Audrey's prim world

It's me again...

2012-02-05T16:04:00.015-05:00

It has been a long time since I have posted. My only real reason I stopped is because all I like to post about is when I find new things. I worried if that seemed shallow.
I received nice emails from people missing my posts and honestly when I read blogs it is to see stuff....I love to see what others get. I learn about items I may have not known about, get decorating ideas and it is just fun to share so I have decided I was silly thinking that way.
I went out with a friend on Friday and had so much fun . We went to Sage Farm Antiques 2ND annual cabin fever market. I had picked up a card for it and mentioned it to her and she was happy to take me. *Friends surly are a gift from God!!*

I first found a pestle and mortar for a steal. Yes there is a crack but this is how I was able to grab it with out a second thought. I like its shape and color.
So much to see and what a great turn out they had. I found a candle mold in a box full of different items. I only bought the mold since I do not have one like it.
I followed Lynda into a booth and as she found a wonderful early trivet I spotted this seat . I first thought it was for display but then spotted a tag. I love the early red paint and it is a great size~ Not to big for my table.

I was happy to find another item that the size made it just right for me...I tend to pick items larger than the space I have!
The tag said it was found in Maine and is signed. It was as it was found still quite dirty...I thought it was just gray until I walked out in the sun light and saw the wonderful mustard.
I picked up a pewter ink well and Lynda gave me a feather pen for it before I left her home.
I loved this show and hope to make it back for the next one.
We went to other antique shops and made a day of it. I found this great bottle at a shop and loved it.
I was thinking I would get amber glasses to go with it however I paired it with pewter goblets I own and like the look.
I picked up a candle stick . I love them and feel you , well I, can never have enough!
We stopped at a shop where I scored this reproduction sign for a great price. I love how worn it looks and of course it is not as bright of a red as the photo!
My home is coming together nicely. I am sure you can see how my taste has evolved over the past year. I have been fortunate enough to see so many wonderful homes through my job and of course many on line friends that I understand what look I want and am on the road to it. I sometimes think if only I had more money however the truth is the hunt is the most enjoyable part and so over night wouldn't be the same.
I am off to make my super bowl snacks. I do not really care about football but family time together is the best. Hope you enjoy your super bowl Sunday.

a fun day out

2011-08-16T21:15:00.010-04:00

There are many reasons I love working for A Primitive Place & Country Journal but the top reason is the wonderful people I meet. I have liked everyone I have met but sometimes you meet a person and have a instant connection. You talk with them like you have known them for years. This happened in the spring and we planned a day out together "hunting" in the summer. This day came Saturday. Donna was kind enough to drive the 2 hours to my home so we could hit my favorite spots. I planned out what route would get the most in but didn't worry as I knew being together would be the real fun. Donna arrived nice and early and we hit the road. Being Saturday we passed and stopped at many yard sales . Hit a few antique shops and ended the day going out for lunch. As usual I came home with the most after all I seem to have pack rat in my genes..lol
Here are my treasures.Pewter found at many yard sales and not much money spent...gotta love that!
A set of 6 for 15.00
This measure I picked up for $3.00.....great score!
I love the look of this candle holder and for $2.00
I picked up this sconce for 4.00 ,it is copper and made me think of child hood memories putting pennies on the railroad tracks with my best friend Allison.
This was my favorite purchase bought at a shop rather than tag sale still I got a great deal and it was a tax free day.Turn of the century piece that just came from a private collection so it hasn't been on the market in over 40 years.

It was such a fun time I can hardly wait to get together again.

What's new???

2011-07-18T14:16:00.009-04:00

I am the first to admit I am not a great blogger. I so enjoy reading about others adventures but when I go out and about I am to caught up in the moment to take pictures. The next thing i enjoy reading about is decorating and projects so I will fill you in with whats new at my home.
We built our home in 1999. At that time my taste was country. Blue being my favorite color. I choose my floor in a white laminate that had faux grey grout and blue in each corner to create a quilt pattern. Just lovely and it went so well with the blue counter tops and blue carpet. I also had a beautiful pale yellow sofa then. Needless to say my taste has changed but until something breaks there is no sense in replacing appliances. We still have children at home and are a one income family.
Whoo hoo my refrigerator went....yes I was upset at the expense but God is good and had it happen at a time when I had the cash to go out and replace it. I never liked the side by side I had. I cannot tell you how many times I hit my elbow on the door as it was never quite wide enough. My teenagers joke about me yelling out I hate this refrigerator!!! My husband picked it out and has never heard the end of it LOL....
Being a family of 5 plus my Mother here everyday,(That is a Blessing).We needed a refrigerator right away. I was fortunate enough to find a floor model being discontinued. It was a model that wouldn't be in my price range any other time....more proof God is good!! I love it.
My dishwasher has not worked well for awhile so I no longer used it....good reason to replace it as well....not to mention the box made a wonderful play house!
I also am waiting on a stove due to be delivered on August 10th. This of course made the white floor SCREAM!!! My wonderful Hubby spent yesterday,our anniversary replacing it. What a wonderful gift.

Oh and I also replaced my old sofa,not the yellow it has been gone for a while now...with this wonderful piece from ANGEL HOUSE DESIGNS.
A close up of the fabric...
My pockets are empty but I am so pleased with the changes. I hope all is well in your life.

Magazine preview

2011-07-11T20:19:00.005-04:00

Fall 2011 Issue
With this issue, we commemorate the one year anniversary of A Primitive Place magazine! To celebrate, we have incorporated some exciting new changes! The first change that you may have noticed already is the addition of Country Journal to our name. We are... very excited about the new name, the new look and the additional content. A Primitive Place & Country Journal will be what A Primitive Place was plus more! We have added more pages to an already great magazine! With the addition of the new name, we have added a new section. In our new Homesteading section, we will be offering practical advice on gardening, food, health, saving money and overall, ways to achieve a simpler way of life, for both the urban and country lifestyle. In this issue you will read about canning & stocking your pantry, the history of the butter churn, how to make homemade butter, harvesting & freezing apples, using coupons to save money & “The Homesteader’s Journal.” In this issue, the article in “The Homesteader’s Journal is entitled “River Cats: Reeling on the Red.” We will feature a different story or showcase a special event in each issue that will be directed a little bit more towards the men out there. See More
By: A Primitive Place

It is going to be a great issue!!

Wonderful finds

2011-05-09T17:50:00.011-04:00

Yesterday was my first time out at the flea market. I am not sure if I am just more selective now that I have so much or if it was just not the best day out. I saw a wonderful pewter plate but felt for that price I would pass. If I were at my favorite antique shop I know I would have bought it but out in a field with bargains all around I couldn't do it.I did find 2 small wooden bowls and at the cost of $3.00 for both I have them.
I walked around and enjoyed the fresh morning air. My favorite guy to buy from was there. His routine is to park his white van in the same spot and then to go hunting for himself . all the regulars start to hit the tables near his spot and wait. once he comes back he opens the back doors of his van and as fast as he and helpers take out the boxes people grab them. it is a frenzy...I just stepped back and watched and I decided he couldn't have anything I needed that bad and I walked away. Maybe it was because it was mothers day and I was just happy...I am sure in no time I will be back in the swing and grabbing at boxes again. I left the flea market with just my bowls and headed to Walmart to grab a plant for my mother...I had already bought her gifts and one was a planter with cardinals on it. I just waited till the last minute to get the plant.I am sure you do not care about that information but my mother does read my blog and I wouldn't want her to think she was a after thought!! LOL...
It was a very nice Mothers day spent with my mom, two of my children and a wonderful phone conversation with my daughter who is away at college.
Today I had a feeling I would find a treasure if I headed to a favorite shopping spot. Mom being a great sport said Let's go! I first spotted this piece that although it is not in perfect condition,it is good enough for me...

I like it just on a shelf but think how it will look full of red geraniums.
I then saw these 2 tin candle sticks...love them.
Just as I was about to leave I spotted this...
I left quite happy. not wanting the fun to end we hit 2 more shops. I did pick up the candles for my new candle sticks...saw great things.Fell in love with a early rocking horse but didn't have the 995.00 to bring it home.
As we headed off to find lunch I spotted a place new to us,,,,so happy I did.
I bought these 2 wonderful mats.
I love the colors and thought how great my new candle sticks would look on them.
I also was attracted to this old shoe form,so worn.

What a great price I got on this wooden display box. It has a sliding glass front.
I plan to start collecting putz sheep and thought it would be perfect for it. It was a fun filled day and I love what I found. It isn't every day you find so many things you like enough to buy and can afford to.

one year behind us....

2011-05-02T08:40:00.009-04:00

Today marks one year since my father died. In so many ways it seems like only yesterday. Our hearts are heavy as we miss him so much but so grateful he no longer suffers any pain.
My father had a good sense of humor one of his traits I am so pleased to have. He was stern when needed. Taught us good values. He was not without fault as he was human . I am proud he was my Daddy .

so much to catch up on....

2011-04-14T08:35:00.018-04:00

Sorry "life" has kept me away. with the exception of breaking my crown (tooth) and having to have it extracted all has been well. My mouth is now fine but my pocketbook is still in pain.

I have been out and about with friends which is always a wonderful time ,and getting back into my rug hooking.I tend to do my rug hooking in spring and summer while I sit for long periods of time at the skate park and ball field.
I just finished reading my friend Kris blog post and she gave such good information want to share the link.Just click on her name to bring you over to her blog.

I like to buy old wool skirts and strip them to build my stash.It is time consuming but so worth it when I want to throw together a project. I use a Bliss cutter. I bought mine before the price increase ...185.00 crazy??that is a good price if you price them now.
I have been busy filling this large basket.
I still have these 2 boxes to go..
I had a wood frame that used tacks to keep the linen on while I hooked but I just bought this new frame and I love it! If you click on the word frame it will bring you to the ebay listing.The quality of this frame is wonderful. It has free shipping but of course it is the slow shipping!!
It is sanded so smoothly. and I love how it came with this tool .
I just finished this runner.

Tuesday I headed out with Linda(Behind my red door) and another friend ,non blogger for a fun day of shopping. It is such fun to poke around at new places. I came across this small pestle and mortar and knew it would be perfect for my small step back.
I just love the patina...I am having fun looking for smalls just for this cabinet. Friday I was out with a different friend and found a wonderful old top but left it in her car so I cannot show you it.
Saturday was *antiques in the barn spring sale* at Waters Tavern in Sutton MA. I picked up my good friend Cathy and we headed over to Kathy's home...Love having friends with all the same names..I have a few friends named Kathy and many Bobs in my life!! ....we hit the road early. It was my first time and oh my was I delighted. Her are a few pictures from the day.
Her home and property are just beautiful!!

I get caught up in the moment so I am not good at getting pictures but if you are interested I saw Doreen at the show and know she took pictures..look for them on the Walker Homestead site.
Here are my treasures from the day.
Early red dough box

Rag tag trencher...love the broken sides!!

and this is a reproduction pewter flask but I love it.

As You can see I have been having a lot of fun and "found" many treasures . I am truly Blessed to have so many amazing women in my life and a kind, generous husband.I hope all is well with you.

scavenger hunt week 3

2011-03-31T17:39:00.010-04:00

I love the fun of this scavenger hunt. I will be sad to see it end. Please Head over to Gable House Musing blog to see who else is playing .
This week list included....
#1 Stool with Hooked Top
#2 Old Tin Funnel
#3 Putz (or style like) Lamb/sheep
#4 Crow on a stick
#5 Wooden Cigar Mold
#6 Silhouette Box

#7- Bero’s Bonus- Pure Maple Syrup Sign or OLD Syrup Can

Lucky for me you only need 4 0f the 7. I did not have a cigar mold or a maple syrup sign. I am sure I could find one living in New England but for me I wanted to use items I had. I have enough trouble buying to much without needing it to start adding scavenger items!! lol...

