Thursday, December 31, 2009

Wishing you a Happy New Year

Auld Lang Syne History & Lyrics

This 18th century poem was written by Robert Burns and is traditionally sung at the moment the clock strikes midnight of the brand new year.
Auld Land Syne actually translates to Good Old Days.



Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine;
we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne

We two hae paidled i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne

And here's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Vintage Thingies Thursday

Here we are, the last day of 2009. As I look back on this past year I am amazed at how much I have learned just from starting a blog and meeting so many of you. You have enlarged my coast, so to speak. I am filled with awe at the talent, creativity and beauty that is shared via this blogging world. Whether it is thift stores, antique shops, home improvement or quilting, the internet has surely made it a very small world.

I love the term "Vintage things" better then old, or antique. It is a term that I learned about when I started participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday with Colorado Lady Suzanne as our hostess. Every week I love to visit the other blogs and see what great vintage treasures are being shared.

As I love to go to thrift stores and hunt for hidden treasures, this vase was one that I could not pass up.

I am showing it with our sweet 94 year old aunt. She has been my teacher, friend, soul mate in treasure hunting. I used to tag along with her to yard sales, antique shops and all kinds of second hand stores. She loved paper weights, and she also loved vases. She had quite a collection of both of these things. So when I saw this vase at the GoodWill, I knew it was for her. It is heavy glass and looks very much like a paper weight style. There were no markings on the vase, but it was beautiful none the less. Our aunt was so thrilled with it, and just keep looking it over and over.

Please be sure to stop by Colorado Ladys blog and take a peek at the other great Vintage Thingies.

And I wish you a very happy and blessed New Year!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Behold!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo. the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this dya in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was awith the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST,
AND ON EARTH PEACE,
GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN."

On this Christmas Day I am most thankful for the gift the Holy Child brought on that first Christmas night. And may you know the One who brought this free gift.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A Christmas to Remember


Hey there ya'll! Wow the past 4 days have really been a challenge. We had workers scheduled to come in and replace the duct work and AC/Heating unit in our home. As many of you know, we live in Florida, so my dear hubby was thinking this would be a good time to do this, as it's normally very nice weather in December. However, the weather decided to turn cold this weekend, so we started off Monday morning with 48 degrees. Now let me tell you, that is COLD in Florida. And to top it off, the workers thought they could get everything removed, and installed in one day. NOT! We ended up having to move everyone to my in laws house to spend the night. Believe me it is no fun to stay in a very cold house and try to get some sleep. I guess we are spoiled that way ;-) Today the inspector finally came, and we are up and running with heat and/or AC whichever is needed. I'm so happy that it is all done, and now I have to get my house back in order so we can enjoy our Christmas.

While I was not able to do much posting in the last few days on either of my blogs, I did manage to read a few. One that really caught my attention was Cutie Pinwheel. I am a follower of Rae Ann's blog, and when I read her recent post, I asked her if I could link it up to mine. I'd like to ask you to stop by Cutie Pinwheel and read about "A Christmas to Remember". I think you will enjoy her blog and you will be blessed by her recent post.

There are so many needs in our world today, and many times it just takes one person to step out and make one small effort. Before you know it, many peoples lives are affected. Thank you Rae Ann for sharing about your Christmas to Remember. It's always a good reminder that we should remember the less fortunate year round.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

There's no place like home

This time of year lends itself to thinking about home and family. Unfortunately there are people who are homeless, or are losing their homes. It has to be such a hard position to be in.

When I sit in my little breakfast nook in the mornings, I think about how thankful I am to have a home. My dear sweet husband works hard so we can enjoy our little home and I am able to stay at home with the children. I am thankful for the Lord's faithful provision. I am thankful for our sweet little home.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thankful Thursday

Today I am joining Rhondi for Thankful Thursday. Be sure to stop by and visit her blog and the other ladies that are sharing what they are thankful for today.

