English Cottage in Georgia

Life is Too Short

2011-05-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Our community was one of many affected by the April 27th - 28th tornados which spanned from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia.

Around midnight, the sirens began their shrill wail of warning. After finding safe refuge in our home for the three of us, my challenge was to keep my husband off the bed and in our "safe spot".

Except for one shingle dangling from the roof, our house and property were unharmed. Less than two miles from our home, others were not as fortunate.

Although the tornado passed our home, we were not unchanged. Peculiar things which arrived with the tornado remained. Bucky, our border collie was disturbed and kept approaching me, circling, and returning to Terry. He was staying near my husband rather than at my feet. Bucky was unusually anxious when Terry would get up and would follow my husband as he went from room to room.

My husband's balance had declined and was getting worse with each passing day. Eventually, I had to sit beside him, while he tied his shoes to keep him from toppling from the chair to the floor. Previous to the tornado, Terry could dress himself once I laid his clothes out. After the tornado, I had to supervise and give aid. He no longer remembered to put on his shoes after he put on his pants, neglected to button his shirt, and could not manage to get his shirt tucked into his pants.

Doctors visits were scheduled, met, and other testing scheduled.

The night of May 10th, Terry collapsed in the hallway of our home. He was unresponsive and taken by ambulance to our nearest hospital. From there, he was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center. He remained unresponsive until his death from cerebral hemorrages at 5:15 am, May 12th.

Although I feel the ache of absence from Terry's passing, I am comforted knowing that he is fully healed and in the presence of Christ, his Dad, and other loved ones who preceded him in death.

Picture by Helen English Ellis taken October 2003

Spring: A Time of Renewal

2011-03-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Winter of 2011 was a time of emotionally draining challenges for English Cottage in Georgia.

If life was sketched out with my consultation prior to my arrival on Earth, I would have chosen the season of Winter for the life experiences which our family experienced.

What better than the grey, cold, barren Winter to feel despair, to cry, to plead through prayer to God for divine intervention.

Just as the winter cold makes a shivering body yearn for a bowl of warm soup or a cup of hot tea to provide comfort to the chilled body, the hospitalization of my Mother and then later our dog, brought us to our knees in tearful prayer.

Whereas the previous two winters the Lord took our Dads from this Earth to their heavenly home, my mother and our border collie have survived and recovered from their health ordeals.

We rejoice at the emergence of a new season, Spring and the promise of renewal and rebirth.

As I step from my house and drive our daily journey to take our daughter to school, I am filled with joy as I witness the beauty of Spring.

Thrift

Azaleas

Camellias

Wisteria

Trees laden with Wisteria (IH-75 N - Macon)

Yoshino Cherry (Rivoli Drive - Macon)

Beauty and Beast Tablescapes

2011-02-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

English Cottage has absolutely enjoyed the beauty of our Valentine tablescapes in the kitchen and dining room. Having the tables decorated with a Valentine theme has provided my daughter and me with joyful anticipation of something special approaching. My sister in law has walked into the house and commented that the kitchen table with the retro heart tablecloth makes her smile. For my TBI husband, seasonal decor is helpful as it reminds him of the time of the year.

Valentine Breakfast is in the kitchen. The menu - oatmeal, bacon, eggs, and toast.

Valentine Dinner of salad, lasagna, asparagus, and garlic bread will be served in the dining room.

Replacing the Valentine tablescapes will be a "beast" of a table scape .... every decorator's nightmare...

mounds of paperwork which need to be organized into nice stacks for filing taxes.

Big UGH!

Valentine Cheer

2011-02-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

This past January has been the third consecutive January which has tested English Cottage resiliency. I am weary and ready for a "lift of spirit"... ah, St. Valentine and the special day which recognizes and acknowledges love. :-)

Pictures Do No Justice....

2010-12-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

My effort(s) to snap photographs showing the beauty of my two favorite Christmas trees when lit at night has created doubt in one of my long held beliefs. The belief I am now questioning is " in today's technological world, I do not have to travel to appreciate the wonders of the world".

Is it my lack of photography skills? I do get frustrated at how little time I have to devote to learning a new skill. Has anyone out there (hello, hello, hello.....) mastered the craft of shooting a Christmas tree showing the tree in its "full glory"? Is it possible?

I do hope that it truly is possible to show through photography and video the beauty of the world. I would be saddened to think that I am truly missing out and need to "be there". The complications in my life make travel very difficult. Heck, just popping into a store takes a lot of thought.

TADA....an introduction to the pics which have created tonight's self doubt....

The living room tree with blown glass bulbs.

The blown glass ornaments have been collected since the late 1970's. At the time the collection was first begun, it was difficult to find blown glass ornaments and expensive. As a result only a few would be purchased every year. During the 1990's, blown glass ornaments were less scarce and more affordable.

AND

The dining room tree laden with Shiny Brite ornaments.

The collection of Shiny Brites began with the acquisition of some of my Grandmother's ornaments after her death which was the first year of my marriage in the '70's. Many of the Shiny Brites have been purchased through ebay and many others from estate sales.

Remember - the trees are even prettier in person and hints on Christmas tree photography are eagerly accepted in the comment section.

Lucy

Christmas in the Kitchen

2010-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Below are pictures shot in the kitchen before the Tour of Homes.

Not shown is the pot on the stove of simmering apples, orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon. The aroma was delightful.
The kitchen has been moderately remodeled ... more on that in a post after Christmas.

A change which I am doing to my blog is deleting the comment section. For how long, I do not know.

English Cottage in Georgia activities have taken much of my time. I have little time for blog visits and feel quilty at not returning visits on a timely schedule. Also, my computer is not set up to click on an icon and send mail directly. So I am unable to respond back to questions through blogger. If you need to contact me, go through the profile for my email address. That way, I can respond back through yahoo.
Thank you for visiting and a Merry Christmas to you all!
Lucy

Tour of Homes (2)

2010-12-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

English Cottage in Georgia has recovered and rested from the Tour of Homes and continues to post Christmas pics for my family and the followers still around after my blog sabbatical.

Thank you for your sweet comments left on the last post and the private emails. Your compliments, suggestions, and observations are appreciated.

The Tour of Homes was fun for my mother and myself. It was a little confusing for my husband who felt that people were looking at the house to buy it.

The central hallway Christmas decor has a homespun feel. The 9 ft. tree ornaments are made of wood, cloth, paper and metal ornaments which were collected so that my eager young daughter who loves Christmas could help me trim the tree without breakage. The tree is trimmed with raffia. A quilt serves as the tree skirt.

Family stockings are hung with the garland on the stairway banister. Homespun fabric was braided and tied with rusty bells and stars onto the stairway garland.

A collection of 32 Midwest Clothtique Santas are placed on the shelf above the door, armoire, desk, and dresser in the hallway. Spools of burlap, rusty stars, rusty bells and old books were used to enhance the Santa display.

Through the French doors at the end of the hallway is the utility room which has the same primitive, rustic theme.

Going back to the central hallway and up the stairs takes us to Darling Daughter's room which is done in a Native American motif. The 7.5 ft. tree is trimmed in ornaments of twigs, pinecones, berries, and ornaments of a natural theme. The treeskirt is a patchwork of suede and leather. Under the tree are baskets, Kaya, the American Girl Indian doll with her horse and pallet, leather fringe boots, and a bead belt board.

Hope you enjoyed this leg of the tour - more Christmas decor will follow:-)

Christmas Tour of Homes Pt.1

2010-11-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

Although I have been away from blogs and blogging, I have not been in a "state of relaxation".

Many thanks to those of you who have privately emailed expressing concern for my absence. In addition to the activities mentioned below, I could not load pics on to blogger from my newest computer. I discovered that I will not put up a post without pictures. Who knew I had blog rules? :-)

My family's normal daily activities of trekking our daughter 36 miles to and from school and frequent medical visits have also included preparing the house for our Small Town's Tour of Homes 2010.

I accepted the Women's Club request to be on the Tour of Homes thinking of the fun Mom and I would have planning and transforming my home for the event. Only after being assured by Mom and seeing her flight schedule did I confirm that my home could indeed be on the tour. I tend to get anxious over entertaining and hosting while Mom thoroughly enjoys ALL aspects of entertaining. NO WAY would I do this without my mom!

So Thanksgiving Week, Mom flew from Texas to Georgia (another anxious moment as I thought of my mom being patted down by TSA) for a two week stay which included visiting and working.

Before I put up the trees and Mom's visit, several projects needed to be tackled.

One of the projects needing to be done was repainting the upstairs guest bedroom before putting up the Christmas tree. The paint selected for Behr's Ice Floe. Curtains of blue and white ticking were put up and the wood ceiling fan ( fans, not chandeliers are in my bedrooms) was replaced with a white ceiling fan.

The dresser and matching end tables were painted white. In addition, a wood shell applique was added to the each end tables and s milk glass knob and pull replaced wood hardware.

The guest room tree is decorated with pink ribbon as a garland and pink, ivory, and blue fairy and victorian doll ornaments.

The guest room is off the upstairs hallway has a white (5 ft.) tree trimmed with silver ribbon and silver and white ornaments.

A second of three upstairs bedrooms has a 7.5 ft tree decorated simply with glittery gold leaf garlands from Michaels, green and gold ribbon purchased from Tuesday Morning, and clip on golden birds which were located after an extensive online search . The topper is a Martha Stewart Angel also in green which came from Home Depot.

The armoire in the bedroom is topped with green garland, white lights, the same gold, leaf tree garland and glass bead garland.

Thanks for visiting and sharing our fun. Other posts will follow showing the remainder seven trees and other decor.

Memories and Traditions

2010-07-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Much of my adult life has been spent trying to recreate childhood sensory memories. These memories tend to be simple, such as the click of a light switch and color of hardwood floors emerging or the sound of Mother clanging pans in the morning with the sizzle and smell of bacon soon to follow.

It seems my most vivid and treasured memories took place between my toddler to preteen years.

As a toddler, I vaguely remember entering houses with the smell of barkcloth drapes and sound of people walking on hardwood floors, the sight and sound of keys taken from Daddy's pocket and given to quiet (?) a restless younger sister during church for entertainment, and maneuvering across cracks as I steered my car with pedals along the sidewalk and turning onto a gravel drive.

Many memories were created during summertime visits at my grandparents house in South Texas (Floresville). Most memories are momentary and recalled by stimuli. Some stimuli which provoke memories are the sight of a square box of neapolitan ice cream or a colorful - now retro - metal tumbler.

However, one memory is seared into my soul and is replayed at will. This memory occurred during a nap at my grandparents home. Grandma H's farmhouse was not air conditioned. Naps would be taken in open windowed rooms which allowed the outside activities inside such as an occasional car making it way down the dirt road in front of the house, the scream of the circadas, and the groan of the windmill blades from a warm summer wind . The wind which caused the groan of the windmill would make its way to the windows enticing the white cotton curtains trimmed with chenille balls into a gentle, graceful dance. The nap became melancholy as Patty Page began to sing from my transistor radio on the bedside table. I still tear up from the memory as I did during that summer nap of my eighth year listening to the lyrics of Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte.

After moving from Houston to San Antonio during my preteen years, traditional holiday meals with extended family who lived nearby became a tradition which also provided memories.

I cherish and realize how the replay of a memory enriches my life.

As I raised my children, I hoped that they would collect and embrace their own childhood memories. Even though the kitchen was not on my list of favorite places to be, I made sure that the children and I would be experiencing the sounds, smell and taste of making our own cakes and cookies.

One consistent memory for my children was the traditional gathering of family members for holiday meals. Once my older daughter moved away and married, her presence at the holiday table was to be no longer. Since moving from Texas with my husband and younger daughter, I have moved farther from my son and cannot easily share holiday meals with him. Our new state home is closer to my daughter, yet we are far enough away that routine holiday meals or family gathering do not occur.

Having a solo pity party due to not visiting family this summer nor taking Darling Daughter on a trip, so that she will have a topic for the dreaded back to school English composition, "What I Did During the Summer", I experienced an epiphany. I would start a new family tradition for the children. Quickly before I lost the impulse or procrastination could set in, I located and booked an available cabin in the Blue Ridge area.

Children were called and vacation days claimed. Flights were booked, bags were packed, maps were downloaded and tanks were filled with gas. At a steady pace, rubber was meeting the pavement until the final mile of our destination. Without the reckless abandonment of my youth, I was coaxed into driving my full sized conversion van onto the Shallow Ford Bridge which spans the Toccoa River off Aska Rd. built in 1918. Our cabin was located shortly after a left turn off the bridge.

