Sweet Romantic Notions

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-09T15:57:00.021-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Good morrow to you, Valentine;

Curl your locks as I do mine,

Two before and three behind,

Good morrow to my, Valentine.

Wilt thou be mine? dear love, reply,--

Sweetly consent, or else deny;

Whisper softly, none shall know,--

Wilt thou be mine, love? ya or no?

Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's day,

All the morning betime,

And I a maid at your window,

To be your Valentine.

Blush not, my fair, at what I send,
'Tis a fond present from a friend.

These garters, made of silken twine,

Were fancied by your Valentine.

The lovely ladies must be going to a fancy Valentine ball. With

Cupid leading the way, it's a sure sign they will find a special

Valentine!

Cinderella carriage, with honey comb paper puff on it's roof and side's makes a fine party center piece.

O Cupid! Monarch over kings,
Wherefore hast thou feet and wings? Is it to show how swift thou art, when thou wound's a tender heart?

Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?
Shakespeare

Heart, we will never forget him!

You and I tonight!

You may forget the warmth he gave,I will forget the light.

Emily Dickinson

Take the flower,and turn the hour,

and kiss your love again!
R.Kipling

Parting is all we know of heavenand all we need of hell.
E. Dickinson

But pleasures are like poppies spread-you seize the flower, it's bloom is shed;

or like the snow falls in the river-a moment white-then melts forever.
Robert Browning

Be Mine!

Valentine Parties being held at,

Bargain Hunting (and chatting) with Laurie

The Valentine Party A Holiday Haven with Jessa

also linking to

Home Sweet Home with Sherry

Very Merry Vintage Style with Mary

Hope in Every Season with Sarah

Potpourri Friday 2805 with Honey

How Sweet The Sound Pink Saturday with Beverly

What's It Wednesday with Patti at Ivy and Elephants

Thank you, and a special Happy Valentine's Day! to all who host's these sweet parties..

See you all there..

~Shirley

Valentine Ladies

2012-02-06T17:42:00.007-05:00

Pretty Ladies. This Valentine was so sweet I just had to buy her. She is from the fifties and still has the original shoe string. It has never been removed as it has the original seal on the back of the card. It looks like the shoe string was made for the card as it is way too short to fit any shoe including a baby shoe.

This sweet girl attended last years Valentine Party hosted by Laurie. She had a swell time and was kind of shy and hid behind her lovely fan. She knows Laurie is having another party this year and even though she won't be there, she wants to remind all of you not to miss it..

Bargain Hunting (and chatting) with Laurie

and she is going to attend The Valentine Party at A Holiday Haven

so be sure to come along, you wont want to miss the fun.

She's not shy now and loves to show off her rosy cheeks!

This little lady is well prepared to greet her Valentine. What a lovely fancy hat she is wearing and is ready to share her lovely bouquet of flowers.

This must be her sister or her good friend.

Another pretty shy one..

Can he resist my lovely brown eye's....

This lovely lady is feeling the heat!

Her Valentine must be close by!

They are a fine looking bunch, would you say?

The ladies with the umbrella's can be found as replicas today, copied from

Raphael Tuck and Son. If you are looking for a true vintage card be sure to look for the marking on the back of the card.

~Shirley

Vintage Valentine's

2012-02-04T20:51:00.003-05:00

New England Valentine Company. N.E.V.C. embossed on back.

Esther Howland around 1880

Early Esther Howland marked with red H on back. 1850 - 1880..

No marking on this beauty.

George Whitney 1870

More George Whitney

George Whitney

Winter Scene George Whitney

George Whitney

~Shirley

Linking to Holiday Haven's Valentine party

Note: all dates are from books and may be off a year or two!

Flora In Winter 2012

2012-02-02T17:38:00.019-05:00

Linking up to the following parties ,

Hope in Every Season

Home Sweet Home

I'm Linking this post to

Fresh Cut Friday

Welcome to Flora In Winter 2012.

This is my fourth Flora in Winter. I look forward to January only for this event. Our Art Museum and our Botanic Garden hold this event every year. Skilled arrangers from across
New England create clever, provocative interpretations of works from the Museum's collection-it is a feast for the eyes and spirit in the middle of winter!

I posted this event from last year and you can see it at the following links here.

Flora in Winter 2011 #1

Flora in Winter 2011 #2

Flora In Winter 2011 #3

Flora in Winter 2011 #4

I'm sorry I do not have these photo's side by side so you can see the floral arrangement and the art piece selected together. But they are really well worth studying.

These two paintings were shown side by side.

This painting is called OPAL

The designer wrote in the brochure that she was a former landscape painter. She admired the painter from Sweden and it was a privilege to interpret his work. She was inspired by the pearlescent palette, the texture of the rapid feathery brushstrokes, and flickering light. Using two containers representing the two recumbent figures, the challenge will be to suggest this lyrical vertical landscape. I loved it!

This was another one of my favorites. The painting was call A Garden of Flowers With the Education of the Virgin. The plant material had 16 different flowers. It was designed by a garden club. They wrote that the flowers were set against the architectural and sculptural components, the flowers create a three-dimensionality in the painting and elicit a warm hope, the promise of spring, set against the cold, dark stone of winter. The brilliance of the flowers reminds us also of the brightening of the mind wrought by education.

Stunning!

I'm going to let you all enjoy the photo's and not go into each painting as that's a lot of typing. The flowers are beautiful and they let us know it wont be long before spring brings us our gardens of beauty.

These are the photo's I wanted to share among the many I had taken.

Don't forget to visit last years Flora in Winter as it was a beautiful event.

~Shirley

Valentine fun

2012-02-01T08:00:00.012-05:00

The Valentine Party has started.

Come along and join in the fun.

I will be joining Kathy at Home & Garden Thursday

I will be joining Mary at Share The Love Wednesday.
It was a lazy weekend and I thought I would have some fun making some Valentine clip boards.

I bought these at Staples for 1.99 each. I had a rewards coupon used for buying ink and had some money left over so they ended up costing me nothing! Such a bargain!

So I pulled out some of my scrap supplies along with a package of K&Company Valentine die cuts.

~Shirley

Under the Umbrella!

2012-01-31T19:23:00.004-05:00

This Valentine I have shown in a much older post. It is a lovely Valentine and in the best of condition. The young lady is well dressed and ready for any rain that may fall from the sky. Her honey comb paper puff umbrella is wide opened and she is wearing her waterproof boots.

~Shirley

Cupid & Psyche

2012-01-29T18:54:00.003-05:00

Love to fault is always blind,

Always is to joy inclined,

Lawless,winged, and unconfined,

And breaks all chains from every mind.

William Blake

A Favorite Victoria

2012-01-26T10:34:00.008-05:00

A favorite copy of Victoria has always been my 1996 issue. Don't get me wrong, every Valentine issue I own (all of them) is also a favorite.

I seem to pull this one out first. I adore the cover. By Cynthia Hart, who was a contributing editor of Victoria magazine. She also has a design studio and has contributed to many Valentine related books.

The cover is filled with such sweet images. It has a softness that is beautiful to look at. It has the softest colors of pink, and lavender. Pink and Yellow roses surround the heart image.

It can't get any prettier than this.