I have been sharing what I am thankful for since the first of the month until Christmas day. There are certainly more then 25 things I am thankful for, but I find that sometimes I may not always share what I am most grateful for.

Today I am thankful for books! Our family loves to read books. Ever since my children were small and learned to read, they have consumed many, many books.

I am thankful that we have the ability to read the written word. A book can be a companion or friend when you are lonely. It can be company when you are on a long journey. A book can give you insights and knowledge about things you don't know about. And books can bring truth or lies. The greatest work ever written was penned by man, but inspired by God. The Holy Bible is what I am most thankful for today.


Man has written many books, but the Bible has been passed down for generation after generation. Everything you ever need to know about life is written in the inspired Holy Word.

May your day be filled with the light of His Word.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tea Things Tuesday

Today is the last of Tea Things Tuesday, so I wanted to join our host Kim from Shabby Pink and Pretty for her final week. It has been a delight to visit so many lovely blogs and see beautiful tea collections over these last months.

I have two sweet tea angels. The first one was given to me by my sweet daughter.

She is actually called "Angel of the Kitchen" and she is serving up a cup of herbal tea for your enjoyment.

And this second angel has a special place in my heart.

The "Angel of Hospitality" was given to me by some sweet friends in memory of my BFF who passed away 5 years ago. My BFF was such an incredible hostess. Her door was always open and a pot of hot water ready for anyone who might stop by and join her for a cup of tea and some good conversation. She has been sorely missed.

As Christmas is approaching, I am unwrapping my lovely Christmas dishes.

I love serving on these "Happy Holidays" dishes.

Unfortunately, I do not have a teapot to match my Christmas dishes, but I saw this Winter time teapot and fell in love with it. I've added the sugar and creamer that are made in Poland.

Since the first of the month I have been sharing what I am thankful for. Today I am thankful for YOU, my blogging friend. I've met so many wonderful bloggers from all over the world. So I would love to invite you to share a virtual cup of tea with me today.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Ornaments to remember

My daughter made some lovely crochet stars to hang on our tree this year. We have enjoyed many ornaments through the years. Some have sweet memories.

We have had this lighted ornament for probably close to 30 years.

I love to see it come out of storage and up on the tree.

One year my mother in love gave us a box full of wooden ornaments.

I think this is probably the last one to survive.

The year that my daughter traveled to Russia, I found this ornament that represented the Russian culture.

Then the children all took piano lessons.

What fun to find ornaments to remind us of certain events.

One year my son made this in his church class. I am surprised that it has lasted for so many years.

But I treasure it none the less.

And so our tree stands proud and tall. It may not be the most elegant or the most amazing tree, but it delights us as we celebrate the coming of Christmas. And so I am thankful for all the sweet memories of Christmases past. And for all the special ornaments we decorate the tree with that bond us with the past and look forward to the future.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Special times

Wow it is already the 12th of December. How the month is flying by. How the year is flying by!!

I have enjoyed many vacations with my family, but I have to say that the one we enjoyed the best was last year when we went to the mountains. Now this is not just any mountains. Because you have to remember that we live in the deep south, where there are no mountains. And another thing we don't have is -

SNOW................

Today I am very thankful for those wonderful special family vacations. A time away to play together and enjoy each other :-)

Friday, December 11, 2009

Reunion

Take a look at this picture. Isn't this a true picture of love? My hubby's aunt recently celebrated her 94th birthday. She has been such a sweet blessing in our lives. As we have watched her decline in the last few years, she has needed more and more care.

Hazel took care of Aunt H's brother for the years he suffered from Alzheimers. She was the only one that could handle him. After he passed away, Hazel would come and spend two days with Aunt H. Hazel did a few little things around the house, but mostly was a companion to Aunt H. Even when Aunt H had to move into an Assisted Living Facility, Hazel was hired to help Aunt H. It became a daily job until Hazel's husband became ill with cancer and dementia. It truly was a sad day when Hazel gave up her job and stayed home to care for her Buck.

