If Our Christmas Tree could Talk

I was looking at this picture the other day. It is an old stone shed my dad built back in the early 1950's. When seeing all this snow, I was remembering the week before Christmas when we would  bring   a fresh cut Christmas tree into the house. ( this would be after 2-3 weeks whaling " Mom..Tille has her tree up now, why can't we???" ) A week before Christmas, Dad would take us out to Scheirs to find a tree. Once we had a big snow storm and I cried, thinking we wouldn't get out to get a tree that year! Dad relented and took us out to get a tree. We got stuck in the snow,  returning home with a tree 5 hours later. Of course...the tree was always too big to fit inside the door let alone stand up inside the house..so out to the shed daddy would go to cut down the trunk a bit to make it fit inside the house right.Fresh trees didn't have signs on them saying "6 feet."and I always leaned towards bigger being better  .  We had no formal tree stand. Mom had a big heavy crock which we would put lime stone or bricks inside the crock to stablize the tree. We would need to water it each day to keep it fresh. . Mom would send us out to  this  shed to dig up some stones from the frozen flower bed there ( I would later become a great admirer of the Christmas stand!)and bring into the house for the crock. Our tree  never stood up long though and soon mom would be wiring  it up in place to what ever she could use to anchor it to..usually a door casing or window sill.  Once the tree was finally  up, the fun part would start! 
Mom made cookies for our trees and had them wrapped in cellophane and tied them onto the tree with red ribbons. She had her favorite ornaments of old glass bulbs, birds and angel Christmas cards  she always hung each year..cards she had bought for her daughters years ago. I still have "my special  card" from mom. For a tree skirt, she used a red satin fabric. some times under the tree whe would place her putz village, but as grandchildren came along, the putz village was placed up on table tops.  The tree was always beautiful. We had  light bulbs then that would get very hot, so we could never leave it burning long. Dad always feared that a fire could start and had us watering the tree daily...problem was...the water would be gone by night time...and this is when we discovered our dog , Pal, was not only in there drinking the water... but also eating the cookies from the lower branches of the tree!  I mentioned earlier about the tree falling over every year ..... On Christmas day,  grandkids would delight in the tree at grandma's that had Santa face cookies hanging on it for them. They would pull themselves a cookie off the tree..except the tree usually came with the cookies!  It always  stirred up a lot of excitement seeing our dear little ones literally under the tree!
 as i look back and remember what our tree would have talked about..I have to think our tree would also say what wonderful parents those Wellman kids had!

An important message

I want to introduce a wonderful artist and friend, Pat Fischer. I wrote an article about her, and dedicate it to national PHA ,who is promoting a national awareness about Pulmonary Hypertenion this month. Please come visit us at my blog, The Carriage House,  meet Pat and Joe, and educated yourself more on this very serious condition. thanks cindy~

Joe and Pat Fischer at the PHA Meeting, St Louis Mo.


Carriage House Addy
 http://featuredkeepingroomsisters.blogspot.com/

PHA sste for info, donations and to buy gifts is
  http://www.phassociation.org/


Best wishes and thanks for helping us
get the word out about PH !


 PHA logo

http://www.phassociation.org/

Lordy Lordy guess who's Fourty!!
Somebody is having a birthday today!

November 9th 

Happy Birthday  Mom!

Love from Ryan,

   Jeremy and Sean

Grandma and Grandpa

 

Grandmas Betty and Val

Jill & (not pictured)...Bob

Have a very special day!!

Putz Houses

What is a Putz house?
Accordng to Big Indoor Trains  website ," one collector, Ted Althof, cardboard houses made to be filled with candy were around in the early 1900s. But the "breakthrough" came when Japanese-made pasteboard houses started coming with colored celophane windows and a hole in the back for electric Christmas tree lights, which were just becoming available to most families. This breakthrough may have occurred in the mid-1920s. But the earliest definite catalog listing Ted can find of such a set comes from 1928.
At first there was no glitter to speak of - evidently it took the cardboard houses a few years to evolve into the glitter-covered buildings most of us remember today. Ted has catalogued an amazing variety of these things and attempted to narrow down which kinds were made in which years. So, when you visit his site (the link is listed below), be certain to check his history pages."
 Why they were called putz houses?..It  is meant to "fuss,  ...putz around "as  our German ancestors called it, getting their Christmas decorations all displayed. ...and I enjoyed putzing around fixing these houses.!

I had fun making these Putz Houses. I have fond memories of my own mom setting them up at Christmas, which I posted pictures of on this blog site ( last year) I made these from cut up plain old cardboard boxes, lollipop sticks ,cello, a special cutter for the edging, glue, snowtex and glitter. It has been fun, though I wouldn't want to make a living from it! Right now I look like the glittery fairy queen..all sparkly !
I will post the pictures in the stages I made them...enjoy!

construction is 4 inches square.Lollipop porch rail and

paper punched trim (bought the punch at walmarts)

I added clear plastic in front of the windows

and behind that printed windows as below. alo painted it off white color and added blue roof.

and child greeters in a doorway

 then embellished with twiggy wreath, pines and lots of glitter!

In the Village, We Can Build a Snowman!

"Putzes" were described to me by mom as glitter houses .She said she remembered families would set landscape and community around the Christmas tree, with the stable and baby Jesus in the center. . In her own home, she would make a putz village with little fake trees and "frozen lake" made of aluminum foil or small mirrors. Once she used blue paper and put a clear glass over it, which is what I did for my own village this year. In years past , I marveled over the scene of lakes and snow with these beautiful little houses with glowing lights inside.Mom usually placed hers on the lamp table in the front window area of the living room. One year I remember it being under the tree, always a traditional thing for her to have out...just as her own mom had done . Building "scenes" such as this was once traditional to many families. I was thrilled to see that stores like Bergner's and Farm& Fleet had putz houses for sale this year..the old fashioned , glittery card board kind!! . I bought some and brought them home to build a village! My grandson , Jeremy , helped me arrange them and a family's old tradition was restarted. It has always interested me to learn to make these houses and even more so, to collect the old ones like my grandma might have used. However, with small grandchildren, I decided to not go that route this year, and let them enjoy helping with ones that weren't of such great value.

From what mom always said , Putz in Germany meant to keep working..like to putz around with a project until you are satisfied with it. A holiday display as this would be something families would work on and putter with until Christmas Eve came...to this day collectors call those glittered houses "putzes". I see some nice ones on Ebay , along with the animals, but really can't afford those..so this is Jeremy's and my version of a putz village.

American Pickers come to Judy and Maury's!

I received these most exciting news from "cousin" Judy today.  Pictured are Judy myself and sister Helen a month ago, before all the excitement of the TV interview  was done ( read more below from Judy)

Sept, 2010

Hi Family and Friends -

Well, it's now history. The History Channel was here filming for eight hours total on Sunday and Monday. They are doing a new series on antiques and "the art of junking" to be aired January-March. It is called "American Pickers" and is hosted by two men (Mike and Frank) from the Quad Cities who have a business called Antique Archaeology (www.antiquearchaeology.com). They are professional "pickers" who pick up antiques wherever they can find them and sometimes sell stuff themselves and sometime sell to dealers. When my folks had the antique shop in Chicago back in the 1970s they had some great "pickers" including an insurance salesmen who found them an original Tiffany lamp my mom bought for $2,000 and sold for $18,000 to a well-known antique gallery in New York.
The program focuses on the guys finding antiques in barns, attics, basements and places like our warehouse. They told me in advance the guys might like to buy a couple items from us but they left with a truckload - and they weren't ready to leave. The producers made them leave for the next shoot - but they said they will definitely come back to find more goodies. We need to get a lot of the stuff in the warehouse cleaned out. In case something happens to me the kids wouldn't know what are antiques and what is junk. I don't want the kids to have to someday deal with all that stuff. These guys really liked the junk better than the quality antiques and we have lots of extra cash now. There were several things they wanted to purchase but I said sorry those are for Midway Village, our local museum. And up in the warehouse we found a box of antique train track they wanted and I said sorry those are for our friend Tom. I also found up in the warehouse a pallet box (4' x 8' x 8') full of stuff that belonged to my first husband, Bruce. He put it in storage with Maury three years after I divorced him and of course never paid Maury (about $7,000). It will be interesting to go through all that stuff.
The show is generally about digging for junk and they just wanted to go through the warehouse so I turned them down initially. They called immediately to try to change my mind and let me know they were changing the show to tell our story and feature our apartment. They had been very impressed by the written tour of our apartment and the photos I e-mailed them.

They filmed most of our apartment and me telling the various stories plus a 1/2 hour interview with me in the General Store. We got Maury up in his wheelchair and he was good enough that he could talk about his tools some - and he was sure proud. He also was very clear to me that "no tools are for sale." I considered this an opportunity to honor Maury and his love of junking. His favorite was to dig in the dirtiest places to find treasures.

I'm surprised I wasn't nervous at all and guess it's because of all the tours we gave all those years and remembering how much Maury enjoyed sharing the stories. It was quite an education having eight people surrounding us with two cameras, sound equipment and directing all the action. As they were leaving the Producer and Director thanked me and said I was a "natural actress in front of the camera." The company that is filming this series is Cineflix in Toronto and they also produce some of the shows I watch on Home & Garden Television: Property Virgins, The Unsellables and For Rent. I did my homework before I agreed to make sure they were reputable.

Well, now it will be a long wait until it airs, probably in January - and I hope they do a good job editing all that film down to 15 minutes of on-air time. They will let me know the exact date and I'll pass it on.

In the last shot of film I thanked Mike and Frank for making me remember all the good years and the fun times Maury and I went digging for junk. Now I have tears in my eyes.

Judy
 
 
 

If the glove fits, wear it?

Bob was out on the patio grilling burgars, and had  an observer watching him today...Seems this toad has taken up residence in one of my birdhouses. I was asked if the glove is a birdhouse...yes it sure is! I purchased it on vacation one year while out west..it is made from a hard plastic but sure looks real doesn't it! ( Mr toad I am told,is a tree frog ..he is real! )

 

Welcome to the Carriage House !

I have started  a new  blog which features some pretty talented and wonderful friends . Every month or two, I will be interviewing and featuring them   at The Carriage House. I hope you will take time and visit their websites and take advantage of some great merchandise they have for sale . ( I f Santa is reading this, I want one of each! )        Cindy ( who has been a very good girl this year! )

Starting to get the porch ready for Fall.......

I reversed the piece of plywood and painted a Fall quilt ( was a red , white, and blue one before. I have had fun fooling the neighbors with these faux quits..one lady came up to my porch and said." Aren't you afraid that quilt will fade?"

I liked the old paths, when

Moms were at home.

