'D's DayDreams

OUR FRINGE TREES

2011-05-13T20:26:00.010-04:00

It was a warm, sunny day and I took a break from my chores and went to sit on the front porch for a while. As a gentle wind blew, a beautiful fragrance was carried with it. It was coming from the Fringe Trees (common name) that line our driveway. We've had these trees for years, but I never caught that lovely aroma in the past, maybe because I usually sit on the back porch.

My husband ordered these trees, on line from a nursery, after we saw one on a trip to Pennsylvania to visit the kids. We must have just hit it at the right time because they only flower right after the the Dogwood flowers have faded, and only for about two weeks, if the weather conditions are right.

When we received them, there are ten, they were only about twelve inches tall. The cataloge says they grow about 10 feet tall by 10 feet wide. Ours have grown all different sizes, two are very small but full of blossoms this year.

In the fall the leaves turn a bright yellow. The female trees grow clusters of dark blue, grape like fruit, which is eaten by birds.

Below is one of the short ones, I sure wish that they'd grow up..... LOL

I think that a company should make a perfume from them. It would make a great fragrance, not too heavy, not too sweet.

I just checked out the TIME LIFE Encyclopedia Of Gardening for Trees. It stated that these trees grow up to 12 to 15 feet in about 10 years. It also states that it evenually can become 25 to 30 feet tall. That's not what we originally read when we ordered them.

Have a great day. Hope you enjoyed learning about our trees.

THE BALD EAGLES

2011-05-13T14:01:00.009-04:00

CHASE COMMUNITY GIVING, located on FACEBOOK, is giving monies to non-profit organizations for betterment of their facilities. I'm asking you to please go to Facebook and vote for the WILDLIFE CENTER OF VIRGINIA and the NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDENS. You have to have a Facebook account, which is very easy to open if you don't have one. You will get five votes, but can only vote once for each of those in the running. PLEASE, PLEASE vote for these two worthy causes, they are all wonderful, caring people who are watching out for our AMERICAN BALD EAGLES and for their care and safety. You must chick ' LIKE' first when you get to the CHASE site, before you can vote, so keep that in mind. THANK YOU....

Hi everyone, I tried something new to post, it didn't work as I hoped it would. In order to view the photos, so that you can read the print, double click on each page and when the page opens SINGLE click and the print will enlarge. I hope that you enjoy the story.

Re-arranging and Repurposing

2011-02-07T10:06:00.010-05:00

I love to move things around in the house, or add something, which I call re-purposing. I've wanted to include some pictures around the clock since last year. I've had some little photos that our daughter, Cindy, took hanging up in the loft, but they were seldom seen up there. These pictures came from when Cindy dressed-up, the kids at her day care, in old fashioned clothes, and took pictures of them for the Moms, for Mother's Day gifts from the kids. I absolutely love these photos and now I can see them more often. I also hung the 'pie keeper' that Cindy had given me last year, it was painted by a friend's mother-in-law, and was too nice to use as a pie keeper.

A little closer look at the grouping.

I also moved the love seat around this weekend. I didn't care for it on an angel, the way that it was first placed. It didn't serve well in that position, it was uncomfortable seating when we had company. That is an odd corner in the room, because we can't place anything against the wall, there is a large heat/air vent in the wall that can't be covered up.

So, I moved the love seat, which doesn't leave a lot of 'traffic room' in front of the French doors, it's only the width of the door, but makes for a much better seating arrangement, so I'm pleased with it. Plus I've moved many of my decorating books on the built-in hutch and it's a nice place to sit and look through my books. Those pictures in the bottom, left corner of the photo are the pictures that I no longer have wall space for after we moved the wall unit, I'm trying to come up with a new place to hang them.

A view of the new seating arrangement . Through the French doors you can see the foyer, which has been housing our outdoor hanging plants for the winter. WHAT A MISTAKE THAT WAS, one I won't make next year.

This makes for a much better seating arrangement, and a much cozier space, in our Traditional/English Country living room. I really enjoy taking time out during my day and just sitting in here, taking some 'me time'. It's also the place I head to first thing in the morning with my cup of coffee. I watch the neighbors walking their dogs each day and the antics of the dogs greeting one another.

SHOW AND TELL

2011-01-19T14:11:00.018-05:00

As I was taking down our Christmas decorations in our family room, I realized that I had never posted the new look to our fireplace. The photo above was taken showing the mantel as it looked for Christmas in the past. We loved the way it looked, but my husband wanted to convert the gas fireplace, to a wood burning fireplace. After having a fireplace installer look it over, he told us that it couldn't be converted because there wasn't a suitable foundation under the chimney. Having his heart set on a wood burner, my husband looked into a free standing wood burner. Of course since the fireplace surround was made of wood, that had to be changed because of the heat that would be generated.

Today the surround is all marble tiles, with larger tiles making up the hearth. We decided to hold off filling in the grout, in the trim work, waiting to see if there is any type of shrinkage, do to the heat that comes from the wood stove. So it's still 'a bit' of a work in progress. My husband is very good at doing tile and stone work, I've often told him that he missed his calling. But I always get to pick out the tiles he uses, so I get to be part of the projects too.

A little closer look. Those horse head fireplace tools came from my boutique, the Collie weather vane I found on line.

I've still decorated the mantel with some of my favorite accent pieces and artwork. The Collies in the print over the mantel, look very much like the three Collies that I had, all at the same time. Seth would be the sable, Shadow the blue merel and Shilo the tri colored (MY BOYS). I lost all three, of my beauties, to old age within a year's time in 1997/98.

On the left are special pieces, which I refer to as my grandfather and grandmother. My father's parents were Italian, farmers, so the HomeCo pieces that I purchased, over the years, remind me of them. The horse figurine, was made for me by our oldest son's godfather. My father loved horses and there is seldom a photo of him that doesn't have a horse in it. He's either on it or standing next on one, so that had to be part of that vignette.

My love for horses must have been passed down from him, for as long as I can remember, I've always collected horse figurines. Of course I've always wanted to own a real one, but when I realized that would never happen, my 'love affair' started with The Collie. I received my first Collie, as a graduation present, from my then boyfriend, Billy. I named him Lucky. The framed stitchery, of the Collie puppy, was made for me by one of the crafters who placed things in my boutique to sell. I would take items in on consignment for crafters, it helped to add merchandise to my store, when I first opened, and it also helped the crafters in the area have a place to sell their crafts. It worked out well for all of us. Some made as much as $500 a month, that wasn't bad for a stay-at-home mom, who wanted to earn so extra income.

Although I've tried to decorate this room with a little more of a masculine look, for my husband to feel comfortable in, I put 'the heart of me' in it too, using art work and figurines of Collies and Horses. My favorite art pieces are by artist Cindy Alvarado. She sure knows how to capture the beauty of a Collie. I was told, that the Collie that she painted with the cat and the fence, called 'PLAY TIME', comes from the same bloodline as one of my Collies, Seth. He was a beauty and looked just like the one in that picture.

I just love this grouping, and often sit and look.........and let myself enjoy 'D'sDayDreams. ;)

I hope to get the walls re-pained sometime soon, I like the green in the summer, it makes the room feel nice and cool. On the other hand, it makes it feel cold in the winter. I have two bolts of fabric, waiting behind the office door, to make new window treatments, but I keep putting it off, hoping to paint first and remove the Leopard border. The border seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm tired of it now and it starting to look a 'little tacky' to me.

LIVINGROOM MAKEOVER

2011-01-06T14:19:00.011-05:00

I guess we all have to take a break from things
sometimes, and that's what I did when I didn't
post for a while. Actually, I've been 'down in the dumps' since I lost my beautiful, Collie,
Sergei, in July, and it seemed that every time
I tried to write, that I became very emotional
and had to stop what I was doing. I can't explain
why that was happening, but it did. However, this is a new year and I wanted to post about the
things that have been keeping us busy.

The picture above shows the new arrangement of our living room. Last year, in January, my husband removed the wall to wall, kelly green, carpet and laid down our new hardwood floors. It was such a welcome change and they look great. If you have viewed my blog in the past, you may remember that our four piece wall unit was standing side by side and covered the side window that is shown here.

I had always used the wall unit as one piece and was hesitant about separating it. However, I love the way it's being used now, as corner units.

Now that the window is uncovered, I had to make another top treatment to match the one we already had on the front window. I never thought that I'd be able to match the fabric, after all, it's been years since I made the first one. But, I lucked out and found the material at my favorite on line store, http://www.barnfabriccenter.com/
I couldn't match the fringe, so I removed it from the front treatment until I can find what I need for both of them.

Now I have a dilemma, I was thinking of getting plantation blinds for the window because with the curtains off, I'm in love with the way the sun
shows thru the window and shines on the fern
and highlights the embellishments on my little
Chinese chest.

We had always planned on purchasing window grilles for our windows, but now after seeing how the sun plays in the room, I'm not sure what to do. I did get in touch with the Anderson Window Company trying to get information on the cost of the grilles, so if they are too costly, that may be our deciding factor, not that plantation blinds will cost any less. :(

Let me also mention here, that when I first started looking for the plaid material to match the wing back that we had purchased, I found it in one store selling for $39 a yard.

After shopping around I was able to purchase it for $14 a yard. However, this last purchase of the material at Barn Fabric Center, I was able to buy it for $3.99 a yard. :)

Pictured in this last photo, is the other two wall unit pieces, cornered and used as a desk area. For now, until I come across an area rug that I like, I'm using one of the rugs from our bedroom under the coffee table. In this picture you can also see a little of our new hardwood floors.
That's it folks......WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

Hugs
'D'

A RIDE DOWN CANAL ST. ON MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-15T11:23:00.009-04:00

Last year, when Rue of (PBAJL) posted some pictures from one of her many driving tours, I mentioned that, someday I'd have to remember to take my camera along on our drive, so that I could share photos of some of the houses on THE CANAL, in Lewes, Delaware. There are so many beautiful houses along that road, most of them have been renovated, there are some that are new, but I've lost track of the homes that have been there, they all look new to me now. The first one, is one of the smaller homes, and I do think it is one of the older ones, with it's new look.
In another month, the flower beds will be filled with fantastic color from the flowers that will bloom there. They don't put them in the ground until after the threat of frost has passed. That doesn't stop the owners from having beautifully manicured lawns.

How nice it would be to live in one of these beauties, however, I'm not sure that I would like having people, like myself, diving the road taking pictures all the time. Plus there isn't a home on this road that has less than a million dollar price tag.

Most of the homes sit on a nice piece of property............................

Then there are a few that have been built right next to each other. They could be owned by the same family, maybe mother/daughter owners. Or a part of the property sold because of what the owners could make on the sale of a lot.

The row of houses in this photo, are located on the other side of the canal. They have all been built in the last ten years. When we first moved here that land was all marsh-like property.

Each of the original houses, came with a lot, as shown above, across the street from the home with access to The Canal. Each had a dock where they could tie up their boat or boats.

Most of the properties also have boat houses: it is not unusual to see the owners out there, usually on a Sunday morning, having brunch or some other kind of social event. I couldn't get a good picture of the more elaborate boat houses, as there were too many trees in the way, or another driver behind us was waiting to pass, when another car was coming in the opposite direction. But I'd take any one of them.

Well......maybe not any of them, this one is a little odd looking, but interesting. It had to take a lot of talent to get that 3-D look on the outside of the building.

Downtown Lewes is charming. It has many little shops that would perk any one's interest. It always amazes me how this area can support so many great activities year round, there is always something going on. So much so, that in the next few years, cruise ships will be docking here during their ocean voyage down the East Coast.

Hope you enjoyed a very small look at the homes on The Canal, maybe you just might see them for yourself some day.

Thank You Soldiers - Veteran's Day/Memorial Day Song

2010-04-24T12:37:00.000-04:00

IT'S A GOOD THING !!!!!

2010-04-17T18:01:00.005-04:00

As you enter our back yard, you'll walk under the Jasmine Vine. Last year there were far less blooms, however the year before there were more then this year. So it's always a surprise as to how many we will get every year. The thing I like most about this vine, is that it stays green all year long. We have birds that live there all the time, and raise newborns there also.

If you were visiting, and sitting under our little arbor by the pool shed, this is what you would see right now. Everything seems to be blooming much earlier then it did in past years, I'm sure it has to do with all the rain we've had over the months. However, the blooms don't last long, and there is little time to enjoy them. To think that my husband wanted to pull the vine out a few years ago because it wasn't blooming at all. I pouted and he agreed to leave it alone. Now we are talking about making the arbor bigger so we don't have to cut the vine back as much as we do. I've read that it takes seven years for a Wisteria Vine to bloom. :)

Even our Dogwood Tree has more blooms this year, although we lost one last year and had to replace it. I hope it will grow to be as beautiful as this one. I should have taken this picture up closer, so you could get a better look at it.

I'm afraid that a lot of our projects are keeping me from posting as often as I'd like, but I do enjoy keeping busy so it's a 'trade off'' for me. I have been visiting most of your blogs to see what new things your up too, so don't think I'm not around, I am. :)

Hope you and yours are all doing well.

Ciao

'D'

WATERFRONT PROPERTY ????????

2010-03-16T10:59:00.010-04:00

When we were looking for a new home, back in 1998, we did consider buying waterfront property. We've always loved being near or on the water. Little did we know that over ten years later, that we would experience what it would be like living near the water. Between all the snow and rain we've had over the past few months, the water just has no place to go. We do consider ourselves lucky however, since there are a lot of homes in our area that have water in their homes. One house has a rowboat propped up at their back door. Their driveway has so much water on it, that they have to park their car out on the road, use the boat to get out of their house, and to their car.

This picture was taken from the road in front of our house, our driveway is covered with water, only an inch or so deep, so we can drive on it.

This photo was taken looking out our bedroom window towards our driveway. That is our water-run-off pond in the upper middle of the picture, on the side of the driveway. For the last few years it has been completely empty.

The water comes from the left of our property and runs across it, at one point my husband found a fish, about 6 inches long, flapping across the driveway. He put it in our fish pond, but we haven't seen it since. Someone, north of us, must have a pond that overflowed and their fish got out, that is the only explanation we have for finding the fish in our yard.