It was a wonderful time for all and the beginning of a family tradition of gathering my children and spouses and self to get away from it all and spend uninterrupted time together in activities and communal dining.

Our activities included rocking and restful reflection while enjoying the Toccoa River view which ran below the cabin deck.

Hiking (by the kids) to observe a Georgia waterfall, fishing, and tubing were some of the physical activities.

The Summer of 2010 was the beginning of a wonderful family tradition but also a lesson.

My husband, younger daughter and I had to leave the cabin before dawn to get my son to the airport for an early flight. As I sat in the van driving towards Atlanta, my son and I talked and discovered a shared pleasure of watching dawn emerge from the darkness. We both enjoyed embracing a full day with the witnessing the beauty of a sunrise.

My son reflected that he thought that his enjoyment was due his memory of riding with me to his daycare.

After the birth of my son, I hated going back to work where I taught at a rural high school 24 miles from our home. It was not the school I disliked or teaching, but I wanted to be home with my baby (later babies). At the end of every summer and the return to school, I would cry for two weeks after dropping my son (later son and daughter) off at daycare. I chose a daycare close to my school, so if there was an emergency I was nearby.

But for our family to be self sufficient, I had to go to work. That was just the way it was...so, I bucked up.....

AND

From his infancy to his fourth year, my son and I would (two years later his sister joined the routine) get belted into the car which was packed with our daily gear and and left the house before dawn. By the time we crossed town and turned east off the city loop onto the highway which would take us to daycare and then to my school, the sun would begin it's ascent providing a beautiful array of color.

A wonderful treasured memory for my son - viewing a sunrise daily came from just living life which was getting up early, leaving my home to do what had to done.

Memories are made from living life.

Grandma H. probably did not have her grandchildren take a nap to create childhood memories. At my present age of 54, I can pretty much guess why we grandchildren were required to take naps during our summer week visits to her house. :-)

I did not go to work daily to create a memory for my son.

Yet, cherished lifetime memories were created during routine daily activities.

Traditions seem to require more planning, time, work, and sometimes more expense. Hopefully, our Blue Ridge family get together will be the first of many more and become a tradition to give us time together and memories.

From the lesson learned during our first traditional family vacation, I am certain that even in the mundane, unexciting times cherished memories are and will continue to be created.

Musing and Remodeling During the Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

The excitement and energy of Spring have passed. The focus for the present is enduring the heat and humidity of the Summer. I and my flowerbeds are bloomed out and tired. Occasionally a new rose will appear but the Spring pageantry is over. The mop up of deadheading, weeding, and pulling crisp daylily canes and dead leaves continues.

Just as the agenda of yard work has been adjusted with less ambition, my desire and resolution of creating and being directed by daily and weekly lists as discussed on my last post has been adjusted.

As quickly as the list was created, lightning struck and destroyed the list (figuratively) before it could be implemented.

As Spring ended and Summer neared, unplanned events mixed with expected family visits and appointments, a sense of failure due to not fulfilling the goals of daily and weekly agendas, and satisfaction and joy from unplanned moments of accomplishing tasks has led me to believe that I am going to have to be content with very short "must dos for the day" and less ambitious goals for the future. Is this a common age related reality or is it a reality due to my family's individual circumstances?

The unplanned events in a short span of three weeks were the last two weeks of extended nightly focus on school work for my daughter's end of school year, the news that Darling Daughter will most likely be in a Living Skills curriculum after this coming year, an overwhelming two day hospital stay (daughter and I slept in the room) while Mr. ECinG recovered from a catherization which required one stent. Hospitals are short staffed. Once placed in a private room after the placement of the stent, my husband had to be watched 100% of the time. My daughter and I were captive to the 10 x 10 foot room for 36 hours.

Thank goodness for Hillbilly Debutante's book, False Victim,

http://hillbillydebutante.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-tour-begins.html. My personal misery of being unable to leave my prison cell- I mean the hospital room was left while being left incredulous at the turn of events chronicled in your story.

Kathy, False Victim was a really quick, easy read. The most difficult part of reading your book was putting it down before completion. BTW, while reading your book, I became aware of how lucky I was that NO ONE in their right mind would EVER want MY life (which I embrace). :-)

I was quickly becoming aware the Summer of 2010 was to be an endurance contest. Then suddenly- unplanned, unexpectedly - a very reliable Mr.Handyman entered into the picture. Mr. Handyman is an ex-Marine, tall in statue who commands respect AND is a retired Special Education mathematics teacher. In addition to completing physical tasks at English Cottage in Georgia, he engaged Darling Daughter who exhibits tendencies of autistic spectrum and Mr. ECinG was provided male companionship.

The personal moral of the Summer of 2010 is to have short expectations of the day and create circumstances so that unexpected opportunities can be embraced. I will trust that opportunities or solutions will be provided at the time of need.

In addition to a personal moral of the Summer of 2010, English Cottage has experienced some minor and unglamorous, but needed improvements provided by Mr. Handyman.

The chalk portrait of Mr. ECinG and Darling Daughter finally moved up and centered on the fireplace.

Mr. Handyman patched the antique fireplace bricks which were dissolving into sand. Paint was matched and applied to the bricks and mortar. My job will be to roll coats of polyurethane to prevent or slow further erosion of the bricks.
In addition, Mr. Handyman placed more support under the floor joists under the house to prevent my dishes in the buffet from rattling when anyone over 90 lbs. walks across the dining room.

The small hall tree had old pegs replaced new pegs which went with the black and cream decor along the staircase.

The kitchen cabinets which I primed and painted over a year ago were completed with a final coat of paint (Sherwin William's Cascade Green) and holes were drilled for the placement of pulls and knobs.

The square sink and base were replaced with an updated and narrower base to allow me to clean baseboards around the cabinet side without bruising my shoulder as I tried to squeeze all the way to the back of the cabinet. The bathroom walls were painted going from a plain white to Sherwin William's Crisp Linen. Through the mirror in the pic a wall cabinet can be seen which was purchased on ebay was placed above the commode. (The room is narrow and was difficult for me to get a pic.)

AND FINALLY,(kinda)

After remodeling one corner of the utility room which is where 'backdoor friend's enter English Cottage (detailed here,http://englishcottageingeorgia.blogspot.com/2009/09/what-is-on-your-paint-brush.html), a second corner of the room has been completed. Unfinished cabinets were purchased at Home Depot. The width of one cabinet was reduced from 24" to 18" so that the cabinets could be paired along the wall. After being primed and painted they were screwed into the wall and shelves were placed between them.

Even without being brought to reality at the beginning of the summer, I would never have been ambitious to place all these onerous tasks which had been hanging over my head one a "to do summer list".

The Summer of 2010 has been a time of realization, miracles, and blessings from above.

Pondering: What Is or What Was

2010-05-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

As I prepare to work on the back entry garden, the question arises "Do I want this bed to be as it is, a freeform garden with some herbs and flowers

OR

as it was last year plotted with herbs, flowers, and some vegetables.

In exasperation, I wonder "how did this garden go from planned to freeform. I then remember. The butterfly bush died, the tomatoes were difficult to pick, and I without wisdom just emptied out a package - no a sack - of assorted floral seeds.

In further nonproductive reflective thought, I realize the entry garden reflects my life.

Once I wrested responsiblity from my parents for my life (not really wrested - I was the first of five children born within a period of 7 years), I planned what courses I would take in high school, what career I wanted, what college I would attend, etc. In the emergence of adulthood and the early adulthood of my life, all things were planned. The children of my early adulthood were planned to be born in April (both ended up being born on April 23 two years apart) which would give me 6 weeks plus summer to breastfeed before having to return to school. Before the children were conceived, our house was purchased close to private school our not yet existant children would attend - you get the picture.

It was middle adulthood, I started living randomly. I suppose that is how at the age of 41 I was pregnant again. As hard as I try to be planned, it does not happen. I am living by the seat of my pants. It drives me nuts, when darling daughter on the weekend wants to know "what are we doing tomorrow" and tries to force a commitment of my time.

A much admired facebook friend mentioned that she accomplished 12 errands yesterday. Her facebook status made me realize that I need to become more planned. It shall be difficult as I never know when Mr. ECinG is going to go for a "solo walk" or begin to obsess over his need for a paid job. Hurdles be damned, I will begin to be more planned.

The randomness and freeform was nice while it lasted but planned and plotted are now the norm.

The newly embraced "plotted / planned philosophy extends to the entry garden. So the flowers that exist will be allowed their live, reseeding randomly will not reoccur. Those seeds will be collected, saved and placed in a designated plat.

My errand list for today is partially completed:

1. new blogpost

2. weed, feed and mulch entry garden while reflecting on my past and future

3. fried catfish for dinner (how's that, Joni)

Blessing from the Deep South to all who internet journey onto English Cottage in Georgia.

On Earth Day, Celebrating...

2010-04-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

On Earth Day, English Cottage is working in the gardens (since Easter) celebrating the Creator, not the created. We rejoice in our employment as stewards of the earth.

"Egg"cellent Transformation in Pastels

2010-03-25T15:31:00.001-07:00

Although busy with company and in the yard, time was taken to pack away "all things emerald green" and pull out containers laden with pastel eggs, bunnies, and crosses.

Going Green for St. Paddy

2010-03-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

English Cottage in Georgia has been busy with school, doctor appointments, company, and yardwork, but has managed to throw a little green around the house in celebration of St. Paddy's Day. English Cottage and Irish celebration don't normally jive, but in the interest of having a bit of fun and an additional reason to celebrate we will "let bygones be bygones". So, a St. Patrick's Day party or at the very least a dinner with Guinness will occur next week.

The beadboard shamrock ornies (below) were made for my by Gina of The Shabby Chic Cottage (found at the top of my blog sidebar). She is very talented and I have become a repeat buyer at her etsy shop.

The St. Patrick's Day decor is stark compared to past years. English Cottage in Georgia has enjoyed weekend guests and spent time and energy on the landscape in the backyard. Next weekend we will again have company down to visit the beginning of the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival.

One of two Yoshino cherry trees which I planted last year is providing joy this year with it's blossoming beauty.

Valentine Tweaking and Menu Planning

2010-02-12T19:25:00.001-08:00

English Cottage in Georgia loves to celebrate St. Valentine's Day. As tweaking the Valentine decor occurs, cherished memories of Valentine Days long ago replay in my mind's eye. Among the cherished memories are visions of decorated shoe boxes to be filled with drugstore valentines from other students and the voice of Mother insisting I MUST give Billy Wade, the second grade bully, a valentine.
In addition to tweaking the Valentine decor and embracing cherished memories, I have been googling possible menus for our Valentine Dinner. A coin flip will decide between lasagna or quiche.

The only thing left to do for the Valentine celebration is to select the meal and set the table which is in the picture below.

Oh, what joy to light the candles, pour the wine, and have a Valentine meal with Mr. ECG and Darling Daughter.

Vintage Kitchen Blessing

2010-02-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

I LOVE MY KITCHEN SOLUTION!

My Kitchen Solution solves two problems:

#1. Mr. English Cottage in Georgia (with short term memory problems from TBI) cannot find ANYTHING in closed closets, drawers, pantries, etc. As a result, Mr. ECG has kitchen challenges. He has been found eating cereal from a serving bowl, custard cup, and occasionally out of a frying pan. Mr. ECG has used cups and flower vases as drinking glasses.

#2. My old house is typical of it's time...an original floorplan without a kitchen. The kitchen was created from a bedroom in the back of the house. The kitchen has NO overhead cabinets. The wall above the base cabinets had pegboard to hold cups and utensils. This pegboard was immediately taken down.

The space to the left is for the refrigerator. The stove is on the right (and is partly in front of the window - another problem to deal with later).

Presenting "My Kitchen Solution". It was an ebay item and came by bus from New Jersey. It fits as if it were custom made for my wall between the refrigerator and the window. Oh, a little custom work occurred when I screwed in the cup hooks.

I LOVE IT!

In addition, after many internet searches a paper towel holder and napkin holder were found which fit on the side of the refrigerator were located.

With the cereal placed on the counter the night before, I no longer come downstairs to see Mr. ECG pouring milk over his cereal in a frying pan:-)

Show the Love

2010-01-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

English Cottage in Georgia is in preparation for Valentine's Day.

Preparing for Valentine's Day brings the recall of sweet memories and gifts from loved ones such as a Cherub card banner from Mom and Dad and a romantic paper fan from one of my dear sisters for my 4oth birthday.

Preparing for Valentine's Day resurrects the memory of small loving hands creating a cherished Valentine Card for Mom and Dad.