Dads were at work.

Brothers went into the army.

And sisters got married BEFORE having children!

Crime did not pay;

Hard work did;

And people knew the difference.

Moms could cook;

Dads would work.

Children would behave.

Husbands were loving;

Wives were supportive;

And children were polite. 

Hymns sounded Godly;

Sermons sounded helpful;

Rejoicing sounded normal;

And crying sounded sincere.

Cursing was wicked;

Drugs were for illness;

And divorce was unthinkable..

The flag was honored;

America was beautiful;

And God was welcome!

We read the Bible in public;

Prayed in school;

And preached from house to house

To be called an American was worth dying for;

To be called a Christian was worth living for;

To be called a traitor was a shame!

Preachers preached because they had a message;

And Christians rejoiced because the y had the VICTORY!

Preachers preached from the Bible;

Singers sang from the heart;

And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!

A new birth meant a new life;

Salvation meant a changed life;

Following Christ led to eternal life.

God was worshiped;

Christ was exalted;

And the Holy Spirit was respected..

Church was where you found Christians

On the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,

On the creek bank, on the golf course,

Or being entertained somewhere else.

I still like the old paths the best!

To See the World in a Grain of Sand

And Heaven in a Wild Flower

Hold Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand

And Eternity In an Hour

William Blake

Happy Birthday Sis!
Helen  PageSept 8th

 

Collections..Bob White Red Wing Pottery

I thought I would share something that mom collected. ( also this song "When I went down to the river to pray", our choir is singing sunday , so I am playing it while i post this..helps me learn my part better! LOL) My daughter Stephanie's Red wing Pottery collection proudly sits in my buffet now, as she doesn't have the room for it and I am very excited to have it! Her grandma started collecting this back in the 60's and had so many pieces, she divided it up amongst her grand daughters. I remember taking mom around to antique shops, rummage sales, and even to Red Wing, Minnestoa to find these rare pieces of pottery. The fun was in the hunt and seeing what we could find. One piece, a divided vegetable dish I found at a rummage sale for 50 cents. It was valued at around 45.00 at that time.

This is an ad they ran when making this pottery to sell to jewelry stores and department stores. Red wing pottery is a much sought after and a fine quality pottery . A strike was the cause of the pottery company closing, and many pieces were destroyed in this strike.



Red Wing Pottery got its name from its location, Red Wing, Minnesota. Founded in 1861, the company began producing dinnerware in 1935 and continued until closing in 1967. Bob White is probably their most recognizable pattern and has some very unusual and charming shapes.When the company went out of business in 1967, Red Wing was the only commercial pottery manufacturer in the U.S. still hand-painting dinnerware.

1956 Red Wing Pottery Ad for Bob White Pattern - Bob White “makes dining a dramatic event!”

Steph and Ryan got the boys bigger beds, so when these bunk beds went to the garage, I talked grandpa into making benches from them, as the wood was good. We have these downstairs where the grandkids play and are nice and sturdy for little boys to play!

My Grandma Justine's Apron

This is an apron worn by my Grandma Justine (aka Gussie) Schutz. I can only guess the age of the apron to be pre 1926. The fabric is a homespun and feels so soft.It is in excellent condition for being around 100 years old. I found a patch on the front that she darned shut ..priceless isn't it!

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the
dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a
potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.It was
wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion
was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.From the chicken
coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks,
and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the
warming oven.When company came, those aprons were ideal
hiding places for shy kids.And when the weather was cold,
grandma wrapped it around her arms.Those big old aprons
wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood
stove.Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen
in that apron.From the garden, it carried all sorts of
vegetables After the peas had been shelled, it carried out
the hulls.In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples
that had fallen from the trees.When unexpected company drove
up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old
apron could dust in a matter of seconds.When dinner was
ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron,
and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to
dinner.It will be a long time before someone invents
something that will replace that 'old-time apron'
that served so many purposes.Send this to those who would
know (and love) the story about Grandma's
aprons.REMEMBER:Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies
on the window sill to cool.Her granddaughters set theirs on
the window sill to thaw.They would go crazy now trying to
figure out how many germs was on that apron.I don't
think I ever caught anything from an apron--except love
..........Author Unknown

The following are pictures that Jane and Teresa found in the US Library of Congress archive, regarding mom's house and the man who first inhabited it, Dr Adams. How nice of Jane to find the information and share it with our family. She and Teresa have been hard at work at the house this year..you can follow their progress at http://stonehomefarm.blogspot.com/ I have written previopusly about the history of this home and you can reference it here.
Helen writes about the pictures " Didn't you love those pictures that Jane came up with? I do feel that the man in the center of the picture with 3 men looks like Dad. This was on the tail end of the depression; could not help but notice there were no curtains in the post office. Later in December when the photos were taken, Mom had curtains up, the vine was gone from the front of the Post Office that had been in the picture in the summer. Did you notice that the rose bush was in one of the pictures? And "Old Filo"? These pictures must be what Mom remembered of the "Men who came and laid out drawings on her dining room table" and took information back for the archives. Wish she could have lived to see these pictures".

Old Time Corn Fritters

Mom used to make these every year..I had forgotton about them and how good they taste! OLD TIME CORN FRITTERS ..what is a fritter you ask? A fritter, by definition, is food that is mixed with batter and then dropped into hot fat.Using a large spoon, gently drop (really don’t drop, more like, place. This is hot oil after all.) some of the batter into the oil. They will expand a little, so space them apart and do not overcrowd the pan. Flip once and remove when golden brown. fry these for 3-5 minutes ..then Drain on a paper towel, salt and serve.



Serve fritters warm with maple syrup.
Serves 6.


3 eggs, beaten
2 cups crushed corn
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/4 c. flour, approx
Oil for deep frying

Mix together corn, beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, salt and pepper, adding just enough flour to hold fritters together.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road..
Unless you miss the turn

Our Trip to Brookfield Zoo

What a thumbprint on an unhappy face looks like...LOL..or is it the screen, what do you think?

What a sucker on a happy face looks like!

This is Jeremy, the Photographer of the day

School will be starting in just three weeks and Jeremy registers today...where has the summer gone? Yesterday we packed up the kids and a cooler and took a holiday and went to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Jeremy is infatuated with my camera, and was practicing with it in the car before we got there..(therefore , you may notice his thumb print on a picture or two) He brought out a lens cleaner and saved the day though and got some pretty good shots..in fact , I am quite impressed how well he did. Grandma took a few as well to document the day..in fact 60 in all! . One surprise I had was after giving the boys some quarters for "duck food", I had Sean put them in his pocket...when he saw the ducks..he did just what he thought he was supposed to do...threw the quarters into the pond for the ducks...(after noticiing coins in the bottom pool of water). Ha! He is so sharp eyed and doesn't miss much.
Also pictured was a couple fun spots the kids enjoyed...a spraying of water to run through..and a playground. We had a great time! Sean wasn't too happy when we told him it was time to go home .

Never To Old..(.I think!)

Last year, after seeing the great pictures my nieces were getting of the kids, I just had to have myself a good camera. I went to Best Buy and spoke to this nice young man and said " I know absolutely nothing about taking pictures and need a camera that is " Grandma Friendly". He smiled at that statement and brought out Sony's Digital Still Cyber Shot which he said was complete with a duo digital card and also had a very good hand book of instructions with it...."a piece of cake..the camera does the work for you", he assured me. When I got home there was no handbook to be seen, so I thought...I found it today in the original box...a CD ! OK.......did I tell you I was slow about today's new technology??? I put the CD into the computer and read through the instructions and found this young man really did sell me a nice camera! Not only does it have a good automatic feature for Grandmas with no camera skills, but has some good advice for getting larger prints showing you how to get better settings, it also takes movie shots, and has a setting that I can use to play on HDTV. We plugged it into the TV last night and sure enough, it does! We are taking the family to Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. I will be sure to get some good shots of Jeremy and Sean .It will give me a chance to experiement on different settings, even those with active little boys! I now even know how to take off all the old pictures I don't need to keep anymore! Here is a practice shot to try out my auto adjustment first. As hard as it is to believe..I never knew what the camera was set on before! I think the salesman saw that coming and had it set for me in advance..LOL What is this you ask? It is a little basket I put two diffuser jars inside that Stephanie gave me..thought they were kind of cute and plan on doing a Fall craft project with them one of these days.

From Aunt Helen and Aunt Cindy

Pictures ...if we knew how to take them, but with some help at this wonderful site..maybe there is hope for us yet! ... Aunt Helen and Aunt Cindy were always seen at family gatherings with a camera in their hands right?? no small wonder our nieces have taken to being shutterbugs, seems we always were chasing them around to get the perfect picture! ...the difference being, Helen and I just " aim and shoot..." and sometimes even miss..which is really a nice feature of digital cameras today..you can afford to miss a few! For some really great photos ( we already know these are suberb...yah right)...go to I love faces and see some wonderful shots. BTW.. Angie Janine, Andrea, and Danielle, are our nieces...we are so proud of their accomplishments with the camera!

helen says ...I had to send pictures of my 2 houseguests for 10 days! what a pair. They quickly learned that after being outside, they would get a treat after coming inside. Mc Lovin is the rat terrier and Gizmo, the Boston terrier.... Submitted by Aunt Helen

Pappa and Sean talking a walk by the River...

Submitted by Aunt Cindy

Anyone feeling hungry???

Here is a great recipe to try out..healthy and delicious!!

Applesauce Bran Muffins


1/2 cup bran or wheat germ (I use wheat germ)


1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour


1 tsp. baking soda


1 tsp. cinnamon


1/3 tsp ground cloves


1/3 cup honey


2 egg whites


1 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce


4 tbsp. canola oil


1/2 cup raisins


Blend all of the dry ingredients together first, mixing thoroughly. Then add the wet ingredients and stir until smooth. Fill muffin containers approximately 2/3 full.


Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean from the center. These are a success every time you bake them and have a wonderful soft texture. Serving size 1= muffin. grams of total fat= 2.5


This makes 12 regular muffins; or 6 of the large ones. I use the silicone baking containers, large size, which took 20 to 25 minutes to bake.

Enjoy!
as we have more to show and tell!
We had the kids over last night..here is Sean and Jeremy

A new blog to see!

Mom, we shall always think of you wandering through a garden, like that which you fashioned with your own hands, where flowers never fade and no cold wind of sorrow blights our hopes and plans....And on your face, the peace of one whose whole life through, walked with God ...always optimistic and appreciative of life's blesssings.

