Living With Thanksgiving

Aqua Love ~ Vintage Heaven!

2012-02-06T21:01:00.000-06:00

This is the lovely home of a friend of mine. My friend, Pam is a talented painter, designer and collector. Her home is full of vintage collections, her oil paintings and family photographs in vintage frames. Her love for travel, antiquing, great eye for design and her gift for finding interesting pieces makes her home unique.

Pictures of her trip to Kenya ~ Masai people.

Shells from Tanzania.

My friend Pam, and some of her creamer collection.

Canisters were her mothers when she began housekeeping in the forties.

Paddle belonged to her father, a high school principal!

Pam's picture in elementary school and some of her toys from childhood.

Stay tuned to Part 2. Blogger would not load the rest of the pictures. I did not realize there may be a limit to the number of pictures you can post.

Joining these parties: Vintage Inspiration Friday, 2805 Potpourri Friday, and Table Top Tuesday, Seasonal Sunday, and Wow Us Wednesday.

Harbingers of Spring

2012-01-31T06:14:00.000-06:00

Flowering Quince.

Narcissus

Snow Drops

Japanese Magnolia

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree, and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

Folliott S. Pierpoint 1835-1917

Linking to Outdoor Wednesdays, Wow us Wednesday and Open House Party .Party.

Orchids are Enchanting!

2012-01-28T16:14:00.000-06:00

Couldn't decide where to put my orchid. Wish I had a different species in every spot in these pictures. Orchids captivate me. I have not been able to get an orchid to rebloom at my house and I believe not enough light is the reason.

This book opens with a ribbon tyed on the side and includes two books. It has gorgeous pictures and worlds of information.

Linking to Seasonal Sundays, Tabletop Tuesday and Wow us Wednesday.

Birthday Lunch

2012-01-26T15:47:00.000-06:00

Linking to , Tablescape Thursday and Foodie Friday.

Bragging on Daughter

2012-01-20T17:46:00.001-06:00

My daughter made these pictures in my garden during Christmas. I think they are beautiful! She posted them on her blog, Amazing Grace, and mentioned she thought this statuary had the sweetest face. She did a marvelous job on the photography and I enjoy getting photography tips from her anytime.

It's a rainy day here and I've seen snow pictures on many blogs today so I hope these pics will add a bit of cheer to your day. You may view my daughter's blog by clicking on the picture on my sidebar. She is a treasure!

Linking to Open House Thursday ,Seasonal Sundays and Potpourri Friday.

Robins, Cedar Waxwings and a Grackle!

2012-01-16T19:33:00.004-06:00

This is not a great picture but wanted you to see the cedar wax wings darting back and forth. In my excitement from the inside window this is not a good picture but did not want to miss the moment.

Dozens of cedar wax wings drink from my fountain joined by robins and a new bird I was unfamiliar with. For a long time today they flew back and forth in the trees and to the fountain. I counted ten robins at once walking on the grass in front of the fountain but I could not get a picture.

The black bird with blue head at the bottom of photo is known as a common grackle in Alabama. I had not seen one until today and looked him up in my bird book. Notice the robin at the top.

Stan Tekiela is a naturalist, wildlife photographer and the originator of many popular state-specific field guides. My book was a thoughtful gift from a friend. Check and see if your state is available. He has authored over 100 field guides, nature books and audio CD's presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, trees, wildflowers and cacti.

Last year they visited my birdbath in March so they are earlier this year. There was no water in my birdbath today so they found the fountain instead.

The cedar wax wings came in alone last year. I thought it was very interesting that the cedar wax wings, robins and grackle flew in together today. I am so glad I was home and did not miss their visit both years.

The beautiful cardinal is a frequent visitor to my garden and gives me much joy. However, what I am dreaming of is the elusive bluebird. I have moved my bluebird box to three locations in my yard with no luck. My yard is too wooded.

Here he sits last year scouting out places to nest. I've seen other scouts this year in the neighborhood. How special it would be if they would choose our garden this year. What delight!

Joining Outdoor Wednesday and Wow us Wednesday.

Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-12T17:27:00.000-06:00

Monica @Texas Fiesta Ware Fan from El Paso, Texas won my giveaway which was a new book called, "A Time to Plant" by James Farmer. The book did so well Amazon had it on back order and she has just received it. Thank you followers for giving me reason to celebrate a blogger anniversary and now having a 100 followers. I am very honored. Congratulations, Monica and condolences about your dear Spunky.

What are your passions?

2012-01-08T17:57:00.001-06:00

Everything I read about blogging suggests that you should write about your passions and be yourself. Pioneer Woman says write like you talk to your sister. French Essence says write about the things you are passionate about. So here goes.... Ok, the things I am passionate about are: God, family and friends in that order. I'll begin with first things first, the one who knew me before I was born (Psalm 139) my Creator and Heavenly Father.

In late August, last year I wrote an email to my daughter about something that happened to me.

The sun is rising over the golf course now and as I sit at the kitchen table it is so beautiful. I tried yesterday to capture it on the camera and today. I failed both times. Yesterday, I threw my clothes on and with camera in hand ran through the back neighbors yard hoping to capture it but was disappointed the trees blocked it. However, today I realized I don't think my camera is equipped for that.

The other wonderful realization I had was how I ran to the light and felt the grandeur and magnificence of the sun. I know when we are in the presence of God it will be a thousand times more beckoning. We will bow and sing, HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, and not know more ecstasy.

What are your passions? What are you passionate about?
Have a wonderful evening! It is a beautiful FULL MOON tonight! ~Bonnie~

From April to December

2012-01-04T19:39:00.001-06:00

April

December

The grands are grand indeed!

Memories are precious!

I love my family and that's what I've been doing enjoying them while they were visiting. I am so blessed!

Christmas at "Seven Gables" Home Tour

2011-12-10T15:24:00.002-06:00

Christmas at Seven Gables 2011

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at "Seven Gables" a family farmhouse built in 1909 by our hosts grandfather. The family was involved in a peanut and cotton farming operation for many years on the land surrounding the home. Following the passing of our hosts grandmother in 1970, they began a forty year on-going restoration project on the house. They raised their children, the fifth generation here and now frequently welcome the sixth generation of grandsons for visits.
They have filled the home with many family heirlooms and memorabilia, and always enjoy sharing a little part of local history with guests. Come back in time and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at Seven Gables. The owners of Seven Gables are good friends of mine.

Sunroom added in 2005.

Collection of crocks, washboards, and butter molds-some original to house.

When our hostess was ten years old she bought this candle stand table for $10.00. Her interest in antiques began at an early age. The antique Sheffield silver basket was a wedding gift in 1969. Fresh greenery is abundant throughout the entire house accented by candlelight.

Chalk ware nativity.

Book of poems, circa 1847, given to Maxine by John for their second anniversary.

Detailing of Victorian center entry table (late 1800's). Note original heart pine floors.

Grandparents portraits.

Antique sideboard with collection of family crystal and cut glass.

Merry Christmas from "Seven Gables".

Linking to Debra's Vintage Christmas at the Christmas Blogger Block Party.

Our Christmas tree.......Full of memories

2011-12-09T21:25:00.001-06:00

Our Christmas tree is full of forty years of memories.

These salt dough ornaments made by my son in elementary school make me smile each year as I unwrap the ornaments.

My husband prefers the traditional star at the top of our tree.

These two needlepoint ornaments were made for our children by their grandmother and hold special memories for us.

JOY is my prayer for everyone this Christmas!

This precious church makes me cry with a very special memory receiving it from my dear daughter when they lived in Washington state and we spent Christmas with them some years back. Since then she has given me quite a few Radko churches but this is my favorite one. I gave her one just like it for her tree.

Merry Christmas .....May the REAL meaning of CHRISTMAS swell in your heart!

Joining Honey @2805 for the Blogger Christmas tree party.

Christmas Dining

2011-12-07T20:16:00.000-06:00

My kitchen table is set with my Spode Christmas pattern. I played around with four different centerpieces. Something I've learned about tablescaping is filling up the middle of the table looks best in photographs. However, most husbands can't wait for that centerpiece to be moved !!!!