My stool with hooked rug. I made this rug and tacked it to the stool top for a punch of color.

my old tin funnel

Putz sheep ....I have yet to get real ones but here is my knock off along with his friends.

crow on a stick...I have some outside but these 2 were inside. I made the one on the old chair spindle,the other one was a gift .

Silhouette Box

On a different note I wanted to share my latest find. The mortar and pestle. I just loved the character of the burn mark. I found it at my favorite antique shop so I was not surprised when she mentioned on her own that that was what she liked about the piece as well!
This is where I put it.

Tuesday display chain

2011-03-29T08:50:00.011-04:00

Today Misi choose the theme of stripes. I didn't really think I had stripes but I guess I did! Make sure to head on over to Gable House Musings blog to follow the chain.

I think these wavy lines should count as well. i love this piece and if you do too head over to Misis selling blog and get one for yourself!!

Country Antiques show 2011

2011-03-27T19:03:00.014-04:00

Saturday was a wonderful day spent with girlfriends and Antiques. What more can you ask for? We headed out early to the Country Antiques show in Danielson Ct. I am one to just enjoy the day and not take pictures but luckily Linda *Behind My Red Door* knew I was going and reminded me she wanted to see pictures. Here are the few I took.

I saw this butter mold and wanted it so much. Those are my initials, maiden name. My husband always writes A.F. +R.H. The price tag prevented it from coming home with me but I cannot get it out of my mind!!

I did bring home two treasure from this show. The spoon is so smooth from being used.
This wonderful board was a great price in fact I saw one like it at a shop later in the day for $70.00 more than what I paid and truly wasn't as nice.
After the show we headed to other antique shops in the area. I saw so many wonderful things but it was love at first site when I laid eyes on this piece!!
I had seen a piece like it on a photo shoot for the magazine and thought I hope someday I could own a piece like it. It is a childs size step back. I have not decided where it will live in my home yet so this is the picture from the shop. The pure joy it brought to my heart seems wrong since it is only a "item" but I tell you it is better than any drug they could sell. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well.

week 2 scavenger hunt

2011-03-24T19:48:00.006-04:00

Thank you Misi for hosting such fun ideas. You all know from Tuesdays post that I bought a new large piece that of course caused me to re arrange things. This morning it dawned on me I moved my scavenger spot!!!!
I thought about drooping out but decided it was worth it to drag the black table back to its original spot to take pictures each week!! LOL..I believe this hunt may be addicting!!

This week I needed a childs chair.

A Piece of Blue willow.

.A wooden toy boat.

A colonial picture of boy and girl.

A corn dryer.

A metal/tin tree.

A yoke...unfortunately I only had the kind found in my morning egg!

Looking forward to the next list.

Tuesdays chain

2011-03-22T08:31:00.015-04:00

I just love Tuesdays! The theme for today is * Recently Acquired *. Oh is this perfect for me. I love to shop/hunt call it what you will ,I call it joy!
Be sure to head over to Gable House Musings to see what everyone else posts.
Saturday My husband picked up a new to me piece from a Local shop. Homestead Primitives. It is a wonderful shop in Fitchburg that has introduced quality second hand/antiques and such to compliment what her shop already carried. click on the name to see the store.

It is a large piece and holds so much. I have a outdated stereo that is a eye sore but works so why replace it. Look how great I have just about hidden it.
I went to a antique shop with my Mom and "found" this reproduction redware dish and a redware mold shown here.
And at another stop this great basket.
I found this beautiful butter churn, well bought rather than found but the price was good!!

Look at this wonderful sign I recieved from Barbara English owner of the Gingham Goose in Rochester Ma. It means the world to me.

Click Gingham goose for more info.
what a great week but one more treasure...

I got a package from Misi. Look at the BEAUTIFUL wax fruit she sent. I LOVE it!!!! be sure and click on her store link when you head over. Thank you so much Misi for this wonderful gift as well as hosting these fun chains for all of us. xox

Scavenger Hunt Week 1

2011-03-10T20:11:00.012-05:00

I am so excited to join in on 1980 Gable House Musings scavenger hunt.
Thank You Misi for hosting and adding such fun for us bloggers.

The list for week one

Old Jar of Garden seeds
Faceless Rag/Cloth Doll
Homespun Pillow Case – (adult bed size or larger)
Pastry Roller
Doll Bed
A piece of old Ironstone Pottery/Dishware
**********************************************************************************
Old jar with seed packets ( and seeds that will hopefully take this spring!)
Pastry roller

faceless dolls...made these to remeber my grandparents.

Homespun pillow cases...love these!

doll bed

Iron stone platter

Looking forward to seeing everyones post and can't wait till the next list comes out.

I am still here

2011-03-02T08:54:00.018-05:00

I am sorry I let so much time go by since my last post. It has been a busy month for me working with A Primitive Place Magazine. I love it ,not complaining just the reason I have not posted.
I was lucky enough to be chosen the "winner" of Misi's give away with my last post which made me feel more guilty when I have skipped the last 3 weeks. I will post a picture once I receive it.

I went out with Linda Behind my red door to a shop new to me,Mill Town Primitives. I had heard much about it but never made the trip.

These are the only pictures I took but if you click on Linda's blog title it will bring you over to her . She took many great shots inside as I shopped and talked. Two of my specialties. There were many things I would have loved to bring home and I do plan on going back. This is what I did leave with.
The little pillow to put on my bed and the wool tool. I have a set already but as most people now know I do not like to have just one of anything! Here is the set I already have displayed with wool. I will do another display like this for my bedroom near a make do chair.
On another trip out with my mother I picked up these great cups and saucers.
I love consignment . many stores are doing it now and it is wonderful. I scored all 4 pieces for 14.00.Yes can you believe it!!
This is my latest project.

I love to be thrifty but splurged with the paint. I love how every ones things are turning out so I had to. However at these prices I bought the steps one At a time and waited. The pepper corn(black) and toner at one shop set me back 51.00 then the chipping cream 16.95 finally the pumpkin paint 33.50. I only paid 20.00 for the table I am painting!!! I love it but will not be re investing ..just to rich for my blood.

Wow does the toner change the look!! It looks great but was it worth the money???

I also picked up this old little kitty. I just couldn't resist the sweet face.
Hope you all are well. I look forward to going and catching up on your blogs.

Tuesday chain

2011-01-25T10:56:00.012-05:00

Once again I am joining in on Tuesday chain hosted by Misi. Please click on her name to take you over to her blog. After reading her great post ,scroll down to the comments to see all the other great blogs taking part.

It is such a great theme this week....my obsession? I have so many!!! I wanted to come up with something I have not shared before.
I live in a small old town. Ashby was first settled in 1676 and was officially incorporated in 1767.

This makes for wonderful yard sales. I happened upon one and became good friends with the family. I have since attended weddings and baby showers of the family members...yes the friendship is the best find at the yard sale.
The Father in law has since passed on so I guess the couple who are older with their children raised with children felt it was time to clean out the home a bit.
I have bought many things over time from them but the post cards are my favorite.
I bought them in a large zip lock bag but keep them in this old jewelry box I have.

They are from the father in laws childhood and are written on the back. From a wonderful time when people cared enough to send a greeting to loved ones.

This is one of my favorites because my parents had and loved their Ford Model T

I love the sentiment on this one..

They span over a few years as seen by the calender backing on one and the post mark on another.

Hope you enjoyed seeing these as much as I enjoyed sharing them. Enjoy your day,stay warm and safe.

Tuesday chain

2011-01-18T15:50:00.011-05:00

It is time again to take part in MISI"S chain.Just click on her name to take you over,check her comments and enjoy.
This weeks theme is stitched with love. I am looking forward to seeing all the wonderul items people post.
I have choosen a stitchery Pillow I, recieved as a Birthday gift from Kris.any know her from her blog (click on her name) APP forum as well as the wonderful crafts she does in A PRIMITIVE PLACE magazine. I love the colors ,she did a wonderful job!

I also have one done by another dear friend who isn't on line. I love stitcheries but it is not something I make.
Here is just 2 items my mother has stitched up for me....
a little pillow I made.
I made a wool runner for the blanket chest at the end of our bed and added a special little touch...
I'll leave you with a very special stitched with love item. Hospice was kind enough to use my fathers clothes to make night shirts for a little bear for each of us. It means the world to me.
It is a cold snowy/icy day at my home. All but hubby are safe at home. I hope you are warm and safe and surrounded by love.

My latest finds....

2011-01-16T23:43:00.012-05:00

Just wanted to share a few new to me treasures. last week I ended up at a consignment shop I do not usually go to due to it's location. I "found" this wonderful piece. I call it a cutting board I have also seen it called a peel....I just know I love it. The patina is so warm.

Another wonderful addition was a love present from my husband. He said when he saw it he knew I would love it..... He was right!!!
Here is a close up so you can see the texture....
Today my daughter went out hunting with me. We enjoyed the day together so my items are just a bonus...I found these 2 little lights quite reasonably priced at a consignment shop. I seem to have a weakness for lighting. I am happy to have bought them but will admit I have many lamps and electric candles tucked away in closets and cabinets...lol I am sure I am not alone.

As I paid for them I spotted across the room hanging from the ceiling( which is why I had originally walked by without seeing it)this wonderful piece...

I feel like I have seen one before but have not had luck on my on line search...if you know who sells them please let me know. I would love to know how well I did.

The last thing I wanted to share is best described as making lemon aide from lemons! I had seen dried carrots at a photo shoot I was on back in October. I loved them however when I searched on line and saw what the sell for I couldn't get past what I pay for fresh carrots in the grocery store. I decided I would just put them on a cookie sheet in a low temp over. I then went off to bed. I dreamed of fresh baked bread and then finally awoke to the entire home smelling of baked bread...quite yummy smelling.However it was way to long as the carrots look like this...
I am kinda quirky and think they look neat so I put them in a old blue canning jar and added them to my buttery!
Until next time,Thanks for stopping by.

Tuesday's display chain

2011-01-11T23:51:00.009-05:00

Once again the Tuesaday display chain hosted by Misi has begun. Be sure to stop on over at Gables house Musing and read the comments to find others taking part.
I have been meaning to post all day but am under the weather so time had gotten away from me.
Although I have yet to officially decorate my home for a Valentines theme,here are a few Hearts around my home.

This one is a favorite heart. It has a baby picture of my Mother on it.

I am Blessed to share my life with my true love and to be reminded of it each day as I drive down my street.....

Sneak Peek at the Spring issue

2010-12-29T15:40:00.014-05:00

The magazine is off to the printers.Anticipation is growing. Here is a sneak peek ....

Merry CHRISTmas

2010-12-22T09:20:00.003-05:00

The angel said to them , Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.
For to you is born this day in the town of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10

Wishing you a safe ,happy and most of all Blessed Holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T15:46:00.008-05:00

I wish you all a wonderful day. My hope is that you have a safe place to be with plenty to eat and many to love.
I am so Thankful for many blessings in my life. Wonderful friends made on line. Great blogs to peek inside others lives and to learn so much from them.

I am Thankful for the magazine and it's success.

The wonderful time I spend with Linda, Bonnie and Ashley. The amazing homes and people we meet.

I am Thankful that my Thanksgiving will include my daughter and Her wonderful girlfriend Jess.I miss them so much when they are away at College but so Thankful they can get a great education.