Aunt H's memory has declined in the last couple of years, but on the day of her birthday she remembered all of us. Maybe not our names, but she sure knew our faces. When Hazel walked in, Aunt H started to cry. She told Hazel "You quit me!" But Hazel lovingly explained to Aunt H what had happened and why she could not come anymore. It was such a sweet reunion. One that is not typical I would think. It was not a reunion of companions, or workers. It was a reunion of friends.

So today I am thankful for caretakers. Whether you are caring for a child, or caring for a parent. It is such a big job, caring for the needs of others. And I am thankful for the loving bond that sometimes transpires between two souls. It's the way it should be.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Old suitcase - VTT

This suitcase belonged to my Dad. I have no idea where he got it, or how long he had it. See the tags still hanging on the handles? The green one says Tampa Union Station. So this old suitcase did travel by rail.

When you lift the lid, you can see what I've kept inside over the years. It's filled with old photos, past birthday cards, and even some old magazines.

Sometimes I love to sit and look at the old pictures.

These are some of me and my parents.
And then there are some of these -

This is my favorite picture of my Mom.

A sister that I never knew -

These are all part of my heritage.

So today I am thankful for my family heritage. For the men and women who shaped and formed my family roots. I never knew many of them, but they were living breathing people, who made their mark during their time on earth. They instilled values that have been passed down to me. And for that, I am grateful.

Today I am joining Colorado Lady's Vintage Thingies Thursday. Please be sure to visit the other blogs that are sharing about their vintage things :-) It's always fun and interesting.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Our Daily Bread

Whenever I see this Norman Rockwell picture "Freedom from Want" it always makes me think of Thanksgiving around the family table. But in truth, there is more significance in this picture. At least in our country, we truly have freedom from want. We are so blessed to live in a country where you can find almost any kind of food at almost any time of year.

Today I am thankful for the abundance of food that is so readily available and conveniently located in our area, whether from a local grocery store, a farm or at a fresh market.

"Give us this day our daily bread..." Matthew 6:11

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

HospitaliTEA



For several years I would host a Christmas tea. It was a fun time to renew friendships and enjoy lunch together.

My sweet mother in love has been such a wonderful example to me when it comes to Hospitality. She is a most gracious hostess and she welcomes everyone that passes through her doorpost. I am thankful today for the gift of Hospitality. When we open our homes, we open our hearts.

Please join Kim at Shabby Pink and Pretty as she hosts Tea Things Tuesday. It is always a delight as the other ladies show their beautiful tea wares. I always enjoy visiting with them, sharing a cup of tea and enjoying their sweet hospitality :-)

Saturday, December 5, 2009

The Heavens declare


"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1


I am thankful for the beauty of the earth.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Speedy Delivery

Have you picked up your mail today?? Was there a letter from a friend, or a package, or just bills and junk mail?

I've thought about how easy we have it in our world today. Most of us receive mail right at our front door. Packages arrive either by mail, or a delivery service like UPS or Fedex.

How hard it must have been years ago. The pioneers in our country waited weeks, or maybe even months to hear about their loved ones. Some people found out a year after a loved one had passed away. When receiving a letter, it was like receiving a gift. Family would gather around to hear the latest news from the letter being read.

During this season of the year, we tend to hear from family and friends that live far away. Christmas cards are still sent by way of postal. I love hearing from old friends and what has been going on in their lives during the past year.

So today as I was thinking about what I am thankful for, I had to stop and think about all the people that serve me and my community. The postman, the garbage man, meter readers, even the servers at restaurants. We can share a happy greeting with them as we pass them each day.

What are you thankful for today?

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Thankful Thursday VTT

I am joining up with Rose Colored Glasses, and Colorado Lady's Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you are visiting me for the first time, I welcome you. My blog is about my love of vintage, thrifting, and finding hidden treasures.

