A Special Gift and A Future Gardner

Hello my friends.  Hoping you are all having a great Friday and are looking forward to a beautiful weekend.  Sunshine has been so welcome for the last two days here at the homeplace.  Let us not forget those affected by the terrible storms.  We must continue to remember them in our prayers.

 Yesterday I recieved a special package in the mail.  Val from Life's Little Garden sent me a sweet gift.

 

Val is such a sweet and talented lady.   She was one of the first girls I met when I started blogging in January.

She loves sewing, cooking , and crafting.  Her Dad also makes wonderful quilts.  You need to stop by and visit her blog.  You won't be disappointed.

Okay, back to my gift.  Val has been crocheting dishcloths for awhile .  I questioned about their durabliltiy and how to care for them.  She was so kind and sent me some she had made.

The colors match my kitchen, and she sent a very sweet card.  They are so pretty, I don't want to try them out.(ha)

She even was so kind and sent me a skein of yarn with the directions for me to make some myself.  I couldn't wait to try it and made one last night.  Thank you Val for your kindness and for making me realize how much I have missed crocheting. 

Darbee Rae is spending the night with us tonight.  We picked her up from her house, went to Stevie B's for pizza, and then to Walmart.  Tonight  her toy really wasn't a toy. She got something her and Papa could do together.

She bought a Miracle Gro Kid's Mini Greenhouse.  She picked the pink flower which is a Zinnia

Yep, they are planting right on my coffee table in the living room.  Would I have let my own child done that years ago,  No Way.  What we won't do for our grandchildren.

Looks like we may have a future gardner in the family.  Sure hope a flower pops up in a few days.  If not, I may have to go buy one.  She is so excited.

Hoping you all have a safe and happy weekend.  Take time to stop and smell the flowers.  Thanks for stopping by.....Until next time.

We Are Blessed

Just wanted to check in the morning and let everyone know we were so blessed again last night.  As you know all those powerful stroms and tornados  riped thru our state with such force last evening.  They left behind so much destruction and so many lives have been lost. My heart and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by these storms here in Ga and in all the other states .

We lost power, and was without all night.  In the stillness of the night, after the storms had passed, I lay in bed and sent prayers up for all in the storms path.  Waking this morning with sunshine breaking thru the clouds I sent up more prayers of thankfulness. We had a bedroom window raised, birds were singing, a rooster was crowing in the distance and an old owl was singing his song.  All God's creatures basking in the dawn of a new day.  A day so full of mixed emotions for so many people.

Hoping all of you are safe today, and lets all stop and pause and be thankful for our blessings.  Have a great day..... until later.........

A New Shop In Town

Good evening everyone.  Hope you all have had a great day and are safe from the storms. I have been having some issues with the nursing facility where Mother is , so got out today to go check some things out.  Luckily things were okay and I found Mother doing as well as could be expected.  Saw a few faint smiles, just enough to keep me going. 

Was coming back thru town and noticed we had a new store that had opened.  Made a quick detour around the square and back to check out the store.  NO... not a primitive store, I couldn't be that lucky but a really neat shop.  The name is even catchy, "Grannie Frannie's" Walking in the door we were greeted with a friendly hello and were given an old timey "funeral fan".  We always called them a "church fan", because the funeral homes would donate them to churches when I was little.  Let me tell you I have sat in Long..Long church services in the summer and used one of these faithfully, till I thought my arm would fall off. Tells how old I am, huh?  No, back then air conditioned churches were very rare.

On the back was the store's information and a discount for the grand opening.  Thought that was a neat  way to advertise.  And it was a great way to break the ice and start up a conversation.

I was very impressed with the items they had in the store.  I couldn't leave without a few things, but will definitely check by there often.

This little wooden box reminds me of the old berry crates.  Will probably make a display inside but may use it for flowers.  Will show what I do with it later.

Love this lamp shade.  It will be stenciled and will find a home on the porch on my lamp for a warm glow on  a warm summer night.  That is if we ever stop with all the storms, Huh!

Just started collecting the old whisk brooms.  Around here you can hardly ever find them.  This was way down in an old box.  I almost squealed when I found it.

Loved this old twig handle basket.  Will have to get the perfect plant for it, but for now this will do.

Don't like the pot showing but when I get the right plant won't this be cute out on the porch?  I was so happy to find this great little store.  Our little downtown area does not have many neat places to shop.  Hope this one will be around for awhile.

