MY FAVORITE COLLECTIBLE

I have been so verbose lately, I thought that you might enjoy just looking at pictures this weekend. These are my favorite collectibles - 19th century aesthetic brown transferware.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those caught in hurricane Ike's wrath. Be safe!

Sally

MY CORNER OF THE WORLD

I can't believe that I'm showing you my little corner of the world. Most of my house I consider to be fairly well put together, clean and organized; but this corner of our bedroom always looks this bad. And, this is where I usually spend every evening.

Let's take a tour. This is my ugly recliner that doesn't go with anything else in the room. I've looked to replace it but I can't find another one that fits. It's like buying shoes!! You will notice this unattractive quilt that again doesn't go with anything, but it is the right size and weight to keep me comfortable summer and winter. You would think that I, as a quiltmaker, could make something new. Now notice that ugly paisley thing in the corner. That is my baby pillow - my mother received it at my baby shower 70 years ago. It is down-filled and just right for my neck when I nap. The least I could do is make a new pillow case!

On to my bookcase on the left of the chair: The top shelf holds my bible, my current library book, and my magnifying glass. The next shelf is my supply of magazines for the month. Plus, I see there is a "Digital Photo for Dummies" book (I really am trying to take better photos.) Every month, I usually go through the magazines to discard; but that doesn't always happen. Then, the bottom two shelves hold my favorite decorating books. These rotate in and out of the bookshelves from my sewing room. The only thing really beautiful here is my little clock on the wall, plus there are two pen and ink drawings of the two old homes we have restored in the past.

Now, on to the right side of the chair: This is a little sewing table that holds the real meat and potatoes of the corner. The bottom tier is home to a Mexican basket that I use for trash - you know those subscription cards that come in magazines, bits of thread, etc. Also, on this tier are my Sherwin-Williams paint decks. I'm always thinking about painting something. Then there is a roll of toilet paper (it takes up less room than a box of Kleenex!!)

Now on the top tier, there is a little basket with a lid that holds sewing things - my thimble, needles, pins, thread. Yes, that's a roll of masking tape hanging on the side. Also, of course, there is the necessary TV remote, land-line portable phone, and my cell phone. Sometimes I also have Bob's cell phone there. He gives it to me in the evenings as he says the kids always call him, but they really want to talk to me. They are just lazy - Dad comes before Mom in their alphabetical address books! I'm afraid that sometimes I answer the TV remote when a phone rings. Plus, in the depths are chap stick, scissors, nail clippers, book marks, paper & pen, a stray paper clip. etc.



Beside the sewing table is my decrepit floor lamp with the ugly shade and the brass that is too brassy. The worst part is that if you try to move it an inch, it completely falls apart.

Now, that I'm totally embarrassed, I'm motivated to work on spiffing up my corner.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sally

LUNCH ON THE CHAMPS ELYSEES

Thanks to everyone who commented and offered congratulations on our 50th wedding anniversary. Now, I thought you might enjoy a glimpse of our celebratory trip.

We had spent many days in both London and Paris going in and out, up and down lots of important buildings, churches, palaces, monuments, and engineering marvels. It was our last day in Paris, and we had just finished Notre-Dame Cathedral. Bob asked, "What now?" On a whim, I suggested, "Let's go to Laduree on the Champs Elysees for lunch in a taxi. No more buses or subways!"

I had read about Laduree Patissier for years. It was established in 1862 and is the birthplace of the French macaroon. I had even seen in decorating magazines where people proudly displayed their various Laduree boxes.

Laduree Patissier is in a beautiful building. It is a miniature Versailles - all marble and gilt with gorgeous painted ceilings.

We were seated at a great table by the window; so at one point, someone was actually taking a picture from the outside of me eating my lunch. If they only had known that we were two hicks from the sticks gone traveling! We ordered the cheapest thing on the menu -- chicken and egg club sandwiches and a bottle of water. Everything was served so elegantly -- even the potatoes with our sandwich were stacked architecturally; and the ambiance was unbelievable. The bill was not too bad: $64 U.S. dollars.

