Friday, September 22, 2006

Friday's Favorite Corner (Spot)

I had to share with you Mother Earth's new residence in our home. She is smack-dab in the middle of our family room. It is here that she can see all that goes on in the household with a good view of the back yard to make sure all is well outside. I doubt she would be happy without a good view of her splendid land. (She needs to be a little higher, but this is as far as I could reach on a step ladder--grin.)

I found these vintage bird nest prints and had them matted and framed. I love the robin-egg (or Tiffany) blue. I then added some nests on top of each sconce to pull it all together. I love the red, blue and green all mixed together. (Guess that's why I liked the Red & Aqua swap, duh; it just dawned on me!) I've always (since I moved into

my first apartment) had a red accent wall with a teal or sagey green wall elsewhere. (The wall behind my bookshelves are now painted a deep, deep red.) Since this house had a more traditional-style plan, I went with the sagey green walls in the dining room and family room. I have yet to paint the foyer and kitchen. Well, actually, parts of the kitchen are painted a butter cream yellow--definitely a work in progress.

Each year at the TACA Fair, my first stop is at Asia Mathis' booth. She does the most extraordinary clay sculptures. This is the little one I purchased at the spring fair. While MJ was here, I saw this beautifully colored hare that I knew would go somewhere in my house (hehe). Is it not a perfect match? I absolutely adore how Asia writes little words on the houses.

This one was purchased several years ago. It's still my favorite. "Take me and that oak and a house you will see."

This original deco phone was purchased when the hub and I were still dating. We'd always hit all the Art Deco shows in DC. The receiver weighs about four pounds, so it's not one that we use too often. It was refurbished with an easy plug in; but I don't have it plugged in. The ring is unbelievably LOUD! Just like they used to be. It has a beautiful tone, but if you're sitting right next to it, it scares the bajeebies out of you!


This is one of the most precious items that I own. It belonged to my great grandfather, my mother's grandfather Bailey. It is told that after he served in the Civil War, he was "shell shocked." Guess that was the term back then. He made everyone keep this clock covered. "I don't like those two old women looking at me." You can see the carvings on each side at the top. Poor old guy. I lovingly call this piece "grampa," as do the kids. Now, grampa is quite particular about where he sits, when you wind him, how you wind him etc. He worked perfectly in the first house the hub and I rented. When we moved to Falls Church and purchased our first home, grampa became a tad grumpy. Sometimes he worked, sometimes he didn't. When we moved to Leesburg, VA, he became even grumpier. He worked off and on the five years we were there. Now that we're in Tennessee, I think he has worked all of about a week. He's getting grumpier and grumpier as the years go by. I have tried everything--leveling him every which way, etc, but nothing works. Guess he's just tired. That's ok. He can rest for a couple of years. When I was in high school, I had it cleaned up and all the works replaced. Apparently, my mom let my brother Johnny PLAY with it, and he took all the works out! Gee whiz mom. Anyway, the clock maker who refurbished it said it was very old, the giveaway was it was so tall. You can see the gold etched glass only comes part way to the bottom. Isn't that fascinating!

And now, here she is, the Grande Dame Mother Earth. Thank you again Lisa for putting her into Peggy and Ms. Robyn's auction. She is just the most lovely in the land. I am getting so much joy from her, as is my family.

For Kentucky Gal


Sending well wishes for a speedy procedure and recovery to our friend Tammy. I'll be thinking of you today, my friend.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Red & Aqua Swap Received

I was wondering what I was going to blog about when I received a "love letter" (package). Look at what Ms. Wren's Nest sent me for the Red & Aqua swap through Swap-Bot.com! I was so excited to get a package from her because I have peeked at her blog, and what lovely things she does. Before I go any further, please take a moment to send good thoughts her way as her hub is in the hospital. I can't even imagine what she is going through; I've been fortunate in that department. It's always me in the hospital, not the hub. At any rate, I'm sending lots of prayers her way.

This is what I found when I opened the pretty tissue paper. You know presentation is everything; and I just squealed when I saw all the red and aqua. As I began to dig into the beautiful pile, I first found this cute card with the chirping bird and a sweet note on the back. Striped notecards were just beneath, tied in a pretty red polka-dot ribbon.

And then there was a little red and white old vintage tin holding jelly beans (guess what color), some lovely ribbons and two delicious smelling votives. (I'm already burning the aqua one!!)


