I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Wait for Me - a review
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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
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