Rain, Sun & an Anniversary

We have had alternating rain and sun today. Everything looked so pretty with the sun on it. The wetness really brought out the color. It was warm (72) and breezy. The leaves were "raining" down. I kept thinking, "Don't fall, don't fall. I'm not ready for bare trees!"

This dogwood tree is about two feet from our dining room windows which are on the second floor on that side because of the daylight basement. So we look right out into the foliage. It is amusing to see the squirrels jump from the roof and land in the tree. They have been snacking on the nice red berries. Dining with us perhaps we can say! I leaned out from the porch and snapped this picture during our first rain of the day.


Here is a close up so you can see the water running off the roof. I was getting a little wet.

And then the sun came out! I took this picture from the other side of the porch.

Today is our 44th anniversary! It seems a long time ... and then it doesn't. It's sad that we forget so much of our lives, but I suppose our brain only has a certain amount of space. I wish I could remember every single minute. Sometimes when I look at B, I flash back and he looks, for a moment, like he did years ago. The same devil is in him and he says the most outrageous things! (No wonder my parents didn't know what to make of him.)

We've had some great times, a few sad times and lots of excitement with four children and now we've added two spouses. We remodeled many houses, drove from Maine to Georgia many times (Are we there yet? No, two more days!). Think of how many meals cooked and dishes washed. And how many "I love you's" have been said? (At least two a day by two people for 44 years! That is 64,240 I love you's! And, God willing, more to come!

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Need Your Advice!

Hello Blogging Friends,

I am learning how to do this Blog as I do most things - logic and trail and error. Not having friends who blog is a disadvantage as I have no one to ask about different features. I was clicking around to learn about my "Followers" and I came into Google Friends Connect. This was all new to me and I was hesitant to sign up. I always worry about getting into something I can't get out of. So can any of you inform me about what my duties are to my "Followers?" I didn't understand the advantages of Friends Connect and why there is the option to block people.

Many people mention their Blogging Friends and they seem to be planning things together online, like links and events. Is this done through Friends Connect? I really would appreciate some guidance! Thanks in advance.

Nancy

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Daniel Rust House, B & B

If you like old houses and "housepeeping" as another blogger termed it, then what could be better than a stay at a very old house in Coventry, Connecticut in October!? Our daughter and son-in-law gave us a gift certificate last Christmas for two nights at the Daniel Rust House. They had stayed there and were sure that B and I would enjoy it as much as they did. They were right! It was wonderful! We used to live in New England and we really miss it in the fall.

Since it snowed the day after we left, (Oct. 14) it must have looked just like this! I borrowed this photo from the official web site.

Here is the hutch in the Tavern room where breakfast is served. It was a cozy room with a fireplace and small paned windows with some original glass. When you go, ask to see the initials scratched into a bedroom window!

Breakfast, prepared by our hostesses, Germaine and Cathy, was a delight! Here you see lemon poppy seed muffins. After breakfast, Germaine gave me a tour of the house, from the basement to the second floor. While I toured, B sat in the keeping room with Sea Biscuit and Silver, the cat.

Here I am talking with Sea Biscuit, a very gentle and friendly Great Dane.

The "Anna White Room" is on the second floor. It has a fireplace and a private bath with a huge jacuzzi tub. Two more bedrooms are on this floor, each with a private bath.

Walking into the kitchen full of good smells felt very welcoming!

B and I stayed here in the Maybelle Cottage. It even had a tiny kitchen and a fireplace. We went to sleep watching the flicker of flames.

This is the long driveway that leads to a quiet lane - a nice place to walk. I loved the stone walls and the big trees.

When you turn into the driveway, this beautiful old wagon is the first thing you see. Doesn't it look lovely full of mums and pumpkins? It was pretty chilly the morning I made this picture but I knew that Germaine and Cathy would be waiting with a cup of strong coffee and a big breakfast!
Heaven! We had a wonderful trip.

I'm joining the Hooked on Houses Fall House Tour.

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Laundry Miracle

My favorite snuggly jacket had a big mystery spot - right in the front! B's new jacket had grease on the arm and my ivory table cloth had numerous spots after a family birthday dinner. I didn't think anything I had in my laundry arsenal would be up to the job.

I'm not usually an impulse buyer, but at the checkout counter at A. C. Moore there was a small bottle with the label "Grandma's Secret Spot Remover." I asked the cashier what she knew about it, and while she hadn't used it, she said other people reported good results. Being a skeptic, I hesitated to spend $4.00 from my "craft money." Then I balanced $4.00 against the cost of 1. A new jacket for me 2. A new jacket for B 3. a new tablecloth.

Yes, I bought "Grandma's Secret Spot Remover!" And I'm glad I did! See my jacket? No spot! I dabbed the remover on all the spots and worked it in, waited 5-10 minutes, washed the spots by hand then put the garments in the machine. All the spots came out!

Here it is. It's only 2 ounces - but are they powerful!