I am thankful for silly things like my favorite t.v. show still being played today on this holiday.

Thankful for a remote so I can switch back and forth to the dog show....

The secret to happiness is being happy with what you have.
I have always been a "glass half full" kinda gal but I must say, I really believe my cup runs over.

Tuesdays chain post....

2010-11-16T11:37:00.010-05:00

Once again it is Tuesday...Misi's theme this week is" You light up my life". One of my favorite songs from youth as well a a perfect theme for this time of year.
Not only is it dark a bit earlier but the chilly temps have me back into my routine of a hot evening bath by candle light. Such a treat after a long day.
Here are a few shots around my home.
I enjoy the electric candles. beauty without fear of fire. They make so many different styles now but the ones with the fine silicone tip is m favorite.

I also love the plug in ones to light a spot.

This mirror sconce is a favorite of mine and comes to life with the flicker of a real candle.I.t holds only one but is reflected a few times.

What better than a scented candle to fill the home with a welcoming aroma.

Hope you enjoyed my lights, I am off to see all of yours.

Display chain

2010-11-09T13:56:00.006-05:00

I missed taking part in the chain last week and didn't want to skip another week.
I have just begun to pull out my crafts from last year in order to prep for this years fairs. I am hoping it will lift my spirits and put me in the right frame of mind for the up coming Holidays.
My father passed away May 2 and I am feeling like I would like to skip all the traditional holidays. It feels like with out him why bother.
I know it is normal to feel this way and I do know the true reason I celebrate is the birth of my savior Jesus Christ. I am reminded of his love every day.
We have had cold temps ,frost and snow already but as I looked out my window this morning I saw Gods work.

There was a beautiful Clematis blossom. It is on a vine that looks dead next to hydrangeas burned by frost.

To me this is a God wink. a reminder that to everything a season.
I am grateful my father is no longer suffering and I am grateful I had so many wonderful years with him. I am just human and miss him dearly.

Well back to the chain , here are a few crafts of mine.

I will be pulling out my supplies and sewing up mice and bears and all that is wonderful for a holiday fair. I will put on a happy face and remember how truly blessed I am.
Thank you for allowing me to share my good days and hard days. I am blessed to have you all as friends.

Thankful thoughts....

2010-10-31T21:44:00.006-04:00

I am following along with Linda's theme of Thankful thoughts. Please click on her name to head over to her blog. Others taking part will leave a comment as a map.
I am Thankful that I have a little one to keep the fun of Halloween alive at my house.
Wonderful decorations for my refrigerator....

The pumpkin that he drew the face and momma carved....

I am Thankful that I live in a small town that is family friendly . Trick or treat is held on main street. It is well lit and police are present. We all donate candy to be distributed among the homes so it is fair and safe.
I am most Thankful that My Mother is able to be such a big part of our life and share in the special memories we make.

If you love a child .......

2010-10-29T22:21:00.002-04:00

I just came across this wonderful blog post. It brought tears to my eyes as it is so wonderfully written. If you have a child in your life please read these words and share them. I am printing it out to share with my kids.
It is just so important our children know they are loved unconditionally. Life is harder today than we can even understand. Days of "slam books " that only caused hurt are so little to what kids face in life today.
So please click on the word blog to take you to that great post and hug your child...so many no longer can.

Tuesday's chain #5

2010-10-25T20:08:00.012-04:00

I am so pleased it is once again Tuesday.Time for Misi's chain.
I am looking forward to reading every ones post.
On the off chance someone reading mine today is unfamiliar with this chain, click on Misi's name and it will take you to her blog.Once there, you read the comments as a map of where to go.

Today's Theme is Souvenir. I instantly knew what I wanted to share.
My husband is my first love. We went to school together and we became boyfriend and girl friend in Jr High.
Here we are ...

And at my sister's wedding

Okay you are wondering where I am going with this post I am sure.
Well as with most young love, stuff happens and you part ways.
Once reunited we knew it was a forever love and we married.

On our wonderful day my niece presented us with a beautiful home made card. Beth colored a wedding cake on the front, so sweet. Inside held this SOUVENIR she had found days earlier in the pond in front of my parents home.It was the coin we made at the amusement park so many years ago as young lovers. Now mind you the pond is large and people boat on it daily. The odds of finding this in it 13 years later...I can't imagine. To me this was a God wink. Letting me know this is truly a blessed union.

It is hard to see in the picture but means the world to us . We keep it framed for safe keeping.

Well Thanks for letting me share my love story...like all marriages there is good days and bad ,sickness and health. I am so Blessed to share it with this man.

I am very Thankful

2010-10-24T22:20:00.003-04:00

I am following my good friend Linda's suggestion to post weekly what I am thankful for .
Today is my wonderful husbands birthday. I am so Thankful he was born.I am thankful that I share a life with him and that he is the father of my children.

I am thankful my mother could be with us while we celebrated.

Although I missed our daughter today I am Thankful she is able to go to college.

I am very Thankful to be blessed with wonderful friends that bring such happiness in my life.
I am thankful that you cared enough to read this post.

Tuesdays display chain #4

2010-10-19T09:34:00.007-04:00

Misi chose the theme of make do for today. It will be fun to see all the wonderful things people will show . Please pop over to 1890 Gable House Musing blog and join in or check the comments to see where to go to enjoy the post's.
This is a hard one for me, but still wanted to take part. Here are the make do chairs I made.

They aren't the best display pictures just what was already on my computer.
My reason for not skipping today's post was I wanted to Thank Misi for the wonderful sign. I won the first give away which happened to take place on my birthday.

It is beautiful!! The quality of her work is just wonderful. Please take the time to visit her selling blog . You to will be delighted with her work.
I am off to see what everyone else has shown. Enjoy your day.

Tuesday display

2010-10-12T08:08:00.011-04:00

It is Tuesday and once again I will be joining in Misi's chain. The theme she picked for this week is 2 color. Hmm??? What to pick.
My first thought that came to mind was the two colors that seem to be all around this time of year. The red and yellow of Bittersweet.

The same colors found in Red Ware...

But then I decided to share the excitement going on in my home instead.
We have lived here for just over 11 years and my bedroom is finally being repainted. I have had every other room in the house painted some even a few times. Earlier this year My husband painted the down stairs and I loved the color combination so much that I chose the same colors for my room as well.

so my two colors will be Martha Stewart's Bone folder and snail shell.

Hope you will pop by 1890 Gable House Mussing and join in the fun. I find myself wishing it was Tuesday quite often these days.

fall pics

2010-10-08T08:17:00.006-04:00

Today's weather is off to a wonderful start. Although I am very thankful for the much needed rain. I am so delighted to see the sun shinning brightly today.
Here are a few shots taken at a local farm stand.

Hope you enjoy this wonderful Autumn day.

Display chain #2

2010-10-05T10:15:00.005-04:00

Once again,I am taking part in Misi's ,1890Gable House Musisngs, display chain.
This week the theme is something only you could love.This brought many things to mind. I first considered the Tennyson's Birthday book I have, the cover is no longer fully attached. The birthday dates in it are all around 1874, there is a little photo of a female tucked inside. such a neat personal item I had to have it.
Next I thought of the little leather bound Bible I have from 1890. Well loved well read. The original owners name inside. However I think we all have a love for these old treasures and the history they hold so I needed a more personal item . I decided to use my Teddy bear. The feeling I get when I see him brings tears to my eyes. He now wears baby clothes to keep his stuffing inside. Baby booties on his feet. I keep him in my hope chest at the end of my bed for safe keeping. As a child I spent every day loving him. I remember playing cowboy's and Indians with him and using lipstick to make the marks where the arrows got him. His tummy wore away to nothing so he has a New pink fur tummy just to keep him in tack. He also has a patch sewn on by my oldest sister to keep is neck closed. It is funny how much you can love a object but I do. If we had a fire and I knew my family was safe outside, this is what I would want to save. In this photo he sits in my childhood rocker my father bought for me.

Tuesday's display chain

2010-09-28T09:27:00.009-04:00

I am following Misi's lead with a Tuesday display chain. I loved hers and hope you too will join in the fun.

I hope you enjoyed these few shots from around my home. I am looking forward to seeing yours. Be sure to link back to Misi's blog so we can all enjoy them.

Walker Homestead show

2010-09-26T08:01:00.010-04:00

I had the best time. I went to the show in June and it was great however the show yesterday was even better!!! I can hardly wait till the next time. The writing is on the wall as far as I am concerned that this will be "the show to go to" in MA.
Well worth the trip if you need to travel to it.

I went yesterday as part of the APP staff to judge the best booth. Sounds easy until you see just how wonderful each booth was. Everyone did an amazing job.
I am never good at taking pictures but that is magnified when I am with my friends who take a billion pictures. I think oh I will just look at the ones they take.
Not a good decision if you want to blog!

Here are what pictures I did take....

My pictures do not do the show justice and are only a few random shots of what was there.
I loved sitting at the A Primitive Place table and watching the people go by with all the great purchases. Kristine , the Editor came out from North Dakota for the show as well as Kris , the project coordinator coming from Ohio. The rest of us are from Ma. It was wonderful being together are only regret was that Dan couldn't join us. There is always next year.

Sutton Antique show

2010-09-18T15:11:00.013-04:00

Today I went to the Sutton Antique Fair. Although it is in it's 5Th year it was my first time to go. It will not be my last!
I took the back roads and it was a lovely drive. I passed through Sterling which was having their town wide yard sale. I was in a hurry but something made me turn around and check the table set up on the common. It was your basic yard sale, coffee mugs,mismatched dishes, Christmas ornaments. Then I spotted this large wooden bowl. As I inquired the price I saw six pewter goblets. I just love them and at 6.25 for all it was worth the stop.

Back on the road again. I had never been to Sutton before but enjoyed the ride there . I saw many pretty homes along the way and spotted tree's just starting to turn.
Fall is in the air. I pulled on my jean jacket as I got out of the car. First time I have needed it .
The common was beautiful and the booths were wonderful.

I ran into a few old friends and made some new ones.

These are the treasures I came home with.

I spent a WHOLE LOT MORE than I did at that yard sale ,however I am very happy with what I found.
I have never seen such a small jug like this one. The bottom is signed and dated. On the front is a 2, R R Norton & co, worcestor Mass

I love the finish on the stool and the little draw in front.
The red ware piece is a Turtle creek piece, better known as David T. Smith.

If you ever get a chance to go to this show , my thoughts are you should!!
Hope you enjoyed your Saturday.

Brimfield week

2010-09-09T06:12:00.010-04:00

Took my Mother to Brimfield yesterday. Her first time and she wasn't disappointed.Show runs through the 12th so if you can make it,it is a wonderful experience.
Here are a few booths that stole my heart.

What a beautiful quilt , just one of many we saw.

My latest finds

2010-09-06T08:40:00.008-04:00

I went to my favorite flea market yesterday with my husband. I haven't gone often this season but He suggested we go and I am so glad he did!
WE left at 6 a.m. coffee in hand and wearing a sweat shirt. Finally a cool day.
Not much action going on at first probably due to the holiday. My favorite seller, Zack. He has a van he parks in the same spot and then walks around looking at other tables. This makes his followers crazy with anticipation. They all circle his van until he shows up ,opens the back and as he starts to take out boxes they take them from him and start digging. It is crazy. My first time there I stood back and watched in amazement. Now I dig in knowing "You snooze,You loose".
I have been buying from him for some time now so I know to collect all I find and wait until he is ready and ask for a price.Many yell to him or ask item by item.Not the way to do it. My loot this week cost me 20.00. I love that guy!!!

