WREATHMAKER

Let us echo the angels' song: Glory to God in the Highest!                                 

It's a busy time of year, so we need a tea break. How about a shortbread cookie and a mug of apple cider? Here is a look at the new mantel on our fireplace. I had better head over to Sandi's before the tea party is over! Join us there.

Just a few photos of Christmas decor around the house: A bathroom vignette: Mercury glass in the living room:

This month’s issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine contained a little surprize for me: In the 1980’s I became interested in Finnish glass, mainly because my daughter was collecting pieces for her upcoming marriage. I fell in love with these icy-looking candleholders (Iitalla), and have used them for many years. They are on my console table as part of Christmas decor…. (still need to get some new candles for them!) I also have a few other pieces, including the vase below: I am happy to see that someone else thinks they are still cool!

I have been away from my blog for quite a while...and I missed it! We have been clearing my Mom's house and moving her to a lovely assisted living apartment nearby. Mom isn't a hoarder, but she does have many nice things; china, etc., and many of those items must find new homes. Her house is now being readied for sale, but we are taking a break during the festive season....time to start the decorating and baking!..... I have started on the china cabinet... We have  a new mantel ordered for our dining room fireplace, so it should arrive next week...looking forward to that! I don't want to get so involved in the trappings of Christmas that I forget about the real reason...

We attended a Remembrance Day service this morning on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and this year in the year ending 11. Our two grandsons were with us and as we stood in the moment of silence I remembered that many parents lost their children and grandchildren to the horrors of battle when they were the age or a little older than our two precious young men. It gave a new dimension to the day. Thank you, Canadian soldiers, for the sacrifice you made, so that we could enjoy peace.

We often run short of seating in our living room, so this week I saw this bench at Bowrings, and brought it home on approval. I think I like it! ...and some fall asters on the kitchen counter...

Last week we had a killing frost, so our flowers are almost all gone. However, I have the memory and the photos of a lovely summer, with lots of blooms. I have put together a mosaic of the shades of fall.   The central photo is an arrangement I made for our (Canadian) Thanksgiving dinner, using a variety of garden flowers. Today is the day when talented folks join Mary for a special Monday treat.

One of our favorite fall destinations is Minnesota...not far away, but still the experience of a different country... Last week we camped at Baker Park, near Minneapolis. Although in the photo below our trailer looks rather lonely, on the weekend the campground was almost full...including many brave souls in tents!  Some of the things we did... Attending Grace Church in Eden Prairie...(lovely building...seats 4200!) ...shopping at Arbor Lakes.. ...checking out the tablesettings at Pottery Barn... ...and visiting Bachman's garden center and gift shop.... ...nice memories stowed away in our minds....

This weekend we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada.            I hope all of you have a wonderful, thankful day!                        Our family is especially thankful... For many weeks our Grandson has been suffering pain in his hip and leg...doctors, physiotherapists, acupuncture, etc., ...none of it helped..many scary possibilities were put forward...many people praying.... Finally last Monday, a diagnosis...a benign tumour, painful, but operable...                         Rejoicing here!! " Now thank we all our God. With hearts and hands, and voices Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices,  Who, from our mothers' arms Hath blessed us on our way With countless gifts of lo...

This summer I picked up a mirror at Home Sense..on clearance. In my thinking, if I spend just a few dollars for something, it gives me freedom to paint it any colour I like! The first change was from it's grayish frame to spring green, an accent colour on our deck. I did enjoy the reflections of the sky and flowers as I sat at the table having my tea. Now that the cooler weather is here. it's time to make changes , so the mirror experienced a new look. It is now painted hammered bronze...and has found a new home in our family room, above the mantel. I know it's not the best photo, but you get the idea... I wonder if I'll change it to red for Christmas??? My hubby has been busy painting our family room coffee table too...I do keep him busy!

Let's take  break from our everyday tasks and have a cup of tea, shall we? The tea cups and saucers, cream and sugar, luncheon plates and cake plate (not shown) were given to me by an elderly lady from our church. Whenever I visited her, she would tell stories about her many sets of china. This one was brought from Scotland when she emigrated. I always admired it and when she was downsizing, she called one day and invited me to come and get it. I was so surprised and pleased! The china pattern is Melba bone china, Made in England. The little mat, embroidered with acorns, was also received from another elderly friend. Here is a little closer look at the detail on the china: The teapot is one I only take out of storage in the fall, as I usually prefer lighter colours. I think the colours of the flowers complement the china, don't you? I am joining Sandi for her weekly tea party today.

This week's blooms have been brought in to the house, for autumn bouquets... The flowers included are: Mandevilla vine, pinky-winky hydrangea, limelight hydrangeas, incrediball hydranges, dahlias, solomon seal foliage, coleus foliage, chrysanthemum,dusty miller, buddleia. ..and some johnny-jump-ups in an old lustre cream jug... ..and Rosemary and sage, ready to dry... ...a pleasant sight as I walk through the kitchen... Let us join our lovely hostess, Tootsie , for her weekly gathering of gardeners. Thank you, Tootsie.