Next was a trip up the curving staircase to the prettiest restaurant restroom I have ever been into. Then we went into the Laduree bakery. Pictures were not allowed inside, we discovered; but Bob was able to sneak this one. (Bad, bad tourists!)

First, I picked my box; I thought it was the prettiest one there. Then, I selected my assortment of 18 macaroons. They were the most delicious looking colors and flavors including several kinds of chocolate, lime, pistachio, different berries, caramel, and peanut butter. The bill: $55.20.



We are very frugal people, and rarely spend money extravagantly. But, oh, we enjoyed those macaroons. On our flight from Paris to Boston, we each had a macaroon while our fellow passengers were eating their peanuts.

To conclude our trip, we had planned a road trip up the U.S. coast. So, we ate macaroons from my pretty box in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Sometimes a person just needs to splurge and spend that money, because I now have a pretty Laduree box full of special memories.


Thanks for stopping by,

Sally

A VERY MOMENTOUS DAY!

Sunday, September 7, 2008 is our 50th wedding anniversary. How did that happen? It seems like it was just yesterday when we walked out of the church to begin our life together. This will be a long post; bear with me, as I have a lot to say. After all, it IS a very momentous occasion.

It all started on our first date in the seventh grade. I know -- what were our parents thinking? Believe it or not, we were only 11 years old. Bob's oldest sister drove us to the dance and took this picture. I love that I'm taller than Bob!

By the time we graduated from high school, Bob had grown taller; and I think we knew where this relationship was headed. But, we decided to be sure and test the waters. So, we headed off to different colleges.

At the end of our freshman year in college, we became engaged and I transferred to his college; and after our sophomore year we got married in our home town. We thought we knew it all; but at age 19, we were so naive and didn't have a clue.

FIFTY YEARS AGO, we thought it would be no problem to support ourselves. What were WE thinking? We were still in college, and had no real jobs. Our idea of money was that you got your paycheck; you spent your paycheck. We barely thought about things like taxes, insurance, interest, savings; and thoughts of recessions, workplace problems, inflation, health care costs, investments, etc. etc. weren't even in our vocabulary. We didn't even consider the cost of educating ourselves and our future children . How were we to know that in the end there would be tuition and/or expenses for eight college degrees? Just when we thought we had it all figured out, our minds and bodies began to slow down; and we were faced with a new challenge -- retirement! WHO KNEW supporting ourselves would be so hard and stressful?

FIFTY YEARS AGO, we thought we wanted children someday. We certainly didn't have a clue about this aspect of life. Didn't you take care, support and love children for 18 years, then send them on their way? No one told us that "once a parent, always a parent". We discovered that once you sent them on their way, this would begin the most difficult years of parenting. When they were babies, we didn't realize how much heartache but so much joy was wrapped up in those little bundles of innocence. But we persevered, we did our best, and WHO KNEW that the bonus would be grandchildren?

FIFTY YEARS AGO, we knew we wanted a home and to build a nest together. We didn't realize it would be four apartments and nine houses that needed lots of paint, new appliances, furniture, window treatments, gobs of paint, flooring, renovation, restoration, more paint, and work, work, work. It would involve hundreds of trips to the lumber yard and hardware store and the need for tools, tools, tools. But, WHO KNEW, that feathering our nest would be so much fun?

FIFTY YEARS AGO, we knew we were "in love". We didn't have any idea how that love would grow, change and deepen until we would become one. We were too naive to understand that love is about honor, respect, and the way you take care of each other. WHO KNEW that love and commitment would be the easy part?

