Friday, November 30, 2018

Wait for Me - a review


Let me begin by saying I did not read the first books in the series. Although, looking back I did read the novella that was to be the intro to this series. "Wait for Me" by Susan May Warren is apparently the conclusion to the Montana Rescue series. I had a hard time keeping up with all the back story about the different characters. It was a slow read for me, with too much description, until about page 140 when the pace picked up with a search and rescue. Maybe if I had read the other stories, it would have held more interest for me.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Snarky trees

There are many older trees in our neighborhood. Some have odd twists and turns.






But the pond at the end of the road always shares a lovely sunset.


Monday, November 26, 2018

Family treasures

Let me introduce to you the very beautiful china pieces that were painted by my mother in law.

My hubby's mother started china painting after all of her children were grown.

I'm sure she thought it was just a hobby to fill her "empty nest".

But she became quite good at her art, and continued painting for over 30 years.

She dabbled in painting glass, and has painted some very beautiful lamps.

She enjoyed it so much that she started teaching some of her friends. She even tried to teach me!

Several years ago she became ill, and was not able to continue to paint.

My mother in law passed away six years ago, so the paints, pallet, and china sit silently now.

I know many people think that painted china is very old fashioned. But I dearly love these, and have enjoyed these many pieces. They are a remembrance of my MIL's artistic gift, and a family treasure to be passed down to my own children one day.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings.  I am very grateful for so many things.  A loving husband, a good family, special friends.  But I am most grateful to God for the mercies He shows towards me every day.

So at Thanksgiving, it really isn't about the turkey and food.  It's about giving Thanks. To our Creator who has given all things for us to enjoy.


I started collecting the Friendly Village china several years ago.


 Each piece was purchased from our local department store at the end of Christmas sale.


 The day after Christmas, the department store would mark down all of their clearance 1/2 price.



Which had allowed me to collect quite a nice table setting.




Our little Pilgrim was carved by a friend many years ago.


I hope your table will be surrounded by friends and family.

Wishing you a Happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The end of the line

We live in an area that is steeped in history. It has more interesting historical factors then two Super Bowls. Where my dear hubby grew up, there were Indian mounds where he and his brother would find all kinds of Arrow heads.

In the 1800's the railroad came to town. And this hotel was built to accommodate many wealthy Northerners whose desire was to escape the frigid winters.

Let me tell you, this is one magnificent building.

Built by railroad owner, Henry B. Plant, The Tampa Bay Hotel was in a class of it's own. Henry Plant built several hotels along his railroad line. This one may be the only one that has survived.

The hotel was financed by Plant personally, not investors, at a cost of $2,500,000 and an additional $500,000 was spent for furnishings. It took two years to build, covered six acres and was one-quarter mile long. The 511 rooms were the first in Florida to be electrified.

The grounds of the Hotel spanned 150 acres. The amenities included an 9-hole golf course, flower conservatory, tennis courts, croquet courts, boathouse, hunting and fishing grounds, stables, racetrack, kennels, exposition hall with Florida products on view, casino with 2000 seat auditorium, heated indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, spa facilities and card rooms, totaling 21 buildings in all. Not a bad winter destination :-)

There were many celebrated guests of the hotel, most notably Theodore Roosevelt. Teddy Roosevelt headquartered his Rough Riders at the hotel before deploying to Cuba.

The hotel closed after Henry B. Plant died, but the city eventually bought it from his heirs. It now houses a University,  and the Henry B. Plant Museum, but the building still stands in all of its magnificent beauty. 
 

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Memories

Do you remember the days when entertainment centered around people?
You invited people to your home, fellow-shipping and singing around the piano In the days before my time, before radio and TV, we entertained ourselves. I love to read books by authors Jane Austen
 
and Maud Montgomery and glimpse into times past when an evening of entertainment consisted of a skit, or a play or someone filling an evening by playing the piano or singing an aria. Since the days of electronics, we have even lost the art of correspondence of letter writing.
 
We now correspond instantly around the world, where it used to take weeks, sometimes months to hear from people in other states and countries. Now we text the person sitting across from us at the dinner table.

We have forgotten how to entertain ourselves. Perfection has wedged its way into our thinking.

It's a lost gift. During the days ahead, when family and friends gather around to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, I hope the spark of fellowship and enjoyment will help us to remember how to entertain ourselves and relish time with others.
 

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

For everything there is a season


For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8


Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Lady of a Thousand Treasures


Lady of a Thousand Treasures is the first novel I've read by Sandra Byrd. This story centers around Miss Eleanor Sheffield, a woman navigating in a man's world. Since her father's death, she is left to run a family business with her aging uncle. During this time in history, an unmarried woman was not given respect or place, yet Eleanor must hold her family's firm together.

Sandra Byrd has written an interesting and complex story, with much history and detail. There is deception and mystery which takes Eleanor on an unexpected path. Will this brave, strong woman be able to restore her families good name? Will Harry prove to be trustworthy after receiving his title?

This story ran along different lines from other historical fiction novels I've read. There was a satisfying ending, which always makes for a good read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Friday, November 2, 2018

Walk with me





It's fun to take a walk through an antique village.
Friday Favorites
 Welcome to the Weekend

Ravioli Bake

Do you ever eat at Olive Garden? One of my favorite meals is Portabella Ravioli. In the past I've posted my version of a copy cat recipe for Pasta Fagioli . This Ravioli Bake is very similar to the Ravioli dish from Olive Garden.

Using pre-made ravioli is a snap. I used the Fire Roasted Mushroom variety, which gave it the same rich flavors of my favorite OG meal.


Ravioli Bake
Baby Spinach, chopped
Portabella mushrooms (lightly sauteed in olive oil)
Italian-blend shredded cheese
Alfredo sauce
Pre-made ravioli (your flavor choice) found in the cheese section of your grocery store (I use two packages for my family)
optional - cooked chicken breast, chopped
Combine spinach, mushrooms and chicken in medium bowl.
Spread about 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a 2 quart baking dish. Layer ravioli, then spinach mixture, sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer, topping with Alfredo sauce and shredded cheese.
Bake 30 minutes in 350 degree oven.
This was so good! My family raved about it. I'd love to hear if you try it.

Thursday, November 1, 2018