Your Devoted Daughters

Recently Jane and Teresa purchased Grandma Wellman's home...Jane has started a blog Stone Home Farm and plans to update improvements on the blog . . It would be great venue to share improvements . Bringing a home back to life again is a huge undertaking, but they have what it takes in their hearts and abilities. I know many of you all will be interested...please stop by and give them a thumbs up!! .

My heart is singing.today , knowing moms house is in good hands.

Char, at The Pickled Pepper Patch  , once offered these wonderful templates for Jar labels. I finally got around to making good use of them on my 2 quart vintage jars. Thanks Char! 

Part 1..Mom's house has been sold!

For those that know the Wellman family, it has been a long wait for the right people to come along and love mom's house as we do. Thanks to Jane and Teresa who live next door, that time finally came! Jane invited us down for lunch and a tour of the place, talking about their work there and future plans of the house and property. ( possibly as a guest house) She is a wonderful cook by the way. We had burgers, broccoli/cauliflower salad, watermelon and home made carrot cake..the best I have ever eaten!

Here we are, on our way to see moms house...in the rain!( so exciting!!)

Jane said they spent all week removing brush and overgrown trees from the front yard to "open up" and let the house breath, plus power washed and scrubbed all the green algae from the siding , and Teresa put on a new basement door. The pictures show there is much work to do, but no doubt and thanks to Jane and Teresa, Grandma's home will one day take on a new life! Yippeee!

I think the house is smiling at us! <>

Awwww...look ! flowers are still blooming at Grandma's!

Jane, Helen and Cindy ( and Jane's friendly doggie! )

After a few years agonizing over the sale of mom's house and seeing it deteriorate so, my family was thrilled when moms good neighbors announced they were buying the house. As many of you know already, this is a very old and historic home of Lee Country, Built by the town's first doctor in 1837. (History write up on this blog site here)

As we visited yesterday we couldn't help but notice the amount of work and love they have invested in their home. Mom's house sits right next door to theirs and much of the stone work is similar, being built around the same time. They "go together well" . Mom would be thrilled! Right now however, clearing up the brush, trees, weeds from years of neglect, are badly needed and will take them a couple years to restore the yard alone. the house was power washed, removing all the old green mossy growth and looks so better already. How very hard these gals have worked so far! I will keep you updated on grandmas house...better yet, maybe Jane will start a blog on this adventure!

The new owners live here in this wonderful older

Italian styled home.( and yes, it is slap gorgeous inside!!)

See how the stone matches what mom had on her house? Mom's place was originally two rooms and served as home and office for Dr Adams. Jane's larger home was Originally inhabited by La Forge and then Shaw's, I think.The walls are two foot thick, as the smaller house is, with seats in all the windows. Congratulations on your purchase Jane and Teresa! I will post their blog site should Jane get one going ...she has so much history and restoration knowledge, I know you all will want to hear about!

A Message from Stephanie

"This is the home that four generations of my mother's family had lived in in Lee Center, IL. It was built in 1837 and was the home of Dr. Adams, a well-known physician and Illinois statesman. Trapdoors leading to the basement were found by my grandfather in the original stone part of the house and it's suspected they were either a means to escape hostile parties that roamed the area at that time such as the Banditti or possibly the home had connections with the Underground Railroad which hid escaped slaves making their journey north for freedom. (My grandfather later built an addition to the original house as well as the garage behind it).My grandparents settled into the home when they were married in 1927 and raised 5 children. Numerous family photos reflect the happiness that the house contained...holiday dinners, bridal and baby showers, plays and sleepovers with grandchildren, outdoor gatherings, visits from family, neighbors, and friends. The home was sold in 2003, a couple of years before my grandmother passed away and unfortunately, the home and its grounds fell into neglect, disrepair, and eventually abandonment by its owners.Recently, it was purchased by a neighboring couple who are currently working on clearing away the yard debris and will eventually restore the home.These pictures are the first time I've seen the home since it was sold. I spent much of my childhood here in the summertime, playing with the neighborhood kids and helping my grandmother take care of her yard. It was a welcoming and beautiful place to visit and experience growing up. My grandmother was an avid gardener and well known for her beautiful flowers and large vegetable gardens. My cousins and I used to go down in the raspberry patches to pick berries. She loved to bake and while she lived there, the house had the permanent smell of baked sweet rolls and bread. In the 70's after my grandfather passed away, she opened her home to the public as a craft consignment shop which she ran successfully for over 10 years. The house not only served as a family home but for many years, the original stone part was a post office until my grandfather retired as the Post Master for Lee Center.I can't help but look at this and feel an overwhelming mixture of sadness and nostalgia for it because everything I remembered of it is now gone or destroyed."
Location: Lee Center IL

Matilda says she likes it...I do too!

We just finished the front porch today. We added new carpet and a porch railing. What an ordeal..nothing is ever easy, but always worth the effort! Matilda and I think Bob did a good job!

Where's the Lemonade??

This cute little fella just hopped off the postal truck and I just love it! It was made by

Barbara @ http://nccabininthewoods.blogspot.com/

a favorite crafter of mine! She said to tell you she is taking orders if anyone if interested ( 18.00 plus postage)

Our trip to Frankenmuth Michigan

This past week, we took the boys and drove to Frankenmuth ,Michigan. I can't say enough about the beauty of this town and all they have to offer. We stayed at this hotel and enjoyed way too much yummy food and goodies during our stay in Michigan...and had a wonderful time. I picked up a couple things" I had to have". The first is a glass bee keep from a birding shop and the second candle and holder from the Yandle Candle shop...got this half price. I also found some Fall decor pieces half price, which I will show later.

Check out my garden at Veggie garden pictures

A blessing to share with you....

Sunday school 1947 at The Church in the Valley , Penisula , Ohio

Effective July 1st of this year , my BIL Jerry, I was called to serve as the Pastoral Care Minister for The Church in the Valley located at 2241 Everett Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264.

Jerry writes "This is a beautiful church located in a National Park. Their previous pastor John Fisk died about two years ago. They are still searching for his replacement. While this search continues I will minister with them and to them. My main duties will include building a Sunday School Department, starting and leading a Wednesday night prayer group, making calls to people in the hospital and those who can no longer come to church. I will also lead the Sunday services when we don’t have a visiting preacher who is a candidate for the permanent position of Senior Pastor.I am excited about this opportunity to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please pray for me. Pray that God will give me the wisdom, temperament, love, and grace needed do all for His glory. The church website is: http://churchinthevalley.org/ "

Congratulations , and May god Bless you Karen and Jerry , with this new mission.We are so proud of you both!

Spike's Backyard

Spike Odell is a well known radio commentator from Chicago. He and his wife recently retired and moved to Tennesee. (He also is cousin to our best friends, Jan and Glenn). Today Jan sent me his website ...looks like he is having a great retirement ..check it out! This website is so cool! The baby bluebirds are now hatched and thriving well.

Spike's Backyard

Ashley visits Paris!

My niece Ashley , recently went with 6 other French students from Dixon High.( date is June 8, 2009..Ashley had a problem with the date on the camera) . Their teacher went with them to a 8 day trip touring France. This trip is offered every 4 years for participating foreign language students. They left on June 8th and came back the 16th. Dixon teamed up with 2 other schools to have a full tour, Philly and TX. The kids left and spent the first 3 days in Paris before departing on a tour of castles and challets. Ashley's only wish was to have escargo. She got her wish when another student had food choices as "interesting" as hers ...lol. Ashley said the onion keesh was "awful". She said the bread and cheese were to die for. Ashley wishes she could import French bottled water, "as ours does not even compare to the taste of French water." A few of her group lived on desserts. She made it eight days without pop. Her mom doesn't blame her as it cost $5 a can there. She said she saw the dreaded WC sign (water closets) and avoided them. These are unisex outhouse on the street, waist high the parents must of objected to the wine tasting party they were invited to. Drinking age is 14 in France. She brought back a cork. Ashley brought back tons of pictures and cool gifts. Ashely decided she didnt want things for herself so came back with over $75 in French money to start a money collection. Goes well with the Krona dated in the late 1800's that was Great Grandma Birdies. The 8 hour flight back went better than going, the movies worked that time.

New craft room site

I am now posting new projects and craft ideas at the craft room...Hope you can come check it out! Cindy
http://primcynscraftroom.blogspot.com/

My sister, My Friend...Helen

Cherished Friends ~ a Good Messagage

I wanted to share this email sis sent today...it goes to show how precious friendships are. Helen had such a good friend, Jackie, and she has some good reflections to share.

The following was written by Helen.
I just found the time to catch up on my e-mail; these are so beautiful.( vintage book marks pictured in this blog) I took a one night class on counted cross stitch along with my friend Jackie. It was a hoot!! She and I talked and giggled far too much and the end result was my Amish man and woman had their feet on crooked when I was done. I still have that piece of counted cross stitch somewhere and always have said I would make a pillow cover from it. Jackie passed away suddenly and unexpectedly 4 years ago from a massive heart attack. She was one to get me into doing things I otherwise would have never done; such as..the Stretch & Sew class that was so popular when polyester fabrics were the rage; ceramics (we created dozens of dishes, nicknacks, etc. and a quilt class. We worked together at a catalog store at the time and did these things in the evenings when we were far too tired from work to be trying such stuff. But what fun we had and memories to cherish; especially now that she has passed on. I just recently finished the quilt that I started when she and I took the class in the 80's. I asked her husband if she ever finished hers and he said he thought he saw a box of quilt squares in their basement. I encouraged him to find it and take it to the quilt group at the church that she and he were active in; I know they would finish it for him if he should like to keep it.

It is amazing to think about the people who have touched our lives over the years and the effect they had on us at the time.

Make a great day! Love, Sis

Happy 5th Anniversary Stephanie and Ryan

Has it been 5 years already?? This picture was taken on their wedding day near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ryan's parents, Jill and Bob, plus Bob, I and the boys were there to witness the happy occasion. I have to say, it was one of the nicest yet simplest weddings I have even been to. The minister that married them, lived in the moutnains and had a lovely wedding chapel and beautiful surroundings to magnify what was to be a very special occasion. Jill and I later would find ourselves around an open Indian ceremonial fire , to celebrate the occasion with some Indians that stopped by to show us the wedding and fertility dance...Yes..Jill and I danced with the Indians! ..plus had a wonderful Italian meal after the wedding . What a happy memory for everyone! . Happy Anniversary Steph and Ryan!

The Boys have been having fun while here during mom and dad's anniversary weekend. ...Jer and Sean went outside last evening, and did the"slip n slide" water mat for about an hour non stop...great fun! We put the pop up tent up in the living room...Sean was so excited, a wonder they ever got to sleep.. but as you see, they did.

It took a good hour to reach Slumberland...............along with Great Grandma June's aphagans...she would be pleased to know they were still being used to keep her great grandchildren warm !