We put the box in my car and walked around some more. I spot these 2 chairs and am in love. I casually walk over and look at the tag. 35.00 okay I would pay that for each chair they are in great condition. a little Murphy's soap and a swipe of restore a finish and they will be perfect. The man says I will take 20.00, I then realize he means for both!!! Woo Hoo I got that bill out so fast.

I get them loaded in the car thinking we are leaving and Robert says let's take one more stroll. You see although we are there as the gates open all the dealers straggle in and so you have to go a few times to see everyone.
I spot a set up with a great old wood cabinet. wonderful but big and I have no place for it. It makes me head over to it only to spot a mirror covered in dirt so much I cannot see how the glass is.It had been pulled out of a old barn the day before. They had at one time started to strip it but there is texture left. Great lines on the frame . He says 10.00 hmmm ( I want it!!) I say well let me see what else you have and spot a nice little table that is solid wood and just needs to be polished he says 15.00 so I say 20.00 for both...Sold.

I had such great luck but I guess my great find of the day was a brown wool blanket in excellent shape. I paid 25 cents for it. Oh how I love the flea market.

2010-09-06T08:40:00.001-04:00

Simple Primitive Devotion: Prim Challenge: Favorite Collections!#links#links#links

2010-09-02T11:15:00.000-04:00

Simple Primitive Devotion: Prim Challenge: Favorite Collections!#links#links#links

Wonderful Wool

2010-09-01T18:11:00.024-04:00

Boy oh boy has it been hot. Sunday we brought our daughter Allison to college. What a hot and humid day to be moving. This is our oldest so we had no idea what was in store. Hurry up and wait seemed to be the theme of the day. Although she had a set move in time so did so many others. We loaded her items into a big bin and then waited in a line that went at a snails pace. They provided cold water thankfully.

After getting things into her room we toured the campus and then enjoyed a B.B.Q.

I will miss her but know this is a great fit for her.
My boys started school, one on Tuesday and the oldest today. However they came home with notes sating due to the heat they will be dismissed early tomorrow.They already had Friday and Monday off so it leaves one thinking why did they go in before Labor day????
Fortunately I made the most of my freedom....I mean free time ;) today. I picked up my Mom and we headed to our favorite quilt shop. The Quilted Crow in Boxborough.What a wonderful shop, a wool lovers dream.They have a great selection of Punch needle supplies and beautiful fabrics.

As you can see it is a wonderful shop. Please visit it if you can and if you are to far away be sure to check out the web site.
I of course did my part to stimulate the economy. I was able to pick up the new book "Comfort Zone" by Maggie Bonanomi. I picked up some wonderful wool to start a project from the new book as well as 3 fat quarters for another project.

What a wonderful time we had there so we headed over to my favorite Antique shop next.

So many wonderful things to see and covet there.
We headed out to lunch and then home to to greet the boys.

I had a great visit with my friend Linda last week. We headed off to a few great shops in my area. Linda blogged about our day and mentioned my home. This made me think I should post a few pictures.
My dining room is my favorite room in the house. It is bright and a favorite spot to do handy work

A few shots of my living room.

The hallway in the kitchen to the bath .
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My most used room,the bathroom.

Hope you enjoyed the tour.
It was nice to see a few new followers this past week.Thank you to all of you that follow me.

How I spend a rainy day

2010-08-23T11:45:00.005-04:00

We are blessed with much needed rain. What a perfect opportunity
to transform this........

Into this.....

this is a close up..

The stencil is Moses Eaton Leaves...I bought mine at the Seraph. I am using Bark brown and sandstone stencil paint.
Hope you are enjoying your day.

How is your summer?

2010-07-22T08:06:00.011-04:00

I just wanted to pop in and say Hello. The summer seems to be flying by.
It has been a warm one for sure. I have spent the last three weeks at the skate park with one more week to go until skate camp is over. I am making the most of my time there. I bring along my "hooking" and get alot done in the 3 1/2 hours.

I will start my turkey today.

With summer reading a must , my seven year old got his own library card this week and checked out his own books. Very exciting!

Last week end was our wedding Anniversary. We had planned a year ago that we would go back and walk the rail road tracks. This is where we lost my promise ring 30+ years ago. How romantic...well it was all over grown and in the process we came across the skull of a dog as well as a decaying skunk. I knew going we would never find the ring but how sweet my husband was to suggest we look. We did bring home something to remember the day.

On Sunday we went to the flea market. It is only the second time I have made it there this season. I hope to get back in the swing of weekly trips.
Here is just a bit of what i found.

I was able to get the 3 crocks and bowl for 25.00!!! Whoo hoo that is a great buy.
I saw this and for some reason loved it. The feel of the wood aged so smooth. I do not know what it is..I was thinking maybe to use with flax? Hopefully someone will know and tell me. I added it to a group of stuff so I do not have a price I paid for it but it wasn't much. What will I do with it??? well put it next to the rail road spikes I have nothing to do with!! LOL...

We had a Birthday to celebrate on Sunday. Happy Birthday Eric, we love you.

Yesterday was spent with good friends. Enjoying good food and making wonderful memories. As we left her home I spotted this sweet little fellow .I think he may have been the velveteen rabbit.

My hope is that you all are making the most of your summer. Thank you for stopping by.

Walker Homestead Show

2010-06-19T19:02:00.010-04:00

I picked up Bonnie this morning and we headed out to the show. Along the way we stopped at Primitive Thyme's in Spencer. It was so nice to catch up with Karen. The shop was beautiful as always. I saw several things I would have loved to bring home with me but knew I needed money for the show.

We then headed off to the "Simple treasure's from the past... " show at Walker Homestead . The weather was beautiful. The sun was shining brightly and although it was hot there was a nice breeze that blew just when I needed it most.

We walked around and talked with the vendors . I was so happy to meet Doreen Frost of Vermont Harvest Folk Art I love her work and it is even nicer in person if that is possible.

There were so many wonderful things to see and I wish I could have bought it all. Here are a few shots I took but I admit I am not good at this I just looked and enjoyed instead of snapping pictures. The good news is Bonnie is a pro and will blog all about the wonderful day we had.Click here to Go over to the APP Blog.

This is the back of the shop/home....

The gardens are beautiful and you can purchase plants as seen here.

There was so many wonderful vendors. They are listed on the walker homestead site. Here is just a sneak peek at what I saw.

I loved this dry sink. I wasn't surprised to see it hauled away by the lucky new owners.

I did buy a few items. This make do shelf made by Primitives by Maria.It is painted a nice prim green.

The red heart is made by Jo-Ann Helbig of Leyden MA. I bought 2 one for my Mother and one for me.
The other items came from Richmond House of CT. The quilt is new but she aged it well.

We left hot tired and happy.
We drove home talking and reliving the events of the day and passed many yard sales until I spotted one with quilts and did a quick U-turn. They were a bargain and came home with me.

It was a wonderful time and I am looking forward to next years show. This was a "lame" attempt to capture the day so be sure to head over to APP and get the Professional version!!
Thanks for another great time Bonnie.

Graduation

2010-06-05T10:27:00.007-04:00

Last night was Allison's Graduation. I can't believe it is behind us. It was a wonderful time . Thank you for allowing me to show a few family pictures and than I will be back to thinking "Prim".
I love this picture. It brings back memories of when my older sister Graduated high school.

After the ceremony we headed back home for a little party before she headed off to Project Graduation.

Last week a friend posted on a board and asked to show displays with a wooden bowl.I took a few shoots but only posted one. I thought I would share the rest with you.

Enjoy your weekend!
xox

I am so proud....

2010-05-14T09:56:00.006-04:00

This morning was the top 25 student breakfast at my daughters high school.
I have been to college visits, mailed out my first payment to the college she has chosen and yet it hasn't seemed real. Today hearing "Think back to September of 1997, all the misty eyes as you sent your child off to Kindergarten and now they graduate in 3 weeks..." That is when it hit me...my little girl is growing up. Although there are so many new wonderful things to look forward to , things will never be quite the same.
Allison is a wonderful girl that still asks if she can go places and when she should come home. Soon she will make all her own decisions and not even sleep under my roof. Yes this is a normal part of growing up but I can't help but wish she would stay at home and be my little girl forever.

There are many reading this that have already experienced this and understand just how I feel. There are also many just starting out with their little kids. Remember to treasure the time for it is true , it will pass quicker than you truly can ever imagine.

punched tin lights

2010-05-12T11:43:00.005-04:00

Eleven years ago when we built our home I was lucky enough to buy tin lights from Irvin's tin ware
Although I often look at newer light fixtures and drool I still love my original choices. My husband complains they do not give off enough light but just look at the way the light dances off the ceiling.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

2010-05-05T08:04:00.005-04:00

I am sorry to say my father passed away. I am very thankful that the people who loved him most were with him. It was a wonderful loving end to a very special man.

Charles Stillman Fitch

Birth & Death Dates:
11/5/1932 - 5/2/2010
Obituary:
Charles Stillman Fitch, 77, beloved husband of Constance Elsie (Petterson) Fitch died May 2nd at his home in Ayer, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 5, 1932, a son of the late Andrew C. Fitch and Edith G. (Cambridge) Fitch. He was a graduate of the New England Institute, Class of 1955. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953 as an Airman in the Korean War. Prior to his retirement, he was the owner and operator of the H.L. Farmer Funeral Home in Ayer for twenty-five years and was affiliated with the Healy Funeral Home for the past twenty years. An avid sportsman, he was a member of the Townsend Sportsmen’s Club and Past President of the Ayer Rod and Gun Club. Always active in the community, Charlie was a member of the Fitchburg-Leominster Shrine Club, Norbeagro Encampment #70, the Boylston Lodge AF & AM, the Caleb Butler Lodge AF & AM, Lowell Lodge of Perfection, Lowell Council Prince of Jerusalem, Mt. Calvery Rose Croix, Mass Consistory 32 Degree, Aleppo Temple, Boston, W.P. Ida McKinley Chapter #86 O.E.S. Master, Ayer Grange #200, Fredonian Lodge IOOF, and the Mary A. Livermore Rebekah Lodge. An antique car aficionado, he was a member of the Yankee Ingenue”T”s of Townsend, MA. Besides his wife of 53 years, Charlie is survived by his daughters; Mrs. Heidi Ferguson and her husband Harold of Hanover, ME, Ms Connie MacKinnon of Ayer, MA, Mrs. Audrey Hanna and her husband Robert of Ashby, MA, eight grandchildren; Elisabeth Ferguson of Houston, TX, Daniel Ferguson of Auburn, ME, Angela, Andrew and Amanda MacKinnon of Ayer, MA and Allison, Robert and Matthew Hanna of Ashby, MA, a sister, Mrs. Betty Pletschke of Leominster, and a brother John C, Fitch of Farmington, N.H. He was the brother of George A. Fitch and Richard W. Fitch, who pre-deceased him.
Visitations:
Calling hours will be held Thursday, May 6th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Healy Funeral Home.
Services:
His funeral service will take place Friday, May 7th at the Healy Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m.
Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make memorial contributions in his name to Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice, 2 Shaker Rd. Suite D225, Shirley, MA 01464-2525.

