A Visit to Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Tower Hill Botanic Garden is owned and operated by The Worcester County Horticultural Society, the third oldest horticultural society in the U.S.A. Its 132 acres of gardens, meadows and woodland trails, is located at 11 French Drive, Boylston, Massachusetts.

This is the entrance gazebo.

Three cars took several family members to enjoy the beauties of nature after our dinner at the restaurant. In the Educational Center a begonia society was having a show and sale. There, one brother-in-law found needed information for a treasured plant he has at home.

Entrance doors looking out from the Center toward the eighteenth century farmhouse.



Sweet smelling gardenia just outside the doors

In the Entry Court were interesting potted succulents


A few of us went on to the Orangerie where we enjoyed the potted plants and statuary in the brick and glass conservatory structure.




A wall fountain

A lemon tree

We then proceeded out to the Systematic Garden which "presents twenty-six distinct plant families, making it a virtual encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom." The Italianate style of this garden is expressed in statuary amid the plantings.


A grand urn along the path

Unusual white roses

A lovely planting bed

On the return path to the Orangery

Looking back up the same path

Our final jaunt was to the south end of the Lawn Garden where the Pergolas and terrace overlook the Secret Garden.


The double pergola is a nice structure, providing shade and a great vantage point.


The Secret Garden is planted with "perennials chosen for their fragrance and delicate texture."
It was now almost 5 p.m. closing time, so we were unable to walk down into the Secret Garden. We watched as a bride and groom were being photographed there.

I hope you enjoyed this excursion to the wonderful Tower Hill Botanic Garden.

Recovering…and Happy

The past few weeks I have been swamped with preparations for family for the long weekend, Sept 19-22…all the while anticipating the fun it would be to have my sisters around and to go shopping with them. So there have been tons of telephone calls and e-mails back and forth with family members who were coming, grocery shopping at four stores, and continuous planning for:

Mother’s 90th Birthday Dinner at an Italian restaurant
Trip to Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Breakfasts for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Supper for Friday evening
Saturday night - Family Celebration Supper & Baby Shower for niece
Sunday – Lancaster Flea Market, then historical museums. [The flea market was such a draw, that we never got to the local museums.]
Sunday – Afternoon Tea

Here is a photo of the birthday cake and roses:


The restaurant owner and our waiter await us as we come in the rear entrance -- for a shorter trip in for the birthday girl.

The tables had white tablecloths and red napkins. A pair of gilt cherubs added a touch of Italy.



Everyone enjoyed their choices of Eggplant parmesan, Chicken parmesan, White fish, Ravioli, Caesar salad, Mesclun salad, Biscotti, Ricotta tart, and Chocolate almond cake with marscarpone.


A great time was had by our now 90-year mother, her five children, and several grandchildren and her sister. Family came from Florida, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts, by plane, by car and by bus.


It must be said, however, that I was ever so grateful to make it through the weekend. While we were at the flea market Sunday afternoon, my sister and her daughter (both RNs) had to massage my shoulders and lower back to help me cope, as throbbing pain was driving me nuts.

Everyone -- especially mother -- has expressed their enjoyment of the weekend's events, so I know God provided in my time of need, as I sometimes I was not sure I would come through in one piece.

But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Is 40:31 KJV

When I Say, "I Am A Christian"

When I say, "I am a Christian,"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved


Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer
For the story of the poem visit http://www.carolwimmer.com/

Visit Spiritual Sundays for more inspirational posts.

Hopeful Friday - Let Me Be A Giver

Cielo at The House in the Roses is sponsoring Hopeful Friday to give blogger friends another opportunity to “ celebrate God, to celebrate His mercy and unconditional love, but also a day to celebrate positive thoughts. We need hope to replace our restlessness, we need courage to replace our fear, and we need faith to replace our doubt.”

Last weekend at the dinner for my mother’s 90th birthday, just before the toasts, I had one of my sisters read the following poem, since it expresses the principles exemplified by our mother.

Let Me Be A Giver

God, let me be a giver, and not one
Who only takes and takes unceasingly;
God, let me give, so that not just my own,
But others’ lives as well, may richer be.