I love that the Putti's and Cupid are all swooning for attention from this lovely beauty!

I spend some time, at the window filled with sun light, sipping tea and reading

my Valentine Victoria issues. I bring out my favorite tea cup to admire. It is the only one of this kind I have. It is the inside image that makes it my favorite. It looks so much like the cover of the Victoria magazine.

Inside this issue are also my favorite mentors..

Nancy Rosin, President of the N.V.C.A.

and Starr Ockenga Photographer and Author of

On Women & Friendship.

Antique find.

Love the image!

This same issue highlight's the

Sailors' Valentine

I own a very fine work of Shell Art. It is larger than the current

kit types you can find today. I have no history on this particular find but I know it's not

vintage, but it is also not current. I wish it had been signed as it is a fine example of

a Sailors' Valentine

If your lucky to have this issue, I hope you go back and enjoy the pages

that have made it one of my favorite Valentine VICTORIA!

I'm joining:

Share The Love Wednesday

Home Sweet Home

Potpourri Friday

Hope in Every Season

A Return to Loveliness

~Shirley

Children say it so sweetly!

2012-01-22T14:11:00.002-05:00

We all loved exchanging Valentine's as children. It was so much fun.

I can recall all through elementary school celebrating Valentine's Day in the classroom.

It was the best of times.

Packages of Valentine cards could be purchased for as little as .29

This little kitty have moving eyes. Searching for you,

and you!

We dreamed of being a cowgirl or cowboy!

And girls will be girls and boys will be boys!

We could be so many thing!

Sharing our imagination through a simple exchange of a Valentine.

I wonder how many school's still celebrate by exchanging cards today?

I'm so happy we did this during my childhood.

~Shirley

He Loves Me!

2012-01-21T12:00:00.003-05:00

Love is in the air!Sweet Daisies tell no secrets!

He Loves Me?

He Loves Me Not?

He Loves Me!

~Shirley

Joining Pink Saturday!

Thanks Beverly!

More Dimensional Made Valentine's

2012-01-20T21:59:00.005-05:00

I have so many German /Dimensional made, 'Pull Down' Valentine's that I want to show you. It would take a long time for me to photograph them all and post them without losing your interest. I have this set of 10 and 10 more that I will post later and then after Valentine's Day I will no longer show any more Valentines. Believe me I could show many, many more but I promised myself I would put Cupid back in the box and try to keep my blog alive.

How does one who has so many cards keep showing them?. I thought the best way was to keep changing from 'German/Dimensional made' to 'made by hand', childhood cards and other Valentine/Cupid pretties. Here are some really nice 'German/Dimensional' cards. If you ever wish to see the whole card just comment and I will photograph it without cropping/misting..
This first image I will be showing it in it's original form as it's one of my newest cards and it is beautiful. So don't forget to attend the Valentine parties, the party buttons are located on my side bar.

All of the German made cards pull out/fold out. Most cards have 3 to 5 layers.

Die Cuts are also known as pieces of scrap.

They are glued onto hard card stock or thin cardboard tabs, allowing them to fold or pull away from the main background image.

Some die cuts/scrap pieces are repeatedly used on many different cards.

They date from the late 1800s to the 1930s.

You can date them by the printed mark on each card. By this I mean the earliest cards would be printed just 'Germany'. Then change required 'Made in Germany', and then when war broke out cards were 'Printed in Germany'. So a 'Printed in Germany' would not be as old as 'Germany'.

And less cards were imported during war time.

I have no history regarding imported Valentine's after the war.

But I'm so glad that we do have these beautiful German Made Valentine's.

~Shirley

Yellow for Love?

2012-01-17T22:16:00.011-05:00

Esther Howland

I was visiting EBAY the other day, when I came across a dealer who was selling a yellow background Valentine card. He described his yellow card as being rare because of the color.. I have not read this in any of the research on the subject of Valentine's. But, I do agree that yellow Valentine's are a great treasure to own and can still be found today.

I have some fine yellow Valentine's. Each of these Valentine's are 'put together' from the George Whitney Company and from the Queen of Valentine's, Esther Howland . All these cards are marked with the red 'W' and red 'H'.

Ms. Howland and Mr. Whitney ran their business in the same city I was born in. I visit all the historic organizations devouring any and all information I can about each of them. I'm a serious collector when it comes to both Ms. Howland and Mr. Whitney Valentine's. How could I not? During this Valentine making time there were two other names connected with the city. Jotham W. Taft and his son Edward Taft.

Valentine's by Esther Howland were made as early as 1850 and ended in 1880.

Valentine's by George Whitney made around 1864 and ended upon his death in 1915.

The Valentine on the left is the Valentine at the top of the post.

The early made Valentine's are refered as 'put together by hand' and
not 'made by hand'

George Whitney followed Esther Howlands creation of using colored 'wafers'in the corners of his Valentine's along with the spring folded paper which gave the cards a dimensional look.

She was the first to create this look.

So now we know, a Valentine's does not have to be red, pink or even
blue for a loving heart to be true. Yellow can mean the same from any loving fellow!
Haha! I couldnt resist!

Come on over to the following parties,

Share The Love Wednesday

Home Sweet Home

Hope In Every Season

Potpourri Friday 2805

~Shirley

Grace Drayton

2012-01-16T17:34:00.008-05:00

Grace (Viola Grace Gebbie) Drayton,

born October 14, 1877 Darby, Pennsylvania.

Resources from Valentine Treasury by Robert Brenner and Valentines of Value by Katherine Krieder

I love my collection of Grace Drayton Valentine's

Grace was an artist at a very early age.

Her father was a successful art book publisher

She would often use her self portraits to perfect her drawings.

Her father died when Grace was just a young teen, leaving the family in
financial hardship. Grace married at 22 and accepted work
from the Campbell's Soup Company. She then divorced and married
Heyward Drayton 111.

Grace is also known for her Dolly Dingle character.

These sweet cards are part of a series designed by Grace Drayton.

The number of cards in the series is unknown. I own 16 excellent examples

to show you here.

The front's pull out and some have parts that are mechanical.

The Moon and Bentwood Rocker open wide at the center
allowing the cards to rock.

The cards measure 3.5" high, x 3.5"wide and 1" deep

Price depends on condition.

from 5.00 to 50.00

I have never paid more than 10.00

and would refuse to pay any higher.

They sure are sweet as can be.

Grace fell into poverty having lost her job and died soon after on

January 31, 1936 of a heart attack.

Thank you Grace,

your work is still well loved and collectable.

Linking to Very Merry Vintage Style Share the Love Wednesday

~Shirley

German Made

2012-01-13T11:45:00.012-05:00

These are a few German made Valentine's that I have shown the past two Valentine Seasons. To keep my collection interesting, I cropped portions of a few to share with you. I know I have this addiction for Valentine's and Ephemera and I have to take advantage of the Valentine season to show them to you. I am out of control when it comes to Valentine's and hope you can bear with me. Thank goodness they are easy to store.

I will be linking to;
Share the Love Wednesday
Hope in Every Season
Charm Of Home
Potpourri Friday

~Shirley

Pretty On The Bottom!

