Little Hedda Hopper all grown up

Forever in our hearts

2012-01-31T12:45:00.000-05:00

A beautiful girl was born on this day, and was taken from us too soon.

Sad are the hearts that loved you,

sad are the tears that fall,

But living our lives without you,

is the saddest part of all.

A blazing sky

2012-01-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

As the saying goes...

Pink sky at night

sailors delight

Pink sky in the morning

sailor take warning......

Oh am I ever so happy this was an evening sky. This has been the craziest winter I can ever recall. I was on the telephone and happen to walk to the window, and I couldn't believe the colors I was seeing. The sky was ablaze with colors. There was a strip of turquoise blue that didn't show in the photos, and was the prettiest color sky ever.

These photos were taken January 6th at around 5:00 P.M. And I will say the following day was a warm January day.

Hope your 2012 is off to a wonderful start.

Hugs,

Ellen

Meet Miss Brigly

2012-01-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

This Miss Brigly. She belongs to my sister in law Mary. I had the pleasure of dog sitting last week while Mary was on a cruise. This lil one is 8 months old and full of fun. I was very surprised to have been able to get such a great photo shoot. I had printed and framed some of Brigly's photos and placed them in Marys home as a welcome home.... This is her second Yorkie. It almost made me want to get a puppy, but I can always visit Brigly as she lives next door.

This is Brigly's "sit pretty"

she loves her toys

I nick named her Wigly Brigly

this is a chew bone, she carries them around almost every moment she's awake

Oh she loves loves taking a bath.

I just love the way she takes her little paws and holds her chew bone.

Hugs,

Ellen

Family Christmas Party

2011-12-21T15:24:00.001-05:00

A holiday tea

2011-12-19T17:30:00.003-05:00

I was so blessed to have had some precious, quality time with my dear sweet sister. We attended a holiday teas at a friends tea room. It's always such treat to go and just be able to relax and be with my sister.

The tearoom was so pretty all decorated for Christmas tea.

The gift shop part of the tearoom is always full of the best items.

I just loved this old time Santa and large nutcracker

This tree had some wonderful ornaments for sale

Some of the teapots that were used to serve tea

I will be looking forward to our next tea which will be to celebrate Valentines Day.

Merry Christmas

Ellen

participating at Marys share the love Wednesday

Beverly's Pink Saturday

Honey's at potpourri Friday

Happy Birthday Daddy

2011-12-18T00:39:00.000-05:00

Today would have been my Dads 102nd birthday. Oh how much I miss him so. There is not one day that goes by that I don't think of him. He was such a special person in my life. Unfortunately he was taken from us with cancer in 1983 a month before my son was born.

He was a veteran of two different wars

and a father of 7 children,here with my oldest sister.

In which I was the youngest

Me with my dad and 4 brothers

My dad and my Christmas eve nephew David

When not in his work clothes, my dad always wore a white shirt and tie

He was a wonderful grandfather

in the early 70's with my sister and me

my dad walked me down the aisle

and had such loving arms.

I miss you sooo much daddy. I hope your dancing in heaven with your boys.

gone but not forgotten....

the last of the vintage graphics

2011-12-16T21:52:00.000-05:00

Vintage graphics

2011-12-16T21:51:00.000-05:00

more vintae graphics

2011-12-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

I still have some more left to post. There sure is so many more that I don't have, what a beautiful Era.

Vintage Graphics

2011-12-16T12:32:00.000-05:00

my little bits of christmas

2011-12-16T12:14:00.002-05:00

This year I did very little Christmas decorating. I guess I had the "I have too much on my plate" feeling this year, and need to focus on getting in my exercise to gear up for vacation come January. I am happy to report that I have been seeing some wonderful results.

I purchased this tabletop silver tree a couple years ago...it's just the perfect size to add a splash of Christmas to the living room. It does have lights and at night it just sparkles .

And my Victorian Santa Claus that my sister bought me.

And my ever loved beaded balls. I thought these pink ones was perfect for pink Saturday with Beverly.

These lil snow girls are my newest addition this year. I bought them when I attended a holiday this past Sunday. What a wonderful day spent with my sister. I just had to have these two.

I had these candles for a few years, but never put them out, so this is their debut.

I hope you enjoyed your visit, and from my house to yours....Merry Christmas

and a Happy Healthy New Year.

Hugs,

Ellen

I am joining the fun at

Beverly's Pink Saturday

Honey at Potpourri Friday

Mary at Share the love Wednesday

Vintage graphcs

2011-12-16T12:13:00.000-05:00

vintage graphics

2011-12-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

more vintage graphics

2011-12-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

I hope you are enjoying the vintage graphics. I hope I get all that I have in my folder blogged.

Until next time.

Hugs,

Ellen

more vintage graphics

2011-12-14T15:52:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I could ever pick a favorite. They are all so very uniquely different and awesome.

I can't believe how fast Christmas is approaching. This month always just seems to fly by so fast.

Hugs,

Ellen

Fifteen more

2011-12-13T20:45:00.001-05:00

Of those wonderful vintage graphics. I have a good amount more to share. I do wish to extend my thanks to Mary for featuring me on Merry Vintage. How sweet of her.

I hope you are enjoying the graphics, and I would love to hear from you if you use any.

Greeting of the season.

Hugs,

Ellen

joining Mary's party at share the love Wednesday

More vintage graphics

2011-12-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

I do have a grand collection....and I hope to get most if not all blogged before Christmas. They are too beautiful not to share.

I do wish you all the joy during this wonderful holiday season, and I do hope that you are able to take the time to stop and smell the pine.....it truly is delicious.

Hugs,

Ellen

Vintage Christmas

2011-12-06T18:01:00.001-05:00

I just love vintage graphics. I have been very fortunate to have collected quite a few. In the spirit of the Christmas season, I wish to share them with my blog readers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

More to follow.

Hugs,

Ellen

Showing these beauties at Mary's Share the love Wednesday

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

From my home

to yours

I wish you

a very blessed

Thanksgiving.

These turkeys visit my yard quite often. It's fun to see them

get plumper as each month pasts.

They are rather people friendly as they get fed well with all the bird feeders

in the neighborhood.

Happy Turkey Day!!!!!!!!!

Hugs,

Ellen

Walking with Leslie

2011-11-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

When the weather gets colder, it's time to change things up. I love to walk and when its so cold outdoors, it is hard for me to walk. The cold bothers my bones and chest, so I turn to my trusted friend Leslie Sansone. I have been walking with Leslie for 5 years now. I just love her motivation. I also love that I can log onto facebook and get lots of inspiration from kindred spirits.....

When it's raining, snowing, to hot or to cold. Leslie is just a click of the button away.

Her workouts are so healthy, it's heart healthy and a great tool for safe weight loss.

I love to use different DVDs to mix it up, but my favorite is the very first one I bought, 3 fast miles. I had to stop using the DVDs for a while as I had a health issue. As of last week I am slowly getting back into shape, and Leslie's DVDs have already shown an improvement.

I have a good size collection, and I am always on the look out for new DVDs. I have found these DVDs to be a wonderful tool.

It's always a good time to walk.

And this I am thankful for.

