Stella By Starlight

Chalk Paint

2012-01-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

As you have visited blogs you have probably seen posts where the ladies are using chalk paint on the furniture they are working on. I was intrigued by the quick dry time, no priming and no sanding. You also probably saw most of them are using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. As most of the ladies stated it is pretty pricey for a small amount of paint. I also read that you could make your own chalk paint with paint and Plaster of Paris. I decided to give that a go before I tried Annie Sloan.

I mixed some paint I had on hand and came up with a light Aqua. I decided to try it on a piece I had just picked up at thrift store for $9.00. I thought if it didn't work I really wasn't out much except my time. I almost forgot to take before pictures so you get to see a half-painted before photo. This piece was just raw wood and I didn't prime it. I slapped on two coats of paint and it does dry fast. I did decide to sand as I could see brush marks. It sanded easy and quick. But do it outside as it makes a chalky dust. Duh! chalk paint.

I finished it off with two coats of clear paste wax. Here is the after picture and I think it looks great. It does have a hand painted look and not a factory finish. So I had to give in and get a can of Annie Sloan just to see if it is indeed better than what I can make myself. Wonder if it's like food - homemade is always better.

The Reveal

2012-01-25T15:54:00.000-08:00

I thought you might like to see how the lake bedroom turned out after all my tedious wallpaper removal.

Here are a couple of photos of the bed with new duvet and pillows. I also hung semi-sheer white curtains.

This is a before photo of the bed with the old wallpaper and cranberry bedspread. I have also moved the furniture around in the room and it makes it look so much bigger. This room is really tiny and there isn't much that can make it look bigger believe me. It is just what we call it a room for the bed and nothing more.

This wardrobe piece is now in the nook where the bed used to be.

The old wallpaper gave the room a ruby glow but it was getting old and shabby.

The new blue is very tranquil and fresh feeling.

The old wallpaper had an old fashion feel and the blue is a much cleaner look. But as I was looking at the room last weekend I realized my walls now look naked. I tried to tell my self it's the new cleaner look. But self said "Girl, you know you like your things." So I am on the look out for just the right things for the new blue walls.

Elves

2012-01-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

I have some little elves who live at my house. Mostly I don't see them but I know they are there. Especially the one who live under the bed and takes care of the dust bunnies. He must do such a good job of feeding them as they multiply rapidly. I'm so glad to know he is on the job as I rarely have time to think about them.

Then I have the one who is charge of leaving greasy finger prints on the electrical outlets and smudges around the door handle especially close to the garage. But he is very thoughtful and he usually confines himself to small areas so I don't mind him so much.

But I do have one elf who is up for adoption. He is the one who lurks in the bathroom closet and hides all the toilet paper. I know it has to be him because the kids who used to use the toilet paper to wipe up tipped over drinks, puppy drool, and spilled nail polish are long on their own. Also, no toddlers who think it is a great ribbon to decorate the hallway. With just two adults in the house I know we couldn't possibly leave every toilet paper holder in three bathrooms empty and none in the closet. So who wants to adopt this elf. Shipping is free.

Have great weekend everyone.

I Bet You Thought

2012-01-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

I bet you all thought I have been just taking it easy after all the holiday frenzy, drinking coffee and eating all the left over sugar cookies. We had a lovely Christmas and hosted all 27 kids, grand kids, nieces and nephews for Christmas breakfast. Hubby and I opted to spend a quiet couple of days at the lake for New Year's. We had a steak dinner with some dear friends we have know for over 40 years. Hubby was nodding off in the chair at 9:30 p.m. so we said our Happy New Years and went home and went to bed like the old people we are.

I decided on Sunday I had looked at the wallpaper in the bedroom for fifteen years and it was time for a change. I spent one full day pulling it off in small strips. Would someone remind me why I thought wallpaper was so great.

Piece by piece is the only way. I painted on Monday and will give you a look at some photos as soon as I put the finishing touches on the room.

And then I sanded, primed and painted this desk/vanity for my booth at As Time Goes By in Greenwood, MO. This desk and chair was a lucky curb find. And just looking at this photo reminds me that people are often so kind. I was trying to get the desk in my PT Cruiser and was having some difficulty as it was heavy and awkward. The gentleman of the house came out and offered to help me load it. Then he said I have the matching chair in the house if you would like it too. They both needed repair but my handy hubby took them apart made some new pieces, glued and screwed until they were sturdy again. I love saving pieces like this knowing now they won't just end up in the trash.

So you see I have been doing something besides eating the leftover cookies although I confess I did do some of that as well.

The Stockings

2011-12-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

The stockings are hung on the stair rail with care. Because the mantels too small and too close to the fire.

Their ready for candy ,some nuts, a round juicy orange, a peppermint stick and a blushing red apple. They bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart just seeing hanging awaiting a few smiling faces on this Christmas morn. Sometimes the small moments are the best. Enjoy your small moments this Christmas Eve

An Angel

2011-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

An Angel of The Lord Came Down

And Glory Shown Around.

A Blessed Christmas to and yours.

Santa Is Coming

2011-12-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Santa is coming! It's almost time.

He is on his way!

I made him some cookies just today!

But I'm really not ready so I will have to scurry. Wishing all of you the most wonderful of Christmas Seasons.

Lacy Lampshade

2011-12-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I unearthed a basket of lace trim I bought at an estate sale. I had no purpose in mind just thought so much beautiful trim shouldn't go to waste. Tonight I sat down and in about an hour turned it into this.

Can you guess what it is?

Why it's a lampshade of course. Look at the soft glow peeking through all the different textures and fabrics.

I just wrapped all my ribbon and trim around the frame of a lampshade and tied it at the bottom. I really like the way the dangling ends give it such a whimsical look. Wouldn't this look lovely in a little girls room or a guest room.

To think it all started with just a wire frame and some found trim. This is a very easy project. There is no gluing, no sewing and no pattern. With different trim I think the looks you could get are endless.

Stand, Table, Chest?

2011-12-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

I just ran this cute little guy down to my antique booth At Time Goes By in Greenwood, Mo. But as I was writing the tag I couldn't decide what to call it. Is it a stand, a bedside table or a small chest?

Anyway I wish I had taken a before photo. I found him buried in a damp basement at an estate sale. All the paint had peeled off the sides and legs from the damp. I brought it home and used a putty knife and sand paper to get rid of the peeling paint. Gave it three coats of an off-white paint and used a hand sander to distress it a bit. When I sanded it some very pretty blue popped through that I wasn't aware was there. But I was so pleased with the result and couldn't have planned it better. Love it when that happens.

Now I hope someone likes it as much as I do and takes it home for Christmas even if I don't know what to call this piece of furniture.

Silver Birds

2011-12-13T06:29:00.000-08:00

When I went home to clean out my Mother's house I found some thing I remembered being in the house from the time I was a small child. These two silver pheasants were one of the few things I brought home with me. My Mother always kept them sitting on the dining room table or in a hutch.

The birds are fairly heavy and appear to be silver. They are salt and pepper shakers and to fill them you screw off the heads. I have never seen anything like them in any antique shops or flea markets that I have visited (and I have visited quite a few). Has anyone else ever seen similar salt and pepper shakers?

I decided to use them as part of my Christmas decoration this year.

They are sitting at the base of my Christmas tree nestled in among some red Christmas balls, poinsettia, and fir branches. I have to say they look like they are enjoying their part in this holiday season. I know my mother would enjoy that I have given them a home and am using them this year.

Lampshade

2011-12-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes you get really bored with the things in your house. I have felt this way for sometime about the lamps in my living room. Looking around in stores I felt that even in discount stores it was to much for my pocket book to purchase new. So I found several old brass lamps at a local thrift store. First I painted the lamp with hammered bronze paint.

I found some wired burlap ribbon online at Crate and Barrel.

I made three roses out of the ribbon to glue on the lampshade once it was finished.

I cut ribbon in strips to fit the shade and glued it on with fabric glue. This was a spur of the moment project and if I did it again I would buy some clothes pins to clip at the top and the bottom as I glued.

I couldn't find my glue gun so I clipped a flower to the shade until I find it. I almost like the flower so much I may forget the roses I made. For under $15.00 I have a new lamp and shade. Have two more lamps to go so will let you know what they look like soon.

Seventy Years Ago

2011-12-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

Two momentous events occurred seventy years ago today. What must of you will remember if you are old enough is the attack on Pearl Harbor. Secondly, I was born on that day seventy years ago. I woke up today thankful that I can still jump out of bed and can do all things I still want to do. I may do them slower and for shorter periods of time. My second though was I will not get a birthday card from my mother this year. She was always so faithful in remembering my birthday and pointing out how old was getting. And she wasn't of course.

No special plans except going to my oldest daughter's for dinner with some family and friends.

Hope you all have a good day and remember the men and women who gave their life for our freedom on this day so long ago.

Almost

2011-12-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving day came with much ado. Thirty seven guest so stuffed and so happy left little time for the next big event. But now I have to hurry because Santa is due. Christmas has arrived in spots and in places.

Remember my friend who I couldn't decide if he should go or should stay. He is now dressed for the anticipated holiday. The tree is aglow and looking so pretty.

I popped a few deco in a little small box, found a red candle and Poinsettia.

The angels are happy keeping watch over it all.

Now I've only one job left I must do. It seems fall still spills over the table in the hall.

Well it's almost done.

Not Quite Yet!

2011-11-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

With temps in the mid 60's today I knew if I wanted to get some final yard work done before old man winter was breathing his icy breath down my neck I needed to get busy. We have had several frosts so I assumed all my plants and garden had gone to sleep for the season. Under a pile of leaves I found this plant happily blooming and looking as if it was Spring. What a nice gift in the middle of November.

While pulling up tomato vines I found these three fellows snuggled

down close to the ground under all the dead foliage.

So I guess it's not quite winter yet. But probably tomorrow.

Bob & I

2011-11-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

I lost my baby brother early this morning to that ugly monster cancer. He has put up a brave fight since he was diagnosed in late April. He did his chemo, radiation, had most of his stomach and esophagus removed but that monster still invaded the liver and lungs. I was twelve when he was born so he sometimes felt more like my child than my brother. He would have been 59 in March I will miss he so much he was such a good, gentle man who loved his garden and cooking for his family.

This is a photo of him and me when I went home for my Mother's funeral. Rest now dear brother.