Let me give out whatever I may hold
Of what material things life may be heaping.
Let me give raiment, shelter, food, or gold
If these are, through Thy bounty, in my keeping.

But greater than such fleeting treasurers, may
I give my faith and hope and cheerfulness,
Belief and dreams and joy and laughter gay
Some lonely soul to bless.
---Mary Carolyn Davies

To see more of today’s “chain of positive thoughts and inspirational messages” please go here for Cielo’s list.

Friday Show and Tell - Brass Coal Scuttle

One of our weekend activities was a visit to the Lancaster Marketplace, a large indoor and outdoor flea market in Lancaster, Massachusetts. As we were each ambling along the aisles on Sunday afternoon, my niece spotted something that interested her. It was a brass coal scuttle.*

My youngest sister immediately saw it as a possible container for the dried hydrangeas she had bought for my mother. The piece was marked $18.00. However, as we discussed the patina and how much cleaning it might need to look presentable, the booth owner dropped the price to $12.00. So my sister bought it and we brought it back to Oak Rise Cottage.

I don’t think this piece is old at all. It seems to be a decorative piece of recent vintage.

It is of brass and really needs a good cleaning. Note the blue and white ceramic handle.



The sides have brass fittings below the handle. The feet are also shaped brass.

The hydrangeas are very brittle, so I have to plan the arrangement before working with the fragile stems.

Here it is temporarily sited in front of the fireplace till when I can work on it.

To see more interesting personal treasures, visit Kelli for a list of participating posts.

* "A coal scuttle, sometimes spelled coalscuttle and also called a hod, is a bucket-like container for holding a small, intermediate supply of coal convenient to an indoor coal-fired stove or heater. It is usually made of metal and shaped like a vertical cylinder or truncated cone, with the open top slanted for pouring coal on a fire. It may have one or two handles. Homes that don't use coal sometimes use a coal scuttle decoratively.
The word scuttle comes, via Middle English and Old English, from the Latin word Scutlla, meaning a shallow pan."
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_scuttle"

Tagged!

I found out Tuesday morning that Virginia at Living the Local Life has tagged me for seven weird or random things about me.

Well, here are a few random things:

I enjoy multi-tasking
My first car was a brand new white Toyota Corolla 1974 named Nicole, nicknamed "Coco"
I can only drive automatic transmission cars
I have visited 27 states in the United States, plus the District of Columbia
My favorite part of getting ready for company is setting the table, but I also enjoy planning all the details of the event.
I began a collection of snowmen items in December 2007 because the last Christmas card I received from my elder brother (who died in April ’06) was in December 2005 and it featured snowmen on the card.
I don’t think I would want to live near a big lake or river for fear of flooding.

Now it’s my turn to tag … I hope each one will participate, unless you have already been tagged this time around.

Skoots1mom - My Hands, His Glory
Charlotte – Dolls Dolls Dolls
Manuela – The Pleasures of Homemaking
Debbie – Wisteria and Roses
Janie - Southern Lagniappe
Suzanne - Coloradolady
Ginger – Enchanting Cottage

Please follow the rules given in the picture above. I look forward to learning interesting tidbits about each one.

Vintage Thingies Thursday - Quick Thrifty Stop

This post is part of Vintage Thingies Thursday, sponsored by Lisa, the Apron Queen.

Tuesday morning, on the way back to my car from paying the final bill at the restaurant where we had the 90th birthday dinner for mother, I thought I’d just drop in the hospital guild thrift store.
A bit of a while later, I left, having spent $1.84, including 5% tax. Here’s what I got:

A lovely Homer Laughlin plate. The back stamp did not give a pattern name, only Homer Laughlin B41 N8 Made in U.S.A.

I like the scalloped edges and the little sculpted insets.

A pair of vintage penguin salt and pepper shakers with a luster finish.

They are in great condition.


4 cobalt blue tumblers

Two magazines, Country Living, June 2008 & Martha Stewart Living, April 2008 and
one book – Favorite Subjects in Western Art, c1968.

Not bad for less than two dollars, right?

This had me warmed up, so I walked a little further up the street (my car was parked still up, near the end of the block) and stopped at the antique store. I had fun looking, asking prices, and talking to the proprietor, but didn’t buy anything.

