Wreathmaker

Tea Time

2012-01-30T15:18:00.001-06:00

Things have been very hectic around here (not even time to blog!) but it’s time to take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of lemon loaf.

Part of our busy-ness was continuing to move my Mom’s things from her house, which is now sold. Since she had to down-size drastically, she gave us many pieces of china, and I received some lovely china cups and saucers.

I remember this cup and saucer in a place of honour in her china cabinet from when I was a child.

A very unrealistic bird, to be sure!

It seems I have quite a few Foley pieces…even my wedding china was Foley! They must have been a very prolific maker.

I am going to join in with Sandi’s Tea Time today…I can always count on seeing many other tea partiers…

Boxing Week Sales

2012-01-03T14:16:00.001-06:00

$5.99 on clearance at The Bay.... love them!

Do you check out the post - Christmas sales, or are you tired of shopping???

Our Greek New Year Feast

2012-01-01T20:33:00.001-06:00

Every year on New Years Day our immediate family has a themed dinner. In the past we have done Moroccan, Thai, French, etc., and this year we chose Greek recipes. We do all the cooking ourselves..many of the recipes are new to us, so the presentation may not be authentic, but..

It was certainly delicious!

Here is our son - in - law, pretending a Greek pose:

The table was very pretty:

Chicken souvlaki:

Spanakopita

Lamb and rice

Greek salad:

Potato moussaka:

For dessert, I made bougatsa, but I didn’t get a photo of that.

It was a great day with the family, and more memories were made…

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-24T08:48:00.001-06:00

Let us echo the angels' song:

Glory to God in the Highest!

Tea Time Tuesday - December

2011-12-13T09:16:00.000-06:00

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.

'TIS THE SEASON

2011-12-10T14:42:00.000-06:00

Just a few photos of Christmas decor around the house:

A bathroom vignette:

Mercury glass in the living room:

“STILL COOL”!

2011-12-06T11:36:00.001-06:00

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!

December Decorating...

2011-12-02T15:30:00.000-06:00

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...

2011 -11- 11 -11th hour

2011-11-11T15:18:00.001-06:00

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.

Some Little Changes

2011-11-02T14:51:00.001-05:00

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...

Monday Mosaic - The Flowers of Autumn

2011-10-24T00:34:00.001-05:00

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.

A Fall Trip to Minnesota

2011-10-17T23:03:00.000-05:00

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....

Thankful People!

2011-10-07T14:38:00.002-05:00

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 love

And still is ours today."

Mirror, Mirror...

2011-10-05T12:02:00.000-05:00

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!

Tea Time -Autumn

2011-10-04T11:19:00.001-05:00

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.

What is Still Blooming?

2011-09-29T21:15:00.001-05:00

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.

Fall Flowers

2011-09-22T18:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Fall, Everyone!

It is hard to believe we are into cooler weather now. I am trying to enjoy the remaining flowers in the garden as much as possible, and bringing some blooms indoors to cheer up some gloomy days.

Love the Granny Smith apple green of the hydrangeas...

Buddleia is pretty in the blue vase..

My supermarket mums are coming into full bloom...

Let's join Tootsie for Friday Flower Flaunting

Flowers and Garden - Sept 15, 2011

2011-09-15T20:44:00.002-05:00

Last night we had a slight frost, but only the dahlias were affected by it....tonight there are frost warnings again... I had so hoped we would have a longer frost free period this year, but soon all our gardening will be a memory...thankfully it is somewhat preserved in photos and of course, our memories. Yesterday I went out and picked lots of flowers and plunked them in various containers:

My hubby was up on the roof today, cleaning the skylight, and took a shot of the yard from up there:

A few more photos...

I am joining Tootsie for her regular weekly flower flaunting. Tootsie is keeping her chin up in a time of adversity..kudos to her...

The Way it Was

2011-09-14T02:16:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we took my Mom on a little trip to parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She is almost 92 and wanted to see the places where she grew up and spent her early married days. At Dauphin, Mb., we went to "Threshing Days" where old-fashioned methods of harvesting, etc. were being shown. She loved that!
She was keen to go for a ride on this buggy...

...a wagon load of sheaves being brought to the threshing area...

...and the threshing machine at work...

Mom took a pitchfork and was about to demonstrate picking up a sheaf of wheat...

We also visited her first log house in Saskatchewan, built in 1937. You can read about it here..http://millie-manitobameanderings.blogspot.com/2010/08/25-log-house.html

The original wallpaper is still hanging on...even though this room has been used for grain storage in the past...

The "hardwood" floors were never sealed or varnished and she had to scrub them on hands and knees with a lye solution .

...There have been a lot of changes in her lifetime!

Floral Inspiration

2011-09-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

This week I am using Martha Stewart Living magazine - January 2009, as inspiration for a floral bouquet. The magazine includes floral arrangements for each month of the year. This is September:

I used my silver - brushed urn and picked leaves and branches from our garden. This is what I came up with:

Debbiedoos is having a magazine copycat event this week so I'm taking part. I hope you will visit her blog and see all the lovely copycats over there!

More Manitoba Moments

2011-09-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

A tradition for Labor Day weekend for us is camping on Hecla Island, The island was settled by Icelandic people many years ago. Fishing was the main industry, and even today, there are many fishing boats in the harbour, as well as a fish station. When the island became a Provincial park, most people were asked to sell their property to the government and move.

Some of the oldest buildings are very rustic, and many are rapidly becoming piles of rubble:

Below, an old outhouse...

This white building is the old boarding house, restored on the outside, but sadly, the inside hasn't been completed

There are nautical touches everywhere:

More recently, those who wished to do so, could rebuild on the island. There are many new summer homes now, and they must conform to traditional styles.

Credit for most of the above photos goes to my daughter LaVerne.

Flower Flaunting Sept 1, 2011

2011-09-01T19:42:00.000-05:00

There is a twinge of fall in the air this week, but although some of the flowers are way past their prime, others are hanging in there, and some are finally starting to bloom (some seeds I planted were very slow to germinate!)
The dahlias are getting nicer:

In front of the house the large pot holds coleus, and a red mandevilla vine, new to me this year....

By the front steps, we have 2 urns which did fairly well this year..

Tomatoes are very plentiful...we've been using them every day

I picked some pears at our Son's house this week, just for decoration...

The fall mums are arriving at the supermarket now...I hope this one lasts a month!

That's all for today .

I hope everyone has an enjoyable Labor Day weekend. We have plans...

Tootsie has a wonderful weekly gardening event...check it out..