Preparing for Valentine's Day includes the astonishment when a lonely Christmas ornament is discovered - away from all the other Christmas decor which has been wrapped, packed, and stacked in attic closets to be retreived with the 9 ft. ladder. :-(

Preparing for Valentine's Day also includes the frustration of trying to find the stash of floral frogs for displaying vintage cards. I placed them where I could easily remember where I put them. Yeah, that really worked out ! Hope I find them by Easter. :-)

Precious memories of the past, present activities, and anticipating the love and joy of the future nurtures my appreciation and love for the celebration of Valentine's Day.

All That is Left of Christmas

2009-12-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Two trees have been dismantled and packed away. All the Santas are boxed until next year. It did not seem reflective of English Cottage's mood to have Santas and Shiny Brites thoughout the house. Tomorrow by noon all that will be left up of the Christmas decor will be one tree and the nativities. The nativities will be very appropriate and a wonderful reminder for the upcoming activities around English Cottage.

Mr. English Cottage's dad( 85 yrs. old) passed away today (December 27th). All the details have not been determined, but Granddad English's funeral and burial will be in the town down the road from up from our home.

MEC is handling the passing of his father very well due to a miracle.

This miracle was a result of a tragedy.

The tragedy was Mr. English Cottage's traumatic brain injury accident which occurred while MEC was performing his coaching duties during a high school football game.

Prior to the tragedy, MEC had great difficulty with faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, the English Cottages even prayed as a couple for MEC to be blessed with faith which came so easily for Mrs. English Cottage.

During Mr. English Cottage's 8 month hospitalization and rehabilitation, two things were obvious 1) he had memory loss and 2) he was converted to faith in Christ.

A victim of TBI (traumatic brain injury) has difficulty showing emotions, except frustration or anger.

During our visits last week with MEC's dad, I was not sure if MEC was grasping the impending death of his father. I asked how MEC felt. MEC's response, "Dad is not well and will soon be in heaven with Jesus. We will all be there someday and together. This is good."

With joy in my heart, I agree. We will all be there and together someday:-).

A Christmas Forest at English Cottage

2009-12-13T13:59:00.001-08:00

The Santas are arguing as to which trees to count and becoming confused during the count of trees at English Cottage. Christmas tree count was so easy years ago when the origins of present day collections were all found on one Charlie Brown live tree.

One of a kind ornaments of my early collection years became the start of collections. Companion, like ornaments for my original ornaments were found at estate sales, Department store after Christmas sales, antique / junk stores, and then ebay.

Unlike many others, English Cottage does not rotate decor. All that is hidden away gets pulled out once a year and enjoyed. Decorating the house to celebrate the birth and of Christ and the gift of grace is the highlight of Christmas.
Minimal cooking is done as we try to eat less sugary goodies. Gift buying is also minimal as the tradition is no more than three gifts from Santa for the occupants of English Cottage. Do guests at a birthday party get more gifts than the birthday child?
So bring on the decor and tree trimming at English Cottage.
Putting up the trees began a little early since my Mom was coming to visit the week after Thanksgiving. I wanted all the trees up so we could fill in the decor and tweak during Mom's visit.

Ah, the arguing has stopped. This post will show only the trees which are four feet or taller.

The living room tree is decorated with blown glass ornaments. When Mom and I first started our glass bulb collection is was very difficult to find the glass bulbs. We would go early the day after Christmas to buy bulbs (they were expensive) at discounted prices. Since the mid 1990's, these bulbs are relatively easy to find, but not always at a sensible price.Currently, the best place (for me) to find additions of blown glass ornaments is at Tuesday Morning.

The first ornament of the collection for this tree was a Currier and Ives (bottom left / covered by the date) which was given to me in 1976 by my college roommate. We were one of the few college students with a decorated tree in our room.

The dining room is host to the vintage Shiny Brite tree. The Shiny Brite collection began in 1977 when I acquired five large Shiny Brite bulbs which had been my grandmother's. The only survivor of Grandmother's 5 large ornaments is the bulb in the bottom right of the picture below.
Notice the top of the Shiny Brite tree is without a topper. A vintage Shiny Brite glass topper has not yet been found which will fit the tree. The hunt continues.... :-)

The downstairs guestroom tree is adorned with....
all things glittery, golden, and touches of burgandy.

The foyer tree is decked with raffia...
and decorated with ornies made of cloth, paper, wood and wire. Every year the raffia comes off and is bagged for the next year along with the ornaments. During the year, Darling daughter and I will continue to make a fabric garland to add to this tree next year.

This tree was started when Darling Daughter was a little over 1 year old and wanted to help decorate the tree. At this point, the blown glass ornaments and shiny brites went into storage for six years.

The foyer tree is the tree which our family of three, Mister English Cottage, Darling Daughter, and I start the holiday season decorating this tree and having hot chocolate afterwards.
The next tree (below) is located in the upstairs guest bedroom and...

is decorated with pink ornaments from Darling Daughter's San Antonio bedroom tree.

Guess where the next tree is located....
Yep, the kitchen.
Below are some of the ornaments on my favorite tree which is located in the upstairs foyer.
Darling daughter and I found 5 strands of vintage looking garland which we purchased at Tuesday Morning this weekend. It will be placed on this tree next year.
I missed my goal of having all the trees up before Mom's visit. I still need to put up the retro plastic ornies from the post WWII period and 1950's.

Also, Darling Daughter's Native American themed room needs to be cleaned and her rustic / primitive tree needs to be put up. Embellishing English Cottage for the Christmas Season continues..... seven trees up, two to go.

Christmas Blessing to all!

Celebrating Christmas

2009-11-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

As scenes of winter, the Christmas season, are being placed on mantles throughout the house,

Santas representing generosity towards others are placed on shelves and into nooks,

and aromas of Christmas baking fill the vintage kitchen of English Cottage,

English Cottage is reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ, our family and friends near and far and our daily blessings.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Living in a New State - "Indecision"

2009-11-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner and a week of not spending three hours on the road to take and pick up Darling daughter to and from school. However, as I visualize Thanksgiving dinner I am not sure from which table English Cottage family be dining and enjoying our Thanksgiving turkey and dressing?

Not since Spring Break, have I visited the "state of indecision".

Does my family (hubby, daughter, border collie, and myself) drive to Texas to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving?
OR
Do we stay at home, relax, and complete some projects which includes making curtains for the back room and cleaning up worn out flower beds ?

Do I put out all the Thanksgiving decor?
OR
Do I minimize Thanksgiving which saves time and energy allowing me to go all out for Christmas which would require an earlier start for Christmas decor ?

Do I stay on a strict budget for Christmas?
OR
Do I spend more, enjoy the buying and wrapping of presents and deal with the budget later?

UGH, the indecision!

There is so much that I do not know at this moment. I hate unnecessary uncertainty. However, I am certain that by Christmas Eve, I will have all my questions answered :-)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Ghouls in Wait at English Cottage

2009-10-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Between paintbrush projects, Darling Daughter and I pulled plastic caskets from the graveyard (closet) and unwrapped tissue paper from mummified spooky objects. The eerie ghouls, pumpkins, witches and harvest colored candles have been thoughtfully placed throughout English Cottage.
Halloween is a BIG DEAL on our street and in our town. In Halloweens past undistributed Halloween candy would last until Christmas. Since moving to English Cottage in Georgia, we have had to turn out the lights after running out of candy. I was extremely shocked during our first Georgia Halloween to find a constant line of Trick or Treaters queued up our sidewalk . Ah well, more of that on a later post.

All the Halloween decor has been placed, except my favorite which is a paper mache pumpkin candy holder. Darling Daughter has hidden it yet again. For more information on Darling Daughter's annual game and my fav Halloween item, click http://englishcottageingeorgia.blogspot.com/2008/10/annual-halloween-hide-n-seek.html
Happy Hauntings :-)

Handymistress Reflection

2009-10-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

The paint brush is still in use at English Cottage.

The letter E is in the den which is being painted Sherwin William's Maison Blanche.

Also, work continues in the kitchen. English Cottage is an old home and originally did not have a kitchen. So, the kitchen was merely a room turned into a kitchen which presents many challenges and opportunities for one who loves "all things vintage".

Since the mistress of English Cottage in Georgia is the painter and handyman the blogland sabbatical will continue. Pondering the definition of sabbatical, a question is reflected as the paintbrush continues it's dance.

What Color is on Your Paint Brush?

2009-09-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

The walls which are being painted (as time allows) are a Sherwin Williams, Maison Blanche. I am so loving black accents with this color. Below are the items which have come into contact with my paint brush.
Not being a photographer or blogger by nature, I only have one "before" pic which follows:

Above is the pie safe which I was priming. It is used for storage in the utility room. I could not get a clear picture of the whole piece. The baskets had been on wire shelves which spanned across the wall. I took the shelves down, filled the holes and painted the room with Maison Blanche. My lack of photography skills and cheap camera do not do the color justice. I hung chain link from the ceiling from which to hang the baskets.

I have no idea yet, what fabric to use in this upholstery project. I have fallen in love with the texture and color of drop cloths, but have lost confidence due to opinions of others. I cannot do an upholstery project myself, so I do not want to make an expensive mistake. I have plenty of time to decide because money for such a project is not in the budget yet. As always, opinions are welcome.

TBI Grade 3 Moment:

While I was settling into bed, my husband (grade 3, TBI) was looking for the remote to turn off the TV. Finally, exasperated at not remembering where he last placed the remote, he asked me "where is the turner offer?".
Seizing the learning moment, I asked if he knew the other word for the item which would turn off the TV.
After much hesitation, he replied, "the turner oner."

Life is never boring at English Cottage. :-)

Thanks for visiting. I am off to see what you have been blogging about and then back to painting.

It Was Easier Choosing a Husband...

2009-08-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

During my morning coffee reflections I became dumbstruck when I realized that within a moment, I was able to choose - with not a whit of doubt - what man I could live with for the rest of my earthly life.

So how is it possible, that I cannot for the life of me decide which colors to use in my kitchen?

I do know that I will go with a cottage feel and cream, but all the other choices... I end up deciding by not deciding and nothing is getting done.

Do I want vintage cottage kitchen with cream and green as on my fridge? I love my vintage green handled cookware, breadboxes, and tins.

Or do I want the romantic pinks with green?

As I write this post, a preference is developing. I will have plenty of time to decide. I must save money for the beadboard cabinetry which I have decided upon.

During my blog absence, I have been busy with less intimidating projects such as the utility room ...

...and a downstairs bath. Unfortunately, the color did not show with my cheap, techieNOT, digital camera. The utility room and bath were both painted a Sherwin Williams Maison Blanche.

In addition to not being able to multitask (projects and blogging) my computer has been acting up. I think the problem it resolved. Thanks to those of you expressing concern and mentioning missing my posts. Now, off I go to catch up on what you guys have been doing.

Cheers!

Lucy

Enjoying the "Dog Days" of Summer

2009-07-28T13:40:00.002-07:00

English Cottage in Georgia has so enjoyed the lazy "dog days" of summer. We are hoping to have an enjoyable time with the two weeks left before school begins.

Hope you are having a wonderful, memorable end of summer!

Sidenote: Pictures are courtesy of my daughter, Kate at http://www.kate-monroe.com. The subject of the photos is our much loved Border Collie, Bucky.

Sitting and Saying Ahh!!!!

2009-07-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am sitting back and saying, "ahh".
No, I have not been to the Doctor or the Dentist. I am sitting on my backyard porch swing and "happy as can be".

No longer do I see unpainted, exposed roof beams being home to carpenter bees leaving their wood shavings on the deck floor.

Instead, I look up and see painted beadboard.

I AM LOVING IT!!!

Although, I need to do more caulking and a final coat of paint, I have a "need to do" off my long list of projects.

In addition, to no longer seeing an eyesore on the deck ceiling, another eyesore was on the lower deck - a hot tub which needed unknown repairs.

I dreaded the possible cost of repairs and having to learn to maintain the hot tub. I made the decision to pull it out and have more deck. My color of composite deck board was not available, so I will eventually need to restain the deck. I prefer to be on the hunt for outdoor rugs because I do not want to place another project on my "need to do" list.

I am overjoyed at the expanded seating area which have been completed just in time for our month of July guests. From this comfy area, we read, grill, get online, and supervise our littlest guests as they play in the yard.

P.S.

The vintage washtub is an eyesore to some visitors, but a treasure to me.

I guess those who do not like the washtub at one time really did the wash on a porch?

My porch washtub plays an integral part of our family's, Ice Cream Sundays, and holding iced drinks during outdoor get togethers.