Back to Holly's house and she had bought a box of old bottles at a yard sale.  She shared with me.  This was my favorite. Don't know what I will do with it, but I love bottles that are this color.

Today was a great day having lunch out and then going junkin.  Hope all of you had a great day and are safe from all the storms. Thanks for stopping by and come back soon , you hear?

A Busy Blessed Weekend

Evening everyone.  Hope with the weekend winding down we can all sit and reflect on the wonderful time we had with our families, friends, or simply being with someone we love. It has been a busy one for me.  But before I show pic of Darbee Rae and how she enjoyed herself , let me show you who I spotted "thru Nana's window"  today.

That silly Easter Bunny was hiding  Darbee Rae's goodies outside.  Looks like one will be hidden in the swing on the porch. Nothing like being caught in action, huh?

Okay, back to the busy weekend.On Sat. our church had it's annual Egg Hunt.  Mr. P. had to work but I went to see Darbee Rae hunt for her eggs.  There were lots of games for the kiddos.  She gave them all her best.  She's got a way to go before she can hula hoop, but it didn't stop her from trying.

She was really into hunting for eggs this year.  She didn't care how many she got and would pass up the ones if they looked wet or dirty.

The snacks were good also.  She wouldn't taste a boiled egg because they  smelled bad she said, but those cupcakes were delicious.

We left there and went back to Darbee Rae's house and she had a big surprise in the mail.  The Easter Bunny had sent her a big plastice easter egg thru the mail.  It wasn't in a box or anything.  What a neat surprise. It was filled with all sorts of goodies.  Even a new pair of earrings.

That was a surprise to Nana as well.  I would never have thought the mail would deliver it without a box.  Made a believer out of Darbee Rae.  She was so glad the Bunny knew her address and where to deliver her easter basket. 

Today, I decided to have a big supper here at home.  Those who know me know I love to bake but to cook a big meal is not my cup of tea.  Going out to eat is so much more fun, and easier  But today was great.  We had some family and several friends who were not spending time with their own families for various reasons.  They are like family to us, so the more the merrier.  We had a great time , food was good, and visiting was even better.  Jane brought a really good cake for dessert and Darbee Rae loved that icing as well.  Holly brought a delicious ham she had fixed in the crockpot,,,, gota have that recipe and these really cute appetizers she made from crescent rolls.  Thought they were too cute, and yummy too.

Darbee Rae could hardly eat, She was so excited to go outside and see what the Easter Bunny left for her.  Her first stop was where he got caught in the picture.  On Nana's proch.

Off she went finding gifts all over the yard.

That Easter Bunny made her work for her goodies.  So glad we had a beautiful day , great for being outside for the hunt.

Another Easter Sunday comes to a close.  We have so much in our family to be thankful for.  Jesus died on the cross so that we might live, he rose again and lives in my heart daily. I so hope each and everyone took time this weekend to give thanks and to pause and be thankful for what 

 the real meaning of Easter is all about.

Tomorrow all the bunnies, eggs, and decorations go back in crates, and we move forward to the next holiday .  What decorations will you put out next?  I will leave my bird nest, etc. out for awhile, but am looking forward to patroitic items in the near future.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting.  Stop by again soon.

I GOT MAIL

Good evening everyone.  It's been a few days since I have posted, but it's been a busy week so far and I have been spending time with Holly and Darbee Rae. Just doing girly things and having fun.  Today is the first day this week I have been home, and I am glad I was.  I GOT MAIL.

The front door bell rang before lunch this morning, and knowing it is strange for anyone to come to the front door, I hurried to see who was there.  The mail lady had a package for me.

I know, it's upside down, but Didn't want the addresses to show, sorry. I was so excited as it was from a dear friend of mine who lives in TN.  I have known Kim for many years, but could probably count of my fingers how many times we have actually seen each other in person. She loves primitives, sews,creates and paints  really neat primitives. No she doesn't have a blog but she needs one to show off her handiwork.( hint, hint )Okay, okay,  lets open the box.

I couldn't wait to see all my goodies. And they smelled good, too.

Love this little prim dress.  In its pocket is a mouse and a tea light. Can't wait to find a special spot for it

This little wax mouse is hard to keep up with.  He is roaming all thru the house looking for a perfect spot to call his home.  Hey, for all of you who write about visiting North Shore Primitives, you know how much I would like   love to go to that shop.  Well Kim and a group of her friends just got back from Ohio.  And this little mouse came from that shop.  At least I have something in my house from there. (ha)

She was so thoughtful and picked up brochures and buisness cards from some of their favorite shops.  She knows we are planning a trip up that way in September.  We are hopeful we can afford gas then,, it's almost 800 miles from home.  And saving the very best for last..... this is my absolute favorite.