The Garden - August 25, 2011

2011-08-26T06:00:00.012-05:00

Enjoying lovely summer weather...while many bloggers are looking forward, and even decorating for autumn, we are trying to squeeze every bit of summer into our memories,.... like squirrels stashing away winter food....

I love the mandevilla vine..this one has a little ruffled center...as I sit at my computer and glance out the window, this is what I see....

...and a view of the same plant reflected in the mirror on the deck..

The general view of the back yard today...

Today I harvested some hydrangeas for drying. I am trying some with pink food colouring in a glycerine - water mix, so we'll see how that goes....

I've also been playing around with other flowers...

.....Joining Tootsie for her weekly event...

Cooking for a Cause

2011-08-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was privileged to attend the book signing of the Mennonite Girls Can Cook book,at our local Ten Thouand Villages store, a special day for me, as I have been reading the blogs of several of the authors for a long time.....What lovely ladies!...friendly and sweet..., but most important, their book will benefit needy children. Read about it on their website:

http://bc.mcc.org/bc.mcc.org/mennogirlscancook

I asked my daughter to take a few photos for me...here they are...signing ....

...and at the other end of the table...me, being welcomed by Lovella and Anneliese

..Now I'm looking forward to trying more recipes!

Tea Time - Clafouti

2011-08-22T15:48:00.001-05:00

Today I made a cherry-nectarine clafouti for our tea break. I used the basic recipe from MGCC, but since I had some cherries and nectarines which were ripe and needed using up, I substituted them for the peaches.

I often use recipes from MGCC, and I am looking forward to their book signing on Wednesday, just a few blocks from our house...

My hubby and I had a slice of this dessert a few minutes after the photos were taken, while it was still warm....and yummm...was it tasty! My hubby said it was one of the best desserts he has ever tasted, and he's eaten quite a few over the years!!!

For our beverage, I brewed the Earl Grey tea in a Martha Stewart teapot. Hubby used the new Denby mug he received from his sis for his birthday and I drank mine out of my favorite Denby breakfast cup which came back from Scotland in my carry-on (sadly, it's twin got broken on the trip!)

Plates were purchased a Macy's a while ago.

My dahlias are finally blooming so they are included in the bouquet today.

I am joining Sandi for her weekly tea party today....you should pay her a visit too!

Tea Time - Peacock blue

2011-08-15T17:41:00.001-05:00

It's time for tea, and for this occasion we 'll have a raspberry cream meringue. I found the shells at Costco, so it's an easy dessert, and quite pretty, I think.

I am using my newest dishes, a peacock pattern...

Edie Rose by Rachel Bilson for Macy's. There was just something about these which attracted me...

Sandi is hosting her Tea Time Tuesday, so you should visit...there is lots to see over there.

Flower Flaunting, August 9, 2011

2011-08-11T18:28:00.001-05:00

While preparing this post I am reminded of the hail which befell Tootsie's garden this week...how sad that must have been!
We have had lots of sunshine this year, and we will have a huge water bill, but the plants are coming along nicely.
This morning I picked a few flowers for a bouquet:

These are the flowers I have included...

Limelight hydrangea, Endless Summer hydrangea (blue and pink), Incrediball hydrangea, David Austin pink rose, dahlias, buddleia (butterfly bush), and hosta buds

Out in the garden the gloriosa daisies are glorious!

The mandevilla vine is stretching up to 6 feet tall and still twining...

The pink plant I showed you before is more full...that thing just never stops!

We have been enjoying our tomatoes...this photo has no ripe ones, ...because we've eaten them!

Now head over to Tootsie's and see what other folks are growing...

The Garden, Friday Aug 5..and a cool supper

2011-08-05T17:54:00.002-05:00

First, a few views of the garden....

(you may click on photos to enlarge)

Sometimes, on these hot summer days, we like a salad supper. Today I made a chicken salad, no recipe; just things we like:
Cooked cubed chicken, nectarine, dried cranberries, and celery. The dressing was yoghurt, honey, a splash of vinegar, and a dash of curry powder....very tasty.

Along with it we had a potato salad, and some sliced fresh cucumbers from our garden, with just a sprinkling of salt...so, so good!

Now that we've checked out the food,.... here are a few more photos of the flowers which are blooming now:

More lilies (late blooming)

...and limelight hydrangea, just beginning to flower.

I'm recommending you go over to Tootsie's blog, where she hosts a Friday floral feature.

Summer Morning

2011-07-27T10:02:00.000-05:00

We have been enjoying the deck this year, more than ever...there have been no mosqitoes, and the weather has been fine. While having that morning cup of coffee, my eyes wander over the yard, and I see many areas which need weeding, watering,or pruning, so that determines my activity for the next hour or so.
Sometimes I head back into the house for my camera, to capture a bloom or two, to enjoy when we face the long winter months when there is only an all-white vista from our window.

This week the hydrangeas are pretty...my favorite flower.

Last week we stopped at Homesense, and the anticipated summer garden clearance was happening. I quickly snapped up this garden urn, about 1 minute before someone else asked to purchase it! It is about 4 feet tall, and heavy! With our son's help, we placed it in a temporary location along our garden path. Next spring we'll decide on a permanent spot.

I hope you are enjoying YOUR summer.

The Garden - July 20th, 2011

2011-07-21T23:19:00.002-05:00

We have had some hot weather, so most days the flowers look quite wilted, but it is cloudy today, so I managed to get a few photos.

....the baker's rack, on the deck...

This is a close up of the pink plant on the baker's rack..one of my favorites this year,,,a type of miniature petunia, very prolific, and not trailing.

A view of the yard...we have too much clover in our lawn, and it is rather dormant from the heat...

I love the "Endless Summer" hydrangea..I treated some of the plants with aluminum sulphate to bring out the blue, but I left others pink, which is the norm for our soil.

Ornamental cabbage...very leafy!

In the background is Egyptian onion, or garlic, which forms heads at the top of each stem.

I haven't flaunted my flowers over at Tootsie's for some time, but I'm joining in today.

The Lilies of Manitoba

2011-07-21T06:01:00.001-05:00

Last weekend we attended a garden tour at Carman, Manitoba. The lilies and roses were spectacular. I am sharing some photos of the lilies…enjoy!

The orange lily below looked smashing against the dark green of the outbuilding

These are from my own garden:

Garden Tour -Carman, Manitoba

2011-07-19T11:57:00.000-05:00

Carman is a lovely town, and we were impressed with the gardens and landscaping. The garden tour showcased 6 gardens of varying types, but as we drove through the streets, we noticed many beautiful, well-kept yards.