2012-01-11T15:43:00.007-05:00

The German made Valentine cards were not only beautiful once they were 'pulled' out creating a dimensional lovely look, but the bottom of the cards have some very beautiful graphics as well. Once a card is opened the image is no longer seen as this is the platform the card stands on. The images held up nicely for being over 100 years old and always laying upside down on a hard surface.

I'm so happy so many Vintage Valentines

still can be found today. What a shame if they all had been tossed away.

I will be linking to Kathy's Home & Garden Thursday Party

to show these pretty floral images. Until my garden awakens, I need

all the floral images I can find!

~Shirley

With Loving Greetings

2012-01-09T14:25:00.003-05:00

Okay, so most of you know I'm a little crazy when it comes to Valentine's. And my new visitors will be finding out that I have this addiction for all things Cupid, Floral, Birds, Cherubs and the cute little images of children that adorn many Valentine cards. So now until Valentine's Day I will be posting Valentine's that I have posted last season and will also be posting some new cards that I have just recently added to my collection.

My last post on postcards I mentioned how images can be used on both Valentines and postcards. When I come across a postcard that has an image I have on a Valentine I always buy it. It becomes a fun topic when I present my collection and always brings comments.

This sweet cupid is one of my many favorite Cupids and I just love how he is on his tippy-toe's!

Another favorite Cupid is this Cupid blindfolded. He is adorable!

Love is Blind!

This secret lady is new to my collection. She is what they call a mechanical card.

There she is! What a pretty face. I love her curls.

Another new addition. Love her hat and it bends backwards.

This lovely lady I have shown before but I just love how she is standing in the garden all dressed in pink and surrounded by roses and forget-me-nots.

I love these children on their 'Flying Machine'!

Hope you enjoyed these and don't forget to come back as I will be posting more on Wednesday.

Be Mine!

~Shirley & Cupid

Valentine Images

2012-01-07T13:50:00.006-05:00

Posting some very sweet and funny Valentine Postcards. Just follow Cupid's arrow and I'm sure you will agree they are cute as can be..

This is the group I selected to show today and then omitted the heart cards as the post became too long. Will show the heart cards in another post later.

This Ball of Love is from an Angel And will continue till it strikes a heart.

(the stripe of light was from the window and I placed it to look like it was coming from the arrow..)

I adore the clothing that the children wear and the sweetness of their faces

Some postcards run in a series and I'm always looking for them.

When I attend paper shows I go through every box of postcards I find.

It's also amazing that I can recall images found on postcards that are also used

on Valentines. They not only printed the images but made them as die cuts too.

So Sweet!

This Image of this girl is by the artist Ellen Clapsaddle. She

designed for Raphael Tuck.

The back of the card has no markings but I found this is one of my books.

I love her big eyes and big hair bow! I now look for more of her in this style.

This couple is so sweet too. It is a Tuck postcard and is also a series.

Not sure this was intended for Valentine's day and I would guess not!

He looks like he has not been hit with Cupids arrow or was hit with a poison arrow tip!

Hahaha!

I love this little boy. I love his outfit too!

She must be a little raggedy.

Shoe untied, socks falling down, hair a little messy.

And he thinks she is as cute as I do..

Looks like she has captured his heart!

Another Postcard not sure if it's a Valentine but thought it was sweet!

And this little lady has just been found by Cupid!

Hope you enjoyed some of my favorite Postcards.

Shirley & Cupid...

A Love Of Rose Bowls

2012-01-05T09:48:00.010-05:00

A pretty rose bowl is a must for every rose lover. I have a small but growing collection and find they are so easy to use almost anyplace in the home. To start the New Year out with some pretty flowers, I will share with you my rose bowls.

I will be joining Kathy at her first Home Garden Thursday at Delightsome Life
along with,
Liz at Fresh Cut Friday
Sherry at The Charm Of Home
Honey at Potpourri Friday
Sarah at Hope In Every Season
So see you all there...

May the Angels watch over us Night and Day..

~Shirley

Valentine Tokens

2012-01-01T16:47:00.003-05:00

Saint Valentine's Day is quickly approaching! I know...what the heck..It's still only New Years Day and who would be rushing this next so called 'Holiday' when the Christmas wrappings have yet to be picked up by the trash collectors! I wish I could say I'm sorry but my excitement can not be contained any longer! LOL! For my sweet blog friends, Sweet Romantic Notions was started as a way for me to accomplish a requirement set by The National Valentine Collectors Association. As a member, Our Purpose is to unite Valentine collectors, to promote, foster and encourage activities toward the betterment of collecting. We encourage the exhibiting, displaying, promoting and research of Valentines and all related materials. What a wonderful way for me to do that creating my blog Sweet Romantic Notions.

Card designed by sister Ellen

I'm so ready to get this wonderful sweet Saint Valentine's Day started. I have only one showing this season. Like last year I will be displaying my cards at the Valentine Tea hosted by Florabunda Tea & Gift Shop. Last year was a great success and it was such a delight to display my cards for all those who love to sit and enjoy a proper tea with family and friends. The Valentines are always a big hit and I get to enjoy a lovely tea with all these lovely ladies and my sister.

A peek from last year's tea.

I will be showing all new pictures through January right up to Valentine's Day. I have so many new cards to show and I will also be showing some cards that in the past only had 2 or less comments :( from my early days of blogging. They might show better than last, so those who have seen them before I apologize and know you wont mind seeing them once again :)

Showing my Valentine Collection over the past several years has been such a delightful experience. Having two articles and a mention in our Valentine Newsletter has been a true honor, along with a few town newspaper articles and a 45 min. local television spot has made my collection of Valentines worth all the effort I put into it.

I sure hope I don't over kill showing so many of these beautiful cards to those who follow me. I have such a large collection of 500 plus cards from all time era's from 1880 to current day. I also have so many other beautiful Ephemera, that I truly could post every day for a very long time..but I promise not to do that! LOL!

The City I was born and lived in for so long has a very historical history with the American manufacturing of Valentine's. I will along the way touch on this history as I'm so proud to be this close to the start of the Valentine story! Can you feel my excitement?

I do hope you will come along my journey as I share with you my valued collection of Vintage Valentines. I cant wait to show you the best.

Like I hear all the time..they don't make them like this any more...

Be Mine,

Shirley

Looking back..

2011-12-30T20:41:00.004-05:00

2011 has been my very best year EVER in blogland. I have met so many lovely folks along the way. So many visit my blog as if they were stopping by my home or garden for a real cup of tea! I love that. Is that not just the best way to visit? What we love! Not just a reply to the email they receive from BLOGGER that one has left a comment, but here, right on the blog. That is extra special. I have only done that once and will never do that again. It's my promise for 2012.. I'm not sure how the next year will fair. I hope to post often, but I have many things in life I hope to accomplish..ready to try many new things..ready to face the promises I have made myself..ready to get busy... and I'm ready to visit YOU in 2012! May 2012 be a great year for all! Here's to looking back.........................

January 2011

Happy New Year!

Love my Valentine's all year through!

February 2011

A Love Story!

Butch bought me the same card two years in a row! How sweet!

March 2011

Celebrate Spring!

Spring is on the way..

April 2011
Spring at last!

May 2011

April showers bring May flowers!