Someone new is blogging! As I often tend to write a lot about my family, I have asked my sisters to be coauthors at the Gathering room.. Sister Helen sent me this memory she has about rain. It is so true ..certain smells we sense will bring back times we fondly remember. Please leave a comment and welcome Helen !

Early this a.m. I awoke to hearing thunder and rain. It brought back memories of when I was young and had the room alone at the end of the hallway. They say that smell brings back memories; I had opened the back door and smelled the rain before going back to bed. And as I lay there listening to the storm, it clearly brought back the memory of how the windows would rattle when it thundered loudly; and the smell of the rain. And for a moment I felt like I was back there; so hard to describe. Have you ever experience moments like that? Also remembered how the rain would rush down the street gutters out front; and we would go wading in it. It all was so vivid; I felt like I was once again laying on my bed listening to the storm, I could see out the windows towards the garage and the stone house next door, the rain running down the windows. I loved listening to the storms. Helen.

"Gone Fishing"

Cindy, Karen and "Snookie"

Someone near Brainerd, Minn.

1953

Growing up in Northern Illinois, and surrounded by "boring flat fields of corn", it was always a treat for Karen and I to go fishing with the folks in Minnesota...where a beautiful lake surrounded by lots of pines and trees existed. I believe it was near the town Brainerd, Minnesota.
Sometimes, sister Helen and brother Don also would go but Howie was much older and in college at this time. We had a car load in that old 49 Plymouth , that is for sure.

This particular year, it was Karen, Don and myself with the folks...and probably my last trip fishing with Dad...and mom declared this was no longer on the list for vacations for her...LOL..here is why.

My sister had this thing about getting car sick, so the 13 hour ride up and back was never too much fun for either of us in that back seat!

Once there, the first couple days , my sister and I got into poison ivy and were miserable. It wouldn't be long and bed bugs would be discovered in the cabin and the rain would start. I remember these fold down wood window boards we would close to keep rain from coming into the cabin's screened windows. Mom and Don had gone fishing when a storm quickly came up. There were high winds and lightning, all the ingredients of a severe thunderstorm had marooned us to the cabin and Mom and Don to the lake. I could tell dad was very worried. It was a small miracle they didn't drown! Don walked the boat along the shoreline, getting mom safely back to us...which in itself was no easy feat. Mom had this look of hysteria on her face when they returned. A couple days later, I whined until dad and Don agreed to take me out in the boat to fish with them. What a disaster that ended up being! First of all, I had what I felt was a "monstrous bite" on my fishing line which frightened me . I had often heard the "huge northern pike" stories from my brothers...and the natural thing for me to do in self preservation was to throw the fishing pole into the lake and let that monster take it if he wanted it that bad! The sad thing was...it was my dad's brand new expensive fishing pole....which made me feel awful as dad never bought himself anything nice like that...and I threw it away! If that wasn't enough, my brother dove in to rescue the pole, staying under water a considerable time to try to find it, without success. I thought for sure the monster had eaten him! ...and began to cry...poor dad . When we got back to shore with my brother looking like a drowning victim, I jumped out of the boat only to get snared by a big fishing hook , which was embedded into my cheek. This led to more expense and a trip into Hayward to see the doctor , have it cut out in his office and to get a tetanus shot in my rump!
Needless to say, things didn't; go too well this fishing trip, but as I look at this picture I fondly remember all the good things about it as well and wouldn't trade the memories for anything. I did understand why mom wanted to stay home after that though and is why I seldom took my family on a fishing trip.
  Helen writes, "It is no wonder Mom did not want to go back!(LOL) I remember going one year with Dad, Howie and Don. That was the year that Mom stayed home with you girls. My hair was not combed for a whole week; it was a mess of snarls, etc. by the time we got back home and I am sure I was a dirty little Piggy. Dad did not make me do anything the whole time we were there; I was free as a bird! The fish were not biting good that year; remember that there were 2 lakes they could fish from? The one where we stayed in the fishing cabins was " Merrymack"??? and the other was Lake Edwards. One day Dad took me to Lake Edwards with out the boys; the fish were not biting our bait. However another group that were fishing nearby had some fish and offered one big one to us. Dad said to me "Let's tell the boys you caught this big one" and we did. They were really mad about that; there little sissy sister catching a big fish and they had none.
My memories are of the dive bomber mosquitos that attacked us. Between the holey screens and the cracks in the wood floor; they relished coming in and attacking us at night. I remember sleeping with the blankets over my head and hearing them buzzing. Also the Army worms that hung from the trees!! REmember the shack where you cleaned the fish? And the ice with sawdust on it; where you took your fish to keep on ice until going home? Also the little restaurant on the porch of Snookies parents house where we went to eat once in a while? I remember the time when we went in the old Plymouth and could not get up the hill at Woodbine. It was a 13 hour drive at best to Minnesota. Finally Dad let it coast all the way down the hill and found a little gas station in Woodbine. A bug was in the gas line; after that was taken care of..we were on our way to far away. I was so scared we weren't going to get up that hill. I remember it would get so hot that we would lay on the back seat (must have been crowded) and stick out feet out the windows. No wonder Karen got car sick; more of a wonder that we all didn't. It was a special time; we thought it was really great. Mom and Dad had a way of making our lives happy without spending a lot of money. And we earned that vacation by cutting asparagus..taught us responsibility as well. I wish our grandchildren had this kind of experience; they have so much, so young these days. "

Karen states " Even with the poison ivy (which Mom would go out and pull to keep us from getting it) and all the problems ,we had some wonderful summers in Minn. Wonder what happened to Snooky...never knew her real name! I do remember being checked for ticks and having them removed! "

My sister , Helen, recently wrote me, signing off her email by saying "Make a Good Day". She said that the other day while listening to the radio , an author was being interviewed. One of the remarks he made was..instead of saying to people "have a good day" ; he says " Make a good day". Makes sense doesn't it? Our days are affected by what we do and by positive thinking.

Make a Good Day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Old Vintage Book Markers

I found these today among some old family late 1800's papers and church pamplets that Bob's mom had once given me. I put them away and never really paid attention to these things. One newspaper is a history of the Chicago World's Fair written 1893 ( columbian Exposition ).
Notice how detailed the work that went into making these needlepoint creations! I plan to frame these under glass to preserve them better, but wanted to share this with you needlepointers out there first. All I can say is...someone sure had good eyesight to do such fine handiwork..I suspect it was his great grandmother's work.
Donna of Cottage Days & Journeys has given me some great resource sites if further interested in how these were made. Thanks Donna!
http://www.victoriana.com/Embroidery/perforatedpaper.html
http://www.tokensandtrifles.com/products/index.html.. .they have a complete product line of Tokens and Trifles™ and Trinkets™ sewing cards

Good friends to my family , The Woolheathers.1948

Ben and Anna Woolheather home ( later to be owned by Mrs. Hanneman) in Lee Center, Il.

Mrs. Anna Woolheather, believed to be the oldest member of the Rebekah Lodge in Illinois, quietly celebrated her 90th birthday last Friday at the home of her son and daughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Roy Woolheather where she makes her home. In good health, Mrs. Woolheather, a charter member of Abigail Rebekah Lodge # 759 here, and past noble grand, takes a lively interest in current events and is an avid radio fan. During her lifetime she has lived through four wars, and has witnessed the advent of electricity, radio and atomic power, as well as great development in transportation and agriculture. Dixon Telegraph Sat. Jan 31 1948

Uncle Louis..Thank a Soldier

I am going to write about a young man, Louis P Schultz, whom, when I was young, heard little about . Now ,as I have grown older, I have to ask myself about Louis and what was he like? I sure admire him for his bravery in War, and sacrifices made. The year prior to entering the armed services, he farmed with my grandfather outside of Sandwich, Illinois . Mom said they had a good childhood, often teasing and playing as kids do. They swam in a small stream nearby and walked 2 miles to Sandy Bluff School. When 26 yrs, Louis had entered the army and was stationed at Camp Grant..Later, he would die in France, ( World war I), "going over th hill", which was I believe meant coming out of a fox hole in advance of attacking the enemy.. He was my mom's older brother and his death at the young age of 26yrs, would forever bring a shadow over my mother's eyes as she spoke of the loss of her brother. Mom was 13 years old when her brother was killed in action . Imagine going through such a loss in a family. Some of you may already have and can understand how important I feel it is to honor my family's World War 1 hero, the uncle I never met.
I can say this about him and others that we honor this Memorial Day. We thank them for the ultimate sacrifice they made, in order to know and appreciate freedoms we have today. They fought so valiantly for us all. . . Our servicemen are a special breed of men. Contrary to popular belief, not all men can be Infantrymen as my uncle was. . True, they can do the tasks that are required of an Infantry man, but at their core being, it takes a special breed of man to be able to be an Infantryman, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Uncle Louis ( very top left between my mom and aunt Leona )

This is my uncle's obituary, thanks to the Sandwich District Library with help of Ken Bastian

Lewis Paul Schultz 1918.11.01

On Sunday last, Sandwich paid its last tribute of honor and respect to another of its boys who paid with his life the supreme sacrifice that the democracy of the world might be perpetuated and the onrush of the militarists and hordes of the Huns checked. It was the first time Sandwich people had been called upon to stand at the bier of one of its boys with bowed heads and weeping eyes who fell at the front. It was over the coffin of Lewis Paul Schultz that this signal honor was paid.

Lewis P. Schultz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Schultz, was born near Sandwich November 2, 1892; here he attended school and grew to young manhood. When the late war broke out he enlisted at Camp Grant June 24, 1918, and was assigned to Company 31, 161st Depot Brigade. He was appointed “Corporal” July 26, 1916, and assigned to Co. 1, 343rd Infantry. He sailed for action overseas about the 21st of September 1918, where he was assigned to Company B, 111th Infantry, 28th Division. He was wounded in action on November 4, 1918, in the Metz sector on the edge of the hill in front of Xammes and died the same day in Mobile Hospital No. 39.The body reached Sandwich Thursday night and was taken to the home of his parents, where it was fully identified by the filling of gold in his teeth.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon under the auspices of Sandwich Post 181, American Legion, who acted as escort from the home to the Methodist Church, where an eloquent sermon in keeping with the occasion was given to Rev. J. J. Hitchens.

The body was then taken to Oak Ridge Cemetery, where the beautiful and impressive funeral services were read by Past Commander R. G. Dakin and after the flag and flower covered coffin containing the remains of the young soldier was lowered to its last resting place a salute was fired by the firing squad and he was left alone with his Maker.