Below is smokebush, which is not normally hardy in our climate, but one garden had 3, and we were so envious (in a good sort of way!)

Roses were in full bloom...

Someone had a petunia "tree"

The garden below was a profuson of color, randomly planted.

Lots of hanging pots in one garden, and each one appeared to be perfectly shaped..

Someone had a rustic concrete pad with large log slices for seating...quite nicely suited to the locale, right on the edge of a corn field.

We are enjoying a period of very hot weather right now, quite different from the last two summers, If the gardens are watered, they do well...tomatoes are loving it!

Tea With Cindy

2011-07-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Cindy from Oakview Cottage came over for tea today. I always look forward to our visits. We met through our blogs and live quite near each other. Cindy has a wonderful talent for decorating her home.

I baked some scones and we enjoyed them with jam, whipped cream, and strawberries.

I used my wedding gift bone china, Foley Devonshire. The flowers are from the garden.

I am joining Sandi for tea time Tuesdays again. Be sure to visit her lovely blog.

Recipe for the scones can be found here.

54 Years Ago Today

2011-07-13T09:11:00.001-05:00

July 1, 1957…we were married.

Remembering… it wasn’t a fancy event like most weddings today…but pretty in it’s own way. I bought a bridal magazine, picked out a gown, and had it made by a dressmaker (cost…$40!) The reception food was prepared by us…fancy sandwiches,…… chiffon cakes made by Mom, ….strawberries from my parents’ garden, ….wedding cake baked and decorated beautifully by Mom.

The honeymoon…car trip to the Wisconsin Dells…and later a reception in the farming community where I grew up in Saskatchewan, hosted by my parents.

That was the wedding…the MARRIAGE was based on Biblical standards, standards which still hold firm today…

We are so blessed all these years later, to have my Mom and all our siblings with us…and lovely children and grandchildren…..so much to be thankful for…

…and, most of all … a patient and loving husband!!!

New Blues

2011-06-23T07:44:00.000-05:00

Some new blues for our kitchen - dining room...a new rug, teapot, and a recovered chair..

My Dad-- The Teacher

2011-06-17T15:23:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken in the 1940's, and shows some of the pupils in my Dad's one room school in Saskatchewan (I am the girl on the extreme left).
As I look at the picture, several things stand out in my memory...my dress made by my Mom, without using a pattern...one of the girls who came from an abusive, alcoholic home, a boy who had frequent "accidents" in school, and so on.
But the most memorable thing to me is the quality of Dad's teaching...see the care with which the name of the school and the music were drawn on the blackboard, in chalk. What you can't see is the enthusiasm and care he showed in his teaching. It was a country school...no electricity, sparse funding, etc., but we got a good education!
I guess this all reminds me of a Hallmark commercial ...and today is one day I would like to run out and buy him a sentimental card...but this will have to do....

Dad - 1910-1987

Bouquet of the Day, June 11, 2011

2011-06-11T13:06:00.001-05:00

Alliums, Siberian Iris, Dark Purple Iris, from my garden

Tea Time, June 5

2011-06-06T16:44:00.001-05:00

For our tea break today, it’s rhubarb again…..this time a layered square; a baked buttery crust, next is a thickened rhubarb mixture, then a layer of mini marshmallows in whipped cream, all topped with a vanilla custard. This is a very delicious dessert. We had a committee meeting at our house last night and this is all that is left for today!.

My china is Royal Worcester Gold Chantilly. I purchased a set of 8 place settings a long time ago, quite unintentionally…Originally I bought a set of china with 24 carat gold trim at a very good price, and was going to use it for every day . When my family saw it, they all said ”Oh, Mom, it looks like you got this as a premium at a gas station!” So my little daughter and I trooped back to the store, and her choice happened to be the most expensive china they carried...I believe it was this Royal Crown Derby, or one similar ….

quite beyond my budget…

so we both settled on this one… just to tell you how long ago this took place, the entire 8 person set was $125!

The pink and white plate is part of the set I do use every day,… Dansk “Trellis”. I always like Dansk…it doesn’t chip easily.
Anyway, not much time to chat today… I must get out and plant my annuals in that almost-empty garden. You can see them waiting in the foreground.

Be sure and visit Sandi at her weekly tea party.

Tea Time--Inspired by Sandi

2011-05-24T05:48:00.001-05:00

Every Tuesday, I visit Sandi for her Tea Time Tuesdays.
Yesterday I made a rhubarb crisp for our dessert, and while waiting for it to bake, I whiled away some time on my computer.

Checking out the postings which came up on my dashboard, I saw that Sandi had already posted. ...Hmmm! ...Rhubarb Crisp!...well I guess many of us are using that this week...it's fully in season...

And then, I saw something else which was so familiar...cranberry glass!... I ~~used the inspiration~~ copied her idea......

My crisp was a little on the juicy side...I guess the rhubarb and strawberries were extra juicy...

It was oh-so-good with a little scoop of ice-cream....

I used a mixed bag of china:

small soup bowls: Tudor Rose by Royal Stafford

Cups and saucers: Foley Devonshire

Cake plate in background: Coalport

Cranberry glass: gift received many years ago, purchased at Eatons

Cloth by April Cornell

Double flowered tulips from my garden

So thanks, Sandi, for the inspiration!

Mosaic Monday - Rustic Hardware

2011-05-22T23:20:00.000-05:00

I love old rustic, rusty, weathered door hardware. These were all seen at Lower Fort Garry, Manitoba.

(click on photo to enlarge)

If you want to see creative mosaics, please visit Mary at Little Red House...always a delightful experience!

It’s Spring, and Birds are Busy

2011-05-19T00:50:00.001-05:00

We took a little day trip…the sun was shining…lovely!

We took along our coffee and muffins (and lunch)…and stopped at a lakeshore camp.

Sometime in the 1930’s someone took on the job of adding trim made of small rocks, to this water tower.

This is the back view.. see the point above the door on the right…do you notice it is slightly different from the one on the left?

A closer view…right at the peak, perfectly centered, a Phoebe has built her nice round nest…what a designer! (and WE talk about “nesting!)

On the same wall of the building, a busy wren has filled a crack in the wall with her nest.

Wrens have been known to fill very large cavities with nesting material…

Further North, along Lake Winnipeg, we saw more work of birds…this is near the lower part of a tree trunk…a Pileated woodpecker has chipped out a 5-6 long oval area, hunting for grubs,,,it must have a powerful beak..those chips are not tiny!