I'm sure that our mailman doesn't enjoy delivering the mail these days. :(

When all this weather started, we were in the middle of doing projects inside our house. As you can see in this picture of our garage and my husband's work shed, have water in them, he can't get to his table saw etc. to use his tools, so our projects aren't completed. I'll post some photo's soon, but keep in mind that we aren't finished yet.

A GOOD MASSAGE

2010-02-01T09:38:00.005-05:00

My husband and I could use a good massage about now, we have been very busy around our house. Our plan was to pull up the living room carpet and lay down hardwood floors, it has turned out to be much more than that. Once the carpet was up, we decided the walls could use a fresh coat of paint. Which meant the Lattice Boarder had to come down first. Of course after the walls were painted, the trim around the French Doors 'cried out' to be painted too. I was already working on another project, that we had to let go unfinished just before Thanksgiving, because we didn't want to be working on it when our daughter and her family came for the holiday. I have one more coat of paint to put on the woodwork in there today and our powder room will be finished. Since I STILL DON'T HAVE MY CAMERA (cursing to myself here) I don't have any pictures to share with you.

We got over a foot of snow Saturday, so having projects inside to keep us busy isn't bad, just a little hard on the body as we've gotten older. We haven't been out of the house, other than to walk the dogs, our driveway is 150 ft. from the road and it's still snow covered. Usually the sun melts any snow we've gotten by the next day, but it seems this time it's sticking around, with the weatherman predicting more for Tuesday and the weekend.

Hopefully my NEW CAMERA will arrive soon and I can take some pictures of our recent projects. Until then.....Ciao...... stay well.

A GIVEAWAY

2010-01-21T10:26:00.004-05:00

I received a notice that there is going to be a GIVEAWAY at Ahrisha's.........

Why don't you drop by her blog and enter to win the PINK PIE PLATE shown above at http://joyouslylivinglife.blogspot.com Good luck!!!

I'M STILL AROUND

2010-01-13T20:19:00.002-05:00

2010

2010-01-01T07:29:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.
Wishing you all the best for 2010.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

2009-12-24T13:05:00.002-05:00

Wishing all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and the best of HEALTH for the NEW YEAR.

Olivia as the Ballerina

2009-12-12T19:19:00.004-05:00

Our granddaughter Olivia, in her solo performance of the Nutcracker. I'm sure our daughter took pictures of Kristen, so I'll add those when I get them. This is such an exciting time of the year for our little dancers.

I was able to buy the photo that was taken by the newspaper photographer. I had asked them to crop it, which was an option. I didn't want the men in the picture, but they didn't crop it. :( So I scanned the photo, and cropped it myself, it came out a little grainy.

The L.A. DANCE THEATRE INC. Presents THE NUTCRACKER

2009-12-06T14:54:00.006-05:00

OUR TWO 'STAR' PERFORMERS, GRANDDAUGHTERS, OLIVIA and KRISTEN CAMPION.

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Since my camera is still 'out for repairs' I thought I'd share some news, from proud grandparents. ;) Every year L.A. Dance Studio, which our granddaughters have belonged to since they were 3yrs. old, presents the Nutcracker. This year was Olivia's first solo performance as a Ballerina on top of a jewelry box. She also danced in a group as a Shepherdess. Kristen did a great job with her group as a Doll, which of course is just what she looked like to us. :)

The dance lessons mean a whole lot of running around for our daughter, Cindy, throughout the years, but I know how proud she is of the girls, when she sees their performances on that stage.

Hats off to all of the dance instructors, they put a lot of time and patience into their dance classes. I was surprised and pleased to see how many more boys are performing in the Nutcracker, than in the past. Maybe now, when it comes time for those school social dances, they might be a little easier on 'the girl's' feet. ;)

PS.....Pentax is sending me a new camera, hope it is here soon.

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

2009-11-21T07:20:00.002-05:00

Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land*
*Not a Christian was praying *
*Nor taking a stand,*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas-no one could say,*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things, *
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
*December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just got to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, and XBox, and I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd!*
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda,*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
*At Lowe's the word Christmas-was no where to be found*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
*Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me,*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
Not Happy Holiday!*

Please, all Christians join together and
Wish everyone you meet during the
holidays a
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season

SCALLOPS with MUSHROOMS and SPINACH

2009-10-01T20:38:00.003-04:00

It's another FOODIE FRIDAY hosted by Gollum at http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com, hope you dropped by to get some great recipes. Have a great day.......

I found this recipe in the latest issue of TRADITIONAL HOME magazine, so I tried it this past Friday, it was a big hit !!!!!. I thought I'd share it for Foodie Friday, especially for those of you that may not get the magazine, but also for those that did see it in their copy of the magazine and wondered about how good it would be. IT IS DELICIOUS.

20 sea scallops (about 2 pounds)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup finely ground walnuts

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)

1 cup chopped shallots

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced (3 cups)

1/2 cup dry white wine

8 ounces fresh baby spinach

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Shaved Parmesan cheese

Lemon slices for garnish

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Pat scallops dry with paper towels; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In medium bowl, mix together walnuts and flour. Add scallops a few at a time, tossing to coat; shake to remove excess flour.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet. Add half the scallops and saute without moving them until browned, about 3 minutes. Turn scallops and cook about 2 minutes more. Transfer to heat-proof platter; keep warm in oven. Saute remaining scallops, adding remaining oil, if necessary, and add to platter. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes more, or until scallops are opaque.

Meanwhile, melt butter in same skillet. (Some brown bits will remain from scallops.) Add shallots and mushrooms. Cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Remove skillet from heat. Add wine: return to heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 2 minutes, stirring with wooden spoon to loosen brown bits.

Gradually add spinach to skillet, tossing to wilt each handful before adding more. When all spinach is wilted, season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve spinach with scallops and top each serving with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with lemon slices.

ENJOY...........ENJOY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-28T07:35:00.021-04:00

Wouldn't you know, I've been waiting to show off my Roosters and when I went to upload them to my computer, I had problems........Although some are missing, I'm sharing all the pictures that I have.....good or bad photos.

Rudy Rooster shown above, greets visitors from the back porch to our house. For you rooster lovers who may want him, I bought him on line at http://www.bobsflags.com/

Some of you may remember this rooster, he sits on my island in our kitchen, I bought him at Marshall's years ago, he was made in Italy, I paid $100 for him.

This guy greets me every day when I reach for my morning coffee. He was bought at Kirkland's for $39.

This rooster stands under the end of the kitchen island, he is my latest one, a gift from my son for my last birthday. He came from Lowe's Garden Center.

I believe this sitting rooster also came from Kirkland's, I'm not sure how much he cost.

I can't remember where this came from???????? Take notice to the rooster border, it is coming down soon.

The plate came from Marshall's, the creamer and sugar were a gift, there is a teapot to match, that picture is one that I lost in my camera.

More plates from Marshall's, and one half of a pair of figurines I purchased at least fifteen years ago at Boscov's.

The other half of collection shown above.

Creamer and sugar, a gift from friends.

Rooster mugs and a plate from Marshall's. Sorry it's not a good picture of the mugs. :(

Latest plate from Marshall's.

Rooster light, a gift from friends. They found it at QVC outlet.

Another gift from friends, it came from Kirkland's.

Rooster rugs that I bought at Home Decorators, there are three runners and a round one under the kitchen table (that was one of the pictures that I lost somewhere in the camera).

I also have rooster curtains and extra fabric, I honestly did take a picture of it, but that is also one that isn't showing up. The fabric is called Cock-A-Doodle-Doo and was purchased on line at the Fabric Place, the store went out of business this year. :(

Oh, how could I forget.....I even have writing paper from some of my grandchildren.

HELLO........

2009-07-24T10:54:00.003-04:00

We have been very busy at our house, so I thought I'd just send a little message to those of you who might visit here and notice that I have not been posting very often. So many unexpected things have come up leaving me little time to post, or just too tired to think of anything clever to add.

Hope your all enjoying your summer.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

2009-07-04T11:48:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th Everyone

CATCHING UP On SHARE a GARDEN SUNDAY

2009-06-28T12:01:00.027-04:00

Time has flown by and we have been very busy at our house with projects and with family events. From when I last posted, we have had our granddaughter, Kristen's, First Communion, followed by our grandson, Dex's, birthday, then our granddaughter, Dominique's, H.S. Graduation. And that was only in May. June isn't over yet and we've already celebrated our Nephew, Ernesto, and Kristy's, wedding, our granddaughter, Devan's, 21st birthday, our son, Rick's, birthday, granddaughter, Olivia's, birthday, and also my sister, Joyce's, birthday, who was a twin, but our beloved brother, Joe, has passed but is always remembered.

I've been trying to follow your blogs, to see what you've all been up to, but I've been so busy, that most of the time I didn't let you know I was lurking about. Today I visited Robyn's blog and saw her post of her beautiful Tiger Lily, that pushed me into taking some pictures of my own to share.

My first photo is of our Lilies that have filled our 'run off' pond in the front of our yard, along the driveway. Last month the pond was surrounded by Irises, both yellow and purple. All of the flowers that grow there were transplanted from other areas around our house. They have all multiplied from a few to what you see now.

Much of our 'down time' is spent watching the birds that come to our yard. Most are constant visitors like this male Grosbeak. The female is more timid and I couldn't get a picture of her.

This Cardinal is orange in color, he has been coming to our feeder for about five years now. We also have red colored ones, but I thought you'd like to see this one. Our granddaughter Olivia took this picture with her Mother's new camera. She did a great job.

Of course I always love watching my beloved Sergei in our yard. If you've read my other posts, you know he hates his picture taken and as soon as he sees me with the camera he runs and lays down at my feet so I can't take his picture. He's eleven years old and I haven't gotten a good picture of him yet.

Of course we always love to see the deer in our yard. We even get a flock of turkeys, although we haven't been able to get a picture of them. We don't think that they are wild turkeys, rather ones that got away from the person that raised them. They seem to be living in the woods behind our house because my DH hears them in the same spot every morning when he takes the Chocolate Lab, Shane, for his early morning walk.

A few new things on our pack porch are the new cushions for the old, newly painted, rattan sofa. Sergei lays on it more than we do. :)

All the flower pots of the porch are filled with Red Impatiens, they've always been a favorite of mine.

I rescued an old birdcage from the storage room, put a parrot in it and hung it on a bare spot on the wall. Well it was black and went with the rest of the decorations and the bird was even the right color.

As we sit on the porch, one of my favorite things is my bench at the back end of the pool. Although my husband stained it a little darker this year, than I would have liked. Maybe the sun will bleach it.

One of my projects this year was painting birdhouses. Some needed four coats and it ended up being time consuming. But I'm happy that they got done.

I was very late getting my annuals in the pots along the pool, but they are coming along ok. There were two Mourning Doves in front of the pots when I started to take this picture, but they hid before I took it.

The swing, under the trees, is a nice cool place to sit for a break on a hot summer day.

Another birdhouse and a future project.....a new fence.

Our newly painted pool house.

Another project in the works around the feeder.

Our arbor has had many things growing up it over the years. First grapes, what the birds didn't eat, the squirrels knocked down before they were ready, so they were taken down. Then we had a beautiful Silver Lace Vine that died this past year. Now we have a Climbing Hydrangea, we're keeping our fingers crossed that it will do well, so far, so good. No matter what, sitting under the arbor is a great place to be.

This year I have Pentas (Star Clusters) planted in the pots under the arbor. The Hummingbirds love to feed on them and come often throughout the day.

These ferns were the ones I had hanging on our porch last year. They didn't hold up well when we tried to keep them on our enclosed porch, over the winter, so I hung them from the arbor and they are doing very well now, and look great hanging there.

Between our back porch and the arbor is what we now call our Frog Pond. The frog in this picture has been here for years now. He even lets up get close to it, but the smaller ones jump in the water as soon as we get near.

Even the dog kennel is getting a face lift. My DH power washed it and is replacing the roof. I'll have to take a picture of the Chocolate Lab, Shane, when he can go in there again.

So between doing sewing on my new sewing machine, and catching up on outside projects I've also been spending a lot of time searching eBay for some cream soup bowls that's I've been looking for. I found some and received them last week, so next I'll have to post a table setting on Susan's Tablescape Thursday to show them off. Hope you are all doing well and are enjoying life.

Please join Artie and his friends at COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES .. He Is Hosting..

SHARE A GARDEN SUNDAY at http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/

HORSES

2009-05-14T12:25:00.026-04:00

Before I met my husband, before I had my children and even before my love for dogs, I LOVED HORSES. Maybe that love was passed down from my father, most of the pictures I have of him has a horse standing by his side. He was the one who took me to Asbury Park to ride on the Merry-Go-Round and the ponies on our weekend visits. No matter if the horses were carved from wood or the real thing, they were and still are, a passion of mine, and my family and friends have helped to feed that passion by adding to my collection of horse items.

Today I visited Isa's blog, and read her post about her love for carousel horses, where she shared wonderful pictures of them. I have always planned on posting pictures of my collection, so today I made it a point to do just that. Do yourself a favor and visit Isa at http://isaslittleworld.blogspot.com/ the pictures are fantastic.

This first painting was a gift from my daughter, Cindy. She had it painted for me as a surprise birthday present about twenty years ago.

I also have a collection of carousel horses, most of them are presents from my youngest son, Rick and his daughter Amanda. Amanda was lucky enough to have grown up around horses, her mother's parents owned some, so that was something we were able to share together.

Each piece plays music and most move up and down the pole.

Some were birthday presents......

Others Christmas gifts.......

And some I received for Mother's Day....... and they became a treasured collection.

There are signed and numbered prints of horses in our foyer, they are by the artist George Malick. He was a wonderful man, who I was fortunate to meet while working in a framing shop in Pennsylvania. Guess you can tell he loved horses too, and the Collie in his pictures was his beloved dog. This picture is titled THE THREE OF US. It was a gift from my three children. George colored over the smallest boys hair with brown paint ( it was blond ) so that it looked more like our youngest son, Rick. The bigger boy represents our son Doug and the girl would be Cindy. The children, the horse and of course the Collie, are all so special to me.

The next print is called SHOEING THE HORSE. I've been told that all of the people in his paintings are for the area where George lived in Higgins Valley, Pa..

This last print is called MORNING RIDE and was the first of his prints that I purchased.