Besides his parents, he leaves three sisters, Ethel, Leona, Junietta and two brothers, Frank and Raymond, to mourn his death, besides a host of young friends.The funeral services were largely attended by friends and relatives of the family and boys from the Plano American Legion Post. The floral offerings were many and beautiful, expressing in a mute way, the loss sustained by the family and the community.

Last week, several members of the Schultz family, my sister and brother included, attended a special memorial serice in Sandwich, Il. , where after his death, the VFW gave honor by naming their building after him.

Mom would have been so proud to have heard tribute given to him, as she always announced " this isthe VFW named after my brother Louis", when we drove by the VFW . Some how I think she and her sibblings, Frank, Lenona, Raymond and Ethel ...plus my dear grandparents were all there in spirit last Saturday..

Personally , I am say "thank you Uncle Louis ..You had a very short life but gave more than any of us could ever possibly know, and have made us all very proud.".

I wish I would have got to know him . I think he was probably much like my Uncle Raymond and Frank . As I look at all the pictures of all the Schultz kids together while growing up, I know in my heart he had a good life while here on earth, and is with the angels now.

We honor you Uncle Louis...Thank you!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. Nothing could be further away from the truth.

Memorial Day formerly was observed on May 30. On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays (Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day and Veterans Day) from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. That change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date - to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.

Memorial Day is about coming together to honor those who gave their lives in the service to theirs and OUR country.I hope all can observe a memorial service this year.

My sister sent this to me today to add to this infor about Louis.

This is the letter written by Lewis Paul Schultz to his sister Leona and her husband Roy. They lived in Joliet, Ill. at the time.
The heading on the lined paper read:

Army and Navy
Young Men’s Christian Association
“With the Colors”
Camp Grant
Rockford, Ills

July 13th, 1918

(Some parts of the letter have deteriorated so I will have to guess at the words that are missing. Most of it is intact.)

Dear Leona and Roy,

I could not get a pass to go home to-day so I thought I would write. We have been camping out in the trenches three nights this week so could not do any writing. I am now transferred to the 343 infantry a part of the 86th division but I think I will not go across with them. I think I will be here till the latter part of August. This much harder drilling than I had in the 31st. We camp out on the rifle range next week. K have got every bit of my equipment now used in warfare except a half tent.
It is no joke sleeping out in the open nights on the hard ground with only two blankets. In the morning the blankets are wringing wet with dew and a person nearly freezes to death
We marched in a parade to-day. Governor Lowden and Major General Martin reviewed the troops. After the parade, we marched to the camp pavilion and heard the speech by the governor and two French generals.Our camp pavilion seats 20,000 people. Only the 86th division and the 343rd took part in the parade.

Part of the fellows that were drafted from the Sandwich with Clarence Houghtalen go to France in two weeks. I think I will stay till the latter part of August from what I heard Captain Barnat of our company telling one of the sergeants.
Otto Colkow is now in California. I got a letter from George the other day telling me.
I would of sent that watch either home or to you to be fixed but have nothing to send it in .
If you ever come out here the best way is to go to Aurora and take the Camp special. The Burlington runs right to our camp. If you come out Sunday telephone the night before to the barracks and I could meet you at the train Sunday. And you could also find out that way if I was in the Camp. Take the 6:20 p.m.

We have been drilling mostly in the trench warfare and French formation this week.

The trenches are quite a ways out of camp and you have to march there with a 75 pound pack on your back and a rifle. The rifle we use is the one we go across with. The U.S. 1917 model improved Enfield. It is not the old Enfield. It weighs twelve pounds.

I am now toughened into this kind of work. The feed we get at this barracks is better than at the 31st.The Yorkville bunch I came with are all split up now. Some of them sent different camps. Martin Otto was transferred to head-quarters Co. of the camp. I only seen him once this week.There are none of them with me.

I will close now hoping to hear from you again soon and possibly see you.

Your brother and brother-in-law
Private Lewis Paul Schultz
Co. I. 343 Infantry
Barracks 217 W
Camp Grant
Rockford, Ills.

(At the bottom of the paper is typed the sentence…To the writer: Save by Writing on BOTH sides of the PAPER to the folks at Home: Save Food. Buy Liberty BONDS and War Time Savings STAMPS

Lewis; Grandma Wellman’s brother, was 26 years old when signing up to go to the Army. He helped his father with the family farm prior to this. Aunt Leona and he must have been very close; I have a picture of him in Uniform that with some things of hers (along with this letter) and on the back of it she wrote…my brother and my protector. Grandma Wellman was 13 years old when he died….on her birthday, Nov. 4th, 1918. They were not notified until mid December. As I read this letter I felt like crying; his life sadly ended all too soon and so tragically. Another part of this story told by my mother, Junietta…. Before he was sent overseas, the neighbors had a party for him and presented him with a gold ring to wear. As he lay wounded on the battlefield; a fellow soldier from the Sandwich area found him and Lewis removed his ring and asked that he give it to his mother when the fellow returned home after the war. His last thoughts were of his mother; he knew how hard his death would be for her. It would be his last gift to her. After the war the young man did return the ring to Gussie; she wore it until she lost it. A fortune teller said it was somewhere among the flowers; and no doubt it might have been as she loved flowers and worked in her flower beds. It was never found.

Our Trip to Franklin Creek and Dixon War Memorial Garden

Today was time with grandma and grandpa and Uncle Matt. We picked up the boys and first went to show them the helicopter , jeep, tank and other things in the Dixon War memorial gardens...the boys were infatuated by the gunners on the helicopter and the huge tank. We talked a bit of their purpose and the brave men that flew the helicopter and drove those tanks so they could enjoy freedom today.
From there we went to the woods in Franklin Park's Mill Springs. this was quite an adventure for both boys and Uncle Matt did a good job keeping up with them! On the way to the springs they saw people fishing, frogs, a swimming snake, geese, and even two turtles swimming. Mill springs looks the same as it always has since Bob and I went there in our youth...climbing the same rocks the boys did. Franking township has done a wonderful job creating a great park for all to enjoy. We decided we needed to bring mom and dad with us next time for a picnic . Sean and Jeremy threw bread crumbs in for the fish, who were a little shy today.

My Grandmother's Stitchery

This is my mom at the age of 16 years. She was the daughter of Louis and Justina Schultz.When a young lady, mom recalls her mother having this stitchery hanging in her dining room. My grandmother Schutz had created it, as only a daughter could, that missed her beloved mother . This later would hang in my Aunt Leona's home , and then hang in my moms dining room as well. I had it professionally framed in an antiqued silver frame as a surprise to my mom. After all these years, it remains in excellent condition. It hangs in my sister's home, whose has 4 daughters, one of which no doubt, will cherish it as we have and remember our moms fondly.

Happy Mother's Day

Now in bloom, this is one of the iris plants my mom gave me when we bought our first home.

Life flies by us and before we know it, we look into the mirror and see our mother looking back at us....at least it seems that way to me. My grandmother, whom I never knew, had a stitchery she made that said..."all I ever am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." How true that is! My mom had this hanging in her living room for years and I later had it re framed for her. When mom passed , I gave it to my sister Helen...whom from of all 5 children,I felt she was most like our mom. ( and that is a huge compliment)

I often kid my brother when he is fussing about the housework or pulling "those darned weeds", how much even he reminds me of our mother, Junietta. In fact, I have nicknamed him "Donietta" . My sister now has this hanging in her home and no doubt will pass on to one of her children one day.it is quite an heirloom , having been stitched by our grandmother at the turn of the 1900's.

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms !

The Dash.. & Remembering one Year Ago

Cindy ,Karen, and Lavada.

Donice(left), Helen(middle) and Lavada(right)

This was one of the last pictures of Donice that I took. Karen and I were also there and visiting Lavada, along with Helen and Donice ( now deceased) ...It was a lovely day

and one I know we all cherish.

Linda Ellis wrote a lovely poem in the 1990s. In 239 words, she captured the simple truths of why we were put on this earth. These words have been printed in books, newsletters, magazines, and newspapers. In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet titled The Dash. Since then, it is estimated that over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along. The movie has been more successful than anyone could have ever imagined. More importantly, it has inspired many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?' I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are close to you. Click the link below to view.

http://www.thedashpoemmovie.com/

The following is a poem by Linda Ellis © 1998. Consider the implications for your own life's choices
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friendHe referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth...And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own; the cars .... the house... the cash.What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard ... are there things you'd like to change?For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at "dash mid-range")
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile...Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash...Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spend your dash??

Tax Day... Wordless Wednesday

Matilda supports the troops on our front porch

...ok not completely wordless...but Matilda says it well enough!

Wordless Wednesday... want to join?
Link your Wordless post below... today's subject...

Make your wordless statement and see others at at

http://frenchlique.blogspot.com/

Whatch Working on Wednesday

Be sure to check out Leslie's blog for other WHATCHA WORKING ON WEDNESDAY POSTS.
Today I am a bit lazy and not having extra time to be creative. I have my grandsons visiting and having lots of fun creating some fun memories for them. It is a beautiful day and we will be outside soon, but first will post the additional touches I made to my room divider .

I decided to add some lights to the floral arrangement in the kitchen divider...also the rabbit that my sister , Helen, gave to me a few years ago. The rabbit is so cute! She has a crocheted sweater and matching socks..holds a vintage Easter post card and basket with a vintage hankie in it..all set for Easter!

Whoops...here is another honey bunny!

Aunt Helen's Annie Bag Ladies

 I was telling my niece, Jamie this am about aunt Helen's Annie Bag ladies....the big hit at our craft show every year at Autumn on Parade, Oregon Illinois.   Jamie is now is making Annies herself, so  I thought I would post them here for her to see , and also share this picture ,with others that make dolls. I think the detail Helen used with dressing them sold them , plus the great facial expressions used. The aprons were made from vintage pillow cases and table cloths,embroidered sayings on some,  and collars were made  from pieces of lace etc...oh so cute! She doesn't make these any more but has been bitten by the quilters bug instead. I am blessed to have been given given a couple of her wonderful projects.

Sean's Preschool Goes Bowling.. so cute!!

Bob I had the opportunity to stop by and watch our grandson knock around some pins at the bowling alley today. He's a regular Earl Anthony in the making! LOL! Our daughter, Stephanie was also with us and is pictured proudly holding her son, the official winner of his lane with a score of 49 !

Way to go Sean!!

Too Interesting not to see !

I have been following and really enjoying the live Eagle Cam at Norfolk Botonical Garden. I first heard about this from my friend Carole and have visited these little Eaglets daily! ..This is a must see by everyone in the family..I know I am loving it...go take a look! LIVE CAM at Norfolk Botonical Garden

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\eagle.htm

“FRESH Fish” As told by the Norfolk botonical Garden Website.
On week has passed since the last of the three eaglets hatched. All three are growing quickly and are highly active. The youngest sometimes has a bit of a hard time during feedings, but the adults are providing plenty of food and all three chicks seem to be getting adequate food.