June 2011

I'm Broken...

A fall in the garden is not expected!

July 2011

The Gift Of Friendship!

My friend, my sister, takes control of my care.

August 2011

A Change Of Heart!

A broken lost vase is once again loved.

September 2011

Fade away Gracefully!

Back in the garden before all is gone...

October 2011

One Last Chance..

A few flowers left to enjoy..until next year!

November 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Life is good and so much to be thankful for!

December 2011!

A Live Nativity!

Let's Never Forget!

Have a Happy Heart Always!

~Shirley

In-Between Time

2011-12-27T18:23:00.002-05:00

Taking down the Christmas decorations, cleaning, changing rooms leaves little time to think about anything until we close in on New Years! Whew!!, a week off and my thoughts are really on the coming Rose Parade...my favorite parade.....counting the days..

I was cleaning out my folders when I came across this photo. Talk about change!! wow..Both Sara and Anastasia (Stasia) are cousins..One year apart. Both born in October and Sara the blond is 13 and Stasia is 14...I love these girls so much! They are at our piano and I'm so glad I was able to capture them one more time before we gave the piano away..

Sara's Grandma is my sister and Anastasia Grandpa is my brother..

I have so much fun with the children and I must say I am a Super Fun Aunt!!

Enjoy the break between holidays,

~Shirley

Rejoice!

2011-12-22T18:05:00.006-05:00

May the Miracle of Christmas be Celebrated with your Loving Family & Friends by your side and in your Hearts!

Merry Christmas to All!
~Shirley

A Vintage German Fold Out Card

Linking to:

The Charm Of Home

Potpourri Friday

A Holiday Haven

A little bit of Christmas

2011-12-17T21:47:00.003-05:00

It's almost time..The little things are in place. This beautiful Lenox Holiday Traditions Christmas Tree, with all my family's names in gold leaf was a gift from a cousin who was at our home more than hers! You know that special cousin who always had you push over as she was sleeping here once again! What fun we had!

Mr. & Mrs. Clause..Out of the box this year.
They feel special as they have been tucked away for some time.
I feel lucky to still have them.
(I'm too quick in letting things go!)

My sleigh also made it back this year!

One other pretty dolly is still in a box somewhere!

She will be with the group next year, I promise myself!

Pretty little silver bird tucked into a supermarket plant!

Who can resist?

Lights above ready to shine.
(a reminder from the electrician..do not cover the wires)

Pretty Christmas Red Roses.

Just a few little bit's of Christmas to share!

~Shirley

A Cup of Christmas Tea

2011-12-16T16:57:00.011-05:00

I'm sure many of you have read this wonderful Christmas story!

A friend presented it to me Christmas season 2000.

She knew I visited many lovely elders and had a soft spot for many of them.

Some times I think my purpose in life was to be a care giver of those in need of a helping hand. I'm always willing to set aside whatever I'm doing to go to the aide of someone in need. I don't know how it happened or when it started as I recall many years ago being ready whenever I was called on by my mom or my aunts as they made their way into their senior years. Of course being there for a parent is a loyal duty that just comes natural to me. Self taught by watching my mom take care of her aging father.

I wont go into the story, touching on only a little, but if you have not read it, I recommend you do so. It is a very short story but has great meaning!

The reason why I bring it up is because I really was too tired lately to pay my visits to the many shut In's that I tend to visit when I can. I, like the young lady in the book just dreaded having to take the time to make my way to my friends door! So many years between us and I'm tired of being asked , where is your coat? Why do I not wear mittens and boots? Please, just don't repeat over and over..I can't handle it any more!

Shame on me...

Feeling shamed, I went and bought a flowering plant (that will take her mind off where I have been so long) and slipped my own tea bags in my purse and headed out the door, not looking back as I could easily back out of my commitment.

My first visit of today, my elderly shut in friend,

Ms. Doris....

She sure is a lovely character.

Totally blind in one eye and 75% loss of vision in her other eye, Ms. Doris

in her mid eighties act's like she is 40..She is truly one funny lady.

She loved her plant, even though she was looking at it backwards and
never saw the bird until I pointed it out to her. She hugged me and said I was so good to her and what would she do without me? Now, that's her plan! She knows how to melt your heart!

We enjoyed our tea and our time together. I felt so wonderful and not as tired as I thought, Making her day a little brighter and feeling so good inside that I asked her to put on her coat and we would go out for lunch! Yup, I'm a softy when it comes to making others happy!

One down, 3 more to go..

Gloria, Richard and Delores..they are all waiting a visit.
(did I mention that I'm feeling a little tired?)

~Shirley

I'm linking to the following parties,

Home Sweet Home

Potpourri Friday 2805

Share the Love Wednesday

Pink Saturday

Hope In Every Season

Christmas Party

Live Nativity

2011-12-11T20:32:00.007-05:00

The town bordering my town still has many working farms today. One such farm, The Mesa Farm holds a live Nativity every Christmas season. The Manger

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Shepherds watched their flock by day,

and by night!

Behold,

Christ Was Born On Christmas Day!

We Three Kings

bearing gifts, following yonder star!

The Angels Sing

Sing lustily and with good courage.

Sing modestly...Sing in time...Above all, sing spiritually.

-John Wesley in Sacred Melody, 1761

What can I give him?

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd I would give him a lamb.

If I were a wise man I would do my part-

Yet what I can give him,

I give him my heart.

Christina Rossetti

Come let us adore him.

Merry Christmas

~Shirley

Hanky Christmas Tree

2011-12-08T07:35:00.015-05:00

This Christmas I had been given a wonderful Vintage Silver Tinsel Tree. It is my first year every since I was married that I have a non-real tree. We had one when we were children and I have wanted one ever since. So with this my first time celebration with the silver tree I thought I would decorate it a special way..My collection of holiday hankies and all the needlework ornaments my sister-in law made and all the beautiful beaded ball's I made a few years back. Every hand made ornament is a true labor of love.

Here is my Christmas Tree!

Topping my tree is my 'Mother' hanky. I bought this for her when
I started collecting vintage hankies.

And mom's initial.

My dad's initial hanky. He always carried one.

Also topping the tree, a Christmas Rose.

A heart hanky for all the hearts we are missing from our family.

We miss them all so much.

A candle lit for Love and Peace

My initial

For my sister's and all the sister's , be a niece, a friend, a passerby all sister's bond together.

My beaded ball's. Kit's are still sold and I can provide anyone with information.

The ball's do have names but I can't recall them all

This was my very first one I made and it is called

Silent Night!

Evening in Paris

The big man!

A Shamrock for a great new year!

Needle point by Karen.

Love her work. These are treasures I'll always have.

I hope you enjoyed my Vintage Tree!

just wish it smelled like balsam

And of course the color wheel, which with just lamp light at night the tree sparkles and also

sparkles great in the daylight. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful piece of Christmas past!

I will be joining all the wonderful Holiday parties,

Share the Love Wednesday

The Charm Of Home

Holiday Haven

Potpourri Friday 2805

Pink Saturday How Sweet The Sound

~Merry Christmas~

Shirley & Cupid

Just a note:

I have a hanky for the love of my hubby but missed it along the way.