A primitive place magazine

2010-04-23T20:34:00.003-04:00

What a exciting night. The cover of the new magazine was revealed. I am sure there must have been a lot of confused family members as we all squealed in delight.
In case you are not familiar with A primitive place group there is a picture on the side bar of my blog that will bring you to it when clicked on.
It is a great site with so many things to offer. The beautiful home tours being my favorite. Now they are starting a magazine. I cannot wait to hold it in my hands and be able to get lost in the pictures no matter where I am. The kids ball games, the doctors office (I always bring my own reading material as they always seem to have out dated materials.)or my very favorite , cuddled up in my bed.
The first issue will be out in August . It will feature 5 wonderful never before seen homes. That's all I needed to hear but it also will have decorating ideas, wonderful gardens , recipes crafting tutorials and trash to treasure.
A one year subscription ( 4 issues) $32.00
They even offer a single issue for purchase. I was happy at the convenience of paying by pay pal. I knew right away my order was in. They have other payment options as well.
Please go over to the site and check it out for your self.
http://www.aprimitiveplace.org/
I am sure you will not regret it. Now I will try and not wish the time away even if I am quite excited.

new shelves my husband built me.

2010-04-19T17:25:00.007-04:00

I have never quite liked this wall and change what is on it often. After going to a new friends home and seeing her shelf I knew it would be perfect for this area.

The wall is a off the kitchen and leads to the bathroom.
It is a perfect area to put all my collections.

I just love it and it took me all of 5 minutes to get it filled up!
Here is a picture of my favorite shelf. My husband built for me years ago.

I tend to move things often or repaint them but this has stayed the same since day one.

I read on Linda's blog where she picked items to describe herself. She ended it with "what would you be?" so here are my answers.

If I were a gem stone I would be a Sapphire. True blue perhaps under valued to some but priceless to many.

If I were a scent I would be clove, to remind you of home baked love.

If I were a pair of shoes I would be sneakers, comfortable but able to climb any hill.

If I were the weather I would be a crisp fall day

If I were a facial expression I would be a smile to welcome all friends new or old.

If I were a car I would be a Model T, reliable yet moving at a pace to truly enjoy the ride.

If I were a time of day I would be late afternoon, the hustle and bustle are over but there is still time to sit and visit.

If I were a month I would be September. Still holding the promise of a new beginning engraved in us from our childhood school days.

If I were a place I would be home, after all there is no place like home.

If I were a liquid I would be a hot cup of tea. My mother always told me a hot cup of tea can chase your troubles away. ( and yes that cup would be half full)

If I were a taste I would be vanilla..sweet yet mild enough to please all.

If I were a animal I would be a small dog. Loyal, giving unconditional love .Unafraid to stand up to the bigger dogs.

If I were a food I would be a hearty soup, made up of so many different ingredients.

If I were a color I would be rainbow, reminding you of God's promise, of unity and acceptance of all.

If I were a instrument I would be a piano playing comforting gospel tunes.

If I were a flower I would be a hydrangea. Beautiful in fresh bloom and just as wonderful older and dried.

If I were a song I would be Amazing Grace.

If I were a planet I would be Earth.

If I were a object I would be a well loved Teddy bear ,thread bare full of a child's tears and secrets.

If I were a fruit I would be a blue berry, ready to protect your heart.

If I were a day of the week I would be Sunday. A day to reflect on the past week but full of promise for the upcoming week.

If I were a pattern I would be patch work, made up of all the people who have touched my life and made me who I am today.

If I were a sound I would be the wind, able to send sweet whispers as well as loud howls.

What would you be????

2010-04-06T08:46:00.007-04:00

I am sorry I have been quiet. I did try posting a few time but when I went back to edit they disappear. I am doing something wrong...my mind is cluttered so I am sure that is the problem.
Although I do not want to put sadness on my blog, it is only fair to let you know my father has lung cancer. We knew early on so it has been a long time. It is a blessing all the time we had but somehow fools you into thinking the end will not come. He is in the hospital to get the pain under control. I am off to be with him but wanted to pop in and thank you all for taking the time to read my blog. I will not be posting at this time but ask that you be here when I get back. I enjoy blogging . It is such a great feeling to post about shops or new items and know others care to read it. I will still be visiting your blogs when I can but just am too sad to write here.

I hope you all had a good Easter. The weather was beautiful in MA. We started our day coloring eggs at our back yard picnic table.

We then went off to my parents home. They live on the water and it is often cooler and windy but this day was perfect for a egg hunt.

I will now get creative and serve 5 dozen eggs in many different ways.

Saturday my daughters Destination Imagination team went to states. They came in first place. What a wonderful way to end it for them. I am so proud.

I know the kind of friends you are so I will thank you in advance for you prayers.Enjoy your day and remember to tell the ones you love , just how much they mean to you as no one is promised tomorrow.

wool cutter

2010-03-19T06:28:00.003-04:00

I just bought a wool cutter. I have made a few pieces using wool I cut into strips both with scissors and using a rotary cutter with ruler. However two weeks ago I bought a kit with pre cut strips and loved the ease of the perfect strips.
I checked on line prices for cutters. My favorite quilt shop said she would get me one . I was excited . Her price would save me money as it was cheaper than on line plus no shipping. Two weeks into it she called to say the price had gone up from 165.00 to 230.00 so she didn't get it with out my approval. Good! I went back online how ever it was now 230.00 there as well.

As I checked different sites I came across Green Mountain Hooked rugs.
There I found the same model at a much better price. I paid through pay pal . I am thinking how wonderful It is located in Vt , I could maybe have it by Saturday.
I had ordered it mid morning Wed and had a email at 1:05 that day saying it was being processed and would be mailed out that day.

Quite excited I visited a great quilt shop in N.H. I hadn't been to since before the winter. I looked at the beautiful wool ,wonderful patterns and made plans in my mind of future creations.
I then headed to a thrift shop to buy wool skirts, such a better value. I did well and headed home. When I arrived the mail had come and there was my cutter!! Barely 24 hours later !!! I am so delighted. So please if you Hook check out her site and know what great service you will receive.

Enjoy your day, I will spend mine cutting wool.

2010-03-17T21:22:00.004-04:00

Sorry it has been a bit since my last post. The painting continues and my house is upside down as a result. Areas that are done now contain all the "stuff" from the next paiting area. It will be worth it but somehow it just seems like we are making a mess.
I want everything done before I make my decissions of where to hang things, so I have only put one shelf back up.

I have been under the weather the past few days. I didn't leave my bed yesterday except to use the bathroom . I have some sort of bug and afraid I may have passed it along to hubby. Painting may have to be put on hold a few days.

I came across this wonderful blog. Michelle Palmer

Michelle is so talented and is haveing a great give away so be sure to check out her blog.
I hope you all had a nice St patrick's day. Hope you enjoyed corn beef and cabbage.None for us this year but we will make up for it next year.

What's going on at my home.

2010-03-01T12:06:00.009-05:00

Happy March 1 st. I can't believe it is here already. Yes I am getting spring fever. I realize more snow will come ,as it is only march but I feel spring will be here in no time now.
I have already signed up my youngest for T ball and Hubby has already been to softball meetings and indoor batting practice, so this is all the proof I need.
Robert, my husband loves his softball. He plays on 2 teams each season( was so glad when it became just 2 teams).
He has been playing since graduating high school. I have great memories of bringing babies to games. My daughter Allison was the team mascot and I made her a cheer leader outfit with matching coat in the team colors.
They won the championship that year and she was in the team photo that appeared in the news paper. She was just 3 and it seems like it was yesterday. However time gets away from me, she is in her senior year of high school and preparing for college.

Softball season starts early spring and goes to the fall. Anything I hope to get done, goes around softball. Our wedding date was decided around that years softball schedule!! Needless to say I have my husband repainting now . I knew if it was put off any longer it would not get done.
When we built the house the walls where linen white with white trim. After a few years I picked a yellow that I loved at the time. Now so many years later I am so over the yellow!
I picked a Martha Stewart color called Bone folder which is a warm white. I then picked snail shell which to me is the color of mud dried on my husbands boots...sounds pretty huh? I love it.
He will paint the tops white and put the darker on the bottom then add a chair rail. We have a colonial so the floor plan makes each room need to be the same to flow well.
I feel bad as it is a big job, but I am a very impatient , sloppy painter. Robert started in the small bathroom yesterday. It took all day.... it looks great!!!
Amazing the difference a little Patience can make.

What a difference. so bright and clean. It is a big job and I have so much to move out of the way . Gee I sure love "stuff"!!!
It is a perfect time to do this . We all seem to crave change as the seasons do.
This new clean look is a perfect way to start my spring.
I'll keep you updated on the changes.

Thrifty tip

2010-02-18T09:50:00.008-05:00

My close friends know I have "campaign taste on a beer pocket book..."
I can not get over the prices on some items. so when i can cut corners or make it myself I do. It may not be exact but the satisfaction of money saved is well worth it.
One thing I do, rather than buy my pillows pre made I make them. Yes I do sew but anyone can make these.
First find place mats that can be separated front from back.

On this one I cut a small slit in the back , stuffed and whip stitched close.

Table runners can be made the same way to use on benches as well as bolster pillows for the bed. The only important thing to remember is you must be able to separate the two sides.

for this one I carefully opened the hem stitch at the end of the runner, stuffed and whip stitched closed.

For those with a little sewing knowledge. It is much cheaper to buy Heirloom weavers place mats and sew a backing than to buy the beautiful pillows already made.
I bought a set of 4 place mats for 34.99 and then backed them with quality black wool. They came out great. These have been well used and hold up well.

Hope this tip helps you and inspires you to look at placemats with a new purpose.

stitcheries

2010-02-11T09:18:00.006-05:00

I had a comment from Christine asking about a stitchery shown in my last post.
I bought this and just love it.* Sorry It was hard to get these pictures without the flash and they are under glass.

I love this wool picture as well. It hangs over my bed.

I thought I would share this one that I recieved from my mother for Christmas. I love it because it makes me think of my Father. One of his phrases that touches my heart is..."the good Lord has been good to me".

My area was lucky to not get very much snow yesterday so I am off to buy my Valentines. Hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day! xox

Primitive Devotion: Prim Challenge: Shades of Brown#links#links#links

2010-02-04T14:32:00.000-05:00

Primitive Devotion: Prim Challenge: Shades of Brown#links#links#links

Prim challenge: shades of Brown

2010-02-04T13:46:00.015-05:00

I was on a great blog ,Primitive Devotion She was talking of her love for BROWN!!! I too love brown. Just this morning my children were teasing me that I only by brown clothes. You see they don't care what color I wear ,it is that I also buy brown for them .
We were discussing prom gowns and colors and of course I suggested BROWN!!!

Anyways I do have a lot of brown in my home. I posted Monday about blue and included a piece that I said I was about to paint. As luck would have it I choose a brown.

The post before that I showed my newest make do chairs.

I love the warmth of old wood items such as bowls and mashers....

Old baskets....

I love this corner with a old shop desk.

I could keep posting pictures but perhaps i am getting carried away. I will end with this great old saw I hung above a window along with a sign. I love it and people always coment on it when they visit.

I hope you to will join in on the brown challenge.

Blue Monday

2010-02-01T08:24:00.010-05:00

Well I finialy got the blue bug from Char.
Here are some of the blues I see in my home.
This beautiful quilt that just steals my heart.

Pillows made from a old blue coverlet

Old blue tool chest I found at a N.H. antique shop

My favorite crock full of my favorite dried flowers

These colorful stacked boxes, the blue just pops

stockings I just didn't want to put away yet

This piece I am getting ready to paint...now it is just a matter of what color????

Happy Monday friends.