Have You Ever

2011-11-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever done something so stupid you didn't want to call anyone and tell them you needed help? This weekend while hubby was chasing the invisible deer through the forest (they must be invisible as he didn't bring one home) I decided to move the furniture around to make it more cozy by the fireplace. You may have read my previous post where I discussed the fact hubby thought my cute bench wasn't made for relaxing winter evenings. I decide the love seat in the computer room would make a much nicer seat for fireplace viewing. If it goes in a room it has to come out - right! I even measured all the openings to make sure the love seat would fit through the door the way I planned. I removed all the legs just to be on the safe side. Through the first door no problem. Second door in the hall not quite a good fit. I shoved, I puffed, and said a few not so nice wordds. But it would not budge. It was stuck tight. I finally got up enough courage to call my SIL and asked him if he could stop by and help me a few minutes. He was very gracious and didn't laugh too long or loud. We had to lift it straight up in the air until it touched the ceiling because the door frame was 1 1/2" smaller at the bottom of the door then at the top. Who would of thought?

Here is the poor love seat stuck in the hall tilted on it's side.

This is my door frame after we finally squeezed the love seat through. It will need some serious sanding and painting before hubby comes home. I guess sometimes it doesn't matter how well you plan it just doesn't work.

The love seat looks great in it's new place in front of the fire. Guess I will have to pour hubby a glass of wine and build a fire as soon as he gets home. Maybe he won't notice the door frame.

First Impressions

2011-11-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

I first saw this young man at an estate sale. As I passed him by I thought how haughty and regal his demeanor. Certainly not the kind of personality that would fit into my casual life style.

On my second walk through, I thought you know he would look nice in some one's home that has a beautiful foyer or sitting on a buffet in a formal dining. So perhaps I should take him home and find him a fitting home through my antique booth as he does have a certain air.

Well, he came home with me and found a home in my living room until he could go to the booth. As the days went by I noticed that perhaps he wasn't really haughty but probably just a contemplative man. As you can see he didn't even protest when I deck his immaculate clothing with a few fall leaves to celebrate the season. So for now he will grace my humble home. And on second thought maybe first impressions aren't always the most accurate ones.

Decisions

2011-10-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

This Spring while I was doing a little fluffing to make the house look a little lighter and more springlike I brought one of my garden benches inside. I folded a couple of quilts to soften the wooden slats, covered it with a spring green throw and added a couple of pillows.

It sat there all summer looking cute but we didn't use it much as it faced the fireplace. A couple of weeks ago I decided it should look a little more like winter and fall so I headed to one of my favorite thrift stores to see what I could find.

Look what I found in my favorite color. RED! I found all this bundled in a plastic bag for under $5.00. It is a bed set for a twin bed. It included a bed skirt, two pillow shams, a round table cloth, a small square tablecloth and three pillows. I cut some foam to add to the quilts as you could still feel the slats even with all my padding. I was so excited by the color it added to the room. But last night as we sat watching our first fire of the season my hubby said. "You know this bench isn't very comfortable I don't think we are going to like sitting on it all winter." So what do I do? Let him suffer all winter because I love the look or find somewhere else for my treasure?

Just A Peek

2011-09-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Thought I would give you just a peek at some of things in my booth.

I liked this fallish looking basket filled with dishes in autum colors.Included is a tablecloth in case anyone wants to go on a picnic.

This side has a lovely picture with brightly colored fruit and flowers. An animal print throw and pillows blend with the colors nicely.

This is the cutest little side chair. It would be perfect in a bedroom or as an entrance hall seat.

I painted two wrought iron charis a lovely lime green and reupholstered the seats in a leafy lime green and turquoise pattern. I also painted a small half table to match. This morning someone bought one of the chairs and the table. I had envisioned them around a small round patio table so I thought people would want two chairs. The lady said she wanted it for a desk chair for her daughter's room. Now I hope someone else is looking for one lone chair.

One Down

2011-09-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

I have so many things I still want to do in my lifetime I will probably never get to do them all. But last weekend I got to cross one thing off my list. Several times in the last two years I have been slated to take a hot air balloon ride. But the weather never was right for take off. Finally on Sat. morning I got the call. What do you mean meet me at the airport at 5:00 a.m..

We were guests at a magnificent sunrise. The weather was perfect in the low 70's with a small skiff of mist floating just above the dew laden grass.

Oh look the pilot and balloon are here Well, I am not sure I am flying in something that comes in that small of a package.

This is my hubby and oldest son. Can you tell they have never done this before. Just waiting for instructions.

OK, the next thing we do is light a fire to heat up the air the fan is blowing into the balloon.

That didn't take long at all!

The view is exciting from up here and the reflection of the balloon in the Lily pad pond is breathtaking. The sun is warm on our shoulders and it is fun to wave to all the envious people below who have come out watch us float by.

Wonder if they would invite me to coffee if I dropped in.

Well it looks like when it's time to land you just pick a nice backyard.

All this really has to back in that bag.

This is the top of the balloon. It reminded me of a giant spider web. So graphic too.

Took a lot of assets to get all the air out of the balloon.

This is my granddaughter M. She really enjoyed her first balloon ride and is taking a little rest before we load the balloon.

This is our pilot Becky Petrehn and the granddaughter. If you look closely at my granddaughter's hands you can see the leaves she captured as we flew low enough to touch the tree tops. If you would like to have a balloon adventure contact Becky at Balloon Ad-Ventures. 913-9158150 is her phone number. She is a

great pilot and fun too,

Well one dream down only a thousand to go.

Sometimes

2011-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes as all of you know life gets so full that blogging is not even a consideration. In an earlier post I mentioned that both my mother and brother were ill. I have flown to WA state three times in the past three months and stayed a week. I was there for my brother's operation for esophageal cancer. He came through the operation in great shape and will start his 2nd round of chemo soon. My mother is now at peace and out of pain. She was 87 and was still so full of fun and told jokes all the time until the pain became too great.

And then, I don't know what I was thinking, but I decided to open an antique booth again. Actually I found a little store in Greenwood. Mo that I really liked and the booth rent was reasonable. I had so much stuff in storage from my last booth that I needed to sell or just toss. I do thoroughly enjoy the hunt for treasures and decorating my booth. It also has helped me to focus on fun things as well.

If you live close or are visiting the KC area please stop and visit my booth at "As Time Goes By" located at 605 Main on the south side of the street in Greenwood The store in an old white house with a charming front porch. It is a great shop with a variety of vendors. I am booth 16 or just ask for Stella's booth.

I am happy to be back and looking forward to visiting everyone.

Porch Update

2011-06-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

I finally finished sewing all the covers for my patio furniture. My three pieces of material stretched just far enough to do both my front and back porch.

I covered six of the chair cushions with the lime green and black stripe.

For four of the chairs that fit around my rectangle table I used the lime green poly to do the seats and covered the backs in the outdoor print fabric.

Isn't this a cute print. It has little bugs hidden on the leaves. In this one if you look close you can see a grasshopper on the leaf on the the top right hand corner.

A couple of the side chairs also have this fabric. Notice the little green table. It is a child's table I curb shopped. I found the prettiest green in a spray paint called Fern.

I loved the green so much I took a bench that used to sit by pond that was lavender and painted it green as well. Well a couple of flower pots too.

Now I just love to step outside with my morning coffee and enjoy all the bright colors. It is so nice what a few cans of spray and fabric can do.

It's a Lilly Day

2011-06-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

As I drank my first cup of coffee this morning I admired all the Lilly's that are just beginning to bloom in the garden. They are a welcome sight as my roses have finished their first flush of blooms and I am lacking color in the garden. I am always glad to see the Stella's bloom as they last so long and make such a brillant splash of color in the garden.

I had another nice surprise. I planted a Siberian Iris two years ago and it has never bloomed. I had three lovely blooms today so I am so excited. I only planted one as wanted to see if I liked them or not. They are a keeper.

These orange Lilly's are toward the back of the yard but are so brilliant they catch your eye even from the living room window.

I have always loved the brilliant pink of these Lilly's that grow beside my tea kettle fountain.

Our temps are much cooler this morning which is a relief from all the heat. Hope you all have a lovely fun weekend.

It's Curtains

2011-06-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

I was wandering through TJMax yesterday and these green curtains caught my eye. Take me home they said. But what would I do with you I asked? You know the back porch they said. No way I don't have any way to hang curtains there. But they won and followed me home.
Looking at my wrought iron I decided if I strung wire between columns I could probably hang the curtains. As I was walking by the garden shed this morning I noticed a coil of wire my husband must have hung from a tree by the door or else God was answering my unspoken prayers. I hung the curtains and love them.

I just can't decide if I should let them blow in the breeze or tie them back with a black ribbon. I am afraid if they blow to much they may begin to tatter at the edges. But they do look so summery floating in the breeze.

Time for a Renovation

2011-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Two years is about as long as the material on my outside furniture will last. Our long hot summer takes it's toll on material and paint. This spring I decided it was time to give the outdoor space a new look. I went to the fabric store to dig through the bargain table. I go with no plan in mind as my design is usually dictated by finding enough fabric that coordinates and that will withstand it's outdoor home. My hunt netted me two different outdoor materials - one lime green and black stripe, one lime green print with a a black background and a large length of lime green poly.

This is a photo of the table last summer. Colors and prints are rather tropical.

I used a yellow umbrella and the fabric had lots of oranges, yellows and tropical green. The table was painted a light cream. You may not be able to tell but the chairs are forest green just the way they came from Wally World about twelve years ago.

Today I painted the table black and dressed it in a black cloth. I also spray painted all the chair black and love how they look. Covered the chairs with some of the black and lime green fabric giving them more of a clean contemporary look. I do like the look and I definitely am not a contemporary decorator. I also found a lime green umbrella at Lowe's to complete the look. Lucky me!

All this work certainly gave the outdoor space a whole new look. I should have some more to show you by the end of the week. I have more chairs to cover and lots of spray painting to do. We are going to have 90's all week so I will have to get up early if I want to work outside.

Hope everyone has good week.

Plates And Things

2011-06-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have been having fun the last couple of days trying something I know others have been doing for quite some time. I went to the local thrift store on "old people's day" which is 1/2 price day and picked up various plates, vases, glasses, and anything I thought would make an attractive pedestal. Using glue I married pieces I thought would look nice together.

This one was just a glass plate with a blue rim and I found a cocktail glass that had the same blue rim. I thought these two made a wonderful couple.

I wasn't as happy with this one. Loved the shape of the plate but I think what I don't like about this one is the plate is ceramic and the vase is glass. I think it may be just a texture thing.

I tried to find plates with unusual shapes or patterns to work with. so they would have a little personality. These were three of my favorites.

I really like how the petal shaped sundae glass mimics the shape of this plate.