When you enter our family room, you can't help but to notice the horse items in there, they are everywhere. I bought this horse's head for a birthday present 'for myself ' two yeas ago. It and the next few pieces sit on our mantel.

Horse and colt are from HOMCO.

And this colt.

The horse, with what I call my Grandmother and Grandfather statues, was made for me by our son's Godfather.

The pewter miniatures were a gift from my DH and the pipe holder was something I bought at Boscov's, many years ago.

These small horse figurines were bought in a little roadside eatery on a trip we took to Florida.

Up in our loft, is a rocking horse, which my DH bought for me the same time that the horse Allegra was bought for a favorite tv character. Do any of you remember who that was and what famous show it was?????

Even the crafters that made things for my boutique knew about my love for horses, one of them made this little rocking horse for me.

This next piece was a gift from my DH and son when they took a motor trip together in my husband's little red sports car, his Audi TT Cruiser on Rt. 66 in Arizona. I love when my husband takes the time to do things like that with our boys.

I've saved my favorite piece for last, a painting called THE COURTSHIP. I've had it for about thirty years. I got it when a store was going out of business it cost me $8.88. It's the best buy I ever got.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my collection of horses.

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY/FOODIE FRIDAY

2009-05-07T11:20:00.017-04:00

I recently had the women, who are on our Hospitality Committee at our church, over for our quarterly meeting. Since the meeting always takes place at 9:30 in the morning, I try to serve something appropriate for a morning snack. So today I an combining Tablescape Thursday with Foodie Friday.I took this opportunity to use my latest dish purchase, Brook Pink, by Churchhill. I see more red in this pattern than pink, but maybe that's just what I want to see. I love toile, so I'm very pleased with the dishes no matter what color they are.

I even used a little candlelight for the girls. ;)

I served Almond Biscotti, with chocolate bottoms and a German Pound Cake, which I made into a Pecan filled Coffee Cake. Recipes to follow.

Of course I always use my crystal when I can, it doesn't do anyone any good just sitting in the china cabinet. The little crocheted dollies under the cups and votives, help to play off the punched, tin server used for the pastry.

The gold flatware adds a little glitz to the table. I can't see saving them, to use only for the holidays. Then I dressed down the table setting a little by using my cabbage leaf placemats, which I use every day somehow in our kitchen.

I serve coffee and tea, so I always try to have something that the women can put their used teabags on, this little berry dish works well.

Just another look at the table from the other side.

GERMAN POUND CAKE: (Basic recipe)

2 C. sugar

2 1/2 C. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 lb. butter (softened)

4 eggs.

1/2 C. milk
pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients, beat for 10 minutes at high speed of mixer, scraping bowl with spatula once or twice.

After batter is mixed, chocolate chips, blueberries etc. can be added to mixture if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until cake rises back up when tested.

COFFEE CAKE VERSION:

Using a bunt pan, spray with Pam w/flour for baking. line top with pecan halves, set aside

FILLING:

1 C. flour

1 C. brown sugar

1 stick butter

1/2 C. chopped Pecans

1 Tbs. orange extract

Cut butter into flour and sugar, add Pecans and extract. Use half of the mixture over the top of the pecan halves, then pour half of the cake batter over the topping, then the rest of the filling, and then the rest of the cake batter.

Bake the same as above. When finished cool well, then slide the knife around the bunt pan and the cake should slide out easily. This may sound complicated, but it is very, very easy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALMOND BISCOTTI

2 C. flour ------------------------------1/2 C. butter

2 tsp. baking powder------------------ 1 C. sugar

dash salt ------------------------------3 eggs

1/2 C. chopped almonds---------------1 tsp. anise extract

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 tsp. milk for brushing top of dough, plus 1/4 C. sugar

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Combine dry ingredients and set aside........ In a mixing bowl, cream butter, 1 (one) cup of the sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in extract. Add dry ingredients and almonds to creamed mixture.

Line a baking sheet with foil and grease foil. Divide dough in half, spread into two 12 x 3 in. rectangles on foil. (DOUGH WILL BE VERY STICKY I USE A BUTTER KNIFE TO SPREAD) Brush with milk and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 C. sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 300 degrees. Lift rectangles with foil onto wire rack; cool 15 minutes. Place on a cutting board; slice diagonally 1/2 inch thick. Place slices with cut side down on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn cookies over; bake 10 more min.. Turn oven off, leaving cookies in oven with door ajar to cool. After cookies are cooked, melt any chocolate you have on hand and coat bottoms of the Biscotti. Place on foil in the refrigerator until chocolate hardens. Store in airtight container.

Make sure you visit Susan at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for more beautiful TABLESCAPES and Gollum at http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/ for FOODIE FRIDAY goodies.

I JUST WANTED TO SEND YOU A.............

2009-04-23T18:39:00.002-04:00

'D'

HAPPY EASTER !!!!!!!!!

2009-04-12T08:24:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone......May your day be filled with Peace, Love and Joy.

GOD BLESS

WHAT A TREAT!!!!!!!!

2009-04-08T07:47:00.002-04:00

I just had to share these Strawberries with you, they were the size of plums!!!! Usually, when they are this big, they lack flavor, but not these, they were firm and sweet. We enjoyed them so much, we ate them just as you see them here, they didn't even need sugar or whipped cream.

MAKING MORE ARRANGEMENTS

2009-04-07T22:08:00.004-04:00

I'm afraid that I haven't been much of a blogger this week, I've been too busy making flower arrangements for our church. So far I've made nineteen. There just wasn't anymore room to go with them in the house, so I had to start lining them up on our back porch. I didn't think to take pictures of the others I made before I took them over to the church garage. I'll have to take pictures of the church when I put them all in there on Saturday morning.

Hope your all having a good week.

CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!!

2009-03-28T17:11:00.011-04:00

If you've been here to visit me before, you know that I am among those that can be called a DISHAHOLIC. You also know that, I recently received, from my thoughtful cousin, Dee Dee, our Grandmother's dishes. So I've been on eBay looking for some of the missing pieces to the set. Well........while I was looking I saw this pattern, by W.S. George called, Pussy Willow. Isn't it fantastic!!!!!!!! Maybe it's because I'm a March baby and they start to grow this time of year, but the Pussy Willow has always fascinated me. If you'd like to check out All the pieces I've found there, the eBay Store is called, Sap Buckets Galore Antiques To Boot. They are very reasonably priced. HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY

2009-03-26T11:47:00.012-04:00

Hi everyone, welcome to another TABLESCAPE THURSDAY brought to you by our HOSTESS (with the mostest) ;) SUSAN at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

I know that there of those of you, that have read my blog in the past, and saw that I have passed on, what I believed to be great dinnerware buys at BOSCOV'S. Well... I received another email from Boscov's yesterday, and some of the dishes I posted before, are on sale at half the price that I showed in the past. Yep, I'm in trouble again and couldn't pass up one on the sets, that I wanted to buy a couple of months ago. I don't know where I'm going to hide this set in my house, so I think I'll just have to send it to one of my kids houses for now, and then retrieve it at some other time.

Before I get to the biggest sales, and the set I'm buying, I wanted to talk about Butler's Pantry, by Lenox. I think most of us would like to have these pieces, especially since the collection is so interesting. The basic set is what I'm showing below But for all of you 'Rooster Lovers', have you come across these Butler's Pantry pieces yet? I haven't, so I thought I'd share them today.

So here is the bargain that I'm buying today. I love Toile, and with the original 'set price' listed at $518.99, later reduced to $89.95, and NOW selling for $49.99, I just couldn't pass it up this time.

This next set is a 45pc set by Gorham. It's pattern is Flowering Meadow, listed for $530 on sale today for $99.99.

For those of you that love your blue china, there is this other 45pc. set Churchhill Finlanda, listed at $355, on sale now for $49.99.

And the last one I'm showing today is, Assam, a 37pc. set, listed at $375, on sale for $49.99.

Okay so your still thinking that I work for Boscov's, NOT TRUE.......I keep in touch because I still have many friends working there and I like to feel close to them. So when I get the email, sales, I can't help but to open them , and go thru the adds, especially the china sales. I then feel I have to pass them on to all of my dishaholic friends. ;) Hey......if I have to get in trouble with my DH for buying more dishes, why not have my blog friends join me too. :) Check out all the dish sales at http://www.boscovs.com

Ciao

'D'

HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY !!!!!!!!

2009-03-17T10:06:00.001-04:00

FOODIE FRIDAY

2009-03-12T21:15:00.010-04:00

Welcome to Foodie Friday, hosted by Gollum at http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/ be sure to stop by her blog to say hello and to view the other blogs, of those joining in today.

Yesterday I received an email from my Aunt, it is,

THE MOST DANGEROUS CAKE RECIPE

So I pass this on to....... ALL YOU CHOCOLATE LOVERS!!!!!!.........It's called.......

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour............................... 3 tablespoons oil

4 tablespoons sugar.............................. 3 tablespoons chocolate chips

2 tablespoons cocoa.............................. 1 small splash of vanilla extract

1 egg.................................................. 1 large coffee mug

3 tablespoons milk

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to slightly more virtuous).

Feel free to top it with ice cream or whipped topping.

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!!!!!!!!

A SENTIMENTAL TABLESCAPE THURSDAY

2009-03-11T22:49:00.022-04:00

Please make sure you visit Susan's bog at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ to view the blogs of the other tablescapes.

I've been very emotional this week, let me explain. One of my cousins, on my Father's side of my family, offered me my Grandmother's dishes, and they arrived this past Monday. This first picture is of the UPS truck delivering them.

I was all thumbs trying to get the box opened, so my DH offered to give me a hand.

When the box was opened this note from my cousin was the first thing I saw.

And finally the first dish is unwrapped and I get to see and hold a plate, in my trembling hands.

I lined up all the plates on the dining room table and started to plan how I was going to present them for today's tablescape. The three dinner plates on the right, are a different pattern. I'll have to check with my sister about this, but I think they might be the same pattern that my mother had. After she died, they were given to our brother, who had just gotten married, so I haven't seen them in many years, but they look very familiar to me and this would be a double blessing if I find out I'm right.

My Grandparents were farmers and the parents of eleven children, and they had a whole lot of company. So the dishes got much ware and some on the pieces are missing. I decided to set the table as I would for a Sunday brunch after church, mixing them with some of my china pieces. In the center of the table, are my HOMCO figurines that I've come to think of as Grandma and Grandpa. They usually sit on the mantel in our family room. Grandma had been missing for many years, she got broken. Last week I found, and won, one on eBay, so she is back with Grandpa and we are all very happy to have her back.

The dinner plate has LIDO, W.S. George,Canarytone, Made in U.S.A. 127A, stamped on the back. The flower could be an apple blossom, but I'm not sure, I have to research it more. I layered my Lenox sandwich dish, then the bread dish, topped off with an egg cup, which I bought years ago from Avon. I included the horse figurine on the table because of my Father's love for horses and when I think of the farm I think of him and the horses he loved. This horse was made for me by our oldest son's Godfather.

Above the place setting is a two piece berry dish, which would hold some fruit to be served with the breakfast.

The goblet would hold our juice, I have to apologize here, I forget the name of the pattern, I bought them so long ago. The boxes are up in the attic and would have the name on them, but I have too many boxes blocking the stairs, which are waiting to be put up there too. If you read Dee Dee's note to me, you know that the cups didn't make it over the years, I used my Lenox cups for now.

Fresh baked Almond Biscotti is waiting to be eaten with a second cup of coffee to finish the meal.

The napkin rings are one of the first gifts we received after we were married. I used them to represent the wild flowers that grew in the fields around the farm. The napkins and placemats I've had for many years and bought at Boscov's when I worked there.

A close-up of the berry dishes.

And the egg cup.

Isn't this little creamer cute. I am on a mission to find the sugar bowl to match.

A closer shot of Grandma and Grandpa.

So, if any of you have been wondering why I haven't come to visit your blogs much this week, I've been in search of more pieces for the dish set. LOOK WHAT I'VE FOUND ON eBay. There is a bid, by someone else, on them right now, but I am praying that I will win them in the end. Wish me luck.

FOODIE FRIDAY

2009-03-05T20:16:00.011-05:00

Please join our host at http://designesbygollum.blogspot.com/ to view the other posts.

Two weeks ago, our youngest son came for a visit, so I baked him his favorite dessert, FRENCH APPLE PIE. After it was baked, I put it on the center island to cool, and left it for the Rooster to guard.My son loves Pecans, so over the years I have used them in the pie, in a couple of ways, so I decided to share this recipe today. Can you tell that someone already tested the pecans and even tried to cover it up by re-arranging them. Of course no one owned up to it, so it must have been the dog. Yeah right....

The apple centerpiece always sits on the kitchen table, but the apple dishes only make it to the table for apple pie. Of course the cup and saucer are the Franciscan, Apple pattern.

As you can see, he didn't take a small piece, and he topped it off with Pecan Ice Cream too.

For years I used Pillsbury Pie Crust Mix, that was until I tried Martha Stewart's recipe for PATE BRISEE ( better knows as Pie Dough). This is so easy to make and once you try it, you'll never go back to the boxed mix.

FRENCH APPLE PIE

Pate Brisee (Pie Dough):

Makes 1 double-crust or 2 single-9 to 10 inch pies.

2 1/2 C. all -purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

1 C. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

1/2 C. ice water

1. In the bowl of a electric mixer, combine flour, salt and sugar. Add butter, and mix (slowly at first) then increase the speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

2. With the machine running, add ice water in a slow, steady stream. Mix until dough holds together without being wet or sticky; be careful not to over mix.

3. Divide dough into two equal balls. Flatten each ball into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Transfer to the refrigerator, and chill at least 1 hour or over night. Dough maybe be stored, frozen, up to one month.

4. Once dough is chilled, roll out one of the disks on a floured surface and fit into a pie plate. Trim the edges in the manor of your choosing. Set aside.

At this point pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees

Apple Filling :

8 to 10 apples, peeled and cut into wedges ( I find Gala apples are best)

1/2 C. sugar

1/8 C. flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tbs. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

3 pats butter

Mix all of the ingredients together, except the butter. Pour into the pie shell, then place the pats of butter on top of the apple mixture. Set aside again.