The male twice brought live prey to the nest this morning. First the male landed with a VERY much alive American Eel. The eel created much excitement at the nest as it escaped...at least temporarily. It was recaptured and brought back to the nest. later in the morning the male brought what appears to be a Hickory Shad to the nest. Again this prey was still very active and flopped around the nest. Although these eaglets are still to young to deal with prey themselves this exposure to live prey items is the first step in their development as hunters.

The bald eagle became our national symbol in 1782. As our national symbol, it holds a special place in the hearts of our citizens. Even though the bald eagle has been protected from direct harm by people since the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940, its habitat was not protected. By the 1960’s the eagle population began to seriously decline until 1967, when it was placed on the U.S. Endangered Species List. A major cause of decline was DDT poisoning, a pesticide that caused the shells of the eggs to be thin and the embryos to develop improperly. The use of DDT in the United States was banned in 1972. The eagle was removed from the endangered species list on July 28, 2007.

Easter's on It way !

2 weeks later....the tree branch has new leaves!

Easter is a week from Sunday, and it won't be long until we celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior. I have plans made for a family ham dinner, Easter egg hunt for the grand kids and a treasure hunt. the boys will love this one. I make up clues and hide them and they have to find the new destination for another clue...to reach the final "treasure"...which I haven't decided on yet, but they will like it! I fixed this tree up to hang some hand made cloth eggs from..easy to do and embellished with trims. I have it sitting in a planter of live English ivy grown for years by my mom. It isn't a perennial so I always bring some inside to carry over from year to year. I have several pots of it thriving under grow lights in my basement and will set them out in May with the geraniums. The teddy bear was crocheted by a lady at the nursing home I work at. Eventually it will be given to my sil as she collects teddy bears, but for now he is busy decorating a budding lilac bush.

Say Cheeeeese !

My Very First Camera

My nieces and friends have been showing us their newer cameras and it got me to thinking how much has changed over the years. I have decided to show you my camera..my very first one . I do have a newer camera that I love, and by most standards, is probably obsolete in itself. However,I am finally learning how to use it!
(Now this is the part that you can really tell my age..... )
In 1958, I asked my dad if I could send a post card to enter a contest to win a camera. He was post master and so my request was soon filled out and in the mail! A post card won me my first camera! . Time had passed and about 5 months later, a box arrived in the mail for me. By that time I had lost all hope of winning a contest, so was very surprised to find my self the owner of a brand new "Agfa" sure shot camera that was said to use plentacrome film. Actually this was much like a Brownie box camera...and it took very good pictures...so I thought!. My parents were a little sceptical of my newly found photography interest...especially my mom. I had this habbit of sneaking up and taking pictures of her at work in the yard , Most of them were not her best view, as she would be bent over weeding! My favorite subject was my dog...Pal.
I have hung on to this camera for many years now...in fact it has been on display in my house for a long time. I have even decorated it ! Here is a picture of dad and pal that I took with this jewel .

Dad and "Pal"

The Old Town Well

My Husband's Grandma, Clara Kohl (left)

Not too many generations ago, in Franklin Grove, Illinois, the water supply consisted of a well driven into the underlying aquifer with a hand pump to raise the precious liquid to the surface. In many smaller rural areas, each town had their own town well. Also, some homes may have had their own pump that tapped into the water source. A few miles from Franklin Grove, I grew up in a such a small town. As a new bride, my mom told us stories of how she would carry all their drinking water from the town's well, which was two blocks away. Wash water came from a cistern by the house, that was pumped.a few years ago, we found what was left of an old cistern built by dr Admas in 1837. It was under the house in the basement.

I remember mom getting water from our back yard cistern once, to wash my hair with "rain water", saying it would make my hair feel softer. All I remember though, is seeing bugs floating on top of the water...yuk!..I didn't cooperate.

While the pumps in homes were of various types, a few even being an antique wooden box type, the town pumps were all of a kind. The well pipes were iron, one and one-half inches in diameter, driven into the ground 15 to 20 feet to tap the underlying "vein" of water. The pumps each consisted of a body of cast iron about four feet tall. To each body, or cylinder, was pivoted a cast iron handle about three feet long which raised and lowered the inside piston of the pump. These town pumps were much used because each business needed drinking water and those dwelling in second-floor apartments needed cooking, washing and bathing water as well. In the 1920's, all drinking / cooking water needs were furnished by the town pump in my home town .

The horse troughs were made of wood, most of them, but there were also a couple of metal tanks. They were about four feet long and two wide, about a foot deep. The water in them never being emptied, the contents were mossy and clouded, but horses never refused to drink the water. Small boys sometimes placed hairs from a horse's tail or mane in the tanks in hopes that they would turn to worms, as folklore predicted. The pictured is a woodened trough with a pump in downtown Franklin Grove. I am not sure of the date, but probably late 1800's. It is the only know picture we have found to date, and I have turned it over to the Franklin Historical Society.

Pictured in the horse and buggy. are my husband's Great Uncle Withey my husband's grandmother, Clara Kohl ( left) and an unidentified friend (to the right.) this picture was taken around the same time as the one of the town well, which I am guessing would have been during the late 1800's

If anyone can add some more factual information regarding this well or anything about old town wells, your input is appreciated.

Franklin Grove Il. - Old Town Well

A Sweet Face at Grandma's Place

We had the boys here this weekend and a neighborhood  friend of Jeremy's stopped by...as you can see, Grandpa  had things all under control! LOL

 Not to be disturbed during a video game...I snuck up on the boys!

Now how sweet and innocent can they get???

Grandpa has it all under control?....... Zzzzzzzzzz!

It is officially Spring today!

These days, saving money is not easy, but we are sure trying to! I ordered a bunch of garden seeds and planning a larger "recession garden"... I started canning again last year and it sure paid off this winter as evidenced by savings at the grocery store. One thing i would like yet is a small freezer...will have to work on hubby for that!
I have been interested in organic gardening. Mom always had a big compost pile going and I am planning to have one this year as well. . I have also used grass clippings for years, around every thing I plant, and now have nice rich soil.
Here is a handy  guide e across about companion planting

Plant Good Companions



Basil Pepper, Tomato, Marigold

Bush Beans Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Leek, Lettuce, Parsnip, Pea, Potato, Radish, Rosemary, Strawberry, Savory, Sunflower, Tansy, Marigold Basil, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Onion

Pole Beans Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Corn Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Marigold, Pea, Potato, Radish, Rosemary, Savory, Strawberry, Tansy Basil, Beets, Cabbage, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Onion, Radish, Sunflower

Beets Bush Beans, Cabbage family, Lettuce, Lima Bean, Onion, Radish, Sage Mustard, Pole Bean

Cabbage Family Bush Beans, Beets, Carrot, Celery, Cucumber, Dill, Lettuce, Mint, Nasturtium, Onions, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Thyme, All Strong Herbs, Marigold, Nasturtium Pole Bean, Strawberry, Tomato

Carrots Beans, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Chives, Lettuce, Leek, Onion, Peas, Radish, Rosemary, Sage, Tomato Celery, Dill, Parsnip

Celery Almost everything except —> —> —> —> Carrot, Parsley, Parsnip

Corn All Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Melons, Parsley, Peas, Early Potatoes, Pumpkin, Squash Tomato

Cucumbers Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Cabbage family, Corn, Dill, Eggplant, Lettuce, Marigold, Nasturtium, Onions, Peas, Radish, Tomato, Savory, Sunflower, No Strong Herbs Potato

Eggplant Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Peas, Peppers, Potato, Spinach Fennel

Lettuce Everything, but especially Carrots, Garlic, Onion and Radish — none —

Melon Corn, Nasturtium, Radish Potato

Onion Beets, Cabbage family, Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Parsnip, Pepper, Spinach, Squash, Strawberries, Tomato, Turnip, Savory Asparagus, Beans, Peas, Sage

Parsley Tomato — none —

Peas Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Celery, Chicory, Corn Cucumber, Eggplant, Parsley, Early Potato, Radish, Spinach, Strawberry, Sweet pepper, Turnips Onion, Late Potato

Potato Bush bean, Cabbage family, Carrot, Corn, Horseradish, Marigold, Onion, Parsnip, Peas Cucumber, Kohlrabi, Parsnip, Pumpkin, Rutabaga, Squash family, Sunflower, Turnip, Fennel,

Radish Beet, Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Cucumber, Lettuce, Melons, Nasturtium, Parsnip, Peas, Spinach, Squash family Hyssop

Spinach Celeriac, Celery, Corn, Eggplant, Cauliflower

Squash Corn, Onion, Radish

Strawberry Bush Beans, Lettuce, Nasturtium, Onion, Radish, Spinach Cabbage, Potato

Tomato Asparagus, Basil, Bean, Cabbage family, Carrots, Celery, Chive, Cucumber, Garlic, Head lettuce, Marigold, Mint, Nasturtium, Onion, Parsley, Pepper, Marigold Pole beans, Corn Dill, Fennel, Potato

THE FLOUR SACK

BY COLLEEN B. HUBERT

IN THAT LONG AGO TIME WHEN THINGS WERE SAVED,

WHEN ROADS WERE GRAVELED AND BARRELS WERE STAVED,

WHEN WORN-OUT CLOTHING WAS USED AS RAGS,

AND THERE WERE NO PLASTIC WRAP OR BAGS,

AND THE WELL AND THE PUMP WERE WAY OUT BACK,

A VERSATILE ITEM, WAS THE FLOUR SACK.

PILLSBURY'S BEST, MOTHER'S AND GOLD MEDAL, TOO

STAMPED THEIR NAMES PROUDLY IN PURPLE AND BLUE.

THE STRING SEWN ON TOP WAS PULLED AND KEPT;

THE FLOUR EMPTIED AND SPILLS WERE SWEPT.

THE BAG WAS FOLDED AND STORED IN A SACK

THAT DURABLE, PRACTICAL FLOUR SACK.

THE SACK COULD BE FILLED WITH FEATHERS AND DOWN,

FOR A PILLOW, OR T'WOULD MAKE A NICE SLEEPING GOWN.

IT COULD CARRY A BOOK AND BE A SCHOOL BAG,

OR BECOME A MAIL SACK SLUNG OVER A NAG.

IT MADE A VERY CONVENIENT PACK,

THAT ADAPTABLE, COTTON FLOUR SACK.

BLEACHED AND SEWN, IT WAS DUTIFULLY WORN

AS BIBS, DIAPERS, OR KERCHIEF ADORNED.

