A New Year Greeting

Good morning to each and everyone. I hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was busy and flew by~~kinda like this past year. It's hard to believe this is the last day in 2007...and we are about to start a brand spakin new year. A clean slate, a fresh beginning with yet new adventures awaiting us.

In the short time I have been blogging, I have met so many kind, sweet spirited and talented people...all who I consider friends. To each of you, I'm wishing you a year filled with happiness, peace and contentment.

The little post card pictured above is post marked Dec. 31st, 1912 with the sentiment~~~With loving thoughts and best wishes for a bright and Happy New Year.....my thoughts exactly! Linda

Santa's Been and Gone

Good morning everyone! Christmas was all that anyone could ever hope for at our home. All of our family is in Texas and they are so missed but we talked with our loved ones and that was wonderful plus we wished friends in Idaho and Georgia a happy day. Dinner was delish and Santa was very nice to us. Yesterday I just spent the day ...........................
gazing at our tree, listening to music, and working on a puzzle from an elf. It was just so nice to sit back and enjoy the calm and reflect on the wonderful Christmas we had..............Today I'm just itching to .............take down my Santa collection. I want to put my Moonstone out. My good friend gave me two beautiful pieces for my collection and I can hardly wait to display them. Carolyn, my SIL in Texas received her first piece of Moonstone for Christmas.......you are going to have fun collecting, and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Have you started taking down your Christmas things yet? When do you take down your tree? I'll be taking down our tree on New Years, in between the football games.

Have a lovely day, and continue to savor the season. Linda

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas......Linda

Friends~and more~Friends

Good morning to everyone. Oh, I had a happy, busy week and I tell you it just flew by. Yesterday friends from high school came by for nibbles and on Tuesday Alicia and Tina two of the sweetest ladies in the whole world came by for snacks. We had little quiches, chips and dip, sweets and ribbon sandwiches.
Chop, chop, chop...........grate,grate,grate...........
Mix, mix, mix..............
Pretty,pretty,pretty.......... yummy, yummy, yummy...........
This is the recipe for the Ribbon Sandwiches. Just click on the picture and you can read the recipe perfectly. I always chop up a little more green pepper and grate more cheese too. If you do this you will need to add just a tad more mayonnaise. I also use about a can and half of the deviled ham I just think it makes a nicer sandwich. I use the thin sliced bread and when you are spreading the mixtures you don't need to go right up to the crust because you will be trimming the crust off. If you have an electric knife use it for the trimming and cutting...it works like a charm. I hope you try these sandwiches they are pretty and so yummy...
Picture time. These are my friends from high school. Janice, Susan, (who was my maid of honor), me, and Marcia. We get together at least once a month for lunch and to catch up on the latest news. We all feel so fortunate to have friendships that have lasted for over 45 years. It's just been about three years since we all reconnected, and it just like old times. There are three others friends in our group but they couldn't join us yesterday...we missed you Jeannie, Judy and Sharon...see you in January.
Oops, I forgot to mention Lily is in the picture too...there she feels better since I mentioned her. Honey thanks for taking the picture, you did a good job.

Tomorrow we are going to see The Nutcracker Ballet and out for dinner....can hardly wait. To each and everyone have a most joyous weekend......blessings to all. Linda

Christmas Hoopla Tag

I have been tagged by Rosemary to share 12 things about myself that are Christmas related. So here we go...........
1. ~ I love and collect old post cards. This one is a favorite of mine. To me it symbolizes Christmas.

2. ~ Starting the day after Thanksgiving I play all Christmas music. My favorite song is So This Is Christmas.

3. ~ I have a several Christmas movies that I enjoy,but the one I can watch over and over is A Christmas Story. It is a sweet movie that just warms your heart.

4. ~ I enjoy sending and receiving Christmas cards. It's a joy opening a card, reading the greeting or message from family or friends.

5. ~ I've always thought it would be great fun to work in the gift wrap department. I love to wrap packages, once in awhile I'll use a gift bag but I'd really rather rap....a package that is.