The Beginning of a Flock?, Summer Reading and Blooming

2009-06-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

A belated thank you to Kathy at http://cedarpond.blogspot.com/. I won two beautiful nativity sheep after Agnes (the hen) chose my name with a drop of her own fertilizer :-)

Kathy is very talented and lives on a beautiful farm in Washington with a bevy of animals which provide chores, inspiration, and hobbies. Kathy, thank you so much and you, your son, and granddaughters are in my prayers.

Please go to Kathy's blog and add her son to your prayer list for Father's Day.

Meanwhile, Darling Daughter and I are doing "buddy reading" for her school's summer reading list. Reading (actually all things pertaining to education) is (are) challenging for Darling Daughter as a result of myotonic muscular dystrophy. She loves all things pertaining to Pocahontas but does not relish reading her "chosen" book, The Double Life of Pocahontas from the summer list which includes the mandatory book, Holes.

Even having a cozy reading spot has not made her summer reading more pleasant.

So while I try to encourage, bribe, coerce Darling Daughter to do her necessary reading, nature is providing joy and floral arrangements. So Mom, to your question,"What's blooming in your yard?" Below is my reply......

Smilin' and Walkin' with Fats Domino....

2009-06-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

With my inbetween (no longer clean enough to wear for shopping, but too good for mowing the yard) Reeboks on my feet, I begin my first walk for the day. The Fats Domino tune and lyrics run through my mind..."I'm walkin', yes indeed, I'm walkin...". This is the beginning of sensory pleasures that my walk offers.

I exit the back door and smell the rosemary in the herb garden. As, I round the corner, I count the number of hydrangea blooms and wonder how many will need to be on the young plant before I am comfortable cutting even one bloom to bring inside.

I then glance over and become thrilled at a gladiola bloom and the growth of my long leafed zinnias.

Walking across the front lawn towards the sidewalk, my eyes gaze upon the lines on the 1932 Tudor home across the street.

Okay, it is hard to appreciate all the details with the tree in the foreground. Below is a better view. I love the gables, arched doorways, and detail on the windows. The red brick with white mortar blends unexpectedly allowing the white trim to pop yet blend. I marvel how the backs of the white benches match the detail of and pair up with the windows above them. This house and it's next door neighboring house make me smile.

The cool green color of this 1880 Victorian home with the lace covered white door and sidelights are so inviting.

Speaking of doors, below are some other darling or better described as "A DOOR able" doors which bring a smile to one's face on my walk. The house on the bottom right was built in 1880. The doorway on the top left belongs on a house built in 1942.
Ah, then the quaint porches offer a delight to the eyes.

This 1860 house has a porch with a beadboard ceiling and filagree trim. The steps leading to the porch are in painted in the same mauve pink as the house.

A balcony is above a porch which wraps around the front and side of this 1898 home. Wouldn't this be great for stargazing?
The pedometer indicates I have walked 400 steps. Don't I have a wonderful beginning of my walk view?
Ending this post is my FAVORITE VIEW of my walk - dear hubby and our border collie, Bucky :-).

So I walk behind dear hubby, snapping pictures and wonder, " Who built these wonderful homes? Who came to live in these homes in the '50's when Fats Domino was singing "I'm Walkin''?
AND
A big THANK YOU to Joanne at http://onesoblessed.blogspot.com/ for honoring English Cottage in Georgia as a "Blessed Blog of the Month".

MIA Confessions and Thanks

2009-05-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Come inside, while I explain MIA English Cottage in Georgia from the blog world.

English Cottage in Georgia MIA began innocently with

1) a steady rain for three weeks
AND
2) the ambitious planting of perennials last summer.

My herb and perennial bed went from bare as shown above to overgrown in the picture below within a short period of time. Weeds are plentiful and in need of pulling on the fence side of the bed.

To the above components add:

1) a self competitive nature ,

2) being tired of my Scarlet O'Hara nature of procrastination of things I need to think about and accomplish,
3) needing to rid myself of 20 pounds,
AND
4) an early chosen and purchased by myself :-) Mother's Day present which was a PEDOMETER.

I anticipated that I have gained 20 lbs. since I began blogging and getting NO exercise. The first day of wearing the pedometer, I maintained my regular daily schedule. To my horror, at the end of the day I had walked, skipped, tripped, hopped over the dog,and climbed stairs for a total of 3 miles.

GOOD NIGHT! WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO TO LOSE 20LBS if I have averaged 3 miles a day walking and have gained weight.

WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO TO LOSE 1LB?

Losing weight at the age of 53 is a LOT more of a challenge than even after I had my youngest daughter when I was 41. :-(

After walking from 5 to 11 miles daily since Mother's Day, I have lost 6lbs. The extra miles have occurred from less internet time. The extra minutes, okay hours are put into deep cleaning, reorganizing the house and mowing the half acre yard with the push mower. In addition, long leaf zinnias have replaced violas in the front bed.

Weeds are being pulled the old fashioned way rather than being sprayed with Round Up.

To my CHAGRIN, I found the more mileage I did daily, the more I wanted to do. NO! not wanted to do - had to do, to be satisfied. Not because I liked the exercise, which is okay. It is my tendency of "never less, always more".
Why do I have to compete on physical endeavors? I have always competed against me. This character flaw has a downside. If I don't improve, I want to take a l-o-n-g pause.

Not liking my behavior, I realize change must come. I will be moderate in ALL THINGS! Deep clean one room daily, one gardening chore a day, maintain all else daily and computer once a week.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET A FIGURE THAT MAKES CLOTHES SHOPPING ENJOYABLE? I guess a baby granddaughter :-) . Are you reading this Darling Oldest Daughter?

Thank you to all the sweet bloggers for your emails of concern and replies of understanding and to Lynn from http://lynnslovelies.blogspot.com/ for the following award.

Attitude of Gratitude

2009-05-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

What joy I am having in the yard as I weed, expand flowerbeds, and plant several cherry blossom trees. The birds are chirping as I sweat and toil.

Sweating is a love hate process for me. My sweating is VERY UNLADYLIKE! I sweat like a racehorse and my face reddens. But I am convinced that poisons pass out of my body with this sweat. I am so grateful that I can work and do manual labor. Instead of being embarrassed at how I look while drenched with sweat, I need to chirp like the birds.

I was asked by a passing neighbor if I was pleased with the beautiful plants which were growing in my yard. My thought and response was that all is God's, the earth is his garden, and I am merely his present employee on this little spot of earth.

I have so much bounty (flowers - too early for veggies), that I cut my first little bouquet and brought it inside to enjoy and look at as I prepare dinner and going to bed.

Thank you Mona http://wsprsweetlyofcottages.blogspot.com/ for bestowing the Attitude of Gratitude Award on my blog. Also, with Mona's of help, I actually figured out how to post something other than my own photos.

Hopefully, I will figure this little task out more than this one time.

The Joy of Nothing Around the Corner

2009-04-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

The pastels of Easter, the greens of St. Paddie's Day, the pinks and reds of Valentine's Day, the greenery of Christmas, the fall colors of Thanksgiving and Halloweeen are all packed away.

Today there is not a holiday to decorate for or plan family gathering. There will be no grand plans or decorating until the Fourth of July.

Oh the joy of plain vanilla and everyday living at English Cottage. The smell of Country Linen Yankee candles, everyday jadite dishes, and emphasis on family pictures at English Cottage are no longer hidden behind seasonal pretties.

The remodeling of English Cottage utility room which is the first room "back door" friends enter upon visiting English Cottage will continue at its snail's pace.

The gardens will continue to be expanded and "on sale" perennials added.

Oh how I love the season of nothing - just a celebration of everyday life!

I had the Same Problem in High School

2009-04-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

In my file of memories are moments of sitting in high school classes with the teacher's voice droning on. I would be looking outside the window, watching the birds flitting around in play on a warm Spring afternoon. I wanted to be outside.

While in college, I could pick my classes. All my classes would be morning classes, leaving the afternoon to go outside to read, take walks, or ride my bike.

Then I became a teacher. For 28 years, every Spring I would look out the window and want to be outside in the joyful warmth of Spring. I would look around the room during lectures ( using inflection to avoid the drone) and activities and wonder which students were similar to me wanting to make a break for the outside.

I still have the same problem now that I had in high school. When I glance outside and see the birds singing, the squirrels playing, and the rose bushes swaying in the Spring breeze, I want to be outside.

I am no longer bound by paycheck responsibility which confines me inside. When I become captivated by the siren call of Spring, I allow myself to be lured outside.

Once outside, I am too ADHD to lay in the sun and work on a tan (never did -which impressed my dermatologist). I am sweating and getting dirty in my garden

creating a red, white and blue bed for the Fourth of July,

cleaning and weeding my herb bed,

and adding roses to the perennial bed.

As I work on my projects, I acknowledge my neighbor's Cecile Brunner rose which beat my climbing rose in the "Race of Full Bloom" and anticipate the full bloom of my climbing rose.

To Be Or Not To Be.......

2009-04-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Scarlett.

Yes, Katie Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton Kennedy Butler.

My introduction to Scarlett occurred at the age of ten, when my mother took me to Houston's Garden Oaks Theater to see a showing of Gone With the Wind. I was enthralled. I was enthralled with her gorgeous dresses and the wonderful homes.

When I read the book, Gone with the Wind at the age of 13, I was appalled. I was very uncomfortable with her treatment of the men in her life.

Now at the age where I qualify to wear a red hat, I have admiration for some of her qualities. I admire Scarlett's ability to set a goal (I know not all her goals were to be admired, but...). In additon to setting goals, she demonstrated tenacity while working to achieve her goal. Finally, I truly admire her ability to endure in the face of violence and poverty.

At a mature age, I am going to emulate Scarlett. Yes, I am going to be Scarlett of English Cottage.

Concerning wrapping and packing exhausted Easter pretties...

"I'll think about that tomorrow".

Concerning how to decorate empty table tops and shelves...

"I will think about that tomorrow".

I do have a question of profound importance. Do tomorrows have a sunrise?

The Race Is On!

2009-04-13T16:00:00.001-07:00

This race is not a competition where I train or study. I can stand or sit. It is a competition that only I am watching and cheering.

As I stand at the sink and look out the window, I ponder.

As I sit on the deck and look into the garden bed, I wonder.

Who will have the first rose bush to be in full bloom? English Cottage or English Cottage neighbor.

Regardless of the results, the spectator is the winner. Yes, a competition where the spectator receives the prize.

NOTE: Results of the race will be posted in God's time.

Last Minute Decision - GO!

2009-04-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last week, my family plans included leaving for Texas after Darling Daughter got out of school early on Friday. However, I was feeling puny, it was raining, and I was behind with my work. After two rainy days of "do I, don't I" and the knowledge that last minute decisions are not best for my husband with a brain injury, I did just that. Late Sunday evening, I packed bags, escorted Darling Daughter and Dear Hubby into the van, and headed west for Texas.

The entire time I loaded the van, I was laughing at the irony as Dear Hubby, who suffered from a traumatic brain injury, kept repeating, " ...and everyone thinks I am the crazy person in this family. It is night, we should be going to sleep."

I have not ever spoken to or traded stories with another caregiver of a TBI patient since bringing my husband home from rehabilitation. I wonder if they have moments when the brain injuried person does seem to have more common sense than the caregiver. All I could focus on at the time was - we had missed Dear Hubby's visit with his rehab doctor in the fall and are overdue for a visit.

The drive down Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana was uneventful. Mainly, because I drove 10 miles under the limit to avoid being nabbed in Baldwin County, Alabama's speed trap where I got my last ticket.

Once we got the the Texas state line, it was time to take a nap while it was still dark.

This was our first trip since selling our Texas home and losing our Texas residency. Yikes, my car was no longer a Texas car. For the first time, I was missing my Texas plates which had been traded for one Georgia plate.

A revelation crossed my mind, "No longer would "a person of evil intent" look at my car and wonder if I was a crazy, concealed handgun carrying Texan. Oh no! Heaven help me, if "a person of evil intent" looked at my Georgia plate and assumed I was a sugar sweet GRITS (Girl Raised in The South)." Panicked at the sudden thought of being a "easy mark", I parked between two cars with Texas plates.

After a safe and sound three hour sleep, our journey continued until we pulled up my Mom's driveway. I suddenly realized, this was the first time since I married my first husband in 1977, that I have stayed overnight at my Mom's house. Until last December, I had a home in San Antonio. Not only had I NOT ever slept at my Mom's house, my entire family had NEVER slept at Mom's house.

All went well, if one forgets the multiple times which Dear Hubby came out of the guest room and asked where the television was. He was equally shocked each time, he received the same answer from Mom, "I do not have tvs in the bedrooms".