A Wonderful Day

2011-12-06T06:55:00.002-05:00

I Wish Everyone A Wonderful Day Today!

~Shirley

Debbie Doo's Holiday Challenge

2011-12-04T18:06:00.009-05:00

I thought it was a great time to join some of the parties in blogland during the Holiday season. I was glancing through some of my Christmas books when I came across a project that seemed easy to copy. I'm joining for the first time at

Debbie Doo's Copy Cat Holiday Challenge.Christmas With Victoria 1997 was my inspiration.

As I glanced through the pages, I knew I had material at hand to make these!

So I copied these.

Christmas With Victoria ....

Victoria used dried pomegranate's and I too had some on hand,

but thought I would use the Clementine's with cloves.

It smell so nice..

My Copy...

Victoria's Style....

My Copy...

As you can see I had lot's of great things to choose!

I used Jute rope, inserting into the holes of the plastic pot's.
They are much lighter than clay pot's and was all I had on hand.

Works for me!

And because I was stealing roses from my deer arraignment, I used floral foam

to keep my roses happy!

I decided not to hang them on my tree and used doorknobs and other knobs

to highlight my copy-cat project!

Hope you will join all the fun parties..

~Shirley

Deck The Hall's

2011-12-01T18:48:00.009-05:00

I guess it's time to get all those Christmas decorations out from boxes. I'm not sure how much decorating I want to do this season so I'm starting out small. My fireplace has no mantel as it is a full wall brick style. I wish we had done a more traditional fireplace, but that is days gone by. I do have a lovely buffet that works just as well.

I made this floral arrangement last night and after taking a few night light photo's I stored the piece in the cold garage. I like a hot home. I need to feel warm and I know the flowers will not like the temps we do. So this morning I brought them back in the house and took a few more photo's..thus some difference in the lighting..Happy Decorating!

Come on over to,

Fresh Cut Friday

Potpourri Friday 2805

Home Sweet Home

Christmas Party

Holiday Haven

Pink Saturday

~Shirley

More Delights from Tower Hill

2011-11-29T18:04:00.018-05:00

Here are the photo's I selected to share with you from my visit to Tower Hill Botanic Gardens.

You can tour the previous photo's our walk to see all the beautiful sights.

I know I show a lot of photo's of our Tower Hill but I can't help myself. In today's mail the program guide for the new year arrived and I was thrilled with all the exciting events coming up. Of course the biggest one I love most is "Flora In Winter" this year theme is "Floral Feast". A stunning interpretations inspired by feasts of all kind; feast of celebration, holidays and honor. Feast may be interpreted as feast for the senses, of decadence, or of giving. It will be interesting to see how the masterful floral designers interpret the Art Museum's treasures with their designs. You all know I will be posting all those photo's as soon as I return home. It will be held in late January. For those who want to see last year's photo's, just click and enjoy.

Fair Warning..Lot's of pictures..

Flora In Winter 2011 part#1

Flora In Winter 2011 part#2

Flora In Winter 2011 part#3

Flora In Winter 2011 part#4

Please enjoy my photo's and know that these were all my favorites.

Don't you just love this begonia?

~Shirley

It's a wonderful life!

2011-11-28T20:55:00.015-05:00

My sister and I could not pass up a day out of the kitchen, to visit the Botanic Gardens at 'Tower Hill'.

At a moments notice I can call her and say 'let's go' and she can say the same to me. We drop whatever we are doing to spend the days together. I love having a younger sister who I can still (even in our middle age) talk her into anything and she knows she can always get her way with her older sister too..It's has always been this way!

I knew the day was starting out great when I saw this across my sisters front road. I jumped out of my car, camera in tow, ready to make my way into the swampy pond to get this picture. I forgot all about the snakes, the ticks, and what ever was lurking in the wet pond. What a beautiful red tail hawk.

As we entered the premises of Tower Hill, we were happy the day was not so cold that we could walk the grounds and enjoy the pleasant weather. It was the week of Thanksgiving and the Festival of the Holiday Tree's were already up for the coming rush after Thanksgiving. We knew a weekday would give us plenty of elbow room to roam free.

We were enjoying the outdoors. Walking the empty path's, seeing the collection of leaves snuggled along the stone walls, the empty planters. Even as our season was changing, it was as wonderful as spring and summer. I must come back in winter to see how the gardens have changed.

If I were a poet, I would know the perfect words.

The empty planter.

The lonely bench.

The absence of people.

And I love it all.

It allowed me time to reflect. Not like spring, when everything comes alive and all is awakening. It was quiet, peaceful, and the air was cool, almost cold.

My sister and I just kept walking, stopping to take a photograph, notspeaking as we strolled the gardens. It was as if we both felt the same feelings.

I will let you stroll through the photo's ... without words.

And if you truly like these, you will love what awaited us inside.

I hope you come back to see what wonders were in the conservatory! You won't be disapointed.

~Shirley

I hope to link to the following parties

Share the Love Wednesday
A Return To Loveliness
The Charm Of Home &

Potpurri Friday

How to protect your password

2011-11-27T11:59:00.002-05:00

Given the current climate re: concerns for computer data security, I suggest you take this message seriously. This is for your own safety and security!

If your workplace has been assessed and determined to be a low level risk, the following method is recommended to ensure no one can see your password or what you are typing:

For a moderate level of risk, this method ensures no one can see your passwords, what you are typing, or which website your visiting....

For a HIGH level of risk, this method ensures ultimate security....

Be safe out there people!

~Shirley

I just had to post this..I am in a silly mood today..must be from all that

stuffing and turkey..

Holiday Hankies

2011-11-25T18:07:00.008-05:00

I hung them on the vintage silver tree using tiny clothes pins.

Linking to How Sweet The Sound

Pink Saturday

The Charm of Home

Home sweet Home

Potpourri Friday 2805

A Return to Loveliness

A Delightsome Life

Share The Love Wednesday

~Shirley

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-18T20:36:00.002-05:00

May you all have a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving Day!

~Shirley

Time to meet the family

2011-11-15T18:51:00.003-05:00

Well sort of..my husband has many hobbies and salt water fish

is one of them. Angel, Sunshine and Nemo have been with us for 3 yrs.

This is Angel. When we first bought her she was so tiny.

here is Sunshine and Pee-wee

this big guy is Mr.T

Salty

Of course we have Nemo with Mr.T

Nemo and Sunshine just hanging around

Angel and Pee-wee
big size difference

Angel and Mr.T

Well, here's looking at ya..

~Shirley

Life of flowers

2011-11-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

Thought you would enjoy seeing this beautiful video! Have a Wonderful Sunday!

A Fall Day in New England

2011-11-11T16:42:00.006-05:00

The Keeper of The Forest

He sees everything that happens in our woods

I just wish he would tell his leaf friends to fall already!

Having a work day off, Mr.B set out to rake what leaves have fallen.

Wish they were all down so this job could be finished!

He asked if I was going to come and help?
Of course was my reply. I always help!

But, first I have some things I have to do! Like PLAY!

Playing is much more fun than raking. And this pretty

little bird needed a basket nest.

I had every intention of grabbing a rake and making piles of leaves

for stronger hands to remove. Really I did!

But first I had to grab my camera!