My DIL's mother gave me the green mesh ribbon for tablescapes. I like how it softens and adds texture.

These cookies are Pioneer Woman's recipe for Christmas gems. I liked the way they turned out.

The Mr. and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers are from the 80's. I changed the green glasses in the previous picture to red wine glasses. Which color glass do you like best? The grandchildren like to drink out of the Santa mugs and I think they go with the plates and add a little whimsy. I don't like the compote now because it is too busy. I have already taken them off as well as the green placemats since I made these pictures.

As you can see when using the red charger there is not enough room for the silverware so I like it better without the place mat. I bought my outside planter with fresh lettuce inside to try on the table just for fun. It is too large. Proportion is the hardest principle of design for me until I see it in place. I like something fresh and different but the container is too tall and overpowering here.

Centerpiece #3. I like the height of the champagne bucket with how the table looks in my room but it is too high to leave on the table for eating. Remember I made these pictures before I decided to remove the place mat and compotes. When you are seating five and six at a table there will be space in the middle. Remember the first picture in this post with netting draped around the centerpiece. I like how something draping softens and fills the empty spaces. So I still have work to do. Space is a design element too! Whatever the size, you use space by filing it or leaving it open. Space conveys feeling too. Some people feel claustrophobic with too many things and others just keep adding!

Centerpiece #4. Here I decided to pull out the blue in the tablecloth with a blue and white container and I like the size of the planter better too!

There also is a subtle change in this picture. Can you see the change? I just got an idea from the candy stripe pattern on the cookies for santa plate that is pictured. How would it look if I could find a stripe fabric for napkins to layer underneath the red napkin? I would love your ideas and suggestions. This is still a work in progress.

I am joining Sherry for Christmas Dining at the Christmas Blogger Block party and Susan for Tablescape Thursday.

Where's the line to see Jesus? Watch youtube video

2011-12-07T06:40:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=OExXItDyWEY&vq=medium

Hope you are full of joy this season!

~ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY~

2011-11-27T17:44:00.001-06:00

Living With Thanksgiving began three years ago with my daughter's help and my first post was my Thanksgiving Table. It has been an incredible journey meeting people with similar interests, learning how to make pictures, writing and styling my blog and most of all the challenge of technology. I still do not have that down but do want to learn. With each new follower I felt a sense of excitement that someone would be interested in viewing things I liked! Would you believe I have not had a giveaway? I am close to the traditional 100 followers so I am having a giveaway to celebrate on December 11, 2011. James Farmer has written a new book, "A Time to Plant" just recently published. James is a talented young man you may have seen on the Today Show and in Southern Living magazine recently. Read about him here on his blog and view his tablescape he shared on the Today Show. Now, I have tried to make a blog button and failed so....... if someone out there can talk me through it that would be great. Otherwise just copy and paste the picture below on your sidebar and tell me in a comment you did that for one chance to win the giveaway. For another entry tell me why you started your blog and something meaningful to you about blogging. For the third chance to win consider following my blog or tell me you are already a follower. I am excited about sharing a book I would like to own with the winner on December 11, 2011.

This is James tablescape he did for the Today Show.

Looking forward to hearing from you! Bonnie

P.S. I had a great time meeting Lana from Lana Austin Motif this weekend. It is raining at my house! So happy...We need rain badly!

A Special Friend's Thanksgiving Table

2011-11-21T19:57:00.000-06:00

I think her fruit centerpiece is stunning!

My friend's table begins in the fall with pumpkins and as Thanksgiving approaches several turkeys are added. Later the table is set for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with family.

Her faux bittersweet is so real looking you have to touch it up close to tell it is not real. She and I wish we could find some more as nice as this. She bought it years ago in Alaska!

Her pretty pilgrims added to the table celebrate the tradition of remembering America's first Thanksgiving.

I love the lace and embroidered platemats and grapevine napkin rings.

Beautiful vintage plates I believe belonged to her grandmother.