Topping:

1 C. flour

1 C. brown sugar

1/2 C. ground pecans

1 Tbs. almond extract

1/2 C. unsalted butter

Pecan halves (for top)

Combine flour, brown sugar and pecans, add extract and then cut butter into the mixture. WASH YOUR HANDS and dry them, then squeeze the mixture with your hands to make large crumbs. Arrange evenly over the apple filling. Place Pecan halves on top of crumbs.

Cover the edges of the pie crust with aluminum foil and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 25 minutes, or until the pie crust edges are a golden brown.

Hint.....A 2 pc. pie protector set works better than aluminum foil for the crust, and the bottom piece protects your oven from drips. It's worth the investment.

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY

2009-03-04T20:52:00.025-05:00

Once again, Susan from Between Naps on the Porch, has invited us to join in on Tablescape Thursday. Maybe I should have skipped the invite this week, because while I was in the middle of setting my table, I received some exciting news, :) which I'll share at a later date. I'm afraid I lost my concentration for what I was doing. So my table today is a 'watered down' version of what I intended to do.

This set of dishes is Ivy Park, by Christopher Stuart. I've always loved Ivy, so this was a set I knew I had to have as soon as I saw it.

Keeping the pattern in mind, I used Ivy plant that we received as a gift for our last anniversary. Because I've been wanting to share this large platter, I used it under the plant. I'll show a close up picture of the platter in another photo.

Shown here is dinner plate, with the salad plate, on top of yellow sandwich plate, that just has Portugal written on the bottom. I used the same flatware that I used last week, I thought it went best with the setting.

I really like these sandwich plates and wish I had bought more when I purchased these.

The dinner plate.

Next I show a close-up of my favorite goblets. I bought them many years ago at and Ethan Allen Gallery and have been searching for years for more, without any luck.

I layered my placemats, using two of the cabbage leaf mats and an ivory, crochet placemat in the center of the two. Yellow napkins were used to compliment the yellow sandwich dish.

I very seldom use these rimmed soups for soup, I find them too large, so I'll often use them for vegetable dishes. I placed this one shown, on a brass base from my chimney globe, to keep the heat from the dish, off of my table.

The candle sticks are Baldwin Brass and the peg, votive was given to me by a friend, they are very old.

The covered dish below is the only other piece that I've ever found to match my goblets. I use it on the table for various things, but mostly for sweetener packets when coffee is served.

I haven't shown and of my bread baskets in the past so I added this one to the table today.

Here is the close-up of the platter. I purchased four pieces with this pattern on it, however I broke two of the best pieces while cleaning one day. There was a water pitcher and it was beautiful. I couldn't bare to throw the pieces out for the longest time.

One more picture.

I've set all these little English Cottages on the table to go with the English Ivy there. They were a giveaway, with a purchase, during a Christmas promotion at Boscov's one year.

The next piece is from Hallmark . If my memory serves me right, they sold for $50 each at the card store, but I got them on a buyout, costing me $5 each. I have several other pieces.

And one of the other pieces to the collection.

Look at the little rocking chair on the porch.

Another one of the little giveaway houses.

That's it for this weeks tablescape, please be sure to visit the others at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY

2009-02-25T21:15:00.024-05:00

Welcome to my participation in Susan's 27th Tablescape Thursday. Green is my favorite color, so I decided to set a green table today. No, it's not the 'GO GREEN' that is so popular these days, but rather a nice soft green. Hope you'll enjoy the look.

I've used this centerpiece many times after receiving these little Princess House floaters, as a gift from my niece. The picture isn't picking it up, but the candlelight makes the design from the crystal bowl dance on the walls. I raised the bowl, by setting it on my Lenox cake plate. The flowers surrounding it, is actually a wreath from our front door.

The Lotus tea light sits on a I. Godinger Co. cake plate. I love anything with cut work, plates, tinware or linens. I've been finding these plates at Marshall's and started collecting them as I find them.

This is a champagne glass, but we use them to serve an appetizer of either a fresh, fruit cocktail or shrimp served on lettuce leaves.

Another tea light on one of the other Godinger plates, they are different designs.

I loved the way the light is picking up the gold in this picture. The flatware is a set I bought many years ago from Spiegel's, when they had their BIG catalogs, they are brass with rosewood handles.

My stemware is Miller Rogaska, the Mayfair Gold pattern. I'm afraid we don't use these enough.

The placemats were ones I found on a trip to Marshall's.

Just another photo........

I like when the lights are turned down low.

I snuck one of my favorite, HOMCO collection pieces on the table. I recently saw the same one of eBay.

The napkins came from Marshall's, the napkin rings are very old and were a gift from my sister. They are sitting on a Lenox bread plate with a Sango dessert plate underneath.

I can't seem to get a good picture of the stemware.

I use this sugar and creamer often. Although the sugar bowl isn't really a sugar bowl, that's what I use it for.

The next picture is of my Lenox Citation Gold sandwich plate on top of our first china pattern, dinner plate, Sango, Versailles.

And the Versailles dinner plate all by itself.

One of my tinware, cut work, serving pieces. I pile it with rolls for dinner or pastry for our after dinner dessert.

I have many crystal pieces, but this little bowl is my favorite. When the proper light shines on it, it looks like a bowl full of diamonds.

This is not a good picture of the teapot, but again one of my favorites. Something that caught my eye and I just had to buy it.

Another picture of the sugar and creamer.

The cup & saucer shows up in this picture better than the others I took.

Another crystal serving bowl. I bought all of my serving pieces at Boscov's, they are imported from many different countries and sold under one company, by the name of Crystal Clear.

I thank Susan @ http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for hosting Tablescape Thursday.

PEACH KUCHEN

2009-02-20T07:08:00.006-05:00

Welcome to Gollum's first Foodie Friday.

Today I've decided to share a recipe, which is a family favorite, called PEACH KUCHEN. It is one of the easiest recipes to make. I show it here giving it a very country look, but depending on the way you choose to present it, you and your family and friends will love it.

PEACH KUCHEN

THE DOUGH LAYER:

2 C. Flour

1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 C. Butter or margarine, slightly softened

In a bowl combine all of the ingredients except butter/margarine. Cut butter/marg. into the ingredients, as for pie crust, but do not roll. Mix until the dough layer is as fine as corn meal. Spread on the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9" x 13" baking dish.

THE PEACH LAYER:

12 Peach halves (if using canned peaches it's about 1 lg. + 1 small can)

1/2 C. Sugar (I use less if canned peaches)

1 Tbs. Cinnamon

Place peach halves cut side up on the dough. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the fruit. Bake in pre-heated 375 degree over for 15 min., then remove from oven.

THE CUSTARD LAYER:

1 pint Heavy Cream

2 Eggs

Combine the cream and eggs. Pour over the kuchen and return to oven. Bake 30 minutes more or until the custard develops a slight crust.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HINTS...........Use a glass baking dish for best results. An egg turner works best for slicing and serving the pieces. Serves twelve.

Hope you enjoy this family favorite. I just made it to bring to my doctor's office this past Wednesday, I've been bringing them baked, goodies since before Christmas, they went crazy for this one.

Don't forget to check out other recipes at http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/ .

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY---PLUS

2009-02-11T12:46:00.023-05:00

SALE ! SALE! SALE ! SALE ! 50 pc. set

I thought this was such a fantastic buy, so I had to share it with all of you. I found it on sale for $199.99 regular price $1,4o7.50, pattern is CHANDON by Noritake. This picture doesn't show the pattern well, but it was always one of my favorites.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the past two weeks, I've been busy trying to clean out drawers and closets, when I came across some of my old business card and their case. The top card is from my last job, I was a Bridal Consultant for a Boscov's store. The dark blue card is one I saved when I owned my boutique. The case was given to me, as a birthday present, from a girlfriend, she loved anything that had to do with Egyptians.

So after finding the above items, my mind traveled back to my days working at Boscov's. My desk was right in the middle of the China Department, where I was surrounded by beautiful china, stemware and everything that went along with setting a table. It seemed as if every time I was showing another, bride-to-be the patterns she could choose from, I found myself falling in love with another set of dishes, guess I was such a good salesperson that I could even sell to myself.

So it's no mystery why I'm still drawn to setting a table and those rooms we eat in. The kitchen shown below is one that has caught my attention lately. It's so bright and cheery and brings thoughts to my mind of the dishes that would look great in there.

Although I'm not crazy about the color blue, I do love when a rich cobalt blue is used with yellow or white and I can picture using them in the kitchen above. I found this set and ALL the sets that I'll show today, on line at http://www.boscovs.com/ . They are all on sale at 50% off, or more, and I am having a very difficult time being good and not buying any. This set is by Spode, BLUE ITALIAN.

The next dishes are also by Spode, called Floral Haven. They make me think of the promise of Spring.

Who wouldn't enjoy a cup of tea, or coffee in my case, from a beauty like this. Although the next picture is not one of a dinning room, I would love to see this room used as one, it has such a romantic looking atmosphere. I absolutely love the windows in this room.

Maybe ' my table in there could be dressed with some of the following dishes:

ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE by Mikasa
Or even Mikasa's ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, how could I choose, I love them both.

This butter dish shows the pattern much better.

You can even find BUTLER'S PANTRY by Lenox on sale at the site.

And wouldn't it be nice to sip a cup of your favorite tea after dinner, from ROYAL ALBERT, OLD COUNTRY ROSES CHINTZ, or a nice afternoon tea, with the girls.

Or to follow up your dinner with a good glass of wine from this interesting pattern below, sitting by a nice cozy fireplace. They are by Mikasa and the pattern is CHEERS ARTISTRY TAPESTRY.

Well that's it for D's Day Dreams for today, hope you enjoyed seeing some of my favorite picks of dishes. These was so much more to choose from, but you can see them all for yourself. Gee, I'm starting to sound like I'm in sales again. ;)

WHAT IS THIS TELLING ME ???????????

2009-01-27T11:46:00.004-05:00

If your like me, you save pictures of rooms that catch your attention. I have mine saved and they flash across my screen when it is not in use, as a slide show. Yesterday, I took notice of something. After viewing the pictures below, are you able to see what I took notice of ?

I don't know when this started happening, but lately I am drawn to neutral colors. It isn't something that has just happened, because this living room picture I had saved about a year ago. The dishes are the ones I recently purchased, so this change is showing up in other ways too. Guess the 'inner me' is trying to tell me something.

SHARING GOOD BUYS ON DISHES

2009-01-23T10:21:00.005-05:00

I felt like I had to share the great buys I've found for dishes, among other things, at Boscov's Outlet Center. The 45pc. blue set original listed price was $375, now on sale for $89.97. This 45pc. Christmas set, I think is my favorite. It listed for $698.50 is on sale for $89.97 with an additional $9 off thru Jan 24th.

This is the first set that caught my attention, listed at $518, on sale for $89.97. Isn't it beautiful.

If you'd like to visit Boscov's Outlet, it's http://www.boscovs.com and then click on outlet center. You'll find the listings on the left hand side where you'll find DINNERWARE SETS AND PIECES listed. A few of the brands listed are LENOX, PFALTZGRAFF, SANGO, NORITAKE, PAULA DEAN and many, many more. I think all of you dish lovers with enjoy the visit and the great buys.

TRYING TO ENCOURAGE SPRING

2009-01-21T10:50:00.004-05:00

After our new hardwood floors were put down in our dining room, I made a new SPRING arrangement for the table. However, I decided that the foyer needed the color more, so it ended up on the dry sink in there instead. However, I still needed something on the dining room table and came up with what is shown below. The cage with the doves, had been used on the very bottom shelf of the china hutch in our kitchen, almost sitting on the floor. It was very seldom noticed by anyone, and of course collected a lot of dust bunnies. I added a few other pieces along with it, and enjoy having something other than flowers on the table for once.

Thought you might enjoy seeing a close-up of the doves. They were an earned, hostess gift from a Home Interiors party that I had many years ago, they are from the Masterpiece Collection by HOMCO, out of Mexico and one of my favorite pieces. I was only too happy to put them on display someplace where they could be appreciated more.

A NEW AWARD

2009-01-12T10:36:00.002-05:00

I received this award yesterday from someone who I consider a Fantastic New Friend, Isa, from The World According To Isa. Thank you sweetie. :)

I'm asked to pass this on to others who's blogs have have quality and charm. So I pass it on too..

Rue @ Rue's Peanut Butter & Jelly Life

Gollum @ Designs By Gollum

Glenda @ Tootsie Time

Dot @ Picket's Place

Robyn @ There Is Always Thyme For

Lynne @ Lynne's Gifts From The Heart

A FLOWER SHOP ?????????

2009-01-11T22:11:00.008-05:00

Okay, maybe that strainer in the left hand corner, gave it away, this is my kitchen. Tomorrow we take down Christmas decorations at church, and I had to have the new floral arrangement made by then. Maybe some of you don't know that I've been making the arrangements for our church for the past three years. Since it is too cold to work in the garage, where the flowers are kept, I had no choice but to bring everything home and work from there. So all day my kitchen has looked like a flower shop. Here are all the finished arrangements all lined up. There are two large ones that go on pedestals that flank both sides, behind the alter. Then there are two more that are put on smaller pedestals under the statues of Mary and Joseph. Two more are floor arrangement made to sit in front of the Podium, and the other on the opposite side of the alter, where the choir sits.

Because of the priests and some of the choir members having allergies, I am instructed not to use fresh flowers, as they affect them. Some of the parishioners are unhappy about not having fresh flowers, but I have to admit it makes it a whole lot easier on me, I don't have to keep running over to the church to water them or deadhead them.

My DH helped me take them over to the church after supper, so that they will be ready to put in their places tomorrow, after the decorations come down. We hope to have our church a bit festive looking, since our new Bishop is coming to visit our parish next weekend.

I just thought I'd show you what I've been up to, since I haven't been around much, to check in and see what's been going on at your blogs. Between the dining room project, shopping for the flowers, etc.. it's been a busy time around here.

PS...I'm still having trouble with my camera, I'm going to send it up to my daughter to ask her to undo whatever it was she did to it. She's so good with cameras, so I'll let her fix it.

W-H-A-L-L-A,...........

