A Haven for Vee

Dare to Dream Different Art Challenge~Quill Cottage

2012-01-29T16:57:00.001-05:00

This art challenge has taken me way beyond my comfort zone so I am sitting here chuckling at myself. I am not by nature a creative person. Not.at.all.

When Miss Sandy *first mentioned her challenge,* I had just posted about my word for the year, which is "stretch." Somehow I thought that it would be a good way to practice. And it proved so true. I have stretched — hours and hours of stretching.

The challenge, as I understood it, was to create a tag or a piece of "art" using any of the images that Miss Sandy provided and the word "dream."

Let's have at it, shall we? My picture story...

***

So I learned a few things. I am learning that it takes layers and layers of practice.

And I learned that one can take a sad ~~song~~ tag and make it better.

Thanks so much, dear Miss Sandy, for encouraging me to try something new. I had fun!

Please visit Quill Cottage and see what others did with the same images.

Very Near

2012-01-29T08:56:00.003-05:00

Ever wake in the wee hours of the morning feeling unsettled, ill at ease? It happens to all of us, I think. It happened to me just last night. When it does, I can usually calm it with prayer or perhaps the humming of a hymn like "He's As Close As the Mention of His Name" by Gordon Jenson. This song is what came to me as I lay there flipping through my mind's Rolodex at three in the morning.

In the very thought of Jesus
His presence can be found
He's as close as the mention of His name
There is never any distance between my Lord and me
He's as close as the mention of His name
He's as close as the mention of His name
He's as close as the mention of His name
Jesus, Jesus
In my hour of struggle
So many times I've found
He's as close as the mention of His name
Just to breathe the name of Jesus
Can turn everything around
He's as close as the mention of His name.

John tells of a time when every night such anxiety would come upon him that he would have to get up, have a glass of water, walk around, and perhaps read before getting back to bed and to sleep. He was so exhausted from this nightly routine that he finally said to the Lord, "I don't care what happens. I don't care if I die. I am not getting up again." And that was the end of it.

Anxiety can come upon us at any time, though Believers have the remedy and the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He truly is as close as the very thought of Him. That is powerful. Further, He is present whether we are aware or not for He is always present and He is always willing to show us through as we yield to Him.

A blessed Sunday to you...

photo source: Dover Publishing

January Boys

2012-01-28T13:52:00.000-05:00

Six

Five

September 2010

The January grands have had their respective birthdays. The family gathered recently to honor them. I know that all grandparents say it, but does time fly or what?! It is actually getting pretty scary.

This morning, my daughter, John, and I gathered to pick up the home version of what you see above. It now sits in two big boxes waiting for spring and a patient papa to assemble. Hope that they will love it! Though when the six-year-old was informed about all the fun things...monkey bars and a climbing wall...he asked, "Who thinks I'm old enough for that?!"

~ * * * * * * * ~

Just a reminder that *the giveaway* ends tonight at 7!

A happy weekend to you...

Discoveries

2012-01-27T13:02:00.001-05:00

Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance.

~William Wirt

Right! So that's exactly what I've been doing this morning. If anything makes me wonder, I find out the details.

You may remember that the old trunk that originally belonged to my great-great grandparents no longer holds the tv. It now holds a hobby horse right in front of the front door. That can't be good, but it will do for now. I promise that it is only temporary.

As I was sitting here this morning visiting the precious few of you who have posted...ahem, I noticed some hen scratch on the sides of the trunk. My ancestors' surname is written there, though it is misspelled. Then I remembered finding a tag on the opposite side, which I had planned to photograph, but never returned to. Not today!

Misspelled Surname

What does that say?

American Express Co.

April 1905

Another Great Find

Aha! My mother's old lard bucket...empty and tucked beside my desk. I've been looking for something to hold Molly's dog food. It comes in 50 pound bags and this will be just the ticket. Yay! A new home for it coming right up beneath the farm table in the kitchen.

Thus ends the ho-hum photos of the day you will be happy to know. =)

***

We're in the middle of an ice storm. I have horrible memories of the nightmare one in 1998 and do not wish for a repeat. Still there is a beauty in treacherous weather.

Ice Storm Mosaic

spruce cones

Two questions for you...one perhaps mundane and the other a bit more interesting: 1. How's the weather in your corner? 2. What thing could you explore in your home/world today that you have been meaning to do?

Cultivating Wonder~Sharon Lovejoy

2012-01-26T08:53:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, I won not one, but three books written by Sharon Lovejoy! She had this marvelous giveaway at her blog. Blessed me!

Now Sharon has been cultivating plants and flowers since childhood so it did not surprise me that she also cultivates wonder.

the sweetest bookmark

The books arrived yesterday...

Sunflower Houses, Hollyhock Days, Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars

Sharon had asked, "Shall I inscribe them?"

I assured her that that would be wonderful and so she has...a unique message in each one!

Thank you, Sharon!♥

And so I enjoyed the most blissful of afternoons on the sofa surrounded by everything from the dog to the laundry reading Hollyhock Days from cover to cover. Such a delightful book!

As it happens, I have been gifted with Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars twice. I am keeping them both. One I shall allow the grands to read with their mom and dad. But wouldn't it be lovely to have a giveaway right here of Sharon's latest, Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars? Yes! I thought so, too. If you have children or grandchildren, a grandbaby or four on the way, you will so enjoy this wonderful book of ideas and activities. No hoops to jump through, no following, no need to share (unless you'd like), just leave a comment. One will suffice. This giveaway will be over by Saturday at 7 pm. Yes, I do work fast.

A wonderful Thursday to you!

Thank you for participating. Comments are now closed. Winner to be announced later this evening.

The winner: Diane at Lavender Dreams!

Recipe Rip-Offs

2012-01-25T08:51:00.002-05:00

It must be a closely guarded secret...the recipe for brown bread at King's Landing, New Brunswick, Canada. It's one of those breads that, though we are twenty miles away (when at the cottage that is) and down a dirt road six plus miles long and fraught with pioneer adventures each inch along the way of it, we find ourselves drawn over and over again to stop by and pick up another loaf or two or five. Man! It is some kind of delicious.

Mother and I had been scouting for the recipe and trying various brown breads for years. Over the weekend, when I whittled my Inbox from 999 emails to less than 100, I found an email with a recipe enclosed. It was from my niece and it said, "this is the one."

My excitement knew no bounds. I flagged it and set it aside and lost it and re-found it and finally printed it off and made it yesterday.

Did you know that there really are no copyright laws for recipes? I know because I used to proofread cookbooks. If I am using a favorite recipe for publication on my blog, I change some minor thing and pray that it isn't terribly significant. That's why I wonder about recipes we find on the web...they may not be as well tested as those we find in a book. This recipe that I'm not sharing was found by my niece on the web.

King's Landing bread is sweet and flavorful. Sweet. Quite sweet. This bread had a third of a cup of molasses and 6 cups of flour and a cup of oatmeal, but it was not sweet.

King's Landing bread is not Anadama bread, though it might be considered similar. If you click on the highlighted bit there, you can read the fun history of Anadama bread, which is a New England story.

Smelled good, though.

Looks pretty. Tastes blah. Flat. Not going to make this recipe again. If anyone knows of a delicious brown bread recipe that is sweet and flavorful, please fill me in.

What's your favorite bread and when is the last time you baked some?

P.S. If you'd like to take a little tour of King's Landing, Pam gives a great one right *here.*

Not Bored Exactly...

2012-01-24T11:46:00.002-05:00

January has brought me to this or as John says, "You're worried about what's going on in my head?" ☺

It's true. I am now ~~knitting~~ *crocheting nests. ~~K.n.i.t.t.i.n.g.~~ *Crocheting nests for crying out loud! It all began when I was practicing Deb's directions last night at A Blade of Grass. She said something fascinating about using two strands of yarn so, having lots of little leftover balls of yarn, I practiced and instead of a purse, came up with a nest. She'll be worried about me Deb will.

*Apparently, I don't know what I'm doing.

Keeping my nest company is my sweet little barn painting from Nita Leger Casey.

And all these pictures are reminders to those who are in a panic about the loss of Picnik. (No, I have never met an alliteration I did not love.) I can't say enough kind things about Photoscape. Do your own Googling and download the program when you're certain you have the right site. It's free. If you don't already have it, you'll love it.

Hope January is treating you well...

Faded Beauty~Mosaic Monday

2012-01-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

A Kim Klassen background (If Only) and last week's photo of the rose with this week's photo of the same rose. Perhaps I could better name it Fragile Beauty as all those lovely layers on the drying rose look paper thin and fragile to me.

Connecting to Mary at Little Red House.

Closing comments so that you may just visit and enjoy. I'll be visiting and enjoying without comments this evening myself.

The World Beyond

2012-01-22T08:33:00.002-05:00

This morning early, I pressed the blue button on the top of my computer tower on my way by and wandered down the hall toward the kitchen and coffee. I greeted John and almost listened to what he told me, poured my coffee and headed back down the hall for the computer...that glowing box of all things that connect me to The World Beyond.

I checked here at Haven and then scrolled to the bottom and that little meter icon where I could check stats. Soon I was there and then I was off to check email. A few minutes went by and I thought What were my stats? How many people went to visit Jill? Who's on now? All questions that would have been easily known if I had actually "been there" when I was there.

How much I am missing by not being here! And I am reminded all over again to stay focused and to really do the thing not merely go through the motions. The Bible clearly tells me this:

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails... I Corinthians 13:1–8a

Now what did John tell me?

A blessed Sunday to you...

How Fascinating!

2012-01-21T07:22:00.004-05:00

This is going to be an all-over-the-place post. My brain is firing on all two cylinders. = )

I have discussed this before, though I'm hoping that it was so long ago that you've forgotten. Years ago now, I took an aptitude test designed for college students. I was an instructor at the time and since I wanted my students to take the test, I took it just for fun. I was quite shocked when the results came back: I like to think! That's basically it. They suggested that I would like to belong to a "think tank." < insert chuckles >

So that's probably why I adored *Jill's post yesterday.* You will enjoy reading it; you will love watching the video she shared. The video is 15 minutes long and it will be the most fun and the most fascinating 15 minutes you've spent this week. I promise! Besides, you need some new interesting conversation to share with your friends and family. This is going to provide it. Yes, I promise! All that and it will give you a new appreciation for these:

Photo Source

Well, not exactly those, but close! If you regret it, please let me know. If you love it, please let Jill know. She features some amazing things on her blog!

Like These

***

Deb at A Blade of Grass just let me know that she has translated the crocheted bag I spoke of a few days ago into US terms right *here.* How cool is that?! Send your message out and the answer returns. Thank you very much, Deb, so appreciated! I shopped Thursday and didn't find anything I wanted so I am on the search for some quality yarn for this project. Anyone want to join me in making this pattern? Let me know!

It's Cable Guys day and still in time for Downton Abbey on Sunday night! John has done the most splendid job of installing conduit running the length of the house to the connection box. He says that this will be the easiest hook-up these guys have had in a long time.

It's also a Nonni Day as the youngest grand will be here soon. Seems big brother is now a basketball player. Must be that two inches plus that he's grown lately. Anyway, little brother at a basketball practice would not be as happy as little brother at Nonni's. Yay!

The new comment feature? I'm torn. What to do? What to do? Tell me what to do. Somebody. Anybody? Torn no more! When I had a number of emails this morning, in addition to the emails yesterday, that all told me that they couldn't comment without seeing a big blank white page pop up, I knew that I was going back to what wasn't broke. I can still respond to your comments here, IF that's any big deal or I can answer questions via email. I liked the new comment feature, but it is not worth losing touch with people. Work out those bugs, Blogger! One more thing: Should you wish to return to the old interface, you'll find a gear on the top of the dashboard page. A menu will drop down and returning to the old interface will be listed as an option.

Leaving you with a pretty picture of a drying rose. At least I think it's pretty.

Now go visit Jill!

A happy day to you...

I Went Alone

2012-01-20T07:53:00.005-05:00

Yup. I was sitting right here at the keyboard, after rescheduling the cable guys because John wasn't quite ready for them today, when I read Ellen's comment on yesterday's post that she leaves when projects are ongoing and returns once they are done. Aha! Exactly what I should do I thought.

So I said, "Fare-thee-well, dear husband. I am leaving for the rest of the day. Do not expect me back before six tonight."

He said, "Fine." I'm sure that he was in his own particular hell pulling himself around and through the crawl space repeatedly for two days and so wouldn't miss me.

I was driving down the road wondering where in the world I was going to go when I realized that I could kill some time at the theater watching W*r H*rse. I'm disguising that title there in that ~~inane~~ clever way because, after I review this movie, I don't want Spi*lberg to find me.