About a year ago we started to talk about how we wanted to celebrate this milestone. We quickly disregarded the idea of renewing our vows. We made that commitment "to honor, love, and (yes) obey until death do us part". We still stand by that vow made 50 years ago. We then talked about a big party for everyone we know and love. That is the custom on 50th anniversaries around here -- a huge celebration with lots of food, people, videos, pictures, the wedding dress, and lots of hoopla. For some reason, that didn't seem right for us. Our marriage isn't about other people; it is about us, just us alone together. So, then we started talking about a trip. When we were first married we thought that we would travel a lot, but life seemed to get in the way; and we never got to all the places we wanted to. So, as a celebratory trip, in May this year we flew to London, took the Chunnel to Paris, flew to Boston, rented a car and drove up the coast of Maine to the Maritime Provinces of Canada. We saw palaces, museums, monuments, and engineering marvels. We sat in sidewalk cafes and out-of-the-way restaurants devouring wonderful food; we shopped for antiques and walked through flea markets and street fairs; and were entertained by the locals. We saw amazing scenery; traveled in planes, trains, subways, by bus and taxi. Just the two of us together, alone --it was wonderful!!

So, now on our actual anniversary; we will do what we have done on practically every Sunday for 50 years -- go to church, have lunch, maybe a nap, and then go for a little drive and stop for a Coke.

With God's grace, we will have more of the same wonderful life in the future. If it isn't broken, no need to fix it. They say that growing old isn't for sissies; but growing old with someone you love is a great journey.

I'M NOT THE OUTDOORSY TYPE!

From an early age, I didn't enjoy being outside. But in the 1940s that is what kids did when they weren't in school. They played outside from early morning until the sun went down.

I never understood the logic of that. There were bugs, hot weather, cold weather, snow, wind, snakes, dirt, etc. out there. Not my idea of fun.

For my 4th birthday I received a tricycle, and I know I was thinking, "Oh no, they expect me to ride it on all that dirt and gravel." Well, I tried to cooperate. Even when I was a little older, I managed to ride a two-wheeler after many bruises and scrapes (one that required a trip to the doctor and a big bandage). It wasn't pretty; I certainly didn't enjoy it; and it wasn't the ticket to the freedom of the outdoors that my parents hoped for.

So my parents moved onto plan two. They hired a carpenter to build a play house for me. Do you suppose as an only child I was just a little bit spoiled? But, at least now we're talking my language.

In my eyes, it was beautiful painted a pretty blue inside with two windows and a door. Now all I had to do was go out the back door of the big house, walk ten feet, and go into my play house. Technically, I was "playing outside". There I could take care of my dolls, set the table with my toy dishes, and sit and read. And sometimes, my mother and I would scrub the floor and wash the windows of my little house. I loved that.

I was a little housewife/mother-in-training. This is the only picture that I have of my playhouse. It was taken the day I started school. Oh, I wish I had a better picture of it so you could see how beautiful it was!

Fifty years of marriage later, I still love a clean house with a table set with pretty dishes while I read and my grandkids are outside playing.

I'm right here in the comfort of the house if anyone needs a band-aid or drink of water!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Sally

A POTPOURRI POST

We have had an enjoyable but quiet Labor Day weekend. Our son, the teacher/traveler, came home for a couple of days. It is always fun to have him home, as we have great conversations. He is so knowledgeable about so many things with opinions to match! We learned years ago, it didn't do any good to argue with him; as he is usually right. The weekend included a trip to the city to upgrade our family plan of cell phones (ugh!); and also a trip to the mountains.

Bob and Mike hiked down to this swimming hole, while I (the non-outdoors-type) stayed in the car to read my new decorating magazine. Unfortunately, ten minutes after they left; I rolled down my window and the security alarm on the car went off for some reason. I spent my reading time trying to figure that out.
We came home by way of the skyline drive that gives us this view of our little town.


Then the grandkids came over to play with Uncle Mike. What is better than a single uncle that is still a kid himself and brings presents plus some of his own "toys" to play with?



It was the best kind of weekend!!






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Last week for a church women's group, I needed to bring two potholders for an exchange. I had been wanting to try some of Irene Berry's (an editor at Quilters Newsletter Magazine) paper-pieced patterns. I knew I didn't want to make a whole quilt, so potholders seemed the perfect project. I chose an apple and a radish. I liked the way they turned out, so I will probably make some more for gifts.