6. ~ Never done this but I think it is neat to put a wreath on the front of your car. I don't think it's hokie, do you?

7. ~ I have a Christmas charm bracelet Lisa gave me years ago that I wear everyday in December.

8. ~ On Christmas Eve we have a small buffet with lots of little finger foods. One of the must haves are ribbon sandwiches. They are delish.

9. ~ Two events that I enjoy going to every year is the Nutcracker Ballet and the play A Christmas Carol. We always go to an evening performance and on the way home we drive about looking at all the beautiful holiday lights.

10. ~ On Christmas Eve I leave a little bedside radio on all night, it's tuned to Christmas music. What a nice way to fall to sleep and then to wake to Christmas carols. We also leave our outdoor lights on all night.

11. ~ Christmas morning Carl always cooks breakfast, he makes the best scrambled eggs, which we always have, plus ham and sweet rolls. We open our stocking presents before breakfast and then we have to eat breakfast before opening the other gifts.

12. ~ Christmas is my favorite time of year, it is truly a joyous, loving time and my wish each year is that the spirit of Christmas be carried in our hearts all through the year. Wouldn't that be wonderful?


I'm tagging Michelle @ Back Through Time and Michelle @ I'm A Little Teapot, have fun doing the Christmas Hoopla Tag........Linda

Oh ~ Oh ~ Oh ~ Part 1

Oh, good morning! Did you have a nice weekend? Mine was busy but I enjoyed every moment. I'm nearly finished shopping and almost everything is wrapped. Can you believe there is only.............
8 more days until Christmas? I'm so looking forward to this joyous day.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful....let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Oh, sweet little town. These little houses are on the mantel and the bright pink one I just found at the WX Peddler Faire last weekend.
I have always treasured these little houses and when I found the church I was thrilled. Every town even the smallest one needs a church, it is always front and center with the houses and trees clustered around. When I look at this little scene it puts a smile in my heart, I hope it does the same for you. Please continue on to part 2.

Part ~ 2

Oh, Christmas tree. Do you see it's reflection in the mirror? I love this mirror, and I always decorate with greens across the top, this is the first time I've added the garland. I collect the old mercury glass bead garland and this bell garland is one of my favorites. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.
Every time I look at this picture I think of this carol. There have been so many beautiful snow scene pictures on several blogs and when I see these lovely pictures I think I'd love to live in snow country. I've always thought a white Christmas would be magical.

Well, I must tell you we saw a great production of Dickens, A Christmas Carol. All the actors were excellent and the singing was just beautiful. I liked the sets and costumes too. If you ever get a chance to see this play...do, I think you will enjoy yourself. Linda

Christmas Sharing

Where has the week gone? I can't believe it is already Friday and only 11 days until Christmas. It is just about time for me to start dinner but I did want to say hello and share a little Christmas at my home.......
This is my coffee table, well it's really a trunk. It was one of our very first purchases at a street fair years ago. It's decked out for the holidays now but the rest of the year I keep fresh flowers and family photos on it. Do you see the sweet little candle boot? It was a Christmas gift from Lisa years ago.....her dad took her shopping when she was just a little girl and this is what she chose for me. I love it and would never in a million years think of burning it.
Just a few Santa's from my collection. The little one on the skis is my favorite....oh, I'm not sure, I like them all. Most are from my honey but I did buy the one in the white sleigh.
Feather trees with Santa and old fashioned reindeer's. The reindeer with the little red ties around their necks were my father's when he was a little boy as were the sleigh and Santa.
This is part of my Dickens Village, I love the old world look of the buildings and the clothing on the little people. When I see this village all set up it reminds me of the play A Christmas Carol by Dickens, one of my favorites. Honey and I are attending a matinee this Sunday,and I'm so looking forward to it. This is the 2oth anniversary of the production and I see it every year.....it's just tradition.