No, I am not going to tell you the details. I'm just going to say that those negative reviews you may have read may have some basis in reality. It is a heavily machinated, war-is-hell movie. My one tear was shed at the very end. I was happy when it was over and wished that it hadn't lasted so long (2 hours and a half, more or less). I only cared about a few of the characters and I didn't always care about the horse, though he's a magnificent horse all right. He's no Seabiscuit so John would have hated it.

Except for the stunning scenery, you could happily wait for the video. In fact, you could skip the video. Just sayin'... Perhaps I'd prefer reading the book upon which the movie is based. It is actually a children's novel written by Mi*hael M*rpurgo in 1982. And so that might explain the ~~simpleness~~ childlike quality of the storyline as I understand the director followed the book closely.

I did learn in previews that Titanic is going to be re-released on April 6. Now that I might like to see on the big screen again. Who am I kidding? I'd love to see Gone With the Wind on the big screen again and The Sound of Music and Forrest Gump and The Notebook and... Any oldies that you'd like to see on the big screen again?

Debbie at Bungalow tells me that not too many have found her giveaway and since it's for Shaklee products and since I love Shaklee products, I thought I'd point you in that direction. You can find it right *here.* While you're there you might want to check on the progress that Debra is making painting a chair. The upholstery of the chair. Who knew that you can do that?!

Despite the complaining about not being able to comment at many blogs, I am taking the plunge and trying the new interface. I hope that I can go back if necessary. Let's see how this goes. My instant review of the new comment system is in. It's a mixed review. I like being able to comment directly and easily to my friends. I do not like that my comments are tallied as part of the total so I will be using the ability rarely. Some folks get their knickers in a knot over comments. They even say, "My! You have so many comments." So I've never thought it a good thing for a mediocre nothing blog such as mine to have too many comments, especially if I am "padding" them myself. ;>

A happy Friday to you and a happy weekend!

Say WHAT?!

2012-01-19T08:39:00.004-05:00

I was reading at Barbara's Two Birdies and a B when I learned that Google is getting rid of Google Connect on March 1, 2012. It is being replaced with Google+ or some such thing. You can read more about it *here.* Apparently, we'll all be affected by it as we are going to lose all those nice friends and followers we have been gathering. That is unless we can take them along to Google+. I have looked at Google+ and I don't much care for it for a lot of reasons. Why does Google have to know so much about us? It makes me twitchy. So, my dear, I, for one, am adding a lot of blogs to my Friends and Favorites blog just because I hate losing people and it's ding-dong unlikely that I'm going to join on with Google+! Just thought you'd like to know. Disclaimer: Be sure to do your own research and read Heather's comment below. It's #3!

Yes, I am very aware that commenting has become more and more of a challenge. This is especially true of those who use the new interface. I do not. See my apology at the top of my sidebar to the right.

So between Google and Blogger, there's a whole lot of shaking going on. It makes me wonder what the ultimate goal is. As I tend toward paranoia, I can't help but wonder if they wish to winnow those who enjoy blogging. It may be time to make some plans.

This was the story of our day yesterday. Note the time at the end of the video. It went on for another three hours and John is still not finished. So, no movie yesterday and no movie today, perhaps tomorrow.

I paid careful attention to your suggestions. I listened when you said that you didn't like wires showing as they do when hanging a flat screen on the wall. We had intended to hang it on the wall. (And, if we hung it on the wall, where would we put the dvd?) I listened when you said that the tv had to sit higher than it did on the trunk. So those two things were addressed.

This is rather a mess in reflections and light washing in from the windows. Still, it shows where John's chair is in relation to the tv...that had been one of the questions...and where my chair is (which you can not see) behind the hassock there. The tv is as high on the wall as we were going to hang it. When I don't have to worry about tools all over the floor and carpets pulled back, I'll show one final photo.

That's it from our cold corner. How are things with you?

Hump Day, Hump Jumper, Etc.

2012-01-18T09:17:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. I am going to take you up on a few, but will wait to tell you all about it until the cable guys have arrived and the deed is done. By Friday, it should all be accomplished.

Hump jumper: Ever heard of it? Me neither until my daughter, a brand new sewer, suggested that I could use one. She's right! I want *this* very much. My daughter described finding a sweet little old lady in her 50s on You Tube who taught her all about it. See who she thinks is "a little old lady." Now I find this video fascinating. My favorite info about the hump jumper starts at 3:46.

Onward...

Here's that finished purse of many colors. I'm actually using it and I can show you why...

That's my former purse behind...large and heavy and it's literally giving me a pain in the neck. The confetti job there is much smaller and lighter. Though I did not use *this pattern,* it is the one that got me started on crocheting a purse of my own. Believe me, if I had the talent to figure out that pattern, it's done in UK terms, I would have it instead.

And a fantastic leap to last night's supper just because I want to show the picture, which makes me hungry for some reason.

If you've never tried *Pioneer Woman's Pot Roast recipe,* may I suggest that you do and soon?! Why do I do this to myself? Her photos are incredible!

Should I get my way around here today, I'll be off to see War Horse. Have you seen it? Speaking of which, what was the last movie you went to see? We went to see The King's Speech way last January. (I am not counting Winnie the Pooh of last summer. Ha!)

There! We've certainly jumped a lot of humps today. A great Wednesday to you!

Project Runway With a Twist and Beyond

2012-01-17T08:19:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I visited a dear friend in Blogdom who had herself *a grand adventure*! Judy writes so well that you'll get taken away, too. I shared her fun with John who laughed along with me and then I said, "Of course, if we're ever going to have an adventure like that, we'll need a runway." I kid you not, by afternoon we had one! ;>

We're having ourselves another snow day. Lovely largish flakes falling steadily.

Molly there is in the process of making herself a nest. She plumps pillows, gathers her blankie, tends to some grooming and she's gone for the day. Zzzzzzzzzzz Thank goodness! She's one needy, attention-seeking dog when awake. We only have to deal with that from six to nine every evening. ☺

Pardon the mess, I didn't pick up just for you. You're an old friend and you can find me as I am. I want to ask you ~~a few~~ a lot of questions. Where is your tv? What room of the house? Is it mounted on a wall? Standing on a table? Hidden in an armoire? If my situation were your own, what might you do with that tv? The reason I ask is that we have a few decisions to make before the cable boys arrive later this week. Edited to Add: Lovella wants to know what the available wall space is so I'm reporting back that the location you see there is exactly where the tv will remain. Why? Because of all those windows and the glare. That little corner works best. Thanks for all the suggestions...keep them coming! I can see a plan taking shape. In the meantime, John has shoveled a path to the crawl space where he is gaining access to drill holes for the cable guys. He will never allow them to come do their own thing again.

I know this, I want my antique trunk back (yes, it qualifies—my grandmother's grandparents' trunk). It has a lot of room that I use for storage and I want it back at the foot of my bed. It is inconvenient to be using a trunk for storage with a tv on top of it.

Looking forward to your suggestion...

A great day to you!

Molasses Cookies Take 2

2012-01-16T07:42:00.003-05:00

My comments in orange with Pondsy's in teal.

With many thanks to Mary MacDonald and her daughter who blogs at *Pondside.* These are the cookies John and I remember so well.

~~Soft Molasses Cookies~~ Mary MacDonald's Soft Molasses Cookies ☺ (I copied this from my mum's book in 1974 - I date all my recipes!)

1/2 cup soft butter

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup molasses

1 egg

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 cup water

Cream butter and sugar, blend in molasses and egg and beat well.

In a separate bowl, combine next four ingredients.

Dissolve baking soda in water and add it alternately with the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend.

Drop by tablespoons full on to greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes or until done.

If I were you I'd watch the first cookie sheet carefully as these are big and soft and depending on the oven can easily burn on the bottom.

*Printable recipe*

Thank you so much. The minute I saw the ¼ cup of water I thought "bingo." My mother would say that the trick was all in the water. If one wanted soft cookies, one used either hot or cold water, and if one wanted a tougher cookie one would use either hot or cold water. I remember thinking that, whichever way it went, the soft cookie used just the opposite from what one would think. In my mind, that's cold water, but I could be wrong. Have you ever heard anything like this before?

For soft cookies, use cold water. Weird, but true!

Please give the credit to my mother, Mary MacDonald, who baked these every Friday of my childhood. I hope they turn out well!

They turned out very well, just as we remember! They were even better the second day. We can't say about the third day because the cookie tin is e.m.p.t.y.

a soft molasses cookie...yummo!

Some have asked about molasses. We use Crosby's, which offers an unsulphered molasses considered the highest quality. It is not the black strap variety, which is pretty intense...very thick and black and refers to the third boiling of cane sugar. Black strap is often found in feed stores and healthfood stores. The joy of Crosby's is that it is processed in St. John, New Brunswick. When we visit the cottage in summer, we are able to replenish our molasses supplies much less expensively (I can purchase an entire gallon of molasses in New Brunswick for the price I pay for a 16 ounce bottle here). It's one of those items that is on my list for anyone heading to the Maritimes. I think this must be true of any state that borders Canada. We have our favorite things on the other side after all!

Thank you for revisiting molasses cookies with me! Have you ever rediscovered a favorite recipe?

Taking Joy~Mosaic Monday

2012-01-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

It has been a very good day. One that I might not have imagined possible when I awoke this morning.

Every time I walk past the beautiful bouquet that my sister and her husband sent me, I smile. Earlier in the morning, a friend had encouraged me to "take joy" so I followed her advice and spent a lot of time getting to know my camera settings and taking photos of the flowers within the bouquet.

On this coldest of January days, I had to share.

Shades of Pink

Linking to Mary's Mosaic Monday at Little Red House.

Remembering Mom

2012-01-15T07:03:00.032-05:00

How the years fly by. It has been a year since we said our farewells to one of the dearest on earth.

I, of course, did not know my mother in 1936 or 1940; however, I love to see the photos of her sweet little girl self all dressed in her winter best smiling for the camera. We noted when going through the old photos how many were taken with a rabbit or a neighbor's dog. She so loved animals even though she never had a childhood pet. She more than made up for it once she had her own home ensuring that my sister and I had many.

Grief is such a complicated thing. I don't need to tell you that. There are good days; there are very bad days. One never knows when the grief will swell and crash over oneself. Just yesterday, my daughter shared with me the story of selecting a sympathy card as she wept. (She's very tenderhearted that gal of mine.) Next to her at the card counter stood another weeping woman. They comforted one another, selected the same card, and moved on. That's probably the best that we can say of experiencing grief. It gives us insight so that we may comfort others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
~II Corinthians 1:3–4

One thing is certain. No one escapes grief.

My sister sent me a beautiful bouquet yesterday. I wish that I had also sent her one. My mind does not bend so thoughtfully.

Her card said simply: Remembering Mom

Though we know where Mother is and we know that we will see her again, it does not change our reality: we miss her! Terribly. Achingly.

Saturday's Scoop

2012-01-14T08:59:00.001-05:00

Oh how I love Blogdom. I mention soft molasses cookies and so many go into action. Would you believe that the recipe I remember was found and emailed to me yesterday by a blogging buddy on the West Coast who found it in her mother's cookbook from the East Coast? Yes! I'll get back to you on that come Monday. So I'm back in the molasses cookie baking business this morning and oh the aroma. Wish that I could share!

my homemade purse

Another made up as I went along project. I'm not sure that I like the look of those gathered bits there, though it does allow for the roominess needed at the bottom of any purse of mine. My hands are very tired from all the crocheting so I must move on to something new for a while. When next you see this, it should be lined, have a flap, and some handles. August perhaps?

See those lights on the fence this morning? I thought it a fun idea to have them on through the winter during bad weather — a bit of cheer for us and passersby. I've changed my mind.

Seems that the light bill is higher by a lot than ever before in Haven history. And for this we rewired the house? We're not sure, but we can't help but wonder about that smart meter that we're all being required to switch over to. Yes, this is the bill after the smart meter installation. I think it's a smart meter for the power company myself. Anyway, the lights outside went off this morning and will remain off until July.

In the meantime, I am gathering my stash for the Challenge at Quill Cottage. I told you all the 19th when, in fact, it will be the 30th. See sidebar for details.

tag stash

A delightful weekend to you!

Projects for a Snowy Day

2012-01-13T08:35:00.008-05:00

l–r top to bottom

1. mug cozy and "saucer"

2. mug bottom

3. saucer on end

4. cozy button

Today is another stormy snowy mix, which gives me permission to play. The pattern above was made up as I went along so I am not crediting it. All one has to do is Google "mug cozy" and you'll find many patterns.