I have always like seeing food displayed against white dishes. So I found a white scalloped plate and used a milk glass candle stick for the base.

I know you are thinking what is she going to do with all these. Since I take dessert to various functions my idea was to present the hostess the plate as a gift. Since they were very inexpensive to make she can either keep it or pass it on.

Have to go now I have a whole box of dishes that are just waiting for a new idenity.

I have been trying to visit all of you but blogger is not letting me comment for some reason. I know others are having this problem so will try to find my way around it so I can comment.

A Wise Woman Said

2011-05-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

A wise woman once said don't try out a new recipe when you are going to be serving guests. Well, I am sure that says it all. I am taking dessert to our Bible study group tonight so I thought I would take something special. I had seen a recipe for a Snicker Bar cupcake I thought sounded delicious. So simple too. You just mix up the cake mix, fill the muffin tin and then insert a mini Snicker Bar into the batter. Looked good, smelled good, but didn't come out of the pan pretty. The Snicker Bars sank to the bottom and all the caramel melted to the bottom of the tin. Result - no bottom in the cupcakes but a beautiful top.

I decided I didn't have time to run to the store and bake again so I decided to be inventive. I turned the cupcakes over on the top and frosted the bottom.

Then I drizzled on caramel sauce and dressed them up a bit with a Snicker Bar.

What do you think? Should I confess tonight or just let them think I am creative?

I Think I Am Back

2011-05-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have missed blogging but just haven't been able to wrap my my mind around all the things going on in my life. My mother is in a care center at the moment hoping they can get her back on her feet. The cancer has spread to her bones so she is in a great deal of pain. I have been trying to communicate with social workers in Washington state by phone. Not an easy task to accomplish. At this time we are looking for an assisted living for her. My brother was doing all the day to day things she needed but while I was home he also was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

So he is currently having chemo and radiation which means he no longer has the time or energy to do all of these things. He still drives and hour to visit her at least every other day.

My mother is still cheerful and funny even though she doesn't feel good most days. She turned 87 in April and I was able to be there for her birthday. I was so glad to be able to spend a week with her. When she is home she spends her days watching her birds out the window from her couch and reading books.

I am so blessed to have had her for so many years.

Keeping Busy

2011-04-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to keep my hands busy and my mind occupied so I don't fret so much. My dear Uncle passed away last Wednesday. I will miss him. He was always so good to me. When I was very little I would go to visit him and the first thing I would want to do was make him pretty. This consisted of using baby powder and a powder puff and covering him liberally with baby powder. Now that is love is it not?

I put out a few bunnies to welcome spring.

Planted some yellow pansies by the front door to make me smile when I come home.

Also unloaded this truck load of mulch on to my flower beds. We had several nice days in the 70's but it is chilly and sprinkling this morning.

I am off to see my mother next week and see if I can find out if we can get her some help at least a couple of days a week. She is in a great deal of pain and has trouble cooking and taking a bath. My sister is flying from Alaska to meet me for a few days. I haven't seen in her in six years so it will be nice to see her again.

Life Is Messy

2011-03-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is the table beside my favorite chair. As you can see I read here, several books at a time, at the present time I am also tying a quilt, and I have to have my pencils for my crossword puzzles. Several pairs of reading glasses as I can never find mine and I can't read or thread a needle without them. Sometime I get it all tidy and clean and it feels sooo good. But, I just tidy, I don't put away as all the things on this table add pleasure to my life even if it is messy.

Life seems to be much like my table. Just when you think things are going well and seem to be in order you find instead you have a welter of circumstances that require you to look at what is important in life.

I found out this week that my husband no longer has a job as his company lost a contract, my mother's cancer has spread to her bones and there is not much more they can do for her, and my favorite uncle is now under hospice care. I debated whether to share all of this with you but decided you all are an important part of my life so I feel safe giving you space on my messy table. So I am going to take my little ruler and measure out all the good things in my life and give thanks for all love that surrounds me even if it gets messy sometimes.

I am going to tie up and cherish all the precious memories of my mother and uncle and put them away for safe keeping. And rest assured that the Lord has his reading glasses on and has only good plans for my life.

It's Spring?

2011-03-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought it was Spring the weatherman says we can expect measurable snow for the weekend.
Just what we love about the mid west, our seasons, which vary from hour to hour. I did get to put down two truck loads of mulch on the flower beds while we had 80's the last three days. Now I have another truck load waiting for me this morning which I will need to unload wearing my winter coat.

I know, soon I will be complaining about the heat and humidity.

Hope all of you are enjoying your spring.

Playing With Jars

2011-02-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just after Christmas I bought a jar at TJ Maxx on clearance. I guess you would call it a jar. It's glass and has a lid. I wanted something for my buffet I could decorate but was easy to move out of the way when I had company and wanted to use it for drinks or dessert.

For February I put a snowman sitting on a wine glass and some of my favorite napkin rings in the jar.

I left the buffet fairly simple so it was still easy to use.

Today I started decorating it for Valentine's Day. But I just can't seem to come up with much to put in it. I was thinking perhaps some pieces of lace. If I had thought of it ahead of time I would have looked for some old sheet music with a love theme. Any of you have any other idea? I need to finish my jar because it's almost Valentine's Day.

Times Are Changing

2011-02-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed as your lifestyle changes - your kids leave home, your friends get older you just use the rooms in your home differently. This year at our lake house I noticed we weren't using the large table we had in the sunroom. We used to have our kids down for the weekend and we would have 10 - 12 for dinner or have friends over for the evening . Now the kids all have their own houses or don't come to the lake anymore. Our friends have retired or just don't do the lake thing anymore. So I decided to switch the function of two of the rooms.

So I moved the couch out of the living room area and into the sunroom for more seating. Then I moved in this antique drop table that can sit against the wall when not in use. (notice there are some more things that need to change as well. The table cover is still the country blue and pink I decorated with in the 80's. If you look closely you can see I have recovered the chair in red and gold plaid. Oh well! all in good time.)

Pulled out into the room it works nicely for dinner for six to eight people.

However, I had a problem with lighting over the table as this room slants and has a low ceiling. So I bought a lampshade and added beaded trim to the shade. I had my husband put two hooks in the ceiling. One that would hang over the table when it was out in the room and one when it was pushed against the wall.

Does the job perfectly and I love how it looks hanging over the table.

Making this lamp was so easy to do if you want to try. Just buy a lampshade and a lamp kit from the hardware store. All of the parts just simply screw together. The only electric tool we used was a drill to mount the hooks in the ceiling.

Could It Be?

2011-02-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

I hurried to the window this morning to see what the weather man had sent us this time. And to my surprise!

No, I was only daydreaming it looked more like this. About 12" with drifted snow.

The covered front porch is adrift with snow as we had high winds along with the snow. Most of our major roads have been plowed so we are able to go places so we are more fortunate then some.

But just about now I can't wait for the 4th of July! How about you?

Soup

2011-01-31T11:22:00.000-08:00

Is there anything better than a pot of homemade broccoli/cheese soup and homemade bread for lunch when the weather is bitter cold?

We are expecting between 10-12 inches of snow tonight and have freezing rain at the present time. I have been to grocery store and have the fire roaring so I think I am ready for whatever is coming. I just keep telling myself. We are one day closer to spring.

Hope all of you are tucked it nice and warm.

Pillows

2011-01-14T13:07:00.001-08:00

It seems like after I take down all my Christmas decorations I get the mid-winter blahs. I always feel like I need to do something to perk up the house a little. This year I decided some new pillows for the living room would cheer me up a little.

I found this sweet pillow at an antique mall. It was more than I wanted to spend but after I calculated all the costs for a pillow form, material, trim and a zipper I realized it was a bargain. And I didn't have to make it. Ah! nothing like instant gratification.

Just after Christmas while my SIL & I were shopping (looking) in Pier I I spied a pillow that was very similar to this one. I loved all the fluffy ruffles and it reminded me of a peony flower. I needed one of these. Oh! no way, I am not paying $40.00 for a pillow. So how did it find a home on my couch. My dear SIL found one at Tuesday Morning in Branson. and gave it to me as a gift.

I also found this red leather pillow. Not really my style but love the color. I need some ideas on how to deres it up a little, I was thinking maybe pinning some old broaches on it? Tie some material around it? Any suggestions welcome.

Then I went thrifting this week and picked up this little cutie. It's not very big but I loved the color and tassels.

.

While I was thrifting I found this sample of upholstery fabric for $2.00 and thought it would make a great pillow. I stopped at Hancock Fabric on my way home and found the perfect trim. This should make a beautiful pillow.

Well, maybe not. After I had spread the material out over my footstool I realize with another piece of material for a skirt it would make a great slipcover. OK, what would you do? Is it a pillow or a slipcover for the footstool.

This And That

2011-01-11T05:57:00.001-08:00

My son and his family have found a place to rent in their own neighbor. So it is a little quieter around here with three less people and two less dogs. We enjoyed having them but our last child left home 20 years ago so it was a little bit of an adjustment for everyone.

Mac (our clown)

and Annie (our sweet lady) were sad to see their playmates leave. They have been looking for them today.

After having 16 dog feet on my carpet for the last three weeks I decided it was nice that I had decided to take the plunge and pull my carpet.

I thought I probably had beautiful hardwood under the carpet because all the closets had lovely hardwood floors. But you never know what kind of wear the major floor space may have received. So I pulled the hallway first.

I prayed, took a big breathe, and pulled. The floors are beautiful. Our house is over 50 years old and the floors must have been covered all these years.

Yeah! no more muddy dog prints on he carpet.

We had our first real snow of the season yesterday. We have about 6 inches this morning.

The birds were so happy to see me put out their breakfast this morning. Now I need to go clean off my car so I can do all the errands I didn't do yesterday.

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

You all know how life gets in the way of posting sometimes. My Picasa isn't working so I have to figure out a way to post new pictures some other way and I have been very frustrated with this.

But in the large scheme of things it is a small thing. My oldest son had a house fire on Dec. 19. We are so blessed all four of them plus the two dogs escaped safely. One of the dogs started barking about midnight and wouldn't stop until my DIL got up to see what was the matter. The smoke alarms did not go of until they were all out of the house. We are so thankful for the dogs early warning. The fire started in the garage from unknown causes but the house and contents are badly smoked and water damaged. It will be five to six months before the house is livable again.

For now they are living with us and looking for a rental close to my granddaughter's school. This is rather hard for her as this is her senior year of high school.

We are hoping for a more uneventful year in 2011. I hope each of you had a blessed holiday season and wishing you the most wonderful New Year.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T07:07:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy and savor each moment of your day.

