Friday, February 29, 2008

It's A Small World

I collect miniatures - all kinds of little things. Several years ago I saw a wonderful, old printer's drawer for sale in an antique mall near our home. It was well used, stained and had signs of ink in some sections. It was all I could talk about. I seemed like the perfect home for my miniatures. The price was right and I knew it was just what I needed. We were on a very tight budget so I didn't pursue it farther than in my thoughts. A few weeks later I was in the antique mall again with a friend and I noticed that the old printer's drawer was gone. Someone must have bought it. I told her about it and how much I would love to have had it for my miniature collection. Christmas Day was not long after that and when my sweetheart handed me his gift I was surprised that it was a very large package. Yes, you guessed it! It was the printer's drawer. The one I had so wanted to have. He listened to my description and knew how very much it would mean to me. He secretly went to the antique mall, found it and bought it just for me. A cherished gift that means more than if I had bought it for myself.
At first my collection was very small and there were more empty spots in the old drawer than there were little treasures. Through the years I have added more and family and friends have given me sweet little things to fill the sections. There are only five empty places left. A challenge. Something to look and shop for. Now it hangs on my laundry room wall. Nearly full. Some of the little things are old. Some are new. All have special meaning to me. You will see a little duck made of seashells, a tiny dictionary, a wooden baby buggy, a feedsack of 'grain', two sweet 'rag' dolls and a teeny, tiny glass jar full of chocolate chip cookies.
You will also see a pewter birdnest and little bird, a wooden apple, an 'S' from a printer's typeset (for our last name), a mini church, a tiny card of the sweetest little buttons, a can of Coke and a little brass bell.Nearby you will see a yellow blown-glass fish, two ducklings at play, a teacup, a little stack of books, two lazy frogs and a miniature scale.You might enjoy the blue and white teacups, the ice cream maker, the pewter horse and carriage or the darling little pitcher. I like everything in my printer's drawer but I think my favorite is the little Scottie dog from my childhood dollhouse. He and I spent many hours playing together. He may have been the beginning of my collection. No matter what every time I see this collection of miniature treasures I enjoy each one of them all over again. I think it really is a small world, after all!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Getting To Know You

One of the fun things that happens in the world of blog is to be tagged by a blogger friend to share things about yourself. It's a great way to get to know a person better. Sometimes we learn deep, serious things. Sometimes fun, silly things. I've been tagged by Hope at Second Time Around to share seven weird or random things about myself. First I have to post the rules. Then I tell you about me - what you may (or may not) want to know.

The rules are:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

Here we go:

1. I can read upside-down. I don't know why or how I learned to do this. Maybe it was a time when I was across the table from someone and tried to help them with homework. Maybe I was trying to snoop and read what someone else was writing. Anyway, I can do it. Unless the handwriting is so bad I couldn't read it right-side-up!

2. I tie bows left-handed, even though I'm right-handed. My father was left-handed and he taught me to tie my shoes. As a result my bows are never quite straight. My sweetheart always tried to tie the sashes on our dear daughters dresses so they wouldn't be at an angle.

3. I LOVE pickles. Dill pickles are a weakness of mine. One year when I was young my family spent a few days around New Year's Day at the home of good friends. Their daughter and I were best buddies. Just after midnight on New Year's Eve we lay in bed in her bedroom upstairs. Our parents were asleep downstairs. Her brothers and sisters were either in their rooms or at the homes of friends for the night. We decided it was much too quiet for a New Year's Eve. We needed to celebrate. What could we do? We quietly tiptoed downstairs to find something yummy to eat. Her mother was one of the best cooks. We found our way through the kitchen to the big pantry/fruit room where 'millions' of jars of home-canned foods were stored. As we turned on the light we immediately spotted rows and rows of pickles. Dill pickles. I told her how much I love dill pickles and soon we decided to celebrate by eating her mother's wonderful homemade dill pickles. I had in mind a pickle or two. She suggested that we each could have our own quart of them. I questioned the wisdom. Would we get in trouble? Would her mother mind if we ate two quarts of her beautiful pickles? No, not at all. So, we took them back upstairs and enjoyed every single bite. For a few minutes. Then, all of a sudden I said I didn't feel good and I thought my tummy was sick. She admitted the same. Within minutes we both raced down the stairs to the bathroom that was between the two bedrooms where our unsuspecting parents lay quietly sleeping. Two VERY sick little girls. In agony. Praying to live. Vowing to never again eat a whole quart of dill pickles. Our mothers were immediately by our side. We had to admit our deed and suffer the consequences. We are still very good friends and we and our two dear mothers meet for lunch nearly every month. We often laugh and reminisce about that New Year's Eve celebration. We both still love dill pickles. One.at.a.time.