The "saucer" was supposed to have been the bottom of my handbag. No worries, though, by tomorrow I should be able to show you how that handbag turned out in the end. It will be good for a chuckle if nothing else.

I also worked on ric-rac (site cited yesterday) using the teeny-weeny crochet hook, crochet thread, and massive amounts of patience. This is going to be used on the tag for the challenge at Quill Cottage coming right up on the ~~19th~~ 30th (can't read today).

Yesterday, I did bake, after all. John had been promised old-fashioned soft molasses cookies. My mother had a wonderful recipe, which I cannot find. Usually, I can find anything on the Internet, but not this time. I found something, which I switched up so much that I can now officially call this recipe my own.

Not Good Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies (though still quite delicious)

Ingredients

* ¾ cup melted butter (salted or unsalted your choice)

* 1 packed cup brown sugar

* 1 large egg

* ½ cup regular molasses (not black strap)

* 2 ½ cups King Arthur's unbleached, unbromated flour

* ½ tsp salt if using unsalted butter; ¼ tsp salt if using salted butter

* 2 tsps baking soda

* 1 tsp ground cinnamon

* 1 tsp ground ginger

Method

* Melt butter, allow to cool some

* Add brown sugar

* Stir in egg and molasses

* Mix dry ingredients

* Fold dry ingredients into the soft mixture

* Stir well

* Using a cookie scoop (2 TBS size), create balls and roll them in sugar.

* Place on parchment paper

* Bake at 350° for 10–12 minutes

*Printable Recipe*

Very tasty, but NOT the soft, Grandma's bun looking sort of old-fashioned cookie I'm hoping to find.

Edited to Add: I was called in for Nonni duty today, which is a real treat.

This movie is of my grandson just now eating a cookie from yesterday's batch. Listen to that crunch. Oh my! Consider yourselves warned. =)

Pam at Playing With My Camera has offered a *Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe* that uses coffee as an ingredient. Interesting!

Tip Nut ღ

2012-01-12T09:09:00.000-05:00

Have a lot of muffins to bake? Want to save time? Featured on Tip Nut, I ask you, is *THIS* not brilliant?! Brilliant I tell you.

(John and I finally enjoyed our meatloaf, baked potatoes, and spinach with apple cider vinegar. Yummy. My new oven is already dirty. Sigh. I've decided not to bake anymore.)

homemade ric rac on the lampshade

Last night I crocheted some *ric rac*...so much fun. I'm pretty sure I could make enough to stretch around the house, but what exactly does one do with ric rac? Today I hope to be busy crocheting a handbag and enjoying the snowstorm. I'm blaming it all on Tip Nut.

What're you busy doing?

Warning~Grumpy Morning

2012-01-11T09:30:00.001-05:00

We woke up grumpy this morning.

Do not let his picture fool you.

I was reading this to him first thing.

It all started last night when I wore these to go shopping.

We went to L*wes and parked close to the door. As you can see from my detailed map, the plan didn't work quite as I had hoped. Not only that, we didn't find what we were looking for,

which was this. After four stops, we finally found it at B*d, B*th, and B*yond.

This is why the aforementioned book has not yet been given to my grandsons. Though I laugh uproariously at "Search Party...Remains Hopeful," I'm just not sure. Oh the book was purchased sight unseen via Amazon. I miss bookstores!

Have you ever noticed how when you wake up grumpy that the entire household conspires to aggravate it? Fioré just leaped from the floor onto my desk and across my mug of coffee over the computer wires and down to the window below. That cat! Awwww, that sweet face.

I Think I Can

2012-01-10T07:55:00.003-05:00

Did I get my meatloaf, baked potatoes, veggies, and salad? No, no, I did not. Nothing ever really goes as planned now, does it? Poor John. Between directions written in six different languages and in small print and with pieces missing...well, it's a blessing we got these.

I told my darling that 25 years from now I expect him to know what we baked first. He said that it would be easy to remember Christmas cookies. We'll see. ;>

So many of you have chosen a "word" for 2012. They are unique and meaningful to each one and I wanted a word, too. I was jealous for a word. It came a few days ago while wondering why everyone else could have a word and I could not. My word is Stretch. This means that I am to literally stretch my body — stand straight and reach for the sky kind of stretching and bend low to touch my toes kind of stretching.

My kind of stretching usually consists of playing with the camera as you see in the mosaic below.

Trying to get a better, more clear photo or an interesting shot is about the outer limit of my comfort zone. Ha!

This Stretch also includes the figurative meaning. Though I assured myself that I wasn't going looking for any stretching opportunities; nevertheless, if they came to me...

Not three days later as I was visiting Miss Sandy at Quill Cottage, I found a stretching opportunity that consists of clouds and toes in a different way. You can learn the particulars of the Dare to Dream Different ~~Stretch~~ Challenge by clicking *here;* I also have a link in my sidebar. They are sweet particulars now let me tell you! Hope that you'll give it a whirl.

bird and tag created by Miss Sandy at the Quill Cottage studio

Having only made one or two simple tags before, I'm skittish. My problem is that I stop too soon. There are not enough layers and levels in my work. My hope is to do better and not do just enough to get by. That's what Stretching is all about. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Do you have a word this year? Have you shared it?

She's Here!

2012-01-09T13:06:00.000-05:00

No, this is not a birth announcement! = )

You may remember, if you read here over the Christmas season, that my stove decided to give up the ghost just days before I was planning to bake up a storm.

Last night, I loaded it up with my baking chips and baking ingredients just to show how offended I was by its timing.

The stove was over thirty years old. It was purchased for me by my first husband who had grown tired of the comments people made when visiting. Seems that they felt the odor of propane was strong. Personally, I hardly noticed it. Both sets of parents were chipping and urged him to do something. Unbeknownst to me, one fine day he did. I arrived from grocery shopping to find it already in place.

I've not had many complaints about it other than the fact that it was a perpetual cleaning oven meaning that every time one baked, it was cleaning its little heart out and a little pile of debris always needed to be swept off once the oven cooled. I never could clean it the way other gals could clean their ovens because the sides of the oven were rough and caught at any fibers in the material used to wipe it out. Okay, so that was frustrating; otherwise, it has served my family for a very long time and I did feel a little pang when John hauled it out of here last night.

So the new stove is here and we didn't even have to wait forever for the delivery and it's a corker, too!

It's a bisque finish to match the almond one of the refrigerator. I suppose one should just move forward in color choice to what she really wants, but I always circle back trying to match up with what is already existing. I think it'll be fine — nice and neutral.

Fortification

So the chore of switching it from natural gas to propane gas will keep John busy for a while. He does adore a project. We're trying to figure out if we didn't have them do the switching at the appliance store because we're too cheap or if it was because they told us they don't do it anymore not having the proper licenses. I'm coming down on the side of squuueeeeaaaaak.

Good thing he's such a handyman!

How's your day going so far?

More Light Less Heat

2012-01-08T08:43:00.000-05:00

This morning I awoke with a distinct sense of shame. I was embarrassed about the last post of yesterday because, in my typical fashion, I had reacted rather strongly to something and had resorted to name-calling. Yes, I do consider calling someone a "nut" name-calling. I even considered removing the post so that I wouldn't further reveal myself to be capable of same, but decided that I would try to ease into a "more light, less heat" approach and use this as a teachable moment. Just one of my ongoing areas of need, folks. Trying to stay real.

The Bible says that we can be angry and not sin. (Ephesians 4:26) That's pretty incredible. I've been doing a little study on this as it's so timely *sputter, cough, cough* and I think I've found an answer. To be justifiably angry with sin (in this case plagiarism) is perfectly acceptable; however, to be angry with the plagiarizer is not. Ohhhhhhh...

On that note, I apologize to each and every one of my readers. Please forgive me.

In the future, I hope to practice more light, less heat.

A blessed Sunday to you...

Plagiarism is a Crime

2012-01-07T16:05:00.003-05:00

So your header with the back of your house looks just like mine and no less the same color! Enjoyed visiting~ Bristol

Following Bristol takes one to a bogus blog.

Bristol was reported very quickly.

Yes, folks, this is what blogging has come to. We've got some Brazilian nutcase spamming blogs today. Whoever "Bristol" is, she may actually be the same blogger who stole material from Pear Tree Lane (since the comment came on the heels of my visit to PTL). You can find that story *here.* All's well that ends well. The blog spoken of has been taken down.

Report these bloggers to Blogger. Plagiarism is a crime.

I'm closing comments because I don't want this ~~nut~~ not so nice person on your blog.

Dull Corners

2012-01-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

Good thing that we went with Christmas Lite this year. I shudder to think how long it would take with Christmas Full-Tilt. I've been at this packing up of Christmas since early morning and am not done yet. Lights? Pine Cones? Mercury glass tree? Those? Told you that I can't put all of Christmas away. =)

And what are you up to this fine Saturday?

Epiphany

2012-01-06T08:54:00.005-05:00

This is it for this Christmas Season. I will happily be celebrating Advent and the First Day of Christmas before year's end. I love that the years begin and end with Christmas. What a wonderful Savior to love us so that He willingly left Heaven behind for us. How we need Him! How can we not keep Christmas all year through?

Since I'm still on Christmas, albeit for the final day (yesterday was actually the 12th Day of Christmas), I want to share a couple of ideas with you. First, Cheryl at A Nest On Feather Lane had a sweet interpretation of the window idea. Actually, she's changed it all up. That's the joy of Blogdom, one idea sparks another. Cheryl says that it's too much to put up a tree, yet she still enjoys seeing her ornaments so this was the result.

I also wanted to tell you of an idea my daughter found on Pinterest about saving Christmas memories from one year to the next in a canning jar. On Christmas Day, she passed us a slip of paper and we all started writing. (That's not quite the truth, but close enough.) Then my daughter gathered them all up, popped them into the jar, climbed up on the back of the easy chair, and set it up high on the ledge in the living room.

Where it just sat way up there calling my name. I grew more and more ~~nosy~~ curious until I also climbed up on the back of the easy chair and retrieved it.

Every single one shared wonderful memories. Some of us are more eloquent than others. I noted my gifts, the laughter of the boys, and the difficulty of this first Christmas without my mother. John wrote that he was happy to have finished the siding as a gift to me and that the day was "most enjoyable." Even the grands signed their names. My daughter wrote about how special her picture book was...her favorite gift of Christmas. My daughter-in-law wrote a humorous story about making Santa's sandwiches with the boys and what Santa left on his plate—the crusts. My son wrote:

The assignment is to write down the fondest memory of 2011. Mom tells John it should be easy to come up with a fond memory of today. Laurel says it's for the whole year, but if you want to write one about today (Christmas), that's fine. As though I wouldn't have a hard enough time with this already, and to make matters worse they gave me a pen. I already want to erase what I've written so far. I'll do both. Today is easy; Sam's playing Clocks by Coldplay on Laurel's I Phone (hit the lighted button) and he can't stop. He says this song is like a rock song. That album was the soundtrack of my first year with Michelle. Glad to know we can agree on what's beautiful, at least sometimes. 2011 is another matter. There are some fond memories; Jake's face when Santa put him on his lap. I'll write what I least want to forget though: Grandma. Taking Sam out sledding (Jake was in school), planning to go to the boys' birthday party, even lying peaceful in my bed. Saying yes, Adam, I know you're here. As though there was no need to sound so worried.

The man is an accountant. I'm very proud of all of his accomplishments and his hard work of returning to school and earning his degrees. I had no idea that he could write. At all. Not even a little bit. I hope that he'll continue. He might get a journal for his birthday. Just sayin'...

Disclaimer: Now as for Clocks ...love the music and find the lyrics de-pressing. I found Sam's exuberant playing of Handel's Messiah wonderful.

A blessed Epiphany to you...

JOY

2012-01-05T10:21:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, John and I finally climbed into the same car and went to the same place to do the same thing. Is it ever that way in your family? Seems as if he was always over the road doing errands and such and I was always at home doing not so much.

We desperately needed to come to a decision on a new stove. He was leaving the decision to me; I wanted his help. It all turned out well in the end, though it was rough sledding there for a bit. I'm happy to report that we have a new stove to be delivered next Monday (it had to be ordered) and I am now dreaming of Aunt Margie's Double Cheese Meatloaf. (recipe to follow)

Also on our list of errands was to get the Christmas photos printed. Do you print your photos? I didn't for a long time and have lived to regret that choice. Now I get all photos that I really love printed. The wonderful thing is that, once I have them in my hand, I see things that I had not before even though the computer screen is much larger than the photo in hand. This is what I saw with yesterday's batch and though you've seen them before, I'm sharing again with my new perspective. Each mosaic features a letter with the original photo on the top and the close-ups below.