For more vintage treasures, go to Lisa at Confessions of An Apron Queen.

Three Awards

After a very busy and noisy time, full of fun and laughter, eating and drinking [all non-alcoholic]with family, I am finally able to get back to blogging matters.

I am still very tired, but glad to get back to my online friends. How wonderful that friends have seen fit to grant me these lovely tokens of appreciation.

On September 17 I was happy to receive the Blogger Friend Award from Anita at Prairie Dreams. Anita pointed out happily that this award is even green!



I pass it on to these lovely ladies who bring joy to my daily blog visits:
Ellen - The Happy Wonderer
Michelle – The Crowned Casa


Also on September 17 Schotzy of Wings of Eagles e-mailed me about Autumn Friends Award.






The bloggers to whom I am passing this award all give wonderful content in their blogs. They provide inspiration and information of many different:

Wendy - Ivory Spring
Kelli – There is No Place Like Home
Nancie – More Than Conquerors
Alice – Tea in My Cup

On September 24 I got another e-mail from Schotzy of Wings of Eagles about the BFF Gold Card Award.


"There are just 3 rules attached to this award!

1. There are only five people allowed.
2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.
3. One has to be a new follower of your blog, or live in another part of the world.


I have found all five of the following blogs inspiring and written by wonderful women who seek to give and to share wonderful insights and treasures:

Karla – Ramblin Roads
Katherine – Yellow Rose Arbor
Susan – Between Naps on the Porch
Amydeanne – The 160Acre Woods
Eleanor – Thatchwick Cottage, South Africa



I am so thankful for all the wonderful people I have met in the past year and wish all God's blessings on each one of you.

ABC’s of the Word - J

Pam explains the purpose of ABC’s of the Word:"God gave me this idea to start stirring up the Word in each of us by going through the alphabet, one letter each Thursday. I just think it would be cool to see how many different scriptures are listed each week. Even if it doesn't start with the letter of the week, make it predominately about that word that corresponds with the letter of the week. Other than following along with each week's letter there are no rules. Join in when you can and be blessed. Don't worry about missing a week or joining at letter I---whatever, I will willingly add anyone's blog at any time. Let's be encouraged by His Truth!"
This week’s letter is J.

"Jesus wept."
John 11:25

This Bible verse is filled with poignancy. The idea of the Creator weeping, even as He was about to raise Lazarus from death, makes me wonder at His great and tender heart of love for us human beings.

For more ABC’s of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie.

Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalm 1:1-3

Sponsored by Amydeanne at The 160-Acre Woods, the "purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalm 1:3

The full context of the featured verse is Psalm chapter 1 verses 1 through 3, which elaborates on the behavior of the blessed.

1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

For more Word-Filled Wednesday please go here.

Illus. - From photo I took at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, West Boylston, MA Sept. 20, 2008.

Tablescape Tuesday – Four Sisters Club Afternoon Tea

Tablescape Tuesday is sponsored by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

This was a big family weekend as we celebrated our mother's 90th birthday. Sunday Sept. 21 was for the Four Sisters Club. My three sisters, one niece, and I were having so much fun at the Lancaster Marketplace, a large regional flea market, that we ran late in getting home to prepare the afternoon tea. Once back to Oak Rise Cottage, we each pitched in to get the table ready. We had to truncate my tablesetting and menu, but still had a great time together. My mother and aunt joined the party. Three brothers-in-law were in the kitchen having supper, but one of them asked for a pretty teacup so he could have some tea also!

We had Earl Grey decaffeinated, Mint Medley, Apple Cranberry and Blueberry teas. Honey stirrers served as sweeteners.

The tea setting included trios of two different patterns of pink dishes
Royal Albert "Lady Carlyle" from England

and one from Heinrich and Co., of Bavaria Germany

Gilt teaspoons were handy for a sip

Multigrain bread tuna fish sandwiches in shape of teapot, cup and heart.


To save time, other sandwiches were just cut in squares or triangles. The two types of sandwiches were egg salad and tuna salad.