2009-01-07T06:59:00.004-05:00

Well, here it is, our new hardwood floor in the dining room. There are still a few finishing touches that have to get done, shoe molding and a new heating vent, but that old, green carpet is finally gone. :<) And all of this 'stuff,'' that was moved into the living room, has to be cleaned, dusted, re-arranged and put back into it's space. As you can see, the living room still has some Christmas decorations, my impatient husband couldn't wait until I removed them to start on the floor.

I have no idea where all of our living room furniture is going to go when DH decides he's ready to lay the hardwoods in there. This isn't exactly the way I thought I was going to do my Spring Cleaning this year. Well....that's one room down and several more to go.

LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS ON TABLESCAPE TUESDAY

2008-12-29T22:10:00.017-05:00

Some of my girlfriends are coming for lunch today. I am serving a light lunch because we have all been eating fairly large meals and will be going out tomorrow evening for New Years Eve. So I've made Tortellini Soup and little Hot, Ham & Cheese Finger Sandwiches, in a puff pastry. Instead of a heavy dessert, I'm serving my Almond Biscotti and Mazurki ( Polish Cookies). I've also made a special Chicken Salad for one of the girls, who because of a medical condition can only eat certain foods, which will be served on a whole wheat, sugar free bread. I set a very casual table using some mixed Pfaltzgraff pieces.

The next three pictures are of my new Glass Houses from Gardner's Supply. This is the third set of a series, I missed out on the first set that sold out, but got the second set last year and now this set this year. Each house has a name, this on is Sunderland.

And Coventry, shown here.

The third one is Bristor. I hope they continue to offer them next year.

The Christmas Tree Napkin Rings, were made by my niece/goddaughter, Lisa. She gave them to me one year as my gift and they've been used on our table every year since.

The Soup Bowl is Pistoulet Christmas Pattern, which is discontinued, shown with Pistoulet square salad plate, both from Pfaltzgraff. I thought it would be different to place them on an angel since we are only having finger sandwiches with the soup. Well, I like to be different. I layered the place mats, both of which I've had for many years.

My glasses are a fairly new purchase and I love them, they were perfect for the holiday.

The flatware is a set I bought from Spiegel years ago. They are brass with rosewood handles, they need special care when washing.

I'll use some of my crystal pieces, the sugar and creamer, when we have coffee.

And arrange the cookies on my new serving piece from Tender Hearts. I really like pierced dishes, chargers and serving pieces.

I'll use my Lenox, Citation Gold, cups and saucers for coffee and tea, along with the matching plates for the cookies.

That's it for this Tablescape Tuesday, I wish I could invite you all over. ;)

MY FIRST PINK SATURDAY

2008-12-27T11:54:00.006-05:00

I don't have a whole lot of PINK in my house or in my wardrobe either, but I do like pink and green used together and had thought of doing a pink and green kitchen, at one time. I intended to buy the Franciscan, Desert Rose pattern, but I chickened out (cluck, cluck) and bought my apple pattern instead. The iced tea glasses, pictured below, were from Pfaltzgraff, when they were having their glasses made in Mexico. I'm not sure if they do that any longer. But I fell in love with these and bought them. At the time I used them with my Pfaltzgraff, Heritage pattern, and they worked very well together with the pink and green floral place mats I had, or the lime green ,vinyl place mats I used on our tables by the pool. The kids loved when I put dessert in them, weather it was just ice cream, or jello and pudding, it always made a big hit with them.

Here they are all lined up, I have twelve.

THIS & THAT

2008-12-26T17:28:00.008-05:00

The other day, I received an email from House Beautiful, which showed an article about colorful, teapot sets by Christine Misiak. She buys vintage sets from thrift shops and enamels them in 'eye popping ' colors. You can view and read all about more at www.christinemisiak.co.uk. I found it all very interesting, since I have a set that sits on the top shelf in my pantry, because I'm tired of polishing it. :(

We tried to take pictures of the restaurant where we had our Christmas dinner yesterday, but most of them didn't turn out. :( This photo of the Manger, is set up in the lobby of the hotel/ restaurant. This is the view from our table, our reservation was at 4pm, so there was still some daylight. There were many people walking on the boardwalk with lots of them walking dogs. The room is filled with gingerbread like this shown in the picture below.

Sorry for the blurry picture, but I wanted to show how ornate it was right above our heads

As we entered the room, where the buffet is set up, this life size Santa greeted us.

A view of one of the fireplaces in a less formal dining room. The windows, in the main dining room, have dollhouses in them, all decorated for Christmas with many mechanical displays, skaters, trains etc. We took them with Susan in mind, because she showed us her dollhouse in a recent post. So sorry Susan, the pictures came out so blurry that you can't make them out. :(

This next picture is one I've wanted to post for some time, but just never did. The two end dolls are ones that my grandchildren sent for my birthday in March. They gave them to me so I wouldn't be lonely when they weren't here. :) The middle doll belongs to youngest granddaughter, Allison, she forgot it when she was here and I took a picture of the three dolls to show her that her baby was well taken care of.

A GIFT

2008-12-23T12:11:00.006-05:00

I received a gift the other day, from a couple from church. I've been baking for them, over the past few years, and sharing my recipes with them. I've never met the women, she is ill and isn't able to come to church. But we write notes back and forth to one another, and have gotten to know each other that way. Today I thought I'd share my gift with you. First the card, which I thought was so appropriate for the season. And here's my gift. Isn't she beautiful. She is part of the Jim Shore Collection, an artisan that I have come to admired for years now. I often see him on QVC, and have wished to own one of his works, but was afraid to start 'yet another' collection. This figurine is called 'Angel Of Hospitality'. Maybe they chose this one for me because the husband first had some of my baking at one of our Hospitality gatherings at church. He was there to help serve. That's when I first learned of his wife's illness and his being the baker in the family. Don't you love her little teapot and cup and saucer.

I put her on the table, with the card they gave me, to take the picture.

Then I thought maybe I should make her part of the centerpiece. But later removed it, in fear that she would get knocked off. I wouldn't want anything to happen to her.

I hope that you will all receive a gift that means as much to you as this does to me. Hugs to you all and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

THE BIRDS

2008-12-19T06:05:00.016-05:00

As I was pouring my first cup of coffee yesterday morning, I saw a Falcon sitting in a tree in our back yard. I stood watching it as it scoped the area looking for it's food. We get moles on our property and we welcome our feathered friend's help in ridding our grass of the annoying critters. As he swooped down, I couldn't make out if he got his catch, but he took off into the trees and I lost sight of him. I had an early morning doctor appointment, and as I drove my route to the office I saw a group of Canadian Geese along with some Seagulls, in a large puddle of water, that was caused by days of rain that we had. I pulled over to the side of the road and took this picture.

Then further on down the road, were the Snow Geese. They wing there way here every year after the farmers have plowed under their fields for the winter. It is a sight that I look forward to every year. There are times when there are so many of the Geese packed together in one place, that it looks like snow covering the ground.

Here are a couple of close-ups of the wonderful birds that I found on the internet.

Take notice to the one that isn't white. I'm not sure why, I've never read up on it. I guess I should. But we do see a lot of them also.

The picture below is one we can often see through their winter stay with us.

There are many times that we are in wonder over the number of these beautiful birds in the sky.

The sight is even more impressive both as the sun rises and sets over Delaware.

I sure do miss these sights after our visitors return to the home in the north.

Although the Snow Geese aren't here all year, the Canadian Geese and a variety of Seagulls are always a part of our scenery, and I love watching and listening to them as they make their way across our skies.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-19T05:57:00.001-05:00

Click on the link to open your Christmas Card
http://ecard.ashland.edu/2004admission/index.html

SERGEI GETS IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

2008-12-09T14:56:00.003-05:00

It took a lot of coaxing, but Sergei finally decided to let me take his picture. Of course it helped that I had a few friends for backup.

The carolers were made by one of the couples who did crafts for my boutique. They were copied from the ceramic pieces I showed in another post. I displayed them in front of my store, when I had it, then later used them on the porch at our Pottsville home and now we are using them on our porch here. They are about twenty years old, and are showing wear.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-07T09:56:00.016-05:00

I hope this post finds you doing well and enjoying the holiday season. We usually have our decorations up for Thanksgiving, when our daughter and her family come. But this year we had nothing but trouble with our lights and it set us back. I tried to take these pictures, of most of our decorations, without a flash, because I wasn't pleased with the way they turned out in the past. However, many are now out of focus, but I think you can still get an idea of how they all look. I moved our tree over to the other side of the room this year, because there was less furniture that had to be moved this way. Only to find out that the decorations that I normally use on the windows there, turned out to be just too much in one place. Now I'm without drapes and window decorations too. Our stockings hung by the chimney with care.......

The wreath above the mantel has an angel on it that was given to me by a friend, John. We worked together at a florist, a job I took when we first moved here. I thought working would give me the opportunity to meet people. But I was working alone, up in the stockroom, and most of the time they even forgot I was there. That job lasted for two years and I quit.

One of my favorite ornaments on the tree. It just has such a nice warm glow to it.

I love this book, A FAIRY-TALE CHRISTMAS. It's of the decorations at the Lyndhurst Castle, on the Hudson River in Tarrytown, N. Y.. I have a friend, Ed, who does the displays at Boscov's in Pa., he and I often shared our decorating ideas. He and his partner Jim have a wonderful row home in Pottsville and their decorations for Christmas are always top notch. I sent him a copy of this book last year, and he wrote and told me that he had been to the castle a few years prior. He said the castle is fantastic to see in person.

We had a cat named Thelma, who would always play with our tree skirt, which would end up on the other side of the room. So I started wrapping boxes and and putting them under the tree to hide the tree stand. It worked out very well, and I continue do that every year. I just put the wrapped boxes, in my Martha Stewart wrapping paper, on a top shelf in a closet and bring them out again every year.

My husband bought home this dish for me on one of his business trips to Germany. The Santa is a limited addition, The Legend Of Santa Claus, Hitching Up by United Designs. I wish I could have gotten a better picture of the eyes, they are so real looking. The Partridge is one of the many pieces I have by Homco.

Now this Snowman is my husband's favorite piece, and I made it in ceramics, back in 1972. He's such a happy little guy, you just have to smile when you look at him. The set of Raccoons are more Homco pieces.

More of my ceramic pieces (my favorites) and glass houses that I purchased last year from Gardner's Supply. I had large wooden, outdoor, carolers made for our porch just like these ceramic pieces, but I didn't get a picture taken of them yet. They are almost twenty years old and I'm thinking of ordering a new set. Maybe next year.

Now we move into our dining room. Can you tell what I made the center piece out of?

This was the easiest decoration I ever made for our table. The greens are just two 6ft. sections of garland wrapped around the center piece and curved around the candle sticks. By the way Gollum, those are some of the Colonial Candles that I told you about. They usually have a little sticker at the base of them, but they came off when I used a damp cloth to wipe them down.

The garland I used for the chandelier and on the corner cabinets is nine years old and looks as good as the day I bought it at Michael's Crafts. Everyone takes it for the real thing. (I lost the picture of the chandelier, I'll post it on the sideboard.)

And last, but not least, my Canadian Geese. :) I love this pair. We got them in Douglasville, Pa. in an antique and reproduction store named Merritt's Antiques. It was such a great place for wondering around in, we never knew what we were going to come home with. I bought a lot there for my boutique too.

Well, that's it for today. Hope you are all having a good day.

Boilo

2008-11-29T12:51:00.010-05:00

I thought I'd share a recipe for a wonderful drink that our son-in-law, Tom, my husband, and now our grandson make, the day after Thanksgiving. It is something that Tom made every year with his best friend, Terry, who passed away from Leukemia, several years ago. We loved Terry, so this is 'sort of' a way we keep him in our thoughts. You may be thinking right now, that is a silly way to remember him, but if you knew Terry and what a fun loving person he was, you'd understand.

The ingredients:

2 Qts. Four Queens Whiskey (Don't be surprised if you can't find this brand in your liquor
store, it is 101 proof, so just substitute with what you can get)
2 Qts. Ginger Ale
2 C. Honey
2 C. Orange juice
4 Lemons (squeeze the juice & add to pot)
4 Oranges (squeeze the juice & add to pot)
8 Cinnamon Sticks
4 tsp. Caraway Seeds
2 Tbs. Whole Allspice
16 Whole Cloves
3 Vanilla Beans
Thomas is rolling the oranges and lemons before he slices and squeezes them.

Large pot ready on the stove to cook in

Add all ingredients except honey and whiskey to a large pot. Boil until reduced to half. Strain and return liquid only to pot. Add honey. Remove completely from source of heat and add whiskey. (NEVER BOIL THE WHISKEY) Return mixture to heat and cook on very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remember DO NOT simmer or boil. Cool in a covered pot. Pour into bottles after cooled, filtering through cheesecloth.

We save the solids that we strained and use it in a potpourri pot during the holidays. Keep what your not using refrigerated or it will get moldy. This will keep your house smelling like Christmas all through the holidays.

THANKSGIVING 2008

2008-11-28T17:57:00.018-05:00

Our Thanksgivings, since we moved to Delaware, have been shared with our daughter's family. Since her girls usually have dance practice for their performance in the Nutcracker, which always takes place the next weekend, we expect that they won't arrive at our house until very late in the evening. It was 2am when they arrived this year.

Earlier that day, Allison, our youngest granddaughter called me to tell me not to set the table, that she wanted to do it. So I agreed to let her. I had no idea, when I agreed, that she wanted to pick out the dishes and the table linens too. I thought she would chose my Lenox China, which you can see waiting to be used, in the corner cabinet, behind Allison. But she chose the Pfaltzgraff, Pistoulet, Christmas pattern instead. I explained to her that I didn't have all the pieces we needed to set the table, because the pattern was discontinued before I could buy it all. She said, "That's okay 'D' we can use something else to go with these dishes, I like all the colors on these." So not wanting to go back on my word, I let her decide the dishes she would use. I'm afraid the only dishes that I originally chose, where the Lenox bread plates.
I would have used the red stems, because I bought them this past summer with the kids in mind. They have always knocked over my others stems because of the height and because they were much lighter.

She chose these table linens because they matched the paintings on the wall behind the table.

The new small soup bowls, that I finally found, after hunting for some for weeks, never made it out of the china cabinet, instead Allison wanted to use the ones from my Apple Pattern.