Happy Grands!

Oh here's the recipe for the meatloaf, beatloaf, I LOVE meatloaf. (Yes, I have been watching way too many Christmas movies.)

Aunt Margie's Double Cheese Meatloaf

Ingredients:
* 1½ pounds ground beef
* 1 egg
* ½ cup chopped onions
* ¾ cup cracker crumbs
* 2- 8 oz cans tomato sauce with cheese if you can find it; otherwise, just sprinkle some cheese into it
* ½ tsp salt
* ½ tsp oregano
* ¼ tsp pepper
* 2 cups of shredded cheese of choice...I use a variety of cheddar, mozzarella, and American cheese

Method:

Mix beef, egg, onion, cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sauce and spices.
Flatten out on waxed paper
Form a 10 inch by 12 inch rectangle
Spread cheese evenly over the rectangle
Roll up like a jelly roll using the wax paper to do so
Bake in a shallow dish at 350° for 1 hour
Pour remainder of tomato sauce over the loaf
Bake an additional 15 minutes.

This is my favorite meatloaf first served to me on my sixteenth birthday while visiting my Aunt Margie in Maryland! I've never forgotten.

*Double Cheese Meatloaf Printable Link*

Frosty Window Pane and a New Needle Book

2012-01-04T08:30:00.001-05:00

♫ Frosty window pane, no candles gleaming inside... ♪

Brrrr, it's cold out there! This is the first real taste of winter we've had. No snow that'll stick yet, just bitter brain burning, toe numbing, below zero temps in the past two days. Since it's January, I'll not complain.

The view above is from my sewing room window. (In the header picture, that would be the upstairs window with the lamp glow.) I was in the sewing room again for the first time in weeks. I have two little needle books to make. Unfortunately, this didn't turn out as well as I had hoped so I will have to keep this one. =D

1. My old needlebook made from scraps and sort of crazy quilted together. ( I say "sort of" because I do not sew. I only pretend to on this blog. )

2. Quality felt (real wool) used for the pages.

3. Wondering about recycling a placemat...

4. Experimenting with ratty old lace and linen...

5. The new book, less than satisfactory (don't look too close), but I love the little ruffle.

Do you want to see some extraordinary needlebooks created by a pro? Visit Dawn at The Feathered Nest on this post titled The Little Elf is Getting Faster or scroll around a bit, there are others there.

Oh, okay, take a closer look. See those wonky corners? All a part of its charm, I'm sure. Perhaps if I took the coffee grounds to it...hmmmm...

Stay warm and cozy!

A New Set of Dishes

2012-01-02T18:17:00.001-05:00

Just after Thanksgiving, I heard a report on Black Friday Shopping. It seems that people were shopping and spending money and it was mostly on themselves. How fascinating! My problem exactly. I can always find things for me when Christmas shopping. Usually, I deny myself. This year I did not. I bought the new set of dishes! *Gasp*

It was the polka dots. And the vivid colors. And the sweetness. I could not pass by.

For $3.50 they were mine. I'm thanking Uncle and Auntie for the inspiration. (I hope that he loved his train set.)

I am dismantling ever so slowly. It's easier to cope with that way...this putting away of Christmas. As always, I remind myself that before year's end, it'll all be up again. And besides, I'll never pack all of Christmas away.

A happy Tuesday to you...

P.S. Well great. Back off from blogging for a few short hours and one can't even remember to postdate. Sigh. In that case, have a happy Monday evening and a great Tuesday! =)

Happy New Year~2012!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.005-05:00

source

No Time on My Hands-The Story of Grace McCance Snyder

2011-12-31T07:41:00.015-05:00

In Blogdom, I have been reading so many wonderful Year in Review posts in the past couple of days. It has all felt familiar because, for the past several weeks, I have been reading a life in review.

The ~~biography~~ autobiography is No Time on My Hands. It is traveling around the country because Suzanne of At Home With the Farmer's Wife created a book swap and lined up an itinerary from the bloggers who expressed an interest in reading it.

The book is based on the life of Grace McCance Snyder who grew up in Nebraska during the 1880s and 1890s. Her dream as a girl was to grow up to marry a cowboy, to create exquisite quilts, and to fly above the clouds. It's a Little House on the Prairie sort of book for adults. Death and Weather feature prominently and more vividly than many of the characters.

Whether Grace married a cowboy or flew above the clouds, I'll not say, but I will give it away that she did create exquisite quilts. Her famous flower basket quilt is at the bottom of *this list* where you can click on her quilt to see it more closely and you can read the amazing details of its creation.

This book is much more, however, than a story about quilting. In fact, quilting does not feature prominently until the final chapter. No Time on My Hands is the story of a pioneer life homesteading in Nebraska. Grace lived a remarkable life in a remarkable time.

Often as I was reading, I thought that the book could be made into a compelling movie. Imagine my surprise reading in the Epilogue to learn that it had been made into a play called Quilters. I loved the description of the play (except for one clinker) and would love to see it performed. Life is like a quilt with thousands of pieces making up the whole.

On this last day of 2011, I want to thank you for visiting me here in my little spot in Blogdom. I am living an unremarkable life (though I may be living in a remarkable time). That you honor me by visiting and commenting never ceases to amaze me. With about gazillion four hundred million blogs from which to choose, I am humbled that you're reading here today. I also look forward to another year of blogging together. Blogdom is remarkable...

Here's wishing you a Happy New Year filled with God's richest blessings!

Tea and Mug Cozy and an Offer Easily Refused

2011-12-30T10:55:00.002-05:00

Slow start this morning because I stayed up reading until I fell asleep in my book. I read the first 250 pages or so in snatches over the past two weeks and nearly that much more in just one afternoon and evening. I so prefer to sit down and read a book straight through from cover to cover. I understand that it is a luxury that few of us can afford; however, I highly recommend it. Yes, I am going to discuss the book briefly here, but I do need to finish the final chapter and the Epilogue first.

Let's chat about tea, specifically the rooibos tea that Gwen gifted me with just before Christmas. John remembered that he had two tea balls in his desk at the Ponderosa so I was able to brew my cup today. Two words: smooth and delicious. I'm not sure if it's the tea or the flavor of the tea—Red Caramel Night.

I followed directions to the letter. Did you know that your tea is only as good as the water you use? So says the package. Knowing that my tap water has chlorine, I switched out to some bottled water, which I happen to know is delicious.

*This* is where I found the mug cozy directions. I used them some of the time and the rest of the time, I made up my own pattern. I have made three for three special gals. I'm just testing this one out to see if it works. Seems to!

And this is the offer so easily refused.

Sell back my copy for a mere $5.44? They're nuts. I was quite surprised to find this offer at Amazon this morning. Is there a shortage of Mennonite Girls Can Cook cookbooks? Perhaps Lovella, Judy or Ellen could answer that one!

Gifts Glimpses~Day Four/Five

2011-12-29T10:17:00.000-05:00

A driving rain blew through leaving the screens filled with raindrops and taking all our snow — again!

Thought I'd share some Christmas gifts. I'm even going to share my nighty. Still wearing it, too, at this late hour. May wear it all day. I'm feeling rebellious like that.

The tree is still up and will be until January 7. The cat will probably have a nervous breakdown when it goes and I'll probably have to purchase her one of those fancy schmancy cat condos.

Let's take a closer look to the left where we'll find John's work station and his new radio on the top shelf there. He's a radio man for sure.

This radio replaces his former one with an unwieldy antenna at his former work station, which was obviously also used to corral wrapping paper.

I so very happily removed it to the upstairs where I can listen while working in my sewing room.

A gift from the grands...a sweet little tea cup pin cushion. Sam is going to help me load it with pins next time he comes. He'll be feeling better then.

My daughter gave the family a gift that proves that everything old is new again.

It'll be one of those roving gifts. Whenever anyone's in the mood for Atari, it'll land in that home. Haven't figured out how to use it yet, but I'm sure one of the geeks will show up eventually.

This is a gift from my son and daughter-in-law. Have you seen these? It's from T*emp-t*ations. It's an extremely versatile serving dish that can be used for chip and dips, crudites and dips, and as a cake server. I'm using it to serve up this leftover cake.

And lastly my new powder blue white polka-dotted flannel nighty. I do adore a flannel nighty. This is a gift from John.

I've so admired all the gals who were not invisible this Christmas season and who shared photos of themselves. Thought I'd join them! (Hahahahahhahahahahhahahaha...)

Oh, you'd like to see the nighty? Here you go...

Have a wonderful day, my friend. I'm repairing to the sofa and my book with a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Day Three/Four of Christmas

2011-12-28T07:38:00.020-05:00

Today is the 4th Day of Christmas and I can paint you a word picture. It'll be me scurrying about to clean up those empty boxes and the Styrofoam packing that have been hanging around for the past few days.

Hanging out Watching a Movie on the New TV

Yesterday (3rd Day of Christmas) Sam and I had a rousing game of "Hook the Foot." It involved swinging the Styrofoam around and round on one foot then letting it fly across the room to land on the other's foot, if all went well. It didn't always go well. In fact, sometimes it was downright scary. Fun times!

Buzz and Buzz Incorporated Hanging Out Christmas Day

Yesterday, though we still had our date, Sam wasn't feeling so well...a cold. He spent some of his day lying low watching a movie, reading books, playing school, and the like. Yes, Molly got her bath, too! I build a fine ship of two overstuffed chairs pushed together. It makes the most amazing cozy spot for a little person. I remember them well from my childhood stays at my Nana H's home. She was an expert at cozy bed-making.

Sam's Ship

The afternoon ended, as all good afternoons do, with ice cream. By that time we had the baby grand in tow and so had a lovely time with both boys. Grands make life grand!

Have a wonderful Wednesday...

Sledding, Et Cetera

2011-12-27T07:15:00.004-05:00

Sledding Day

There's a whole lot going on in this little mosaic, especially in the first photo. My daughter-in-law stuffing the baby grand into his boots is reminiscent of the scene in A Christmas Story where Randy's mother stuffs him into his snowsuit: Getting ready to go to school was like getting ready for extended deep-sea diving. Yup, saw a little bit of that today.

My son is also scouting out the lay of the land because he was hooking up the new tv system for us, which is the reason why one could find John earlier in the morning doing this...

Goodbye, tv, you've served us well. You are now too heavy for us old folks and we can't even justify hauling you up the stairs to the bedroom.

The oldest grand made a date with me on Christmas Day. He is quite the little salesman and began his proposition with a little clearing of the throat as an attention-getting ploy. Seems he was concerned about all this free time that he has on his hands what with school vacation and all. He wondered if I might consider going out for breakfast with a morning of bike riding after. I reminded him that the cemetery is closed. He said, "Oh forget it." By last night, he had reconsidered and will now be going out for breakfast this morning after all and later helping me bathe Molly. It's the little things. =)

A happy day to you...

2011-12-26T13:23:00.000-05:00

Day Two of Christmas—we enjoy celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas at the haven—and we're still going strong. The grands will be by soon for an afternoon of sledding and then we'll enjoy leftovers for supper. We'll have a quiet evening as three of our group must return either to work or to school on Day Three. Bummer!

Last Minute Tweaking

Making Music on the I-Phone

Help with Unwrapping A Gift

A Special Book to Auntie via S*hutterfly

Three Boys on the Sofa

Wishing you all the joys of this wonderful time of year. Merry On!

Somebody's Got to Wear the Hat!

Journey to Bethlehem

2011-12-24T08:14:00.002-05:00

My friend Diane, who has a private blog (that I wish could be public because she shares the neatest things) recently shared this Journey to Bethlehem at Ramblin Gardener. I so enjoyed the journey that I thought you might, too.

source

And this will be a sign to you; You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

I am so glad that He was willing to come to us—to be one of us, to teach us, to die for us, and now to live for us.

Christmas Blessings to you...

It's Snowing!

2011-12-23T08:35:00.005-05:00

It's snowing! I've been waiting. I was up early to get those blue haze/purple haze kind of pictures.

It may be that you'll think that I am the worst sort of prideful gal to show all these photos. True. Just for today. I bought this home nearly eighteen years ago when I was a struggling schoolteacher with two teenagers and a failed marriage. My former home had to be sold; things were bleak. That I was able to purchase this wee haven at all was something of a miracle. It served us well, though it had, and continues to have, some issues. So through all these years, I have lived in a home that looked shabby and forlorn. I did the best I could, though as John says you can't make a purse out of a sow's ear. Nevertheless, I certainly tried. (Thank you, Darling Man, for all that you've poured in to this place.)