As if that wasn't enough, under the tin were beautiful fabrics--flannels, cottons, all lovely on their own, but together--sigh. I think some sewing will be in order!!

After I squealed through the entire package, I--of course--started decorating with all my goodies!! I thought I would just go over to where my three R's are (since they are shades of green) and just go to town. Look how fun it all looks. I still have my computer downstairs and now this is what I'm sitting right next to.

Thank you so very much Ms. Wren!! This was such a fun swap. I am so thrilled with all my red and aqua bits and pieces! Oh, and, the jelly beans truly hit the spot as soon as they arrived!!! Hope the hub is well and home soon!!!


And then it was time for tea . . . .

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Spicy Berbere Stew

With tonight being our first chilly night, I thought I would make a stew. I've been craving soups for a week now. I had my first bowl of corn chowder of the "season" last Friday night and noticed that Shelley had posted a yummy and easy corn chowder recipe. She always posts the best stuff.

Yesterday, while shopping for dinner, I found this packet of delicious looking spices for Ethiopian Berbere Stew. I bought some lentils and planned on making it for dinner tonight. I can't even tell you how good it smells simmering. It called for either tofu or beef. Since I don't "do" tofu, I opted for the beef. I'm sure Ethiopians don't put beef in their stews, but I did. The hub is a meat and potatoes kinda guy, so I must keep him happy, right? He's been so busy traveling and on deadlines lately, he's totally exhausted. Poor guy. So putting beef in the stew is the least I could do. Instead of water, I used chicken stock, that always makes soups more tasty! I forgot to buy bread, so we will be having American flat bread with it, since that's what was in the freezer. Looks like pizza, but it's basically just the dough with some herbs sprinkled on top--kinda like Indian naan. It's so good. Oh, how international we are tonight. hehe. I hope that now the cooler weather is here, I'll have a little more interest in cooking. I was really bad most of the summer. It was just too hot to get into the kitchen to whip any real goodies up for supper.

Yesterday, while I was out, I found this new cookbook for Tapas. Remember my gastronomic visit to the tapas restaurant in DC with my brother? I'm going to have to try some of the recipes; I swear, I could graze at every meal and be perfectly happy!

Frankie (my mom's dog) has been visiting us through the back door since I have it open to the fresh air. He's getting more used to the cats (doesn't want to eat them, just scare them now) which is a good thing. I gave him his heartworm meds and a doggy biscuit while I put Frontline on his neck. Guess we'll probably still have fleas and ticks for a while longer. He is just the cutest little fellow. Still a tad scaredy cat, after living on the streets all his life; but he has his moment of pure love. He'll dance and grin if you ask him to! Rootie gets jealous and nudges him right back out on the deck where he proceeds to head back down to momma's quarters! It's too funny to watch.

Ewweeeey, just took a taste of the stew, hot sewey! I mean spiceysewey! Hope everyone is gonna like this. I added a little sweet curry to it to lessen the blow a tad. I don't think it worked! hehe

Look at what MJ sent me today. Two very sweet thank you cards. She didn't have to, but I do love my love letters, you know!


Well, I oiled our kitchen table yesterday and now I have to go wipe all the access off so we can eat on it tonight! Now that it's going to be in the sunlight (I close the blinds in the summer time), I better keep it oiled up. Maybe a tablecloth is in order.

And, of course, Blooger is acting up, again. Sheeeesh!

It's a Beautiful Day


Yesterday was gorgeous, again. The sky was brilliant; and both the kid and I captured it on our camera. I had all the doors and windows slung open (built-in vacuum), the kitties were chasing the dust bunnies flying out the door and the chimes were chiming in the breeze. Does life get much better?

Since Mother Earth's arrival at our little abode, I have suddenly been bit by the Autumn bug--thank you Lisa!! Slowly but surely, I'm putting the summer items away and making room for my favorite-time-of-year debris--leaves, guards, etc. Mother Earth has found a new place to reside and I'll show you that on Friday in my Friday's Favorite Corner (spot). She is keeping a close eye on us seeing how we do things around here. I hope she is pleased. Don't want to mess around with Mother Earth!