4. I whistle off-key. I am a musician. Piano. Keyboard. Vocal. I have a good ear for music and can immediately hear when music is off-key. Once in awhile I whistle a tune as I work around the house. One day when my children were young I whistled a familiar song that was on the radio only to be told that it sounded terrible. They said I was off-key. No, I couldn't be! I could hear it myself. And I was right on key. I'm a musician. I know whether something is on or off-key. My sweetheart spoke up and told me it was really bad. Not on-key at all. I disputed their opinion so we taped me whistling with another song playing. Terrible. Not to be believed! How could this be? Apparently when I whistle the sound that travels to my ear is distorted in some way. It sounds on-key to me but it's not! It's really bad! I think I'm tone-deaf to my own whistling. Occasionally I suggest to my family that I would be more than willing to whistle a special song at church or at a function we will all attend. That always brings loud protests and much laughter.

5. I was never allowed to use the word hate when I was growing up. But I HATE asparagus! I can't stand the smell of it cooking and the taste of it is enough to make me ill. When I was about five-years-old we travelled to the home of friends far away. Periodically I would ask my father to stop so I could get something to drink. He obliged until, finally, he said we would not stop again until we arrived at the home of our friends. Don't ask to stop. We aren't far away. A bit later I sat in the backseat of our car and said to no one in particular - but hoping my father would hear and have pity on me - "I'm so thirsty I would even be willing to drink asparagus juice!" Through the years I've often been teased about asparagus juice. I've never seen it on the market. Thankfully. If you have, please don't send any to me.

6. I am an only child. I did have a brother who didn't live when he was born. As a result I grew up an only child. When I was very young I had a constant companion. My rag doll, Susie. Maybe someday you will meet her. She would love to pose for a picture and meet you. Susie was usually slumped over my arm. Wherever I went, Susie went. Wherever Susie went, I went. Susie was often blamed for things that I did when I thought I would be in trouble for my actions. Something was broken. Susie did it! Something was spilled. Susie did it! Something wasn't put away as it should be. Susie did it! She was a character, that Susie, but she still loves me. She lives in my garage but soon she hopes to move into my sewing room where she has spotted a new shelf that's waiting for her to take up residence. She thinks that's what's going to happen. I'm not sure. But I sure don't want to disappoint her. We.will.see.about.that!

7. I drink Diet Pepsi first thing in the morning. Before you email me or comment about the dangers and affects of this behavior, I already know about them. Several years ago I was the office manager at a manufacturing plant near my home. Each morning at 7:00 we began our work day. Most of the men in the plant loved to tease me about drinking Diet Pepsi first thing in the morning. They often commented that it didn't make sense to them. My response - "What do you have in your hand?" "A cup of coffee." "Well, you like your caffeine hot - I like mine cold." Enough said. I did the trick every time.

Well, there you have it. Aren' you glad you know all of this about me? I have to tag seven people to share about themselves. I have chosen to tag friends whose blogs I visit often. Some new friends. Some friends for awhile. Some live nearby. Some live far away. I hope you will visit their blogs and get acquainted with them. They are:

2. Susan at PawleyFarm Seasons
3. Rosie at Rosie's Whimsy

4. Yolanda at Perfectly Imperfect
5. Katherine at Yellow Rose Arbor
6. Rose at Classic Charm

7. Mimi at Listen To Your Grammie

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Forever

Give thanks to the Lord our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise


With a mighty hand and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever

From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God we will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever


Song: "Forever" by Chris Tomlin

Friday, February 22, 2008

Sweet Boys

Last weekend we drove to Salem to attend the basketball game of our oldest grandson, Mr. R.We really enjoyed watching him and his team. It was fun to be there with his parents and his other grandparents from out-of-state. And his two brothers, Mr. G. and Mr. H.
Both teams listened to the referee's instructions and worked hard to follow the rules and show good sportsmanship.
But we especially loved watching our "star", Mr. R. work hard to play a good game.
You can be sure he was pretty proud to have both sets of grandparents on the sidelines cheering him on.
After the game we all enjoyed supper and a good visit together at our son and daughter-in-law's home. Family times are always so special. Add grandkids and it's even sweeter!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Cupcakes and Muffins and Sandwiches, O My!