Last year all the kids were able to help make our dinner, this year was no different. Pictured below is grandson, Thomas, who was making the green beans with bacon and mushrooms. Thomas likes watching the cooking channels and knows all the names of the chefs and their shows. He is a straight A student in the accelerated program and plays, baseball, soccer, basketball and has just become a receiver on the 7th grade football team.

His sister, Olivia, is making Rue's recipe for Yams with Peaches. She's in 6th grade, a straight A student, who will be in the Nutcracker, put on by the L.A. Dance Studio, next weekend. She's been in dance for seven years now and is also in a twirling program and has added piano lessons to her interests this year. I learned that Olivia loves Cranberry Jelly, I think she ate the whole can all by herself. She's a real girly, girl.

Next we have her sisters Kristen and Allison, who are making a family tradition date with a walnut a peanut butter filling, then rolled in sugar. It was my chore to make them when I was their ages. Allison told me that both she and Kristen got all S's on their report cards. They are both in dance and both play on a girl's soccer team. That makes their Italian grandfather very happy.

We are lucky to have his porch to act as another refrigerator during this time, both of our other two are filled to the brim.

After dinner, as we were all fighting to stay awake, Olivia played a whole book of song she had learned. I told all the kids, a while back, that if they learned to play the piano, that I would give them mine. There's is and old ,second hand piano, and I never really did learn to play well, so they might as well have it. :(

As we were entertained by Olivia, our daughter shared pictures from Halloween with us. I've included some below.

Shown are, Codi, a cousin, Thomas and Eli, Codi's younger brother, as Philly Fanatics.

Next is Olivia, Allison and Kristen.

I love the next two pictures of Allison, so I had to add them. She was excited for months about being a fairy, her first year in school.

Here she was in the parade around the school grounds. I love this picture.......

Well, that was our Thanksgiving Day this year. It's Friday evening now, and the BOYS are in the kitchen making Boilo, it's something they do every year now, while the girls are out shopping. I'll post that recipe and some pictures from that tomorrow.

PS......Son-in-law, Tom, just handed me a cup of hot Boilo, that they have just finished making and putting in bottles.....it taste great. :)

PART II, WRITING EXERCISE WITH GOLLUM

2008-11-23T22:15:00.012-05:00

While slowly releasing myself from Charlie's arms, I took a step back, looked up into those familiar, blue eyes and said, "Where did that come from?"

He smiled that broad smile of his, and I'm sure I saw his face flush slightly. He replied, "Well Liz, I thought I'd get the ten twelfths out of the way, it's been a long time coming."

With my eyes still focused on his, I smiled back at him and could feel the warmth in my face as it turned red. I knew what he meant because we had talked about it during a phone conversation. He was referring to one morning on our way to the school bus, when he blurted out, "It's my birthday today, aren't you going to give me a kiss?" I froze for an instant, then turned to him and planted a kiss on his lips. "Happy Birthday," I said with a chuckle in my voice, "I hope you have a great day."

"I will now," he replied with a wide grin, "I'll be walking on air after that present."

"That was nothing," I chimed back, "It was only two twelfths of the kind of kiss I have to give."

That was Charlie's senior year in school, he had turned eighteen that day, I was sixteen. When our yearbooks came out at the end of the year, he signed mine and wrote in it, "When am I going to get that other ten twelfths?"

After his graduation our lives took very different paths. He joined the Navy, along with Paul and Ange, his two best friends, and I didn't see or hear from him for years afterwards. Not until I happened to be in contact with Ange, through email, and he asked if it was alright to give my email address to Charlie. Of course I said yes, and heard from Charlie that very night.

I learned that he had earned a living driving a truck for a while, but then started his own import export business later on and was doing very well. He loved the excitement of the business and enjoyed the travel. He had two offices here in the states, one on each coast, one of the west coast and another one in Europe. The excitement in his voice when he spoke of the business was easy to recognize. I was happy for him.

Angelo, we called him Ange, lived two houses away from me, before my mother's death. Ange, Charlie and Paul, often hung out in our garage, with my brother, Joe, while he was working on one of his cars, so I was in their company a lot and always considered myself, 'just one of the guys.' This also allowed me to feel very comfortable around the opposite sex. But I never though that they saw me any other way, other than Joe's little sister, who he got stuck keeping an eye on while their single, mom worked.

When I moved into my mother's, parents house, after she died, I then lived right across the street from Charlie and his family. He was an only child and lived with his parents on the second floor, while his grandparents lived on the first floor. I did hear once, that Charlie and anther girl who lived in the neighborhood, where caught having sex in her back yard, by her mother. A few months later she and her family moved away and I never heard anything about her again.

During our email exchanges, Yahoo Chats, and phone conversations, Charlie and I filled one another in on our lives. He had gotten a girl named Anne pregnant, shortly after his tour of duty in the Navy, they married and had a son. I knew Anne from school, she lived in the same town as us after she and her family moved here from Scotland. She and Charlie had a rocky marriage, Anne started drinking, pouring herself straight shots of whiskey, glass after glass. It seems she just couldn't deal with Charlie's traveling for his business, and he couldn't afford to just let the business run itself.

Charlie explained how Anne started with strange behavior, when she saw a Cardinal in a tree, in their yard, and said that it was a sign that Charlie was having an affair with a redhead. After years of many such episodes, the final one came when there was a block party with their neighbors and he went into his house to use the bathroom and grab a sweater. He had some sunburn from playing golf earlier that day and was feeling chilly. She saw the closet light go on and started yelling, right out there in the middle of the street, that he was sending a signal to someone to meet him. She was later committed to an institution in the highlands of Scotland, where she remained until she took her own life. He further explained that he had business connections there and she still had some remaining family in the area. He didn't want his son 'socially marked' because of his mother's illness, so he chose to take her to her homeland for treatment. She hung herself in her room, with the belt of her Tartan plaid robe and was found by one of the other patients. Charlie told me that, he found out that after finding her, the man ran down the hall playing his bagpipes and yelling, "Party time everyone, we're having a funeral."

THE THINGS A ROOSTER HAS TO DO TO STAY OFF THE DINNER TABLE :(

2008-11-22T08:13:00.002-05:00

Gollum's Exercise In Writing

2008-11-21T22:21:00.003-05:00

How could I ever have imagined this day, when I got that first email from Charlie, three years ago, that I would see him again after so many years had passed. I don't even know why I extended an invitation to lunch, or why I agreed to house sit for Glo, while she went to Jersey, for a wedding.

Sure, I was curious to experience first hand, the relationship that we've formed again, but it's not like we were lovers or anything. In my mind, he is still that boy that lived across the street, who walked me to the bus stop every school day, when we were in high school. I'd see him open his front door, just as day light started it's daily path across the earth and I'd gather up my things, take a look at the clock to check how much time we'd have to walk the four blocks for our bus, before I'd head out the door to meet with him. If we were early enough, we'd have a pleasurable walk, but if he was running late that morning, we would circle around his friend, Angelo's house, to catch the bus on the next block.

Charlie was a good looking guy, with dreamy, French, blue colored eyes, smooth skin and cinnamon, brown hair. He was always well dressed, wearing freshly pressed shirts and well tailored slacks. But I do remember there was always this large bulge in his pocket from his keys and questioned silently to myself, why he had the need to carry so many. He was always well mannered, so I was caught off guard when he asked if he could phone me, saying, "I'd just like to hear your voice, to see if it still has that soft, sweet tone that I remember so well."

And now he's coming here......to Glo's house.......to have lunch with me.......on her porch. Why did I agree to this, what was I thinking. I'm not comfortable here in this house. These surroundings are nothing like my own, I'm so out of my comfort zone.

I wish that I could have at least set the table the way I would at home. This setting would never do for Susan's Tablescape Tuesday. I think I'll have to buy Glo some new table linens for her next birthday, these runners are awful. I can't believe that I couldn't find something else to use. Glo is such a wonderful cook, just like her father was, why wouldn't she have better table linens? I knew from our conversations, that Charlie would enjoy a steak and salad, with his favorite Chianti, so maybe he won't even notice what's covering the table.

I better remember to take small sips of the wine with my meal, in this summer heat, my face will get glossy and my cheeks will turn an apple red. Maybe I should have worn something else, this blouse will get all crinkly and I'll look like an unmade bed. Well it's too late to change now, Charlie will be here any minute.

That thought no sooner crossed my mind, when the doorbell rang, I took a deep breath, ran my tongue across my lips and opened the door. "Hi Sunshine" he said, with that he enveloped me in his arms and kissed me as if we had been doing it for years. His lips were warm, his kiss long but gentle, and girls I learned something new that day.......those were no keys in his well tailored pants pocket. ;)

OUR 'DECORATING ON A DIME' PROJECTS-when- THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

2008-11-18T11:53:00.066-05:00

This is the first picture that I posted on RMS of one of our master bath projects. I saw these grilles at Michael's crafts, my husband framed them to fit the windows surrounding our garden tub, to make the shutters, they were well received on RMS. When we did our master bath makeover, the huge mirror above the vanity was replaced with what I'm showing here. We purchased two king size headboards at a furniture store garage sale for $75 each, the second one was a back up. The two end panels were removed and replaced with mirrors and my husband wired and attached the lights, which I found on the liquidation table at Lowe's.

The panels that were removed from the two ends of the above piece, were used to cover some of the vanity drawers, shown below, to tie the whole look together. The hardware was purchased on eBay. I'm not sure why the tile shows up so dark, it's very light, almost the color of the paint.

Our foyer bi-fold closet doors were replaced with this display piece. This was a china, top only costing $97, that was also purchased at one of the furniture yard sales. The doors on the bottom were made from the other headboard that we used in our master bath project.

Of all the pieces we re-purposed, this china hutch is my favorite. Remember, we are buying the tops only. First the mirror in the back was removed and replaced with paneling that was painted green to match other pieces in our kitchen. The hutch was then attached to our sofa table, that we didn't have room for in the living room and paneling added to the back of it to give it that complete look. The pieces were mounted on a base, that my husband made, to add some bulk to the bottom.

I just put our Christmas dishes in there for the holidays.

Also in our kitchen, when we did our makeover, two of the upper cabinets were removed and this library piece was painted and used in the space. The piece cost us $199, but well worth it for what it has added to our kitchen makeover.

The table was bought on a clearance sale at Ethan Allen many years ago, and the chairs and base were painted so that they would match. The chairs were ones we had from our old dining room set, we painted and re-covered the seats. We purchased it second hand from our landlady, who was moving and buying a larger set. I'm not sure how old they are.

Here is another one of those built-ins, that was once a linen closet with bi-fold doors. I have always pictured it re-placed with an armoire and my talented husband was able to do this two years ago. Here again it was only a top, but he was able to remove the sides of the piece and use them to create the lower doors. He then lined the closet with cedar paneling and added a few more shelves. This piece cost us more money, somewhere around $200.

This bench was made out of a twin size bed. The foot board was sawed in half, attached to the back and a seat was constructed. It was made for $7. The cushions were bought at Marshall's for $24.99 for the two pillows and the same for the larger cushion. Our granddaughters have put in their order for one too.

The hutch top, bought at the same furniture store, yard sale, and still waiting to be painted to match the bottom piece, was purchased for my doll collection. :) If you take a close look, the doors don't match up right. This will be fixed when it's painted. My husband needs help to carry it down to the garage, but another project always seems to get in the way.

This little table was made using a top that we found at one time, then we found the pedestal another time. The total cost was $25.

I wanted a place to house the tv in our guest bedroom and found this. It had doors that were in bad shape but the rest was perfect. The price was right, $149. and makes a wonderful addition to the room.

You may remember the coat hangers that I got on sale from Coldwater Creek, on line. The original pieces were $39 each but were later reduced to $15, so I bought them. The pegs were removed and then it was shaved a little to fit the windows.

The next pieces, a future project, are a pair of chairs, which will have to wait until next year to get done. They were given to me by a dear friend, but I never knew how I wanted to redo them. That was until 'Dear Artie' posted some pictures and gave me the idea of what to do. So I finally will have a before and after picture to show, only you'll have to wait for that project. ;)

I think you now have a good idea of what keeps this retired couple busy. First thing planned for after the holidays is replacing the wall to wall carpeting in the dining room with hardwood floors. We hope to replace most of the floors with hardwood in time.

I hope that this post will help some of 'your'........... THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. ;)

NEW SERVING PIECES

2008-11-15T07:19:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, while I was putting my Fall decorations away and starting to wash and put out my Christmas dishes, the UPS truck came (with that really cute driver ;) ) and these serving pieces from Pfaltzgraff. I was trying to talk myself out of buying them, until they went on sale last week that is, plus they offered free shipping, so how could I turn that deal down. ;) I feel very fond of this company, because as a Bridal Consultant, for a Boscov's store, I had many dealings with the company and some of it's representatives. I had been to their factory several times and got to see the products being made and also meet some of the employees. There was very seldom a bride who didn't put Pfaltzgraff dishes on their registry. You can bet these serving pieces will now be used every Thanksgiving on our table.

PICTURES FROM OUR DAUGHTER'S WEDDING

2008-11-13T10:22:00.018-05:00

There was an interest, by some of our fellow bloggers, to see some photo's from our daughter's wedding. I mentioned that I did all the flowers and also that she chose a English Riding Theme for her wedding. Theme weddings were big in our area at that time.

Our cable has been going on and off, the past few days, they are working on the lines, so I admit I was in a hurry posting this, before it goes off again. Plus the pictures are glued into the album and I couldn't get them out to scan, some are a little crooked. :(

Cindy's gown was made by a very talented, young man, John, he also made her hat and veil to match. The lace is a ribbon lace, that Cindy saw in a bridal magazine, and John bought in New York. Her triple, layered veil and bottom of her gown, are all edged in satin ribbon. She chose an ivory color fabric, since she is very fair and she looks very washed out in white. The skirt is very plain organza, because she wanted a large bouquet with streams of Ivy, to got with her theme.
John also made the flower girl's dresses, using the same organza as Cindy's gown. The sashes and bows, at their waists, are made from the same material as the bridesmaids skirts. I made the girls headpieces and their little bouquets. All of the flower girls are either Cindy's nieces or her Goddaughter's.