Dear Hubby's rehab doctor was pleased that he continues to improve even though the accident was 4 and a half years ago. Even though as I sit typing, he is trying to change the television channel with the cell phone. LOL!

We had wonderful visits with family, ate dearly missed Tex-Mex food, helped Mom move in a sofa bed and tweaked her new office, and visited some of my favorite stores. But it is good to be home even though we went through hail on the drive back - another story for another time, maybe. :-).

Below were considerations of the "don't go" list.

Helping Mom move in a sofa bed and tweaking her new office was soooo much fun, especially since the other sibs did all the grunt work. Wonder what new drapes she will put up?

Our return trip included going up Interstate 35 to visit Dear Hubby's Darling Daughter #1. The trip provided reminders of my Texas love and hate - love the Bluebonnets, hate the level, open land.

Dear Hubby with his oldest darling daughter getting a briefing on who she is married to and the father of her two boys. Dear Husband does not understand how she was able to get married and have two boys "without his knowing of it."

All in all, our last minute four day round trip to Texas ends with "glad we did it, and glad we are back home".
Now I need to go visit my fav blogs and see what I have missed. See ya' soon.

From Hibernating to Hopping

2009-03-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

My goodness, the passage of 36 hours has done wonders for me. I am hopping full of energy, joy, and resolve to get out of hibernation and back in the groove of "living and loving it".

Last Thursday and Friday, I "puttered, while puny" and placed the Easter decorations around the house. Since many blogging days, had passed since my last post, I without chirping and peeping posted the Easter deco that Dear Hubby and I had placed anxiously (only one egg broke) around the house.

I was then scheduled to pack hubby, darling daughter, dog and myself into the van and head for Texas. I called off the trip to persons awaiting us and gave my whiny, puny regrets.

OHHHHH, Today I feel great!!! So I am posting a few more Easter decorations which have been "tweaked, while feeling terrific".

This is a repeat pic from the last post, but when without elaboration due to puny.

Here is a healthy me post picture - I LOVE this Easter Tree (pic below)! It is metal with garland beady thingys around the metal rod. I especially love this metal tree sitting on my old porcelain work table. The minature ornaments are made of clay and some are wooden. Also notice, I placed a crochet runner of Easter pastels underneath the tree replacing the St. Pat's runner that was in the previous post picture.

All the following pics are unposted and the decor was tweaked from the day Dear Hubby and I placed them out of the boxes and in their carefully selected "look at me, Happy Easter" spot.

Below is another kitchen bunny. It is fortunate that he is able to move his ears in multiple positions. The cute window sill bunnies are losing their color from 13 years of sunning. They are a treasured Easter gift from one of my daughters by marriage, Julie (http://jaeartworks.blogspot.com/) who was living with us while attending college. It was her introduction to my inherited belief that all holidays are major celebrations.

Julie, you were right, I have not had the heart to burn the bunny candles:-).

Although, the parlor mantle is not finished - waiting for an Easter banner from an Etsy seller, every flat surface has been occupied by pastel bunnies and eggs.

Below is an Old Country Roses Bunny which was waiting for me at Tuesday Morning last year. Yes, it is sitting on a CD holder from Victorian Trading. It was a present from my Mom. I so enjoy our Texas to Georgia Victorian Trading conversation over cups of coffee when we both receive the our new catalogs.

My apologies for not being a better host on my last post. Let's sit a spell :-).

Displays of Easter at English Cottage

2009-03-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

I am not cute, witty, inspired, creative or anything in the positive. I am tying a knot and hanging on ... I feel puny :-(
So come in and look around while I go back to bed. Hopefully, you will be more inspired than I am after visiting.

Ho, Ho, Ho, In March

2009-03-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know. "Ho, Ho, Ho is no longer politically correct.

I have been hoeing, hoeing, and hoeing - all by myself - all day long. Hoeing is not exciting, nor does it draw a crowd. But the day has been beautiful and I have been having fun out in the yard.

Before I hoe, I turn my bed into a rice paddy and pull as many weeds as possible. See all those nasty defeated weeds in the wheelbarrow. Now the unmulched portion of the bed will be ready of wildflower seeds to be scattered around the rose bush. My fingers are crossed. I have never done this in Georgia, but my front corner bed in Texas was always sowed randomly and was a delight.

The mulched bed has roses, rosemary, phlox, and fragrant irises and fragrant reblooming daylilies found on ebay last year.

Tomorrow remulching parts of the bed and fertilizing the roses is the plan of action. In addition, another bed needs a bit more added.

Touches of Easter have been placed outside.

Tomorrow English Cottage occupants will have outdoor tools in hand. Drop by and we'll take a break and drink glasses of sweet tea.

Cheerio!

Showtime

2009-03-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's almost showtime. Showtime is Dinner at English Cottage.

After scouring old cookbooks and the internet, I have found what I hope is the perfect recipe for St. Patrick's dinner at English Cottage tonight. It is and Irish Stew with beef (don't care for lamb) and Guinness beer. Here is the link: http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001414irish_beef_stew.php . Oh how I love a recipe with a picture.

In addition to stew, English Cottage will be having sourdough bread, fruited jello salad - lime (green) of course :-), and Grasshopper Bars for dessert. Here is the link for the dessert recipe :

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=40847&Source=SearchResultPage.

Now go out and gently pinch someone (family or friends only - not wise to pinch strangers) who may have left the house without a wee bit o' green.

Bit O' Green at English Cottage

2009-03-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

"Come In. I am so glad you are here. Let's have tea and you can help me finish my tasks for our St. Patrick's Day dinner at English Cottage.

As we make our way to the the kitchen, glance into the parlor. Irish lads and lassies, leprechauns and green have been placed and tucked onto shelves and nooks.

As we go to the kitchen, peek into the dining room.

The buffet and dessert plate are finished -just waiting for minor adjustments during the placement of the end of dinner treats. Recipes need to be selected to fill the tiered serving tray.

The table is not completed. The silver (plate ) needs to be polished and flowers placed into unselected vases.

But take note of the compote purchased from the estate sale, the Friday before last.

The candle has a wonderful scent and is surrounded by "luck of the Irish" gold nuggets. Okay. Not real gold. Just pebbles spray painted gold. AND I had to show my ID to purchase the spray paint...
LOL! what underage sniffer is going to work hard enough to look 53 years old :-). The cashier held in low regard the experiences, highs and lows, stresses, etc which I have had to endure to look every day of my 53 years. Although, I could never suffer through the experiences and ordeals which would be required to have my 53 year old body look even 40 years old. :-). Nah, I do not see any advantage to PURPOSELY suffering through life. Do remember, I appreciate vintage, used things!

Icons of Irish heritage have occupied English Cottage kitchen.

The wireless reaches into the kitchen. Would you like to do internet searches of Irish Stew, soda bread recipes and Irish desserts. Or would you prefer to look through the cookbooks for the recipes, as we have our tea?

Let me put Celtic Thunder and Celtic Woman cds on the stereo. Then I will pour the tea.
I am so glad you have come to visit. Sharing time together and getting your feedback and ideas is good for the soul and curing my as of late melancholy mood."

Post Script: Several sweet bloggers have asked questions through comments (from this post and other posts) and emails. In a paragraph, I hope I answered all the questions.

I do not believe that I am Irish. Scotch Irish, yes. I have not traveled to Ireland. My mom has traveled throughout Europe several times. She has remarked often, how many of the men in Scotland reminded her of her Dad. Under the influence of my mother, who decorates for every holiday - even her bunco parties reflect the holiday for which they take place.

I have collected holiday "pretties" since my 20's. I do not dress me (ugh), I dress my house whose dimensions never change. As mentioned in my sidebar, my husband has memory loss as a result of a Grade 3 TBI. Slowly decorating the house seasonally with dear hubby's help, reinforces for him the month that we are in. Since he has been helping, we have less anxiety attacks from suddenly thinking it is Christmas and he did not buy anything for our children. I have tried to get him to use "the notebook" which is a head injury coping mechanism. Yes, things get broken. I will never not use something for fear of breakage.

The pixies, leprachauns or elves are mostly purchased from ebay. I rarely found any browsing in my junk or antique stores. The ebay searches included, pixie, leprachaun, or elf.

The St. Paddy linens were from Lillian Vernon last year after St. Patrick's Day on sale. The can still be found at LV and are on sale again.

Thank you so much for your sweet compliments. The blog world is full of such nice people.

Lucy

Curb Appeal Makeover

2009-03-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

In only ten days...

A total curb appeal makeover...

By God.

BEFORE
March 1, 2009

After
March 11, 2009

Garden Warrior: Fighting the Good Fight

2009-03-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

The mission of creating an English garden at English Cottage in Georgia has been challenging this year. Last year, Lady of English Cottage was able to rise with the morning chirps of birds and dress for the day of gardening warfare. After tiring from the morning battle, homeschooling would take place.

That was then...the past.

Now is now...the present.

Ah, do not think that Lady of English Cottage is waking and stretching at leisure. Dress and breakfast before daybreak still occurs, but landscape warfare must wait. The daily morning journey to transport Darling Daughter via the Ford Contour carriage must first take place.

After the return to English Cottage, weapons are assembled.

Enemy casualties:

Thoroughly drenched with sweat, blistered hands, and a flailing spirit, Lady of English Cottage begins to lose confidence. Questions of doubt emerge: Can this war be won?, Is Lady of English Cottage up to the task?, etc.

So much more land to be conquered.

Some will be easy battles.

Some will be difficult battles.

Just when all determination has sapped away, the body falls to the ground to ease the exhausted muscles and and gulp drinks of water to replenish the body, the Lady of English Cottage pauses and sees the battleground that which has been conquered.

Step back. Measure the progress and reflect the battles accomplished. Remember, "...we are to be stewards of the earth". "Aah, war is NOT fun, but the results are most enjoyable.
Yes, get a good night's sleep and begin again. The efforts are worth "fighting the good fight".

Slamming the Brakes, Results in...

2009-03-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

My husband and I take a 68 mile round trip journey, twice a day to take and pick up Darling Daughter from school. Since our drive is away from Atlanta and to Macon, we usually have a scenic, leisurely drive. Our drive gives me time to reflect, plan for the day, think finances, etc.
Last Friday morning while inattentively driving, my focus changed quickly. With less time than a complete sentence, I quickly SLAMMED THE BRAKES AND TURNED the car quickly around in reponse to the sign which proclaimed "ESTATE SALE".
As a lover of all things old and previously used, I feel a personal responsiblity to show my support to the cause of preserving and recycling. I paid a rehoming fee of $34 to bring these carefully chosen things home to recycle.

Linens and more were purchased and need to be cleaned. I will need to go back to a previous post on Vintage Linen Treasures and reread her cleaning tips for old linens.

The footed compote is waiting for the perfect candle to arrive in the mail from Lillian Vernon, rocks and gold paint. The cherubs look silver, but are brass.

The first cuttings of hydrangeas will be placed in this empty displayed vase which had been standing dirty on a shelf in the garage.

What great joy a little surprise in the day brings.

What Irish Research Hath Wrought

2009-03-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

During my search of truth concerning "The Luck of the Irish", I found some distressing information. Information which would shatter long held beliefs concerning the Irish. What I thought was my information base of the Irish was a mere illusion - Irish mythology.

Shaken to the bone, full of self doubt, I ponder new questions.

Who am I to contribute tidbits of historical narrative to others? How can I possibly form opinions? Am I still me, without opinions?

Opinions are formed from personal experience and knowledge of history. If my historical knowledge base is full of disinformation, do I have the right to a point of view and persuation?

Topics of "all things Irish" could spoken only in broad generalities for minutes, unlike specific topics of American history such as the Civil War, Gilded Age, Populism and Progressivism, Teddy Roosevelt and Imperialism, are topics of which I am versed and can speak of for an hour or more.

But concerning the Irish

I had been WRONG!
I discovered...

... these guys, leprechauns, pixies, elves are not cute guys who albeit somewhat mischievous do good works. Instead, they are more often described as mean, grumpy and alcoholic. Some folklore even accused them of stealing children. Stealing children is a bit too serious to be considered a "wee" prank.

I had been WRONG.
I discovered...

...St. Patrick probably did not use the clover leaf to illustrate the Trinity as he tried to Christianize the Irish. He made no mention of this analogy in his writings.

I did come across one theory about the origin of the phrase, "the luck of the Irish".

During the American gold and silver strikes, many of the lucky miners to find the motherlodes were notably Irish or Irish American. Thus the phrase "luck of the Irish" originated. Due to luck not skill or intelligence, the intelligence challenged, but very lucky Irishmen became wealthy.

Like the Irish, English Cottage has a pot of gold.