You've seen the antique and book stores we visited on our recent trip to the Oregon Coast but I haven't shown you what I found in an antique mall near the beach. Not long ago I shared a bit of my yellow depression glass collection with you. My mission that day at the beach was more to accompany my dear little mother and help her enjoy time antiquing. Way in the back of the big building, from a small vendor stall, I heard my dear mother say, "Oh, you're going to like this!" And she was right! The most wonderful big yellow cake plate. I couldn't leave it there. No, it just had to come home with me. And it did! Isn't it gorgeous? It looks great on a lace tablecloth. . .With the lace pattern showing through.And I just love the little pedestal. Until I decide where to display this new treasure it is at home on my corner hutch.Under the pedestal bowl of the same pattern. I can imagine my new plate filled with gorgeous cupcakes. Maybe some delectable muffins. Or sweet little finger sandwiches. Maybe for tea. Maybe for brunch. Perhaps lunch or a party. No matter what, it certainly will be part of special moments spent with family and friends.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Seen Along The Way

While we were traveling to and from the Oregon Coast last week we saw a couple of things that made us scratch our heads and wonder "What were they thinking, here?" I couldn't let them pass without capturing them on my camera to share with you.

The first was at the back of the old schoolhouse in Lafayette. As we were leaving the building and walking to our car I looked up and saw this door. Two stories up.

Watch your step!

On our way home we stopped at a 'strange' old building by the highway where a big warehouse-type store holds books. Lots of books. Old and new. My dear mother told us she had purchased many books there through the years. Low prices. Good books. So we stopped and looked. We weren't there long before my sweetheart showed us this sign.


Someone needs a spelling book!

No matter where we go there is always something to bring a smile and a laugh. When life gets too serious I think I'll head for this bookstore - with my shovel.

Bed and Breakfast

In my last post I shared our trip through Lafayette and our antiquing adventures. I also shared pictures of the Kelty Estate Bed and Breakfast across the street from the old schoolhouse. Thanks to Haus Frau you can get a peek inside at the Kelty B&B website. I meant to look it up and then forgot to do it. It's a beautiful place. I'd like to visit. Maybe spend a night or two there.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Antiquing We Will Go!

On our recent trip to the beach we took a detour off the main highway to the Oregon Coast to do a bit of 'antiquing'. Since this trip was a birthday celebration for my dear little mother we told her we would stop anywhere along the way she wanted to stop. She is looking for a small lamp table for a spot in her living room. She had a wonderful table there but we recently discovered that it perfectly matched her antique bed and was exactly what she had been looking for to use as a bedside table. So we 'swiped' it from the living room and took it to her bedroom. It's perfect there. Now we have created the need to shop for another table for the living room! (We don't see that as a problem.) As we headed west toward the coast my dear mother wanted to stop in Lafayette, Oregon - a historic little town that is known for its antique stores. We visited three stores that morning and came away with no purchases to add to our car. Imagine that! But we saw a lot of wonderful things.

Our first stop was at a huge antique mall in the old schoolhouse. Old classrooms are full of beautiful antiques. . . And collectibles.Nooks. . .
Crannies. . . And closets are full of just about anything you might hope to find. In the basement I was fascinated to find vintage rocking toys. A handmade pink horse. . . An unusual red riding horse. . . And a silly rocking rooster! The vintage gymnasium next to the schoolhouse is filled with gorgeous old furniture. Just across the street from the schoolhouse is the most wonderful old estate. A bed and breakfast. I had to scoot across the highway to take a picture or two. Wouldn't you love to see inside? Down the street a bit we stopped at the Pack Rat Antiques. Another favorite.Inside we found more wonderful things. A hot car.

For a hot date.

I love vintage clothing. Especially children's clothing. Christening gowns are my favorite. The details of the bodice. . . And the eyelet on the ruffle. Soon it was time to hit the road again and continue our trip west toward the coast. We will return to Lafayette again in the near future. It's close by and a place we love to go. It's a treat. Even when we don't buy a thing.