More evidence of Sapsuckers or woodpeckers drilling for food..

We also saw several bald eagles, including a distant view of an eagle’s nest.

…….all reminding me again how wonderful our world is….

Carlton Ware for Tea

2011-05-16T21:17:00.001-05:00

Today we will enjoy a cup of tea and some lemon poppy seed muffins served on a Carlton ware plate.

I received a few pieces of Carlton ware for our wedding many years ago, and never quite realized how collectible it is until recently. I believe these pieces are “Wild Rose”. I like the odd shapes of the plates and the sculptured pattern of the flowers and leaves.

Here are a few more pieces:

The lemon poppy seed muffins have just the right amount of tartness.

Now, I am heading over to Sandi’s for the weekly tea party, Yummm!

Chocolate Biscuit Cake - my Attempt

2011-05-09T16:44:00.001-05:00

I saw a former Royal chef on the Oprah show, demonstrating his recipe for the cake that Prince William chose for his Groom’s cake, and was inspired to try it, not because of the cake itself, because chocolate is not my favorite, but because I wanted to use the photo for inspiration!

Here is the photo on Oprah’s website:

You see, the photo shows a Shelley Dainty Blue teacup, just like the one I have, so here is my version: Yes, I realize the cake wasn’t iced and decorated, but I was in a bit of a hurry….

Anyway, my husband and family enjoyed the cake!

The flowers are pulmonaria, so pretty with their blue and pink flowers on each stem.

The link to the recipe on Oprah’s website is

http://www.oprah.com/food/Chocolate-Biscuit-Cake-Recipe

The Royal family photo of the Groom’s cake can be seen at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy/sets/72157626482581411/

I am joining in at Tabletop Tuesday today, where there are some very great tablescapes, etc.

Mother’s Day Tea

2011-05-09T15:59:00.001-05:00

On Saturday I attended a Mother’s Day tea at our son’s church. Our DIL hosted our table . Each hostess was in charge of setting her table.

This was the table our daughter-in-law prepared, with the bone china given to her by her Grandmother. The pattern is “First Love” by Royal Albert.

There were so many beautifully set tables, but one of my favorites was this pink and white table

I am once again joining Sandi’s Tea time Tuesday. Thanks Sandi

Royalty–the Queen

2011-04-29T00:16:00.001-05:00

Today I will be glued to the television, watching the wedding of Kate and Wills…I wish I could be in London…I would love to be outside Buckingham Palace when they do the balcony scene…

I have always been very interested in the Royal family, and I do remember the Queen’s wedding. I was just a little girl when she was married, and my parents woke me up to listen to the ceremony on the radio….that high voice of the then Princess Elizabeth, making her marriage vows.

I am thinking about the first time I saw the Queen here in Winnipeg. It was 1957. My first job was in a downtown office, on the 6th floor, right on the route the Queen would be travelling. When the moment came, we all leaned out of the open windows and cheered, then , because the motorcade drove very slowly, we all rushed down to the street and were able to get a view from that vantage point. How exciting!

Later that evening my husband and I were driving down town, and quite unexpectedly, we saw the open car in which the Queen was being driven to a formal dinner . She was dressed in a blue gown , and wore a tiara…more excitement!

Since then, I have seen her several times, , sometimes within a few yards, and my husband was just a few feet away on one occasion.

I am sure that today, she , like any Grandma, will be proud of her grandson and his new bride. May God bless them!

(Sources of photos unknown.)

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:35:00.004-05:00

Thinking today about..
The Lamb of God..

Resurrected…

Have a blessed Easter, everyone!

Lightening Up!

2011-04-22T16:37:00.003-05:00

We took the plunge and painted our oak china cabinet. We haven’t yet found the right knobs and pulls so I have been looking online and in magazines for inspiration. The oak counter has been left as it was, and it goes nicely with our dining table and chairs and the oak beams. Perhaps later it too will be painted. My husband painted the frames, etc., but we sent the doors out to be sprayed. I must say that even though the cabinets are 34 years old, they look very good. A local company, Western Paint, did the work and were very pleasant to work with. Our kitchen cabinets had previously been painted and glazed a few years ago, and now we had them sprayed also. The colour is not pure white..it has a grayish cast, which goes well with our backsplash.

Below is a photo of the same cabinet at Christmas.

Bunnies are popping up around here just in time for spring. This morning I saw a live one running across our street.

I grew some wheat grass…it took just a few days to get to this state, and gives a fresh look to the table. Of course, we have onion-skin dyed eggs for our family’s annual egg-bashing contest, in which my egg was the first to crack up…

Our children and grandchildren were here for brunch today, and we have invited my Mom and brothers to join us for Easter Sunday.

EGGS AND MORE…

2011-04-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

It’s time to bring out my collection of Ukrainian Easter eggs (Pysanky).

I bought some of the antique eggs at an auction, and every year my Mom buys one for each of the ladies in the family.

Following in Her Son’s Footsteps

2011-04-17T08:17:00.000-05:00

Last summer our Grandson went on a short term missions trip to Latvia, where they taught English. He loved the people, and the experience was very good for him. Recently, there was an opportunity for 3 people to fill in on another trip, to Portugal. Our daughter followed in her son’s steps, and volunteered. Here she is, teaching! Her normal work is in a totally different field, so this is new to her. I know she is doing a good job.

Photo credit and more info:

http://gem-portugal.blogspot.com/

and below, her son..our grandson…

Looking Ahead to Easter

2011-04-16T11:22:00.000-05:00

...Our kitchen is being painted.. .... .cupboard doors out for spraying, so it's not pretty.. ....but there are some spring touches on the open shelves.. ....I have decided I would not like permanent open shelving!...

Coconut Lime tea time

2011-03-28T20:36:00.002-05:00

I baked a coconut lime square specially for tea time today.

I am serving our tea in a yellow and gold cup with an extended saucer which serves as a snack plate.

The set is Queen Anne bone china.
This is a very delicious square…just the right amount of tartness. I love lime!
Here is the recipe:
Coconut Lime Squares

Ingredients
For crust

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
1/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted and cooled
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For custard

4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 5 limes)
1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest (from about 2 limes)
1/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted and cooled

Preparation
Make crust:
Preheat oven to 325°F. and butter and flour an 8-inch square baking pan, knocking out excess flour.
In a bowl blend together with fingertips flour, butter, coconut, confectioners' sugar, and salt until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pat mixture into prepared pan and bake in middle of oven 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
Make custard:
In a bowl whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until combined well and stir in flour, lime juice, and zest.
Pour mixture over crust and bake in middle of oven 20 minutes. Top custard with coconut and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, or until just set. Cool confection in pan on a rack and chill 1 hour.
I am joining Sandi’s Tea Time Tuesday again this week. Be sure and visit her lovely blog.