Actually, the pot is a vintage deco style jar and the gold is silver and copper.

Our "pot of gold" comes to our home without any effort on our part. Miraculously, after clean, wet clothes are pulled from the washtub, coins and green paper are discovered. I think we have a "wash fairy". Just as mysteriously and magically as it appeared, the green paper disappears, vaporizes after being placed in the jar.

Now may English Cottage investments, get a little of the "Irish luck".

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow?

2009-03-01T12:04:00.001-08:00

At 9 a.m., I awoke this morning and saw, for a former south Texan, the unbelievable.

The flurries continued throughout the morning. By 3 p.m. it appears we might have a heavy (for middle Georgia) blanket of snow.

If the snow continues and school is postponed, I suppose creating a snowman is tomorrow's activity.

Memory of an Irish Lyric

2009-02-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

Although she experienced loss of a love, pain and hardship, she lived her life to the fullest and with humor. She was never without hope and positive expectations for the future.

During the last quarter of my teaching career, I had the pleasure to teach in a classroom next door to Barbara Howard.

Barbara turned to teaching special education after the death of her doctor husband. Prior to her husband's death, Barbara had been a stay at home mom with seven children. As we became friends, Barbara would talk of her beloved husband with whom she had shared a fairy tale life - too brief of time.

The absence of Barbara's husband was difficult, but made more challenging because he had no life insurance. She sold their home and went to college. After obtaining a teaching degree, Barbara went to work, raised her children and put them through college.

Barbara was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to me and to many of the other faculty members at our high school. Although sharing many thoughts, stories, and emotions, Barbara never confided her age.

After the summer of 2001, teachers returned to school to find that Barbara was sick.
For a month, while in the hospital and then at her daughter's home, Barbara sent work to her substitute. At the age of 70, Barbara returned to her beloved husband September, 2001.

Teaching special education students, in high school is not an easy task. At our school, it was not unusual to have 15 or more special ed. students in a classroom. That is a small class, but not when each student has a different lesson plan. To say that most of the students have behaviors which must be redirected is an understatement.

Barbara had a wicked sense of humor. When she gave me her plaque, we both laughed as we read the words. We both agreed with the philosophy of the Irish poet.

Every year, I unpack the St. Patrick's Day decorating items. As I unwrap my Irish plaque, I read it and laugh. Then, I remember Barbara and our shared laugh over the words of an Irish man printed on this plaque.

May those who
love us, love us
and those that
don’t love us,
May God turn
their hearts.
And if He doesn't
turn their hearts,
may he turn
their ankles
so we may know them
by their limping.

The Luck of the Irish?

2009-02-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

The front door is dressed to give all visitors a cheery Irish greeting.

I enjoy reading about Ireland and the Irish.
However, I am curious about the phrase, "the luck of the Irish". Was that phrase meant to be "tongue in cheek"? When one considers the conquests of the Irish, the Potato Famine, and discrimination against the Irish, were the Irish really lucky? Or were the Irish lucky because they had fortitude and attitude to survive?
The "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow", do they ever reach the end of the rainbow and run their hands through the gold coins? Or does the hope of acquiring the pot of gold, keep the Irish on their journey in life, when others would give up?
Nah, not the Irish they do not give up. Don' t you remember the "fighting Irish", that is not a give up slogan.
Whatever - Erin Go Bragh

After the X's and O's, What is Next?

2009-02-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for

lyrical Irish blessings,

fields of clover offering a search for the "lucky four leaf" clover,

and lads and lassies proclaiming, "Happy St. Patrick's Day"!

Weekend Crafting Fun?

2009-02-07T08:00:00.001-08:00

Auntie Darling Daughter has been wanting to send Valentine packages to her niece and nephews. To help Darling Daughter with her sweet, loving goal some planning had to occur. Weekend plans were to create Valentine gifts, assemble and sign Valentine cards, and get packages to the post office.

There is a major dilemma. The crafty definition "manipulative" is a natural for me. The crafty definition "producing creative art products" is soooo not natural for me. Darling Daughter's and my plans for the weekend require help. The pics show our creative aids for this weekends projects.

In addition to the creative aids, assembling of items: valentine fabric, lace, and candy boxes was needed . It was a sacrifice emptying the candy box :-). A greater sacrifice will occur doing the exercise to rid myself of the extra girth due to the candy :-(

Results of three hours of crafting.

1.

2.

The top box had nothing done except the flower plucked off. Darling Daughter and I will have to find pretty millinery flowers to pin on the boxes. Frankly, I think the boxes ALL looked better BEFORE we started. The results are not the fault of Darling Daughter's lack of expertise. We tried to do too much. Sometimes less is better. Darling daughter is challenged by a lack of crafting leadership from me.

Results you can not see:

My fingers ache and are burned from hot glue which cooled down and hardened before daughter, oops, I mean Darling Daughter and I could apply fabric or lace.
Muscles in neck and shoulders are tight from self imposed stress and tension.
I am an a less than pleasant mood due to my lack of crafting abilities.
I learned that I am not encouraging to others while under stress. The old cliche, "if you want it bad enough, you can make it happen" is bunk is reinforced.
It took me twice as long to write this post, because my brain is on overload from crafting.

What I have learned:

Buy a kit. The Valentine critters turned out very well. Darling Daughter did this activity independently. Question: could you crafters sell kits on etsy or your web stores?
Scour all over middle Georgia for PT and OT therapists and QUIT trying to do it all myself. Since we have moved to our small town, Darling Daughter has not received occupational therapy or physical therapy, which is important along with speech for her battle with mmd1.
Stick with pulling weeds, hauling dirt, planting flowers, painting walls, furniture and cabinetry (These things I can do, not fine motor activities).

UPDATE
YIPPEE!!!!!! My spirits have soared. I have found many types of craft kits for sale offered by crafters on ETSY.

Weekend Possibilities

2009-02-06T10:16:00.001-08:00

Several mornings this week the temperature was well below freezing. I lost all hope of going outside to play this coming weekend. I began to wonder long the bitter cold would last. Would I be able to engage in my annual tradition of cleaning flower beds and pruning roses on Valentine's Day.
Today is beautiful and warmer. I see the possibility of playing outside this weekend while basking in the warmth of the sun.

Toys for the weekend.

"Ebb of Winter" Signs

2009-02-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Pinks, reds, flowers, lace, lovebirds, cherubs, hearts, and Xs and Os,

placed on doors,

walls,

shelves and tabletops.

Jonquils burst through the cold ground,

Dancing in the wind, they bring

an annoucement: "the ebb of winter and promise of spring"

As frost bitten camellia buds hold tight and await

their time to bloom, if the ebb of winter slows and spring procrastinates.

Whate'er goes beyond the walls of our abode,

Darling daughter and I will work on lacing, flowering, and further fufu on Valentine boxes

and writing Valentines to family far from us.

It's in the Mail! I Promise.

2009-01-25T17:54:00.001-08:00

Before New Year's Day, I placed some checks into the mail at the post office. One payment was to the City Utility across the street from the post office. Days came, days passed and the checks did not come through my bank. I called the utility and found their check had not arrived. When I went to the utility office to pay the bill, the clerk showed me a baggie of payments given to them by a local bank. She said the payments were damaged in a burning postal truck. I had to call the other businesses, which I had paid that same day...and sure, enough not one had received payment.
During my San Antonio journey to celebrate my Father's life (funeral), I visited one of my fav shops, Homestead Handcrafts. I purchased some goodies for a blogger, my Blogger of Inspiration, who lured me from the World of Lurking to the World of Blogging.
I do not remember the subject which Blogger of My Inspiration posted. I was driven to post a comment, but could not until I provided a google ID and URL. So I created an account and wrote my first post. I did not publish the post until about four months later.
I emailed Blogger of Inspiration to let her know that she had a gift coming. But it has taken me a week to find a box and now I need to get the gift package mailed.

I am appreciative to Blogger of My Inspiration for the push I was given to become a blogger participant. Blogger of My Inspiration took a lot of heat during the Election due to her public political stand which reflected my preference. Her decorating style very much mirrors my style. I appreciate her religious thoughts which at times brought me comfort. One difference between us, Blogger of My Inspiration has soooo much more energy than I. She is my example of what I need to be.
Sadly, due to my family responsibilities it is difficult for me to get "out" and socialize. It is difficult to focus fully on social conversation when I have to keep an eye out for my ADHD Dear Hubby who gets lost. Darling daughter is affected my MMD not yet physically, but is affected mentally. She is learning challenged and naive. So I also keep a watchful eye on her. It is difficult to go shopping for decorating ideas or even clothing. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT go to malls.
Even if Dear Hubby is sleeping, I must stay home. Blogging is something somewhat productive and can be put up when necessary. Blogging can be done at any hour of the day. It does not require a schedule.
With blogging, I socialize, get feedback, shopping and travel ideas. I am so blessed with my visits to other blogs and visitors to my blog. I wish I could gift every blogger whose comment or blog has been a blessing to me.
One of the beauties of blogging... the end of procrastination! Okay, Blogger of my Inspiration the package is in the mail. If it does not arrive by the end of the week we will have to check and see if any postal trucks have been afire! Never mind, I am sending the package via UPS!

Creating "Chippy" Romantic Clutter

2009-01-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

Did I mention my favorite ebay search is "chippy"?
I was lucky last weekend with my "chippy" hunt.
An estate sale was held across the street from my home in an old victorian home. Below is a pic of my "chippy" treasure which I purchased from the estate sale.

The southern gentleman who carried the bench across the street (he felt it is was too heavy for me to carry :-) ) was horrified at our conversation.

Him: "Where would you like me to set this?"
Me: "Inside the house."
Him: "But it is chipping paint".
Me: " I know. Isn't it wonderful"?
Him: "You will want to paint it".
Me: "Oh no! Polyurethane, yes. Paint, no. At least not for a while".

The southern gentleman was really at a loss for words, when I pointed him to the formal living room, rather than the back of the house, to place the bench.

During the week of mornings, I drank my cups of coffee from the corner of my sofa and stared at the bench thinking of my decorating options.
This morning I awoke to a gray, rainy morning. Ahh, a perfect day for staying in the house. We all know what happens with the plan to "stay in the house".

So I gathered a few things:

Romantic, cottage magazines,

a vintage basket to hold reading material,

and a crochet runner to soften the basket of magazines.

Next I went to the trunk of the car to retrieve a sack of purchases from The Women's Christian Ministry thrift store .
I had purchased a treasure trove of silverplate items for $15. One of these trays will make the perfect nest.

The perfect tray is chosen. It is deeper and more tarnished than the other trays.

Next, frame the latest picture of Dear Hubby's grandchildren.
Then, gather barkcloth pillows, toile file holder to hold more magazines, and Valentine tin which stores Valentine goodies during the year.

I am satisfied with the result - for now.

It is anyone's guess how another week of morning coffee will change my "chippy, romantic clutter" corner.

Quiz: What is One Cup and Saucer?

2009-01-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

What is one cup and saucer ?
The beginning of a dinnerware set.

The demitasse cup and saucer had been a gift from my mother in law to my husband's ex wife during their marriage. During a move, she gifted this cup and saucer to me.

With research, I discovered the manufacturer was Syracuse and the pattern was Romance (maroon).

Armed with information, my Syracuse Romance demitasse cup and saucer expanded.....

...into a Dinnerware Set for Six ( minus some berry bowls, teapot, and a casserole).

Oh yeah, my ebay feedback also expanded and my postman lost weight before taking an early retirement!

Future posts will reveal my dinnerware collecting is an incurable, but not fatal disease :-)

A Chilling Wind and Survival

2009-01-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

Brrr! A cold, chilling wind blew in last night. As I laid in bed and listened to the heaving gusts shake the house, I wondered how many shingles would be blown off the roof.

As night turned to morning and morning turned to day, the cold windy chill continues. I surveyed the yard as I left my home to take Darling Daughter to speech and school. The roof survived the wind without a shingle on the ground.

I am cognizant of the continuing gusts, however my resolution is to find and create comfort, warmth, and celebration of traditional holidays in my home. I will clean, cook, and continue my slow pace of placing Valentine decor around the house.

Decorating for Valentine's Day is dissimilar to decorating for Christmas which is accomplished with a fast and furious pace. The placing of vintage Valentine cards, candles, lovebirds and cherubs is done with recall of memories and reflection.

My mind's eye sees the young image of my Grandfather, the giver of this card and my Grandmother the recipient of this card.
Did Granddad chose this card for its words? Why did this card survive the passage of time?

I see the sweet, small hands of my now adult children working to create their school made valentines for Mom and Dad. Will they have children who will create lovely valentines for them?