Hugs,

Ellen

Walking in Fall

2011-11-03T10:42:00.001-04:00

New England sure is a pretty place to live. And the fall is just such a lovely time to be walking. My sister and I try to walk everyday for an hour. We have found some pretty neat places to walk. Come for a walk with me.

Here is my neighborhood lake. To walk around the lake is 3 miles. I enjoy this walk and it has 3 little hills that gives the heart a boost of energy (along with the legs)

We also like to walk in this cemetery. It is a very safe place to walk, and has a few hills. The ground keepers are always there and they do such a wonderful job keeping it nice for visiting.

We also love to walk the farm road. This road goes on for miles, but we do 4 of them. I just love the rolling hills.

The corn is done for the season .

I just love the looks of this old barn. It reminds me so much of Tasha Tudor. May she rest in peace.

This guy seemed very friendly, of course on the other side of his barbed wired fence.

And the sheep with their heavy coats on getting ready for the cold of winter thats just around the corner.

I just loved the way these mushrooms attached themselves to this tree. Like a piece of natures art work.

This farm road has two working farms on it. One is a dairy farm and the other is a horse farm.

As we were walking along this day, a flock of wild geese came flying over head, my oh my are they loud. And we could hear them a mile away as they landed in this pond.

The baby calves have their own living quarters .

And out of no where came this trampede of goats. They came charging at us like we were long lost buddies. We were so scared. We had umbrellas with us as it was one of those days that was threatening to rain. We used the umbrellas to shoo them away. We didn't know these goats, so they were very intimidating. They wanted in the car and we had to shoo them again so we could open the car door.

I hope you enjoyed your walk with me, as I am waiting the arrival of my dear sweet sister for our walk. It has been days since or last walk as we had a crazy fall snow storm.

Hugs,

Ellen

Six Women's Portrait Cards

2011-10-26T09:36:00.002-04:00

These beautiful portraits were the work of John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

I just love to look at the fashions of yesteryear. I also enjoy buying antiques prints for my home.

Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland,1904

Lady Agnew of Lochnaw, 1892-93

Miss Helen Dunham 1892

The Acheson sisters

Mrs. Henry White 1883

Izme Vickers 1907

I hope you enjoy these portraits as much as I do.

Hugs,

Ellen

these women will be joining Mary's share the love Wednesday

and

Honey's Potpourri Friday Party 9

My crazy hydrangea

2011-10-06T20:41:00.002-04:00

Two Years ago my husband and I bought this hydrangea at Sam's club. That day he planted it, and we got a quick frost and the bush turned brown and mushy. I thought it was a goner. I can not believe how much this plant had rebounded. This fall she is still going strong well into October. She has a good variety of colors, even new buds.....

from blue to light pink

Blue to dark pink

New buds just opening

original blue

from blue to pinks, purples

We are expecting frost tonight, so the leave may turn brown and mushy once again. I always look forward to a new hydrangea season.

I am linking this post to

Mary at share the love Wednesday

Honey at Potpourri Friday

I love my scarecrow

2011-09-28T07:13:00.003-04:00

He is such a friendly looking guy, just ask the chipmunks and squirrels that run across him each and every day. He is a welcoming site for the mailman. I just think he is such a handsome feller.

Just look at this sweet face, he has such a wide smile and rosy cheeks.

Pumpkin and a squash from the garden. This squash was a bit too bumpy for us so I used it for a decoration.

I did take this next picture into photo shop to block out my address, and I couldn't leave it blank so I wrote in Happy Fall.

He looks so sweet sitting in the wagon that my brother-in-law put together for me. Thanks Mr. B

The hay blocks were bought at AC Moore. I kept the plastic on to keep the chipmunks and mice out.

I purchased these 3 gorgeous mums at 3 for $10.00.

He used to be fat when I filled him with leaves, but this year I left him unstuffed. I hope you enjoyed your visit with my scarecrow.

HAPPY FALL

Hugs, Ellen

I am linking to these parties....

Mary at share the love Wednesday

Tracie at Outdoor fall decorThursdays

Honey at Potpourri Friday

Brimfiled continued

2011-09-24T12:54:00.002-04:00

I didn't want to bog down any of my blogger friends computer so I am blogging this weeks post in 2.

These Wallace Nutting prints are rather small. The frames are 4.5 x 5.5 and the print is a mere 2x3

The smaller the prints the more expensive they are. I had been looking for a long time for small Nutting prints for this area and here they were in Brimfield. The frames are not in mint condition, but I will keep the prints in the original frames. I now want to find a couple larger Wallace Nutting prints. My husband and I have recently redone every room in the house, and have started to collect antiques prints. I have quite a few different artists.

I just absolutely adored these wall planters. I wished I cold have taken each and every one of them home with me. This booth had a lot of really nice pieces. This booth also had a lot of nice prints, but the dealer was priced rather high. Which here in MA we don't seem to have the deals that I see most bloggers in other states find.
Look at these beauties.

This is the first one I found, it was laying on a table and I took a picture to show my sister.

Then when I found a whole group of them, I was so excited like I was bringing them home....

I just love this one

I had found this vase a couple months ago in one of our local vintage shops.

I just love the back the way it curls like a cobra ready to attack. I have some Astilbes in it here but it sure did look sweet also with hydrangeas. I will be using this often next garden season.

Now on to the vases at Brimfield.

This blue vase is so pretty and would look so pretty in my blue bedroom. I just love the colored glass. I wish I had a nice sunny window for a colored glass collection.

And look at this beautiful yellow, there is just something happy about yellow.

I am looking forward to returning to Brimfield in the Spring.

Hugs,

Ellen

Linking this to Marys Share the love Wednesday

and

Honey at Potpourri Friday.

Off to Brimfield Antique Show

2011-09-21T21:01:00.002-04:00

Isn't that the grandest EVER. I just found this antique phonograph very amusing.

My husband and I attended the Brimfield antique show along with my sister and her husband. We had a great time. Here are some more phonograph pictures I took.

This booth had so many different types of phonographs, and music items. I just love the RCA dog.

I just love the details of this cabinet.

lots of music memorabilia

I just couldn't see our kids of today cranking handles to listen to their music. We sure have come a long way.

I also captured some wonderful wall planters and vases, but I will put them in two other posts.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these antique phonographs and come back to see the other posts of Brimfield.

Hugs,

Ellen

I am linking to Mary's share the love Wednesday party #31

and also on Friday I will link with Honey at Potpourri Friday #3

Hope to see you there....

VINTAGE STYLE BIRDHOUSE

2011-09-14T06:55:00.001-04:00

I had wanted to make a birdhouse out of an old oil can and license plates. I had 2 license plates that came off my husbands last company truck. What a neat way to display them is on this bird house. Well when I told my husband what my intentions were, he took me off to a numerous number of antique stores before I found my oil can, since then I have seen many. LOL When we got home after a full day out, it was time for me to start dinner. My darlin hubby thought he was going to surprise me and have the house done. I was a little upset as I wanted to take pics of each piece before and after. He is a good man, so I couldn't stay mad for very long. I can't wait until the license plates get rusty.

We hung it in the Mgnolia tree

We didn't get any tenants this year, but I sure do hope that this spring we get a family to move in. I will lay out some materials in the yard just incase. It sure is a nice home for a lucky bird to hatch a family.