Thanks for stopping by,



Sally

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STATE FAIR TIME!!

Every year for most of my life, I've gone to the Colorado State Fair. Bob and I exhibited there as kids, as did our kids. Now, we just go and walk around on Senior Citizen Day! Why not? Admission is free for us "old folks", and the crowds are slower (literally).

There is so much to see and do. Over the years, we have seen some great rock and roll and country artists in concert. You can see the demolition derby, tractor pulls, and mutton busting.

There's the rodeo, the monkey act, the sea lions, and the tiger act. But, best of all are the farm animals. I loved this mother pig - she must have had 12 piglets with her, and this little one wanted to eat again. Oh, was she thinking, "Leave me alone, mama is tired, just let me have a little nap."?

Lots of exhibits to see! There is fine art, handiwork, the kid's 4-H things, etc. plus all of the Colorado conservation exhibits. Then there are the commercial exhibits where they sell everything from pots and pans to massaging chairs.



And one exhibit not to be missed is the ongoing sand sculpture, and to think it is destroyed after the fair.



After all of that walking, it really comes down to the food. Look at this booth - you can get 'deep fried Coke' to go with your 'elephant ears'!




Or, how about Italian sausage sandwiches?


I'm going to have to choose something, so I can't get distracted by those century-old trees and the Colorado blue sky.

This is Bob's favorite. They cut right to the chase - call it what it is - FRIED DOUGH!

Decisions, decisions; and wouldn't you know, by the time I chose something, the camera battery went dead. So you will just have to imagine my huge, cinnamon roll with the works (frosting and pecans)! I ate the whole thing, the whole day's allotment of calories. Next year, maybe I'll try the 'deep fried Coke' and the 'elephant ears'!

Have an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Sally

CHAIR FETISH -- PART SIX

This chair called my name, and I brought it home from an estate auction in 1971. I loved the shape and size, but the original white vinyl upholstery left something to be desired.

I intended to have it recovered right away. But, my daughter was a baby at the time; and let's just say, she had quite the unsettled stomach and never hit the burp cloth on our shoulder. So, we always sat in the white plastic chair when we fed her -- it was so easy to clean up.

It soon then became the sick chair -- if a kid wasn't feeling well; they could curl up in a blanket and lay there with their bucket. The chair survived those uncontrolled sick years of small children.

It finally was recovered two different times in blue fabrics and withstood the teenage years in the family room.

After those rowdy years, it was moved to our bedroom and recovered again -- this time in a beautiful floral tapestry. I slept in this chair all night, every night for six months before I finally had my hips replaced. It provided the only position that was pain-free.

Now the chair is semi-retired, recovered this time in a beautiful shade of red velvet, and sitting in all of its deserved glory in the living room.

I adore this chair!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Sally

AN AWARD

Sally at Smiling Sally has honored me with this award. I was so surprised as I am fairly new to the world of blogging!

I am pleased to pass this award onto the following:

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Her tablescapes are true works of art.

Cathy at Catnabarn. Her creative displays of what she calls junk are wonderful.

Mary at Little Red House. Her photography skills are to be envied; and her whole blog is just beautiful.

Manuela at The Pleasures of Homemaking. She is back blogging again, and I just know her posts will be full of interesting information.

Jean at Sweet Nothings. She is just the nicest person, and contributes so much to this community.

If you don't already, check out these great blogs.

The rules are:

1. Pick five blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and which also contribute to the blogging community.

2. Each award is to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog so that it can be visited.

3. Each award winner can show the award and put the name and link of the blog that presented the award.

4. The award winner and the one who has given the award should show the link arte y pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

SHOPPING EXCURSION

When you live in a small town, shopping can be an adventure. Our basics are covered as we have a Wal-Mart, a couple of grocery stores, and a decent hardware store; but if you need clothing, furnishings, or fabric, it is an hour's drive to the nearest shopping mall. If I'm doing serious shopping for clothes or at Christmas, I like to go by myself. But if it is for things for the house, Bob and I usually take a day and go together.