Friday, February 15, 2008

By The Beautiful Sea

A few days ago we returned from our trip to the beach to celebrate my dear little mother's birthday. I promised to share more soon. I can't wait to tell you about it. We originally had rented a small, quaint beach cottage above the waves. It was an older home. What they call 'older beach construction'. Knotty pine, hardwood plank floors, vintage decor. Cute. Cozy. We were looking forward to it. A few hours before we planned to leave the owner of the rental company called me to say that there was a problem with that house. The furnace went out and parts would not arrive until the following week. She moved us to another home nearby. She was so kind to take my dear mother's need for no stairs into consideration. The home she moved us to was a newly remodeled home that was much bigger and had so many added bonuses. An upgrade. At the same price as the little cottage. We enjoyed this home and felt we were blessed. We believe God did this as a special gift for my dear mother's birthday! The home was so big we three could have easily gotten away from each other if we had wanted to. The living area of the great room was a nice place to gather. The views from the windows were fantastic. A double door opened onto the fantastic deck. I don't know why I didn't raise the blinds before I took the pictures! At the other end of the great room - a large, fully equipped kitchen. Additional cabinets and counter space with a bar area were to the left of the picture, adjacent to the refrigerator.Even the kitchen window had a great view. No problem getting help with the dishes here! Down the hall from the great room was a very large laundry room. Oh, I'd love to have one that size. There was a wonderful counter with a sink and a big table for folding, sorting, organizing or whatever you need to do. Above the sink and counter was this cute washboard. . .And this sign. Isn't it great?Farther down the hall and across the entryway was a room where we enjoyed several hours together. The media room. Oh, it was just perfect! At one end was the little bistro-style 'kitchen' area. So handy.At the other end of the room - a big screen TV with surround sound. My dear little mother had never watched a big screen TV and she was absolutely amazed that she could read ALL the words on the screen. We rented "Amazing Grace" and she loved it. Especially on the big screen. It is a good movie. If you haven't seen it, you should. There is much more seating in this room. I didn't take a picture of the other side of the room. Not far from the TV is a door that opens into a small bathroom. All the comforts and necessities you need for a good media room.

There were more beds than we could use. Comfortable beds. Oh, so comfortable. A main floor bedroom was perfect for my dear mother. She felt lost in the king-sized bed. She decided there was room for four people in that big bed!My sweetheart and I had an upstairs master bed and bath that was fit for a king and queen. I think it ruined us. Now we want a a big bedroom and a master bathroom. With a view. And the sound of the ocean to lull us to sleep at night. In front of the window were two rocking chairs. Placed for relaxing and watching the sea and sky. In two corners were wonderful soft suede chairs and lamps. Quiet corners. Peaceful places to read or think. Just outside the master bedroom door was a wonderful sitting room with two futons and a TV. Lincoln City, Oregon is known for kites. On the beach. Kite shops. Kite festivals. What a great way to decorate a special place in this home. Across the room - more kites. An alcove off the upstairs sitting room was turned into a wonderful bedroom. Complete with pocket doors to close it off and give privacy. This house has a nice apartment-sized unit downstairs that can be rented separately or together with the upstairs home. Together 16 people can easily sleep and play and have a great time. Looking at the back of the house gives you an idea of the size of this home. And a hot tub on each level. We are thinking of renting the entire home for a family reunion with our children and grandchildren sometime later this year. We would have plenty of space - and TWO hot tubs! My sweetheart and I enjoyed the hot tub on the deck. We loved a late-night 'soak' in the relaxing water as we watched the waves and stars. The perfect way to end the day.I enjoyed early mornings alone in the hot tub while my family and much of the world around us slept. So quiet. So restful. So needed. Time for reflection. Meditation. Prayer. Quiet thoughts. The view was more than could be imagined. It added to the restful time alone. Just God and me. Alone. Enjoying His creation.And a special treat. Watching the sunrise. Spectacular!We had such a good time together. A special time. Just the three of us. Making memories that will last for a lifetime. We didn't walk on the beach. Our days at the coast were for my dear mother. We did what she wanted to do. And what her health could handle. There was time for quiet conversation. Private moments.Time for my sweetheart to work on a Suduko puzzle or two.Visits to places dear to my mother's heart. A bookstore full of books new and old. Time spent in antique stores.

And time together for a special birthday dinner in a great restaurant overlooking the waves at sunset.

Best of all - just time together. We loved the sign above our table.

We were blessed with fantastic weather. A special gift for our days at the beach. The sunshine was a wonderful respite after several weeks of cold and icy weather. Coats weren't needed - just sweaters. A reminder that Spring really isn't too far away. Sunset over the ocean is always such a phenomal experience. We watched it from our deck. And from our car as we drove past Siletz Bay to the south.

It was hard to leave but we will return again. When we do we will enjoy it again. But we will always treasure these days away together. Making memories. Precious memories.