when she wonders why Matthew didn’t ask her out Alex asks a black guy to dance with her." ~Anonymous

🍁 "I was disappointed at the nearend of Taking the Reins that one of the actors had to introduce his boyfriend and went off holding hands. This was inserted into a perfectly good movie to that point. As a Christain I do not like that." ~Anonymous

🍁 "Watched Take the Reins and was very disappointed. Let's just say Not for christians. We really like Nickie DeLoache(not sure if I spelled her name right). Anyway, deleted it from the dvr and won't be watching it again. Didn't even see the whole movie." ~Anonymous

🍁 "Watched 2 movies this weekend. Now I haven't watched many Hallmark movies this year, and after watching Taking the Reins, I felt like i wasn't going to watch anymore. But I also watched Love Strikes Twice and will give my take on that as well as the horse movie: Taking the Reins--Had a good cast, felt like it would be fall unlike most of the fall movies such as South Beach Love and Advice to love By, so I thought let me watch. Even before the out of the blue, hit you in the face ending, the movie confused me to no end. How old was Nikki D supposed to be in this movie? She and her husband divorced, she said they were young, yes Nikki is beautiful and could be younger, but she is over 40 and her character seemed at first like she was at least mid to upper 30's. Her sister looked 23. and then she said it had been 3 years since being on the horse. So her and her husband divorced 3 years ago? Or were they divorced and she still competed? I was confused terribly. Maybe they divorced, he left, and she finally stopped riding? I dont know cause i was confused. I liked that her and her husband were finally talking about all the tings they should have before they divorced. I know marriages end cause of lack of communication it just seemed t me that it was all over the place. Was she only a writer for 3 years? she rode horses before? And the ending, I mean Hallmark should be ashamed of themselves. I didnt see a person of color thru the whole movie, so someone was like "ok, you have to add in a same sex and person of color, i dont care where just somewhere" someone in charge "ok". and boom, the guy had a boyfriend the whole time and out pops the african american guy to dance with her sister. The filled the quota and everyone involved in the movie feels like a slam dunk. That was embarrassing and it almost to me, borders on how can we throw this in as a surprise and fill the quota. In very bad taste Hallmark, and people should be embarrassed." ~Sabrina (comment continues below with review for "Love Strikes Twice")

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Love Strikes Twice

Premiere Date: Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 9:00 PM / 8:00c

Starring: Katie Findlay and Wyatt Nash

NOTE: Katie Findlay and Wyatt Nash previously starred together in the 2 part series: "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" in 2015. This is not a sequel to that movie; they will be portraying different characters.

Storyline: Maggie (Findlay) and Josh (Nash) are an out-of-sync married couple. Maggie wishes for a do-over and wakes up 15 years earlier. Will she choose Josh again or is an ex-boyfriend her happily ever after?


Reviews:

🍁 "I am not a big fan of time travel/altered reality movies, but I just finished Love Strikes Twice and I absolutely LOVED it! Not only did it not have anything objectionable in it, I feel it had some great positive messages about love and marriage. In addition, it was just plain fun. SO different, in my opinion, from the usual fare. I haven’t been watching as many Hallmark movies this year, but I’m very happy I watched this one!" ~Sharon

🍁 "Sharon, I too loved this movie. I did not plan to watch but recorded it as a maybe. After reading your review, I did watch it. Love Strikes Twice is different in a positive way. Just a happy, feel good story. Katie Findlay was perfect for the lead. It was so much better than I expected." ~kitkat

🍁 "Love Strikes Twice was hilarious! I recommend this family-friendly movie for anyone in need of some good laughs! It was a bit confusing sometimes as it seemed she wanted to change her life rather than return to it, but all in all was a good movie! Katie Findlay is so funny and needs to be in more movies! A mystery series with her would be perfect!" ~Anonymous

🍁 "Love Strikes Twice, I watched after Reins and kept waiting for the pop up gay or filling quota person, kept waiting, and didnt ever see it :) They surprised me and also surprised me cause this movie was so good. It was funny and good. I kept thinking it would go the way all these movies do, she would wake up and run to her husband and say no we cant break up. But it ended with her where she was going 15 years ago, to a happy marriage with her husband and in the town they grew up in. I was so happy, I saved this movie and will watch again. So loved the brother/sister relationship, loved that she wasn't back in time trying to erase everything, just trying to live it out by doing what was right. Great movie :)" ~Sabrina

🍁 "Loved, loved, loved "Love Strikes Twice". I don't remember ever watching anything with that actress, but she just comes alive on film and is so natural. I'm not a fan of time travel type books or movies, but this one is a keeper for me." ~~Jane

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South Beach Love

Premiere Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 9:00 PM / 8:00c

Starring: Taylor Cole and William Levy

Storyline: From New York Times Bestselling Author Caridad Piñeiro and Hallmark Publishing comes a story about rival quinceañeras, glorious Cuban cooking, friendship, family ties – and romance.