Victoria…and Me

2011-03-20T13:46:00.002-05:00

To see larger photos, click to enlarge..

The May-June 2009 Victoria magazine is one of my favorites, featuring blue and white...

one of the open pages with an article on linens...it just happens that I have one of the patterns...

There is also a feature on blue and white Wedgewood ...

I have photographed some of my pieces alongside the article...
....here is my interpretation of blue and white...

As a nod to the current issue of Victoria, which features some tea tables in green, I have set out my own little tea table, with some scones...

...or perhaps you'd like to help yourself to a chocolate-cherry morsel?

On this spring day, I am joining in with :

Celebrate Springhttp://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

Mary's Mosaic Monday, on whose blog you will see some lovely snowdrops:

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/mosaic-monday-snowdrops.html

Also, Sandi is having a special tea party today, so be sure to go over there and enjoy her lovely blog

Sand to Snow!

2011-03-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

After a nice break in sunny Arizona, we are ready for Spring in Manitoba. Just a few pics of what we were doing in the last while…
..A view from our bedroom window…

..flowers from Trader Joe’s…

…watching a CUBS spring-training game…

…Sightseeing in the beautiful desert…

…shopping, LOTS of shopping!! including a visit to the “French Bee”

All in all, it was a fun and relaxing time…

More Contrasts

2011-01-29T14:48:00.010-06:00

I am looking back to summer, when we enjoyed lots of colour…it is all so WHITE now! These were taken in our yard today , and back in the summer, from approximately the same vantage point. I am joining in with Mary’s Mosaic Monday.
(Click on photo to enlarge)

……..longing for summer here!…….

A Year of Precipitation!

2011-01-28T16:31:00.000-06:00

This has been quite a year for moisture here in Manitoba, and probably in your part of the world!
This is a view from our front yard in June, when our street was like a small river, and today.

Summer view of the house:

Today’s pile of snow, and we didn’t even have a strong wind to drift it…

My husband has spent a great part of today raking the roof!
There is flooding predicted for our Red River Valley this spring, so let’s hope we have a slow thaw…

Maid of Honour Tarts

2011-01-15T11:09:00.000-06:00

No words today…just pictures…

Feeding Chickadees

2011-01-01T23:47:00.002-06:00

Our children and their families went on an outing to one of our Provincial Parks during the Christmas break.
The walk through the woods had a purpose….now what could be in the coffee can???
(click to enlarge photos)

Sunflower seeds, of course!
The birds were very hungry, and it didn’t take long before they were eating out of their hands!

Chick-a-dee-dee-dee..that’s what their song is…

I like this…cell phone in one hand, and chickadee on the other. The birds also ate seeds off the girls’ heads, but we don’t have a photo of that.

Family pet, Mac, enjoyed the day, too.

All photos taken by our daughter, at Birds Hill Prov. Park.

Merry Christmas to All!

2010-12-24T09:15:00.001-06:00

Have a wonderful Christmas, dear friends!

Playing with Paper

2010-12-20T15:04:00.003-06:00

Last week I spent a lovely afternoon with Cindy of Oakview Cottage. Cindy and her hubby have a lovely home near the Red River. She gave me a cute star made from sheet music, and that got me started on a few little paper projects. I had an old music book so I mod-podged a few candles, and then used my hounds tooth wrapping paper to cover the back of a hutch. Nice little changes, and fun to do….

Tartan Mosaic

2010-12-19T18:48:00.003-06:00

At this time of year, Tartan seems so appropriate.
I am joining Mary at Little Red House with a few photos of Tartan around my dining room. Thanks, Mary!

Playing with Dishes–Lenox Holiday

2010-12-17T10:52:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago Pat from Back Porch Musings created a post using Lenox Holiday . It appealed to me, and I thought I’d try something similar, using that as inspiration. This is my humble effort:

The cake is the fruitcake I bake every year.…(we happen to like fruitcake!)

I have been a follower of Pat’s blog for a long time, and appreciate her beautiful photos, and the poems she often quotes.

One Quiet Night

2010-12-13T13:15:00.002-06:00

On Sunday we saw a wonderful live production at the church our son and Daughter-in-law attend. It was called “One Quiet Night” and deals with the hectic pace at this time of year, and what it can do in families. That Mom was totally frazzled! Eventually, she realizes that she needed to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.
I can certainly relate…can you?
Our granddaughter had the part of one of the children in the family, and did a great job. We were so proud!
She plays the part of the eldest daughter.

So today, my wish for you is that you enjoy the season for it’s real meaning, and let’s not let the shopping, decorating, cooking, etc., get in the way!

Mosaic Monday – CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUR

2010-11-21T19:47:00.001-06:00

I am once again joining in with Mary’s little Red House for her weekly look at lovely mosaics.

Yesterday we attended the annual Pineridge Hollow Christmas Home Tour. Besides seeing lots of beautifully decorated homes, the five of had a really fun time. One of us is a professional decorator, but that didn’t stop the rest of us from chiming in with our ideas and comments! The youngest among us was my 12 year old granddaughter who especially enjoyed carrying around the pet cat at one of the homes.

Burlap, lanterns, and mercury glass votives:

A tablescape using fresh pink flowers, and burlap again…

Notice the two trees flanking the fireplace… the candles in the fireplace were placed on slices of birch wood (very pretty!)

I loved this bed…a birch bower was built around the four poster, and hung with evergreen and crystal…we all chuckled at the mental image of our husbands crawling into this bed!

Outside a home which featured retro furnishings and accessories, this yellow Volkswagen was decorated with skis, a plaid blanket, snowshoes, and a Christmas tree, all dusted with our new fallen snow…so cute!

Most photos were taken by my daughter LaVerne

Now , let’s all go over and see the other mosaics at Mary’s….

FLAUNTING MY FLOWERS NOV 5, 2010

2010-11-04T23:59:00.001-05:00

I don’t ever remember picking flowers from my garden in November, but this year is very unusual. There are still a few brave petunias, daisies, and rosebuds. Of course dusty miller and ornamental cabbages are quite hardy, so they are still nice. I made a little arrangement for my kitchen.