Hugs,

Ellen

Iwill be linking this post to

Mary at share the love Wednesday

Honey for her Potpourri Friday

Show and tell Saturday

Wanda the walking doll

2011-09-07T14:25:00.005-04:00

One recent afternoon I went to a antique store . I seen this doll sitting in the corner. I picked her up and that was it. She was a keeper. Her name is Wanda the walking doll from the late 40's early 50's.

This is her from the back. Her hair is a bit messy but well loved. I don't believe this is her original outfit, but the dress blended in with the room. I need to find her a hat of some sort.

Her eyes close when she lays down

This is the first of two winders

and this smaller winder on her side

Her stockings are very delicate and slightly ripped but can not be removed as they are attached to her shoes that have special wheels.

Here is her wheels

This is my baby girl Jen (1980)

and here she is after purchasing her first home (2009)

Her bedroom became the guest room ( my room) and I have been enjoying redoing this room. We re wallpapered this past February and I bought new furniture. I am trying to fill the room with mostly old vintage pieces. I miss my baby girl so much, but I sure do love my new room. I do tend to sleep here most nights as my hubby is a bed hog.

I think Wanda fits right in and every now and then I wind her up and watch her go. She needs to be oiled but she does work. Who says a grown woman can't have dolls.........

Hugs,

Ellen

I am linking to share the love Wednesday at Very Merry Vintage Style

I am also linking to Honey here at potpourri Friday #2 come join the fun

Temporary Shelter

2011-09-05T13:01:00.003-04:00

Empty Nests

Rocked on many a bending bough

Empty nests are swaying now

In the Autumn wind,

Hanging o'er the cool cascade,

Hidden in the hazel shade,

Nests that loving skill has made

Soon to leave behind.

From the leafy twigs around

Once was borne the joyous sound

Of the wild bird's voice,

Pouring out his little soul

In melodious notes that roll

Merrily from knoll to knoll

Bidding all rejoice.

Long ago the birds have flown

And the little nests alone,

Rocking to and fro,

Time a silent mournful strain

While the wandering winds complain

Whisper faint and low.

And I think of one lone nest

Where a birdling used to rest

In the joyous spring,

Now when Autumn decks the lands

Rocked no more by loving hands

Lo, an empty cradle stands

Where they used to sing.

by: Martha Lavinia Hoffman (1865-1900)

God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest. ~J.G. Holland

There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before. ~Robert Lynd, The Blue Lion and Other Essays

If I were a bird

If I were a bird, I'd sing a song

And fly about the whole day long

And when the night comes,go to rest,

Up in my cozy little nest.

by Jackie Silberg

Little Birds

All the little birds are asleep in their nest.

All the little birds are taking a rest.

They do not even twitter,they do not even tweet.

Everything is quiet up and down the street.

Then came the mother bird and tapped them on the head.

They opened up one little eye and this is what she said.

"come little birds,it's time to learn to fly,

come little birds fly away up in the sky"

Fly, fly, oh fly away, fly, fly, fly

Fly, fly, oh fly away, fly away so high.

Fly, fly, oh fly away, birds can fly the best.

Fly, fly, oh fly away, now fly back to your nest.

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

Aesop (620 BC-560 BC)

House Wren-Poem

To bring house wrens to your yard

is a job that's not too hard.

Hang a bird-house from a tree,

and in April you might see

not just one wren but a pair

setting up house-keeping there.

Then you'll hear all summer long

their bubbly chitter-chattering song.

by Erica Stux

Birds sing after a storm, why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?

Rose Kennedy (1890-1995)

There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.

Robert Lynd

These lovely homes will be cleaned out and ready to go for next years feathered friends

Hugs,

Ellen

I'm linking to Honey's Potpourri Friday and first giveaway

I am also linking to SJ Homemaker on a dime

clean up from Irene

2011-08-29T16:01:00.001-04:00

I just love my little piece of mother earth that I call home. I have the best of both worlds. I live in the woods but only 4 minutes to the highway and 5 minutes to the mall. It was a great place for my children to grow up. A family friendly neighborhood, where everyone knows our name. The one downfall about living here is our road. I live at the bottom of 2 dirt hills, and when it rains the rain washes the road in my driveway and creates craters in the road, which in winter is brutal.

after the hurricane, my husband shoveled by hand and wheeled a good 10-15 full loads of dirt up the hill using the wheel barrow in the above photo.

This puddle of water is runoff from the pond across the street, which will continue to dribble water for a few days after the torrential rains from the hurricane.

Our neighbor has a friend that let him borrow his machinery to fix the road. I am ever so thankful. If you click on the photo you will see some craters in the road.

This is the dead tree that snapped and fell in the woods. We have been watching this tree for some time now, and with each storm we would pray it didn't land on the house.

Now our road is smooth until the next heavy rain, and all is good once again. I pray that the rest of Irene's victims get back to normal, and my sympathy to those that lost their life in the storm.

Hugs,

Ellen

Heafty price tags

2011-08-27T12:11:00.001-04:00

These chickens were made from recycle materials. They were crafted by Sean J Harrington. They are well over 6 feet tall, and quite amazing. They will be on display until September. And they came with a hefty price tag. When we first entered the property there was 2 bulls in the distance, and at first we thought they were real. Then we realized they were not. I did get some photos of these two chickens and some pigs. I had planned on taking more photos, but after class was over, it was too hot to be out and about.

This guy was priced at $5,900.00

And this one was priced at $6,500.00. He was in such a beautiful area with nice views of the mountain.

I just think the face on this one is very well crafted.

And the three pigs, each with their own price tag.

I hope to go back to see the others.

Hugs,

Ellen

I am linking to SJ Homemaker on a dime

Fairy or Fairytale

2011-08-21T09:38:00.000-04:00

I can remember as young child and my curious affair with fairies. I always knew they were there, playing in places that I could never get into. Even into my adult hood, I had always kept fairies close to my heart. And one year I had planted some freesia bulbs and when they bloomed early spring they reminded me of the perfect place that fairies could be found. Which in turn I made this oval flower bed my "fairy garden". I also have cone flowers in this garden and in the heavy rains of summer, the fairies would be protected under the upside down pedals of the coneflower. In spring the cluster of grape hyathins is a beautiful addition to the fairy garden along with the small blue and pink blooms of the Bethlehem sage plant. The flowers of the fairies are endless.

The above photo was taken early spring

On this day in the midst of summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a "fairy garden" class at

http://www.towerhillbg.org/ along with my sister Shirley. These are the days that I will treasure and take with me till the end of time.

The class was taught by an amazing woman Betsy Williams. If you click on Betsy's highlighted name it will take you to her website.

This was what I started with, a basket, a fern and a ivy plant.

After we got our dirt and plants in the basket it was off to find all kinds of fun things for our fairy garden. Betsy Williams had such a wide variety of materials and the creativity was ours.

what fairy garden doesn't need lots of moss

This is just a sample of the kinds of materials we had to work with.

Being the kid at heart that I am, I wanted to create a play area for my fairy. I thought how nice it would be to have a swing to sit on and sing. I made 2 swings and then I made one more trip to a box of small twigs and pieces of bark, when all of a sudden sitting there waiting for me was a piece of white birch that was just right for my swing seat. The third time was the charm.