This is the buffet in the dining room.

Another variation. I like them both.

Other vignettes around the house.

Don't those pies look good?

The kitchen bar is festive too!

This is the prettiest fall wreath I have ever seen.

I am thankful for my special friend. She always answers the phone with a lift in her voice and is glad to hear from me. A friend that lifts you up and supports you is a GREAT BLESSING! I appreciate her letting me share her home with you.

I wish all of you a very happy and blessed day on Thursday. May you have travel mercies if you are on the rode and enjoy and cherish the time with your families this Thanksgiving. My blessings are too numerous to count but I am grateful for all God has richly provided. An added blessing for me is that I will get to meet a fellow blogger many of you know, Lana Austin. Visit her special blog here and remember her as her husband is deployed.

Linking to Tablescape Thursday.

Vignettes from Virginia

2011-11-15T19:18:00.001-06:00

My daughter-in-law's parents home in Virginia should be on the tour of homes. Everywhere you look are lovely and interesting vignettes. I couldn't resist snapping pictures to share with you. They are not the best photographs because we were talking and visiting but I know you will enjoy Johanna's creative flair and great eye. So many antique and vintage things that add so much charm and richness. There are toys in the background and nothing was staged- just as it was with a house full of company and a baby playing!

I don't mind slipping in another shot of our little grandson even if he had a runny nose.

Johanna, don't kill me about the pantry shot but you looked so cute in your "red cowgirl boots." Anyway, your pantry was impressively organized too! Thank you Joe and Johanna for a wonderful visit. We had so much fun! There was never a dull moment and we talked and talked. Wouldn't you love to see their home decorated for Christmas?

After being gone for seven days I am very busy catching up. If I have not visited your blog I will as soon as I can. How does everyone keep up?

I am so honored by Lana Austin @Lana Austin Motif to be in the company of other great bloggers she has honored with the Versatile Blogger Award. View her beautiful blog here. Please pray for her husband, Tom recently deployed to Afghanistan. You can read her moving tribute to him and others deployed titled Afghanistan on her sidebar.

Joining Wow us Wednesdays, Tabletop Tuesday, Vintage Friday, Potpourri Friday and Seasonal Sundays.

Veteran's Day at Williamsburg

2011-11-13T19:03:00.001-06:00

My husband and I have been traveling for the last seven days. It has been a delightful week each day full of good times with family and friends starting in Alabama then to Washington D.C., and several places in Virginia. We are in North Carolina tonight on our way home. I hope to post later about touring Monticello, Mount Vernon and great countryside inbetween. The scenery has been spectacular! This is the prettiest fall I can remember! We have feasted on such glorious colors. God has painted a masterpiece of rich vibrant reds, oranges, and yellow leaves on rolling hills and on tree lined streets. These pictures were made in Williamsburg, Virginia yesterday. Crazy to start backward posting about our trip!

This is our little grandson strolling down main street at Williamsburg "his way."He isn't walking yet but he can lean on his locomotion and walk. Isn't he the cutest thing?

Fur hats are so warm on a cold day. My daughter-in-law and her parents.

We are so blessed to have a beautiful and wonderful daughter-in-law. Her parents couldn't be better either. We were the recipients of their kind hospitality. Our active duty son was pulling duty on Veterans Day. We missed having him with us.

It was a beautiful sunny day but quite cold and windy. Hot apple cider and gingerbread cake never tasted so good!

Thank you veterans for your service to our country. Thank you military personnel that are separated from your families and are serving in dangerous places. Thank you spouses and children who are separated from your spouses and parents. Thank all of you who are associated with the armed forces and for the sacrifices you make. We are grateful and appreciate you.

Linking to Seasonal Sundays, Outdoor Wednesdays and Wow Us Wednesday.

I hope to visit your blogs soon. Would you believe I have nearly 500 posts in my google reader unread!!!!!

2011 Fall Cloche Party

2011-10-31T19:48:00.004-05:00

This is my first cloche given to me by a special friend. I love the rustic base. It has a faux pumpkin but real muscadine vines from the natural area in my yard. Should have cropped out the plug outlet.