It is definitely cooler than yesterday; and I keep sending mom back downstairs to change into something warmer before we head out to lunch. I'm sure I will eventually have to go down and find her a long-sleeved shirt, but for now, I want her to try and find it. I find myself doing a lot for her without even letting her try and it shows. She's becoming more dependent on me (which is fine), but I do want her to try and not lose all train of thought in little tasks such as this. It's crazy. All summer, she is freezing and dresses like it's winter; but as soon as it turns cold, she doesn't transform to putting her warmer clothes on. She's probably finally removed her long johns (that she wears all summer under her pants!) now that it's getting cooler. Can't figure it out, poor thing. (Yes, I finally did go down and get her a turtle neck, a pair of jeans, a jacket and some closed-toe shoes--and yes, she did have her long john's on still.)


As for me, I'm a total jeans girl. And, I have been out of jeans for about two weeks now. I threw my last pair away after getting holes in them (chunky legs rub holes in the thighs--TMI, I'm sure!). I refuse to pay full price for jeans, over $60, so I normally go to thrift stores and such. These other pants I've been wearing really throw me off. They are totally not "me" and I feel like a geek in them. I have even worn a pair of white jeans (EEEEEK)--it's after Labor Day, Lord forbid! I must get out and find a pair. I am in love with Tommy jeans that fit me well. When you're overweight, it's hard to find a pair of jeans that fit somewhat good. I'm over trying to look "great," but I'll settle for just "ok" these days!

Well, I think blogger may just be working now, so I should try and get this posted while it is and before I add too much more. Kind of sporadic subjects, here and there, but I guess that's how I normally write anyway!

Oh, Oh Oh, here is a listing of Barbie fashion shows!! The latest is Kansas Rose's. Wait til you see these gals down (twins!!!) on the farm. Lovely, indeed! Keep me posted if any more are having Fashion Week! (Another oh, and BTW--I received a Blog of the Day award for my Barbie Fashion Show! Can you believe it? I certainly can't, pinch me. How fun is that!! If you click on my award, it will take you to this fun site!)

Kansas Rose
Connie
Pea

Oh well, will have to wait. Blooger (think I'll start calling it that) is sleeping, AGAIN!!

Monday, September 18, 2006

A Rainy Afternoon with Mother Earth

Kinda blah today. A definite afternoon tea kind of day! Rain was in the forecast for today, so mom and I went out and had a breakfast sandwich early this morning instead of our usual lunch hour. She doesn't like to get out in the rain and I all wanted was to go back to sleep. Haven't slept too well for the past two nights.
The teenager's car is wearing thin on him. I have to hold my face tight as to not laugh. His back window went down for the last time on Sunday. When we had the car checked out when we first purchased it, the mechanic wanted over $900 to fix it. Almost as much as we paid for the car! I don't think so, Buster. Well, it took it's last breath (while it was down, of course); so we dropped it off at a local shop right down the street this morning. They called later and gave us a price of $500 to fix it. Um, think again Scooter. I told them to tape it, ghetto rig it as best they could. The teenager is in enough debt; more is not needed now. They did and it doesn't look to bad if I say so myself. Hey, I've seen worse! (I noticed the box over my back brake light has fallen off!) Must be the season, hehe.

When we came back from picking up the "Pimp My Ride, Please" car, I had a little package waiting for me on my kitchen table. Look at the cute little picture on front! How sweet! This was the item I had won on Peggy's auction from Lisa at Hand of Enchantment. Ladies and gents, please meet Mother Earth. Is she not the loveliest? Look at the detail. Ever her backside is as pretty as the front (isn't she a lucky lady!). I think she will finally get me motivated to move into Autumn mode. I have her sitting under my stained glass lamp, the colors are just beautiful. She's kind of mixed in with the green from my plants as she gets accustomed to her new surroundings. I am so excited to have her and very fortunate to have had the winning bid.

Look at the detail. Ever her backside is as pretty as the front (isn't she a lucky lady--not too many women can say that!). Of course, these photos don't even do her justice. What a beautiful work of art. Thank you, Lisa, for making my day. Even your blog cheered me up today!

The gals are beginning to show up with fashion shows of their Barbies. Go take a peek at Connie's. She has quite an array of dolls--lucky her. But the fav of the bunch is her Live Action, rock-star status Barbie complete with mic. I am digging those tassels baby! Then move on over to Pea's and sit through her fashion show. Just as impressive, I must say!!! Pea dressed her Barbie in some of her outfits. Oh my. What an array. She has fur coats, pajamas and some pretty fab clothes to get herself lookin' fine. Pea said her son wondered about her too while she was setting up the fashion shoot! hehe. No guys, we're doing ok. Guess we're going through our mid-life crisis regressing to our childhood, eh? Hold on a second while I smack myself now!