This was the first swing attempt, I did like the wideness of the wood, but it was too big for the basket.

I thought this second attempt was the right one, sized to proportion.....

But this beautiful piece of white birch was perfect.

this garden and the next three were the design of some of my classmates. It was so nice to see a couple of young adults. The two girls were so lucky to have had the opportunity to do something that most girls their age would have loved to have done. And they had the best imagination of what a fairy would love in her garden. A table set for company, just the perfect magical mystical hiding places for the fairies that would hopefully find the "fairy gardens" built specially for "little people".

The basket to left was cleverly crafted by my sister and the one to the right was mine.

Here is my fairy garden in its new spot, inside the oval fairy bed.

I must say I had the best day in a long time, and wish to extend my thank you to my sister for her invite, the tower hills for hosting it and the talented Betsy Williams for her dedicated knowledge and sharing some with us.

Betsy was kind enough to have her book "are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?", autographed in the gift shop. Written by her and illustrated by her husband Ned.

If you would like to see more on these wonderful "fairy gardens" please visit my sister Shirley.

May you be forever blessed.

Ellen

Nature's beauty

2011-08-18T19:04:00.000-04:00

Every year we have baby bunnies born in my yard. This year this little guy has been living in my bed of liatris. I have not been able to work in the yard, so the old flowers have become a safe haven for the little critters. We also have a lot of hawks that just sit in the trees and prey on them.

We had the parents early in the year. They come running out from the strangest places, and they sure can make one jump. I look forward to the babies each year as they are so cute.... they learn so quick to run. We did one year have a neighborhood cat that found where the den was and emptied it one by one and brought them in the house through the cat door. The owner of the cat wasn't very happy.

One evening my brother-in-law called to say a hawk was on his deck, and had a squirrel. So once again I grab the camera and go. He was very protective of his catch. There was crows in the trees that wanted the hawk to share. The hawk was there for a long time, I gave up watching but I am assuming he outlasted the crows.

This afternoon the crows were tormenting this hawk. He would not move. I don't know if the crows had a nest they were protecting or if there was another meal some where.

I have lived in this house for almost 28 years, I have seen deer, turkeys,blue heroin,rabbits and once even a moose. But this one day recently I seen something crossing the road, so I grabbed my camera and ran out door....It was a turtle. This was the first turtle I have seen here.

Who knows what else I may see....
Hugs,
Ellen

footsteps revisited

2011-08-15T18:57:00.001-04:00

in a whole new perspective. I grew up in a very family friendly neighborhood, where everyone knew one another. In the neighborhood was a very old cemetery. As a child I had been to this cemetery so many times, and as a young adolescent I would stroll through with my nieces and nephews in their baby carriage. The cemetery had a gate at the main entrance and then another on the other end of the cemetery. We would cut through the cemetery to go to the park. It was a great place to grow up, and has so many of my wonderful warm memories of my child hood.
Last week my sister and I went for a walk in the cemetery. We were there with a few different purposes. One to try to find Ester Howland grave site. We did find her parents, and we believe now that she is buried near Boston. This would be her parents.

The trees in this cemetery are very old and gorgeous. I did capture a few.

George Crompton an inventor has a very large grave site that hosts a beautiful ornate building. I was just in awe as I kept looking at this wonderful piece of history, and each side of the building was just gorgeous as the other.

It would have been nice if my family would have bought in this cemetery. I bought in the cemetery where my parents and two brothers are.

Hugs,

Ellen

new start with an old blog

2011-07-26T09:08:00.001-04:00

I think I may now have this blog all set once again for posting. I am going to give it my best shot to blog more often. I certainly do take lots and lots of pictures and do have lots to share.
Just recently my sister along with her daughter and grand daughter came for a visit from Florida. They stayed for but a week and let me say.....give a young girl a piece of technology that lets them take photos of themselves and off they go. When they were off on their plane and I was left sitting here with this ipod that my dear husband recently bought me, I didn't know if I wanted to laugh at the photos (some were O sooo funny) or cry for the void that they left behind.
This is Sara, and she sure is one sweet, pretty young lady.

her attitude glasses her Aunt Shirley bought her at the mall

She sure can keep one young and going. I wish her well in school this year as she has the potential to go places... till we meet again my friends, stay well
Hugs,
Ellen

Day 2 Tortola British Virgin Island

2011-06-12T18:42:00.000-04:00

I am sorry it took so long to blog day 2. My computer had a bit of a problem and it took a bit to get it back to allow me to download pics...it was an aol thing.

5:30 And here comes the wake up call. I am not your morning person, but vacation is an exception. We had a tour booked so we hd to head off to the windjammer for breakfast. We love eating there as its buffet and we can sit and see whats going on around the ship and see the Island we will be invading...LOL and that is just what it is when there is over 2000 passengers onboard.

Day one of Vacation

2011-02-08T12:24:00.011-05:00

Dear blogger, I must say there is nothing more refreshing than a week on a cruise ship. And even better with a loved one and best friends added to the mix. We cruised the Southern Caribbean on board the Serenade of the sea. It was a lovely ship. I hope to find the time to blog each day on board with some of the wonderful photos that were captured. If you've never cruised I say what are you waiting for...call your local travel agent or give mine a ring.

This is the Itinerary for the week.

Day one....the camera crew on board is always out and about... It's tough sometimes to avoid them. We arrived very early and avoided the lines. How sweet is that?

The first thing we did when we got on board was to check out our stateroom. We were so excited as this balcony seemed real big in the plans that we were looking at....well to our amazement it was everything we imagined and more.
Then its off to the windjammer for a welcome aboard buffet.

Come back for day 2 as we will be in Tortola in the British Virgin Island.

Hugs,
Ellen

Old Carriage House

2011-01-03T16:07:00.010-05:00

Happy New Year Blogland. I am starting this year with hopes to post more often. I have not blogged in a long time, and will have to amit that most of my free pc time was on facebook. My 2010 was filled with a lot of day trips. And I hope to be sharing them this year.

My dear hubby and I had done a lot of daytripping and on this particular day, we went to RI. We found this lovely pull off and decided to walk the path in the woods.

Who would have thought that as we walked along the ocean lined path. We would come across a beautiful old carriage house. I found it so very interesting that I took so many photos. It was such a wonderful day.

This is my husband Paul looking thru a hole in part of the stone wall. The stone wall had to have been quite the piece in its day. I am sure it has seen many ocean storms.

This is the view from the beach.

couldn't you imagine being inside working and looking out at a view such as this???

I just love the way this photo of the round window came out. I just love the ocean and would have loved to seen this place when it was all in tact.

It was a weird feeling as I went in thru the open door.....you could see where a fireplace had once been. Remnants of a fire that must of been from some kids partying in there.

This photo was taken in the back....it really is a beautiful old wreck. We made a return visit a couple weeks later with some friends. There was a gentleman in a wheel chair sketching the building.

I just know I will be back again this spring, as I want to go with my sister and her husband.