Beginning on December 1st, I've been sharing 25 things I am thankful for, sharing up til Christmas Day. Please join me and share what YOU are thankful for.

Today my Vintage thing is this very old frame. This is a portrait of my parents, probably taken back in the late 40's. The frame is very fragile and has many cracks.

Here is a little closer look at the detail in this beautiful frame.

The back of the frame is all wood.

I have many old pictures of my parents. They were older when I came around, and I did not have either of them for very long, but today I am thankful for my Mom and Dad.

We sometimes experience cracks and breaks along life's way and growing up can be a hard job. Yet those cracks mold us. They build character that, if we let them, allows us to learn life's lessons.

We don't get to choose the parents that we have. But I am thankful for the parents God gave me.

I'd love to have you join me for the next 22 days. And share with me what you are thankful for.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Do you hear what I hear

Many, many years ago, I sang with a ladies trio. We only sang together for a short while, but it was something that I so enjoyed. I'm sure you have heard better quality, but we made some pretty harmony.

At this time of year I always love to hear the Christmas music. Some are peppy and some are slow and easy. Who can resist singing along with Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole or Karen Carpenter. They are all gone, but their music still fills the air every year.

So today I am thankful for the music. The music that puts us all in the Christmas spirit. Whether we have snow or sand, Christmas music fills our hearts with memories. Some of times past, and some of days to come.

Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the season.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Simple Gifts


The other day I heard about a random act of kindness at a Starbucks drive-thru. Someone paid for the coffee of the one behind him in the drive-thru. That driver then paid for the one behind him. The simple act of goodwill spread six cars back. I love stories like that. I don't think that I am a giving person often enough, but yet when I hear stories like that I want to be a giver. I want to be kind to strangers. Giving inspires giving. Kindness inspires kindness.

Typically simple acts of kindness and giving are more prevalent during this time of year. When you are kind, you inspire kindness in others. Have you ever walked past someone who looked unhappy? By sharing a smile with them, they in turn smile back. It is is a simple act of kindness and in a way a simple gift. When you give to others, you infect them with a generous spirit. The next 25 days before Christmas are going to be full and busy, and maybe even a little hectic at times. It is easy to miss the chance to give a simple gift.

So today I am thankful for simple gifts. A hug from a child, a smile from a stranger, kind words that encourage.

As we walk out on this first day of December, share a simple gift :-)



Monday, November 30, 2009

Christmas memories

The days are drawing near. Christmas will be here in 25 days. When I think of Christmas past, I don't have a lot to draw on. For one reason, my parents were older when they had me, so we almost always were among their adult friends. We did have a Christmas tree, and of course there were presents under it. But as far as tradition goes, it was just Mom, Dad and me. No big family gatherings or religious traditions.

Since marrying my dear sweet husband, that all changed. He came from a family of 5 children, and his Mom was big on Christmas. She still is. So I was introduced to large family get togethers (sometimes as many as 75 with extended family members), lots of fun times and teasing. In the last few years as my mother in laws health has started to decline, the festivities have continued, but in-laws have other places to go, great grandchildren are tired and winey. But yet I am thankful to have been a part of what a family Christmas is about.

So starting tomorrow, I'd like to share 25 things that I am thankful for. I'd love to hear what special things you are thankful for this Christmas!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

It's the holiday season

The holiday season is now in full swing. My daughter and I went out shopping yesterday. And even though we did not crack the alarm clock, we still found some very good deals. DD mostly was able to whittle down her Christmas list.

Have you ever considered what is the difference between being thrifty and cheap? I love to find a bargain whether we are shopping at a thrift store or a department store. There are sales everywhere. And the mark down clearance aisle is always inviting. We commented yesterday how spoiled we were because we can find so many things at places like Ross, or T J Maax, for so much less then at the name brand department stores. Yet even at Macy's or Penney's, there are bargains to be had! We never had a big income when I was coming up, so we learned to shop the bargain basements of the big department stores in the big city. It is ingrained inside of me. So even when I can afford to buy something that is not on sale, I am not able to do it! Does anyone else have that problem?