All of my children have other plans this year so I am not cooking Thanksgiving dinner. We are going to my husband's sister for dinner. In someways it is bittersweet. I don't have to shop and cook. But, I have always enjoyed cooking for my loved ones and watching them enjoy the food.

May you have a joyous day as you count your blessings.

Red Shoes

2010-11-15T07:26:00.001-08:00

As a child born just after the depression I spent my summers going barefoot and new shoes were purchased when it was time to go back to school. So that they would last through the winter there was always plenty of toe room and a style that was tough enough to take lots of hard wear. This meant they were oxford style shoes in either black or brown. Oh my, how my little girl heart would pine for the bright red Mary Jane's in the store window.

So I wrote a little something for those of you who's little girl heart longed for a pair of red shoes and still leaps at the sight of just that right pair of shoes.

Red Shoes

I woke up this morning
and jumped out of bed.
I looked at the sky
it was all yellow and red.

I said to myself
I know what I'll do.
I will go and show Nena
My brand new school shoes.

I pulled on my jeans
slipped on a pink sweater.
Cuddling my new shoes
I was set for my journey.

I said to myself
I know what I'll do.
I will take the path
through the woods
and carry my shoes.

The leaves were so bright
they glowed in the sun.
I stopped at the creek
to squish mud through my toes.

Then I washed in the creek
so cold and so clear.
Then I hopped on one foot
to see how far I could go.

Soon through the trees
Nena's house I could see.
With pretty green shutters
and Nena waiting for me.

We talked about school
and my new friend Ann.
Then I showed her my shoes.
And she said Oh! My!

The toes are so shiny
so pretty and new.
Yes, red is just
the right color for you.

My closet in now filled with shoes of every hue that still make my heart sing. Some I haven't been able to wear for awhile because the heels are too high. But soon.

I hope each of you has some small thing that makes your heart sing.

Fall Deco

2010-11-10T12:00:00.001-08:00

I know I haven't been around for the last couple of weeks but the beautiful Indian Summer we are having has allowed me to work in the yard. I am trying to make up for all the time I lost this summer while my hip healed.

I did do some fall decorating in the house and thought I would share with you before it is time to decorate for Christmas.

This darling little couple you see cuddled up under a pot of Autumn flowers is actually a music box. They sit on the buffet in my dining room.

These cute little guys have climbed a stack of books to see if they can spot any candy left from Halloween.

My mantel sports a few autumn leaves, some orange candles elevated on upturned wine glasses. And one of my favorite things to decorate with - unframed oils by amateur painters.

Mr. Scarecrow takes it easy while he guards the last pumpkin in the patch from atop the desk in the dining room.

Here a gourd filled with fall leaves is elevated above the dining table on a mirror that is resting on two vases filled with candy corn.

This cute metal pumpkin is dressing up the vintage sewing machine in my front entry.

Welcome to fall at my home.

Welcome

2010-10-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends. Come in and sit awhile

I have been baking cookies all morning hoping you would drop by.

Please choose a cookie you would like. And would you prefer coffee or tea?

The pumpkins look very tasty.

Let me put a few on a plate. Oh heck, just grab a couple and we will go sit on the swing and enjoy the autumn sun.

Thanks for dropping by.

Fall Drive

2010-10-07T15:36:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful day as I drove to the lake last week for my appointment with my Dr. It was in the low 70's and a lovely sunshiny day. Just perfect for rolling down the windows and opening the lid on my car.

Beautiful wildflowers were in bloom along the roadside. I think these are Black Eyed Susans. They stretched for miles on both sides of the road.

The sky was an unbelievable shade of blue with hardly a cloud in sight.

These pumpkins, gourds, and squash were heaped beside the roadside but no for sale sign on them. I pulled into the driveway hoping someone would appear so I could buy a few.

On the other side of the road was this handsome fellow. I bet he was hoping if he put in an early appearance we would forget about him by Thanksgiving.

Fall, my favorite time of year here in the mid west. Sunny days, cool nights and all the colors of Autumn.

Come Walk With Me

2010-09-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

Come walk with me in the garden. Most of the flowers are blooming for the last time and we don't want to miss the show.

My New Dawn climbing rose usually only blooms once but she is offering a few last blooms.

The red Saliva is doing better than it has all summer. The little hummers love to come visit this flower.

This is Betty Boop. Isn't she stunning. I planted her in memory of my mother-in-law who was a Betty.

Asters are always a favorite of mine. They last so well and the purple just pops in the garden.

Crepe Myrtle is sure to catch your eye.

The variegated Liriope just keeps blooming and needs no care.

And last is Hot Cocoa. Certainly an appropriate choice for the fall days ahead.

I am off to the lake to see my surgeon. This should be my last visit. I had hoped by this time I would not limping but my leg is not getting stronger as fast as I had hoped. However, I feel blessed that I am walking with no cane.

Why Is It?

2010-09-24T10:51:00.001-07:00

Could someone tell me why you have to peel this many apples to get this small bowl of apple suauce.

And why I would even do it since I can just go to the store and buy it in a jar.

Well, I have to confess it is pretty yummy.

My Motorcycle Man

2010-09-22T10:20:00.001-07:00

This is my hubby astride one of his prized possessions. For those of you who are into motorcycles it is a 1981 Honda Goldwing 1100. He bought it new in 1981 and we used to ride on weekends with a group of friends. We would go to Pella, Iowa to the Tulip Festival and out to Colorado to the Garden of the Gods. One summer we toured on it for 19 days. We left Kansas City, went through the Dakotas, Montana to visit my family, then in to Seattle to see my mother, down the coast of Cal. on Highway 101. While we were on 101 we had a forest fire creeping right up to the highway. We didn't know it was in back and in front of us. By the time we arrived in Cambria, CA where my hubby's Mom lived they had closed the road both in back and in front of us. In retrospective I am sure we should have not been riding.

Life changed like all lives do and we weren't riding much. So he put the bike in a warehouse to keep it protected and safe. Time flies and it remained in storage for 12 years. Last October he brought it home and spent the winter completely rebuilding his bike.

He now rides it every day when the weather permits. He says before we are too old he wants to take another tour. I wasn't sure I would be able to do it since I hurt my hip. But on Saturday I decided to give it a try. Fortunately, with little effort, I was able to swing my leg over the seat. We rode to Lawrence, Ks., had lunch at a small Mexican restaurant, and returned home.

It was a beautiful sunny day in the 80's with just a light breeze. I do love to ride. To me it the closest you can come to riding a horse. You can see everything, smell the sweet fragrance of golden rod and other flowers (and some not so pleasant odors),and feel the sun on your back and shoulders. I think hubby is right. We do need to make one last trip to somewhere.

Cinnamon Toast

2010-09-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Toast was not a childhood memory for me as I grew up on a ranch in Montana where we had no electricity. So hot baking powder biscuits was the breakfast bread on our table.

But, for some reason, I woke up this morning craving cinnamon toast. Now I haven't had cinnamon toast since my children were small. But I do remember that they always thought it was such a special treat.

So I unveiled the toaster, softened some REAL butter, set out the sugar and cinnamon.

What a sweet treat it was along with some strong, black coffee.

I think we sometimes forget what small things can bring us joy and sweet memories.

How long since you have had cinnamon toast?

Bells

2010-09-14T10:35:00.001-07:00

It is a grey, rainy day here in the mid west. So I decided to make a pot of ham and beans. They smell so yummy simmering away on the stove. Later I will stir up some cornbread and bake it in a cast iron skillet.

I went to the Dr. last week and had wonderful news. My fracture is healed and I was able to throw away that blasted walker. Most of the muscles in my leg are weak and I tire easily but I am able to walk without a cane and can drive.

I had to put many things in my life on hold while I was healing and one of these was taking bell lessons with one of my granddaughter. In order for a young person to take lessons they had to have an adult with them. I thought this was something we could do together that we both would enjoy. This photo is the last day of bell lessons.

Although I couldn't play because

because I couldn't stand I continued to go to lessons and listen and learn. Just look at the concentration on her face in this photo.

She was so proud of learning to play the bells.

My granddaughter was the only young person learning to play. As you can see the rest of the group was of my generation.

It's always fun to try new things no matter what your age. I hope this experience will encourage my granddaughter to join our church bell choir.

Hope each of you is having a fun filled week.

It's A Wonder!

2010-08-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Since I am the one at our house who does all the gardening and yard work my hubby rarely gets involved. However, while I was recovering at the lake house, I asked him to water my flowers as best he could. I realized I was asking him to do this while he worked, took care of the dogs, made his own meals and did his own laundry. I would occasionally asked how my flowers looked and he would say they are doing OK. So I wasn't expecting to see some pretty sad plants when I arrived home.

I couldn't believe my eyes! This pot of vining vinca was overflowing it's pot.

Petunias and verbena were dancing in their basket.

The moss rose was overflowing the bed.

The inpatients and hosta in the front looked healthy and happy.

Fuchsia bee balm and golden rod glowed in the sun.

Inpatients and dragon wing begonias thrived in their shady spot on the patio.

Roses and Lilly's made a bright spot to welcome everyone to the front door.

The fact that we were having 100 days made this even more of a wonder.

Well, he did forget a few pots. But what a great guy to take care of all of this for me because he knows how I love my garden.

Life Is A Bouquet

2010-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

In just a few short seconds you can find your life dramatically changed. I stepped out of our pontoon boat on to the boat ramp like I have done a thousand time in the last forty years.
Only this time my feet slipped from under me and I landed on my hip.

The last few weeks have been painful and sometimes frustrating but also filled with blessings.

My first blessing was a young man at the boat ramp who lifted me into the truck for the ride to the hospital. When the decision was made that it was best for me to remain at the lake to recover while my husband returned home to work my lake neighbors and friends rallied around. My neighbor D fixed a hot breakfast for almost every morning and sat on the porch with so I didn't have to eat alone. My other neighbor B fixed dinner for me and delivered it each night. They gathered up my laundry and returned it cleaned and folded. I have two long time friends who have houses at the lake who took me to Dr. appointments and cleaned my house. Althought my daughters couldn't stay they left me books to read and crosswords puzzles. So again I was truly blessed by all the people who surrounded me with love and care.

Knowing that I was by myself my family, cousins in Montana, and friends called me everyday to make sure I was OK and not lonesome. I spent lots of time reading, doing crossword puzzles and wishing for my computer so I could talk to my blogging friends.