IT WAS MADE INTO SKIRTS, BLOUSES AND SLIPS.

AND MOM BRAIDED RUGS FROM ONE HUNDRED STRIPS

SHE MADE RUFFLED CURTAINS FOR THE HOUSE OR ! SHACK,

FROM THAT HUMBLE BUT TREASURED FLOUR SACK!

AS A STRAINER FOR MILK OR APPLE JUICE,

TO WAVE MEN IN, IT WAS A VERY GOOD USE,

AS A SLING FOR A SPRAINED WRIST OR A BREAK,

TO HELP MOTHER ROLL UP A JELLY CAKE,

AS A WINDOW SHADE OR TO STUFF A CRACK,

WE USED A STURDY, COMMON FLOUR SACK!

AS DISH TOWELS, EMBROIDERED OR NOT,

THEY COVERED UP DOUGH, HELPED PASS PANS SO HOT,

TIED UP DISHES FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED,

AND FOR MEN OUT IN THE FIELD TO SEED.

THEY DRIED DISHES FROM PAN, NOT RACK

THAT ABSORBENT, HANDY FLOUR SACK!

WE POLISHED AND CLEANED STOVE AND TABLE,

SCOURED AND SCRUBBED FROM CELLAR TO GABLE,

WE DUSTED THE BUREAU AND OAK BED POST,

MADE COSTUMES FOR OCTOBER (A SCARY GHOST)

AND A PARACHUTE FOR A CAT NAMED JACK.

FROM THAT LOWLY, USEFUL OLD FLOUR SACK!

SO NOW MY FRIENDS, WHEN THEY ASK YOU

AS CURIOUS YOUNGSTERS OFTEN DO,

"BEFORE PLASTIC WRAP, ELMER'S GLUE

AND PAPER TOWELS, WHAT DID YOU DO?"

TELL THEM LOUDLY AND WITH PRIDE DON'T LACK,

"GRANDMOTHER HAD THAT WONDERFUL FLOUR SACK!"

Hungry Squirrels

We actually have around five squirrels that come over for corn this winter. They would rather eat bird seed, but Bob has the feeder hanging from a wire on a tree branch...out of strike distance! They sure are fun to watch though...and can be very determined. As you see, our squirrels get quite plump being corn fed all winter....or perhaps in a motherly way??? It seems this year they have been hungrier than usual, probably because of the colder weather.

A New Header from a Proud Grandma!

I wasn't sure how to size it down..but when you have two cuties like this to show off, why bother ? These are my two wonderful grandsons!

....and the saying is true...at Grandmas, they sure can!

Sunday..Monday..Tuesday..Wednesday..Thursday, Friday..Saturday

Just what did all those days mean on those towels? As a young girls, my sisters and I would be asked to help out a couple times a year at mom's Rebeckah Lodge Dinners. We would help with cleaning in preparation for them, but also had dish duty afterwards as well. One thing I remember, were all the red work towels they had neatly folded in a drawer for us to use ( what I wouldn't give for them now as keepsakes or the chest they were kept in!) the dish cupboard stood nearly floor to ceiling and had several drawers and was made from wood that I think was walnut. On top were several shelves that held iron stone plates, cups , glasses etc...and LOTS of depression glassware ... sugar/ creamers, bowls, platters, ect..mainly in the green or pink colors. In the drawers were the towels , wash cloths pot holders and other neat stuff that was often embroidered...probably by lodge members themselves. Many of the towels had days of the weeks...you know..Sunday , Go to church...Monday , Do the wash...Tuesday, iron the clothes....Wednesday, do the mending..Thursday, do the shopping....Friday ,Clean the house...Saturday Bake the bread...or something on this order. somewhere along the way, I failed to follow faithfully, "the red-written towel rules", how about you? I have sure admired the work put into embroidering them though! Some friends of mine know my passion for redword and made me these lovely pillows that I have on my decons bench in the kitchen. Thanks to Sharon M, Betty W and Donna W. , I will always treasure these! I think over the years I have never forgotton those red work towels nor the messages they were telling me.... Lets see...today is Saturday, Bake the bread????? NOT! I may remember, but don't always do them..LOL.

Added Note: My sister Karen , has reminded me of also being the entertainment at a few of these lodge meetings/dinners ...Mom would have us and friends tap dance or sing...(something I would rather forget..as I know how amusing that must had been seeing me dance...I was such a klutz! Mom figured I would become more graceful if I took dance lessons...I don't think it worked though..ha!) another thing..there was no running water. The women used a pump outside the back door that we could get pails of water from and heat up on this wood burning cook stove. They made their coffee in a larger three chambered drip coffee pot...(unlike dad, they didn't throw egg shells into it to make coffee) It always smelled good in there before a dinner.To heat the building was also an old oil burring stove...a scary monstrous thing in the back room that mom said scared her to start it up. In one closet was the most antique wooden wheel chair I have ever seen...Even then, we knew it was very old..I figured it came from the early 1900's. I .can't believe anyone actually used it ,can you sis???

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JENNIFER'S FREE DOLLHOUSE PRINTABLES

http://www.jennifersprintables.com/

If you are in the market for some freebies..here is a site that has some miniatures for dollhouses and craft projects in your future! Some are vintage and could be easily enlarged as needed. I can see several possibilities to use these and thought I'd share my latest great cyber-find with you all! ... Free for the printing , thanks to Jennifer! Here are some examples...she has both new and vintage...I thought these were neat ones!

Love is

Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on valentines and romance in the movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives. For love is the creator of our favourite memories and the foundation of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, a seed that can flourish in even the most unlikely of places. And this radiance that never fades, this mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest treasure of all - one known only by those who love.


-- Author Unknown
http://www.gagirl.com/quotes/loveis.html

Revamping of an old shade

My daughter, Stephanie, bought the neatest lamp shade this week. It is trimmed with braid and has applique flowers on it and in rich burgundy colors...it looks really sharp. I picked up her discarded shade and said.."can I have this?" ( Anyone that knows me, knows I never throw things away too easily..so I brought it home.) I found this braid at WalMarts for 3.97. At first, I thought it may be too gaudy looking, but now that it is finished.I think I like it. (Bob didn't growl at it ..so i guess it is a keeper .LOL)

Before

hot gluing the braid

closeup of braid detail

all done!

Some Favorite Treasures Hanging around my Home

Emma Louise by Nancy Noel, signed by Emma

this was a gift from Angie and Sweatie Pie

Nancy Noel... at work...and Emma's siggie!

Woman's Work is Never Done.. by Harry Roseland...Little Knitter

I came across this very old print( as evidence by the aging of the backing paper and framed style.) at a rummage sale a few years ago. The seller said it was her grandmas, so I figured I had to have it and I loved the subject..isn't she a cutie! Here is the info I found about this one.

The American painter Harry Herman Roseland was a one of America's finest genre painters during the 19th and early 20th century. He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1866 and died in that city in 1950. He studied with Thomas Eakins, C. Beckwith and J.B. Whittaker. Roseland lived throughout his career in New York and never traveled to Europe. He became famous for painting common laborers in fields, picking cotton or berries in and around the New York and New England coastal areas, and he specialized in interior genres that shows men discussing art and literature in smoke-filled libraries; black fortune tellers reading white women’s palms and tea leaves; and post-Civil War African Americans engaged in common everyday activities. He exhibited at the National Academy from 1884 paintings that showed people praying; gossiping; reading or delivering letters; sewing; interiors filled with activity and joy; black fortune tellers; and old men talking in the privacy of a den or library.

Boy and his Rabbit

By Sir Henry Raeburn [Scottish Painter, 1756-1823] , one of the greatest of the Scottish painters ( 1756-1823 ). The print condition is excellent, hung decades away from light and dust. Colors are unfaded and have a lovely aged appearance. . Lower left hand corner has the number 2612. Lower right hand corner reads, " made in U.S.A. ".

My mother recieved this print from her mother and father's estate many years ago. My mom lived to be nearly 100 years old and had this hanging in her living room. I am sure many of the grandkids well remember it and have at one time, wondered about it?? Mom always loved this print, not only because she remembered it in her home as a young girl, but said a famous artist did the original painting. This is a lithograph of that painting. The numbers and writing were hard to see but thinking I have the right info now. I never knew who this artist she was talking about, so I looked it up. What a great resource the internet is! I had my answer in minutes.

Where to put a big screen TV. In the Closet you say??

When we bought this older home, we were pleasantly surprised to find that a living room closet had been converted as an entertainments center. We had always wanted a larger screen HDTV and with a few carpentry revisions, Bob adapted this to house our new TV. where the clock is above the TV, there is a switch that we can turn on a small TV light or to showcase collectibles. In the bottom is room for storage and display pieces. ( this is a fun area to decorate during the holidays. ) I thought some might be interested in seeing this as it is a different approach from buying an entertainment center. ( and much less expensive )

About my Birth ~Day

I came into this world bottom first on January 22, 1945. When my mom heard she was pregnant with me, she cried for a week and had to admit, it was not the news she wanted to hear. She was in her fourties and had a family of four that kept her busy day and night. To top that off, 9 month later, she delivered me as a breech presentation... in those days, this wasn't done by c-section but however else the doctor could get you out ! Poor mom..it wasn't an easy delivery..so when I was born, I became my daddy's baby .That said, I soon won her heart as I was such a loveable little bundle. LOL We laughed years later when I told mom, I was the reason she lived to be almost 100 years...Always in some kind of trouble as a kid, she had to live to keep an eye on me! ( I often think because sister Karen was so active as a toddler, she just wasn't prepared for another Karen..ha ha ha) . We had this post card that my then 14 yr old brother Howard wrote to mom at the hospital when I was born. "Dad is having trouble braiding Karens hair and can't get a comb through it "( he braided it by making knots in her hair) and "karen was climbing up on the kitchen cupbord." hey sis...do you have that post card? I can't remember for sure how it was written but rather humorous to read! Karen and I grew up giving our parents quite a ride for having us...LOL...but not a doubt it was an interesting household !
But seriously..all five of us were very much loved and wanted..and we grew up knowing that!

Happy Birthday to Me !

Low Calorie Veggie Dips

Using cottage cheese pureed in a blender, you can add just about any cut up veggetable to flavor a veggie dip...be it crumbled bacon, pepper butter, onions or dill..some use prepared dry soup mixes as well.....tastss good and is much lower in calories.

COTTAGE CHEEESE ONION DIP

Ingredients:
1 Cup Cottage cheese, low fat
1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
1/2 Cup Plain yogurt, low fat
1/4 Cup Green onion, chopped
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Pinch Pepper

Preparation:

This is a basic low calorie onion dip. You can customize this dip with a little curry powder, hot pepper sauce, or your favorite herbs or onion soup mix. In blender, process cottage cheese with lemon juice until blended. Add remaining ingredients. Process just until blended. Refrigerate for at least four hours.