Dining room buffet. This pair of cloches came from Hobby Lobby.

This is from a post I did last year and this cloche was purchased at Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta. It is tall and at first I found it hard to work with but now I am enjoying using it. Also used it in the next photo.

Tiger pumpkins.

From previous post this year before I knew Marty was having a Fall Cloche party. You may view here.

I like this bell shaped cloche and thought on this vintage english cake stand it looked like fall. I like the reflection in the mirror too. Does anyway else out there in blogland have trouble with your cloches getting dusty? I have looked and looked but can't find the blog I read about putting old pages of books in them to absorb cloudiness. NOTE: I found the post !! Becca @adventuresindecorating. Wish there was a trick to the dust!!!

On our trip last spring to Provence we stayed in a wonderful chateau and this cloche was in the library. Isn't it beautiful?

Chateau Roussan in St.Rémy, Provence dining room mantel.

Thank you Marty for all your great cloche parties. I am joining Marty for her Fall Cloche Party.

Can't get enough of FALL!

2011-10-26T09:17:00.063-05:00

Wanted to share and show off my daughter's fall centerpiece. I love the colors of her pumpkins. The blue gray and green pumpkins are new to me but I found out that they have been around for a long time just not available in our area until now. I like the creamer lighter orange color because it would blend in my house better and doesn't scream orange.

My daughter is so artistic and makes wonderful pictures.

The teacher in me became curious about pumpkins and I remembered a great book , Carolyn Roehm's Fall Notebook. It is a lovely book with beautiful pictures and so much information. She has written winter, spring, and summer notebooks also. They were published in 1999.

As you can see in the top left basket the pale pumpkin is a Long Island Cheese pumpkin and the pale greenish blue next to it is an Australian native pumpkin called Jarrahdale. Carolyn says since sugar pumpkins and winter squash belong to the same family, they can be substituted for each other in most recipes, as long as the cook compensates for the fact that some cooked squashes(usually the larger ones) are wetter than others and may have to be drained or squeezed of water. I enjoyed looking up pumpkins and squash. My goal is to buy each variety and cook them and enjoy eating some new foods. Have you tasted all of these varieties?

This picture is on my kitchen island. Can't get enough of fall!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Enjoy fall it is speeding by.

Linking to Tabletop Tuesday, Wow Us Wednesday's, Open House Party Thursday and Potpourri Friday.

Fall Interiors

2011-10-19T19:33:00.002-05:00

Happy Fall! Linking to Tabletop Tuesday's, Wow us Wednesday's, Open House Party Thursdays, 2805 Potpourri Friday,Vintage Fridays, and Seasonal Sunday's.

A Fall Ride out in the Country

2011-10-13T19:20:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen more beautiful cotton? This huge field is in front of a friend's home.

My friend allowed me to cut some branches for fall decorating. I will show pics in a later post.

I stopped all along County Road 606 and throughly enjoyed the fall scenes and the gorgeous sunset.

Linking to 2805 Potpourri Party, Outdoor Wednesdays, Vintage Inspiration Friday, Seasonal Sundays, Open House Party Thursday, and Wow Us Wednesday.

Bridesmaids Luncheon for my niece

2011-09-29T18:17:00.003-05:00

This is my sister's lovely home.

My niece, the bride, my sister and my other niece the bride's sister.

Mother of the groom, grandmother of the groom, bride and groom's sister.

That's me on the left with my nieces and my sister.

Maid of honor toasting her sister, the bride and her bridesmaids.

Aunts and mother of the bride, my sister.

Gifts from the bride for her bridesmaids were aprons chosen for the girls personality.

You can tell they really liked them. They were all smiles.

Linking to Tablescape Thursday, Foodie Friday and Seasonal Sundays.

Saturday football game snacks

2011-09-23T18:51:00.000-05:00

I had everything on hand for guacamole but the cilantro. Easy enough to buy some and lucky for me the avocados were ripe. I forgot the onion after there were no shallots at the store and I didn't realize it until later.