Make do chairs

2010-01-25T12:15:00.010-05:00

Sunday I had a nice morning out with my husband. We headed up to Country Mischief. He had received a gift certificate from Gail's son after the completion of their new home as a Thank you.
We started off shopping . I just love seeing all the great things she has there.
I saw a simple make do chair that I really liked. They had just covered the seat and stuffed it as well as covering the back with fabric. It was darling and if I had extra money I would have brought it home but being a one income family of 5 I headed over to the fabric part of her shop and picked up some nice cloth instead.
We then had breakfast. I chose the Mushroom and Broccoli quiche. On the week end it comes with toast and home fries. I picked Cinnamon Raisin toast. It was thick and tasted like a Cinnamon roll. YUMMY!!!! I took the quiche home as after the toast and potatoes I was full.
We headed over to Primitives for Ewe next. Although I was looking for a item for a swap I didn't see anything for that but left with this beautiful table square.

It's called Angstsdt star #9 pattern. It is made by Family Heirloom weavers. I just love it and it is the colors of my furniture.
Later that afternoon took my son jean shopping. As we passed a Antique/consignment shop they had a few chairs outside just calling me. I quickly stopped paid and loaded them and came home to make my new chairs.
as some of you know I have made make do's before but with the high back and sides. I love them and do sit in them.

The difference with these chairs , not only can I just make them myself right away without waiting for wonderful hubby to cut the wood. They also fit anywhere.
I started by sewing reinforcement fabric around the seats in both directions. Probably not necessary but I did.

I then sewed the bottom fabric on. I stuffed the first one with raw wool for a comfy seat. I wrapped the back of the chair with cotton batting and stitched closed then added poly fill in side of it for more added comfort.

I then sewed my fabric on. I added wool patches for "looks.

I then did the second one. only difference is I stuffed the seat with poly fil for a more puffy look because of the fabric I choose.

I love them both and will spend today rearranging furniture to find just the right spot for them.
I hope you are all making the most of your Monday.

doll making

2010-01-20T09:14:00.019-05:00

First let me start by saying buying doll patterns is important!! It keeps wonderful people and companys going and there is knowledge in each pattern ,not just a traced doll.
With that said I have been sewing long enough to just make a pattern.
I was emailing with a friend who was quite interested by this so I decided to blog how I do it.

I trace a pattern onto freezer paper and cut out. I then trace the pattern onto fabric. I prefere osnaburg. I do not cut out the doll . I sew it and then cut out.

I turn out my doll and stuff the head and neck with pollyfil. It is important to stuff firmly but with small pieces so you will not get a lumpy head. Pay close attention to the neck area or your dolls head will sag in time.
I then stuff the rest of the body with fabric and wool scraps. This gives the doll a nice old weighted feel. I stuff the arms and feet with polly fil but only a 1/3 of the way. I want the doll to sit and be positioned well.
After attaching arms and legs I may stitch the face or leave plain depending on my mood.
I make up my "potion" ,Nestea sugar free instant tea, cinnamon and Vanilla. I like my dolls dark so I use about a cup of tea , 3 tbl cinnamon and 1/2 bottle of vanilla. I use a sponge brush to apply to doll making sure to cover well . If you miss a spot and touch up later it will show .
I bake my doll on a parchment lined cookie sheet in a 250 degree oven until dry. For my doll today I am making it black so I pour black paint into a disposible cup and add water. I mix well and apply to doll with a new sponge brush. I make sure to cover completely and then back into the oven to dry.
I then sand my doll. this ages it as well as softens the fabric.

I then apply my tea "potion" again to give her a warm color.

I then get my paint out and make eyes on my dolly.

While my face is drying I am going to age a small Bible I picked up at Dollar Tree for my doll. Although I felt a little uneasy about this I want my doll to be a wise older God fearing dolly who has loved and read her Bible each day so aging it was a must.
I firt sanded it and then applied stain. Let dry.

As you can see it makes quite the difference.

Now it is time for her dress. I lay my doll onto freezer paper again and trace her to create a bodice. ( top of dress)

I also trace pantaloons for my modest doll.

I cut out my bodice on a double fold. I also cut out 2 long pieces for the skirt bottm. I do hem my edges. It is my preference since I do not wear raw edges.

I sew two rows on the widest setting to gather my skirt. I choose to add scrim ( a fabric netting found in the drappery dept at your fabric store) on the front for the apron.

Once pinned to the bodice I sew a straight stitch. I pull out the long gathered threads. I then fold my dress right sides together and sew along the outside edges.

I now turn right side out and cut a slit in the neck. I dress her. and run a gather stich around the neck line. I also add hair now. I use raw wool.

I now make her bonnet. I take wool and fold in half. I hem the edges. I sew down the back and then the top triangle.

I attach on the sides of her head with rusty safty pins. I make a bag from wool to hold her bible. I use pins and tie jute for the bag handle. I added a pin with bell to the front and aso a key necklace.

All that is left now is to name her. I made this doll for a swap I am doing. It is going to a wonderful woman who is not as primitive as I am so I didn't "dirty" her dress. If she was for my home I would have tea stained her dress. However her clothing and bag are not as bright as it looks in these pictures.
I hope you enjoyed my doll makeing lesson. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

My dinning room

2010-01-11T10:44:00.007-05:00

I had a wonderful week end. Saturday I had a birthday party for my 7 year old son. He was happy and I lived through it.
Sunday I had a much needed time out with a friend. On our way to Sturbridge we made a unexpected stop at a little shop and ended up getting a tour of their home.
Bonnie took plenty of pictures and posted them on the APP blog
It was wonderful. I have been lucky enough to tour some wonderful homes but I go away with the same question each time. Where is their "stuff"?
I am the first to admit I am a pack rat. I come by it naturally. It runs in my family, however each home I covet has no extra "stuff". I truly believe I would be happier living like this. However actually purging ,I haven't been able to do. I blame it on having children . In truth they are not saying mom " please keep every art project I ever made." "You can't get rid of those toys , you are throwing my childhood away!!" Yet this is what I hear in my head.
I do not believe in New years resolutions as I feel each day is a new opportunity to be better. So I am going to re think what I can part with ,after all I believe if there was less stuff I would be able to enjoy what I have more.
On that note here is my dinning room. I love everything in it but it is a perfect example of having too much stuff!

Have you seen me???

2010-01-06T10:59:00.008-05:00

Hello friends. I am in search of a place that sells this star pottery. The store I would get it from is no longer around. It's only marking is a signature I can't make out and a odd stamp.

I just know someone out there knows the information and where I can add more to my collection.

This is what I have so far but would like more. I have it displayed on this hutch I picked up a couple of summers ago. I thought I would re paint it but out of laziness I haven't. It has grown on me so now I wonder if I should? I like the color because it is unlike what I have and everything pops on it but then I think maybe I should re do it so it is more me. What do you think? What color would you paint it?
Thanks for the help.

2010-01-03T19:11:00.007-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New year celebration.
We enjoyed time with the kids. Playing games and sipping sparkling cider.

It was a fun time that ended at 9 p.m. which is when we count down at the microwave and as it beeps we blow party horns and say Happy New Years!!!
Matthew doesn't realize how "lame" we are and Bobby is good enough not to say it.

On Saturday night we babysat a 3 month old wonderful boy. His daddy works with my husband. Allison and I were in HEAVEN!!! Oh how we love babies.
He was such a joy . He has the biggest eyes for a baby and looked to us like a BOO BAH.

Vacation is coming to a close. Back to our routine tomorrow. I am sad but am looking forward to getting the house back in shape. Like many of you I will be cleaning out closets and simplifying my home. It is amazing how much stuff has come in over the past year with not much leaving. I will group things to donate, give away to friends and just plain throw out what is not worth passing on.
I have projects on a note pad to get done and am looking forward to just getting a fresh start to the new year. I'll keep you [posted on my progress in hopes it will make me do it all!! LOL... Hope your week gets off to a great start.

My Happy Holiday

2009-12-28T08:47:00.012-05:00

I hope you all had a safe and Merry Christmas.
I am very Blessed that we had another great Christmas with My father. He is very sick but was able to spend time with us and we even snapped a few pictures. I love having family pictures but after losing his hair from chemo he isn't as comfortable with them.

Christmas eve we went to my mother in laws to exchange gifts. It was a nice time.

My children are ages 18, 14 and 6. I woke up to the 14 year old next to my bed and then heard the 18 year old stirring around so at 6 a.m I had to wake my 6 year old. Kids are funny I would have expected the 6 year old to be the first one up.
We headed down to see if Santa came....good news.
I let them look in their stockings but then we light the candles on the cake and sing Happy Birthday Jesus. Santa is fun but it is important to me that my children know the reason for Christmas.

We had some happy children that day.

Then it was off to my parents home. What a wonderful day.

Me with my sisters , I am on the right. and we got a great shot of all the grandchildren. They are growing up so fast.

My hope is this new year holds good health and joy for you all.

I just had to end with this picture of my baby girl with her daddy.

Scrooge anyone?

2009-12-19T21:47:00.017-05:00

Where does the time go? I have been getting up and getting my youngest off to school and then heading to my parents home all week. I have really enjoyed the time with them and am quite pleased to be able to help out. Still,Somehow it seems like where did the week go?

I did get over to my friends home for our Christmas exchange. Jacqui and I have been friends since we were 14 years old. We had such a nice time and she gave the most thoughtful gifts. Her home was decorated so nice for the Holidays. Jacqui just adores Scrooge...A Christmas Carol, and has been collecting this theme for some time. Her tree is full of the most wonderful unique Scrooge and Marley and all the others as well as beautiful other themed ornaments. She was kind enough to allow me to take a few pictures to share with you.
In her foyer she has a table with her minature Halmark tree and ornaments. We both purchased these together quite a few years ago. We have so many memories of Halmark shopping together and getting up early the day after Christmas to get 1/2 price ornaments. I didn't put mine out this year so I really enjoyed seeing hers.

As you enter her living room she has this wonderful cabinet that usally is full of Willow tree figurines but now for the Holidays host her Byers Choice figurines.

Jacqui has little displays all around her home. It is a good size place so it flows well and doesn't look cluttered.

This is the WE FOREST FOLK collection. I just adore them but they are just too expensive for me to buy. I dream of her tireing of them and passing them along but I don't see that happening! I am sure her daughter would get first dibs if she did.

This is her formal tree. Oh how beautiful.This picture doesn't do it justice.

This is the scrooge village displayed in her kitchen.

Well this is just a taste of her decorating. Her family room has another tree with colored lights and special family ornaments as well as her Anna Lee's collected over the years. I decided to end with this beautiful nativity that she recieved from her sister, baby Jesus will be added for Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you had a good week as well.

Let it snow

2009-12-09T13:07:00.010-05:00

Today is a snow day. I love having the kids home. We are lucky that Our school district called school last night so there wasn't any getting up early only to find out you can go back to bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday we went into Boston . We went to the presidents brunch at Simmons college. My daughter has been accepted there. She was awarded the deans scholarship which would pay 1/2 the tuition. How nice . She hasn't decided , but we went to check things out.
The high lite of the outing was afterwards we went to China town to eat. We found a place that served Korean food and really enjoyed it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas decorating is underway as Matthew decided to decorate my feather tree.

He was so proud of himself, I had to leave it like this. After all isn't this smile what Christmas is all about??

We finally got a tree. We chose to get a real one this year. It smells so good.

We decided to make the ornaments this year instead of pulling out the family ones.
Matthew and I made dough ones and cut them out in shapes of stars and mini gingerbread men. This is the recipe I used.

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup cinnamon
2 cups vanilla

I put it all in a zip lock bag and kneaded the dough inside the bag. I added a little extra vanilla till it was the right consistency. I then dusted the counter with cinnamon and rolled out the dough and cut to shapes. I used a tooth pick to add a hole for stringing and baked in oven at 300. time depending on size and thickness.
They smell heavenly!!