I will close with this picture of my daughter's room. Because you see, fall is going out, and Christmas is on the way in :-)



Have a great weekend :-)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thriftaholic VTT

I know, I know, I've got it bad.

Today while I had a few minutes waiting for my son, I happened upon a Goodwill store. I figured I could spend the 30 minute wait time looking around, just to see if there was anything that might be of interest.

And well, of course as I walked up and down the aisles, there were a few things that caught my eye.

These lovely Nikko plates looked so fallish. I thought they would make a great addition to the table setting in my dining room. What a shame that there were no cups to be found. So I only picked up 4 salad/dessert and two saucers. I will keep my eye out for some cups that might be a close match.

When I spied this large cake plate, I was amazed that it was only marked $2.

It is larger then a normal cake plate, which made me think that I could add another cake plate on top for a layered look. It is really a nice heavy piece of glass.

You see Holly over at Homebody had a very creative idea. I have seen the plates glued to the candles before, but she has taken this idea to a new level.



I just love how Holly expanded this idea and went for the gold (or maybe it was the peppermint). Please go over and take a look. She is doing a series of (Thrifty Gifty) posts on making gifts from thrifty treasures.

And while you are at it be sure to visit Colorado Lady because today is Vintage Thingies Thursday. You will want to take a look at all of the great vintage treasures being shared.

And one last thought. As we will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday, I want to thank each and every one of you that stops by and visits me on this little blog. I've so enjoyed meeting new friends and some old ones too. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving day.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving tea

I do have so much to be thankful for. I'd like to think that being thankful is not just a once a year event.

One special lady that I am thankful for is my hubby's dear aunt. She took me under her wing when my own Mother passed away, and sort of became a grandma to my children.

When we were packing up Auntie's house for her move to the ALF, we found this teapot in the top cabinet stuck way in the back. Auntie never drank tea, so it made me wonder if it might have been her mother's pot.

It's not the fanciest teapot, but to me it is beautiful. I know the picture looks a little green, but it is really a pale irridescent yellow on the sides. There are no markings.

So for today, I would love to invite you to a Thanksgiving tea. We can share what we are thankful for along with a spot of tea. I am most thankful for you dear reader. I am encouraged each day when I read comments that are left.

So let's sit down, pour the tea and visit a while.

And please join our lovely hostess Kim from Shabby Pink and Pretty and enjoy a spot of tea with all those who have signed up for Tea Things Tuesday!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Sundae anyone? VTT

For several years I picked up Sundae glasses whenever I found them at a good price. I have a few in different sizes, some of which are up on the shelf in my kitchen. But here are a few.

I thought they would be fun to serve ice cream, but we just never used them for that purpose.

These Parfait glasses were given to me years ago by my hubby's aunt. We have used these to make a dessert with vanilla ice cream layered with orange sherbet. They are fun, pretty and not a huge size, which makes for a smaller portion.

I love these Ice Cream Soda glasses. They belonged to my Mom. We used to make Root Beer, and Coke Floats in them. I don't know how long she had them, but I figured they were from the 60's.

So now that I have dug these out of the cabinet, they are heading to the dishwasher for a good cleaning. Be sure to stop by Colorado Lady's Vintage Thingies Thursday blog and browse around at the other vintage goodies. There is always something fun and interesting to learn about when you visit the other blogs.

Happy thriftin'!

Monday, November 16, 2009

A taste of Tea

A couple of months ago we visited a very lovely tea house near Aberdeen NC. From the outside, you would never guess such loveliness as you are transformed just by entering over the threshold of Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour.



We had a lovely table by the window.

The service was excellent and the food was incredible!!
You could even eat the bowl :-)

Please stop by Shabby, Pink and Pretty and visit our hostess Kim, as we join the other ladies for a spot of tea for Tea Things Tuesday.