Here's the kid's science project on cells. Too cute.

Oh, and I finally got the chocolate swap off to Maggii and my Red & Aqua swap off to Portugal. I've already finished my three "black cat" ATCs for my next swap. Hmmm, maybe it's time to clean the house! Another cup of tea, and no problem. I'll get right on that . . . NOT!

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Love Letters

Today, I received sweet packages from the nicest people. I love packages, especially from nice people.

I got my Beanie Baby from Peggy's auction that Pea had donated. It is soooo cute. Dearie me, I remember hunting Beanies like there was no tomorrow! The teenager loved them. If I would go overseas, I would always bring back ones we couldn't get here--at a price, mind you. What a craze!! When I showed him the one from Pea, he was excited. . . the teenager . . . excited! hehe He seemed kinda mad that I had boxed all of ours up and put them in the basement! (He did, however, have no time for my PJ photo shoot!) Do you think they will be fun for our grandkids? I sure hope so! The money I sunk into those things. But what fun. You know, the hunt. Anyway, we did NOT have the soccer one! Yahoo. Thanks Pea!! She also sent the sweetest little note in with him. That Pea, she's such a sweetie!

And then, out of the blue came a package from Connie! Talk about another sweetie. She just sent me a little package of love containing a llittle note, some tea, some nice smelling candles and a chocolate creme brulee mix! Yummo! Now, isn't that kind? I've already burned one candle, which smells so good. Tomorrow, I'll have some of the Morning Tea. It has been a joy getting to know Connie through ms*robyn's swaps and beyond.

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful spirits online. It's nice to see one another every day and see what each person has been up to, how they are feeling, how their family is doing and just stopping in to say "hi." Little did I know when I started blogging for the boys, it would turn out to be such a social event. I love it! Thank you all, so very much, just for being you and sharing it with us all. (And a special thank you, of course, to Pea and Connie! xoxo)

PJ's Photo Shoot


Well, it happened. PJ came out of retirement just for us. And yes, I do think she has been to more than one Botox Party. She's looking pretty good for a lady in her, um, 40s? Most of her clothes still fit, the coulots a little tight in the chest area and her fuchsia panty hose a little lower than us women prefer for comfort. But, overall, I think she's doing pretty well!

I admit, I felt sorry for the broad and had to go out and do a little shoe shopping for her. She didn't have a pair to be found. She was pretty happy with the selection. Gee, are the 60s and 70s fashions back or what (even for Barbies!)? The boots and platforms fit right in with her other "metallic" outfits. I can see now why I liked PJ so much, fuchsia is my favorite color. And of course, she was probably the only one at the time with brown eyes. All of the fuscia outfits are vintage. The blue pants are not. Oh well. What's a girl to do. Guess she never wore pants way back when.

PJ made a special trip to Ft. Campbell to let the troops know how much we all appreciate their sacrifices. I think she got a little sweet on the biker dude. (I did notice on her upper thigh a tattoo was removed--naughty naughty.) She got a little wild towards the end and I had to cover her rear-end up with a jacket. She had already lost a pair of shoes! Geesh, PJ. Show a little decorum! (I was heard more than once saying "Hey soldier! I want to see those hands at all times!" It didn't seem to bother PJ--I guess if you're locked in a box for 30 years, you wouldn't, hehe.) Speaking of hands, I should have had a closer eye on where PJ's hands were. Look at her sitting on the bike. That poor soldier has the look of terror in his eyes!!

Ok ladies, don't forget to let me know to link to you if you have a fashion show to visit!!

Photo Shoot

Well, it happened. PJ came out of retirement just for us. And yes, I do think she has been to more than one Botox Party. She's looking pretty good for a lady in her, um, 40s? Most of her clothes still fit, the coulots a little tight in the chest area and her fuchsia panty hose a little lower than us women prefer for comfort. But, overall, I think she's doing pretty well!

I admit, I felt sorry for the broad and had to go out and do a little shoe shopping for her. She didn't have a pair to be found. She was pretty happy with the selection. Gee, are the 60s and 70s fashions back or what (even for Barbies!)? The boots and platforms fit right in with her other "metallic" outfits. I can see now why I liked PJ so much, fuchsia is my favorite color. And of course, she was probably the only one at the time with brown eyes. All of the fuscia outfits are vintage. The blue pants are not. Oh well. What's a girl to do. Guess she never wore pants way back when.