The wedding was held in St. Patrick's Church, in Pottsville, Pa.. This church is beautiful and has undergone renovations since the wedding, that have added to it's beauty. The church is built right next to the Yuengling Brewery, in fact I believe the buildings may even be attached. This has always been brunt of some good jokes. ;) Cindy loves Hydrangeas and chose them to be used for her October wedding flowers in church and at the reception. Yep, I did those flowers too.

Okay, so this looks more like a class reunion then a wedding party, that was not my daughter's doing. The groom, Tom, wanted all of his friends, and kept asking our daughter if she had a partner for each of them. At the time of the wedding, Tom's father was dying of cancer, so we just let him have all his friends and family around him. We wanted their day to be everything THEY wanted and their group of friends are extremely close to this day. The little boys are Tom's Godsons. There were 31 in the wedding party.

Another young, talented women, made the girls outfits and the grooms men's vests. The vest material, is an upholstery fabric that Cindy and I picked out from a Calico Corners. The skirts were a georgette crepe and she sewed the organza collar and sleeves onto the vests, in order to cut down on the cost for the girls. They carried riding crops, which Cindy ordered from a riding equipment store, and I decorated with flowers. I was able to order the girls riding hats thru one of the Boscov's Buyers for the store, they were just a plain black felt. I added a flocked,dotted Swiss netting with streamers and flowers in the back, that matched those on the riding crops.

The grooms men's tuxes were black and they chose to wear a band collar, ivory shirt.

This first picture is of our youngest son, Rick, and my husband's sister's daughter, Natalia. The second picture is of our oldest son, Doug, and my sister's daughter, Lisa-Anne.

The two young people, who made the outfits, worked so well together, they are both very talented people. Yes, a few things went wrong that day, it rained, so that the open horse-drawn carriage couldn't be used for the newlyweds, and the manager of the country club, where the reception was held, make several BIG mistakes. He gave our seats at the reception to other people, they were elderly and traveled from another state, we just couldn't ask them to move. He forgot to order a different menu for the India born doctors that were there, and neglected to have someone put the flowers on the head table. I didn't notice until the reception was almost over. Because of the seating mistake, my back was to the head table, so I didn't pick up on it. Plus I was so exhausted from both working my full time job and making all the flowers, that I just didn't have my wits about me that day. But all-in-all it was a great day.

RICKY'S ROOM

2008-11-10T19:17:00.017-05:00

Our last bedroom, that needs a makeover, is the room we call Ricky's Room. Our son, Rick, was the person who gave us the most help, when we moved, so we gave him his own room for when he comes for visits. All the walls are exactly the way we found them, except for the boarder, we added that.This area rug came from the family room in our other house, I pulled out a lot of the colors from it, when buying bed linens. Most of the other pieces in the room were ones we already had.

The wing back chair and ottoman, came from our last living room, it's covered in a Waverly, Cranston Plaid, pattern the color is spice. My husband made the lamp, which he copied from one we saw in a store in Long Beach Island, N. J., while vacationing there. The chest, that is being used as an end table, is one of a pair, I sold them, and matching pieces in my boutique back in the 80's.

This picture didn't turn our great, but I had to add it anyhow.

Now.....this is one of those awful :( things I did to cover up marks in the wallpaper. This was a teenager's room and he had posters hanging above the bed. I had a roll of this fabric and used it to cover the holes. I've never liked it, but never thought it would take this long to put up new paper. I'm planning on putting up grass cloth, since I still want to keep a nautical them in that room.

The view to the right of the bed.

Same side, just down a little. The lamp on that table is one we've had since we got married. There is another single, globe that matches it, up in the attic. The lighthouse is really a birdhouse. The chair and table came from our Pa. sun room.

The tv sits on a piece that was left in the house. Like the paneling, it is washed in a blue stain, with a little more of the wood showing thru. I believe the previous owner's son used it as a desk and book shelves. I've wanted to replace it, however, I've never come across a piece I want to replace it with. And......one of my pet peeves is being able to see the light cords. I try to hind them, but.....

The sand painting, is one of the first pieces of merchandise I bought for my boutique, It represents two American Indian Tribes, one from the bride's tribe and one from the groom's. The salesman came into my store when I was still getting set up in the shop.

Another picture of the lamp and birdhouse..

The picture below, came from Rick's room in Pa.. We always liked the saying............

WHEN YOU FIND ME HERE, DON'T THINK THAT I AM LONELY, ONLY ALONE

Our whole family has always loved our vacations at the Jersey Shore. I am so happy that we were able to find a place, here in Delaware, that is somewhat like our favorite Jersey vacationing place. LBI.......(Long Beach Island) for those of you who don't know.

MY HUSBAND'S ITALY

2008-10-29T13:34:00.019-04:00

This is my husband's birthplace, ISOLA D' ISTRA, ITALY, or just referred to as Isola, by those who lived there. After the WWII, it became part of Yugoslavia and most of the town's people moved, my husband's family went to Trieste Italy. But every time he goes home, in his heart, his home is still Isola. The picture below, was taken on a hillside, looking down on Isola. Isn't it beautiful...... This next picture is of the church he attended and served as an alter boy.

I love these next pictures of the inside, it's exactly what I think the inside of a church should look like.

The priest lives in this next house. I love everything about it. The colors, the trim work, etc.....Well.... maybe not that statue sitting on the corner of the building.

Even the narrow streets and the old buildings have their charm. Not too many SUVs travel these streets.

My father-in-law, was a fisherman by trade, so there are always pictures taken of the boats and docks.

Even this old bell tower is worth taking a picture of.

I hope you enjoyed my husband's little piece of Italy. There is so much more, but it's on another, older camera and I'll have to save those for another time.

WELL, IT'S NOT TOOTSIE'S GREENHOUSE

2008-10-23T10:35:00.015-04:00

Hi Everyone..... I thought I'd give you a look at what I've been up to lately. With the onset of shorter days and colder temperatures, this year I decided to take in all of the potted and hanging plants that I could fit in this little space of our enclosed back porch. I'm not sure if this room will be warm enough to keep them from freezing, since it isn't heated, but I'm giving it a try anyhow, and hoping for the best.I thought I'd show you our Camellia, that is in bloom outside of the porch first. Notice all the buds, it's much more than we've had in the past.

Next, we step inside the porch and you can see the Geranium, I think it looks better now than it did all summer. It has more flowers and the leaves are much greener. I hope I'm as lucky with it as Tootsie was with one she's had for six years. The Boston Fern to the right is one of three I bought as soon as the weather turned warmer, and the girl at the Garden Center told me it was the right time to hang it out on our back porch. We got frost a few days later and all three ferns looked very bad, this one the worse of the three. Now it has turned out to be the one that's doing the best.

This next little beauty is Pentas or Star Clusters. We had two but one did better than the other. See my turtle peeking around the corner. Poor thing is still waiting for a new eye. His left one clouded over and I couldn't find a place to buy a new one unless I ordered more than I wanted to buy. So he's still waiting. :( Ahhh, now here is a story......This little vine is called Ipomoea, or Sweet Caroline. It is said that it takes full sun, but it didn't do well at all in the sun and I thought it had died. I took it out of the sun and put it in the shade, in a matter of weeks it grew beautiful leaves and flourished. I love vines and hope that it does well.

This is one of the Red, New Guinea Impatiens. It's one of two we had this year on our larger, back porch. The other one did very well up until about two weeks ago, and then it started to die. I told my husband to take it behind the garage and dump it out. When he did, he found that frogs were living in the pot, so he just left it for them to stay in. This other one, pictured below, didn't flower as much thru the summer, but has always had nice leaves and I thought I'd bring it in to see how it would do. I can remember seeing one in a greenhouse, in the dead of winter, that was in full bloom and doing very well.

Pictured here are some of our hanging plants. My husband bought the two Bridal Veils on a trip to Pennsylvania. He often stops in a green house, on his trip, owned by the Amish. He took care of those two plants all summer and would take them down every couple of weeks and let them soak in the frog pond. I'd get annoyed at that, because it left the ends of the plants all slimy, but he bought them, so I just let it go. :(

I had to give you a close up of my, now dried and spray painted (it died), Bonsai Tree and my little figurines. I've had them for years and I just love them. There are a few more, but these two are my favorites.

Another picture of some of the hanging plants.

Now this is my Pride and Joy......My Avocado Tree that I grew from a seed. We've been bringing it in the house every winter, but it lost all of it's leave last year and I thought it had died. But not wanting to give up on it, we put it out under the arbor when it got warmer and it sprouted all new leaves and even a new branch. I'm afraid I hover over this one.

Here is another picture, do you notice anything?????????? It's something else that I think is fantastic!!!!!!!!!

Okay....... did you notice this in the picture?

Last year this double pane window cracked, but the more I looked at it the more I liked it. I've often thought that if I knew how to crack more of them, that I'd love to add some more. But I'm not sure I want to give it a try, I'm not that brave.

Here is another view of it, maybe you can see the beauty that I see in it. Isn't it funny how some 'accidents' in life just turn out to be one of the best things that ever happened.

I'd like to know, have you had something happen to you that at first seem bad, but turned out to be something good? Please leave me a note and let me know.

2008-10-22T10:49:00.002-04:00

Good Morning.......

My good friend, Tootsie, passed on a request from another blogger, to make a list of six (6) things I value in life, and six (6) things that I don't value. So here goes......

I VALUE:

1. I value God.... and my belief that he is there for me when I have the need to turn to him. I value all the gifts he has given to me.

2. I value All of my family and my extended family. Especially the love and friendships that I have with my children and grandchildren.

3. Being an animal lover, I value all the animals that have been part of my life and the lasting memories I have of those that have passed, especially my Collies and the love they've given me in return.

4. I value all of the friends I have in life and on line. You all know who you are.

5. I do value all of the material things that I have, most of them have so much sentimental value attached to them. And if I lost them, I'd feel as if I lost a part of my life.

6. I value the time I had to spend with those loved ones that have passed. The memories of them live with me every day, in my heart.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I DON'T VALUE:

1. I don't value dishonesty.

2. I don't value nosey people.

3. I don't value inhumanity to any man, or cruelty to animals.

4. I don't value buying something just because it has a 'Name' attached to it (hope you know what I mean). I buy for looks and the value I believe it will have for me or the person I'm getting it for.

5. I don't value any person who thinks they are better than another. For example.....I think that the person cleaning the streets in front of the White House deserves my respect just as much as the person living inside. Unless one or the other proves different.

6. I don't value anyone who doesn't value another person.

a. By not, at least, listening to their opinion.
b. By not offering help when they are in need.
c. By being a 'know it all'.
d. By being cruel to them. etc. etc. etc.

Well, I think you get the idea...

Now go list six things you value and don't value, post them on your blog and keep this going so we can all get to know one another better.

A NEW LOOK FOR OUR MASTER BEDROOM

2008-10-10T13:16:00.024-04:00

I've decided to give our master bedroom a new look this winter, so I thought I'd share it with you. I didn't mean for this picture to be the first one shown, but since it is let me explain what your seeing. The big, comfy wing back that you see tucked in the corner, is upholstered in a flame stitch fabric, which is one of my all time, favorite patterns. I intend to skirt around the legs with a bullion fringe, when I'm able to get to Maryland, to the Sewing Outlet. My sister and I make a trip there every so often, with a long list of things we know we can buy there. The little fireplace to the left of the chair is heated with gel cans. I need to have my husband build about a twelve inch base under the fireplace to raise it, and then I intend to paint it white so it will stand out more, I feel it's getting lost in all that dark furniture.

Now we get to our new comforter. I found it on line at the Macy's site. It's part of the Martha Stewart Collection, it was on sale for under a hundred dollars. It came with two sets of shams and a bed skirt, which I'll most likely use to make some throw pillows someday.

This is what you can see looking in through the door from the hallway.

The round table, which is actually two marble top half rounds used back to back, is what you see as you enter the room. It holds a favorite picture of my mother as a small child and the picture to the left is one of my Aunt Rose, her first cousin, a favorite Aunt of mine.

I always buy a matching spread for the daybed. This one is a queen size, which I've wrapped under the mattress to allow the plaid bed skit to show more. I like to use a plaid fabric, when making pieces like this, so that I don't have a hard time matching colors and prints when buying future comforters. Two guesses what four legged part of our family sleeps here. :) Which is another reason I like to wrap the mattress, it stays in place and I don't have to fix it every time I come into the room. Sergei hasn't learned how to make his own bed yet.

There is a raspberry color in the plaid and the rug also, so I made the floral arrangement out of raspberry Peonies. The lamp came from Italy and was gift from a friend. The lamp shade is one I bought at Lowe's recently, to replace the old one that was silk and started to fray.

I didn't mean to give the daybed that curved look, but after I added the camel, colored shams behind the plaid, it curved on it's own. I like the look, it's different, but I still have to find some throw pillows, on my next shopping trip.

A closeup of the comforter and bed skirt.

Another look at the table etc. The fabric used for the table cover is the same fabric as our Summer spread. See what I mean about being able to match other fabrics with a plaid. I bought another spread to make the table cover, that way I didn't have to piece it and I was lucky that it had been marked down to a very good price at Spiegel's on line.

The bed from a different angle. The sheers, behind the bed, are only tied back this time of year, so that we can open the window and enjoy the Fall night air.

We still hope to replace the carpet with hardwood floors someday and I'd like to get a flat screen tv for the armoire by the day bed, instead of it sitting on the top of the carved trunk. Of course we'll have to turn the armoire, so that it will face the bed.

Do you think this constant need to change/decorate could be a sickness? :)

Till next time.....

Hugs 'D'

OUR GREEN PUMPKIN :)

2008-10-08T19:34:00.005-04:00

Last year friends gave us two green pumpkins to make pies. I've had 'a thing' for green pumpkins ever since I saw them in Martha Stewart's Fall issue in 1994. So I saved the seeds with the idea of trying to grow some this year. It looked like we only going to have one pumpkin, but while Al was cutting it off the vine, he saw another one hidden under some of the large leaves. Isn't this one a beauty.

These are the pumpkins that I fell in love with in Martha's magazine. Aren't they fantastic..... Tonight I went out to buy the tools needed to make the different shape cutouts. However, I'm not using real pumpkins, rather I've bought faux pumpkins, so that I can have them for years to come. I'll paint them a sage green, and light them with an electric candle. There is a warning on the pumpkins, (NO REAL CANDLES) Wish me luck.