Today I am home but stilled chained to my walker for at least two more weeks. The flowers posted are from my sister in Alaska. Not only are they beautiful flowers but they remind me of all the friends and family who helped me in the past few weeks. Each one is different, but beautiful in their own way. All of their kind acts and gift of love have bestowed on me a lasting bouquet of grateful thoughts and memories. I truly learned you don't know who will show up when it is the darkest.

Hip

2010-07-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

Just wanted let all of you who drop by that I have been in the hospital. I fell and broke my hip. Doing well after surgery and am home at the lake house resting. I have no computer here and have borrowed one from a neighbor. Miss visiting all of you. Stella

Yes, I Have Some Tomatoes

2010-07-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I finally have some ripe tomatoes. Not very big and not very many.

But enough to make tomato and mozzarella salad. I make a dressing of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh thyme.

How do you like to eat the first tomatoes of the season?

Quiet Around Here

2010-07-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

It was a quiet, uneventful July 4th at our house. For the first time since I can remember my husband and I did not celebrate the 4th at the lake. All the kids were either at the lake or had other plans so it was just us two. We just took it easy getting up late and working around the house. Had pizza and wine on the patio to celebrate the day. No BBQ this year.

I spent some time among the flowers admiring all the colors and pulling weeds. I thought this yellow golden rod against the magenta bee balm was stunning.

I fertilized all my pots and admired how my red, white, and blue pot was showing off. I will soon have to replace the pansies with something else as they don't do well in the heat.

My rose, Hot Chocolate, is being such a showoff this year. This is my second try with this particular rose. I planted the first one in a bed with the other roses and it didn't thrive. It seems to do better by itself in full sun.

Lots of green tomatoes on the vine. Can't wait for BLT's and tomato and mozzarella salad with some fresh thyme. All we need is a little sun. Seems like we have rain coming for the next three days. So unusual for Missouri in July. But it also means I don't have to water all the flower beds and lawn.

Hope all of you had a safe and fun 4th.

A Gift

2010-06-30T12:09:00.001-07:00

I don't enter give-a-ways just for the gift but will often leave a comment when someone is doing a give-a-way. A short time ago I had a comment from Dawn at Cottage State of Mind telling me I had won her give-a-way. Well, not only was I a winner, but Dawn sent everyone who commented a gift. I think there was over 30 comments so you can see this was no small task. I hope you will drop by and visit this generous lady as her blog is always so warm and fun to read.

I received my package from Dawn a couple of days ago. I was so excited it was like having a birthday or Christmas. Just getting the package and the anticipation of what was inside really lifted my spirits. Thanks Dawn, I need some spirit lifting.

Inside was a lovely card with a special personal message.

As I peeled back the packing I found two tea towels. One black and the other with black roosters and red writing. Dawn, I can see you really paid special attention to the colors I use and know I love roosters.

Next I unwrapped this beautiful plate. Red, my favorite color and the design is beautiful.

Also, included were four lovely placemats. Just perfect for my kitchen table.

Perfect Dawn, see how lovely everything looks on my table.

Thank you for the lovely gifts and I can tell you put your heart and soul in to to finding just the perfect gift for each person.

I will enjoy all of my gifts for a long time.

Thanks

2010-06-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who stopped by to leave such nice messages about my flooded basement. The news isn't good. We will have to replace all of the floor, doors, baseboards, frig., and wine cooler. My Husqvarna embroidery machine was also a loss. I probably will not be replacing it as it was expensive and no longer in the budget.

I know all of this is replaceable but I feel so badly for my husband who spent four years taking this space from a blank cement basement to a lovely place to spend time. It is also much harder to view things as replaceable when you are 70 than when you were forty or fifty. You have less income, less potential for having more income, and less physical energy to put toward a project. I don't want you to think I am whining. I am not as I know this is such a small thing compared to what other face every day. I am thankful for all the blessings I have in my life.

Such as this pair of wrens who have built a nest in a hanging basket above the table I have coffee at each morning. She takes great offense that I would sit there and scolds me ruthlessly.

Can you see the little fluffy grey balls in the bottom of the nest?

I haven't been able to water my plant and it is slowly dying. But it's worth it to see the birds so close each day. I hope I am around when the babies decide to fly.

My flowers also give me great pleasure as I greet each new day.

My goldfish rise to the surface and wait to be fed each time I sit down as well. So I have many little things that bring me pleasure and I know that eventually all of the big things will find a resolution.

Also, help! What happened to my blog. My header picture won't reduce and is so grainy. It looks like blogger may have been making changes but I can't figure out out how to fix my header. Any suggestions anyone?

100th post

2010-06-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

I was going to do a fun, exciting post for my 100 th post. However, I dropped by to say I probably won't be blogging for awhile. We woke to 8" of water in our newly finished basement this morning. If you look closely you can see the water line on the wall and green cabinet.

The wood floor is floating and I think we probably have lost our frig, wine cooler and my sewing machines.

I'll be back when we have this under control. Stella

Homely Homer

2010-06-09T15:20:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to see what this tomato looks and tastes like. The label reads: Tastes great - being ugly is only skin deep.

Is It A Yolk?

2010-06-06T10:26:00.001-07:00

I have a swing hanging from a large tree in my backyard that has probably seen better days and should be replaced. But this is a special swing so I want to keep it. My baby daughter gave it to me the day we both graduated from college. I had been working full time and going to college. The last semester I took 18 hours so she and I could graduate together. My swing meant I could now spend some time just swinging.

It has been many colors in the last 20 years but most recently it has been pale yellow.

Now badly in need of a paint job I decided it would be nice if it could match all the yellow flowers in my yard.

So I went looking for a color that would match the lilies by the fountain.

The yellow roses in bloom.

The deepest yellow of a pristine rosebud.

Like the yellow lilies among the roses.

But when it was painted it looked like an egg yolk. I know I can repaint it and the weather will fade it out soon. But until then?

Perhaps just a few pillows to break up the yellow. Honestly, does it look like an egg yolk?

My Cuz Is Comin

2010-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

About two months ago one of my cousins called to say she and her hubby and two other cousins were coming to visit for a couple of weeks. The plan was they would arrive the first week of July. Great, plenty of time to get the house fluffed and all ready for company. Over the weekend I had a call. Plans had changed and only one cousin and her husband were coming and would see me in a couple of day.

Well I wanted our almost finished basement to look nice. I just have some final touches to add to a few rooms. One of these is my sewing room. As you all know basement windows are UGLY! Or at least mine are. I needed a quick fix. I had planned to make curtains but hadn't yet looked for material. A quick look through my material stash and I found some material I have been hoarding to upholster just the right chair.

I hung white curtain rods and bought rings with clips to hold the curtains. (If you buy these don't buy the kind you have to slip the hook over the ring. They don't work well as they don't want to stay in the rings.) Because at some point I still want to use this material to upholster I just folded the top of the material down and clipped on the rings. Because the material is heavy and won't fray I just draped the bottom on the floor and tucked the edges under.

The new curtain add some color to the room and partially hide the windows.

Not a bad quick fix. Now I just have to find somethings to hang on the wall.

Long May It Wave

2010-05-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to all the men, women and who have served and are serving our country. Special prayers for their families who won't get to spend a long weekend with their loved ones.

As we celebrate our long weekend with family picnics, heading for the lake, or just working around the house let's remember the heroes who make this possible.

Please pray for our men and women who serve us here and overseas.

Peony Anyone?

2010-05-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

The sun is finally shining. It has been in the high 80's for the last three days. While it's so nice would you like to go out to the garden and smell the Peonies?

The white one is so pristine against the dark green foliage.

Isn't this bright pink stunning with the yellow and pink stamen? The flowers are so large you need two hands to hold it.

The pink with white tipped petals is stunning.

The light pink with a lighter pink center looks like a butterfly floating on the breeze.

Many of the peonies didn't survive all the wind and rain we had the last week. But all of them smell so yummy when I bring in a bouquet.

Hope you enjoyed the
walk through the garden.

It's Called Progress

2010-05-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am sure the city calls it progress, but I, call it a mess. For the past four months this sign has been posted just to the east of our home. Each morning at 6:00 a.m. the machines begin to snort, roar, gouge and pound.

The city in it's wisdom has decided that our quiet street would make a great access to the freeway for an on and off ramp.

The have taken up all the blacktop and are widening the road to four lanes.

Previously we had a sidewalk just on the east side of our property that has an orchard. They have dug up most of it for some unknown reason.

The area directly in front of our house was all grass. If you look closely you
can see a stake in the background. This is the right of way we had to agree to give them as working space. As you can see the workmen curved around my wheel barrow flower bed and left it intact. I don't know if will remain as it looks like they are ready to lay a sidewalk across this area. It seems my flowers will probably be in the way of the sidewalk. I am waiting for that knock on the door.

Because I knew I might have to move the wheelbarrow I didn't even bother to paint it this year.

But until that day come I will continue to enjoy my flowers and thank the workman who cared enough about flowers to leave my bed intact. for at leasst the time being. Things change.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2010-05-19T10:00:00.001-07:00

I have had company for the last week. My SIL and her sister were visiting from Colorado and California. They are both avid gardeners so I had planned outings to the Loose Park Rose Garden and Powell Gardens. If you visit Kansas City both of these are must see places if you love gardens. However, the weather had other plans. It rained all the time they were here.

We did make a couple of excursions to garden centers. It was very interesting to my SIL's trunk loaded full with plants on their way to Colorado. And the rain continues today.

So now I have plants sitting in cardboard boxes waiting for the rain to cease.

My red climbing roses have braved the rain and burst into bloom despite no sunshine.

Isn't it a shame this rose only blooms once a year? Each spring I wait anxiously for it's yearly display.

I did get a couple of pots planted and with the all the rain they caught hold nicely. They are calling for rain again tomorrow. Oh please, just a couple of days of sunshine is all I ask.

Serendiptous Find

2010-05-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

I have been searching high and low and racking my brain for an inexpensive way to put art on the large wall in the basement we just finished.

In the shopping center near us we have what used to be a great antique mall but is now more a second hand store and flea market. After I finished my grocery shopping I thought I would take a quick run thought to see what I couldn't live without.

I spotted a pile of pictures leaning against a wall and what attracted my attention was the large size and the frames were already black. Good, maybe I could just replace the pictures with some great posters.

Ladies, I don't need to do a thing. The pictures probably wouldn't be my first choice but I can live with them.

All the colors are perfect for the room.

I thought this one would look nice above the table. Look how well the colors blend with the material on the chairs.

I thought the second one would look great above this bench.

Now all I have to do is get my hubby to hang them for me.

Not only are they the perfect color and size they were $19.95 each.

What more can a girl ask for?

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all. I hope your day is filled with love and laughter.