A Santa in April you might say?  Well Kim knows I work all year on fall and Christmas items to sell at my craft show in Sept.  The only show I do.  So....  it's never to early for a Santa.  He will go up to the craft room and visit with me while I work until months from now when I can put him out.  He is too cute to put away.   AND she was kind enough to share her patterns with me.

I have no excuse now not to get busy making all these cute items.  After all, everyone needs more than one Santa.  How many do you see around town during the holidays? 

Thank you Kim for making my day and for being so generous and sharing with me.   Hoping you all have had a great week so far . Take care, have some fun, and thanks for stopping by and visiting.  I enjoy having you as my guest.

It Doesn't Take Much To Make Me Happy

Happy Saturday to everyone.  Hope you all survived whatever weather that has come your way and have had a great Saturday so far.  We had storms and warnings way into the morning, but yet again so thankful we had no damage.  These things are coming thru so often, I am getting more and more grey hairs.  I am so scared of storms.  But we woke this morning to beautiful sunshine,  but windy.  I even sat on the front porch for awhile.  The wind was kind of chilly but so thankful storms were gone.

Yesterday afternoon Mr. P. was feeling a little guilty because he was having to work today and he came in the house with these for me.

Aren't  they pretty?  He has a green thumb and loves working outside.  I like outside in order to get in the car , my feet on the concrete and to go somewhere.  I love the front porch until it gets too hot to sit out, but dirt, bugs,and other creatures that go along with outdoors, not for me.  I don't even know where in the yard the rose bush is.  Made me smile  that he thought of me.  Love you Mr. P.  Love fresh cut flowers in the house as long as someone else brings them in to me.

Since he was working today, I decided to stay home and play.  And that I did.  I worked for myself.  So often I don't keep things for me or take the time to make something for myself.  I had fun today.  Don't take much to make me happy.  Those who follow my post remember not long ago we got some goodies from a family member who was handling an estate for a friend who had passed away.  I got this table.

A friend of mine had one similar and Mr. P. had promised to make me one, but you know how that goes sometimes.  So I was so excited to get it. 

Was a lot easier to get Mr. P. to paint it for me than to build one.  Sorry about the specks, its a reflection.  I was so happy to finally get it in the house.

We were visiting a cousin of mine this week and knowing how I love old things, she brought out this very old Bible.  We don't know who it belonged to but was in the family because of some old pictures that were in it that had family members names on them. 

It's kind of hard to read but was printed in 1857. Geepers that is old.  Wonder how it has survived.  We were thinking maybe it belonged to my Great-Great Grandfather.  My grandmother had an old country store reciept in it. The chapters and pages were in Roman Numerals instead of numbers.This is where I have displayed it.

Thanks Mr. P. for painting my table and giving me a new piece of furniture to play with. He also cleaned up this old sewing machine for me that we got at the same place.  You should see what he did with the old peddle frame.  Will show you that later.

I love how this turned out.  It is on the vanity in my bathroom.  Did the stitchery while sitting in my front porch swing this morning.  Can't decide if I will leave it there or put it on the back of the toilet. Looked great in both places.  Love it here but scared it will get wet if we are not careful.

Yes, I have had a fun filled day playing in my house.  Yes, Mr. P. is so sweet doing all these things for me.  I know, I know,, I am spoiled but I love him and Feed Him Well!! (lol)

Hope all of you stop and realize we all have things in our live that make us happy.  Find yours this weekend.  Thanks for stopping by ... you come back soon.

Old Fashion Tea Cakes and Memories

Evening everyone.  Hope you all have had a great day whether you were working outside the home or doing daily chores within your cozy abode.  I started out kinda slow, but the day ended rather productively. Actually I played house. Moved things around a little, some found their way right back to where I started but some did find a new spot to call home. 

I think I inherited my knack for playing house from my Grandmother.  She loved to change furniture around, make new flower arrangements and loved to cook SWEETS.  Last night after supper I went to the kitchen and made Mr. P. a batch of Old Fashioned Tea Cakes.  The whole time I was baking them I thought of the memories of watching my Grandmother ( I called her Mama) make these cookies.  Her method was so much harder than the recipe I use today. 