Review:

🍁 "South Beach Love was family friendly, but it didn't really keep my attention for some reason. The only reason I kept watching was to see what the quinceanera's where like (forgive me if I misspelled that). I don't understand why this was a fall harvest movie either? They even talk about Fourth of July and there are fireworks, so with the setting in Miami, it felt more like a summer movie. I loved the girls' party dresses at the end, but the overall movie, not so much." ~melnewlife

🍁 "South Beach Love I’m absolutely love this about is about friendship, family ties—and romance. Sara Kelly & Tony Rodriquez’s Nieces; Lola Kelly & Teresa Sanchez’s 15 birthday - Quinceanera Parties just before Teresa’s in the same weekends; same emerald green dress & weekends. Sara & Tony are planning on cooking together for their Nieces’ quinceañeras! Both Tony & Sara should become business partners at Ernesto ? The entire family staring at Tony & Sara through the window at the end was so hilariously adorable! Sara & Tony finally open their "Cubish" restaurant with a combination of Irish & Cuban dishes called; “Cuba & Irish Fusion. A Quinceanera, a celebration of a girls 15th Birthday. Teresa wears a emerald green gown & Lola wears a blush pink at their Quinceanera.Sara got accepted to be featured in the magazine as well! Double Quince for Teresa & Lila for Quinceaneras Parties. Two families come together for Teresa & Lola’s Quinceancera? Teresa’s Mom; Maria & Lola’s Mom; Dolores make up as their friends since High School when the teen girls make video screen of their Moms with help of Lola’s Aunt Sara. Could bring Tony & Sara back together for Teresa & Lola’s Quinceanera. Including Magazine cover; Savory South Florida with Quinceanera Cuisine. Teresa & Lola’s Quinceanera Party with separate tables. They dance with their friends. Lola & Teresa attending Gable Academy. Sara & Tony with his family at the Floridan Club to dance with Spanish Music. This brought two families back to get her, now the the End Happiness ever after Lola tells her Aunt Sara about Quinceañera Catastrophe when Lola tells her Aunt Sara about her & Tony in front door. Both Teresa & Lola want to end family feud & they could find a way to bring two families & friends together for double Quinceanera unless their Moms could make up. Tony & Sara Kiss at their Nieces’ 15th Birthday with fireworks in background. 6 months later, They open their own restaurant called; Cubish. Their families staring thru the windows with the door." ~Anonymous

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Advice to Love By
(Previously: Flirting With Romance)

Premiere Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 9:00 PM / 8:00c

Starring: Erinn Westbrook and Brooks Darnell

Storyline: When a “love advice” author (Westbrook) crosses paths with a dating columnist (Darnell), an attraction begins to blossom into more. As both use strategies from their own playbooks to win over the other, is it possible that they’ve both met their match?


Review:

🍁 "I just now got around to watching "Advice to Love By," and it is not completely family-friendly. At about 40 minutes in, the bookstore owner asks romance advice from the leading lady, and one of her comments is: "do you know if she...or he...feels the same? He is interested in a woman, but, of course, they just had to sneak that in the script. Overall, it's not a keeper for me." ~Alicia

🍁 "Agree with Alicia’s review above… “Advice to Love By” was also not a keeper for me. The chemistry was okay, somewhat cute, at times, but the leading lady, writer Kendall Turner, is kind of an uppity, know-it-all most of the time, while reporter, Nathan Hart, is fun and friendly, totally likable. I loved when a guy Kendall thought liked her, ended up liking someone else. It was nice for Kendall to see - everything wasn't about her. Also, please note the caution on dialogue Alicia mentioned above. Other than that brief, unnecessary comment, it was family friendly and I liked the relationship between the sisters." ~Net

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So... what do you think of these NEW upcoming movies for Fall Harvest? Please share which movie you are looking forward to.

Please note: If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments below.

Blessings, Net

Fall Harvest DVD's - from Amazon:
(click on your favorite DVD below for order details)