Hugs and warm wishes,

Ellen

A trip to the furniture store

2009-09-11T10:09:00.009-04:00

As the clock ticks down to my daughters house closing, we have been looking at furniture. She needs to find a bedroom set, den and kitchen furniture along with 2 chairs and tables for the living room. She has totally different taste in furniture than what she lived in for the past 29 years. OOPS!!! Sorry Jen your age has kind of leaked out. LOL

This past Monday we went to Rotmans furniture store here in Worcester. Not only did we possibly find some furniture... we found some new friends....who said friends had to be breathing to qualify friendship.....we had a lot of laughs that day trying out different furniture.

I would like you to meet our friends that we named Elsie and Rubie..

They feed them well at Rotmans....

The fashion.......

from the head.....

to the feet.....

If you are ever in Worcester and swing by Rotmans....please give our best to the ladies sitting at their whiskey barrel bistro table.

Have a great week end.

Hugs,

Ellen

2009-08-10T23:00:00.010-04:00

Oh my, I can't believe how long it has been since I have visited blog land. Life just seems like such a whirl wind, and I just can't seem to catch my breath. I guess I need to catch up here with life's happenings.
I just got back from the Atlantis in the Bahamas again. I just love that place. This was a very special trip. It was just my dear daughter and myself. We had some quality time together doing what we do best..NOTHING.... we hung out at the pool all day, and hit the casino for a bit in the evening. We did go to bed early which was nice to catch up on my R&R.

It was the perfect place to celebrate my dear daughters 29th birthday. I can't believe my baby is almost 30.

We have baby news. My friend now has her first grand daughter. And soon will be welcoming her third grandson.

My daughter has a new man in her life, and we are happy to welcome Jake into our lives

Jen also has purchased her first home, and she hope to close on the 30th of September. So much to blog when the renovations start.

A very proud moment as niece Stephanie graduates. We are so proud...YOU GO GIRL!

Stephanie's sister Kati marries her prince charming Jeff.

And coming soon is my comic son who will be performing at the Hanover theatre. http://www.norvue.com/0-WOGOtalent.html. I am so proud that he is doing his comedy act for a wonderful charity. The proceeds will go to the Shriner's hospital. GO JEFF we are sooooo soooo proud of you. You are awesome buddy......

I guess I have been busy and need to stop in blog land more often.

Huggles,

Ellen

The Boston Marathon

2009-04-20T15:34:00.002-04:00

Today is the Boston Marathon. I can have a lot of different emotions on this day. The Marathon is always a sign that the weather is going to just about stay nice. We have had a few odd storms after the Marathon, but very few. I always look forward to the Marathon for that reason.

The other thoughts the Marathon brings is my dear sweet mom. She was so looking forward to the 2201 Marathon, she talked for weeks of the marathon. Unfortunately, Easter Sunday before the Marathon Mom passed away. I know on this day she is looking down on those runners.

I watch a little of the Marathon this morning, and I just don't know how they can run in this cold weather half naked. I was cold just watching them. I wish them the best. Here is a picture of Mom with her three girls.

Hugs,

Ellen

In my Easter Bonnet....

2009-04-09T20:26:00.004-04:00

Here I am all dressed up for Easter. I am the little blond in the front on the left. Clutching onto my new Easter purse. I can so remember getting ready for Easter. Mom always made sure everything was new from the tops of our heads to the soles of our shoes.

It was a wonderful time to be a kid. We knew everyone in our neighborhood.

Happy Easter,

Ellen

Signs of Spring

2009-03-14T17:29:00.010-04:00

Spring officially begins in six days, but when I step outside my door, there it is. I didn't need to go very far, or for that matter, I didn't even need to take my slippers off. When I stepped off that last step was this gorgeous blooming bouquet of daffodils. My favorite flower of all. I have loved these as early as kindergarten. I always visioned fairies flying in and out of the trumpets. And not to far out I spotted this little hyathins peeking it's little head thru the mulch. Oh what a lovely scent. This is right near my swing, and when I sit in the swing, with the warm summer breeze the scent of these beauties just take mes away. Up in the tree you will find some budding magnolias, I have a feeling that old man winter wasn't to kind. There has been a lot of branches broken off, but I am sure she will do her best to bring her natural beauty into bloom.

Springs greatest joy
beyond a doubt
is when it brings
the children out-Edgar Guest

I live at the bottom of a dirt hill. There are two little boys, each one lives at the top house on each hill. So naturally they love to play in the middle, which of course is my yard. And even better I have lots of water, rocks and the right terrain that all little boys love. Of course if they would only clean up the messes they make I wouldn't mind so much. But boys will boys..... When I did my walk around this afternoon I found these treasures to share with you.

Down by the pond sailing my little boat. What did I do, my creation won't float? Oh well, I'll lie and dream of when I grow big. Some day I'll sail the sea on my own rig.

I hope where ever you are, you find some spring in the air.
Kindredly,
Ellen

A very special Valentine

2009-02-18T21:12:00.006-05:00

Well, I have been home from my cruise for 3 days, and I just can't catch up. I will be working my trip pictures and will share my trip soon. I need to resize them so they don't take too long to load.

I must share the special valentine my sister left on my dresser while I was gone. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that I was thought of and loved so much while I was gone. I have the most loving, caring sister ever. The world would be the best place on earth if we were all like my sister. This valentine is a bit different than the typical valentine. It is altered art and it is a Spiritual Valentine Arch. The photos are of my late grandmother and oldest brother. I will keep this on my table in my room, as this is where I spend most of my time on my computer.

Hugs,

Ellen

Love Boat on Valentines Day

2009-02-06T22:18:00.003-05:00

I am leaving in the morning to a warm and sunny Florida. From there me and my sweetheart will be leaving for a 8 day cruise. We will be stopping at San Juan, St Thomas, St Marten, and Labadee,Haiti. Labadee will be my favorite stop, as it is Royal Caribbeans private Island. We will enjoy lunch on the beach. We will also enjoy 4 relaxing days on board. My body is ready and craving some sunshine, and warm bones. This winter has been long and hard. The photo I enclosed in this post is from a Valentine showing of my sisters personal collection.
Wishing you and your loved ones, a very Happy Valentines Day.

Hugs,

Ellen

Special gift

2009-02-06T15:18:00.005-05:00

Oh my where has the days, weeks gone. I can't believe I haven't been to blogland in sooo long. I do have to admit that I have been living in psp land. Oh my how addicting it is.

I have a special gift that was given to me, that I would love to share with you. My 93 year young, dear friend Grayce, made me this bureau scarf...it is done on Huck material with Swedish weaving. The pattern is Grayce's own design. It will be a treasured heirloom for generations to come.

I hope you enjoyed the fine work done by Grayce.

Hugs,

Ellen

So much to learn

2009-01-18T21:33:00.002-05:00

I am happy to say that I have started on another adventure. I joined a yahoo group to learn how to make graphics using psp. It has been a lot of fun right now, but it has totally consumed me. I am sure to become a psp addict. But I hopefully will learn a lot to create some pretties to share with you. I am also hoping to be able to make some gorgeous headers for my blog.

I am also in the process of making valentines. I want to start making an altered book as well. I can't seem to find enough hours in the day to do all I wish to accomplish. I don't understand how anyone can say they are bored. I don't think I have ever been bored a day in my life.

It has been a snowy weekend here in MA and the perfect thing to do on a snow day is to make a hot batch of beef stew. Oh it was so good, I also made hot corn muffins to go with it. My family was in their glory.