Mash the ripe avocados, mince the garlic, seed and chop the tomatoes, cilantro and onions or shallots if you have any and squeeze a generous amount of lime juice and Voila! Guacamole! Don't forget to buy chips. We had a delightful afternoon watching our college team football game, visiting with friends and snacking on a Saturday afternoon.

French press coffee and Chocolate croissants

2011-09-13T19:16:00.001-05:00

Last week I went shopping out of town to a larger town and enjoyed lunch at Panera Bread Company. As I was leaving the restaurant I decided to buy chocolate croissants as a surprise for my husband. They were such a treat for us on our trip to France.

The next morning I got up before him walked outside and realized the weather was very pleasant and it would be nice to have breakfast on the patio. I also got the idea to try my hand again making French Press coffee to enjoy with the croissants.

We don't have a grinder that has a course grind setting so you must do it manually. I was pretty pleased with getting the grounds course but then came the challenge of how much coffee to use.

This time it looked good and tasted so smooth but....it was more like espresso than french press coffee. It wasn't bitter and I drink it black but it was way too strong!

Anyway, we enjoyed our breakfast.

Glad you can't see how badly the grass needed mowing.

Yes, we ate the whole thing but that is not the end of the story. Around noon my husband said he didn't feel very well. Found out he drank two large cups of coffee. There is a reason they serve espresso in tiny cups! We both felt very jittery the rest of the day. I would tell you the amount of coffee I used but you would die laughing.

Linking to Table Top Tuesday and Tablescape Thursday.

Lunch in a French Jardin

2011-09-07T19:08:00.000-05:00

A french setting for lunch at my daughter-in-law's house.

Bon Appetit!

Linking to Tablescape Thursday,Wow Us Wednesday Show and Tell Friday and Open House Thursdays.

A Touch of Fall Air!

2011-09-06T20:23:00.001-05:00

Today was a wonderful fall like day much cooler and nice but a few weeks ago the humidity was so intense you can see it in these pictures. My camera lens kept fogging very badly.

The hydrangeas are fading now and we had a temporary cool day because of tropical storm Lee leaving. But I know living in the deep south there will be more warm weather and I do hope warm not HOT!
I am thinking about fall mums, pansies, pumpkins and of course, those pleasant autumn days! I must begin working on fall header pictures. Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Linking to Outdoor Wednesday.

Candlelight and Puccini

2011-08-24T19:33:00.003-05:00

Sunday was our wedding anniversary. We were married August 21, 1971. Forty years ago! We had a quite but memorial evening at home reminiscing and enjoying a great meal together.

I set the table with our wedding china, crystal and silver and decided to use several silver trays that were wedding gifts as chargers. Then I remembered my husband's parents had given us a beautiful silver vase on our 25th wedding anniversary that I used as a vase for the centerpiece.

I had the hardest time trying to photograph the engraving because the chargers reflected even the plate.

Then the leaves of the roses were reflected.

If you look closely you can see the initial "M"with the year 1996 underneath and 1971 above. Does anyone know how to photograph a shiny object? It also reflected me like a mirror.

I snapped a quick picture of our food: grilled salmon with dill, fresh brussel sprouts and angel hair pasta before our drinks were poured then put the camera away. After all the evening was about us. Listening to Puccini playing in the background we clinked our glasses and I said Je t'aime as a toast. It was a lovely evening.

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday and My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Natasha, from 5minutes just for me expressed in her blog this week some of the feelings I experienced this week after buying and arranging the fresh flowers I used in this post. Read her blog here and enjoy the research she did about how the presence of flowers trigger happy emotions.

Visiting our son and family out West!

2011-08-23T11:27:00.000-05:00

Our son's family has just moved into a different house so they are still getting settled. I love their house!

Scenery out of the guest room window.

Back patio.

Couldn't resist snapping some tabletops to share.

These cowboy boots were my son's when he was a little boy.

I really like this antique chest and it has great storage for toys downstairs.

Three generations. Thank you, God.

We ate well.

Great eatable tabletops!

But this precious one was the main attraction!

We were "over the moon!"