Over the summer I picked hydrangeas and dried them by leaving them in a vase with just a small amount of water, which evaporated as they dried. I have gathered them together in a silver pedestal bowl.

And finally, a very pretty purple mum, in an arrangement given to me by a dear friend:

Now , pop over to Tootsie’s blog, the gal who hosts “Flaunting your Flowers” every Friday.

JELLYFISH!

2010-10-24T20:53:00.001-05:00

Last week we visited the Vancouver Aquarium…time well spent. I was intrigued by the jellyfish, each one unique….

I am joining in with Mosaic Mondays, with thanks to Mary.

More of Seattle

2010-10-22T10:02:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I posted photos of the flower market at Pike place here. There is so much more to see at and near the market, but because our trip was a one day whirlwind affair, I know we missed a lot.
I loved the colourful peppers arranged in wreaths and swags

Oh, seafood!

We stopped for lunch at Ivar’s, a waterfront restaurant we had visited about 30 years ago when our children were young. The food is still great!

To “top” it off, some of us went up on the space needle…not me! (can’t do heights)
If you want to see more of Pike Place Market, Judy at My Front Porch has some great photos in her interesting post today.

Flower Market

2010-10-21T20:37:00.003-05:00

This week we spent a few days in Vancouver, British Columbia. We drove to Seattle for a day and visited Pike Place Market. I just loved the beautiful bouquets and cut flowers! They were also reasonably priced, but since we were cross-border shopping, we couldn’t bring the real thing home, so I took lots of photos to enjoy in the coming days when snow flies…

Even though these aren't my flowers. I am taking the liberty of flaunting them over at Tootsies anyway.

FLAUNTING MY FLOWERS – OCT. 15, 2010

2010-10-14T23:45:00.001-05:00

I had no idea I would have any flowers to show this week…we are having an unusual fall season. After an abundance of rain this last summer, and then a light frost, we had lovely warm weather followed by cool sunny days. I am so happy I didn’t rush to pull up the annuals as some , like the petunias, are nicer now than they were all summer.

The few alyssum I have are totally covered in bloom!

There are many more flowers to see at Tootsie’s place, and thanks Tootsie, for hosting again.

THANKSGIVING, EH?

2010-10-09T13:17:00.001-05:00

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God's own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OUR CANADIAN FRIENDS!

Flaunting my flowers – Oct 8, 2010

2010-10-08T00:25:00.002-05:00

Yes, it’s time to join in with Tootsie for Friday’s flower flaunting!
I have been waiting all summer for this passion flower vine to bloom, and finally, it has 2 blooms, and lots of buds, which will likely freeze before long. It’s a nice vine, but i don’t think I’ll attempt it again….

There are just a few blooms which survived our first frosts, so I gathered them into the house…strawflowers, dahlias, coleus, dusty miller, and a couple late hydrangea blooms.

…and the last rose of summer…Queen Elizabeth. The roses also have many buds.

My Mom grew this orchid, and graciously gave it to me in flower. …pretty fall colour…

One thing which is doing very well right now are the ornamental cabbages. They look so vivid in the sunlight! We have been having unseasonably warm weather, so it’s nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors…

Now head over to Tootsie’s to see more blooms!

It’s all about Fall!

2010-09-29T12:58:00.002-05:00

Just joining in today with Cottage and Vine ‘s Falling Up Party.
This is what is going on around our house.
Foyer greeting

The hutch in the dining room…

Cup and saucer vine.

Fall Camping

2010-09-27T21:26:00.002-05:00

Last week we packed up our little trailer and headed just 250 miles South, to Minnesota. We stayed at Maplewood State Park, a very pretty area.

Fall touches

2010-09-11T14:48:00.003-05:00

Just a few samples of fall decor:
_Decorative apples from our son’s garden:

Some giant cinnamon stick bundles, decorated:

An autumn swag:

Mosaic Monday - Mercury Glass Acorns

2010-08-30T17:58:00.001-05:00

I found some really nice mercury glass - looking acorns and have been using them in small arrangements for a fall sale.

I am a little late, but am joing in wth Mary's mosaic Monday. There is always lots to see over there!

Just "tagging" along....

2010-08-28T16:15:00.001-05:00

It's time to think about replenishing my stash of tags, so while on vacation, I enjoyed making a few Thanksgiving and fall tags, as well as some for all seasons. There is something very relaxing about fiddling with paper and glue and scissors.

There are some very generous folks, such as The Graphics Fairy, who allow their graphics to be used for personal use, and I thank them.

What's Blooming Now - August 6, 2010

2010-08-05T22:58:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the week again, when we all scoot over to Tootsie's blog to show off our blooms. Here in our little garden, the lilies are almost done, and dahlias are coming soon. Here is what is in bloom right now:
Mandevilla vine

A seedling lily

"Limelight" hydrangea

Cobea (Cup and Saucer vine)

A grouping of pots on the deck

A promise of lots of tomatoes

...and, one more shot of "Endless Summer" hydrangea

Now, enjoy the rest of the Friday Flowers!

The $25 Log House

2010-08-03T15:02:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we attended a family reunion in Saskatchewan. While there we took the opportunity to pay a visit to our farm. We don't get out here too often as it is a 6 hour drive, and my brother looks after managing the rental of the farm. My two brothers and I own it.
The road to the farm from the main road has now become just a packed mud trail, and since it hadn't rained, we were okay for the drive. We were quite surprised to see how much the trees had grown up around the buildings.
My parents had this log home built when they were married in 1937, at a grand cost of $25 for labor. The logs were free. To chink the walls, a mixture of clay, horsehair, and some other ingredient which I can't recall,possibly lime, were mixed together and the space between the logs were filled and the exterior smoothed so the walls appeared flat.
The house was occupied in two periods, for a total of about 6 years, ending in 1949.
Of course, the outside plastering has now worn off but surprisingly, in spite of being exposed to the elements, the stairs are solid, and the interior plaster is still intact. Not bad, for a $25 home!

Flower Flaunting July 23

2010-07-22T23:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't joined in at Tootsie's to flaunt my flowers for a while, so I'd better get on it, or summer will be over!
First, Queen Elizabeth Rose, a reliable variety.

Coleus, in a pot, in semi-shade

Swedish Ivy on the lime green bakers rack, with yellow cardinal plant in background.

We bought this large wicker trellis at a garden supply store, and are using it just to fill the wall space above the hostas.

"Endless Summer" hydrangeas, pink and blue (the blue one was fed more copper sulphate)

....and a general view of the back garden.

Enjoy all the other entries in this week's flower postings!