And I could hear a laugh in the background stating that

having a camera in my hand is not how leaves are collected!

Day's like today need to be enjoyed.

Japanese Thread Maple turns a deep red in the fall.

So pretty!

Okay, I'm here to help..

But look, up there! so many more leaves to fall.

They might still be there in the spring!

This tree will be removed in the spring. It will require a climber.

No bucket truck can get to it!

So I worked about an hour and called it quits. Not that I'm

a quitter or afraid of hard labor but the temps became too cold .

And

There's always tomorrow!

~Shirley

Sweet Thirteen

2011-11-05T14:29:00.005-04:00

Sweet Thirteen!

Miss Sara

You are growing up so fast. I can't believe you

are now thirteen. I have been sending Sara

The Growing-Up Girls since she was born. And now

we have reached the big Thirteen!

Our #Thirteen girl is dressed in pink!

The dress color alternates from light pink to light blue.

Sara's Birthday gift is a little late as the storm put me a tad behind!

She is a sweet young lady and knows that good things come to

those we wait!

Sara loves earrings and now with another piercing her ears

will be well decorated! And of course we must have

ANYTHING with Justin Bieber!

Sara is my sister's Grandaughter and my niece Deb is her mom!

What fun to be Thirteen!

Happy Birthday Sara,

Auntie Loves You!

I'm linking to How Sweet The Sound

PINK SATURDAY

~Shirley

October Nor'easter

2011-11-01T18:52:00.003-04:00

I hope not to annoy my blog friends with my 'snow again' photo's but it is still our big news as so many folks are still without power from this rare October historic storm. There are still many who at this time are still in the dark and very cold. We were lucky as we were without our power 21 hrs. Last big storm, the Ice Storm of 2008 we were in the dark 11 days. The worst 11 days ever. So 21 hrs. later when the power came on we were very grateful.

It started to snow around 2:30 p.m.Saturday. Big flakes but the roads were only wet.

That would help folks make it home before the roads became slick.

Then the snow started to pick up and visibility became a problem.

At one point it slowed down and the sky just disappeared! Then it

snowed like I haven't seen in a long time. All night into the darkness.

Went to bed early and a few hrs. into sleep I awoke as the house was cool.

Our power was out!

Only when daylight arrived and the early morning snow had stopped we

knew the power outage was going to last some time. Everything was

covered in a heavy wet snow.

Our flowering crab apple tree was almost split in half.

Standing under the bent limbs was like being in a secret winter wonderland.

It looked like cherry vanilla ice cream!

The Crab apple tree did spring back upright once the sun started to melt the

snow off the limbs.

But, the row of snow mounds did not fair so well. They are still in

this position and it looks like lots of broken branches. We may have lost them.

The Evergreen spruces can withstand the wet snow and

they looked beautiful covered in white.

So we have had our first major snow storm.

I'm afraid this is an indication of what is to come.

I'm counting the day's till spring!

~Shirley

First Snow

2011-10-28T17:08:00.006-04:00

This is what was happening just as (last) night was falling. They predicted this snow as a light covering, which it was, but in some area's it caused much havoc when night became morn. A few trucks had to be towed after slipping and turning on their side. That is the part of winter that really scares me!

We are really going to be blasted with a heavy snow fall Nor' Eastern coming in tomorrow late afternoon. We are expecting a whopping 6 - 10 inches. Along with it the weather man said heavy snow, thunder and lightning and a high chance of power outages. This has happened before in October, but not for a long time. Not many folks are ready including yours truly!

The rose bushes were bare with a bud that had just opened. The rose bushes were on the schedule to be cut last weekend. They now will have to wait after the storm as the ground keeper has to work tomorrow which he is not that happy about! :(

They really needed to be cut long before this!
I felt so bad.

This bird bath should have had it's heater installed.

Instead it is solid ice.

The Blue Spruce has no issues with the early snow covering!

The gazing ball looked as if I touched it, it would crack.

And the Cone flower looked brilliant with it's snow covered topping!

The following week temps should be back to seasonal.

The grass needs one more cutting before snow buries it

till spring!

Tomorrow at this time, I hope to still have power as we watch

mother nature hammer us with an old fashion Nor' Eastern snow storm!

Hope you all think of us here in the North East.

Brrrrr!!!!!!

~Shirley

I'm linking this post of our frist snow at Liz's

Fresh Cut Friday

The Beauty of the Swan

2011-10-22T12:10:00.005-04:00

I love this graceful waterfowl bird.

It has always been known for it's graceful beauty!

And I was so happy that my day at the park was home to this beautiful flock of

Mute Swans. They were very friendly and swam right to us.

Mute Swans are easily distinguished by the bright orange bill and the distinctive knob on the forehead.

I'm sure they were expecting a free handout. We had nothing for them as the signs

warn of fines for feeding the waterfowl.

There are so many species of swans such as, of course, the Mute Swan,

The Trumpet Swan, Tundra Swan, Bewick's Swan and the beautiful

Black Neck Swan.

I would love to see a Black Neck Swan. Guess I'll have to go to South America to see one like this photo taken from Wikipedia. What a beautiful Swan.

The Mute Swan was our delight of the day.

And they did put on a show for us dipping in and out of the water, kicking up their feet.

Showing off hoping to get a reward as I shot picture after picture of this beautiful bird.

I have always loved the swan. I have many Valentine's with swan's, flower vases,

and a picture or two with swans. I love the Greek Mythology stories related to the swan, that Zeus sure is an interesting character!

If a swan were to turn into a flower I'm sure it would be a

long stem white rose!

Have a great weekend!

~Shirley

I will be joining Honey over at Potpourri Friday

One last chance.

2011-10-17T17:47:00.010-04:00

The rain has stopped and we have once again ventured out to the garden.

We look around and wonder how we are going to finish all the task's set ahead of us before the cold weather sets in. The temps are dropping every moment. The day's are so short as night falls quickly.. No time for playing as there is much work to be done.

No matter how hard I try to keep the few flowers alive, time is running out.

This is the VERY LAST bouquet that can be squeezed from the garden.

One double Rose stem, a few Dahlia's , Dusty Miller and some lasting

Snapdragon's allow me one more delightful small vase.

The rain and wind was kind enough to be gentle and the last of the flowers were strong enough to hold on!

I'm so happy to have this one last chance to enjoy the beauty from our garden.

'Tis the last rose of summer

left blooming alone:

All her lovely companions

are faded and gone.

Thomas Moore (1779-1852)

Irish Poet

Once the day's belong only inside, I will have my Valentine's to

swoon me with flowers so grand.

Hope you still have flowers in your garden!

~Shirley

Today I'm joing for the first time at Beverly's Pink Saturday

How Sweet the Sound

Kathy @ A Return To Loveliness

Sweater warmth

2011-10-12T11:18:00.005-04:00

The day becomes more solemn and serene when noon is past-

there is a harmony in autumn, and a lustre in the sky....

Percy Bysshe Shelley

The best part of the arrival of cooler weather here in the New England is it is once again time to fall in love with your sweaters. I love wearing sweaters. They keep me warm as they hug me with a softness of heavy yarn, wool and other warm materials.

