A love of dishes

I have a thing for dishes...and don't think I could ever have too many. These are my sentimental favorite as my mom got these as a young woman. I do think that the "Dainty Blue" pattern by Shelley is so pretty too!

For some reason I am always attracted to platters. My husband always jokes, "go ahead and get it, you know we have nothing to serve from." Lucky for him, I never want anything full price.

Finding a plate, platter or other sort of dish at a yard sale, Goodwill or thrift shop is so fun for me! Even if it is a bit chippy- all the more memories it brings with it. The price is a thrill too! My glassware is from an auction. A friend made the purchase of the entire set for just a few dollars. Not needing them, she passed the bargain on to me. After washing them all I ended up with a cupboard of beautiful crystal. Now if one breaks, no problem! I will have to open that cupboard for a picture- one of these days!
These Lady Carlyle plates are from a set that my mother in law has given me over the years. I never chose a pattern of china as a new bride but finally gave in after being married 20 years. My tastes change and I had other things I wanted. I do like these. I love the plate rack that Joe built for me.

Missing in Action

Writing action that is...or thinking about writing action..... this paper I am writing has me overwhelmed and I feel stuck inside looking out on my garden.



Although I did bring some of the garden in to enjoy.

I am working to wrap the paper up this week as I am getting ready to host a bridal shower for an upcoming family wedding. My husband's barong arrived this week. Here he is modeling it. His brother is marrying a Phillipine woman and they are wearing the traditional barong in the wedding.

(I posted this picture especially for you, Joe and Tom!)

In the garden

It is so hot that I feel as droopy as this sunflower looks.

I was at a conference in Pittsburgh for a few days and when I got home I was greeted by the first of our hibiscus blossoms. Even they are a bit droopy from the heat. I love hibiscus. These are not as impressive as the hibiscus hedges we had in Aruba.


I also found a bumper crop of swiss chard waiting to be picked. You can see that I did not waste any time picking it! I love it sauted with garlic and am constantly amazed at how it shrinks!

Can You Can?

Interested in canning? I have not done any in years but might try my hand at it again. Sandy at 4 Reluctant Entertainers is having a giveaway. Go to her site and leave her a comment to enter the give away! By the way, your local Cooperative Extension is a great resource for all sorts of home preservation information. Try some of these links to get you started.

National Center for Home Preservation

University of Nebraska

Penn State Let's Preserve Newsletter

Let's Preserve

USDA Complete Canning Guide

Yard Sale Find

Didn't come home with much on Saturday but did find a mirror I love. Here is the before and after. The glass has the well worn patina that I love. Wonder what stories this mirror could tell? It was originally on a dresser and the shopper before me bought the dresser and left the mirror. For $12, I'll take it!

Grammy's girl!

I just can't get enough of this little lady!!!

And speaking of little ladies, Kris made the cutest Sunbonnet Sue!

SH!......I'm working:)

I decided that if I have to write this Masters paper, I might as well be comfortable doing so. I am working from home today enjoying a top ten day on the patio. Would love to be able to do this everyday!

Happy Birthday!

Twenty eight years sure goes quickly. So many happy memories that I would love to slip back into for a day. I love you, Joe! Enjoy your special day!

4-H Fashion Revue

Each year I get so excited when I see the garments that our 4-H members have made. Some are as young as 8! These are the participants in our county this year. Yesterday we had a regional revue where 66 members from 9 counties competed for spots to attend the state competition. I give our volunteer leaders all the credit for the time and energy they devote to our sewers!
I have the easy job of overseeing their efforts.
The two to the left, along with the gown below, were selected to go on to the state competition.

The garments below were done by the younger members.

Happy Fourth!

Be sure to scroll down to my June 18 post for more red white and blue in my garden!
I am looking forward to spending some time relaxing with family and friends. I am so thankful to live in a country where I can do so freely.

I finally finished the patio chair cushions! I needed the pressure of a 4th of July get together to push me to it! Now to make the placemats I have planned.


Enjoy your 4th wherever you may be!