PJ made a special trip to Ft. Campbell to let the troops know how much we all appreciate their sacrifices. I think she got a little sweet on the biker dude. (I did notice on her upper thigh a tattoo has been removed--naughty naughty.) She got a little wild towards the end and I had to cover her rear-end up with a jacket. She had already lost a pair of shoes! Geesh, PJ. Show a little decorum! (I was heard more than once saying "Hey soldier! Watch where those hands are!" It didn't seem to bother PJ--I guess if you're locked in a box for 30 years, you wouldn't, hehe.) I should have said something to her. I think her hands are a little too close on the biker guy when she was sitting behind him. Just look at his face!

Ok ladies, don't forget to let me know to link to you if you have a fashion show to visit!!

Friday, September 15, 2006

Barbie Doll Fashion Show?

Ok, Pea has started something. After looking at her Barbie she pulled out from the basement, I think it only fitting that we all take pictures of our Barbies in their finest. I still have my PJ (a real 60s child)-- Barbie was way too mainstream for me.

Whatchya say, huh? Fun, no? If you don't have your Barbie or "doll," see what you can dig up online that fits your personality. Perhaps we can all link to one another? Let me know if you're game.

I'll try to post my fashion show this weekend. Hmmmm, now, where is PJ? (Probably off at a botox party, no doubt. You know those California gals--too much fun in the sun! wink wink)

Go and visit these wonderful blogs for other fashion shows. Sit back and take a trip down Memory Lane!

Connie
Pea
Kansas Rose

Friday's Favorite Corner

This is one corner of our dining room. It's done in Art Deco mixed with Chinese decor. I told you I mixed and matched!!

The hub and I bought the English armoire while we were courting and on a real Art Deco kick. He got this piece for his apartment. When we were married and we moved into our 19th century Georgetown flat, it only had one tiny closet which we used to hide Spot's (our cat) litter box. This piece was our only other place to hang clothes. When I think back, I guess we weren't clothes hogs then, as we shared it! hmmmm. Anyhow, we picked it up at a bargain price at a Capitol Hill showing of a shipment of antiques that had just arrived from England. It still had both handles (one has broken off since in one of our many moves). I believe the ivory key hole has been broken since we bought it. No biggy in this house. We don't have "fine" antiques anywhere--just well loved ones.

I've used this piece for my table linens since we moved from Georgetown, always having ample closet space for clothes from then on. As you can see, this is one of my weaknesses--grin.

On top is a Chinese bell system. I'm not sure if it's Tibetan or not. I don't even know if it's authentic, I doubt it is. I just liked it and had to have it. Behind it is a vintage piece of Chinese crewel work that I purchased off Ebay when we first moved to Nashville and I was "decorating" in my mind for our new house--to come several years later!! It is a beautiful piece done on silk. I can tell you that I paid more for the framing than I did for the piece itself.

Today, I've been putting my chocolate swap together that Ms*Robyn started. I wanted to wait a bit for it to cool down. I think it has. I hope it has!! I'm still waiting until Monday to get it off because it's supposed to warm up this weekend!! Grrrrrrr.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Animules


Life is just a bowl of hairies.

Dave thinks that just because I put the bowl under the table in a chair, we can't see him nesting in there. Life is rough! He's trying to keep up with Motherkitty's kitty. Go take a look at Tiger Lily!

Both Rootie and Miss Bev went to the vets today. Roo dog has nails that belong in the World Record books. Every time I take her in, I think she must snap at them when they try to cut her nails because they always come out looking like nothing was done. Today, I made sure they cut as MUCH as they could--even if they had to muzzle the poor dog. Most of our floors are wood and I know it must hurt her walking on them as long as they've been. She also has a little rash on her tummy, which has just about healed; but I thought I better have the doc take a look at it. Guess what. Allergies. Geesh, between Miss Bev, Miss Rootie-Toot-Tootie and myself, we are keeping the medical profession going! Roo dog is now on antihystamines and some ear drops because her ears were all clogged up.

Miss Bev began scratching again, so I thought I better haul her in while I was there. They gave her another shot of steroids. I asked if she was going to have anger management probs and bulk up like the hulk; and the vet assured me that cats take steroids differently than us human folk. Thank goodness. I didn't want to wake up to Miss Bev in my face with her claws out insisting to be let out or some other demand. I also had to get more Duck and Pea food--such a life.

I won't even tell you how much this vet visit ran me! Geesh Louise!

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