I thought we could make more ornaments today as we all are snowed in. However play station has won out and I am doing it myself. I made the candy cups out of Pete cups for gardening, I love all the different things you can do with these. I just added wire for hanging . tucked in a little red tissue and added gum drops .
My tree is sad but I am sure as the Holiday approaches the kids will come around and we will add to it.

Hope you all are making the most of your day.

A little Holiday decorating

2009-12-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

It's been a great week. Sunday was such a fun time out with friends and the rest of the week flew by. I went to the movies on Tuesday with a friend and saw A Christmas Carol 3D. It was good but ofcourse my favorite part of the movie was looking at the set loving the shelfs and scrooges bedding. It was Prim eye candy .
That night my hubby took me to see The Blind Side. That was excellent. I do not go to the movies often so 2 in one day was something!!

I have started to put some holiday touches around my home. I am not in any hurry for the big tree but I do enjoy greenery around.
This is the great bunch Bonnie gave me on Sunday. I love it in this wonderful old pitcher and bowl.

I made up this long wood box of faux fruit and greens for my dinning room table.

This table betwen the two front windows in my living room is always being tweaked. I guess because I am always looking at it. I started out with it like the picture in my header then I changed it to this..

It now looks like this..

Over at The pickled pepper patch I saw where Char spray painted her "too green" trees to prim them up..Thank you Char your ideas are amazing!!!
http://charsethman.blogspot.com/
I had this one that kept looking off to me so today I got out the spray paint
.

That looks so much better!!!
I found this wonderful wax dove at Primitives Thymes. It is so sweet.

I love this large old wooden bowl filleed with grennery and a candle. My Santa is a Greta Chirco-Sew be it doll.
Try hard and you can see the picture of me and my sister with santa when I was just 3. I treasure it.

I almost forgot to share my wonderful surprise from Hubby. They found these old glass bottles burried at a job site. I can't believe they are not broken or even cracked. This is the way they looked 5 minutes after getting them. I have them soaking to clean them up . This is just my kind of love present!!!

Hope your week is going well.

Some Christmas Thoughts , My version.

2009-12-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

I was reading over at "our really empty nest" http://ahrfamilyproperties.blogspot.com/

Some Christmas thoughts. I really enjoyed it so at the end when she asked others to join in I thought I would.

(1) What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I admit I am a junkie when it comes to watching all the Christmas movies . AbC family and Hallmark channel but to pick a favorite I would have to pick the animated " The Grinch who stole Christmas."
I loved it as a child and my older sister taped the audio on her tape recorder and I would listen to it before bed. It is something I still watch every year .

(2) What is your LEAST favorite Christmas movie?

Can't think of one

(3) What is your favorite Christmas Song?

And so this is Christmas is one of my very favorite.

(4) What Christmas song(s) drives you crazy?

That country song about buying the dying mom new shoes. I just can't handle it and cry . I have to turn the station!!

5) What is your favorite Christmas drink?

EGG NOG YUMMY!!!!

6) What is your favorite Christmas memory?

The year that i saw a beautiful doll at a craft fair with my mom but knew we didn't have the money for it....that Christmas morning it was under the tree. It still brings tears to my eyes.

7) What is the best toy/gift you've received on Christmas?

I have to be honest and say the gift of Our Lord and Savior
Not a toy but a true gift I hope you have accepted as well.

9) What do you LOVE about the holidays?

I love the true meaning of Christmas and the ones who know this and extend a helping hand to those in need.
It is about giving not receiving. It doesn't need to be much to really make a difference.

10) What annoys you about the holidays?

When I am told what to give a person. A gift should be what you want to do.

11) Do you prefer star or angel on top of a Christmas tree? Or something else?

depends on the year and the mood.I haven't decided this year...stay tuned!!

(12) What is your family favorite recipe at Christmas?

My aunt's Swedish bread

13) Are you a Grinch or a Who at Christmastime?

I would like to say a who but my family reads this so the truth is a Grinch. Holidays get me very cranky. I JUST STRESS A LOT

14) Christmas light displays - Love them or Hate them?

Love driving the around with the kids looking at all the bright lights and the colored ones make us oh and ah but for my home it is just a candle in each window .

15) Santa's at the mall - Fun times or Creepy?

Love it. I still have the picture of me and my sister when I was just 3
HATE the cost!!

16) Christmas cards - do you send them, yes or no?

No I don't send them.

17) What is the best thing about Christmas, in your opinion?

The warmth and love that fills the heart

18) What is the worst thing about Christmas?

All the pressure to spend, spend, spend

19) When do you put the tree up and take it down?

After Thanksgiving the decorations go up. The family Christmas tree will go up the second week of December and down the day after Christmas everything else stays through January.

20) Out of the 12 days of Christmas, which day and item would you want your truelove to give to you?

A partridge in a pear tree...I love fruit!!

(21) Why do you think that Grandma got run over by a reindeer?

Dementia

22) Who is your favorite reindeer?

Clarice...Rudolph's girlfriend

24) What is your favorite smell at Christmastime?

cinnamon and cloves

25) What would make you happy at Christmas this year?

PEACE ON EARTH , Good will to man

Would love to hear what you choose.

2009-11-27T10:10:00.000-05:00

I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The food was wonderful and there is nothing better than time together with your loved ones.
Today My mind begins to focus on Christmas decorating. I will begin to put my holiday touches through out the house.

Being Friday it is time to take part in the Holiday recipe swap that is put on by Colleen of baby makes five. http://andbabymakesfive-colleen.blogspot.com/

I am including beverage recipes . Perfect for sipping while you decorate your tree.

Praline Coffee

3 c. hot brewed coffee
3/4 c. half and half
3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
2 T. butter
3/4 c. praline liquor or MAPLE SYRUP
garnish with sweetened whipped cream

Heat coffee half and half brown sugar and butter over medium heat. (do not boil)
Remove from heat and stir in liquor or syrup. Garnish with whipped tooping.

Spiced Hot cider

1 galon cider
1 c. brown sugar, packed
6-oz can frozen orange juice
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
3 whole all spice

Heat all ingredients and simmer. Remove spices before serving.

"egg" nog

3 oz pkg vanilla instant pudding
1/3 c sugar
8 c milk
2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 t. nutmeg

In large bowl mix first four ingredients until combined. add desired amount of nut meg. Serve chilled.

I am off to create some festive decorations.
Audrey

Crazy week

2009-11-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry that time has gotten away from me. Last week passed too quickly and I just couldn't keep up.
I had the drama of the purse snatching that did affect me more than I would like to admit but then had to prepare for the 2 day craft fair at my child's school. I seem to work best under pressure which is truly a blessing since I always seem to procrastinate till the last minute.
It was a nice time. My daughter went with me on Friday and helped set up and keep me company. She is a wonderful girl. It was a very active week end for fairs so i don't feel the turn out at the fair was very good. However I did well and for that I am grateful.

On Sunday I brought the kids to visit my parents . Dad knew we were coming so he was up and about. He looked good and it was a nice visit. My Matthew enjoyed playing in the sink with Grammy. They made soap pies and decorated them with cake decorating supplies. Funny the things that are allowed when it is with your Grandchild and not your own kid. LOL...

I didn't get a chance to post a recipe on Friday so here is what I would have posted. I just love this yummy treat.

Sweet Pumpkin dip
2 8-oz pkgs. cream cheese, softened
4 c. powdered sugar
30 -oz can pumpkin pie filling mix
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. ground ginger
ginger snap cookies

Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar in large mixing bowl. Blend in pie filling and spices, cover and chill. Serve with ginger snaps for dipping.

Happy Thanksgiving

It only takes a moment.

2009-11-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

I went to the market last night. I needed bread and a few items for lunches. I was feeling blue and distracted due to my fathers health issues. My daughter went to the store with me to keep me company and help me stick to my list.
We paid and went out to our car. I opened the hatch but then decided to put the groceries in the back seat instead. I opened my front door, set down my purse on the drivers seat. I opened my back door and went to get a bag from my carriage, before my daughter could even get the "mom" out of her mouth I sensed a figure beside me .He reached into my car grabbed the purse, and then ran around the front of my car and jumped into the waiting get away car . I somehow had the sense to start yelling He took my purse..get the license plate number. I ran after the car a few steps and saw the first 3 numbers...people were all looking at us. one man yelled to me "did he take your purse?? I thought you knew him and it was horse play"....but then he drove after him. Another couple had come out at the same time as us and that young man yelled to me" did he get your bag?? I'm gonna get that F**ker!!" and he left. We were crying and shocked. I felt it was a lost cause but knew I needed to tell the police. My cell phone was in the purse as well as my car keys . I went in the market and asked them to call the police. The manager was trying to comfort me as I broke down crying.I explained my daughter was outside and I needed to be with her. She said go ahead I will wait for the police. It seemed so long although I am sure it was not.
The police car came. The officer rolled down the window and asked who's purse was it? Then preceded to tell me they were chasing the car. The young man from the store parking lot (with the colorful vocabulary) had tailed the suspect while talking on his cellphone to the police. He led them right to the purse snatcher. They continued the chase through several towns now involving the state police as well as other town police depts. I heard it all unfolding over the police radio. I feared they would crash and prayed for them.
They finally pulled over and the guy jumped out and ran into the woods. The police did catch him.
We rode back to the station in the squad car. We sat and waited. The recovered my cash. They said we have the purse and led me out side to I.D. the car. However the pocket book inside was NOT mine. I did spot my cell phone on the floor of the car. Lucky I have a trac phone. So they chose to keep it.
We went back inside to sign paper work. I could hear women's voice's in the lobby of the station. It was the suspects Mother, sister and girlfriend and they were angry.
We stayed in the back until my husband arrived to get us. As we walked out they stared daggers at me as if I had some how wronged them.

I normally carry my spare car key in my purse in case I get locked out of the car but Had for some reason taken it out of my purse and left it on the counter next to my pet fish. I never know where things are so I know this was Divine intervention!!!!
We came home it was around 11 p.m. Hubby went to bed . I calmed my son and sent him up as well. Allison called her girlfriend and I went on line for distraction. At 12:15 the police called and said they had my purse. The guy told them where he threw it out and the Westminster police had located it. I asked if I could go in then to get it ? I just needed some sense of closure and after being told once already they had it and didn't I needed to see it. Allison went with me needing the same feeling of closure.
Once at the station the captain brought us into the back and then brought out my purse.Such a rush of emotions swept over me. They asked me to go through my things. My debit card , my 100.00 gift card and a savings bond were still inside. nothing was together but they were there!! The only stuff missing was of no big value, stamps , library card, pocket calenders ect.
I couldn't help but cry and feel so thankful. God watched over us. He kept us safe and that is the biggest gift but oh am I thankful for the "cherry on top "getting my things back as well.
The District Attorney called this morning and the 3 will be arraigned today. They asked if I wanted to proceed, I hesitated but answered yes. I owe it to the men who cared enough to help me and the police that did their job so well
I am sorry for them that they were so desperate to do this. Needles were found so I feel drugs were probably the reason. I pray this will somehow help them and they will straighten out their lives.As for me I learned to not keep my keys in my purse. I know I had my guard down last night but I don't think it made to much of a difference.
I am reminded of just how blessed I am, but I am lucky enough to know that and be thankful everyday.