Sweets were served from a three-tier silverplated server – lemon tarts, pirouline, ginger snaps, light Maria cookies from Spain, and guava bars

Amidst the tea food were tea related accessories to give the mood of a tea room



By definition a cream tea includes some type of cream – not for the tea, but to spread on the scones. So this was not a cream tea since to accompany the scones we did not have Devon cream as I had planned. Instead we had strawberry All-Fruit.


Thank you for your visit today. For more table settings see the list of participants at Susan’s blog.

ABC’s of the Word - I

Pam explains the purpose of ABC’s of the Word:"God gave me this idea to start stirring up the Word in each of us by going through the alphabet, one letter each Thursday. I just think it would be cool to see how many different scriptures are listed each week. Even if it doesn't start with the letter of the week, make it predominately about that word that corresponds with the letter of the week. Other than following along with each week's letter there are no rules. Join in when you can and be blessed. Don't worry about missing a week or joining at letter I---whatever, I will willingly add anyone's blog at any time. Let's be encouraged by His Truth!’

This week’s letter is I

"If the Son therefore shall make you free,
ye shall be free indeed."
John 8:36 KJV

No one else can free us…it must be Jesus Christ, the Son. He frees us from falsehoods so we can live in the marvelous light of His truth.

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king.
In fact, for this reason I was born,
and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
John 18:37

For more ABC’s of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie.

Word-Filled Wednesday – Psalm 19:1

Sponsored by Amydeanne at The 160-Acre Woods, the "purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse!"


Illus from Dover.com

The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament shows His handiwork.
Psalm 19:1 NKJV

The picture shows the Andromeda Galaxy in a NASA space photo. As astonished as we are about the spectacular sights in the heavens, it is nothing compared the the great glory of the Creator Himself.

For more Word-Filled Wednesday please go here.

Red, White and Blue

Tablescape Tuesday is sponsored by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

On Independence Day this year I had planned to have lunch for my mother and I outside on the deck. However, when lunchtime came it was so hot outside, I decided to use part of the dining room table instead. It was just my mother and I, so I draped the tablecloth I was going to put on the round table on the deck of the edge of the dining table.


The dishes are the Staffordshire "Liberty Blue" dinner plates, berry bowls and salt and pepper shakers. The "Liberty Blue" dishware was made for the U.S. bicentennial in 1976.
The glasses are another pattern made for the bicentennial, "Cape Cod" ruby red sandwich glass from Avon.


The serving bowls are "Cape Cod" and "Liberty Blue".
Flatware is Oneida "Raphael".
US Flag paper napkins.


The figurine is Betsy Ross perfume bottle by Avon.
Two pieces of milk glass include Westmoreland’s Flag Eagle and Fleur de Lis 7 ¼ inch plate, and a bud vase, which holds a U.S. flag and two faux red roses.





I think with a different tablecovering, much of this setting could be adapted for a Thanksgiving meal -- especially here in New England.

Thank you for stopping by today. For more table settings see the list of participants at Susan’s blog.

Teach Me…

"Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve Thee as Thou deservest;
To give and not to count the cost;
To fight and not to heed the wounds;
To toil and not to seek for reward,
Save that of knowing that
I do Thy will, O God."

-- St. Ignatius of Loyola

Visit Spiritual Sundays for more inspirational posts.

Friday Show and Tell – Tea Caddy

Show and Tell Friday is hosted by Kelli at There is No Place Like Home


Today as I prepare to host a four-day family get together next week, I am extremely pressed for time, but wanted to participate in Friday Show and Tell.

Here is a small item I bought at a local antique shop. It is a tea tin for Earl Grey tea, one of the most popular black tea blends. It is printed with the name Earl Grey and Oriental style scenes having to do with the cultivation of tea.

The little caddy is three inches tall and is for loose tea. The lid reads "Crabtree & Evelyn/ London/ Fine Teas."

The colorful scenes on the paneled sides show various aspects of tea cultivation and preparation.

I use decaffeinated Earl Grey from Bigelow. The little cup is a fridge magnet.

To see and read about more personal treasures, visit Kelli for a list of participating posts.

Vintage Thingies Thursday – Bargain Homer Laughlin

This post is part of Vintage Thingies Thursday, sponsored by Lisa, the Apron Queen.