Uh Oh! A distraction during my dusting.

Rolling my eyes, I note the irony of the book's title, The Challenge To Liberty. It was written by Herbert Hoover and printed in 1934.

No, I will not open the book and scan it. I will make the book my goal - finish tweaking and cleaning then enjoy a cozy chair, sip tea and read The Challenge To Liberty.

What a way to survive! I am comfortable, warm, and content in cozy English Cottage during a cold, chilling wind!

A Shopping We Will Go!

2009-01-16T18:48:00.000-08:00

Back in San Antonio, there was a lull between family gathering for my Dad's funeral. My sister and I went to one of my favorite shops.
Oh the temptations!

A set of pink and black anchor hocking dinnerware. A-H goes in the dishwasher and microwave safely..
Ugh! Where would I put another set of dishes?

The cranberry tumblers and bowls would mix with my Vernon Kilns Monterey dishes.
A vintage rose tablecloth! I love roses. This would be great to use for Valentine's Day.

Ohhhhhhh! Primitives!
I wish I had a place for them.
It is funny how primitives looked great in my circa 1979 built house, but old in my circa 1903 built house. Sort of like a 20+ year old in vintage clothing as compared to a 50+ year old in vintage clothing.
Maybe it depends on the decorator and the model. I cannot make either situation work :-(

I do love the cupboard / pantry.
The lunch box reminds me of my uncle's lunch box at Grandma's house. I remember watching her pack it every morning before Uncle Robert would go off to work.
I wish I had room in the minivan for that dresser. I could always use extra drawers for storage. English cottage does not have many closets or shelves.

I am not going home empty handed - bought a few things for English Cottage and a few surprises for a fellow blogger.
Hope there is room to get Sweet Older Daughter to the airport and Hubby and Darling Daughter back home to Georgia.

ADDENDUM: I am so very thankful that I do not live in an era when the passing of a loved one demands expressions of sadness, staying in seclusion, and wearing of black for long periods of time.
My family is joyful that our prayers for Dad's healing were answered. He has not been left paralyzed, unable to speak, unable to swallow, and unable to work which he loved. Dad is in Heaven completely healed.
My father was a Christian who will be waiting for his Christian wife, children, grandchildren and other loved ones to join him with joy when our earthly lives have been completed.
Dad's funeral was beautiful and the reunion of our entire family was wonderful.

2009-01-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

Lace, cherubs, love birds, swaths of pink, cream, and red fabrics, doilies, hearts,... what have I left out?

Hmmm! I wonder how this will end up? Haven't got a plan or a clue right now...hoping for inspiration to occur during the process.

Yes, I am feeling the love!
My sisters and brother talk about Dad's upcoming funeral and end conversations with "I love you". We appreciate the different strengths that each has contributed during the difficult week to help Dad during his hospitalization and Mom during Dad's illness and the funeral arrangements. We are so blessed to have each other to share the demands and needs which have occurred.
Yes, I am feeling the love.
I will dress the house in the love of Valentine's Day upon my return from Dad's funeral.

Daddy's Gone Home

2009-01-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

Daddy's earthly trip began March 29, 1932 in Neillsville, Wisconsin. His first tour directors were August and Anna Klann. They supervised his baptism and confirmation into the Lutheran church, schooling and attended his high school football and basketball games.
Dad's first stint of travel alone began with the Air Force. Once the Air Force supervised his journey, he traveled to France and Germany.

Unhappy being an MP, Dad left the Air Force tour of duty to become a civilian traveler again.
Dad then headed to California to obtain (with the help of the G.I. Bill) technical training to become a diesel mechanic.
Alone in California, Dad asked Katie, a woman he met and dated while in San Antonio, Texas to become his partner to share his journey. In November 1954, Katie said yes and rode by rail to marry Daddy.
Nine months later, I joined in their party.
By 1961, Dad and Mom had expanded their initial tour group from two to seven.

It was not easy supporting seven travelers. Dad with his loving partner, Mom, raised their five children to love and trust in the Lord, never fight or slander one another outside of the home, self reliance, and honesty.
Dad was a loving, unselfish man. He wanted not for himself, but for his family. He was dependable, trustworthy, and supportive.
November 1994 was Dad and Mom's 40th Anniversary. Daddy's fellow traveling group had expanded considerably.

By Dad and Mom's 50th Anniversary, my sister expanded the group with an additional two boys. I contributed with the addition of a second husband and another daughter to Dad's family portfolio.
January 2, Dad suffered a stroke. The stroke caused paralysis of Dad's right side, inability to speak or swallow. Our family, all believers, prayed for Dad to be healed. Our prayers were answered. God ended Daddy's earthly travel and took him home to heaven. Daddy is home with his Heavenly Father in perfect health and in total joy. Dying is not as scary knowing that my earthly Daddy is in heaven waiting for me.

A Few
of

My Daddy Memories

1. Late in the afternoon, looking out the window and seeing Daddy walk up the sidewalk returning home from work. I would run outside into his arms. Once embraced in his arms, I would pull a stick of gum from his shirt pocket.
2. His love of the Green Bay Packers and later the Dallas Cowboys. During televised games, hearing "Down in front!"
3. His words of advice, "Get out of your shell." and "Write it down."
4. His furor at a next door neighbor, telling Dad how "lucky you are to have girls. You can marry them off and not worry about paying for college." My Dad expected ALL of his children to go to college and depend on themselves.
5. His unexpected calm when I told him I backed the family car into another car. He said, " I am just thankful you are okay. Cars can be replaced."

Boy, I love my Daddy. I thank the Lord God for placing me in his and Mom's care.

Thank you so much for your comments and emails expressing concern and prayers.
Lucy

Here & There

2009-01-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

He's Here!!!

Yup, our border collie, Bucky is finally with us at Georgia Cottage.
My dear son, had been living in our San Antonio home fixing the problems created by an errant painter. Since we did not have a fenced yard Bucky stayed in San Antonio with his temporary Master, dear son.
Yippee, our San Antonio house sold in record time giving us the resources to build a fence. Dear son left San Antonio, Texas late Friday afternoon and arrived in Small Town, Georgia Saturday morning.
Darling daughter is thrilled with the family reunion.
Oops, one member of the family is not happy with the arrival of Bucky. I can't find her for a picture (she has been in hiding). She is now usually upstairs on top of the tallest chest of drawers. Below is a pic of Mocha in her happier days.

They are There

The bell above was a wedding favor which I use as a Christmas ornament.
The back of the bell reads:
Tony - Marvi
Jan. 4, 1986
Wedding
My sister met her dear husband on a trip in the Philippines and returned to marry him. This bell was given to all guests at the wedding which I was unable to attend. The bell was saved from the wedding and packed by my sister as a gift to me.
Every year, as I put up the tree and take it down, I think of my younger sister. I think of her trust in her decisions and her future. Her bravery to journey to a foreign country for a marriage. I also think of my dislike of her decision 23 years ago.
I was so wrong. She was so right.
Tony and Marvi spent their 23rd wedding anniversary at the hospital in San Antonio, Texas helping my Mom care for Dad during his recovery.
They are there and I am not.
Happy Anniversary and I love you! XOXOXOXOXOXO

Thank you for the comments and emails expressing concern for my Dad. I especially thank you for the prayers. The news during the weekend was not encouraging. However after being seen my his family doctor yesterday, we are very hopeful. Even with the positive report, Dad has much fighting ahead to try and regain his speech and use of his right side.

New Year's Day 2009 = Roller Coaster Ride

2009-01-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

With a pop out of bed, the resolutions began. :-)

Resolution #1. Finish projects.
Oh, so many projects to choose from.

The hall tree will be first. Appliques and paint color are chosen. The appliques will be in the mail. I will pick up a pint of black paint tomorrow. Wow! I am feeling G-R-E-A-T! :-)

Resolution #2. Get rid of all things outgrown or unused.
As I dig and sort through the mountain of clothing and household items which have been thrown into an unclaimed closet for a later day...

Melancholy memories emerge

... of a smaller and younger darling daughter attending church in her Easter and spring dresses,

... of reading books,

...and watching movies while snuggled with darling daughter. :-l

Then, I have the dreadful realization...

that a healthy me will NEVER fit into my old size 10 pants ...

or be creative with these old lace curtains or dust ruffles. :-(

The trip down memory lane is replaced with trips to the van with armloads of future Goodwill bargains. Finally procrastination ended with action. J-O-Y! :-)

Resolution #3. Complete the packing of Christmas decor and clean the house.

OH, NO!!!!!!!
WHAT A MESS! What drudgery this is going to be!!! :-(

Mocha, what are you doing on my ladder? Are you supervising me? You silly kitty! :-)

How will I ever finish this tree without the ladder?

Finally, the living room tree ornaments are sorted, wrapped and packed. Now the foyer tree. This is too much work. :-(

Maybe next year, I'll just put up the living room tree.

The foyer tree ornaments are sorted and ready for wrapping and packing. This should be fast - ornaments of cloth, wood, wire, or buttons. Kid friendly ornaments whose acquisition began when darling daughter became an eager helper at the age of 14 months. :-)

Look, the Teddy Bear ornament!

Darling daughter loved that Teddy Bear ornament. Oh, how I remember the frustration at darling daughter for pulling the Teddy Bear ornament off the tree to play, when she had a room full of stuffed animals. I wish I had the insight then which I have gained, now I understand her desire for that bear. :-I

Yeah, Christmas decor is wrapped and packed away for another year and the house is clean. :-)

As I put up the trees and Christmas decor I am focused on decorating and upcoming Christmas festivities My reflections of treasured memories of Christmases past occur at the end of Christmas when I am taking down ornaments, trees, and mantle decor.

Resolution #4. Exercise

Hmm. I guess today's day long housecleaning marathon will have to suffice for the first of my exercise regime. :-)
Tomorrow will include taking a walk, sit-ups, and stretching.

Resolution #5. Daily Bible study.

Need to get to http://simplydandy.blogspot.com/ and write down the daily worship bible which Leann suggested. :-)
From Leann's blog, surf to Amazon.com.
:-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( - Received a call that my Dad was hospitalized tonight with aneurysm. I called my other non Texas sisters and we are praying. :-( :- (

:-I :-I :-I :-I :-I :-I :-I :-I :-I :-I - Update: Doctors believe Dad did not have an aneurysm or stroke. Possibly bleeding in the brain was caused by broken blood vessel and doctors are monitoring and hopeful. Speech, OT, and PT will begin as soon as possible.
We are in prayer.

WHAT A ROLLER COASTER RIDE TODAY HAS BEEN!

Who is separated from his lantern?

2008-12-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

Lanterns, candlelight, lamps, starlight and moonlight bring thoughts of Christ as the light of the world. Just as the reflection of light guides mankind in the dark, Christ guides his

followers through earthly trials and tribulations.
Through my belief in God, his Son, and the Holy Spirit, I find reason and comfort in my challenges of life. Not "why me or us" instead "why not me or us".

Always, the challenge within my challenges is to display Christian love and joy.

May I never be surrounded by the dark and without my light.

Which Santa is missing a lantern?

This small Christmas reunion challenge began with one Christmas present from Mother. A gift in 1988 of a Clothtique Santa.
My Santa from Mother could easily be checked for regluing needs. My Santa from Mother required very little tissue paper and a small box.

Why, oh why, do I have a tendency to turn one item into a collection?

Okay, Santas! Line up for inspection and maybe hot glue. Following your inspection, will be a tissue wrap.

How did this Santa of one, turn into a mob of Santas?

1. If friend or family wanted a sincere "Oh, I love it", they gave me a Clothtique Santa.
2. Mother and I would go to the after Christmas sales early the morning after Christmas for 50% off the original price of Christmas items. We would buy glass bulbs and I would get one Clothtique Santa .
3. Ebay search for Clothtique Santa (no further explaination needed :-) )

Oh, the thoughts going through my mind as I take inventory, make glue repairs and wrap the Santas with tissue paper.

"How I hope all you guys fit into this ONE container. Please fit into this one container."
"Oh no, what if I have to get another container for all these Santas?"
"I have one spot for this one container, where will I put a second container?"
"I want the collection to end, be finished. THE END! If I need another container, I will feel the need to buy a few more Santas to fill the container up".

YES! YES! YES!
All Santas snug and safely packed away. Wow! There is even enough room left for the bottle brush trees which surrounded the Santas on the Armoire.

Moral of this dilemma: NO MORE CLOTHTIQUE SANTAS (unless you want to make a trade) !