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Fall Foliage in Connecticut

We hadn't returned to New England during the fall since we left Maine twenty-one years ago. So we were eager to experience a New England fall. What an experience it is! We toured the North East Corner of Connecticut. So many apple orchard/farm stands. In one mile there were three!!
This lovely tree was in a rest area off I-81 in Pennsylvania. Notice the red barn in the background. It was a cloudy, misty day.

These apples were at Rogers Orchard in Southington, CT. Their cider donuts were to die for! We had cider and donuts and took home the best apple pie I ever ate! We also bought a bag of "Honey Crisp" apples -my new favorite variety. They were crisp, juicy and sweet! What a treat with a tub of caramel dip. Yummy!

I also bought some shell beans. My neighbor in Maine used to give me shell beans from her garden.
This mill pond and buildings were part of a cluster of buildings that were full of shops. There was a mill race where the water was rushing through.
Aren't these decorative gourds - decorative? Don't you love fall in New England!

Coming soon - our stay at the Daniel Rust House, a B&B in Coventry, Connecticut!

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Somerset, Virginia Views

B asked me if I wanted to go for a ride. As a surprise he took me to the Somerset Country Store and bought me a barbecue sandwich. The store sits at the intersection of routes 231 and 20 in a very scenic area a few miles away from Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison. I love barbecue - southern genes I think. We took our sandwiches and drove down the road and picnicked and enjoyed the scenery.
We parked beside a country church and enjoyed this view. There was a very friendly cat who was curious about us.

Across the street was this field of soybeans that were turning yellow. You can see the mountains in the background. It was a lovely picnic and a nice surprise!

Check out Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer.

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Recycling a Pepsi Bottle

Most of us recycle. Where I live in Virginia they pick up trash but they don't pick up recyclables. So we have plastic trash cans where we keep our glass, cans and plastic until we take them to the County Center. We also recycle paper and cardboard.

I am always looking for ways to reuse things instead of recycling. This is the time of year to bring in plants that will, hopefully, thrive indoors this winter. But I don't have enough saucers or trays to put under my pots. Here is my solution for a small pot. Cut the bottom off a large soda bottle.
Here is my pot on the window sill. See the Pepsi bottom under it? This way the water will not leak onto the sill. I'm sure all of you have good ideas to share!

I believe in Recycling! Check in at the Hooked on Houses Party and see what everyone else likes!

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Delightful Bedrooms

Do you save old magazines like I do? If you wait long enough to re-read them it is like having a new magazine! And they are just too full of good ideas to throw away! I used to tear out my favorite photos and put them in file folders. Now I keep the magazines intact and put sticky notes on the photos I like.
From "Country Living" March 2007, this is a lovely, bright, inviting bedroom. Notice the interesting ceiling and the column in the corner. I'm not sure that headboard is practical in a fabric, maybe leather or vinyl would be more durable. Leaning against the headboard might soil it after a time, even with a scotchguard treatment.
From "Country Living" April 2007. What a romantic room. When my daughter was young we did her bed like this. She had an old iron bed that we bought at an auction. (That bed is now in her guest room minus the net). The net similar to this we found at Pier 1. She loved it!

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Cloud Beds

This is the Private Cloud rocking bed by Manuel Kloker. You can make it rock by dangling your foot over the side and swinging it. It is hard to imagine how this would feel. Cradles rock from side to side as do hammocks. Both people in a couple would have to love to rock. I love anything that rocks or swings so this bed intriques me! Maybe this Private Cloud Bed would be better if it had a motor to keep it rocking like the baby swings do.



If you get tired of rocking you can use the Flexible Feet that come with each bed. Another option is the nightstand which has a peg to prop the rocker on. You can set the bed at any tilt - with the head above or below level.
"This Cloud Bed is inspired by Ming Dynasty-era Chinese alcove beds, and the idea of the bed as a "room within a room." Here the form is updated, and the mobility provided by the casters lends itself to flexible, open-plan contemporary living spaces." <courtneyskott.com>

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Stick Insect

Do you see it there on the post? Look carefully.

I was sweeping the boardwalk that leads from our parking area to the deck. As I walked by this post I wondered how a twig could be clinging vertically. So I looked more closely and saw this insect called a Walking Stick. National Geographic's web site was very informative. These insects can range from 1/2 inch to 13 inches. This one was about 6 inches. When I went out a few minutes later he was gone.

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Magazine Craft Room versus Reality

Creating and Crafting is what I enjoy. Join the Hooked on Houses Friday blog party to see what everyone else likes!

I'm starting with a lovely photo of a craft room from Country Living, March 07. Looks too good to be true, doesn't it?

Do you think anyone who actually creates in a craft room has it looking this picture perfect?
I have shown you pictures of my craft room (cleaned up). My supplies are there and I do sometimes work there but the picture below is the REALITY.

My rocking recliner in the living room (next to hubby B's chair) is where I like to sit and sew! I can watch the news or be with B while he watches ball games. One cat sits on the back of my recliner, another at my feet and one in the chair beside me. The gas log stove is a few feet away, a glass wall is in front of me and the kitchen is only steps away so B can bring me snacks and coffee! My mother always had so much around her favorite chair we called it her nest. So now, following tradition, I have a nest!