Chummy Clematis

2010-05-01T12:08:00.001-07:00

I start most of my perennials from inexpensive little pots and wait patiently ( well sometimes not so patiently) for them to grow up.

My clematis have bloomed for the last three years but this year they are glorious. All the colors are twined together and are putting on a grand show.

The white clematis blooms about two weeks earlier than the purple and pink but she is still going strong.

Love how all three colors are mingling here.

The photo doesn't do the royal purple color of this flower justice.

This is new one I planted last year. I has a much smaller flower and it is shaped similar to a dahlia. The center is a very deep maroon and the color contrast makes a very striking color combo.

I once read somewhere that you have to have patience for perennials. It is said the first year they sleep, the second year they creep and the third year they leap. These were well worth waiting for.

Cakes

2010-04-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday bright and early (well it wasn't too bright - raining again). I gathered everything I need to make two cakes. I had a house warming to attend on Saturday afternoon and my granddaughter was having her confirmation on Sunday morning. I needed a cake for each occasion so I had to get busy.

Well, I think I know why some people just buy the cakes for special events. Quite a pile of pans to wash.
I wanted to make this cake special for my granddaughter. I had decided to make her cake square and didn't give a thought as to what I would use for a cake plate.

Of course it wouldn't fit on a round plate so I turned a cookie sheet over and taped a piece of lace to the cookie sheet. Not bad!

I bought a wooden cross at the local craft store and painted it white. Chose a pearl necklace that had belonged to my mother and twined around the cross. Just a little extra gift for the occasion. Also bought a floral garland with little white flowers to surround the bottom of the cake.

She had requested white cake with strawberry icing. I though the pink icing was very pretty with the white.

Since I was in decorating mode I also decked out the German chocolate cake I made for the housewarming. Something special for a young couple buying their first house together.

Everyone said they were yummy too.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2010-04-23T19:02:00.001-07:00

I am joining Bargin Hunting (and chatting) With Laurie for favorite things Saturday.

The fountains in my garden are one of my favorite things. I am always so excited when it is warm enough to turn them on in the spring.

This fountain sits between my patio and a connecting deck. The main basin is sunk in the ground and water flows down from to oak barrels. This is where my goldfish live.

I constructed this small fountain by setting a small basin in the ground and running a hose to an old tea kettle.

Now close your eyes if you are shy. I have a naughty little boy in the corner of my yard.

Hope you enjoyed visting my fountains.

Rain Chain

2010-04-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

It's storming here today. The thunder has sent my dogs to seek the comfort of their beds. I, however , like storms. As I was doing dishes I paused to gaze out my kitchen window and admire what a lovely picture my rain chain made surrounded by all the flower.

If you have never seen rain chains they are used in place of your downspout. I do so enjoy watching the water cascade down the chain.

And splash into the copper basin at the base.

Rain chains can be found on the Internet in many places. I have never seen them in the garden stores I frequent but they may have them. I have my heart set on another one that has tulip shaped cups that spill into each other. Mother's Day is coming so I dream.
Do any of you have a rain chain you enjoy?

Spring Whispers

2010-04-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

For the past week Spring has been whispering very insistently in my ear. It's time, it's time. The message is if you want to have your back porch looking like this you need to get busy.

So I stacked all the furniture and rolled all the rugs.

I pulled the trusty power washer out of storage.

And I washed away all the old paint and winter grunge.
Now all I have to do is re stain the deck and put everything in it's place again.

Can't wait to have my cup of coffee outside soon.

Meanwhile all the trees and shrubs have burst forth in all their glory.

Dogwood and Redbuds rival each other in their glory.

Dogwood and redbuds are native to Missouri and the hills in the southern part of the state our a wonder to behold on a spring day.

The beauty of the redbud is you can see the gracefully curved trunk through the buds.

Lilac are bounteous this year because of all the moisture we had this winter in the form of snow.

Even though Spring is whispering in my ear I had to take time to enjoy all the beauty surrounding me on this beautiful spring day.

Hope you are enjoying too.

While I Was Away

2010-04-14T12:25:00.001-07:00

I bet you all thought I was away some where wonderful enjoying myself. The fact is it was anything but wonderful. I was stuck at home in my own little bed with my foot propped in the air for a week and then on crutches for a week. This week I am hobbling on my own power. About three weeks ago while tearing down our garden shed that burned in December I stepped on two nails and drove them completely through my foot.

Have you ever tried to carry a hot cup of coffee to your favorite chair so you can watch the birds? Let me tell you it is quite a feat. First you put your coffee on the nearest flat surface, then you scoot to the next solid surface, until finally after 15 minutes you make it to the chair. Oh well, I like cold coffee.

While I was holed up inside Spring arrived in my garden.

Aren't these the most beautiful tulips. The color is a crimson red touched with light yellow on the tips.

My shade garden I started last spring is finally looking like a garden instead of a dirt patch.

Just love the delicate blue flowers on this plant.

It's so good to be back in the garden.

Bunnies,Bunnies Everywhere

2010-03-29T07:13:00.001-07:00

Bunnies, Bunnies, Everywhere.
Mama bunny watches while the little ones stop to smell the new spring flowers.

This young bunny appears to be delighted with his egg even if it is cracked.

Several bunnies stop to sniff the daffodils in the entry way.

Mr and Mrs Bunny do some spring gardening chores.

I saw some
chatting on the buffet.

Oh look! They are gathering flowers and carrots on the side table.

I think Easter is almost here.

Ice Cream

2010-03-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

As a treat for my granddaughter's birthdays I always take them shopping and then to lunch. For lunch they can have anything they choose. My youngest granddaughter just turned six and she chose to have french toast, bacon, sprite, and an ice cream sundae.

I was amused as I watched her dig with glee into this mountain of ice cream. She enjoyed so much just watching it drip from her spoon. I remember all the times I told her mother "just eat your food, don't play with it". As I get older I think perhaps we are missing part of the experience of eating when we don't use all of our senses to enjoy our food. After all what harm does it really do to, touch it, smell it, or listen to the sound it makes as it plops back in the dish. Perhaps Miss Emily who wrote the book of manners back in 1819 can tell me why. As a grandmother I see no reason why not!

Oh yummy, big bites are so much fun.

Wow! good to the very last spoonful

So I hope you will enjoy not just your ice cream but all life has to offer with all your senses. I don't care what Miss Emily says. Go ahead! color outside the lines, let your ice cream drip from the spoon just to hear the plop, sit and listen to the birds even if your late for your dentist appointment. Live life to it's fullest!

Old Friends

2010-03-22T11:09:00.001-07:00

Last week we attended the funeral (we seem to be doing this a lot lately) of one of my husband's best friend's mother. As I watched my husband and his two best friends talking and laughing I was struck by how life long friends are so woven into the fabric of our lives.Because I was an army brat I haven't retained any friends from my school years. But my husband has had these two best friends since he was 9 or 10.

D, B, and Hubby

These three guys spent their preteen days hunting in the fields around their homes with a BB gun. Later during their teen years cruising drive-ins. During our young married lives we took all of our kids and spent our weekends camping at the lake in a huge circle. Today we don't seem to see each as much. B, the one on the left has had throat cancer but seems to be in remission. D, the one in the middle has suffered four strokes and has lost the use of one arm and has great difficulty walking. As I watched them enjoy each others company it seemed I should grab a photo. We never know when one of this trio might leave us.

This is D and his bride of 45 years. She is his angel he says. She takes such care of him since his stroke and meets his every need. They are extra special to us and they stood up with us when we were married 44 years ago.

My husband is my special friend too. Who else but a best friend would take a girl hunting for squirrel on their honeymoon. You know I thought it was so special I even carried the squirrel he bagged.

So if you have some life long friends why don't you give them a call or drop by to see them. In this mobile, busy society old friends should be cherished.

Welcome Spring!

2010-03-20T08:21:00.001-07:00

The calendar says it's spring.

What could speak spring more poignantly than spotting my first garage sale sign. We had a high in the 70's yesterday. Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Spring is here.

Well. Not quite! This is the view from my kitchen window this morning with more to follow through the night. I know you shouldn't envy. But to those of you with flowers in bloom and sweet spring breezes I do feel just a little bit of why not me.

Happy First Day of Spring!

I Am Going to do This! And It's been a Year.

2010-03-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

When I started posting a year ago I am not sure what my goals were. I just knew I really enjoyed reading other blogs, getting some great ideas, and was touched by the friendships that flourished between many of the bloggers.

I had no idea of how get readers to my post. I had been following some blogs I enjoyed so I decided to seek advice. I sent out an SOS to Kim at Dear Daisy Cottage . She e-mailed me many suggestions and was kind enough to comment on my first post. Kim, a huge thank you goes out to you, without your encouragement, I would not have published even my first post. I was a little discouraged as I received no comments on my second and third posts. But I had promised myself to give my blog a year.

So as I look backward at the first year it is with mixed emotions. I certainly enjoy at the end of the day turning on the computer to find comments that are always so heart lifting, full of praise and encouragement, and sometimes the giggle I need to to give me a lift. So thanks so much to all of you who have stopped by over the year. A special heartfelt one for the friends who are so constant in their visits and sweet comments and to those of you who offered technical advice when I couldn't figure it out.

I have found out one thing. Blogging does require a lot of my time. Somehow it also seems to carry with it some stress. You know: Am I posting often enough? Will the people who leave comments get bored? How come more people aren't reading my blog or coming back again. Should I have a give away to boost my readership? Should I be spending my time blogging when so many other things need to done. Guess I need to give all these things some thought. However, I thought you might enjoy reading my first post so I have republished it below.

(My first post)
Although, It is only April and still cold here in Kansas City, I have decided I will get my feet wet. I set up a blog in September 2008, typed a few blogs I never posted, lurked on my favorite blogs, and got cold feet. But I can do this. Right!

So, now I need a catchy name for my blog. I lurked and lurked. OK, most people use a cute name for their home or their name. Bluebell Cottage or House at the End of the Lane isn't quite right for a 50's ranch in urban Kansas City (no we don't still have cows in the street) as my sister-in-in law in CA believes.

Well, maybe my name, Stella, what can I do with that. When I was in high school in the 50's I so wanted to have one of those cute names. You know, Debbie, Barbie, or Cathy. Who would name a child Stella, my Mother that's who. After all, it was the custom to name children after their family. My grandmothers were Stella Odessa and Charlotte Pearl, so with much love I was named Stella Pearl. As I grew older, I realized Stella wasn't bad ,they could have named me Charlotte Odessa and they probably would have called me Charlie O.