As I am pressed for time with visitors coming by tomorrow, I’ll just share a thrift store purchase I made this spring. There was another lady in the store who is always buying up lots of stuff. I think she is a buyer or dealer. Anyway, we both observed some china in a box but I had my hand on this oval dish. She indicated that it looked like Homer Laughlin, I picked it up and sure enough, the mark on the back read, "Homer Laughlin/ Virginia Rose/ Made in U.S.A." I took it to the desk and was told "25 cents".

The 11 1/2 x 8 3/4 inch plate is creamy white with three sprays of pink flowers and green leaves. The two ends are carved and rim is outlined in silver. It is a very pretty dish.

I put it to use in my bathroom to hold a small vintage perfume tray. Added accessories are three Victorian style music instrument ornaments decorated with pink roses.

Nearby is a wall pocket with two cherubs. A small crochet doily in the pocket holds two more instrument ornaments and a gold package of bath salts.

Well, thanks so much for viewing my vintage item for today. Do return for another visit soon. For more vintage items, please see Lisa at the Apron Queen.

ABC’S of the Word – H

Pam explains the purpose of ABC’s of the Word:
"God gave me this idea to start stirring up the Word in each of us by going through the alphabet, one letter each Thursday. I just think it would be cool to see how many different scriptures are listed each week. Even if it doesn't start with the letter of the week, make it predominately about that word that corresponds with the letter of the week. Other than following along with each week's letter there are no rules. Join in when you can and be blessed. Don't worry about missing a week or joining at letter I---whatever, I will willingly add anyone's blog at any time. Let's be encouraged by His Truth!’

This week’s letter is H


He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing
Zephaniah 3:17

This text tells us what God will do for those who receive His love with joy in their hearts.

For more ABC’s of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie.

Word-Filled Wednesday - Songs 2:1

Sponsored by Amydeanne at The 160-Acre Woods, the "purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse!"

I am the rose of Sharon,

and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

Note Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Jesus Christ as the Rose of Sharon:

"Christ is the rose of Sharon, where probably the best roses grew and in most plenty, the rose of the field (so some), denoting that the gospel salvation is a common salvation; it lies open to all; whoever will may come and gather the rose-buds of privileges and comforts that grow in the covenant of grace. He is not a rose locked up in a garden, but all may come and receive benefit by him and comfort in him."
--Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, Vol. III

As we contemplate and enjoy the beautiful flower, we can also consider Christ’s beauty and His eternal love for each of us.

For more Word-Filled Wednesday please go here.

Tablescape Tuesday – Evesham

Tablescape Tuesday is sponsored by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

This table setting was for my brother’s birthday. I used Royal Worcester “Evesham Gold” dinner plates, dessert plates, covered casseroles. The cloth napkins are in the matching Evesham pattern. The ceramic napkin rings are in fruit shapes – lemon, banana, peach, apple. The green goblets are by Libbey. The flatware, “Estasi” by Mikasa, is stainless with a gilt stripe.

In the center of the table I placed the matching Evesham pattern tea towel. An Evesham covered bowl was replaced with the birthday cake when it came time to cut it.

It was great to have you visit today. For more table settings see the list of participants at Susan’s blog.

Enchanting Windows Party – Kitchen Sink View

The Enchanting Windows Party is hosted by Cielo at The House in the Roses.

All along there has been little to see when looking out my kitchen window. So I in June I had a new planting bed made between two maple trees near the back fence. I had some low maintenance plants put in there: Hosta ‘Albo Marginata,’ Hosta Bressingham Blue, and bright yellow marigolds. Two white chairs with roses across the upper backs, look very inviting.


I can also enjoy seeing bird and squirrel activity in the yard – robins, bluebirds and furry squirrels. It all makes me smile to see how busy they are all the time.

As to the window décor – I took down the bottom half of the curtain and just placed a woven place mat against the screen. A tall blue and white vase with Blue Danube candlesticka and Staffordshire shoe planters on either side is in the center. A rabbit figure crouches on the left and on the right side are two blue glass goblets. (The photos were taken very early in the morning.)





This photo shows the right side of the sink where the everyday blue and white dishes ("Bermuda Blue" by Churchill) are stored.


On the left of the sink is a three-tier plate stand with cream ware dishes.