One of my favorite things is to catch a glimpse of home when driving from the upper road. It lasts about two seconds, just long enough to know that she's sitting there. Yesterday, I walked up to see if I could capture it through the trees and across three neighbors' back lawns. I doubt you'll find it so lovely as I do. =)

From the Upper Road

Nestled at the Bottom of the Hill

Nestled in Snow This Morning

The New Storm Door, New Outside Light, Wreath on the Door At Last

Going In~Ivory Flakes Kind of Snow

That Lovely Light or A Chair Filled with Christmas Movies

Thank you for indulging me!

Another gift in the mail! Another gift from Miss Sandy@Quill Cottage! This little bird makes my heart sing. He arrived so beautifully presented.

And on the tree! He is such a handsome fellow...

You can find the directions for making him yourself right *here.* I'm going to begin early for next year having flopped this year. (I told Miss Sandy that there's no way this little bird is getting packed away for next Christmas. He's staying out all year. I have found him the perfect nest where he can observe all the goings on at our little haven.)

Now if you've the time, do tell me what's going on in your corner today!

Merry On!

Edited to Add:

♥ Caught! ♥

Because it is confusing, the first comment on this post was written by John. Laura said that at first she thought I was talking to myself. Believe me, Laura, it'd not be the first time someone caught me talking to myself!

Bacon

2011-12-22T08:04:00.000-05:00

So I had just nicely settled into my nest on the sofa where I was finishing up some crocheted items. I had been reading TipNut on Making Bacon in the Oven and so had two trays of bacon at 350° and a timer ticking away the 23 minutes or so. I recall now that I was feeling pretty good about my levels of multi-tasking—smug and self-righteous was I. Settling into the cushions, I said, "John, if you smell anything burning, tell me."

It was not five minutes later when he began to talk about burning bacon. Truly, I heard him, but I was busy counting stitches and, besides, I thought he was teasing me. Another five minutes and he mentioned it again with a most perplexed look. I had to laugh because his look was, well, so perplexed.

Another five minutes when he said, "Are flames going to have to shoot out of the oven for you to do something?!"

The nicely done tray on the right was put in the oven just ahead of the badly burned tray on the left. That's correct. Both trays baked in the very same oven on the very same shelf. Apparently 'tis the season for sensors to give up the ghost. First the camera and now the oven. Sigh. There go all my dreams of perfectly baked cookies and cakes and breads for Christmas. Wah. I feel like Mr. Parker wailing for his turkey in The Christmas Story. If only I had listened!

Any mishaps at your place lately?

Finished!

2011-12-21T08:11:00.001-05:00

Late in the afternoon, John finished the last row on the house. (The garage will wait for spring.) A mighty cheer rose up when it was accomplished now let me tell you.

Both men, John working on the house and our neighbor working on the fallen limb, labored all day long and in the end, both succeeded.

Now all that's needed is a storm door (waiting in the garage), weather stripping for said door (waiting on the bed), a wreath upon the door (waiting at Wal*Mart), and a snow storm right on cue and we'll have ourselves a cozy little home like this...

Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers for my niece. This procedure went the best of the three prior. That's right, I got the number wrong so this was her fourth time not her third. She's giving the tranquilizer she accepted all the glory; I'm giving God all the glory. ☺

Another happy day to you!

photo source

Early Christmas Gifts

2011-12-20T08:11:00.001-05:00

Busy enough yet? "Uncle" will soon be my song. I see that you might have reached that point twice yourself.

Today, I am taking my niece for some day surgery, which will mean that I will have some down time for reading my book. I'm not happy that my niece requires this surgery for the third time, but I am looking forward to that couple of hours...in a lobby...with a lot of sick people. No! No, I am not. Where's the echinacea? I'm taking some stat.

John and I have been blessed with early Christmas gifts. This sweet package arrived from Gwen (Gwendolyn's Guests) and her husband late last week. Another book in the missionary genre, which John is already reading. John does love adventure books where God is the hero.

What's Going on Down River by Rob Greenslade along with a package of rooibos tea. Red Caramel Night sounds tasty. (I'm just noticing the verbiage on the package "taste and see." Now that sounds familiar.) I told Gwen that I was getting a tea ball as soon as possible. I used to have one... The doily was also a part of the gift. Gwen used it to add another layer of wrapping. Everything looked so darling and then I had to rip into it before getting the photo. (You can see how I used the doily in Sunday's post.) Gwen tells me that rooibos tea is known for its inflammatory pain relief properties...arthritis and such. I'll get back to you on that. Have you ever tried rooibos tea?

And yesterday, I received a sweet card with this beautiful tag from Miss Sandy at Quill Cottage. It's so detailed and beautiful and I'm beginning to see the difference between myself and the real talents. I am not getting the layers and levels. I'm doing whatever the project and saying, "There! Good enough" actually brushing my hands together and shaking off the glitter. I must push myself a bit harder.

The next is a little set of blue birds made by my New York niece (formerly my Boston niece). I love them! (They're a set of salt and pepper shakers.) One day, I'll show you the bowl that she made for me as well.

Lastly, Karen at Places of My Heart has posted a beautiful song called The Cross in Christmas with quotes from A*nn V*oskamp included. If you find yourself with unexpected time on your hands or need to refocus before scurrying on, please sit down, relax, and listen. You'll be blessed. Amen!

A blessed day to you...

Mostly Mosaics

2011-12-19T08:54:00.004-05:00

Niece, Sister, Grand, Daughter-in-law

Lighthouses of the US Bingo or Tiddly Winks

Daughter

And a lovely weekend was had by all. It began with a Saturday morning breakfast, some gift opening, some games, some crafts, and ended with cookies being delivered by a grand and his mom last evening. Perfect!

A happy week to you...

Make Christmas Special

2011-12-18T08:49:00.004-05:00

Do you want more and more of God's kindness and peace? Then learn to know Him better and better. For as you know Him better, He will give you...everything you need for living a truly good life... II Peter 1:2–3 TLB

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
II Peter 1:2–3 NIV

The Secret

2011-12-16T08:48:00.005-05:00

The secret has been discovered...

What?! Too much?

Awwww, you gals made my day. I knew that you were highly suggestible. I'm including a short list of starry, starry trees so that you may check them out.

Again in comments, Donna gave a link to *this blog* for another take on starry lights. It requires a tripod and intimate knowledge of your camera. I have a tripod, but know less than zip about my camera just now.

Here's that list:

* Fabric Paper Thread

* Our Sears Kit Home

* Of His Pasture

* The Farmer's Daughter

* Sand Flat Farm

* The Happy Wonderer

I'm missing somebody...is it you? If so, let me know and I'll add yours. (I know that there's an easier way. My gadget for adding the link backs to a post are no longer working correctly.)

My secret? Well there are some things that a gal just has to keep to herself. I know that you'll be happy about that! (One thing we don't need is to see this replicated across Blogdom.)

An excellent Friday to you...

Photography Technique for Christmas Trees and Lights...

2011-12-15T08:02:00.002-05:00

and all thanks to one of the finest photographers I know—Jill at Jill's World of Reaction, Research and Millinery who told me in comments about it yesterday. Another reason to adore comments! It involved a tea

strainer and taking a photo through the tea strainer to make the lights appear like stars. I decided to give it a whirl and, being the scientist I am, also decided to try a mesh like fabric and some tulle. Well I'll be jiggered if it didn't work just as Jill said. What do you think?

Though, I'm pretty certain the tea strainer should not be visible.

It looks promising as far as the lights...not sure about the shadows on the walls. Perhaps a good cropping.

Nope, he's a star, but he's not shining too bright this morning. Ha! This proves that mesh creates a fog. (Tulle results not yet in.)

I happened to visit the bakery yesterday for a gift certificate and while standing at the counter started to look around. That's always very dangerous in the bakery. One never knows what will start demanding to be taken home. In my case, it was two cranberry orange scones and two blueberry lemon scones. Yummy! Have you tried the holiday peppermint tea yet? It is just as delicious as all those other bloggers have said. That's why I have some now. I'm highly suggestible, but then I know that you are, too! Are you going to try it? The tea? The tea strainer?

Have a delightful day,

Is it Wednesday?

2011-12-14T09:24:00.004-05:00

John could perhaps begin to worry about me. Every day I ask, "What day is this?!" I ask him multiple times each day; he looks at his watch and informs me. You know, I don't think he knows what day it is either without his watch!

(We both want to thank you for your kind comments yesterday. He was touched and surprised by them having no idea that I was going to mention his wee Aunt Mabel.)

***

About photos. It helps to be a good photographer, which I am not, though I do aspire to do better. I need to read and read and reread my manual. These are my humble efforts and I confess that some have been doctored so that I could stand them.

This is the very first photo I took.

Molly, my faithful canine companion. It was either her or the Cat in the Hat. It took hours to get the disks downloaded so I could upload my photos. I don't know what that was all about. Waiting makes me crazy.

Just popping in a variety of photos not all good nor particularly interesting.

helping a neighbor

Just arrived by USPS before Eight AM this morning

The "Kids"

Mitten Example for Saturday Thanks to The Feathered Nest

Edited to Add: Imagine me dancing all about singing ♫She's figured it out! Dawn's figured it out!♪ The problem of viewing pictures in largest size that's what she's figured out! See *here.* Plus snag some free gift tags while you're at it.

This very short video is about my Caramel making on Monday (when the old camera wouldn't take pictures, but it would do movies. Odd.)

These caramels are very good. I found the recipe at The Country Blossom right *here.* Let us just say that John and I have put a fair dent in the caramels since then. To be frank, I have had to hide them. That's right. Only I know where they are! Bwahahhahahhaha...

A happy day to you.

Busy Days

2011-12-13T08:41:00.001-05:00

If you're anything like me, life is really starting to speed up. There is so much to do! I know that you are saying the same thing. And just like what's going on in real life, this post is going to bounce all around a bit.

We learned yesterday that John's elderly aunt had passed away. I had only met her once. She was a delight telling fun stories and sharing that she really wanted a cat and couldn't we please find her a special one. John tells the sweetest stories of Christmas and of this aunt who, herself childless, made her nieces and nephews her focus at Christmas. "She made me feel very special." I think that there is a special place in Heaven for such aunties.

My new camera arrived yesterday in a UPS truck that roared up and stopped with a lurch. I'd know that sound anywhere. When I learn how to take a picture and have the battery charged, I'll be back. Could be awhile though.

One of the dearest paragraphs I've read this holiday season was written by Dot at Picket's Place. If you have the opportunity to read the last bit she wrote on *this post* beginning with "Merry Christmas you guys," you'll be encouraged. Oh yes you will! (Oh go ahead and read it all! =) Dot's enthusiasm is infectious.)

I totally bailed on the Linky Party for the Christmas Open House yesterday. There's an analogy here that I hesitate to make because it puts me in a bad light. The gist of it is this: I often don't participate in things I'd enjoy because it's going to cost me too dearly. There are so many talented bloggers and beautiful homes and I can not visit and comment everywhere so I just visit and tiptoe out without saying a word. And if I am going to visit without commenting I can't link. Just can't. I'm totally lacking in commitment. Ugh. See, told you it wasn't pretty.

On that note, I'm off for a busy day! I will catch up with you asap. Promise!

photo source

Christmas Home Tour Mosaic

2011-12-12T08:46:00.002-05:00

At Christmas, all roads lead home.

~ Marjorie Holmes

*So wanted to participate in Melissa's Christmas Home Tour that, even though my one and only camera croaked, I've gathered previously shared photos into a mosaic. (Either that or I'm just confused about which event I'm entering as I often participate in Mosaic Monday at Little Red House.)

Each photo speaks for itself, I hope. Otherwise, please wander back through the last few weeks to find answers to any questions one might have. (There's a home page just below the gingerbread garland to the right.)

And what's a Christmas Home Tour without something to eat? These two items are going to be a part of the festivities for Christmas 2011. The first is for candy canes, though I will add stick pretzels as well. The second is so cute. I adore easy, pretty and tasty in one nice package.

*Festive Candy Canes and Pretzel Sticks*

*Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Peppermint Stick Swizzles*

Please visit the tour at Melissa's The Inspired Room for lots of inspiration!

Thank you for visiting and do have a Merry Christmas!

Hallejulah!

2011-12-11T07:06:00.001-05:00

God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;
The warmth of Christmas, which is love;
The radiance of Christmas, which is purity;
The righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
The belief in Christmas, which is truth;
The all of Christmas, which is Christ.
~Wilda English

Just amazing! Gotta love these flash mobs. =)

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2: 9–11 NIV

A blessed Sunday to you!