Today, I have learned to enjoy the comments about my name when I am introduced to someone for the first time. This generation comments, Hey Stella's Got Her Groove Back, those of you who remember Marlon Brando in, On The Waterfront, Stelllaaa, and an older generation says, Oh, Stella by Starlight. Stella by Starlight is a song most of you are probably not familiar with. It was written by Victor Young and featured in a movie "The Uninvited" in 1944. It was played as an instrumental in that movie and lyrics was written for it in 1946. It was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1947 . So, I had three choices and since I am a romantic, Stella by Starlight it is.

I really am going to post this and hope all of you out there will kindly leave a comment so I can get to know you.
Stella

Darkness Is For Dreaming

2010-03-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

For a number of years I spent my spare time writing down poems and children's stories that danced though my mind. But several years ago I quit committing any of it to paper. I felt since I had no intention of publishing and didn't share my writing with anyone I could make better use of my time.. So I started an antique booth and begin quilting. Several weeks ago the following poem wouldn't leave me be so I did write it down. I hesitated about publishing it as I have never shared what I wrote even with my family. But somehow I am comfortable enough to share this with my blogging friends. So I hope when evening comes you will take a few moments to dream.

Darkness Is Made For Dreaming

As twilight steals on stealthy toes

My soul unfurls and stretches wide.

And waits with breathless yearning

For in my secret heart I know

That darkness is made for dreaming.

Be still my restless mind I say

Why must you always ponder.

Release your hold on

Things left undone,

Tomorrows list of worries,

And bitter words better left unspoken.

For darkness is made for dreaming.

Linger now on special moments.

Sun drenched mornings

Sparkling with dew,

Of lovely moments spent

On a warm garden bench, and

Slow dances on a moonlight night.

For darkness is made for dreaming.

Sunshine on My Mantel

2010-03-12T11:28:00.001-08:00

I am sure it is spring somewhere. Several of you have posted photos of your flowers blooming so I know there is hope. Today is another cloudy, rainy, cold March day. So I thought I would add some sunshine to my life by decorating my mantel with all the sunny yellow I have collected over the winter while thrifting.

I picked up some yellow vases that fit nicely on my mantel. My dream is to have a mantel about twice as wide as this one. It is only about 5" wide so it limits what I can place on the mantel.

This bunny looks like he is happy to be splashing in all the rain puddles. He appears to be on his way to the library to find a good book to read on a blustery day.

Another pair of sweet little bunnies sniff the air hoping to smell some springtime fragrances wafting on the breeze.

A precious little girl waits hoping to fill her basket with the first dandelions. Surely the dandelions can't be far away as they are always the first to bloom in the spring.

I certainly need a dose of sunshine this week. I have had a terrible cold that started in my head and has since moved down to my chest. I am sure there must be a mule sitting there and he refuses to move no matter how much medicine I take.

However, I am off to the lake for the weekend and also Monday. I need to meet the power and light man so he can install a post and meter on the property we are clearing. So enjoy your weekend everyone.

Stella

Bunny Table

2010-03-08T16:49:00.001-08:00

I thought I would join all the other ladies this week at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday.

Here's my table all set for Easter Brunch.

For the dinner plate I used my Princess House plates and for salad I used some pink petal plates I thrifted. For fun I put some jelly beans in a sherbet bowl I will probably use to serve strawberries and ice cream. I finished off the place setting with a napkin in pastels with a bunny napkin ring.

My glasses are depression pink sitting on a square depression pink saucer.

I really wish you could see the place mats better when the table is set. They are so cute done in a shiny yellow chintz with dancing flowers.

A shy pair of bunnies stand in for the salt and pepper. In this photo you can enjoy al the colorful Easter eggs that decorate my tablecloth.

And come twilight Mr and Mrs Bunny go for a stroll on the table top.

Thanks for joining me for Tabletop Tuesday.

It's True There's Hope

2010-03-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

It's true. There's hope. Spring is coming. See my daffy daffodils coming up thorough the snow.

I had almost given up hope. But it is almost 60 today and suppose to be warmer tomorrow.

You should see the smile on my face.

Have a good weekend everyone.

I Am Happy To Announce

2010-03-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce the Lenten Dinner was a great success. They licked all the platters clean. We served every last scrap of food. I think we served closer to 80 than the 60 I originally planned to serve. Next time I definitely need to make twice as much cornbread. I used honey and buttermilk to make it and it was the hit of the party.

The purple daisies on the table are the ones I used to decorate the tables the night of the dinner. I also put bowls of jelly beans on the table. Looked quite festive with the white table covers. I meant to take photos but got so busy serving I forgot.

Have a good weekend friends.

Hope There Is Enough!

2010-03-03T11:29:00.001-08:00

I spent my morning cooking for the Lenten Dinner at church tonight.

My biggest fear is always that I won't make enough food.

I made a roaster oven of chili and one of chicken soup. Then a huge pan of corn bread and bought saltine crackers.

This should feed 60 people don't you think?

I added a huge salad and will serve lemonade, iced tea, and coffee. I have delegated desserts so hope they show up.

I have to go load all this in the car now so wish me luck.

Sunshine At Last

2010-03-01T06:48:00.001-08:00

Finally, we had a warm weekend. In the mid 40's, blue sky, and only needed one coat. So we were off to our lake house which we have put off visiting for most of the winter because of the snow and ice storms.

Early Saturday morning I took the dogs for a walk in the woods behind our house. It is my favorite place to walk in the fall and spring. In the summer there is so much vegetation it makes walking difficult.

At the bottom of the hill is a small stream and you can see
Mac crossing the stream on a natural stepping stone path.

Mac loves to play in the water and chase the water droplets. If you enlarge the photo you will see he looks as if he is walking on a rainbow. Feels like paradise to him.

This is Annie. She is so shy she doesn't play in the water but just watches Mac. She sticks to me like a cockle burr on sweat pants.

When it is warmer this is where I come with my book to sit by the water and read. Perfect seat as it even has a back and I can hear the water running over the rocks.

While I was playing my hubby is cleaning a lot we bought across from the house. We needed a storage building where we can put all the tools and boats.

It was completely cover with trees and under bush. We actually have cleared quite a lot of it already.

If you look closely I did do some work. See the pile of trash piled around the base of the tree in the foreground. This is just a small portion of all the trash that was strewn on the lot.

We still have several weekends of work to get the trees cut but it is looking better.

Notice the blue sky in this photo.
We have had gray cloudy sky so much of this winter this was a pure treat.

Takes a hard winter to make us appreciate the first signs of spring doesn't it?

Thankful Thursday

2010-02-25T06:37:00.001-08:00

Until I was without my usual cup of coffee for two mornings this week I never appreciated just how much that cup of hot coffee in the morning meant to me.

So I am thankful for a jar
full of coffee beans to grind, my cheerful red coffee pot that always lifts my spirits in the morning. and especially that hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

What are you thankful for?

Go on over and visit Rhondi at
@ Rosecolored Glasses and visit other bloggers who are participating in Thankful Thursday.

Should, and Would, If I Could

2010-02-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

Usually this is the time of year I hunker down in my sewing room and work on the quilts I have started or try to finish one. I promised myself I would make a quilt for all seven of my granddaughters before I couldn't see anymore.

Well this year I haven't done a thing. Not sewed one stitch. I wouldn't want anyone to think I was spending my free time visiting my blogging friends. Well maybe.

See my machine is all set up and waiting for me.

This Sunbonnet Sue is pinned and ready to quilt.

Isn't she so cute and old fashioned.

I have another quilt started that is much more contemporary. Pieced in hot colors and blacks. The centers of the blocks are dogs and cats.

I still need to piece a couple of more rows for this one.

I really do want to quilt but you see I have a slight problem. My sewing room is full of kitchen cabinets that I am painting. I usually paint in the garage but it is waaaay to cold.

No, I am not redoing my kitchen. My husband is doing a good deed for a young single mother at our church. Since he has no paying remodeling jobs he is helping her out by donating his labor. She is on a very tight budget so we bought unfinished cabinets and I am painting them white for her.

So I should be quilting before Spring comes and I won't have time, and would quilt if I could get in my sewing room. Meanwhile I guess I will just have have to go visit my blog friends.

Yesterday and Tomorrow

2010-02-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

This week we celebrated the life of my hubby's last living aunt and placed her in the Lord's care. His Auntie was a twin and I posted about the other sister on 8/25/2009. If you would like to go back and read the post I am sure you would enjoy reading about what feisty women they were and always a lady.

When Auntie M turned 98 on February 5 th of this year we asked her why she thought she lived so long. She told us, "You have to eat healthy, live it up everyday of your life, and eat strawberries and ice cream every night before you go to bed." Not bad advice do you think?

She left us on Valentine's Day with a world full of loving memories.

I think for my hubby and his three cousins it was quite a stark realization that now they are the oldest generation.

L to R: my hubby, cousin A, cousin J, and cousin B.

My husband is the only one who has any siblings. The other three cousins were all only children.

So we are left with our memories of yesterday and our dreams for tomorrow. So hope you all eat healthy, live it up as if every day was your last, and always, always have strawberries and ice cream before you go to bed. Cause I think Auntie knew best!

This Time Last Year

2010-02-16T13:45:00.001-08:00

Last year at this time I was enjoying tropical breezes, blue skies, and the most gorgeous water I have ever seen.

My hubby comes from a blended family. He had 2 sister and 1 brother. His dad married a lady with 2 girls and 2 boy and they had a boy and a girl. So then there were 10. Last February they decided that as many of them as possible would go on a cruise. And we did! Four brothers and three of the sisters plus spouses and some of our nieces and nephews.

This is L to R my husband's little brother and wife from CA, myself and my hubby taking a small boat into Jamaica.

From L to R, my husband's brother, his sister, another brother sticking his head into the picture, my hubby, and his CA brother. All the brothers and sister live in Kansas City except the
one brother from CA. Guess I should mention my hubby is the eldest sibling.

We had so much fun on formal nights. From L to R, me, SIL, fiance of hubby's little sister, they are getting married in August, and another SIL all prettied up for dinner.

It's been a wonderful day ashore and we have to go back to the ship where another delightful dinner awaits us.

Gee what am I doing here gazing out the window at dirty snow banks and a thermometer that says 28 degrees.

Well at least I have my memories.

Happy Cupid's Day

2010-02-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. We have been so busy I can't find time to blog.

On Friday night we went to a Valentine's Day Dance at the Moose Lodge. Saturday we went to a basket ball tournament for one granddaughter and spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday of last weekend at basketball for another granddaughter. Today we attended a gymnastics meet for another granddaughter.