I wish I had the time to join in on pink Saturday as I love that a lot, but it will be a little before I have time to reach all the pink Saturday bloggers....

until next time...stay warm

Hugs,

Ellen

Winter Blues

2009-01-13T10:50:00.003-05:00

My my time sure is flying even though we are having one of the worst January's ever. The cold arctic air is going to hit us on Friday. We have had about 18 inches over our average snow so far. And I'm afraid we are not done yet. Not by a long shot. I was sitting in the window watching a father/son team sledding down my neighbors hill. I'm sure he would be embarrassed if he knew I was watching. Such a great dad.

I came across this website that I created this book photo of my Mom...I sure do think of her all the time and miss her so much. She was three years old in this picture. I still have the dress that she is wearing in this photograph. It is quite paper thin.

I am dreaming of the spring bulbs that are under the snow, just waiting to greet us with their beauty.

Until next time..

hugs,

Ellen

Pink Saturday

2009-01-03T09:23:00.006-05:00

I am happy to be part of Pink Saturday this week. I am sure if you visit Beverly, you will find a list with pink Saturday participants. There will be lots of gorgeous pinks to fill not just your Saturday but the whole week.

Good morning, Happy New Year and the first pink Saturday of the new year.

This week I am proud to show you my flower pot. I had joined a pot swap on a list that I am on. The flower pot was painted by a friend from Texas. Judy did a wonderful job, and I was so happy yo be the recipient of this treasure. It sits on a round table in my bedroom. This pot is about 8 years old. I will cherish this forever.

The detail in the lace trim is done just perfect.

Now I must go visit Beverly, and see what beautiful pinks are there.

Kindredly,

Ellen

A day to remember

2008-12-29T09:55:00.011-05:00

While on our vacation in the Bahama's, we stayed at the Atlantis. What a gorgeous resort. My Daughter and I was very fortunate to have a day together. This day was a very memorable one for the two of us. We didn't know if my daughter (Jen) was going to be able to do this out of fear. To start out they suit you up. Believe me when I say it...those suits are very unforgiving, and are the most uncomfortable thing I have ever put on. I think the embarrassment of putting this skin tight suit on, was a help to forget some of the fear of the dolphin.LOL

Before we went to the waters, we watched a movie and had a small lecture about these beautiful mammals. These are bottlenose dolphins...Just like flipper. Our Dolphins name was Hercules. Which certainly didn't help Jens fear what so ever. And the fact that have 105 or so teeth. Hercules was a gentle giant. They lined us up like soldiers. Then we had to kneel down.

The water was the perfect temperature for both mammal and human. The water was very shallow and dropped off very quickly. The dolphins needed some deep water to show off their talent. And talent they have. I can not believe how talented these incredible mammals are. There are 16 dolphins at Dolphin Cay that were rescued from Hurricane Katrina. And I am happy to report that they are doing great.

They took us one at a time to meet Hercules. They picked me first..I guess they saw the excitement in me. My husband was near the beach taking photos. When I had the chance to look at the photos, you can see my daughter praying for her mothers safe return. LOL...

There was a professional photographer in the water taking photos. My Daughter wouldn't go by herself, but she did want her picture taken so I went with her. I got to kiss Hercules, and he tasted very salty. And they feel like rubber. They shed their skin about every hour or so.

I was so proud of Jen for being able to dig deep for some courage to be able to experience this wonderful adventure. The dolphins were so happy to perform for us, and it was very exciting to watch them show their talents.

I will always forever remember this day. I know I will return to the Atlantis many more times. My Darlin Husband is already looking for another trip....soon.

Kindredly,

Ellen

Winter Solstice

2008-12-21T19:40:00.013-05:00

From Pink Saturday to White Sunday. It has been winter wonderland around here since yesterday afternoon. I even lost power for 3 hours this morning. It sure did get chilly in the house fast. My DH and DD worked together cleaning the cars and driveway.

I wish a pair of red cardinals would show up at the bird feeder. I just love when Mr. & Mrs. Red are showing off their color against the white of the landscape. The flower beds are covered with just a few dried flowers lingering around.

And oh how lonely this table and chair is. It was so full of life all summer long, with laughter as we wined and or dined there. I long for the days of late sunsets and dinner on the deck.

But there is nothing prettier than evergreens with their blanket of white.

It not only looks like winter...it actually is. I won't have to dream of a white Christmas.

Happy Holidays,

Ellen

Pink Saturday

2008-12-20T08:31:00.002-05:00

Oh it's so nice to be back to blogging.

Last year in December I had an accident and slipped on the ice in my drive way. I had to have surgery on Christmas Eve. I also had to endure many months of going to physical therapy. Nancy was my therapist, and she was not only a great therapist but also a wonderful person, whom I had gotten to know.

She knew that I loved to craft, and was working so hard to get my wrist as close to normal as possible. So I thought I would craft something for her to say thank you. It seemed like every time I went to her, someone had taken her pen. So I painted this pot and decorated some flowers for her . She was so happy and loved it. I also painted one for myself to have next to my computer.

I'm sure there is a list of wonderful sites at Beverly's that will connect you to some beautiful pink. I know my world is full of white right now, so lots of pink sounds wonderful.

Thank you Beverly for hosting this again.

Enjoy!
Ellen

Award

2008-12-15T21:56:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Carrie at Oak Rise Cottage for sending me an award. I just got home from vacation, only to find no power at home. When I get things up and running I will pass this award along. I will also post some pictures of the beautiful Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. I hope those that had bad weather, have all recovered. Ellen

Count down really begins

2008-12-03T13:55:00.004-05:00

Oh my how exciting...one week from today at this time I will be in sunshine warmth of the Bahamas. As a family Christmas present we will be in the Bahamas for 4nights,5days. We will be staying at the Atlantis. I am rather exciting in hope to go this year. The family had to go without me last year due to a broken wrist. But this year I will be basking away. We have tickets to see the Jonas brothers and also tickets to swim with the dolphins. I wanted to swim with the dolphins so bad last year. This year we were able to get free tickets, so my daughter Jenn and I will be loving them up. We'll see, Jen is afraid of EVERYTHING. She said no to the dolphin experience but after horseback riding this fall, she's ready to conquer the world. This will be her third year in a row at the Atlantis in December.

I feel blessed to have this

2008-11-30T20:27:00.004-05:00

Yesterday afternoon my sister and I took a trip to Sturbridge MA. It is about a half hour drive, and it's our favorite thing to do together. Although we have a favorite place to eat there, we didn't go. We did go to Susan's secret garden and then we went to Old Sturbridge Village gift shop. Luckily the gift shop is in the front so you don't have to pay to go into the village. My sister was feeling like some of their delicious fudge. It is buy 2 get 1 free, and soooo good.

I was walking around Susan's beautiful shop, when in the corner she had some Old Victorian jewelery. I seen this beautiful multi-colored sweater pin and fell in love with it. It had the colors of my family birthstones, pink, blue and green. It's hard taking good pics of jewelery but I got what I could so I could show it off. When I went to the counter, Susan told me the pin had belonged to a woman who lived to be 100 years old. How special is that. I knew that pin called me for a reason. I will treasure that pin and hope that my daughter will also and pass it down. I usually don't get blessed when I shop, but I certainly did yesterday. Thank you Susan I will treasure it.