CONSIDER THE LILIES

2010-07-21T15:40:00.000-05:00

It's time for "Bouquet of the Month" at Ramblings from a Desert Garden again. Our lilies are in full bloom so I was trying out various "poses" for them, not exactly bouquets. I am reminded that even Solomon in the Bible, who was wealthy enough to afford clothing of the finest fabric or style, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.

The Soft Colours of Summer

2010-07-19T00:13:00.001-05:00

I love hydrangeas, and although we can grow the Limelight and Annabelle varieties fairly easily here in Manitoba, it is only recently that with some luck, we can overwinter Endless Summer. Endless Summer blooms in pink in our lime soil, unless we feed it with copper sulphate to bring out the blue. Last week, after a rainstorm, I noticed how soft and pretty the colours were. I am joining in with Monday Mosaics at Mary's. What lovely contributions we find over there every week, and thanks, Mary!

*****Click on the photo to enlarge*****

MIL AT THE MILL

2010-07-10T12:54:00.000-05:00

THE OLD MILL STATE PARK, MINNESOTA

Rebuilt in 1958, the steam engine and mill are fired up each year as part of park special events and interpretive programs. The beach ridges of the old lake served as travel routes for Indians, traders, and settlers. For the early settlers, the beach ridge just east of the park was one of the travel lanes. Known as the Pembina Trail, the oxcart trail and the river crossing are still visible.

This week, we took our 2 youngest grandchildren on a little trip to the USA, where the shopping is just a bit more interesting. On our way back we stopped for a little break at the Old Mill, which for many years was a favorite camping destination for our own children.

I chuckle at some of the memories.

Most of the time I am called Millie but my hubby and close friends call me Mil. When our eldest grandson was about 2 and a half years old, we all went camping at the Old Mill campground. On the first morning, my hubby said " Let's go for a walk to see the old mill", and we started off. Suddenly the little guy stopped, tugged on his Grandpa's pantleg, and said with his newly-learned speaking ability, which couldn't yet pronounce the "r's" ..."No, Papa, Gramma's right here!" It took us a second to realize he thought we were going to see the "Old Mil" !!

I hope you are all spending this summer making beautiful memories!

Remember,
good times needn't be expensive!

Bouquet of the Day July 5, 2010

2010-07-05T14:56:00.002-05:00

Lilies are in bloom! Asiatic lilies do well in our zone 3 climate. I love to make little bouquets. Today I noticed that some of the stems were leaning near the ground so I picked enough to fill a medium sized vase. With it is bupleura, which self seeds every year. I once read that this green flower is quite expensive in the Dutch markets.

Siberian Irises

2010-06-22T08:09:00.001-05:00

I made a little arrangement of Siberian irises today. We have a major problem with mosquitoes right now (spray, city, spray!) so in the 5 minutes or so which it took me to pick the flowers, I had about a dozen or more bites! Anyway, I took some photos in the kitchen under halogen light, and some in front of a window with natural light. You can see the difference lighting makes...decorators are always telling us that, aren't they?

June Bouquet

2010-06-21T16:57:00.001-05:00

I am joining "Desert Ramblings" , where we are invited to post bouquets each month.

I intended to do a bouquet of magenta Siberian irises, but it is pouring rain again today, so I am just showing a bouquet I made for the weekend, using peonies, one rose, one Siberian iris, and some other flowers.

Party Day…Our Deck

2010-06-20T19:14:00.003-05:00

Rhondi is hosting a porch party, and I am very excited about seeing decks, porches, etc. from many places, encompassing climates and decor of all sorts.
We don’t have a porch, so we are welcoming you to our deck today. Please keep our Manitoba climate in mind, as you will notice our summer is just beginning, and plants are not very advanced yet. The afternoon sun is highlighting part of the table, and the rest is shaded by the umbrella. I have set the table in green and white, and because it will just be two of us , it is casual.
Before the sun goes down, let’s see what else is on the deck…. another table with some lanterns and plants..
..a bakers rack which I sprayed light green and which holds green plants.. ..a bench with more of the tropical print…
…and a grouping of potted plants

Looking out at the yard, the sun is streaming in from the West.
the days are longer now and it is still light….at 8:45… …and now finally night has fallen…it is now
10 p.m….. Good Night, all!

Edited to add:
We were at our son's home today and I couldn't resist adding a couple photos of his deck and yard. It's a lovely spot!

Of Grad and Gifts…

2010-06-17T14:56:00.002-05:00

Next week our oldest Grandson will graduate from High School. As many other bloggers have said…”Where has the time gone?”
We are very proud of this guy…he has always been a ray of sunshine in our lives.

This summer he plans on going to Latvia with GEM to teach English, and he is enrolled in the faculty of Education for the fall. My Dad, his Great Grandfather, was a teacher so he would be so proud!All this grad talk started me thinking about my own high school grad, in 1955…yes, that’s right …55 years ago! I was only 16 then (another story) and had met this nice young man, who later became my dear hubby. He drove 400 miles to attend my grad, and gave me a nice gift too…a rhinestone necklace (all the rage then) I brought it out yesterday for a photo. …and a closeup…
I think I’ll wear it when I attend the grad ceremony next week, or maybe to the grad party…

Maple Grove Tea Room

2010-06-06T22:34:00.002-05:00

It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, so we took a drive out along the Red River, to a historic house, now home to a nice little tea room. The view of the river was outstanding, the desserts were “scrummy”, and the conversation was pleasant. The home was built in 1866 by Captain William Kennedy an explorer, entrepreneur and trader. Three rooms are a provincial historic museum.

Below is a mosaic of the memories of the day. I am joining Mary’s Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. I always look forward to what other bloggers contribute.

Old House Revival Company

2010-05-29T16:15:00.002-05:00

Today was the annual Winnipeg “Doors Open”, a day when the public can see museums, historic buildings, etc., free of charge with guided tours. Although it threatened rain, we did get to see one old building which we have wanted to visit;

The Old house Revival Company, situated in a historic warehouse, sells architectural items and other antiques. I loved this old iron fence, which also included a gate.

We have a caboose heater like this, in much better shape, (used to heat the last coach of a train), but right now it is sitting in our basement collecting dust.

I didn’t photograph the lovely old stained glass windows, or the gentleman working on site to restore them.
I couldn’t come away empty-handed, but I didn’t overdo it either. I bought a tiny reamer to add to my very small collection. It would be ideal to extract juice from key limes, I think. I have shown it with a regular small reamer and some lemons for comparison.
The other items I bought will wait for another posting, when I have used them in small projects I am planning.
We lunched at Homers, a Greek restaurant…..