BACK PORCH HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS

2008-10-07T10:37:00.004-04:00

Every year, like so many other people, I would run out to buy some potted Mums to decorate with for Halloween. This year I decided to use what I had and save myself a trip to the garden center. The tin pumpkins, are ones we purchased many years ago at Sam's Club. They quickly became a favorite of ours. Most years, I set them up inside our family room, where when lit at night, the lights shining thru the different shaped, cutouts in the pumpkins, left a magical array of shapes on the ceiling and walls. Since we put the roof over the back porch, the last two years I've put them out there. This year I attached the Rooster from our yard, flag to the new window grilles and used the potted Sweet Potato Vines and some Variegated Ivy that I enjoyed this year from the garden. I also dug out, from the back of a closet, part of a Witches Costume, that I wore a couple of times when dressing up for work and parties etc. I mounted the head on a wicker head form, that I had used in my shop and attached sunglasses on it behind the eye opening, giving the mask a 'sort of' Martian Look. ;) Since we very seldom get visitors to our back porch this time of year, I thought my husband and I would be the only ones to see our display. Well, seems I did this just in time, because I got a call last night from one of our granddaughters, saying that she, her two sister and their mother, along with another mother and her two daughters are coming down for an overnight visit. They heard that the temperatures are expected to be in the high 70's this weekend, and they wanted to spend some time at the beach and on the boardwalk. So it looks like we'll be having seven visitors to see our Halloween Decorations after all.

TRYING SOMETHING NEW FOR FALL DECORATIONS

2008-10-04T11:33:00.007-04:00

Every year I try to do something different when I put out holiday decorations. Martha Stewart had a picture of silver pumpkins on her wed site for Fall and I JUST HAD TO try it. Although hers were shown in a formal setting, I thought I would use a more casual style. Of course I had hoped to be able to get some large pumpkin leaves/garland, but I was unable to find them. Since the Green pumpkins that we planted in our garden this year, are growing among the ferns, that we've been unable to stop from growing there, I figured why not use ferns and a few grapevine leaves instead. Martha had used dragonflies, etc. to add some color to her design, I opted to use Mums and Berries, since I had them on hand. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the results, but I decided to share it anyhow. Let me know what you think. I'd also like to take this time to thank Robyn @ http://thereisalwaysthymefor.blogspot.com/ for sending me this Gold Card that can be seen on my sideboard. I'd like to offer it to any of you that wish to send it on to others. Thanks again Robyn, it is much appreciate.

A 'SENTIMENTAL' FALL WREATH

2008-09-25T13:36:00.004-04:00

I've mentioned, in other writings, in the past, that I once had my own boutique. It was called The Tiffany Boutique. I also wrote, that I had very talented people who would bring their crafts into my store for me to sell, some on consignment, some I bought right out. The pumpkins I'm showing below are one of the many items created by one of my favorite crafters. This is only a sampling of her work but one of my favorites. Doesn't she do great work. The second photo below, is one of the ways that I use these pieces in a wreath. I've made this wreath many times in the past, but the one I'm showing below is the one I made today. I've made it as a gift to welcome a new neighbor, I hope she'll like it. I'm able to put this up the beginning of the Fall season and use it right thru Thanksgiving. I've often thought of making them and selling them, but I enjoy giving them as a gift, maybe that's being selfish of me. I'll have to get together some of Suzie's (that's her name) other crafts that she's made, especially the dogs for all of you dog lovers. I'm so proud of her work, but I guess you figured that out by now.

TABLESCAPE TUESDAY ENTRY 9/16/08

2008-09-16T10:30:00.014-04:00

My first thoughts of Autumn turn to, what new arrangement I can make for our dinning room table this year. I always try to come up with something that will take me right thru to Thanksgiving. Above is the arrangement that I've made this year.

When I think of this season, my first thoughts go to apples, our son's favorite dessert, French Apple Pie with Pecan Ice Cream, Jewish Apple Cake, my husband's favorite and setting the table with our apple dishes, so that's what I've chosen for today's Tablscape Tuesday.

Our Apple pattern Franciscan dinnerware.

Here I've used our apple plates that I found at Marshall's. I also have some hung up in our kitchen above the stove

I love colored galssware, especially red. Here I've used two different patterns. The smaller stems Ive recently purchased. I like to let the kids have stemware too, when they dine with us, but found they have knocked over the taller glasses, so I bought these shorter wine stems.

Those are our cabbage leave placemats that I've used. I just looked them up on the computer the other day, and they are still available.

I wanted to show the individual, apple, tea lights that I've used at each place setting. They were from my boutique, that I owned a few years ago.

Some of the serving pieces I've acquired over the years, include this apple pattern that I spotted at a Happy Harry's Drug store. They called out to me, "Buy me, Buy me".

Now, what would be more appropriate for a table setting such as this, than an apple pie for dessert.

Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I enjoy turning the lights down and eating by candlelight. Some things never change, even as one gets older.

A FUTURE PROJECT

2008-09-09T19:42:00.003-04:00

Shown here is a 'hardscape' project that we intend to do in the near future. Right now, on the right side of our pool, we have stones, which was a big mistake, and they have to go. No matter what we do, weeds keep growing up between the stones, and the area constantly has to be maintained. Plus the stones aren't easy for the kids and our dogs to walk on, it hurts their feet. We had grass in that area at first, but every time the grass was cut, the clippings ended up flying into the pool, making a mess and more work. So we started to look into alternatives and we've decided on this look. The area is about 30'x 60' with an arbor that supports a rather large Wisteria vine, in the upper left corner and the pool shed to it's right. So we will not be adding the summer house that is shown or the fencing around the area. We just like the nice clean look of the Terracotta Bricks and the Paving Stones, which we should easily be able to buy at a nearby place called THE ROCK PILE. There are some planters in the area already and an old fountain that came from our previous home, although it will have to be re-positioned. We aren't using it as a fountain, rather have turned it into a birdbath and have planters and flowers around it for the birds that come to visit our yard.

Since my husband has his work cut out for him right now, this will become a project for 2009. GOD willing.....

OUR FAMILY ROOM MAKE-OVER PLANS

2008-09-01T21:23:00.017-04:00

First I'd like to explain to you what I've tried to do in this family room. My idea, was to decorate this room using a more masculine theme. My husband had recently retired and I wanted to create a room that would feel comfortable to him, but still adding a few of the things that meant something to me. I think I've succeeded because he spends an awful lot of time in there. But the time has come to spruce things up and change some of the colors, especially the walls and drapes. Below are the fabrics I've chosen for drapes and I'll also make some new pillows to replace those out- dated ones that we use now.

This first fabric, that I've chosen, is part of the Ralph Lauren Collection, from Calico Corners, and is called Moghul Paisley Champagne. I believe this will look great with all the pieces that will stay in our room and add a great deal to the decorating pallet. I intend to use the lightest gold, from this fabric, as the new wall color. Lauren's fabric, called Leopard Sand, is what I would like to use for trim on my new drapes. It will also go well with the pillows and throws that I already have in the room.

I keep ' my own' decorating books with swatches and pictures of everything I use when decorating a room. This is what I have, in my book, for our family room. I've added the little notes to show what is staying and what I intend to replace.

Shown here, is what our leather, sofa and love seat look like. Pictured is only the love seat, but the sofa is the same only bigger. They have served us well, but it's time for them to be spruced up.

My favorite chair......Sitting on it is like sinking down into butter. ;) On a cold, snowy, winter night, sitting in this chair, next to the fire, cuddled up under the Leopard throw, is the best seat in the house.

We use this trunk as our coffee table. It takes a lot of abuse and I've been thinking about painting it, and getting glass for the top. It's been very hard to clean. It's something I'll have to give some more thought.

I wanted to add a little of me to this room too, so I let my love for HORSES and COLLIES become a part of this room, as you can see in the next three pictures. I'm afraid the fireplace has been totally taken over by my favorites.

Love. love, love this picture, it's called THE COURTSHIP, and only cost me $8.88 many years ago. I bought it at a store that was going out of business.

This is a favorite grouping, but it's not showing up very well in this picture. The chess set was made by me for my husband, the Collie puppy below was stitched for me, by one of the crafters that made things for my boutique, the two prints are by artist Cindy Alverado, she is so good, the sconce/ shelf was made by another of my crafters, out of 100 year old barn wood, that came from his barn and the tri Collie was a gift from a friend. So many good memories. :)

Although I have some of the drapes taken down for the summer, you can still see the fabric that is being used for the drapes at present. As for the lamp, I am so proud of the deal I got on eBay, but that's a very long story that I won't get into now.

Both the green, leather sofa and love seat look like this. We always wanted a Chesterfield sofa, that was until we had them for a few years and found out just how much 'stuff' can get into all of that tufting. It constantly has to be cleaned out and we've even had buttons come loose and had to send for a tool to fix them. Our plan is to have ONLY the tufted areas re-upholstered in a smoother finish, keeping the bench, style seating, which we like.

Although I would love to have Lauren's Cambrook Houndstooth upholstery fabric, that I saw in his collection, to use on our sofa and love seat, the fabric I've chosen is similar, but a larger pattern, with the same colors, however a lot less money, and I feel that is will work just as well.
I hope that this post gives you an idea of what the room looks like now, and what fresh, new look I hope to bring to the room.

MY BOYS (my four legged ones)

2008-08-29T19:30:00.017-04:00

These were MY BOYS, also known as Shilo, my Tri Colored Collie, on the top step. Shadow, my Blue Merle Collie in the middle. And Seth, my Sable on the bottom step.

Shilo was my oldest Collie, he was over sized for a collie, but such a beauty. We sang Neil Diamond's song Shilo to him as a puppy, he grew to know the song and would come running when he heard it playing.

Shadow was my shy, timid one, he was scared to death of storms. He chipped a couple of his teeth trying to get out of the chain link fence, if we weren't home and a storm was coming. Poor baby. :(

That leaves Seth, my baby. He grew into such a loving dog, he was smart and very protective of me. He seemed to be able to read my mind.

I had dreams of my dogs coming with us when we moved. I thought I'd be taking them to the beach and watching them run in the sand and wondered how they would react to seeing the ocean's waves for the first time. But it wasn't meant to be. I came home from work one day, and found Seth dead in his pen. I had always gone straight to their pens after work so I could let them out for a run. Seth didn't get up that day.

I don't feel as if I ever got over Seth's death, or ever forgave myself for not being there with when he needed me. Both Shilo and Shadow showed sings on being ill before their deaths, and I was with them at the Vet until the end, so I was prepared for losing them. Although it was hard letting them go, I knew it was their time and I couldn't let them suffer any longer, just for me. All three dogs died in a little over a year's time.

Shadow was still with us, when our son, Rick, bought me Sergei, the dog we now have, you can see the pictures I tried to take of him on my sidebar. Like Seth, he is also a Sable Collie and came from the breeder who bred Shadow's mother, Maggie. My girlfriend ,Louise, bought her from the breeder before I met her. I hope you'll enjoy the pictures I posted of them here.

Shadow and Shilo the day they graduated from Dog Obedience School. The caps belonged to our boys from when they graduated from kindergarten. I swear Shilo has a smile on his face.

Our new little puppy, Shadow and his brother Bandit, on the right, their first day home. Bandit belonged to our son, Doug, and his family.

That's Shadow.....Doesn't it look as if he's saying, " Oh Mom, do I have to get down".

Sorry that this picture is fuzzy, but I wanted to show how 'the boys' would enjoy lounging around our pool.

Seth was always such a 'ham', I never had a problem getting him to pose for a picture.

Here, Seth was a visitor at Seedlings Day Care, which is housed in the Yuengling Mansion, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He loved the attention he got and the kids loved having him there. It was such a fun day for everyone.

Now here is Heath, he belonged to our son, Doug, but came to stay with us for a while, while our son was between homes. Heath, was a gentle Doberman, however, a real 'man's dog'.

We never expected to have four dogs, along with our cat, Sasha, at one time, in our home and my husband and I would often make comments to each other about it. I found this clip in a newspaper and had it framed, as a joke, for my husband to hang in his office at work. I did have to 'white out' the name and put in his. If the print is too small for you to read it says, 'Are you there Al'......

A sign hung on the gate to our back yard that read.

THIS HOUSE IS MAINTAINED FOR THE COMFORT AND SECURITY OF MY DOGS,

IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THAT, THEN YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT ME,

SO GO AWAY......

FOR SUSAN

2008-08-25T18:52:00.002-04:00

I'm not crazy about all the ceramics that people do, but the girl that did this piece does wonderful work. I do wish she had made this Bluebird a darker blue, but it's so cute that I tend to forget about it. He has been sitting on my piano for years.

TABLESCAPE TUESDAY ENTRY

2008-08-25T12:58:00.014-04:00

I don't have my daughter's talent when it comes to taking pictures and I couldn't decide which one to post, so I posted them all. I wanted to use this tablecloth, I made it from a piece of tapestry fabric that I fell in love with and used the colors in it to decide on the dishes I chose. The setting is something I would use for a breakfast/brunch Fall table. As I stated in my 'dish blog', I enjoy mixing things up and using my formal dinnerware with casual pieces. I always use candlelight on our breakfast table, unless we eat on the porch, it's just something I've always done.

A PICTURE OF JESUS.......

2008-08-24T10:33:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, after reading one of our fellow Blogger's thank you notes, for the prayers she received during a recent medical scare, I replied to her that since the next day would be Sunday, that I'd post my favorite picture of Jesus today.

I'm not quite sure exactly what 'grabs me' about this picture, but for some reason, it speaks to me. I have been making copies for friends, who have seen it and asked about it, I've also given it as gifts on occasion. Recently our Pastor celebrated 25yrs. of his ordination, so I had the picture enlarged to a 24"x30" size and framed in honor of the occasion. It now hangs in the rear of our church for all to see.

I don't consider myself a very religious person, I did go to Catholic, grade school, and NEVER even thought of becoming a Nun, like most of the girls did in my class. I do try to be a good, caring and loving person and try hard to obey God's laws.

Maybe when you view this picture, it will move you to say a little prayer, for all those friends of ours, and their families, who we've grown to love and care for, here in Blogland. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP YOU IN GOOD HEALTH.