Of Crafting and Photo Taking

2011-12-10T08:18:00.001-05:00

The photo of my dining table at dusk is the next to the last one you'll see from here for a while. Amazingly, it turned out okay, but just prior to that and for the afternoon all pictures had horizontal lines running across them like the one below plus they're overexposed and I can no longer adjust my apertures. Oh great, make a liar out of me, little picture. Perhaps the lines are better seen on my car fender or perhaps my car just needs a trip through the car wash.

By the way, if a blogger talks to her pictures, is she crazy? Don't answer that! Perhaps you can see it better if I enlarge the photo.

I can see the lines. Can you?

(And what's going on with not being able to enlarge photos to take a good look at them anymore? Did Blogger run out of room? Do YOU know the secret? If so, pray tell.)

Next weekend, my sister and I, and any of the following generation, are going to have some craft time. I am thinking of two crafts. This *Snowbird Ornament Tutorial* from Miss Sandy at Quill Cottage and this *Mitten Tutorial* from Dawn at The Feathered Nest. Both of these delightful bloggers are offering their tutorials free of charge with some guidelines that you'll want to check on. The Mittens could become a sweet garland similar (only better) to my own. It would have an elegant Victorian look over the country look. I'm going to find out! =) The Snowbird is so lovely. Please go check!

Soooo, where was I? Oh yes, next time you see me, it'll be cute graphics all the way. Sigh.

Graphics Source

Stay cozy!

Clean Up Ensues

2011-12-09T16:34:00.001-05:00

Another busy day here. Online shopping until I was dropping and clean-up and decorating and I even ironed my tablecloth at long last. I am plum tuckered out. (I need excuses for why I'm posting later and later every day.)

Thanks to all who expressed sympathies that our tree branch blew off. I sometimes forget that it's not possible to remember all the finer details of my life here, but this is not my tree branch. We live on the proverbial postage stamp and everything ~~beyond~~ this way of the fence you see there belongs to my excellent neighbor who is outside even now trying to clean it all up with a toy chainsaw. John would take pity on him except he's in the midst of his own troubles trying to get this last/front side on the house. John knows he's on borrowed weather time.

Yes, there's my neighbor now. I can just see him. Isn't the light lovely at this time of day? All one minute and thirty-six seconds of it? It makes everything outside look as if it were bathed in a blue haze. Scrumptious.

Thanks also to the most honest group of gals I've ever been privileged to call friends. I'm going to make John read all those fantastic comments on yesterday's post. Not sure about reading Judy's though. =)

Have a delightful weekend...

Nag, Nag, Nag

2011-12-08T11:44:00.004-05:00

Nagging is the repetition of unpalatable truths.

~Edith Summerskill

What an interesting name has Edith! Is it summers kill or summer skill?

Okay, I've been nagging. (I just know that you're shocked and find it difficult to believe that sweet me could be guilty of such a thing.)

The winds have been howling and I really didn't want John out on the ladder today. As I was making my case at the breakfast table and in mid-sentence, Crrrrrr...aaaaaaa...cccckkkkkk, down came a huge limb before our eyes. I've rarely felt so vindicated or had my nagging so well punctuated, though my niece may differ with that assessment as she's forever telling the story about the day I said something I should not have and there was a clap of thunder so sudden and violent that I jumped up onto the sofa apologizing to the Lord as I went.

Anyway, I shall miss this branch so massive that it could have been a tree all on its own. It has been featured here before...

And here is how it looks after this morning (forgive the reflections)...

So, tell me, do you ever nag? If you do, what does your husband think of it?

Rainy Day in December

2011-12-07T14:40:00.001-05:00

Come on in! No tea today as I'm serving up

hot chocolate. Unusual for me, but so tasty. Do
you have any marshmallows on you?

Question/s for you: Do you ever deny yourself something for no good reason? Do you ever deny yourself something because that's the way you've always done it before? Do you ever deny yourself something for fear of what other people might think?

My epiphany for the day was to realize that I could so too have the Christmas lights on today even though it is daytime. I wanted them on because they are cheery on a rainy day. I told myself "no" because it was daylight. It took me a moment to realize why I was denying myself and now I'm wondering how often I engage in this idiotic behavior of parenting my inner child. =)

So here's to Christmas lights on in the daytime!

And fuzzing out the photo edges we don't like. And taking a nap in the afternoon. And not posting until later in the day. And making curtains out of painter's cloth...

Enjoy a great afternoon!

A Kitchen Project and More Decorating

2011-12-06T13:32:00.000-05:00

Rolling right along here. No, don't look at the Thanksgiving dishes still waiting to be put away or the groceries on the counter or the wrapping paper on the floor. No, I am not even going to show you the last two. There's just something about a stack of dishes that I find appealing. Do you like bubble lights? We love them around here and use them as nightlights year round.

And an audible groan was heard throughout Blogdom...What?! That mitten garland again? You don't want to see the final result? (I just finally made it back to the grocery store this morning and remembered the candy canes this time.)

I am still in love with Gradient 6 (PhotoScape). Doesn't it look as if it's still autumn? Oh, that's right; it is still autumn. Okay, doesn't it look as if it is still November? Those oak leaves hang on forever.

So this is my Kitchen Project Story. You may remember that recently I removed a cabinet door in an experiment to see if we'd miss it. We don't miss it; we like reaching up and grabbing a glass or mug all easy-peasy like. The look, however, was not completely charming.

I went looking for Manuela who does this all the time and learned that she is not blogging just now. Wah! I hate when this happens and hope that she returns one day soon. Manuela, I miss you! So I Googled and found a Farm Chick who actually is already on my blogroll. Anyway, her directions are here. Mine follow.

You can not believe how complicated I can make a thing. First of all, my cabinets are not brand new like Serena's. I have gaps in the corners that needed covering so I opted for covering foam core rather than the method Serena chose. Then I learned right quick that foam core can get royally stuck and you will destroy it trying to get it back out of your cabinet. So I made "rip cords" for all of the panels. This is very good because you can see that I changed my mind about my paper choice. Someday, when I don't have groceries on the counter, I'll show you a better view. We like it. It'll do until I feel like getting out the paint brush again.

Many more pictures to show you, but it dawns on me that I've not visited you so I'll save them for another day.

Oh, have you found the candy cane pudding yet? Hmmm...

Sugar! Doesn't that Gradient 6 just get in the way sometimes!

Have a happy day, my friend.

Night Glow~Mosaic Monday

2011-12-04T20:10:00.002-05:00

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Christmas Glow

Don't you just love peeking inside people's windows at Christmastime? Oh yes, from a safe distance, of course. These are photos of my own windows and my own yard so I'm definitely safe.

At last, I am participating in Mary's Mosaic Monday at Little Red House once again. I missed November altogether. And I still haven't visited everyone in October. I'm falling back on Mary's request to visit the ten listed before me and the ten listed after. I think that's what she said. Anyway, I think that that is definitely doable.

Wishing you a season of much love and joy.

Mercies in Disguise

2011-12-04T07:07:00.023-05:00

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ~Jesus (John 16:33)

...And what if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are your mercies in disguise?

~Laura Story

One thing just leads to another. I don't think that I found this "by chance." Perhaps you'll find it as meaningful as I have.

comments are closed

Little Inspirations Make Me Happy

2011-12-03T14:14:00.014-05:00

This time of year in Blogdom is rather *magical don't you find? So many little inspirations pop out at me wherever I visit. You're such a creative one, you are!

Let's see, what have I for you today... Two little inspirations and some tossed in things for good measure.

I found this little silver frame for a song at JoAnn's and have until last night had a small picture of a Christmas tree made of birds in it. This is so much better for its wonderful message. I found it at Kim's Seasons of My Heart. (Edited to Add: I believe that I have tracked it down to its original source at Betty Crocker Wannabe. Thanks to all who were keeping me straight! Yes, it is available free. Thanks to Kristin who now blogs at A Simply Klassic Home.)

Can you tell that I really like my new kitchen window?

Whatever would give it away?

Actually, these photos were taken to make Auntie happy. Auntie who enjoys seeing photos taken at night in bad light and that's all right. As soon as there is snow flying, I'm going to take another photo just like my header photo only in Christmas mode. It may be awhile.

This is an idea I saw at Anne's blog Azza's Blather right there in her Christmas header.

See it? It's a little train coming through a book tunnel. I don't know about you, but I find it adorable. Perhaps it's having a grandson visiting this afternoon that is making me think of the whimsy that would delight a little boy. You just know that this arrangement is not going to stay this pristine.

And, right on cue, just as I suspected, Fioré hopped up there and messed it all up. By the time I returned from writing this post and to shut off the lights, this is what I found. The book slapped shut, the train on the floor, and Fioré enjoying her ease. She does love the tree.

I am undaunted. Stay tuned for the answer at the end of this post.

This next one cracks me up. Remember my mitten garland of a few days ago? Look what I found! A sweet mitten garland divider with red ribbons...now I can do the same. Here's my garland reworked a bit.

Oops. Guess you'll have to trust me on this one...red ribbons on either end and in the middle. Looks darling. No, really. I'm adding candy canes to the mittens next.

I just did that so I could use the mitten divider again. Such a child I am. That's what you get for playing with trains and children's books. Here we go again with a new interpretation for train and tunnel elsewhere.

Have a magical weekend! Have you been playing yet today? Hope so!

*magical always means Narnia magic here. Thanks, Brenda!

Christmas Wreath Reworked and More

2011-12-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

There's a scene in Little Women, the 1994 version with Winona Ryder, where a Christmas wreath wearing a flannel bow is hung upon the door. I've looked for that scene high and low and short of putting the dvd in and taking a photo of the tv, I can't find it. Oh well. Here's my Christmas wreath reworked.

The ribbon was made from my flannel nighty. A worthy end for the nighty that gave me so much comfort.

Here's how the wreath came to me and how it looks now.

Before and After

Thought I'd toss in some of my "progress" beginning with a photo of John making his own lunch while I played. He's a good boy! Very good and dear. I'll have to make it up to him with a decent supper.

Click *here* to find out what he's eating and what the Haven looked like when John was working inside instead of outside.

Wreaths on Patio Doors

Cranberry Wreath for China Cabinet Door

Stars and Platters

Peace Out!

Keeping Christmas

2011-12-01T15:12:00.003-05:00

Welcoming December first is always exciting. Sometimes good exciting and sometimes not so good exciting. This is the month when I, like so many of you, am at my busiest. My preference is that it will be exciting for all the right reasons: The Reason. To think that Jesus was willing to come to us is a profound thought.

John sometimes describes the bosses he's known on big construction jobs. One of them was a bossy boss the kind who knows what he's doing and bellows orders from his office chair. Another was a get-down-in-the-dirt with him sort of boss. He also knows what he's doing, yet when he sees that his crew needs help, he tackles the job right along with them leading the way. Jesus is that kind of a "boss." He knew that we were never going to make it on our own and He was willing to come to us and get down in the dirt with us and help us take on this task called life.

This year, for the first time, I welcome December without my mother's physical presence. It is going to be...wait for the euphemism...a challenge. Ohhhh I have my memories...she was the very best Keeper of Christmas. She loved the holidays and made her home a Christmas delight replete with all the aromas of the holiday — baking and fudge making and savory smells from her cozy kitchen. Her home smelled like a gift shoppe all cinnamony and warm. She honored the Lord and opened her home and shared her life and the more tangible aspects of it. I am still learning of all the things she did. (Until last week when I was asked to donate pies to the library bake sale, I had no idea that my mother baked three or more pies to donate each year on the day before Thanksgiving! My response? No, thanks, no time for that!)

The mantel has fallen on me. Oh dear! There has been a fair amount of fretting on my part because, you see, I have my Thanksgiving failings so fresh in my mind.

Then I am reminded of the little quote in the photo above, which I have shared more than once. I'm going to tuck in to the Lord and listen for His voice and do what He tells me to do. I think I'll be surprised. I always am.

Tonight the outside lights go on. I am celebrating the Christ of Christmas along with my neighbors and community and the world because He deserves celebrating...every day. I will not shut down and hide out because I am chafed by loss or fear; I will celebrate because, for this one brief moment of the year, most hearts are turned once more to Him. He's on people's minds, however far in the background. I will celebrate and keep Christmas as my mother and grandmother and others have done before me in the firm hope that one day we'll all be celebrating in heaven together. I will be a Keeper of Christmas.

Thank You!