Rebirth, Renewal, Resolutions of a New Year

2008-12-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

It has been stated that Christ was not born in winter, but in the summer.
I prefer the symbolism of the birth of Christ in winter. The end of a year and the barren earth of winter are similar the emptiness and hopelessness of the human spirit before the appearance of the Son of God to earth.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

I Thought I Saw A Christmas "Tweety" Bird

2008-12-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

I love the Biblical references of birds and the Lord's concern for them. I admire the grace of birds in flight and the strategy of a flock of birds in a migration flight.
In English Cottage, birds are found in samplers, dishes, fabric, paintings, and vases.
Christmas allows me to bring many birds inside the house for a short time in the winter.

I thought I saw a silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet sitting on the perch in his home. He must have gone to visit a friend. Where could that silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet be?

Could that silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet be in that green glittery tree with other birds?

No. That silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet WAS NOT in that green glittery tree.
I know! I bet that silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet be is on one of the living room tables with one of the other birds.

No. That silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet WAS NOT on one of the living room tables with one of the other birds.
AHA! I bet that silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet is atop the foyer armoire with the little redbirds.

No. That silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet WAS NOT atop the foyer armoire with the little redbirds.

Oh dear, I guess the hunt for a silver, feathered tail bird with very secure feet has begun. Here we go internet search engines, Tuesday Morning, Kohl's, Target....Bird hunting is sooooo much fun!

Christmas in a Vintage Kitchen

2008-12-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

Darling daughter and I are making chili for our traditional viewing of our favorite Christmas movie, The Christmas Story.
We enjoy our Christmas kitchen as we make the chili and inventory our pantry to prepare for Christmas baking.

We love the vintage green, jadite, and folkart Santas! Hmmmm, got to remember to do a search for " folkart nativity" to put on my wish list for Santa Claus :-).

JOY! JOY! JOY To the WORLD!!!

2008-12-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

The Nativity is the first of all the Christmas "goodies" to be placed during the Christmas decorating. If the Nativity for the room is to be placed under a tree, it is placed in a highly visible area until the tree is decorated and ready for the Nativity placement.
With the worldly emphasis on Santa it is easy to lose perspective of "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". In addition to placement of nativity scenes, to reinforce Christmas as the birthday of Christ, each family member receives no more than three gifts on Christmas day.

The foyer properly dressed for Christmas.

The Nativity shown previously is under the foyer tree.
Thanks for visiting and sharing your Christmas cheer! Have a wonderful season as you decorate, buy, bake, and prepare for your celebration with family and friends.

A Successful Hunt

2008-11-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

In a recent phone conversation, one of my Nebraska sisters stated that she was in "the hunt" for old felt and sequin ornaments. What joy - a hunt!!!! I decided to include myself in her hunt.
The timing was perfect. I was returning to San Antonio and would visit one of my favorite haunts, Homestead Handcrafts. I just knew that a hunt down the aisles of this delightful place would provide me with a "bag". Boy, was I right! It was a bullseye hit in our "felt and sequin ornament hunt".

I found old felt and sequin ornaments and a tree skirt. Isn't detail of the tree skirt fabulous?

Also bagged at the counter were new, but vintage looking felt snowflakes. My sis, Loretta can embellish the snowflake ornaments with glitter and sequins.

The glittery elves were a previous purchase from Tuesday Morning in Georgia and will be added to Sis's goodies.
Can't wait to get this 'bag" of goodies packaged and in the mail.

A Wedding in North Carolina

2008-11-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

With great anticipation, my family and I picked my Mother up at the Atlanta airport on Wednesday. We talked and visited before our journey to the "great event". By Friday, our bags were packed, the hotel room was reserved for our weekend "great event" in the mountains of North Carolina.
The "great event" was the wedding of my daughter, Katie to her fiancee, Nate. Sunday evening our excited expectations became a reality. The wedding of Kate and Nate was delightful!! The wedding and reception took place at the Broadmoor Country Club located south of Asheville. We braved the cold during the outdoor ceremony and enjoyed the warmth and delicious food during the reception.
Contented we left the reception and headed for the beds of our hotel room. EARLY the next morning (3:00 a.m.), we threw on our clothes (darling daughter put on her school uniform), packed the suitcases into the car, and headed for Macon, Ga. to drop darling daughter off at school for the beginning of another week.

Kate & Nate

Grandma Katie enjoying the reception.

Katie's cake was as delicious as it was beautiful!!

The reception was wonderfully decorated. My pictures do not do justice to the decor.
More pics at http://katecrafton.blogspot.com/2008/11/where-ive-been.html

Out with Halloween, In with Thanksgiving

2008-11-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

Out with witches, black cats, and scary pumpkin men....
AND

In with turkeys, gourds, and harvest pumpkins.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!!!!!

Annual Halloween Hide-n-Seek

2008-10-30T10:29:00.001-07:00

Darling daughter loves all things beautiful. She DOES NOT like ugly or scary things. Darling daughter hates the paper mache candy container pumpkin below. When a hand goes in to retrieve candy, a sensor sets off a long wailing moan. The Scary Pumpkin is the name darling daughter has given to my favorite Halloween decoration.

Placing the Halloween pretties out for the season marks the beginning of our game of Halloween Hide-n-Seek. I have documented with pictures, the locations darling daughter has unsuccessfully hidden my poor Mr. Pumpkin.

Mr. Pumpkin doing "timeout" in the corner for being scary.

In the bottom cabinet of the buffet with dinnerware. Poor pumpkin was with the Easter dishes. If the door had not been left sightly ajar, Mr. Pumpkin would have been AWOL until Spring decor was pulled out of storage.

Aha!!! This hiding spot took was pretty effective. Mr. Pumpkin hidden under the vanity of the guest room.

HELP! HELP! Mr. Pumpkin was SOOOOOO SCARED in this hiding place. I had to save him from darling daughter's closet. It is a VERY scary place. LOL!!!!!!

Darling Daughter better NOT EVER hide Mr. Pumpkin here.

Halloween Open House - 2

2008-10-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite paper mache halloween item is the pumpkin on the table. He is designed to hold candy. When you place your hand in his mouth to retrieve candy, a sensor triggers a long, scary wail. My darling daughter hates this pumpkin :-)

I love the quirky challenge of this mantle. I must place the candles in the holders crooked so they appear straight. LOL!!!!

More paper mache and garland on the buffet.

Potpourri and sparkly pumpkins purchased from Walmart.

More Halloween paper mache mixed with everyday items.

This wooden friendly ghost has been greeting the my children for 20 halloweens. He was purchased before my love of all things paper mache.

The change of seasons and holidays are a delight for myself and my darling daughter. School is a challenge for darling daughter. However, she is creative. Decorating allows her to express herself and share in something we both enjoy. It is very fortunate that darling daughter is the youngest child. I have so much more "stuff" at my seasoned age than I did as a young mother with my older children.

Thanks for visiting. Lucy

English Cottage Halloween Tour 2008

2008-10-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Come in, the door is unlocked! I am so glad you came to our tour. We have decorated the inside of English Cottage. English Cottage porch will be decorated Halloween Day. We will finish in time to "spooky" greet our many Trick or Treaters.

Once in the foyer, turn right into the living room. You have been warned, "It's spooky!"

Is it obvious? The mantle theme is Pumpkins Galore.

The cedar chest coffee table is home to Ms. Witch on her perched black crow.

Happy goblins and pumpkins have been placed on the sofa table.

Let's sit and sip a cup of hot tea before finishing the tour.

Sunday Night Winding Down - NOT!!!!

2008-10-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

The sun has set ending another Sunday. The kettle is whistling with hot water which will brew into relaxing chamomile tea. I am eagerly awaiting a reflective relaxing tea. Can't wait ... sipping hot tea, looking at my much loved unpacked doilies and paper mache halloween goodies and a clean house. Ahhh, I will drink the hot tea and ponder where the goodies will go for the Halloween season. My darling daughter can sit with me and play "decorating the house for Halloween" before she goes to bed.

I beckon darling daughter into the dining room. She enters carrying a calendar and a school notice. Darling daughter is checking and double checking the date on the notice and the calendar. She is uncertain of what she is reading. However, darling daughter is certain she does not want to make a mistake. A mistake would have her arriving at school uniquely dressed, while the rest of the student body is wearing the usual school uniform. "Mom, what does this mean?", darling daughter asks without confidence.

I take the school notice from darling daughter's hand. A quick scan of the notice informs me that tomorrow kicks off "Spirit Week" at her school. Tomorrow is PJ Day. That's right ... dress for Monday in your pajamas.

No, this can't be correct. I realize I MUST READ the notice S-L-O-W-L-Y.

In a state of shock, I am not liking where this scenario is heading.

With deer in headlight eyes, I slowly read the note's headline. Spirit Week. The note continues: Monday- Pajama Day (nothing inappropriate, no soffees, no camis).

"Oh great", I think to myself (or did I mutter?). "Yep here it is "Monday-Pajama Day (nothing inappropriate, no soffees, no camis).

My mind is racing with thoughts .... "nothing inappropriate? Pajamas to school? I have awakened myself from bad dreams where I was arriving at work in a slip, pajamas, or less. This is for real? "

Slowly rereading a second time, I realize the situation is indeed reality. So I figure out what camis are, but "what are soffees".

I just know that I cannot look up soffees in the dictionary ( did not think of googling soffees). I just figure soffees means soft (old, broken in, very comfortable) pajamas - the very description of my daughter's pajamas.

"Daughter (darling left off), you cannot wear your pajamas to school!! Your pajamas are (borrowing the school notice's description) inappropriate -too thin, too worn out, too many fuzzballs." I exclaim.

She replies, But what are we going to do? (Moms, don't you just love that teamwork word "we"? )

Suddenly my lifelong dream of living in an old home in a small town is very inconvenient.

It is Sunday night. The nearest Walmart is 20 miles away. Ugh!!! I am not liking the moment, but rise to the occasion.

The tea kettle is turned off and we, the three musketeers (hubby, daughter and myself) head off for the nearest Walmart. Did I mention, the nearest Walmart is 20 miles away?

It takes the entire 20 miles (did I mention, the nearest Walmart is 20 miles away?) to explain the situation to my husband (remember, he has short term memory loss from a work accident).

Our current predicament does not make sense to my brain injured husband. Even with 20 miles of explanation, hubby cannot understand the situation. He does not understand the first premise which is "wear pajamas to school".

We pull into the parking lot. Getting out of the car, I am giving marching orders... "Stay together." "Let's make this a quick trip."

Two and a half hours later, our "appropriate pajamas" and other miscellaneous items are purchased. We head for home.

Once home, we prepare for the next day and bed. My daughter has her new school clothes,Hannah Montana pjs, for the first day of Spirit Week laid out and ready to go. Yes sirree! The inhabitants of English Cottage adhere to the Scout motto, Be Prepared.

Sidenote: After arriving at school, darling daughter would not exit the car and enter school building until she witnessed other "pajama clad" students arrive and enter on campus. LOL!!!!

Ready, Set, Reflect

2008-10-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

1. Pull from storage and unwrap from tissue paper the goodies saved through the years.

2. Gather the linens, doilies......
3. Deep clean.

Ahhh! Reflect with my daughter on what will go where with a cup hot tea.

Spooking the Cottage

2008-10-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

During the upcoming week, this Georgia cottage will become one of many spooky houses on the street. The planning and acquiring of all things ghostly and witchy is almost over. The makeover will soon begin. Stay tuned!!!

Georgia on My Mind

2008-07-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

Where to begin?!?
Minus the first five months of my life in California, I have always lived in Texas. Except for my yankee, Wisconsin born Dad and myself, all of my family and friends are Native Texans. Being born and raised in Texas places a person among the Texas elite. This elite status allows a "Native Texan" bumper sticker to join the "Don't Mess with Texas" bumper sticker on the back of your pickup truck. Native Texans leave Texas only for skiing vacations in Colorado or gambling in Nevada. Native Texans would NEVER contemplate moving out of Texas.
I had an idyllic childhood growing up in north Houston. Along with my neighborhood friends, we climbed pine trees, created clubhouses in the woodland thickets, walked a 2" x 4" across the creek with bowls in hand to collect berries from an empty field.
As a preteen, I said goodbye to my Texas Eden when my parents moved us to San Antonio. Upon completion of college, I returned to San Antonio. San Antonio became the hometown to my Native Texan children.
I suppose missing the piney woods of East Texas and my second class Texan status has allowed the UNTHINKABLE - moving from Texas. Life in Georgia would be easier. Atlanta had medical facilities to treat my daughter's present and future medical needs. My brain injured husband's parents and sisters are in Georgia and nearby Alabama. Yep! A move to Georgia was to merit strong reflection and prayer.