Happy weekend to all, and may the spirit of Christmas be forever in your heart......Linda

Saturday~Sunday~Monday

Oh my , I know it is late Monday night, some places it is already Tuesday but I did want to say hello. Hope you had a happy weekend. My weekend was happy ~ busy. Saturday Lisa and I went for Christmas Tea. Everything was so yummy. Each guest chooses their own tea cup and tea from a huge variety of teas. We weren't feeling adventures and had our favorite Earl Grey. Besides the tea they serve such delicious sweets and savories, and they have darling hats to wear and you feel very festive. Today we wore our own hats....Lisa is wearing a hat that her grandmother wore as a young woman and mine is one I bought at an antique shop. After tea we did just a touch of Christmas shopping, I love hats, but no I didn't wear my hat shopping. Sunday morning my honey and I met our friends bright and early for the WX Peddlers Faire. Oh it was so cold......but we were all bundled up, and still had a great time. Here are my treasures for the day........

I had decided to just buy Christmas items. I found some neat treasures to add to my collections, but the best find was some wonderful vintage purple garland and small ornaments for Lisa...she loves purple and loved both the garland and ornaments.

Today was busy doing all the things you do for a birthday celebration. I can't tell you what's for dinner that's a surprise but this is the cake I baked for my friend. I hope she likes it.

Good night or good morning to you depending where you live. May Tuesday be a bright and shiny day for you....Linda

Busy Times

It's Friday evening and I can't hardly believe how quickly the week and today have flown by. Last night I finished decorating the tree and I'm so happy to have that behind me. I love doing this, but I tell you it seems to take me longer and longer each year.
How are you doing with your Christmas shopping? I just started this morning, and oh my the mall was so crowded, but it was fun, everyone was in high spirits. Santa was there and it was cute seeing the little ones visiting him and having their pictures taken. I love pictures and I have lots of photos setting about. At Christmas time I always have these two pictures on the sofa table.......
The one on the left is Lisa's first visit with Santa, she is nine months old. Such sweet memories. The other picture is me when I was eight years old. When I was little and you went shopping you always got dressed up.....can you see my little hat that matches my coat.
I think this rose will be the last for this year. It's time to prune and I just picked the last few little blooms.
More post cards. Do you see the one edged in purple. Who would have thought way back in 1910 an artist would use purple on a card. I like it , just because it is different. The Santa cup is very old. Lisa's grandpa bought it for her when she was little. She no longer uses it, but likes it at her place for Christmas dinner.
Look at the wonderful goodies from my sweet blogging friend Priscilla@ Priscilla's Cottage. She lives in England and these are all sweets from there. I have had a little of most of them and they are so delish. Isn't the little reindeer tea towel fun and I love the red post box. Thank you Priscilla http://priscillascottage.blogspot.com/. Priscilla is a wonderful baker and cake decorator and you should see her amazing creations. Please visit her lovely blog, you will enjoy it.

Tomorrow Lisa and I are going to Christmas Tea and then Sunday is the WX Peddlers Faire. Do you have weekend plans? Whatever you do enjoy! Linda

Christmas Joy and a Special Award

I just love old holiday post cards.I have been collecting them for several year and the Christmas ones are my most favorite. The graphics are very pretty and seem to represent a sweeter time. I only collect cards that have a message written on them, I love to read their greetings and for the most part the handwriting is so very pretty. The cards also need to have a 1cent stamp and the post office cancellation too. The cards in this picture date from 1909 to 1922. Many of the address are just the persons name, the city and the state. Can you imagine trying to mail something in this day and age with just that little bit of information?I've always loved the winter scenes but I sure think the little card with the dogs and kitty is very cute.
The Andre Reiu concert was just magical. The stage was beautiful, it looked like a winter wonderland and the music and singing just gave you goose bumps...the evening was very special and made even more so being with good friends. Oh, and we all got his Christmas Cd and listened to it on the way home. I've been enjoying it today, and reliving the night.
Sunday was a great day for me , besides attending the concert I also received the Nice Matters Award. I feel very honored to have received this wonderful award from Rachael @ The Rose Room.....thank you so very much.

In the short time I've been blogging I've have truly met the nicest people from all around the world. I want you to know that if you are reading this you are most deserving of this award. I know I can't list everyone but I would like to mention a few blogs by name.