So I hope your Valentine's Day was filled with all the things your heart desired.

Here's wishing you a bouquet of joy as you celebrate this day of love.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Cozy Corner

2010-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Do you have a cozy chair where you like to hang out and read or watch TV? This is my favorite chair in a corner of the living room where I read and bird watch.

About the only TV I used to watch was HGTV and I stopped doing that as they not longer focus on decorating shows. I came to the conclusion if I have to watch one more house hunting show I would scream.

However, I am an avid reader and often read more than one book at a time. Am I the only one who starts more than one book? Sometimes the book I am reading just doesn't fit my mood or may not move fast enough. I used to finish every book I started because I felt if a person had enough talent to get a book published it must have some merit. But I decided several years ago I don't have many years left to read so I am going to read just the books I really enjoy.

This is the side table where I pile the books I am reading. It is a vintage luggage stand that I have place a watercolor picture on to make a top. If I get tired of the top I just look for another picture.

In front of my chair is a foot stool where I place my hot tea.

This is a stack of vintage suitcases I use to store my books and magazines. I have a dog who thinks anything paper is fair game as a chew toy. Which means I have bought more than one book from the library.

Hope you have a favorite chair where you can read and dream.

Wishin and a Hopin and a Dreamin

2010-02-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

My angel and I had been a wishin, and a hopin, and a dreamin of sunny days and warmer weather.

But instead we have more white fluffy stuff. So we are just going to enjoy the beauty of the day.

I do have a snowball bush to enjoy.

The water feature on the back porch is an icy delight.

So I have heard of ice fishing but this is ridiculous
..

Wish someone had warned me and I would have made tracks for warmer climes.

So what are you a wishin, and a hopin, and a dreamin for?

Hallways

2010-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

Shortly after we moved into our current home I realized that for the first time I had blank walls at the end of my halls. Previously I had always had a linen closet or bedroom door at the end of my hallways . Now I don't know if I just don't like blank walls or if it was just another opportunity to play with my collected treasurers but soon my hallways had a new personality.

This is a very long hallway and without something
at the end it resembled a bowling alley.

I placed a long mirror with a matching stool at the end of the hallway.
This lighten it up considerably as the mirror reflected back light
and images from the other rooms.

Placing a simple vase with three large flowers added some
more interest and color.

This is a short hallway but it is the one my guests see as they hang
I had a small wrought iron bench painted cream that I covered with t
he same fabric I have on my dining room chairs that just fit in the space.

On the wall I hung two vintage picture frames inside of each other
and added two small mirrors.

On the bench is a vintage hat box, a cookie jar turned vase, and a small lamp. Now I don't mind looking down my hallways. Do you decorate the end of your hallways or am I the only one?

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

2010-01-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

The weather outside is frightful. It is 17 now with a low of 6 and snowing lightly.

But the fire is so delightful.

It shows no signs of stopping.

The lights are turned way down low and the fire is slowly dying.

And since I've no place to go.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow.

Sweet Hearts

2010-01-27T11:49:00.001-08:00

Since it is almost Valentine's Day I thought I would sprinkle a few hearts around to sweeten up the cold winter days.

Started with the mantle but should have taken the photo at night as I have some really cute lights that brighten it up nicely. I know the doily is crooked but I thought it might be more photographic that way but it just looks crooked. Oh Well!

Love this crocheted heart. It has a front and back and is stiffened with starch.

See how romantic the little lights make it at night. Perfect place to sit and have a glass of wine with my honey.

Vintage red heart with a small cupid tucked into the bow.

This vintage tin box is featured on my header but I like him so much I thought he should get double billing.

Small beaded hearts sit atop an antique sheet music holder.

Three sweet hearts nestle in a silver box.

An old cedar box holds sweetheart roses and a picture of my hubby's Mom and Dad. The picture on the books is my father in his uniform from World War II.

That's as sweet as it's going to get today. Thanks for dropping by to visit. I hope you have a sweetheart of a week.

It Was A Great Week

2010-01-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

You know how some weeks never seem to end. Then along will come a week that just seems to go well. I finally had a week that on Friday I thought what a great week this was. I didn't do any thing special or exciting. Just did the ordinary everyday things .

I belong to a Bible Study Group that meets every Wed. in some one's home. The hostess provides the main dish and everyone else brings the side dishes. This is a coed group and consists of married couples and single women who are divorced or widowed. At this time we have no single men in the group.

This Wed. we ended up with a small group that was all women. So we just had a girl's night in. We had some great conversation and lots of laughter. You know us ladies can discuss many things when the men aren't there.

I served chicken and dumplings, seafood chowder, and corn bread. Two of the ladies brought dessert and can you believe they both decided on ice cream.

I spent one evening playing with all the treasures from my previous post.

It was finally warm enough that I could take a walk. About 45 and most of the snow has melted. It has been so foggy all week I thought I was living in Seattle again. Fog is so unusual here in the Midwest in winter. I noticed this little tree on my walk. See all the little catkin buds that have sprouted. Can spring far behind.

I think this is a Magnolia tree I was photographing but maybe some of you who are more familiar with trees will know for sure.

See nothing special but so much fun. Hope you had a good week.

Thrifting

2010-01-19T11:01:00.001-08:00

Look at what I found. All this pretty red and a round mirror too. It's all my friend's fault.

I haven't made time to go seriously thrifting for a long time. So Sunday I called my friend M. We have been friends and best thrifters for over 40 years.

Hey M, turn around so my friends can see you.

She gets so involved in her search you know.

You may be hearing more from her soon I think we may have a new blogger here. She has been reading my blog and spent an entire evening blog hopping. Sound familiar. AND THEN, she said I think I have an idea for a blog name. I'll let you know as soon as she makes the leap.

So anyway, back to the subject. I found so many great things. First this silver bowl/candlestick? It is very heavy silver and has such lovely detail on the handles. I need some ideas about what to put in the bowl after I get candles in it. Flowers maybe or candy hearts for Valentine's Day?

Found this red and white doily I thought would look great with my Valentine decorations. It has little curly piggy tails now but once I starch and iron it I think it will lay nicely.

Remember the red votives that Home Interiors had back in the what 70's or 80's. I decided to start hunting for some as at Christmas some of my candles dripped on my tablecloth and one even on to the carpet. OK, I should have been paying attention. But thought these votives would do the trick. Now I can sit and yak and not worry about the candles.

Also found 6 ruby red sherbert dishes. I thought they would be fun for ice cream or putting candy and nuts out for guests.

Take a look at the two set of old drawers I found. I am going to put them in my sewing room to hold all the little things and maybe some of my thread which is now in a big pickle jar. They are kind of an ugly brown with green paint showing thru. Don't know if I will leave them as they are or perhaps paint them cream and put on glass knobs. What do you think?

Have to run now and clean up my treasurers so I can play with them. Hope you have fun hunting too.

Sunshine Award

2010-01-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

Eileen @ Stick Close To Home has sent me my first ever blog award. The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers whose creativity and positivity inspire other bloggers.

The rules for accepting this award are:

Put the logo on your blog.

Pass the award to twelve bloggers.

Link the nominees to you post.

Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

Eileen, thank you so much for the award I am very honored. As I have never tried linking before I hope it will work. If not I am posting the blog names and if the links don't work I hope you will still visit these blogs. And if any can tell me an easy way to link I would be most appreciative.

I haven't blogged for very long but I am so grateful for those who stop by and leave such nice comments and encouraging words. I am listing blogs below who have always been so generous with their comments and time. If any of you don't participate in this type of award I will understand.

Myrna @ My Enchanted Home

Jean@ A Romantic Country Home
Sandie @ Chatty Crone

Donna @ Mamma Mia Days

Coralie @ A Vintage Cottage Home

Mimi @ Mimi's Corner

Shelia @ Note Songs

Marydon @ Blushing Rose Too

Alaura@ Cottage Rose

Rachel@ A Romantic Porch

Lucy@ English Cottage in Georgia

Maria Cecilia@ Casa Dulce Hogar

Visitors

2010-01-16T13:33:00.001-08:00

With the heavy snow on the ground we have had many visitors looking for something to eat. This young squirrel perches on a wrens house waiting for his turn.

This large red-headed woodpecker tried desperately to hoard both suet feeders but finally gave in and let the starling eat from one.

I always enjoy all the critters that congregate outside my living room as I sit and enjoy my morning coffee. What a pleasant way to start my day.

Looks Like New

2010-01-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Very few of the furnishing or decorative items in my house are new. I love old furniture, vintage accessories, and almost anything other people might view as junk. I delight in curb shopping and have picked up many orphans item others have left on the curb. One of my greatest pleasure is seeing if I can make it useful again. So I thought as long as I was sharing one of my finds I would join Met Monday just for fun. You can join the fun as well by clicking the Met Monday logo on my sidebar.

This is one of five dining room chairs I rescued from the curb.
If you look closely at the picture you can see the seat covers and even the wood is covered with mildew.

After I brought them home I scrubbed the wood down with Murphy's soap and stripped off the seat covers. My dear hubby made several new wood seats for those that were in need of a new foundation.

Then I sanded the wood lightly and applied a gel stain. Stapled new fabric to the seats and I have a new set of chairs. No expense as I already had the fabric waiting for just the right project.

I Am Not Whining!

2010-01-08T14:25:00.001-08:00

I'm really not whining but I was wondering. Does anyone else go grocery shopping and after they have carried all the bags in the house look at the huge pile on the counter and think I just don't like putting all this stuff away. Don't get me wrong I am thankful that I have transportation to go get the groceries, money to pay for them, and am fortunate enough to have a place to store them.

I gladly do other chores in the house and don't mind at all. But, somehow putting groceries away seems to be on my list of things I would rather not do.

Does anyone else feel like this or am I just a little more off beat than usual?

And Still It Snows

2010-01-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

If I were a little younger I would be able to use

this sled and the skates today.

Kansas City is frigid with windchill way below zero and wind gusts of up to 40 MPH. We

also were treated to another 4 inches of snow thru the night.

As you can see the little girl who lives in my birdbath is up to her chin in fluffy white stuff.

The view out my kitchen window is a winter wonderland. The snow on my patio table measures 12 inches.

If you read one of my earlier posts you will know we had a fire. What we didn't think about was all of our snow shovels and snow removal equipment was in the shed. When we went to buy replacements most of the stores were already sold out. So we have one snow shovel. We do have a nice Son-in-law who has come and used his snow blower on the drive for us.

Today I am thinking of those who live in warmer climes and are sitting on your porch and admiring your flowers that are in bloom. I know spring is not far away.