Good night moon!

Goodnight James, Sarah and Will. We love you! Thank you for a wonderful visit!

Linking to Tabletop Tuesday, Wow Us Wednesday and Open House Party Thursday. The participants in these parties always inspire in a myriad of ways.

Wedding Trousseau ~ 40 years ago!!!

2011-08-21T15:14:00.002-05:00

Can you believe I still have clothes from our wedding parties in 1971? I could not part with them and am so glad I didn't now!
The green dress I wore to our rehearsal dinner and wish I could remember the shoes I wore that night. The print I loved and wore it to a dinner party in our honor with brown platform stacked heels that made me feel tall that night. I couldn't say a word to anyone wearing a short dress now. That little print dress could have been a top!

The thin yellow belt is missing from this "jumpsuit!" I saved this 70's beauty too!

Polyester was new and all the rage! I wore the yellow and white dress to my bridal tea. Belt is missing. I will never forget how blown away I felt to greet so many sweet ladies that came to my tea and couldn't believe all the presents! I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

We were babies (both 21) but God has blessed us. He has seen us through and keeps providing for us. I would do it all over again! Our love has deepened and grown mostly because God has changed my heart to be more like HIS.

Today is our wedding anniversary. I am setting the table with our wedding china, silver and crystal. It will be a candlelight dinner at home. Oh yes, I still have my wedding dress too. It has yellowed as has my white wedding picture album but the glow of our love has not grown dim. I will post pictures of our dinner later this week.

Linking to Seasonal Sundays, Wow Us Wednesday's and Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Alfresco Dining at my Daughter's House

2011-08-10T20:55:00.002-05:00

My daughter and son-in-law hosted a birthday party enjoying a beautiful night on their deck. Each couple brought a dish to share.

They are all fabulous cooks as you can see. Thanks Amy and Scott for letting me share your evening with my blogging friends.

Linking to Tablescape Thursday, Wow Us Wednesdays, Outdoor Wednesday, Open House Party Thursday and Foodie Friday.

Roosters and Hens

2011-08-08T18:05:00.000-05:00

Vintage Royal Copley Rooster and Hen Japan- available on Ebay

Pair of vintage EW hand painted Nikoniko Japan

Join Shelia @notesongs for her Gather Your Yard Birds party. Shelia, I didn't have many yard birds but couldn't miss out on all the fun at your party.

Beach Trip Before School Starts

2011-08-02T19:46:00.001-05:00

Cape San Blas, Florida

Family beach trip minus son and family who live too far away to come this time. Wish you were here James, Sarah and Will.

Grandkids

I don't know who was prouder, Granddaddy or Daddy, of grandson's redfish. Redfish was 26 inches and was delicious blackened for dinner.

Great grandmother is a joy to have with us.

Our beach neighbors must be from Texas.

I am relaxing and reading David McCullough's new book, The Greater Journey-Americans in Paris. It is extremely interesting.

I am joining Wow us Wednesdays, Wayfaring Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday.

Collections

2011-07-26T20:36:00.000-05:00

Rose Medallion China usually has a gold circle ( the medallion containing a bird and a flower, as well as picture sections that alternate between people scenes and floral designs with butterflies and birds. The number of panels is often determined by the size of the piece. Source of definition found on Goggle by Jon Maloney.

The top two shelves have some old pieces. The two larger plates on the bottom shelf are 1980's reproductions. You can certainly tell the difference. On the back of these plates there is a sticker saying Made in China. These are not real Rose Medallion.
Since a collection is three or more pieces I'll also count my demitasse cups. I never thought of myself as collecting anything but I do have three or more of several items.

Rose Medallion china was a popular chinese porcelain import during the 19th and 20th centuries. There are similar patterns for china that are sometimes mistaken for Rose Medallion china such as Rose Canton. It does not have people or birds. If just people are pictured the pattern is Rose Mandarin. Any Rose Medallion china that was made before 1890 does not have any mark of origin on it. All china made after this date that was imported into the United States had to have a mark of origin because of the new tax imposed on imported goods, part of the McKinley Tariff Act that became law that year. The words"China" and about 25 years later,"Made in China" appear on the bottom . Rose Medallion is still being produced today. The two top plates are the oldest with no mark.