Julie @ Nunnie's Attic
Michelle @ I'm A Little Teapot
Priscilla @ Priscilla's Cottage
Rosemary @ Rosepetitemaison

Wishing you the best day and now I must return to decorating the tree.
Hugs to all...Linda

Christmas Is On The Way

Good evening everyone.Today is the first day of December and it is really feeling like Christmas and looking like it too. The house is decorated and we'll be doing the tree tomorrow and Monday. I love this little lighted lamppost I got earlier this year at the WX peddlers faire. The sweet reindeer is from my childhood. I've always loved it and I'm so happy it is still with me after all these years, and see the precious glitter sign from Rosemary. Just looking at this little vignette on the desk makes me smile.

Have you heard of Andre Rieu? He is a wonderful violinist/conductor with his own orchestra and choir. They tour the world in concert sharing their beautiful music. Well, they are on a Christmas tour and preforming here tomorrow night. I've been invited to go with friends and can hardly wait. I hope they have Christmas Cd's available, if they do I plan to buy one. We will have a merry time for sure.

Thank you all for the well wishes regarding my husband's injury to his hand. He went to the doctors yesterday and the cut is healing just fine. He'll be back to normal very soon.

Have a beautiful and blessed Sunday....Linda

The Latest and In The Mail

Good morning to everyone. Are you all busy decorating and shopping? I am, I love this time of year, with all the hustle and bustle. Yesterday I did a little shopping and decorating, and I'm happy to say I'm nearly finished with the decorating, except for the tree. I had hoped to put up our tree this weekend but that has been postponed for a few days. We have an artificial tree and it's stored in the rafters, getting it down is a big job. With out getting too graphic my husband was using a box cutter and had a freaky accident. He nearly cut off the top part of his thumb. Believe me this is a big ouchie. He's feeling better now and goes back to the doctor tomorrow to see how it's healing up. I'm so thankful that it wasn't worse than it is....you just never know what a day holds in store for you. Last week was so busy I didn't get a chance to share the lovely treasures I received in the mail. Let me show you now......

The first package was from my Deck the Halls swap partner Tamsen.
Lily wants to see too. In the box there were two packages all wrapped in pink, with a lovely card. Look at the beautiful hand crochet ornament she made. It is so sweet and very delicate...I love it and it looks perfect on my heart tree. Isn't the vintage Santa precious , he will fit right in on our main tree. Do you see the heart shaped moonstone candy dish? Oh my gosh, I nearly fainted when I opened the package. It is a beautiful piece I will always treasure. Thank you so much Tamsen.
Treasures from Tamsen.
Later the same day the mailman...or should I say mail person brought a second package. Look at the darling glitter signs I ordered from Rosemary. As soon as I saw them on her blog I knew I wanted to order some. They look great with my Christmas things.....pictures will be coming.
Then on Saturday my last package was delivered. I ordered this darling crochet purse from Lallee. It is gorgerous and I'm looking forward to using it. Lallee does such lovely work, visit her Esty shop to see all her pretty things.

In just the few short months I've been blogging I've met the nicest and most talented ladies...these are just three. To all of my blogging friends I just want you to know you are all special and bring me much joy.

" I am a part of all that I touched and that has touched me" T. Wolfe

Happy days to all.......Linda

Do You Have A Favorite?

Just a quick hello. How is your decorating coming along? I started decorating yesterday and had hoped to share some pictures today, but I'm not finished yet and I don't want to scare anyone. So pictures will have to wait. But I did want to share these darling Victorian Christmas note cards with you.
Lisa went shopping yesterday and surprised me with them. There are 24 different designs, and I've been trying to choose a favorite but they are all too sweet. Do you have a favorite? Linda

