WREATHMAKER

I am so surprised at the number of views (7300) and downloads (1200) my webshots album of fall flowers has received this week alone. One of the photos was chosen by webshots as "photo of the day", a few days ago, which generated all the interest. I am indeed flattered and pleased. Every year, I decorate the church for Thanksgiving ,which in Canada is celebrated on Sunday, not Thursday as in the USA. That particular day we also celebrated communion, so some of the photos show part of the communion table as well. The webshots album can be found at: http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/560966198rZjorn

We are planning to paint our lower level family room. It's been this way for a few years now. What was I thinking when I picked this colour? Actually, it doen't look as vivid in real life. The mantle display was during our home craft sale. Our old sofa, although the fabric wasn't showing wear, was sagging, so we bought a new one in a soft brown leather...comfy! So now I am thinking I'd like to paint the room in either a soft tan, or a soft watery aqua. I have splotched a couple, neither of which does the trick. Hopefully, tomorrow Mr. and I will head out to look at more paint samples. While he is at it, I would like the main floor hall done too. Good thing he doesn't mind painting! My plan is to decorate the family room in a "woodsy" and natural theme., along with some rustic antique accessories we have. We may have to beef up the mantel a bit.

Sometimes we just need a tea break.... I picked up two (yes, just two!) Denby breakfast cups and saucers when we were in Scotland, but unfortunately one got broken in my luggage, even though it was well-wrapped in bubble wrap, I thought. Anyway, I reach for that cup when I need a break. Right now, it is a break from crafting that I need. A couple of homemade shortbread cookies are good with it!

I recently bought some new (to me) tag making supplies and finally got to try them out. The supplies used are paste, a brass stencil, glitter, and stickles. I like the look, and wow, do they sparkle under halogen lights! I think these will sell well.

I took a few more photos around the house today. I love the Aynsley Orchard Gold china. Some friends in England brought some over as gifts and some were acquired on Ebay, but prices have risen considerably, so I probably won't buy too much more. It is so suitable for the autumn.

I am getting ready for our upcoming craft sales. The first will be at a historic Winnipeg home, The Ralph Connor House . I haven't taken any photos of this year's arrangements, as our camera is in for repair, so these are some from last year. In addition to florals, I do tags, which to my surprise, have been a hit with customers. I use old poetry and music books, as well as old photos. As well, there are so many scrapbooking materials available now. My dear "Mr." made the sleds for me to decorate.

These photos were taken in Britain. We saw so many lovely windows and doors..but sadly, some were just glimpses out of the car window, so they remain as "memory pictures". The photo above was the window in Starbucks in Edinburgh. What a lovely view of the castle it afforded. We enjoyed relaxing with our lattes in the comfy sofas, enjoying the scene. Lovely berries on the vine by this window. There is a wire mesh protecting the thatched roof and window surrounds.

It was good to have fresh flowers from the garden to decorate the church this year, Usually frost has killed them by this date.

This weekend, as we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, the words of one of my favorite hymns are very appropriate: "THANKS TO GOD" Thanks for roses by the wayside, Thanks for thorns their stems contain! Thanks for home and thanks for fireside, Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain! Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee! Thanks for hope in the tomorrow, Thanks through all eternity!

Our hosts, Ginny and Brian took us to the very lovely village of Avebury. Below are some photos I took: More information about Avebury my be found at http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/avebury.htm Some info from the site follows: "The Wiltshire village of Avebury is home to the largest prehistoric stone circle in Britain and the most popular megalithic site after Stonehenge . Like its more famous counterpart, the monuments of Avebury were constructed as early as 3000 BC and have been designated a World Heritage Site. Many travelers prefer the more atmospheric Avebury, with its peaceful village setting, to the heavily-touristed Stonehenge. See also our Avebury Photo Gallery , which takes you on a virtual tour of the site. "

I visited a site where you can download effects like the photo above. It gave a neat look to this photo taken on the Island of Gigha, Scotland Water Effect I visited a site whererI

Skipness Castle is one of my favorite places. I like the green fields which surround the long-abandoned ruins. Horses, cattle, and sheep roam just yards away. Only the shell of the castle and the nearby chapel remain. The stonework is lovely, and I especially like the cross-shaped openings in the outer wall of the castle. The fenced in areas are neatly maintained. A seafood restaurant with some outdoor tables provides a tasty lunch or snack. Above, the ruins of the old chapel. A general view of the chapel on the shore of the loch. The castle. The castle in the distance.

Mary Queen of Scots House, Jedburgh , Scotland photos by Millie The following paragraph is taken from the "about scotland" site. "A short walk away from the 12th century Abbey and situated in a garden of pear trees, this house was visited by Mary in October 1566. She had come to the Borders via Traquair House to preside at local courts and stayed for four weeks, most of the time spent recovering from her arduous ride to visit her future lover, the Earl of Bothwell at Hermitage Castle . In fact she was so exhausted that she caught a fever and nearly died from it. Later on, when held in captivity by Elizabeth I of England, she said, "Would that I had died in Jedburgh..." The grounds are beautifully manicured. The village of Jedburgh looked very interesting, athough time did not permit a proper visit.

Island of Gigha - Scotland 1 Chronicles 29:11 (New International Version) Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

The colours of autumn are so varied. We went out to our son's garden and picked luscious red tomatoes , and brought home honey-toned onions. The photo here is of a muted green pumpkin, which looks like it is glazed pottery. The orange Celosia is so vibrant. Someone said yesterday that he feels God gave us beautiful autumn colors, so that when winter comes with it's grey and white, we will remember.

One of the things I look for when visiting historical places is old door hardware, including hinges, doorknobs, and door knockers. These are some I saw in Britain. The unique hardware below was on the outer door of Traquair House. I had to obtain permission to get the photo, even though it was on the exterior. Photos were not allowed in the house.

While in Scotland, we were intrigued by many of the traffic signs. We found them to be very descriptive and somewhat amusing. Alligator teeth...your tires will be puntured if you enter in the wrong direction. The sign below is indicating that old people may be crossing...this sign is usually found at a crossing near a retirement home. Apparently there is some outcry about it being politically incorrect..I suppose older people resent the stooped image. The next sign says that childen and adults may be crossing, but without the benefit of a pedestrian walkway! The next one is self explanatory also! That is enough to make any doggie behave! Below: One slip of your foot on the accelerator and you are toast!