…and arrived home just in time for a downpour. Our lounge is in a little pond. In the background is our almost-completed fence, (more construction postponed due to weather!). We must wait until next year to stain it per instructions, but the one missing piece will be put in ASAP.

Superstar

2010-05-25T17:45:00.001-05:00

In our city newspaper today, we read about James Ehnes…the title is “From Brandon Prodigy to Global Superstar” (Brandon is a Manitoba city). James has become a world-renowned violinist and conductor. Since the concert tonight was sold out “to the rafters”, the rehearsal was opened to those who wanted to attend, and we went. What a great concert, including “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi. It was fun to see the musicians in casual clothes… flip-flops and all. Usually we see them at the concert hall in much more formal attire. The rehearsal was held in an old church with wonderful acoustics and great stained glass windows. There were some re-runs and pauses, as after all, it WAS a rehearsal, but that just added to the fun. I think in the future, I’d like to see more rehearsals!

Below: David and Jonathon: stained glass window

Flowers - May 21

2010-05-21T09:28:00.001-05:00

Today is the day gardeners are flaunting their flowers over at Tootsies. Here in Winnipeg, we may experience frost until early June, so most tender plants are not planted yet. So, the lovely lime coleus and blue ageratum are still in their flats. Petunias and other hardier annuals are fairly safe to put out now. This weekend (Victoria Day), the first long weekend of the summer, is very busy at garden centers and home improvement stores,

In the garden, our peony-flowered tulips are still blooming, and I am very pleased with these bulbs. They seem to have a longer blooming period than most tulips.
We are building a new fence, so the back yard is a total mess right now. Therefore, I'll just show a photo of the tulips in a bouquet. ( I fiddled with it a bit in Picasa )

Now head over to Tootsies' and see what others are doing.

Spring Flowers- At Last!

2010-05-14T08:28:00.002-05:00

While most of blog land has been posting spring flowers for weeks, in Winnipeg, ours are just beginning to bloom.
Double yellow tulips, a bright spot in the garden

A nice patch of vivid violas signal spring

Pulmonaria, or lungwort, produces both blue and pink flowers on one stem

Pink tulips

A rose I received as a Mother's Day gift

Today's little bouquet

I'm joining Tootsie today for flower Friday.

Flowers for Mom

2010-05-08T10:31:00.003-05:00

Every Mother's Day we give each of the ladies at our church a small gift. We have given chocolates, soap, journals, etc., and this year it will be a small plant. Since our climate does not allow for outdoor planting until late May or early June, greenhouse plants are not in bloom yet. I have chosen a variety of colors of impatiens. They will advance quickly, and can be planted out in the garden or used as a house plant. As I was transplanting and wrapping those dozens of plants, I was thinking that it seems a little humorous that we would give our Moms a plant named impatiens!! Most Moms I know have had to develop lots of Patience when bringing up kids, so for today, we'll rename the plant, okay?

May you all enjoy a lovely day, remembering your Moms, or enjoying being with her. Our family of 4 generations is getting together for dinner, and I am happy my 90 year old, active Mom will be with us. That's Mom, in the photo above, with our granddaughter.

Back to the 50’s Diner

2010-05-02T23:56:00.001-05:00

At noon, after church, we headed out along the Red River to the “Half Moon” with our daughter and her family. The decor is very 50’s, and so is the food…good old fashioned foot-long hotdogs, fries, and hamburgers. Although it is not the sort of food we eat often, about once every summer, we enjoy a meal there. On warm summer evenings those folks who have classic and antique cars gather in the parking lot to admire each others’ shiny vehicles.

Here in Canada we like our fries with vinegar, as well as ketchup!!

I am joining Mary's mosaic Monday today.

Rhubarb Cake.

2010-04-28T23:28:00.001-05:00

When my May Martha Stewart Living magazine came, I was happy to see a section on rhubarb. This week our rhubarb is ready for picking, so I decided to make the rhubarb cake which Martha also demonstrated on TV yesterday.

The crumb topping ends up as a crust when the cake is inverted. I served it with vanilla ice cream.

Our Wednesday night care group gave it rave reviews! I’ll definitely do this one again!

The above photos are mine.

Below is Martha’s version, photo from her website.

Metamorphosis - GW table

2010-04-18T22:17:00.001-05:00

This is my first posting at Between Naps on The Porch, for Metamorphosis Monday.. I can’t take credit for the change in this little table, except spotting it at GW in Arizona, and making sure it was packed away in our vehicle for transport from Mesa to Winnipeg. Our daughter did the transformation, and now it is destined for a spot in her bedroom.

Quite a neat little gem, don’t you think???

Flower Friday

2010-04-09T17:08:00.000-05:00

It's heading toward spring here...my tulips are just peeking out of the ground, so today's flowers are from the grocery store. Surrounding them are some spring jugs and a kalanchoe plant.
See Tootsies for other flowers

Do You???

2010-04-06T11:54:00.001-05:00

Do you hang a wreath on your door for spring?

These are a couple of wreaths I saw in Scottsdale, in a very nice shop.

I have tried using a wreath on my front door, but because the door is not sheltered,our weather usually plays havoc with them, so I have given it up for now.

Easter 2010

2010-04-03T21:33:00.001-05:00

It was on an Easter Sunday when I was 10, that I fully realized the importance of the resurrection, and invited Jesus to be my Saviour….so Easter has a double special meaning to me.

May you all have a very happy Easter, in it’s fullest sense.

Heading Home

2010-03-31T18:46:00.002-05:00

It’s been a great month, but we are now just 300 miles from home. We are very anxious to see our family, and many of you will identify with how that is,…enjoying a vacation, but wishing everyone was together. I keep thinking that is how it would be for those whose families live a distance away, and sympathize.
Anyway, we spent the month in Arizona, spent time visiting with my husband’s 2 brothers, and lots of cousins, and our daughter in law’s parents. It seemed we were constantly having group meals and parties. I went shopping many times …..my new favorite store is Z Gallerie…(they have a website http://www.zgallerie.com/ )

I bought some new side panels and rods for our living room, at Z Gallerie…I hope to show them later, after present ones are removed, and patching and painting takes place.
We saw many lovely desert plants in bloom.

I have lots of catching up , reading all your blogs….

Spring Break

2010-03-06T15:28:00.000-06:00

We are off for a little holiday..to a warmer climate...see you soon..meanwhile I'll be checking up on y'all from here;