This is my sewing "basket." Pin cushion, lace, ribbons, buttons and thread are close at hand.
This is the tray I hold in my lap to be my work surface. Scissors, beads, wire, an antique ice pick and more are there.
This is what I have to show on my latest project. On the right are the gift bags I showed you last week when I told you where I was working. On the left are the brooches I'm sewing.
This is a close up of my brooches. Each one is made of fabric, buttons, lace and other odds and ends. The materials are vintage, recycled and new.

It's time for snack. Here comes B with a bowl of strawberry shortcake and a cup of coffee for me! Do you get such great service when you create?

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Looking Closely

I like to look closely at things. It can be very surprising. There is so much more of this world to see if you get really close!
Yes, this is a tree stump. See the colors, texture and pattern. Amazing, isn't it? This is in the woods on the other side of our back lane.
This is a really close up of a portion of the stump. Isn't it lovely? See the sunlight on the top? Great colors! I wish I could do a painting that looks like this.

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Sewing and Creating

I love to sew and don't even mind doing mending. Mostly I like to come up with ideas and create my own projects. Ideas can come from anywhere. The more I create, the more ideas I have! In fact, I have so many projects going they have spilled over from my craft room and are moving into the living room. My favorite chair is a rocking recliner - the perfect place to sit and sew. I can look out the large windows into the tree tops. All around my chairs are stacks of fabric and boxes filled with lace, beads, ribbons and netting. There is always a yellow cat at my feet and one on the top of the back of my chair where I can lean my head against him. Listening to that purr is very soothing!

My son and daughter-in-law came for a visit and brought me a magazine about jewelry making. Since I have been sewing brooches and making paper beads, that set me off on a whole line of ideas about making beads. I hope to experiment with polymer clay.

These are small gift bags. Perfect for presenting a piece of jewelry, money or a gift card. Each one is lined. This patchwork bag has a casing for a ribbon drawstring that is operated by a wooden bead. The stars are buttons. Size is 3 inches by 4.
Since I like to sew by hand, the patchwork is hand stitched and quilted. These are 3 x 3 inches.
These bags are made in one piece, turned and then half is tucked in to become the lining. A casing is sewn in the top. The leaves on the bag on the left are buttons. The gold leaves on the top of the bag on the right I purchased in the jewelry section at Michael's.

I'm Hooked on Sewing! Visit the Hooked on Houses Blog party to see what others are hooked on!

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To San Diego And Back!

I'm back and it was an absolutely WONDERFUL trip! I'm back in time for the Hooked on Houses Blog Party. I'm hooked on San Diego, perfect weather, beautiful flowers and fantastic trees!

I really meant to do some posts ahead and have them automatically launch but I am not as organized as Struggler! There were too many last minute things to do. I had to leave the house tidy for hubby who was not coming on the trip. There was a detailed list of plants to water that I had to print and put on the refrigerator. And of course there were wardrobe decisions to be made. Then it all had to be squished into a carry on bag. (Who trusts the airlines to get your bag on the right plane when you have to change in Houston?)

Thank goodness my daughter (J) and her husband (T) knew all the rules about packing tiny amounts of liquids and what size plastic bag is required to hold those 3 ounce bottles. The morning of departure had us at the stores looking for plastic bags and trial sizes of toothpaste, etc. for me. The flights were the pits because in my opinion it is cruel to put humans into seats with that little space. You feel that the person in front of you is sitting in your lap!

I LOVED San Diego! Who wouldn't love a place with flowers like this everywhere? I wish bougainvillea would grow in Virginia!



It was so exciting to see my son, Kevin, onstage in three plays at the Lowell Davies Theatre in Balboa Park. J & T and I met some of his fellow actors/students who are earning their Masters Degrees in Fine Arts at the Old Globe/University of San Diego (as is Kevin). All three plays ("Twelfth Night", "Coriolanus" & "Cyrano De Bergerac") were well done and very entertaining. The actors were talented and the costumes were a treat to see. The proud mother says check out Kevin's website.


The weather was perfect with temperatures in the seventies every day and dipping into the sixties at night. And there was always a gentle breeze. We especially enjoyed seeing the different kinds of trees and flowers. Balboa Park was amazing! It is 1,200 acres of gardens, museums, restaurants, and fabulous architecture. We did enjoy one of the art museums and the Photograpy Museum which had a display of Ansel Adams photos. The San Diego Zoo is also in the park but I'll save that for another post.


This is one of the many gardens in Balboa Park and one of the arches leading into the garden. Notice the fantastic tree.
These trees are in the zoo. J, T & I together took nearly 1,000 pictures. Many of them are of trees, flowers and each other taking pictures!
The architecture in Balboa Park is Spanish and there are lots of arches. Do you love arches as much as I do!
This is the same garden as the second picture. The flowers are cosmos and lavender. With such lovely weather there were outdoor weddings in the Park on Sunday so two of the gardens were closed to the public. There seemed to be wedding groups everywhere having pictures taken. What a lovely backdrop!

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