I also bought a bracelet with black stones. It will be a nice addition to my black pieces.

My sister bought a beautiful purple teapot, if you would love to see some of Susan's teapots and other wonderful goodies at Susan's just click on her name or the link on my blog to her shop. You will be in for a treat if you do. Wishing you a warm splendid Sunday evening.

Blog bloopers

2008-11-29T21:24:00.002-05:00

I have two bloopers on my blog. The first one is on my Pink Saturday, I was referring to lasts weeks Pink Saturday when I said I commented on most. I haven't had the time until tonight to even log on this lovely magic box. I am so sorry for the confusion.

The other blooper is on my Susan Secret Garden Link. I was very fortunate to go to Susans secret garden today. Susan is in the process of having her web page redone and is now using the new web page, I did put the new web address on the button to her web page.. Susan not only has a beautiful shop, but she is one beautiful lady. She does a lot for the community, and is so helpful and thoughtful. She is very special. She told me today that you can't order on her site, but you can order by telephone. I had a really nice find there today, and its so special that it needs a post of its own, with photo. I really want to check out some pink posts tonight, if I get time tomorrow I will post my "lucky one of a kind find"....so do check back....Kindredly, Ellen

Pink Victorian Lady and Tree

2008-11-28T19:41:00.005-05:00

How nice that Saturday has rolled around again. I didn't think I would get through all the post but I did. I commented on almost all of them. There was a couple that I might have tried to see to early. I just went down the list as they were on Beverly's page. If you want to see some awesome blossom pinks then click on Beverly's name or on her click able pink graphic on my page. Thank you Beverly for hosting this. I met so many wonderful new friends.

I have the most giving neighbor..Pearl who made something very special for me. She took a long time crocheting me this beautiful pink Victorian dress, and accessories. I know how hard it is to work with such fine thread. I was very blessed to have her as a neighbor. I lived here for about 10 years before I really got to know her, as she worked many jobs. I new her beloved husband very well, as he never worked the whole time I knew him and he was always outdoors. Pearl is much older than I am, and not in the best health. I will always treasure this doll. And how fitting that I found a photo taken a while back that has the Victorian tree she made me as well. All those little ornaments. She really is one special friend.

Kindredly,Ellen

Left overs

2008-11-28T19:02:00.004-05:00

It's the day after Thanksgiving and there is nothing better than leftovers. I hope everyone had a wonderful day. I was very fortunate to be able to spend the day with family and a wonderful elderly friend. My sister was the hostess with the mostess....thank you Shirley everything was so good. Unfortunately we didn't take any photos which is unusual. I do believe my daughter might have taken a few with her cell phone.

Being a New Englander I wanted to do a good old fashioned New England blog post. But the holiday had me so busy that I never had the time that it would have taken. So I decided to go with the leftovers and run with it.

I had gone to Old Sturbridge Village this past October. It was such a wonderfully warm fall day. I was going to write about it but now I need to get ready for Pink Saturday, that I gathered a few pictures from the day we spent at Old Sturbridge Village and put in a slideshow. I hope you enjoy them, as I really did have such a wonderful day. Blessings, Ellen

Pink

2008-11-23T02:09:00.002-05:00

Well here we are already two hours into Sunday, and I am still celebrating Pink Saturday. I am trying to get thru all the postings.There is no way I could do it all today. If I haven't posted your pink post, it means I just haven't gotten to it yet. It has been so much fun. I need to go back and visit your blogs, as I just had time to read the pink and maybe peek at your blog. I'm off to LA LA Land...

My First Pink Saturday

2008-11-21T18:26:00.023-05:00

Thank you to Beverly for hosting Pink Saturday, please check out the other pink postings by either clicking Beverly's name or her graphic on my blog page. Thank you Beverly this will be my first Pink Saturday posting. I thought seeing that it was so close to Christmas, that I would share a few of my favorite pink Christmas decorations. I hope you like them.My sister Charlotte bought me this Victorian Santa for Christmas one year. I decorated the sleigh with Pink peonies to match the pinks in Santa's coat. I just love this when it's filled with wrapped gifts and sits under the tree. I do believe the title pic on blog is taken from under the tree.
One year I had made a lot of these scones. I filled them with candy and gave them away. Well of course I had to make some for myself. I place them on doorknobs of the doors that don't get used much. The Pink trimmed was made with some Christmas wrap. They were a lot of fun to make and even more fun to give away.

This Pink teapot is a gift from a special Internet friend that loves pink . Her home is pink from the inside out. The pink stocking here is also from her.

As an October baby, that makes my birthstone non other than PINK and my daughter in August gives us those two colors that go so well together...Pink and green. These birthstone ornaments were a Christmas gift from my sister Shirley.

Here we have some homemade PINK ornaments.

Of course we always need a couple Pink angelic children. These are nieces from left to right....Alexis, Kately and Yvonne. They definitely are pretty in Pink.

I hope you enjoyed my first Pink Saturday posting. Don't forget to check the other pink postings. Beverly has a listing of those that are sharing their pinks. This was soooo much fun, and again thank you Beverly.

Ellen who is dreaming of a pink christmas.

how they do twinkle

2008-11-20T10:21:00.009-05:00

Taken from The Night Before Christmas...

His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

As I was going thru some photos, I came across these photos taken in the 70's. They are of my Dear Husband playing Santa for his younger siblings and nieces and nephews. Well O.k. maybe a few grown-ups also. As you can see he had those eyes that twinkled. In all honesty it was those twinkling blue eyes that attracted me to him. He may have lost most of his Christmas spirit, but those baby blues still twinkle.

He had taken many years off of playing Santa...but he did do a recent apperance.

Paul & Jacob

And like father like son blue eyes and all...

Jeff & Jacob Jen & Jeff

Time to re-commit

2008-11-18T14:32:00.009-05:00

Well it wasn't easy climbing out of that warm bed this morning. Hubby called on his coffee break and suggested I go off to curves this morning. I have been talking about going back, but that is about all I have been doing...talking and paying, and paying and talking. I have two awesome vacations coming up, and I don't think I will get to my desired weight...especially if I just sit at home talking and paying. I do enjoy not only the exercise, but the wonderful ladies that I have met. So I packed the water bottle, sneakers and out the door. Oh my there was frost on the windows....should I tuff it out and continue on, or should I wimp out and head back in the warm house. Well, I guess I got that far that I continued on. When I got there and walked in I received such a great welcome. Now if I can just stick to a good sound nutritional diet I will be doing something. I also think I will turn on my Leslie Sansone walking DVD and do the three fast miles. I just love her DVDs. I won't be much slimmer but maybe firmer by the first vacation, but there is still some ope for the one in February. These pics I am attaching was a couple years ago. My sister and Daughter join me, but they totally fell by the waist side. Stay warm. :)Ellen

New things

2008-11-15T20:13:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I had a wonderful day shopping with my Dear Sweet Sister Shirley. I was housebound until noontime, and after that we were off to the MAll. I had bought a silver christmas tree and wreath this year and I bought some new decorations. The tree and wreath I had bought at our favorite store in Sturbridge. Susan Secret Gardens. Check her store out as she has beautiful things. http://www.susanssecretgarden.com/. I know you won't be disappointed. The angel centerpiece for my table...I just bought a new dinning room set and wanted a nice new christmas piece. And this lovely girl was calling my name. I wanted pink but I have a dark mauve in the dinning room, so thought this one went well. The silver wreath I decided to decorate all silver. I found these beautiful glass ball ornaments that I new would look great. And of course I had to add a silver ribbon bow. The wreath is hanging in the dinning room behind the table. I just love when the daylight shines and it twinkles so lovely. Oh I just love Christmas. The fairy was just the right size to top my tree. She just flowed so nicely with her beaded dress, as I have all beaded balls on that tree. Now to start dragging out the other decorations. I missed out last year as I fell and broke my wrist. I have a lot to make up.