Here, the cobalt bud vase holds a Rose of Sharon flower from a friend’s garden.

Visit Cielo for a charming illustrated introduction to the windows of the party participants.

Slow Me Down, Lord!

Spiritual Sundays is sponsored by Charlotte of At Home in Scottsdale and by Ginger of Enchanting Cottage


This poem expresses just how I am feeling as I prepare for out of state and in-state relatives for my mother’s 90th birthday next weekend, September 19-22.

Slow me down, Lord!
Ease the pounding of my heart
By the quieting of my mind.
Steady my harried pace
With a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me,
Amidst the confusions of my day,
The calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves
With the soothing music of the singing streams
That live in my memory.

Help me to know
The magical power of sleep.
Teach me the art
Of taking minute vacations of slowing down
to look at a flower;
to chat with an old friend or make a new one;
to pat a stray dog;
to watch a spider build a web;
to smile at a child;
or to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me each day
That the race is not always to the swift;
Thaer there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew great and strong
Because it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
Into the soil of life’s enduring values
That I my grow toward the stars
Of my greater destiny.
-- Wilfred A. Peterson

Visit Spiritual Sundays for more inspirational posts.

Friday Show and Tell - Milk Glass Collection

My milk glass collection has been accumulated over the years from visiting antique malls, thrift shops and from gifts. Also, some Avon purchases. The collection now includes a bell, a cake plate, two pairs of candlesticks, two candy containers, compote, cruet, plates, and bud vases. So far I’ve only identified two manufacturers -- Westmoreland and Fenton, but hope to do more research on the pieces I have.

Yesterday’s post for Vintage Thingies Thursday featured "Hobnail Milkglass." Today I’ll show and tell about the collection as a whole. The milk glass makes a lovely display in the room downstairs which functions as laundry, craft area storage, and it’s also a half bath.

Along the window ledge a good part of the milk glass is displayed. The curtains are a floral in turquoise, pink and green. The sheers are a deep pink. For privacy, since the window looks out under the deck, I placed white shutters between the window glass and the sheers.

Two Doric Border three-column stem candleholders frame an Avon bottle called Grecian Pitcher 1972-1976.

Above the medicine cabinet two bud vases flank a small oval bowl.



Nearby, a flower molded dish hangs on the wall.

I like the footed dishes and have several of them.

On a small whatnot shelf, milk glass shares space with a Betsy Ross Avon bottle on the top left and bells on the lower shelf.

The patriotic motif plate next to Betsy is Westmoreland’s Flag Eagle and Fleur de Lis 7 ¼ inch plate.

The lower shelf has a Fenton Square Planter 3699 and a Fenton Candy Jar 3688 which has a scalloped edge at top.

Yesterday I showed the Fenton Candy Jar 3880 round low, Fenton 6" Bonbon, and Fenton Footed Comport.


These plates and the lower footed dish are called Lacey Edge.

The candle holders were purchased at my local antique store this spring; the Westmoreland cup and saucer were from eBay.

To learn more about milk glass you may wish to consult a book like Collector’s Encyclopedia of Milk Glass: Identification & Values by Betty and Bill Newbound. Collector Books, 1995.

The soap dish shaped like two hands is an Avon milk glass piece, a gift from my father’s sister, my Aunt Lorraine. I used it as a soap dish, but the book showed that originally a similar design was for a ‘card holder’ to receive calling cards.

To see more interesting personal treasures, visit Kelli for a list of participating posts.

Vintage Thingies Thursday – Hobnail Milkglass

This post is part of Vintage Thingies Thursday, sponsored by Lisa, the Apron Queen.

Milk glass was one of the Depression era products which provided lovely wares for people who could not afford porcelain goods. Production of milk glass was carried out for a number of decades by companies such as Westmoreland and Fenton. Some pattern names include Diamond, Diamond Quilt, Dolphin, Doric, Hobnail and Old Quilt. I will show just the Hobnail items in my modest collection of milk glass.

This first photo shows four hobnail patterned items – a covered box, medium size vase, a small dish, and a footed dish.



Both the small dish and the compote style dish have ruffled edges. This adds a touch of elegance and delicacy to the items.