Holiday recipe swap

2009-11-13T06:49:00.000-05:00

It is Friday again already. Time goes by so quick. When I was growing up we lived down the road from a nursing home. I have so many memories of the wonderful ladies there.I would pick flowers, mostly weeds ,and deliver them so proudly. I would sit and listen to stories and share laughs. One thing they would tell me is the older you get the faster time goes. It seemed so silly at the time , now I understand so well.
Last week I stopped at the Salvation Army. I see how others pick up so many great re do items .I thought I would check things out.
I did find 3 small wooden bowls like the ones sold recently on APP. Perfect for a paint job.
The week has passed and they still sit unfinished.Maybe today will be the day.
I also stumbled onto a yard sale. I really haven't been to many this year . The season is over so what a treat. I found a small, real braided rug in brown,a
old wooden spoon, and other small goodies.

I noticed a chair but from past yard sales there I didn't think the price would be good .
We all know I don't need another chair! I left it. However I went out later that morning and had to stop and look once more. I sat in the chair and it was not too big, not too small, just right! LOL... the man said I will throw this second one in as well....we all know I can't resist a chair. Did I mention they are red????

Being Friday it is time to post my recipe for the Home made Holiday swap hosted by colleen over at andbabymakesfive-colleen.blogspot.com
I found this recipe in a Gooseberry patch cookbook "Celebrate Autumn".

Breakfast Butternut Squash
1 LB BUTTERNUT SQUASH, peeled, seeded and sliced
2T.vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 t. ginger root ,grated
1 c broccoli flowerets
1/2 c. celery, sliced
1 t. fresh onion, finely chopped
1 T.lemon juice
2 t.honey

Stir-fry the sliced squash (1/4- inch slices) in the vegetable oil over medium-high heat,along with the garlic,and ginger root for about 3 minutes. Add broccoli,celery and onion and saute' 3-4 mins longer,until vegetables are crisp-tender.Combine lemon juice with honey and toss into vegetables. You may top with sunflower seeds or raisins if desired.
Serve as side dish. Goes well with eggs or pancakes.

I leave you with this picture of the flowers my husband brought home to me. They are called pin cushion. I think they are so neat. The petals feel and look plastic. So pretty I just loved them.

Happy Veteran’s Day

2009-11-11T16:07:00.001-05:00

To all that are serving and to all that have served, I thank you.

I was reading on a blog a question about winterberry. This is how it looks. It is found in and around wetlands.This is the time of year to keep shears in the car as you always seem to spot it when you least expect to.

The conditions must have been just right for it as I have noticed how full the berries are this year. I am lucky enough to have it across the street from my home and already sent my son to get some before the neighbors and birds all get theirs.Nature is wonderful and I am sure there is enough for all.

On another Blog someone was talking about Tea dying and finding out the hard way not to immerse the stuffed item into the tea solution. My tip is I always use a sponge brush. It controls the liquid so well. Also, if you would like a grungier look, place onto cookie tin and bake in a 250 oven. If you want a cleaner, more even look, line the pan with parchment paper.

My tea dye recipe is made with instant unsweetened tea. I will use any left over coffee if I have it and a bottle of vanilla. I also add cinnamon to my mix. I make it in a plastic coffee container and as it sits the cinnamon makes a sludge on the bottom that makes items nice and grungy if you that is the look you like. This will keep in a cool place for a few days.

I tend to make all my items and then do a mass tea dye party.

The weather has been so mild that I made the most of it. My daughter Allison helped me cut down greens and wire them together to make a swag to put around the door.

Martha Stewart would be proud! I will wait to put up the greenery until Thanksgiving is done but how nice to get it made on a warm day .Once up I will add berries and larger pine cones . Maybe some dried hydrangeas and a bow.

I am still enjoying the bittersweet. I am the kinda Gal that waits for them to pop on the vine. I can spot them a mile away these days. Everything is bare and then you spot the orange and yellow. It adds such a fall touch stuck in here and there around the home. I want to enjoy every last bit of fall.

Hope you all are enjoying your day.

Home made Holidays

2009-11-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

I want to join in the fun that has been started over at andbabymakesfive-colleen.blogspot.com/. Every friday a new recipe for the Holidays.I really have enjoyed printing out all the recipes from others blogs . I have made a binder cook book to keep them all.

PILGRIM BREAD

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. salt
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup vegtable oil or melted butter
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/2 cup stirred whole wheat flour
1/2 cup stirred rye flour
4 1/4-41/2 cups sifted all purpose flour

Thourouly combine cornmeal,brown sugar,salt, boiling water and oil. Let cool to lukewarm, about 30 minutes.
Soften yeast in lukewarm water. Stir in cornmeal mixture.
Add whole and rye flours. Mix well. Stir in enough all-purpose flour make a moderatly stiff dough.
turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead till smooth and elastic,6-8 mins.Place in greased bowlturning once to grease surface.
Cover and let rise in warm placeuntil doublein size,50-60 mins. Punch down
Turn out on lightlyfloured surface and devide in half. cover and let rest 10 mins.
Shape into 2 loaves and place in greased full sized loaf pans. Let rise again till almost doubled, about 30 mins
Bake at 375* for 45 minutes.Top loosely with foil after first 25 mins IF bread browns rapidly.
Remove from pans to cool.

This is one of my favorites and hubby likes it too.

SPINACH SOUFFLE

10-oz Pkg frozen chopped spinach
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 cup milk
4 eggs seperated
3-oz can mushrooms drained.

cook spinach according to package. Drain well and set aside.
In heavy sauce pan melt butter stir in cornstarch, salt, and pepper. add milk and continue stirring until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
Combine egg yokes, spinach, and mushrooms. Add white sauce and mix together.
Beat egg whites untill stiff. Fold into spinach mixture and spoon into grweased 2 - quart souffle' dish.
bake at 375* for 30-35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Hope you enjoy these. I look forward to everyones recipes that join in on the fun.

Weekly Outing

2009-11-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

This week we went to www.primitivesforeewe.com. A wonderful little shop in Baldwinville. I window shopped as my mother picked up a few Christmas gifts. I promissed I'd forget what she got for me WINK ,WINK.
Then it was off to www.countrymischief.com/on the Templeton common.

I just love the variety in this store. It is a lot of small rooms each decorated in a different theme. They have added good quality fabric so I knew this is where my money would be spent. I picked up 2 yards of prairie cloth. It is hard to come by so when I see it I get it.Mom found a little something for herself and then we were ready for lunch. They have a wonderful little reasturant there. The food is every bit as delightful as the decorations.
We both had the soup of the day,Apple Squash and Zuchini, Tomatoe and feta quiche it comes with a fruit cup . YUMMY YUMMY to say the least.
I took a few snap shots so you too could enjoy the place.

I just love how the tables are covered with quilts and glass on top.

The window treatment caught my eye.What a clever idea.

All the decorations are for sale. I was nervouse my mom would bump the plate on the wall that had a tag of $220.00.

It was another great day together.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T20:34:00.000-04:00

I hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween.It was another wonderful night in our small town.

Countertop make over

2009-10-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago I just couldn't get enough blue. We built our home and I chose blue carpet, linoleum with blue accents and of course blue counter top. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! However the romance like so many is over. My husband replaced the blue carpet with wood. I was so delighted.

He let me pick distressed, non smooth and dark flooring. This change happened about two years ago. Since then I have nagged him about the counter top. I wanted him to cover it in wood. Sounds easy to me! I really was crazy when Lisa from Primitives from above did hers . Although she is VERY talented I think my husband who's trade is home construction should be able to this. After nagging some more he explained that we would need a plumber to come out because of the water treatment system and it would raise the counter by so much BLAH BLAH BLAH I heard no and stopped listening.
Basically I am still a brat after all these years,never quite out grew it.
I was up early on a Saturday morning and caught a home show . They had painted the counter top. WHAT??? I googled and read up on it before pleading my case.
He went for it so I no longer have a blue counter top!! YIPPEE!!!!

I just love it. I didn't realize just how many things I own in that color.
Looks like i will have to find something new to nag my Honey about. I sure am lucky He is such a good sport.
I am looking forward to Saturday,Halloween. In our town everyone goes out on main street.Candy is brought to the school and passed out to the homes on main street to make it fair.
The police put up big lights and are there to keep any traffic to a crawl. Family's bring their carved pumpkins to the common to display on the gazebo. It is like stepping back in time.
I hope you all have a Happy Halloween.

2009-10-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

Today is such a beautiful fall day. I headed out to the post office. It is located next to the town common. I just couldn't bring myself to get back into the car . The sun was dancing upon the leave and calling me into the beautiful old cemetary.
It is just behind the First Parish Church.

I find old head stones beautiful. The thin slate with wonderful angel faces.

What a beautiful spot. It reminds me how fortunate I am to still have time with my loved ones but also inspires me to create beautiful folk art dolls.
I hope this day is a positive day for you as well.

Project book's

2009-10-19T09:53:00.000-04:00

I have enjoyed seeing the decorating books on http://taylorsfarmhouseattic.blogspot.com/
I have tracked them down to add to my collection of books.
This is what gave me the idea to share 2 of my favorite needle art books.
I will start with "Falloween Threads by Need'l Love. I picked it up at Pickering Farms quilt shop. It is filled with beautiful projects. Quilts*Rug hooking*cross stitch* punch needle embroidery* wool penny projects* wool felting.
http://www.needllove.com/

I bought this wonderful hand dyed wool this week end with this book in mind.
My favorite book that I found at a different quilt shop. It is called "With these hands". It is filled with 19 th century-inspired primitive projects.
http://pickledish.kcstar.com/?q=node/389
I have yet to make anything in it but want to do every project in it. I am just crazy for the wool bed cover.
-

Until next time , may you all be safe and healthy.

My chair obsession

2009-10-12T16:47:00.000-04:00

I don't know when it started but maybe it was just passed down from my Mother. She too has a love for chairs. Always pointing them out and sitting in them just to check if her feet will touch the ground.

When I was little my parents bought a summer cottage. On the enclosed screen porch they had wicker rocking chairs they would sit in and listen to country music at night. One day my father brought home a small wicker chair for me. I still have this chair and I treasure it along with those memories.

I find myself owning far more chairs then I have room for. Some are banished to the attic until I find the room. However I still seek them out at every tag sale and second hand store. Just the other day I saw one I just loved. It was priced well but I thought where could I put it?? It is 5 days later and I keep wondering if it is still there?

Here are just a few of my favorites

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M.I.A.

2009-10-07T12:27:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry I haven't posted. I was under the weather. I once again had a staff infection. I believe it was due to my allergies being crazy this time and blowing my nose so much. I must of had a sore in my nose that picked up the bacteria.
My face began to swell and I knew to call the doctor.
This happened to me just a little less than 2 years ago but I stayed in bed. Once I awoke to the left side of my face so distorted by the swelling I went to the ER and was admitted for 3 days. I admit I am not the brightest bulb but I am learning! LOL...

Today started as a dark rainy day. Perfect weather for doing a little house work. I decided to do a little rearranging and putting out a few more fall decorations.
I am so inspired by all the beautiful homes I see on the blogs I follow.
I do like the simple look. Just a single pumpkin in a basketand a crow beside it. It will go until Christmas.

Well until next time, I hope you all have a blessed day.

Happy Birthday Grandma

2009-09-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

Today is a wonderful day . It is my mothers Birthday.
Not only has she been a loving & caring mother but she is a amazing Grandma. My six year old Matthew probably thinks all Grandmas play tag and run around the back yard shooting zombies and bad guys.

He thinks they all play in secret forts and crawl into cardboard boxes to eat nacho chips. They must all make up nonsense rhymes and silly songs.

Yes Matthew loves his Grandma very much but has no idea just how lucky he really is. I do , Thank you Mom. You really do make the world a better place.