I think I am the proudest of this old cake plate because I found it at a flea market in New England when I wasn't looking for anything in particular. It has China written on the bottom.

My tole trays are mostly from the 40's or 50's. All of my trays are in my kitchen except for this one. It fit perfectly in my guest room.

The stone fruit in the alabaster urn is also collectible. It is very heavy and antique dealers do well with stone fruit. If you find any at garage sales buy all they have. Individual pieces begin around $20.00. I was so fortunate to buy the urn and all the pieces but one for $25.00. I don't think I will find a deal like that again.

After seeing all my tole trays my daughter- in- law's mother gave me this delightful vintage tole watering can. Needless to say I was thrilled. This picture was made a while back and I now have a third grandchild.

I was excited to find out about Privet and Holly's Collection Party. It is so much fun to see what everyone collects and learn all about the items. I hope they have this party again because I realize I have more to share. Check out the collections show and tell here.

Does anybody remember a DIY blog on mercury glass?

2011-07-25T19:38:00.000-05:00

I remember someone did a blog post on mercury glass this year. Does anyone remember who and when? I would appreciate anyone that could help with this.

Back Porch Lunch

2011-07-21T13:03:00.001-05:00

Casual lunch on my back porch.

Our local Farmer's Market has had wonderful tomatoes this summer. With homemade bread my tomato sandwich made a nice lunch on my back porch. Of course, the ceiling fans were a must.

I am still wishing for rattan chargers. Maybe soon I will be able to get to a larger town and buy some. There is a World Market 85 miles from where I live. The plates and glasses are from the seventies and I have used them before. The tray is also vintage seventies but the basket cloche came from Big Lots. My mother made the ceramic pitcher years ago.

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday. It is always fun to see all the creative tablescapes.

Bridal Coffee for my NIECE

2011-07-19T21:06:00.001-05:00

My sister's church has a lovely parlor where a bridal coffee was given recently in honor of my niece. Isn't this room beautiful?

As you can see this gorgeous arrangement was so impressive!

The food was beautiful and delicious. Real linen napkins and crystal plates!

My niece, Lauren, is wearing the white dress pictured in the center. Won't she be a beautiful bride?

Left to right: MOB, Bride and MOG

Exquisite stain glassed windows!

My sister's friends truly know how to give a party!

I am joining Wow Us Wednesday, Foodie Friday and Seasonal Sundays.

I love CLOCHES!

2011-07-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

It is summer and time for a peach pie.

Nothing is better than a tomato sandwich from homegrown tomatoes or a BLT if you prefer.

Last year, Vicki Archer's French Essence captivated me with her Brocante cloches with hydrangeas. View her wonderful cloche post. I love hydrangeas and I love cloches. My eye always goes right to them!

I am joining Marty for her summer cloche party. Thank you Marty for giving us something to plan for and anticipate with this event. It is so much fun to see all the creativity using cloches of all shapes, sizes and textures. Check out all the entrees.

Vintage Seventies Summer Tablescape

2011-07-14T18:27:00.001-05:00

Coleus, potato vine and a succulent plant that I can't remember the name of from my garden serves as my centerpiece today.

I bet many of you remember the Poppy Trail Zinnia pattern from the 1970's! The Shawnee corn accent pieces are vintage probably first made in the late 40's. The casserole dish was my mother's and she married in 1945. The other pieces I collected piece by piece from antique shops ten or so years ago.

Playing around with centerpieces. The rose medallion vase is fairly old and I like the colors with the zinnia pattern but not the size of the vase.

I don't remember the name of the stainless or the green glasses but they were also wedding gifts when we married in 1971. What I have realized that this tablescape needs is some of the pretty rattan chargers I see lots of you using in your tablescapes.

This is the markings from the Shawnee USA pottery.

Poppytrail by Metlox made in California.

I am joining Susan, At Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

I have not done a tablescape in so long and I have missed this fun party.