Yesterdays leftovers......

2008-11-13T15:15:00.003-05:00

in a whole new way. Oh the weather today is just down right bone chilling. It has that crisp feel in the air, with a sniff of snow on the way. So I took the advantage of yesterdays ham bone, and made a pot of pea soup. And how it warmed me from the inside out. I had just picked up a nice fresh box of oyster crackers at Trader Joes. I know when the ole man and DD comes in from work they will appreciate a nice bowl of hot soup. DD had im'd me from working looking for leftover mac & cheese. She was so happy to hear there was plenty left. I love those kinds of meals where you spend one day in the kitchen, and it can feed the family for two sometimes even three days. I would love to offer you a nice cup or bowl of soup. I wish I could send some to Florida to my sister and her family.

Happy Birthday Dear Sis

2008-11-12T21:57:00.002-05:00

The last of the birthdays for awhile. I just think birthdays are very special. It is "your special day". I have been making my sister her birthday dinner just about since I've been married. There have been many years she didn't make it because we got snowed in....I must say those meals were very good. I had made my macaroni and cheese earlier in the afternoon and was able to get all those cooking utensils and pans all cleaned and put away. It sure did make for a easier time. The ham was very good and not overcooked for sure.

The birthday girl brought a bottle of wine. I had 3-4 glasses, and let me tell you it packed a poweful punch. Ireally am a cheap date LOL...

Happy Birthday Dear Sister, you are so good to everyone.....

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T23:07:00.007-05:00

As I take some time this evening to reflect on a few of my own Veterans on this Veterans Day. My thoughts and prayers are with those brave men and woman who have put their lives on the line to make mine better. Thank You and May God Bless.

My Daddy My Hero..May he rest in peace

My Dear Sweet Brother Bruce

My beloved brother-in-law who was called home to soon...R.I.P
My brother-in-law Joe

Birthday pie

2008-11-11T22:28:00.004-05:00

Another birthday today. My significant other turned one year older today. I made him a delicious pot roast dinner with mashed potatoes ,gravy,fresh green beans,corn and applesauce. It was so good on a gloomy looking day. It also would be my parents wedding anniversary. My dear old Dad was not just a vet he married on the day. How sweet was that.

With all the birthdays I just couldn't handle another cake today, then one tomorrow so we had pie. It was an apple Carmel nut pie. It was very good, but of course I just love nuts and pecans just topped it off. One more birthday tomorrow........my dear sister....

Beaded balls

2008-11-10T21:51:00.005-05:00

I dragged out my box of beaded balls this afternoon. I spent over an hour photographing these shiny little piece of treasure. I still can remember each one that I did. I may not remember some of the names of the balls, but I remember doing them. I didn't care much for the sewing on some of them, but they are so pretty. I can't believe that it has been about 10 years since I have made one. I made quite a few for my DD Jen.

My husband would go off to the casino with his buddy, and I would work all night pinning balls...his friend with call them my voodoo balls. I still have a couple of kits that I never did. Just another one of my many projects that are still left hanging unfinished...this here ball is only partially done, and would be beautiful finished.

A month for birthdays

2008-11-10T11:37:00.003-05:00

Yesterday there was two more birthday celebrations. I wish I could have been in two places at once, but that is impossible. The picture above is my DD's godson. He turned a big 3. I don't know where the years go. It seems like yesterday he was born. He is the youngest of 3. And as cute as a button. I just love him and his sisters dearly.

My brother-in-law Joe had us over to dinner yesterday for a birthday dinner for my hubby. His birthday will be tomorrow on Veterans day, which also would be my parents anniversary. He made us a delicious meal. We started off with a salad,bread and homemade carrot and ginger soup. The soup was absolutely delicious but had a bit of a bite to it. The main meal consisted of a spiral ham, macaroni and cheese, spinach simmered in olive oil and garlic and a cole slaw to die for. The coleslaw was made with red cabbage, peanuts which really added a different flavor and texture, mayo and mustard. Then he topped off the meal with a chocolate cake from scratch. It is so nice to have a relative that graduated from a culinary college.

Wednesday will be my sisters birthday. I had bought a spiral ham and ingredients to make home made mac and cheese before I was invited to yesterdays dinner. I am still planning on making it on Wednesday to celebrate my DH and sisters birthday. I just love birthdays as they are a way of celebrating life.............

To vote or not to vote

2008-11-04T12:17:00.004-05:00

Well today is the day for each American to make their choice..to vote or not to vote. I would only imagine that most americans will vote. Today will be the day America chooses it's new president. Who will the fourty fourth president be??? Either candidate will make history one way or another...either Americas first black president, or Americas first female vice president.

I can remember when I became of age to register to vote. I had always wanted to vote seeing my dad leave for the polls. A few times he had let me tag along his London Fog Coat. He was so proud the day I registered to vote. Boy do I ever miss that man. He was there the night I voted for the very first time.

This evening as my family we will go to the polls together, another childhood dream. The typical all american family...Mom, Dad, Son and Daughter. Just don't tell them how to vote....but I do try to persuade them..LOL

I'm proud to be an American.

another one hits 50

2008-11-03T13:32:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my dear brother-in-law. Today he hits the big 50. Saturday we had cake and a lasagna dinner.

Childhood Memories

2008-11-02T11:59:00.002-05:00

I can always remmeber my favorite christmas tree of all. It was a silver tree with a color wheel. I just thought it was the greatest ever. I wish I had a picture of it, I have one pic that you can see a small amount of the tree. I was in Sturbridge shopping at my favorite store. Susan Secret Garden. She had a table top silver tree. She also had a silver wreath. I can't wait to decorate and enjoy my "childhood memory tree". Wow guess I just named an artifical tree. She will sit on a round table with a digital photo frame in front. I will load a memory card with christmas pictures of old and new. Will add some christmas music to the card as well. I am enclosing a pic of my new tree, and will update as I work on it. I have some gorgeous beaded balls that I have made, and I am hoping that the tree will be big enough and strong enough.

You called this a what

2008-11-01T21:55:00.004-04:00

Last month I celebrated my 50th birthday.

My sister and children thru me a surprise party. was I ever so surprised. And you just never know what kind of pictures and movies that are being taken. I am going to share the funniest video ever. Thanks to my sister-in-law for capturing this one. I hope it gives you a good laugh, as we all know we all could use a good laugh these days. Enjoy the laughs are on me.