Thanksgiving Is Over~Here Comes Christmas

Good morning everyone. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I hope your day was happy too. We talked with our dear relatives in Texas...we miss them so much but it was great visiting with them. Getting ready for dinner now, oh dear I think I need more room, better take the centerpiece off. Oh, Honey this looks yummy. Let me find a place for it. Dinner was delicious. We all love turkey, but we each have our favorite dishes too.Lisa loves the stuffing, for Carl it's stuffing,mashed potatoes and gravy and mine is the stuffing. Tonight we are going to enjoy wonderful leftovers. I love you both too.
Who's ready for dessert? I am for sure. We usually make our pies, but this year my dear friend Marie made them for us. They look so good.
For dessert I'm using sweet depression glass plates, a birthday gift form my friend Brenda. Everything tastes so good on special dishes.
Hey, hey, what's happening? Why are we all on the table? Don't worry, we are going to be wrapped in tissue and packed away until next November, then we'll be back, but now it's time to think about Christmas. Oh, okay...just as long as we get to come back.

Well, I do need to get busy . Christmas is just around the corner and I'm starting to decorate today.

If your shopping today, hope you found lots of bargains, decorating...enjoy and for dinner tonight you are having yummy leftovers. Linda

Happy Thanksgiving

To all my wonderful blogging friends,Happy Thanksgiving! I'm sending warm wishes to you and yours for a wonderful day, filled with family, friends and happiness. Hugs Linda

E~Z Cake

Good Monday morning to everyone. How was your weekend? Mine just flew by. Saturday ran some errands and stopped at a small diner for breakfast, and had the most delicious pumpkin pancakes...mmmm, they were so yummy. Sunday just puttered around the house, and then last night I decided I wanted some cake. It was kind of late so it had to be something quick and easy, and believe me it doesn't get any easier than this. This recipe was concocted by a WW member, and we love it. Here's the recipe. First thing to do is heat oven to 350 degrees, and you will need to bake this cake in a 9x13 pan----do not grease the pan.
Two ingredients only. Angel food cake mix and one 20-oz can crushed pineapple. I use Dole but any brand is fine.
In a large bowl hand mix together the crushed pineapple, juice and all with the cake mix. At this point the mixture looks like a science project. It's bubbly and frothy. After mixed together ....
Pour into your pan and bake for about 30 minutes. You want to keep an eye on it while baking , the top should be golden with a few cracks in it.
Just out of the oven and it smells delish. Let it cool , and then....
Have a piece! I like mine with whipped cream, honey likes his with ice cream and Lisa likes her cake just plain. I hope you enjoy.

My Blessings:
#15~~~being able to provide for my loved ones.
#16~~~having a sense of humor and optimistic out look.
#17~~~meeting a deadline....projects coming together on time.

Have the best day......take a moment and do something nice for yourself. Linda

Getting Ready For Thanksgiving

Good morning and a happy Friday to you. Can you believe Thanksgiving is just five short days away? I'm so looking for to it and I'm pretty well prepared, at least I think I am. I like to plan for any celebration with all my little lists and I always write out our menu. I love to put little checks beside whatever is finished, oh, what a good feeling to see all those little checks.
The menu is planned, shopping list made, turkey ordered, linens ready and I just finished washing my gramma's china. I love her china and I only use it on special occasions.
Using her dishes bring back such wonderful memories. When I was little,Thanksgiving was always at her home with all her sisters and their families, my mom and me. After dinner, which was more like a feast it was time to do the dishes.....I loved this part. Just my gramma and I would wash and dry her china. She would place a tea towel in the bottom of the sink so as not to chip any dishes as she washed them and I would dry them ever so carefully. To this day this is how I wash her china, tea towel and all.
Here are a few more pieces of her dishes, and that is a picture of us taken in 1949. Years and years ago there were photographers downtown and they would snap shoppers pictures as they walked along the street. I still remember taking the bus to town for lunch and shopping. We would always eat at Hart's Cafeteria, shop, and then head home......what fun.

My blessings:
#13 ~ My gramma's china, and the wonderful memories it calls to mind.
#14 ~ The wealth of food that is available to us, never to have the worry of going hungry. Never am I more aware of this than at this time of thanksgiving.
Blessings to you and yours, have a wonderful weekend. Linda

Oh, one more thing. Thank you for all the suggestions from my last post, and I think your right about the dish being carnival glass. I knew I could count on you. L.