2011-11-30T15:14:00.001-05:00

So we have reached the final day of November and this year's Giving Thanks Challenge. I want to especially thank all who've visited me via Leah at South Breeze Farm and I also want to thank Leah for hosting this year. It's a labor of love! God has been so good to all of us. It has been a blessing each day to think about those things for which I have been grateful in 2011. Some of you keep a gratitude journal all year through! Amazing!

And it is also for you, my regular reader, for whom I am so very grateful. Whether you join me in the morning with your mug of coffee in hand or later in the afternoon with your tea, I feel blessed and honored to know that you are there. Sometimes you even leave a comment, which still delights me after four plus years of blogging. If you've never commented *cough* *cough* *sputter* *sputter,* I'd sure love to hear from you. Would you do me a favor today? Would you let me know how long you've been reading along here? (No, I am not going to be adding advertising. That's not why I want to know. = )

For those who have commented through thick and thin nearly every day of this blog's existence, I thank you most especially. You are the faithful and the few and I dearly love you and look forward to our visits. Okay, enough of the mushy stuff because if I don't stop I'm going to need my tissue box and it's lost in all this Christmas stuff.

Suzanne of At Home With the Farmer's Wife recently added a bit to her post on The Emergency Room Scarf. I've been kinda waiting to see what she might say; ~~but she and her crochet hook have gone missing~~ she says that I may have figured it out. Since I like how my scarfs/scarves (???) turned neck warmers turned out, even though they don't look just exactly like Suzanne's, I'm going to show them off. I've really enjoyed working on them in the evenings; therefore, a lot of gals in my family can just count on a neck warmer for Christmas.

Oh I do love that Gradient 6 in PhotoScape. Sigh. See what I mean as I model my white, made from baby yarn, neck warmer.

Sooc at the left and Gradient 6 on the right. At this rate, I may be able to avoid plastic surgery after all.

John is working on the front side of the house, the north side, the main side, the street side, the last side. Yippee!! Thank you, Lord, for all the good weather. Even when we've had two snowstorms with over a foot of snow each time, it's melted off within days. The temps are in the high 50sF today.

There are long gaps without much if any insulation all around the windows and front door. John is taking care of that as I type.

Ongoing progress in the decorating department. I've nearly decided not to get out the ornaments for the tree. Nearly. Maybe. Who knows? Instead, I've been decorating it with everything except the kitchen sink.

Gradient 6...gotta love it! (Yes, that's the grands' teddy bear.)

Feeling a bit topsy-turvy with my new posting schedule. If I do another post right behind this one and save it for tomorrow morning, I might get myself righted around.

A wonderful afternoon and evening to you!

Mittens Lost and Found, Et Cetera

2011-11-29T14:08:00.004-05:00

Don't you love cozy mornings by the tree? We do! Just prior to this photo, I had been sipping my coffee and working on the scarf mentioned in yesterday's post. Even Molly and Fioré show up for morning devotions. Molly's not always alert, but she's there listening to John's rumbly voice as he reads Our Daily Bread. Doesn't Fioré look particularly angelic? =)

Everything at our haven is in a state of not quite accomplished. The tree is up and needing more decorating. That tree is what made me brave life and limb on Black Friday. It's a slim, pre-lit tree, which doesn't impress me that much. There aren't enough lights, but the weary among us are quite happy with the status quo. The grands gave John and me a bit of a hard time with our *wee table tree last year.* The former tree is very tired, after nearly 25 years, and so it was time to upgrade. I get the distinct sense that this new tree is not much of an upgrade. It is quite high at 9 feet above the floor, enough to impress the grandsons.

While tidying up the laundry room this morning, I found the box of old mittens. Some pairs and lots of singles. I never could toss all the little ones that my children wore. Some are my nieces' mittens; one pair is Nan's; another pair is mine from college days. They have lots of stories to tell I'm sure. My mother single-handedly kept her grands in mittens, at first knitting them herself and then buying them at church bazaars. She would say that she couldn't do any better and the price was right.

This morning, I began to think what I might do with them. There are mitten drives these days, of course, though my mitten stash is too near and dear to my heart to let go. I'll purchase a pair of mittens for the drive. Since I was already crocheting, I simply crocheted them onto a chain and strung them in the bay window. It's not done...perhaps some greenery to add. Anyway, you know that I'll show you again when it is done.

Oh, do look and see what has happened to the foot of snow that arrived last Wednesday.

Nearly gone! Those two tracks there on the hill that look like a driveway are the snow trail the kids made last Thursday for their sleds. Crazy weather and we are not complaining.

Just as I was finishing up with the mitten garland, I heard John's tread upon the stairs. Except the footsteps stopped at the door and I heard a knock. When I opened the door, there stood a man with his arms crooked and two wreaths hanging from each. He told me that I was the first to answer the door this morning. He said that his mother was making wreaths to sell so that she could buy her grandchildren Christmas gifts. He explained that the wreaths were very fresh as they had just been tipping Sunday afternoon and his mother had made ten wreaths yesterday.

They were indeed fresh and wonderfully fragrant and I could not have done any better and the price was right so I purchased one to hang upon my door. (It's not "done" either, but I'll show you once it is.)

"Merry Christmas! God bless you!" the man called as he walked back down my drive to his car.

Merry Christmas I called back and to your mother, too.

Have you shared Christmas greetings yet? It doth warm the heart and cheer the soul!

Thanksgiving 2011 Highlights

2011-11-28T18:04:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving 2011 is already a vague memory. Good thing I take pictures, bad pictures. Bad, bad camera. You may struggle to believe this, but these are the best of the lot.

One thing I discovered very quickly...when I am the one pulling dinner together, there are few photo- taking opportunities. No pretty tablescapes once the sea salt lands on the table. Baby grand earned the red chair and was pretty content to be in the Turkey Seat. Two nights later we changed it to the Santa Seat and the oldest grand enjoyed it equally well. Speaking of oldest grand, he asked if he could do dishes. It's not something that his parents had yet entertained, but I thought it a splendid idea. He did an excellent job of washing pre-washed silverware. Catch them while they're young and while they think it's fun is my motto.

My daughter made the "acorns" and the candy cars you see in the upper right. Apparently, she's becoming a Pinterest fan.

After dinner, four of the most energetic ones went sliding while kitchen clean-up went on in earnest.

Had to punch up the colors with all that snow. They slid from 3 to 4:30. It was very dark by the time they came in eager for hot chocolate and more treats.

Yes, the tree is up; yes, I went Black Friday shopping =/ ; yes, I had a guest stay over one night; yes, I've been busy and so have all of you!

This I know because I've been visiting, even if I haven't been commenting too often.

I'm spending a quiet evening working on the Emergency Room Scarf that Suzanne shared *here.* I don't know what I'll do with my Monday evenings now that Dancing With the Stars has ended. I'm sure that as Christmas nears, it'll all get sorted.

A cozy evening to you!

Giving Thanks Challenge List~2011

2011-11-24T07:54:00.005-05:00

1. For the special ones God sends
2. For good weather
3. For grandparents who loved each other
4. For pleasant, quiet, do-nothing days
5. For the old stories
6. For Him, our Refuge and Shield
7. For a blogging-free day ;>
8. For a new view
9. For the privilege to vote even when...
10. For the wonders of the night sky
11. For our veterans
12. For grandchildren
13. For tasting and seeing for myself
14. For the colors of November
15. For fun
16. For honesty
17. For any hair at all
18. For my husband's sense of humor
19. For a weekend of possibilities
20. For His sacrifice
21. For anticipation
22. For progress
23. For the sense of smell =)
24. For the "new" normal
25. For turkey sandwiches
26. For Christmas lights on the darkest days
27. For sleepovers
28. For rest
29. For pets
30. For you

Saving my 2011 Giving Thanks Challenge List for my own recollection. Comments are closed.

A Thanksgiving Blessing and Kitchen Window Before and After

2011-11-23T07:16:00.009-05:00

Another Before and After for you this morning. I'm not going to cheat and show you the worst picture either; oh no, I am showing my favorite before. Here's that wind-out window one last time.

It was all right, I could have lived with it forever. However, I didn't like it because it was difficult to clean requiring me to go outside and climb a ladder. The center portion cut into my view and my neck was always craned to see around it. And I am so short that I had to rise up on my tippy-toes to see out. Not good for the nosy lady of the house who often says now what's he doing?

Above is the new six over six window, which matches, more or less, what's going on in the rest of the house. I took my decorating inspiration from something I saw online ~~and can no longer find.~~ (~~If you know, please fill me in~~. Woman's Day!) It had Christmas ornaments hanging from it. I've done a version of Melissa's (The Inspired Room) *cookie cutter garland.* So many possibilities... greenery in December and more color...snowflakes through the winter...flowers in the spring...

My favorite hanging items are my grandmother's and my mother's baby spoons on the left. One of the high points of polishing the silver was to see the details. Not only are their names engraved on their respective spoons, my grandmother's also has the inscription "Mary had a little lamb" with the picture of a lamb and Mary, too. Displaying them is so much better than having them tucked in a drawer. (I apologize for the light...picture taking inside becomes such a challenge on these shortened days.)

And this, dear friend, is where I leave you until sometime next week. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, I wish you a joyful and blessed day and I share this little prayer for your gathering.

We Give Thanks

Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ...

~Harry Jewell

The Flat Princess Among Other Things

2011-11-22T07:15:00.002-05:00

The Flat Princess came to me from Penny at The Comforts of Home. She arrived in my corner of New England on the 21st of October atop a couple of magazines. I could tell that she'd had a topsy-turvy trip and soon had her settled down with tea and a good read just as I so enjoy. A month's stay was not quite what I had in mind and, fact is, I have felt quite guilty about the way The Flat Princess has been treated while with me. I had hoped to have a lot of sweet photos of the iconic views of local scenes such as the P*ortland H*ead L*ight and L.*L. B*ean and perhaps even the W*hite M*ountains of NH. It was not to be, except via bad photoshopping. The little princess basically hung out with me drinking a lot of tea, a lot of tea. She did enjoy a concert one day, but basically she was just invisible. Would you be interested in having her visit your corner? I'll send her anywhere. She's a quiet and very well behaved princess. The first person who mentions in comments that you'd like her to visit has the honor.

sitting on a tea cup

Last week the power company came to make the switch. And just yesterday, John finished the last stragglers. Yes, he did get the upper and lower levels reinsulated and sided on the right side of the photo. What crazy architecture this little haven has! I am not responsible for the raised roof side, but I do appreciate it when I'm in those rooms. Just the front and the garage to do now.

I love the look without all those wires all over the place. Hope that you can figure out the befores and the afters as I forgot to note them.

***

Now my progress, which is laughable.

Focusing on what was accomplished:

1. dog groomed

2. window painted

3. winter basket made

4. small pantry doors covered

5. silver polished including candlesticks and casserole holder

Five out of eighteen can't be all bad. = )

Now it's cleaning and doing some cooking tomorrow. Finally. And shopping. And decorating.

Don't forget, if you want The Flat Princess, and are the first to say so, she's all yours!

No More Time for Goofing Off

2011-11-21T07:18:00.000-05:00

Seriously. I think I'll have to shut the computer down today so that I can stay focused. I'm feeling a little vague and fuzzy.

What's on the docket:

1. Must clean the entire house and rake the yard and update the wreaths and do a bit of decorating.

2. Must finish painting moldings on the kitchen window over the sink and finish decorating same.

source

3. Must do some more grocery shopping.

4. Must tweak Thanksgiving menu.

5. Must take Molly to groomer's.

6. Must stop eating Thanksgiving groceries, see #3.

7. Must prepare stations in the dining area and set up tables.

8. Must wash linens and iron them.

9. Must cook up the pot roast for supper tonight.

10. Must practice making my squash *this way.*

11. Must research *slow roasting.*

12. Must gather fun things for the grands to do.

13. Must make some simple curtains for the front room.

14. Must wash windows.

15. Must visit apple orchard for more cider and apples.

16. Must wash the good dishes and gather platters and special serving dishes.

17. Must take time to relax and enjoy the process.
18. Must remember what I'm forgetting.

Hope that you're all feeling as if everything is well under control. I'm feeling a little vague and fuzzy. Have I mentioned that already?

Yesterday afternoon, John and I were out and about. I was looking for painter's cloth at Lowe's (see #13). In their parking lot was a row of the most beautiful trees with the foliage all still bright and mostly intact. It was amazing. We parked under them and enjoyed the view. Later, we saw this red house and I thought it looked especially like Thanksgiving. I like the white trim and the blue door, too.

Hope to catch you soon...

Who Are You? What Are You Living For?