This is the actual dough bowl, sifter,rolling pin and the cloth she used  as a pastry cloth when making the best cookies a little girl could ask for.  I would stand on an old metal stool and watch, and wonder when I would get that first warm cookie.

She used an old snuff glass (a small drinking glass) to cut out the tea cakes  after she had rolled them out.  Don't leave me yet.  My version is so simple.

Sometime we take things for granted.  I guess I thought "Mama" would be around forever.  Although she lived to be 95, I never got her to give me the recipe she had planted in her mind.  I tried for years all kind of recipes, but they were never like my grandmother;s

Several years ago, my sister-in-law brought me a plate of tea cakes as a hostess gift when I had them over for Christmas.  I almost bit my tongue.  Those were the closest to "Manma's " tea cakes .  I was so excited when she shared the recipe with me.  Thanks Maudie.  Can't begin to tell you how many times I have made these since.

If you've never had a tea cake, well they are a plain cookie.  Kinda like a pound cake but in cookie form.

Will show you pictures and then share the recipe with you.

The recipe says to drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet. I am a ball person, so I make mine into balls

Yes, this is my old faithful cookie sheet I have had for 37 years.  Looks bad, but makes the best cookies. After I get the balls on sheet, I dip a fork in flour and score the tops.

And then you pop them in the oven and anxiously wait, but it only takes a few minutes.  When I was little and "Mama" got the cookies in the oven , she would hold me in her lap and sing to me.  Remember just like yesterday.  Even remember the song she would sing.

Not the prettiest cookies in the world, but the taste and oh the memories they bring back to me. You do not want the cookie to brown.  Just barely turn on the edges.  I test mine by lifting a cookie with the metal spatula and make sure the bottom is golden . It should look like this

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

2 eggs

2/3 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring

3/4 cup of sugar

2 cups self rising flour

With electric mixer beat eggs until blended.  Add oil and vanilla

Sift dry ingredients together and add to above mixture.

Mix until well blended.

Drop by teaspoons  (or if you perfer roll into balls ) onto baking sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees checking often so as not to burn.

Let cool on wire racks.

If you had a grandma who made tea cakes when you were a child or if you would just like to start a new tradition, Then I hope you will enjoy this recipe.  Make them with your grandchildren and make a memory of your own.

Welcome to my new followers.  Hope you enjoy visiting and I love you stopping by.  Until next time.

Saved from the Dumpster

Well folks, we were blessed again last night as the warnings, storms, and high winds passed us by.  To all of you less fortunate, you are  in our prayers. Woke this morning to a beautiful, sunny, warm day however it was very windy.  Will take that with a smile.

I decided to go into town.  Met Holly, Darbee Rae, and Jane for lunch.  Had a great time eating, visiting, and then doing some shopping together.  Mr. P. and I pulled into home at the same time.  When I got out of car he said come look what I have got.  He is all the time bringing in JUNK that guys at work give him knowing that he makes something out of anything.  I was totally suprised when I saw this.

One of the salesmen that deliver to work was going to throw it in the dumpster.  He even knew the history behind the chest.  It belonged to a very old lady who had stored her quilts in it.  She gave it to him many years ago and he had used it forever storing whatever men do in it.  When he got it she had lined it with old material.  There was still a small piece inside but Mr. P. took it out before I got a pic.

It is really in good shape.  Made from solid old pine. I want to keep it, but don't know where I would put it.  Keep telling Mr. P. I need a bigger house.  Some things are so hard to let go of,

As I was turning in our street , I spotted a yard sale sign that wasn't there earlier in the day.  So Mr.P. and I went back.  This is what I got.

The stools are in perfect shape.  Very sturdy.  And they were next to free.  Couldn't believe what I got all 3 pieces for.  I even felt guilty. But gave them what they ask.  Didn't even ask if that was a low as they could go.  Was to anxious to pay and run with my treasures.  The stools will stay with me. I have been wanting some to go at the little island in the kitchen.  When I set my table for holidays and such Mr. P. and I can eat from the island and not have to clear the table. Of course they have to be painted..... BLACK.  Will probably keep the little shelfs.  They are narrow and surely will find a spot for them once they get a make over also. Great finds for me and a yard sale on Tuesday..... hardly heard of in our neck of the woods. 

So today was a fun day spent with family and a friend, some good food, and great finds.  There is always, always, something in your day to make you smile.  Today , without fail Darbee Rae, made me SMILE. She is a NO.1 shopper and a girly girl.  Hope she puts a smile on your face too.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.  Please visit often.  Until next time.......