And the first group out for laundering is the lighter colors and the brown's and tan's

These will keep me warm and toasty until the
heavy winter snow fall's down from our heavens

Then the longer sweaters, hooded sweatshirts, and rain gear
will take over the task of keeping me warm.

Stay warm and comfy!

~Shirley

Linking to Share the Love Wednesday #33

Pumpkin Tree

2011-10-10T19:07:00.007-04:00

I have never seen so many pumpkins in my lifetime as I have seen here in blogland. So many wonderful uses for pumpkins that I don't think anyone could run out of ways to present this wonderful fruit. So when I came across this pumpkin tree this past week I thought how much fun it would be to show how the orchard owners displayed their harvest of pumpkins.

What? Pumpkins don't grow on trees?

Is someone trying to 'pull a fast one' on us?

Look, they are even growing at the top of the tree!

And all along the branches.

So many children are having their photo's taken in front of the
pumpkin tree and they are all giggling for the camera.
Maybe they know somethings FISHY about this pumpkin tree!
~Shirley

A day away

2011-10-09T16:29:00.008-04:00

After breakfast this morning Mr.B and I decided to take a ride along the Eastern Coast as the day was promised warm temps and sunny blue skies. So we set off not knowing exactly where we would go. Don't you just love days like that..get in the car and just head out! No work, no cares! My kind of day.

We found a great spot in North Hampton, New Hampshire. After we parked the auto we started to walk along a very beautiful stretch of sidewalk that allowed us to see both the ocean and the beautiful homes owned by some very lucky homeowners.

One side of the road was the great beautiful Atlantic and the other side of the same road was the very fortunate homeowners.

This home was our very favorite even though we loved them all ..

We sat on the rock that allowed us to see both home and ocean at the same time.
This house had been placed on the most perfect spot in this area.Right on the curve higher than the other houses and having the best view of the Atlantic.

It seemed so empty. We wondered who could own it and where they could be at this moment. We came up with so many owners (including ourselves) that we started to get silly! It must have been the warm sun!

Then we started to study the house. It was truly beautiful. And we were so happy for whoever owned it and real sad that we did not! LOL!

Could you blame us?

Looking out the front door and the balcony above the door this is the exact sight they see.

The world is a beautiful place and today was a beautiful day to see it!

A few steps to the right is their neighbor who lives here.

And a few steps to the left is their other neighbor!

And another.

We also enjoyed the sea. The reason we set out. Oh how I wish I had brought along a sealed container as I would have gathered some seaweed to dry. I would have to keep it in sea water until ready to use it and did not think of this till it was too late! Oh well, next trip for sure!

I never thought I would love seaweed,

but it has it's own beauty and I find it most interesting.

This was our day away.

~Shirley

Join the fun

2011-10-07T20:35:00.006-04:00

My sister and I walk Mount Vernon Cemetery 3 days a week in West Boylston. Across from the cemetery is the town common. Every October the town holds a scarecrow contest that includes local businesses, school's, girls scouts, boy scouts and all churches. The scarecrows fill the common as all roads meet at this intersection. It is such a delight to see the many,many creative scarecrows that line the common from all sides. I have not counted how many stand to be seen but my guess is over 60 delightful creatures stand tall for our viewing pleasure. I will share 10 photo's and one shot from a distance.

My sister will be showing additional photo's of the one's she liked best.

I hope you enjoy these.

~Shirley

Birthday Wishes

2011-10-04T20:27:00.006-04:00

Happy Birthday! to my youngest sister Ellen

And my best friend

October 5Th

You can wish her a Happy Birthday Too!

Header Hopper (all grown up)

Love Forever,

Shirley

To make her Birthday Special I would love for you to just pop over and wish her a Happy Birthday on her blog. It would mean so much to me. She has been there for me this past June helping me heal from two broken wrist's and also had surgery herself. She is one amazing sister and one amazing friend. Thank you for making this special!

I will join these parties with this request! Starting with,

Mary at Share The Love Wednesday

Honey at Potpourri Friday 2805

Thank you for making this a special Birthday!

It's Here

2011-10-02T15:19:00.003-04:00

On the newsstands. Bought mine today. Couldn't wait to put the groceries away so I could take my favorite seat and devour the pages. I wont show any more than the cover so hurry and get yours today..

Mr. B thought the holidays are being rushed and it's only the start of October..and we still have Thanksgiving to celebrate, why would they be selling Christmas so soon. I had to tell him that it is not easy gathering the holidays together to make them special for our family and friends and that we do need the time to put it all together..I asked him if he thought all our great holidays just happen? He shrugged his shoulders and crept back to the TV and the game, saying enjoy your magazine, whens dinner! LOL!

And this great addition came a week ago. I have been buying these since 1999 (with one issue missing- 2005.) It is a wonderful collection with so many beautiful idea's and recipes..I have also given my sister a gift for her to enjoy.

I'm feeling the Holiday spirit..What about you? Have you bought any Christmas magazines or books lately? I'm starting to do some Christmas shopping. I like to think about the gifts I give..They have to be special..with meaning and that does take time.

~Shirley

In Praise of Autumn & the Apple

2011-09-28T18:48:00.010-04:00

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. ~ ECCLESIASTES 3:1,2

Gifts of Fall
(Paula Sampson)

We thank Thee, Father up above, For all Thy autumn gifts of love.
You give us beauty unsurpassed-Resplendent scenes of brilliance massed.

And to Thee this we owe:The ample harvest that we know;
But to Thee,Farther, most of all, We thank Thee for creating fall.

The harvest yield gathers on the earth

If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.

(Katharine Hepburn)

A is for Apple

Thy bounty shines in autumn unconfined,

And spreads a common feast for all that lives.

-James Thomson

Apples for everyone....

And this, a gift for Mr. B who enjoys an Apple during his work day.

~Shirley

Linking to Potpourri Friday 2805

Beware! Rat Rods...

2011-09-25T15:33:00.008-04:00

This morning Mr.B announced at breakfast that a car show very close to home was being held and that we had never been and it was a great day to go for a cruise in our 1934 Ford 3 window coupe. After all the season for cruising is coming to an end so we should take advantage any time we can..So I agreed looking forward to seeing some really beautiful cars. Little did we know that the car show being held was 99% RAT RODS!

Okay..so we have nothing against RAT RODS..and to each their own..but I was not really expecting to see such radical autos...Most all cars were ScReAmInG....RoUgH!!!! hahaha! It was fun and we did spend the time to look at these "interesting" cars and we did stay about an hour..

All these RAT RODS do run. they start up and they are registered, they have stickers and plates..and I'm sure they are also insured..this I'm just assuming! Oh goodness..never assume anything!

This Rat Rod belonged to the band members. At first we thought it was just a very old van neglected and not working. It was parked away from all the other RAT RODS! Both Mr. B and I were smiling and in disbelief when it started up and was moving into the crowd. How come my everyday car never runs as good? What am I doing wrong?

Woops, how did the roses get into the rat rod posting?
(LOL!)

I was amazed at the looks of this 'Thing"

The insides were very interesting would you say?

And this so called Over Flow Radiator really caught my eye!

Wonder what could be in the trunk? Or maybe..better left unknown!