2011-11-20T08:19:00.003-05:00

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus
Christ. I Thessalonians 5: 9 NIV

Sometimes we Christians spend so much time on the topic of hell that we forget that God never designed hell for people. Let us emphasize the choice that each person has and remind our friends and family that when we invite Christ into our lives, He not only saves us from hell, He also saves us from our former lives of corruptness. Hell's punishment no longer awaits us even when we fail and fail we most certainly shall. Are we going to crucify Christ all over again to gain forgiveness for the sin committed this morning? NO! Of course not, He died once and for all and His blood takes away all sin for all time, IF we receive His gift—His sacrificed life.

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11 The Message

When I hear myself slip into the "woe is me a miserable lousy rotten piece of nothing," mode, I know that I am doing precious little to live up to my full potential in Christ. Further, it is so vile and unattractive that precious few would want to become a Christian like me. It is the devil's ploy.

Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. Galatians 5:1 The Message

Now that's something to give thanks for!

Blessings to you this Sunday...

comments are closed

To Polish or Not to Polish

2011-11-19T07:42:00.001-05:00

Should I polish the ~~silver~~ silverplate? Because I'd rather do just about anything else. Do you enjoy polishing silver? I've learned that there are quite a few who do.

A happy weekend to you...

A Bad, Very Bad, Haircut (Scene II)

2011-11-18T07:04:00.027-05:00

Do you mind a reprise? One way to find out, I suppose. Stay tuned, I am going to show you a front and back view of the offending haircut. I'll toss in a photo of the second cut and a before and after comparison. You know how much I love those.

Brief summary of events... The day before yesterday I had my hair cut. If you don't agree with my assessment that it was awful, nay disgusting, I'll eat an entire bag of M&Ms! Yesterday, I had "the fix" done at three in the afternoon. I can tell from some of your comments — Barb, yours was priceless and had me in tears laughing—that you understand. Oh to be understood. It's one of the great joys of blogging.

Like so many of you, I shut down when my hair isn't cut properly or doesn't look good. I could not go do my errands or go shopping for Thanksgiving. I was simply too upset. Wait until you see how upset. Perhaps you should fix yourself a cup of coffee first...

Now I feel that I must warn you so that you can remove small children and pets from the room. The following picture is ~~mildly~~ ~~somewhat~~ deeply disturbing.

Man! I knew that I was upset, but that's wild! Those eyes. Those horrible eyes. Are they open or closed? They're both! < insert a shiver > Almost takes one's mind off the hair, doesn't it?!

Front ~ Before

Phew! That's better. Gotta protect the innocents.

Back ~ Before

Here's the current haircut.

Looking a Bit Better I think

So now the before and after.

Before and After

John just marched in here and asked me why I had a photo of M*uammar G*addfi here.

Bwahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha...

Have a fun day!

Edited to Add: What is up with all this space? Formatting issues gone horribly wrong. If you keep scrolling down, you'll eventually arrive at comments.

A Bad, Very Bad, Haircut

2011-11-17T07:49:00.002-05:00

In light of the morning's news and all that nasty weather in the Southeast United States, a bad haircut doesn't amount to much. I must keep things in perspective.

Women seem to fall into two camps with regard to a bad haircut. The first is a nonchalant whatever approach with a good old philosophical it'll grow tossed in. The second is What in the world? This is NOT what I requested.

My reaction is the second. I have been growing my hair out from very short a year ago to what I had hoped to keep at a medium length. That's because my husband does not like my hair short and I don't like my hair long so I was looking for a happy compromise.

I walked in with plenty of hair and another photo. This one gleaned after an internet search.

Yes, I took in just what you see above and the hairdresser and I discussed all these notes and she had the picture right there on her counter. I knew that it was going horribly awry even as she hacked away. We discussed it again. It made little difference. I walked out with very short hair and irregular choppy bits sticking up all over the place.

It's so bad that everyone who has seen me has commented, including my neighbor who recommended his own hairdresser. Ha! John thinks that a roving herd of squirrels attacked me. Whatever, I must call as soon as the shop opens and make a new appointment. The thing is, my hair will be even shorter when it is fixed. Believe me, there is precious little length left at all. This is so disappointing after one has been growing her hair out for this long.

Still, in the great scheme of things, it's a minor issue and it will grow again.

Now, do you have a hair cut story you'd like to share? Believe me, I'm all ears. No, really, all ears.

Little Whatevers and Some Christmas Thoughts

2011-11-16T07:12:00.014-05:00

Nothing too exciting going on around here today...

Oh wait! Yes, it's time for my hair to be trimmed this morning. I found yet another picture to take with me this time so I'll probably have the most confused hairdresser ever. I'm pretty sure that she already thinks I'm a nut. No comments please. Whether I show you my new do depends upon how well you behave until I get back or whether I'm in tears. Because, believe me, I can be reduced to tears by bad hair days. I can. I am that shallow.

The following is an excellent good sense article printed in its entirety about Christmas shopping. It's time for most of us to begin thinking about these things. I first read it while visiting Diane who writes a wonderful (and sadly private) blog. I believe she said that this comes from one of the ubiquitous forwards we all receive.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone, yes EVERYONE, gets his/her hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

I don't believe that that's what Christmas is all about, but I still like the article. Thank you, Diane!

(Feel free to copy and share with your friends and family.)

For even more excellent and practical suggestions, visit Coffee Tea Books and Me Being a Blessing During the Holidays.

Have a blessed day...

Thanksgiving Party

2011-11-15T07:18:00.002-05:00

The Pilgrims came to America not to accumulate riches but to worship God, and the greatest wealth they left unborn generations was their heroic example of sacrifice that their souls might be free.

~Harry Moyle Tippett

When I think of Thanksgiving, the holiday falling on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States (and the second Monday in October in Canada), I think of the richness of its history. I love the stories of the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, the Indians, and Squanto. Thanksgiving is a celebratory holiday meaningful in its simplicity: Gratitude, Giving Thanks to God, Appreciation. It's my favorite holiday.

This is where all holiday preparations begin at my haven—in the dishpan! I'd like to be one who uses the best china all year through; unfortunately, mine stays in the china cupboard and is brought out for special occasions only. It needs a good hot bath.

Next up is preparing the table, which in my world means a table pad. This provides the foundation for the tablecloth and the table settings. If you ever find one in a flea market, nab it. Do they still sell them in stores? I have not yet found one. My mother never owned one; both grandmothers did. Perhaps it's an old-fashioned thing. I have always made a makeshift one using triple tablecloths or sheets or even a blanket. This year, I finally made my own from quilting batting, an old tablecloth and an old sheet. It works like a charm.

My! What lovely photos I'm showing. Well, let's just continue in this vein shall we?

This was what was going on right outside the dining room bay window while I set the table. I'd love to know what he was thinking as he watched me play while he worked. Up and down that ladder again and again. (We're both thankful for the amazing weather and I am especially thankful for his knowledge and hard work.)

And it was fun to play. I think the table is too matchy-matchy, though I have time to think of ways to change it up a bit. Perhaps dig out the chargers or use different water glasses. I still love my paternal grandmother's Friendly Village set after all these years.

In our world, the food is the centerpiece, though I do hope that there'll be fresh flowers in the house.

This simple decoration...a Jack B. Little pumpkin on a candlestick is thanks to seeing something similar at Penny's Comforts of Home.

Time ran away on me again and so I have two simple Thanksgiving/Holiday recipes to share. Simple being the operative word.

1. To dress up a pumpkin pie, make some cinnamon sugar and lightly sprinkle it on top of the pie in the last five or so minutes of baking. It will make the pie look even more festive and it tastes great.

2. These yummy little treats, kind of healthful, too, if one doesn't go overboard on the cream cheese, can be made with the above ingredients: dates, walnuts, cream cheese.

They're a holiday tradition around here. Neither John nor I minded eating a few for the cause.

Two blogs have been doing a wonderful job with Thanksgiving specifics. Specificity is not a talent I am gifted with so I really admire what these gals do.

The first is Jen at My Southern Table whose post titled Holiday Entertaining Timeline is invaluable.

The second is Cheryl at Thinking About Home whose post titled Thanksgiving: Making It Fun for the Kids discusses a subject near and dear to my heart. (Thanksgiving hasn't always been my favorite holiday. = )

Please visit Debbie at Bungalow for more Thanksgiving Party posts! Thanks, Debbie, this has been fun!

Happy Thanksgiving planning to you...

Thanksgiving Party Tomorrow!

2011-11-14T10:36:00.001-05:00

Really, really, wasn't going to post today. (You do believe me, don't you?) Have spent a relaxing morning sipping my coffee and enjoying the mosaics without commenting (for the most part). Every now and then it is pleasant to treat my dear blogging friends' blogs as if they are magazines only. So despicable of me!

Anyway, as I was saying, I wasn't going to post today and then looked at my sidebar and gasped. Tomorrow is Debbie's Thanksgiving Party! See it? That little button there with Debbie's cute picture? I had planned to chat about it long before this. Time is slipping away so quickly these days. So tomorrow I'll be participating. Perhaps I'll share a tablescape...I've only ever done it once before...and some Thanksgiving recipes and some terrific links to blogs that are doing so well with Thanksgiving planning. I hope to make it all very attractive, too. Just like the big gals do! < insert chuckle >

Today, I'm sharing a flea market find and a new wreath. I have been looking for a youth chair to pull up to the table for one of the grands. Maybe I'll stick my daughter in it! We need more room at the table so I'm hoping that this works.

Does your kitchen have a corner? My grandparents' kitchen did and every morning my grandfather would tuck himself into the corner and listen to the news on his radio and have his first cup of coffee while Nan made breakfast. This is mine and this is the new youth chair.

It's red, it's solid as in strong, and I could afford it!

Correct! Seventeen dollars and fifty cents brought this home to the Haven. = )

The youth chair's price was about the same I paid for the wreath up there on my
finally-finished-with-the-painting door. I asked John what he thought and he said, "It's falling apart." Men! They do not get it. I think it'll work for all seasons with very minor adjustments.

Hope to see you tomorrow...

November's Colors

2011-11-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

Oh I had hoped to keep my promise to myself. It hasn't worked. I didn't get to everyone who participated way back in October so I'm punishing myself by not linking this post while still linking to this week's Mosaic Monday at Mary's Little Red House. There are just amazing things to see!

Comments are closed so that you may look and run.

Background is from Kim Klassen.

A Haven for Vee

Dare to Dream Different Art Challenge~Quill Cottage

Very Near

January Boys

Discoveries

Cultivating Wonder~Sharon Lovejoy

Recipe Rip-Offs

Not Bored Exactly...

Faded Beauty~Mosaic Monday

The World Beyond

How Fascinating!

I Went Alone

Say WHAT?!

Hump Day, Hump Jumper, Etc.

Project Runway With a Twist and Beyond

Molasses Cookies Take 2

Taking Joy~Mosaic Monday

Remembering Mom

Saturday's Scoop

Projects for a Snowy Day

Tip Nut ღ

Warning~Grumpy Morning

I Think I Can

She's Here!

More Light Less Heat

Plagiarism is a Crime

Dull Corners

Epiphany

JOY

Frosty Window Pane and a New Needle Book

A New Set of Dishes

Happy New Year~2012!

No Time on My Hands-The Story of Grace McCance Snyder

Tea and Mug Cozy and an Offer Easily Refused

Gifts Glimpses~Day Four/Five

Day Three/Four of Christmas

Sledding, Et Cetera

Journey to Bethlehem

It's Snowing!

Bacon

Finished!

Early Christmas Gifts

Mostly Mosaics

Make Christmas Special

The Secret

Photography Technique for Christmas Trees and Lights...

Is it Wednesday?

Busy Days

Christmas Home Tour Mosaic

Hallejulah!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Of Crafting and Photo Taking

Clean Up Ensues

Nag, Nag, Nag

Rainy Day in December

A Kitchen Project and More Decorating

Night Glow~Mosaic Monday

Mercies in Disguise

Little Inspirations Make Me Happy

Christmas Wreath Reworked and More

Keeping Christmas

Thank You!

Mittens Lost and Found, Et Cetera

Thanksgiving 2011 Highlights

Giving Thanks Challenge List~2011

A Thanksgiving Blessing and Kitchen Window Before and After

The Flat Princess Among Other Things

No More Time for Goofing Off

Who Are You? What Are You Living For?

To Polish or Not to Polish

A Bad, Very Bad, Haircut (Scene II)

A Bad, Very Bad, Haircut

Little Whatevers and Some Christmas Thoughts

Thanksgiving Party

Thanksgiving Party Tomorrow!

November's Colors

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.