The next photo shows a square vessel, and a covered jar – both with Hobnail decoration. Also pictured is a salt and pepper set I got last week at one of the local thrift stores for 25 cents. The pattern is similar, but I believe it is more a Diamond pattern.


The next three Hobnail items are Avon products.


Well, this is all I have time to share now. I plan to do a more extensive post and show the entire milk glass collection as it is displayed and stored.

Do come by for another visit soon. See more vintage things at the Apron Queen.

ABC’S of the Word – G

Pam explains the purpose of ABC’s of the Word:
"God gave me this idea to start stirring up the Word in each of us by going through the alphabet, one letter each Thursday. I just think it would be cool to see how many different scriptures are listed each week. Even if it doesn't start with the letter of the week, make it predominately about that word that corresponds with the letter of the week. Other than following along with each week's letter there are no rules. Join in when you can and be blessed. Don't worry about missing a week or joining at letter I---whatever, I will willingly add anyone's blog at any time. Let's be encouraged by His Truth!’

This week’s letter is G

"Great is the LORD,

and greatly to be praised

In the city of our God,

In His holy mountain."
Psalms 48:1 NKJV

God’s greatness is the theme of many texts in the Bible. Here is another from the Psalms:

"Great is the LORD,

and greatly to be praised;

And His greatness is unsearchable."

Psalms 145:3 NKJV

For more ABC’s of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie.

Pretty Flowers & An Award

While out running errands with my Mother we met a friend of mine at the CVS store. She invited us to follow her car to her house. There we were greeted with the many flowers she had planted all around her front side and back yards. We had a nice visit and refreshment inside with her mom and sister. She gave me some cut flowers – huge dahlias and two others, but I don’t remember the names. Here they are in vases in my kitchen.

Edited to add: skoots1mom commented that the spiky flower above is a Cleome (Spider Flower)

Edited to add: skoots1mom commented that this flower in the cobalt blue vase is a Pink Rose of Sharon Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)

When we returned home I got an e-mail from Karla at Ramblin’ Road telling me she had nominated me for the I Love Your Blog award! How nice, Karla, I appreciate this very much!

Now it's my turn to pass it on. These are the rules for this award:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

I am pleased to nominate the following seven of many blogs which I enjoy visiting:

Eleanor – Thatchwick Cottage
Mishebe - The Crowned Casa

Kay - Dish Diva aka Kay

Dena – Swaddle Cottage

Lisa – An Apron a Day
Charlotte – Dolls Dolls Dolls

Paula - Rose Cottage by the Lake

Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalms 42:1

Sponsored by Amydeanne at The 160-Acre Woods, the "purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse!"

During my childhood the entire family loved Bible games. As a teenager I decided to make a card game with Bible texts. The text would appear on 2 or 3 cards that would have a phrase from the text. All 2 or 3 cards would be needed to complete the set. The object of the game was to gather as many cards with complete texts. One of the texts I used was Psalms 42:1

Turkish traditional design from www.Dover.com

"As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God."

Psalms 42:1

I love the imagery of this text as the psalmist expresses a deepfelt need for God.
Along these lines, the apostle Peter advised the believers to seek spiritual growth.

"As newborn babes,
desire the sincere milk of the word,
that ye may grow thereby"
1Peter 2:2

It is my hope that we may each grow in grace each day and that our soul yearnings will be filled by His power.
For more Word-Filled Wednesday please go here.

Tablescape Tuesday

Tablescape Tuesday is sponsored by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

My photos are of the tablesetting for Mother’s Day back in May this year. It is set in my dining room and was for nine diners.

The tablecloth was off-white or ecru with handpainted dark pink roses and Battenberg lace insets around the border and in the center.




The place settings consisted of a Spode "Consul" dinner plate on a brass charger, gilt flatware, Lenox "Autumn" goblets. The napkins matching the tablecloth were in a gilt floral napkin ring and set on the plate. The gilt flatware coordinated with the gilt edging on the plates and goblets.




The centerpiece was a cobalt ceramic ginger jar with pink flowers. The cobalt picked up the border of the plates.



Thank you for stopping by today. For more tablesettings see the list of participants at Susan’s blog.

Happy Labor Day!

I wish you a wonderful time

wherever this day finds you!