I do understand the concept of "Horse Power" but what really is

"Rat Powered"?

But what really caught my attention and what I felt was worth the ride out this morning were these awesome shifter handles. I like them!

And this was in the back window of a car that had tinted windows..Thank goodness it was hard to see, as it would scare the dickens out anyone following behind this car!

Yuck!!!

~Shirley

Apples in New England

2011-09-20T18:40:00.008-04:00

It's that time again. The trees are starting to turn a vibrant color in New England. Next week we should be seeing colors like these taken last year. I do plan on making a trip further north so I can visit the ocean one more time before the winter snow keeps us close to home. I hope to see some fabulous colors once again. What fun it is to share with our family visiting from Florida a wonderful crispy New England Day picking delicious juicy apples from a local orchard.

The story of Johnny Appleseed pleased Sara who took the story back home to share with her teacher and classmates.

The morning started out with very cold temps and the sun was just starting to break from the clouds. It was chilly but we were hopeful that the morning activity would keep us warm.

It was too late..bags were packed and only Florida style clothing was
brought North..Brrr! Auntie Shirley may I wear your sweatshirt?

Then the Sun brought fourth the warm rays that made us all smile!

Look at that big apple way up THERE!

Sara, Jen & Deb

Deb is my first born niece and Jen is my last born niece

Sara is Deb's daughter
I have 10 nieces and 8 nephews

This apple has to come home with us!

Hurry we need more to make candy apples!

Sara hands a lovely apple over to her mom.

Sara is very pleased with the apples she has selected and hand picked herself!

It sure shows in her smile

It is a beautiful apple. God is good.

And we can eat as many as we want for free! This is so cool!

But it is time to go home and bake those yummy candy apples !

Jen and Sara do all the work
They make a great team (they also love to bake cookies).

This has been the best day!

I love visiting New England in the fall!

Happy Autumn Everyone!

~Shirley

I will be linking to

Share the Love Wednesday

A Return to Loveliness

Decoupage Funkin

2011-09-15T19:43:00.008-04:00

When I saw this magazine today in the supermarket I just knew I had to try this.

After all it did read right there on the front cover, So easy! Just cover pumpkin with paper and glue! Okay..that does sound easy. I have the pumpkins, I have glue, and I have a great idea to just use paper napkins! Okay, I'm going home and do this!

Well, it was NOT as easy I expected it to be. I had to peel off the inner layers of the napkins and once the glue was applied it tore very easy. Too easy. But I kept going working the smaller FUNKIN (that's what they called it) first. The glue was messy and I was not so crafty with this project. I know now, that a project takes TIME..Lot's of it..You can not rush it and you really have to think out the detail.

The large Funkin was not what I started with. I had used some beautiful napkins that had a young girl picking apples from a tree. It was a beautiful pattern. Lot's of yellow and burnt orange. But the more I added to the Funkin the darker it looked and the pattern was hard to see. I should have taken the time to paint the Funkin and then copied the image on the printer and leaving a white edge around the image. MISTAKES...okay maybe next week I will tackle this once more..but for now,

I will just enjoy these until I have more time to try again. Why am I showing this?

Because I do love the smaller Funkin and I do love the spider mums and I worked so hard and had such a mess to clean...LOL!

Love these......

And of course The Cheerful Cherub has wise words.........

I will be linking to

The Charm Of Home

and Potpourri Friday

~Shirley

Bull Thistle

2011-09-14T17:57:00.006-04:00

Venturing out with my sister on a daily walk we came across this Bull Thisle plant located next to a pond. Of course we did not know it was a Bull Thisle at the time and was amused at the strange way the flower was exposed. Not knowing what it was we were very careful not to get too close or to touch it. Lesson's learned the hard way...never touch a plant you don't know to be human friendly. Just a good rule of thumb!

It was so interesting that we went back again to see if we could find more. Not knowing what it was we could not look it up. So we thought one day we will find it's origin. As I was reading some comments on someone else blog (poor memory) I came across a blogger who had this Thistle as the bloggers profile picture.

I was so excited that I sent a friendly Hello off to the blogger identifying myself and my curiosity of the flower. While waiting for a response and chatting with my sister I happen to browse through her address book on her table. It was a floral address book and there it was again..another picture of this strange looking flower..as soon as I brought it to her attention, it suddenly turned on her light bulb and she shouted---THISTLE...

We were right on it..looking it up and finding out it was a Bull Thistle...then email came from
Sheryl who's profile picture was the Bull Thistle..you can see her here at

The Desert Rat Chronicle

thank you Sheryl for answering my email..

This is the only photo copied from Wikipedia

Seeds dispersed by the wind.

Amazing how we can find out such interesting things. So we have learned that this flower does have a name..it is a favorite for pollinating insects, including Honey Bees, Wool-carder bees, and many butterflies. The seeds are a favorite for Goldfinches and other finches. The seeds are dispersed by the wind, mud, water and possibly by ants..They do not show long-term dormancy and most germinating soon after dispersal and only lasting up to 4 yrs. in the soil seed bank. Seeds can also be spread by human activity such as hay bales. You can pull them out of the ground by the root but be sure to use gloves. They do have prickly stems

and many do consider this a weed. I think I like it!

~Shirley

I will be linking at Cottage Flora Thursday

Bugs! YUCK....

2011-09-13T19:10:00.008-04:00

The Cheerful Cherub likes cheerful bugs..Wish I could say the same!

Bugs..yuck..

(okay so they are Insects! but still yucky)

and I'm so sure I wouldn't want to feel the bite of this one,

or this one!

I'm not really a fan of insects..but lately they have been every where I am..so I thought I might as well photograph them as part of trying to accept them in my orbit! You know? Can't be rid of them so I just have to deal with them..

This little colorful bugger was eating the leaves of my knockout roses. We let him finish this leaf then my hubby lifted him off and placed him in the wooded area behind our shed..he will most likely find his way back....

This busy bee I have posted a few post's back..they are all around the flowers and soon they will be gone. I dont know where they go for the winter or do they die when the job is done?

This poor guy flew into the wrong web. He has lost a few items like a leg and missing antenna.

and another yucky bug..

I won't be bringing any bugs to any party..so dont get out the bug spray..

just having some fun..

~Shirley

Fall Arrangement

2011-09-08T18:21:00.004-04:00

Looking through my fall items I came across my pumpkin vase I bought from a local florist two season's ago. I planned on making my sister who lives out of state a permanent botanical arrangement for her Thanksgiving table. Because the vase was very breakable I made something else that I knew would travel without incident. I had forgotten that I had this awesome pumpkin vase that had a plastic liner. I soaked some wet floral oasis and used 9 stems of green spider mums for the topper.

I sat the pumpkin vase inside a round floral oasis ring adding Granny Smith apples that
were inserted into the ring using strong wooden skewer bought at the supper market.
The Alstroemeria was on sale and the button mums came in the bouquet with the spider mums.

I will repeat this arrangement for my Thanksgiving center piece. It is very heavy so I will add the apples last as I want this arrangement to stay put once made.

~Shirley

I will be joining Honey at her party over at

Potpourri Friday Party #2

And Sherry at The Charm of Home

Home Sweet Home Friday

The Charm Of Home