When we go together, it usually means something better than fast-food for lunch! MiMi's Cafe is one of our favorites.

I've discovered over the years that if we have lunch FIRST then go to the fabric stores, Bob is willing to sit in the car and nap while I shop.

He had two naps this day - first at Hancock Fabrics, then at Jo-Ann's!


Now on to something we both enjoy -- antiquing!! This antique mall is advertised as the largest in the state of Colorado. I'm not sure about that, but there is plenty to see.


I loved this bench; but at $600, it was a lot out of my budget.

This English table and six chairs were priced under $600. I'm not sure how comfortable those chairs would be after an hour at the table; plus a table that only seats six would never work for us. (I can always rationalize not buying something I don't need.) I sure loved the look, however!

A lot of people in Colorado collect cowboy stuff. This was an interesting booth, which reminded me of all the things we got rid of when I cleaned out my father's garage. I did keep quite a few things, however, like branding irons, spurs, crocks, and lanterns. (In the future, I will do a post on our back porch where our cowboy things reside!)

Shown below is my only bargain of the day. I found three yards of this old looking, but new fabric for $8.00. I don't have a project in mind yet, but the colors are wonderful for my house.

It was a great day to get out of town for a little shopping.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sally

THE KITCHEN PROJECT IS DONE FOR NOW!!!

Every summer we usually have a big painting project. Last year, we painted the outside of the house; and this summer it was time for the kitchen cupboards. This was something we had talked about for several years knowing that a lot of people consider painting natural-finished wood a BIG no-no. After 22 years it was time to do something to those cupboards. They were quite weary looking, plus it has always been so dark in the kitchen. There is very little natural light as the only window opens out north onto our screen-in porch.

After all, it wasn't as though the cupboards were custom, hand-made cherry cabinets. They were 1980s builder-grade oak cabinets; so, the decision was made to paint. We did a trial run on the bathroom cupboards using a primer coat, two coats of satin paint, then two coats of polyurethane with lots of sanding in between. We liked the way they turned out, so we decided to forge ahead. It took us a month in a mess, but the painting part is now done; and we are very pleased.

The above picture is the way they looked before. We also took out the old, cheap fan over the stove and installed a new micro hood. In the future, I would like a chandelier over the meat block and a new rug.

Is a room ever done?

CHAIR FETISH -- PART FIVE

This is our computer chair. It swivels, rolls, tilts -- an all around good chair that we use everyday; and it is at least 100 years old. In the 1890s, my step-great-grandfather who I never knew was a judge in Prowers County Colorado. His son married my maternal grandmother when my mother was a child.

Then in the 1950s - 1960s, my husband's uncle worked in maintenance in the Prowers County courthouse. During this time, Bob's uncle acquired several pieces of unused furniture, etc. from the courthouse.

In the 1970s Bob did some professional work for his uncle. Not wanting to take any money, Bob finally agreed to take this chair as payment for services. We had it re-caned, then we refinished it, and started using it.

In the 1980s after my grandmother died, I was going through some old pictures and discovered a picture of this long-ago judge from my side of the family sitting in the chair acquired from my husband's side of the family.

Isn't it interesting how circumstances sometimes play out?

Thanks for stopping by,

Sally

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

d The title of my personal recipe book is "If It Isn't Easy, Sally Doesn't Cook It!" That pretty well sums it up. I was doing semi-homemade before Sandra Lee was born, but I wasn't smart or charming enough to capitalize on it. Here is one of those easy recipes from my files.

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

1 small package regular chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 box chocolate dry cake mix
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Cook pudding as directed on box in the microwave using the milk. Blend dry cake mix into hot pudding; mixture will be thick. Pour into 9 x 13 pan that has been sprayed. Sprinkle with chips and nuts. Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool before cutting into 2" squares.


It doesn't get any easier than that!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Sally