COTTAGE CHEESE DILL DIP

2 tbsp. milk

12 oz. cottage cheese

1 tsp. parsley flakes

1 tsp. chopped onion

1/4 c. LO FAT salad dressing (mayonnaise)

1 tsp. dill weed

1 tsp. salad seasoning

Dash salt and pepper

Place all ingredients in blender - blend 1 minute. Cover and chill overnight.

Makes 1 3/4 cups of dip.

A Brand New Start ~ For Seasons of the Heart!

I want to share with you all, a very neat place to go visit when in Ohio or Western Pa...The shop opened this past year under new management .It is a must see and know you can't resist walking out of her shop without at least one purchase!

SEASONS OF THE HEART 2ND GENERATION

Owner~Melissa Backus

49190 Smithsferry Calcutta Road

East Liverpool, Ohio 43920

1~330~386~4904

Hours of Blessings:

Monday~Saturday 11~6

Closed Sundays

I asked her mom, my good friend, Judy Reynolds, if I could share some pictures of Michelle's new shop and she has agreed. She even included a phone number, if you have any questions about merchandise or about the shop. Please be patient .. several pictures are loading for your pleasure! click if it stops and it will keep going!

Week 2 Of The Diet

I am doing really great staying on my new healthy eating plan! Today will be a challenge, as I am attending my nephews's wedding reception and will need to have lots of will power! I hate the word diet..I have tried that for too long and failed..so now I will change that name to healthy eating. ( though I have to confess, my eyes have strayed to Pioneer Woman Cook's apple dumplings recipie..I did not falter!) Instead ,I was remembering a recipie shared with me years ago by a nice lady named, Naomi . You take med sized cooking apples, like Granny Smith, Johnathan etc... peel and core them. (Make several for later meals. )As I remember you set these into pan sprayed muffin tins )

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Ingredients

6 apples

1 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon margarine

Wash apples and core using an apple corer. (Place in larger muffin tin )

Mix together SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener and cinnamon. Fill each apple with the mixture and then top each apple with a small dot of margarine. pour on a little diet soda, Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes or until slightly soft.

It isn't apple dumplings, but sure tastes good...and keeps you on target for losing that weight!

Healthy Garden Salad

If you are a dieter or interested in healthy food recipies, be sure to go over to The Simple Life in the next few days. She will be adding some great recipies, as well as from others in Tasty Tuesday's Recipies, using Mr Linky to other sites posting recipies they like using as well.

Ingredients Healthy Garden Salad

5 tablespoons red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons canola oil

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

(I used dried)

2 limes, juiced

1 teaspoon white sugar( or sweet and low)

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (1 pound) package frozen peas

3 cups frozen corn kernels
(also can add green beans or limas)

1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

4 green onions, thinly sliced

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

DIRECTIONS


In a large serving bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, oil, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, salt and garlic. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add corn and peas to the boiling water , cooking for 1 more minute. Drain very well, and pour into the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix in the cherry tomatoes, green onions and black beans. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to chill and blend the flavors. Add what ever veggies you enjoy..the fresh frozen work best.

another site.. The Pioneer Woman Cooks  has a good pasta salad that I  think could be a "good thing!"

My Goal for the New Year..A new looking me!

I have some serious health issues and I guess one could say I am morbidly obese...oh how I hate saying that...but sadly, it is true. My goal this year is to eat sensibly and try very hard to lose some weight. If any one here reading this has some good meal ideas that are low fat and low cal..I am all in need! The whole situation is quite distressing to me, but enough said...the diet started today!The word "stressed" makes perfect sense when you realize that it is "desserts" spelled backwards. I have such a love for sweets. I stumbled across this delicious chocolate drink ( thanks to my sister Helen) that has only 60 calories and only takes one minute to make. It is called Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets ( ww points 1) I am drinking a cup of hot chocolate, guilt free, as I type this post out...and know each here will enjoy it as much as I do. I am kind of following the Mediteranian diet plan, using whole wheat products, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat but do use olive or canola oil products, including a margerine...supposedly it is the good cholesterol type! Wishing all a happy and healthy New Year and dieting success for those also trying to shed some weight!

Cindy..........hang up the phone!

Memories grow more meaningful...With each passing year,....More precious and more beautiful.....More treasured and more dear

I was listening to Fox news this am and they were talking about a new ( smaller yet) I pod and everything it does , having thousands of applications. It amazes me how far we have come in the last 60 years....and how adaptable we of the older generation ( ahem.. that is me) have become throughout this electronics evolution! when I was 8 year old, my parents purchased a crank type wall telephone. It was a wood box with a hand piece you hung up when finished. We were on what was known then as a "party line", which meant about 5 others would be on your line at any given time. Our calls were relayed to us from the telephone office which had a switchboard. On our party line we would have a specific ring, like two longs and a short , to recognize if the call was ours or not. It was always interesting to hear the many sounds of receivers lifted up to listen in...mom always said that was something we must never do though..and we didn't. Our dear next door neighbor, Tillie B, was an operator at the phone office. Her switchboard looked something like this picture. It amazed me how she could keep all those numbers( rings) to memory!

We later got a desk phone, that had a rotary dial on it and we were given a private phone number. If i remember right, the number would start out with letters and end with numbers. I still remember the sound of the dialing..it was a fun thing for a kid to do! as my sisters and I grew older, we discovered some new phone rules being put into effect. "No calls at supper time or after 9 pm, and limit the calls to 5 minutes."

From this time things really advanced with the phone companies. There were many new companies started and many newer types of phones.and satellites brought a new life to the telecommunications world . We had more slim lined desk phones, wall phones, phones with extension cords that you could actually walk into the kitchen and cook while talking on the phone! then came the portable phones that you could remove from the receiver..they called these cordless phones....which were predecessors to cell phones we have now...and then the I phone. What a change fifty years can make! My mom lived to be almost 100 years and I often marveled of how well she adapted to all changes she lived through...and here I am, doing so myself. We now have phones that are computers, take photos, play movies, music , help with banking, and much more...amazing , isn't it? Sister karen added... What I can remember is Mom running next door to Tillie's house for a telephone call before we had one. Or sometimes Tillie would send someone to the house to tell Mom to come to the telephone building to get an important call. We were probably the last ones in town to get a telephone or tv...Dad wasn't keen on new tecnology.A long disgtance call was 15 cents the first three minutes and Dad made sure no one talked longer than that!!!! To this day I feel guilty talking on the phone a long time even with unlimited long distance on our phone.
1/03/2009 10:51 AM

Add a Bit of Nostalgia to Valentines Day

Be it from some old buttons that belonged to grandma or a favorite old family photo...anything goes when it comes to remembering a family loved one this Valentines Day....especially when it is made with a loving heart!

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast,

it is not proud. It is not rude,

it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes

always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are

prophecies, they will cease; where there

are tongues, they will be stilled;

where there is knowledge, it will come to pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

but when perfection comes,

the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child,

I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man, I put childish ways

behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection;

then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part;

then I shall know fully, even as I am full known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.

NIV... I CORINTHIANS 13: 4-13

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Telling a bedtime story

One thing I have always remembered since a child, was my mom holding me in her wicker rocking chair and telling me a bedtime story ...or singing some songs to me. It was a special time that I enjoyed and since have been able to remember many of the stories she would use. Many classic stories have carried on through generations. They are reminiscent of time past, but their themes have stayed with us and will carry on in our lives as we go into our future.

One of Sean's favorite books is called Goodnight Moon. It seems to set a good tone for bedtime. Knowing a little about how children think, I think I understand what makes it so appealing to Sean -- the ritual of saying good night to familiar objects helps reassure him when he stays overnight with us away from mom and dad..., separation from parents can be scary for tiny kids, so we let him sleep with either grandpa, his big brother or me. .
Last night I told Sean the following stories...Tortoise and the Hare ,The Princess and the Pea, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, and then Cinderella, at which point he fell asleep as grandma told him about the big dance ( the castle ball and prince charming ..not as exciting as the big bad wolf blowing down the pig's house!
I often change events in a story to keep them interesting...like how Peter Rabbit was usually a good little bunny and obeyed him mom and helped her by picking up his toys..LOL....but this one time his was not doing what his mom said and got into big trouble with Mr McGregor! I love to exaggerate the sound effects and events, making them funny and happy times.. not scary ones.
Being a grandmother, makes it even more fun to tell a story to a child... You see their mind open to a new world, as they listen so intently to what you have to say.
Here is a website I came across that would be fun for little ones to interact with. http://www.peterrabbit.com/childrens.asp

drewmark19 said... Here's another great site for animated/audio books: http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/tumblenow.asp?category=PictureBooks

What are your favorite bedtime stories?

Byron to Leffler

NAMPA — Deborah Byron of Nampa and Franklin Leffler of Belvidere, Ill., announce their engagement and upcoming wedding.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Larry and Patricia Byron of Nampa. She is a graduate of Nampa High School and Brooks Fashion and Design in Long Beach, Calif., She is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty West
The prospective bridegroom is the son of the late Sam and Louise Leffler of Willowhill, Ill. He is a graduate of Carterville High School and Kishwauakee Community College and is employed by Rock River Water Reclamation District.
The wedding is planned for Saturday, Jan. 3, at Nampa First Christian Church.

Congratulations to Deb and Frank!

Congratulations to Jon and Kathy!

My niece, Angie ,has all the pictures and announcement on her blog...but want to spread the news and wish you both the very best! Kathy..we are so pleased that Jon has popped the big question...and in what style your guy did so! I snagged this picture from Jons site but for more info, go check out angie's blog! http://thearthurclan.blogspot.com/ Best wishes to the happily engaged couple!

"Mother Knows best"

Tonight I agreed with my daughter, that she was right...my grandson's mother knows best!

It all began a couple weeks ago, as we were Christmas shopping. she had suggested a game for the boys ,and I agreed, that would be a good thing...and bought them Life's Pirates of the Carribean...oh what a great game! Jeremy loved it and we have played it a couple times already. ( grandma had fun too!)

As we strolled down the isle, I saw the Nerf gun..it looked like something two boys would really enjoy...their momma didn't agree however. ...and grandma said " oh let the boys be boys..they will love it!" It is called...Nerf Dart Tag Magstrike Rapid-Fire Blaster System ...seemed harmless enough, had protective eyewear, body shield and these very soft feeling darts...what could that hurt?

So, here we are...it is Christmas Eve and the boys were amazed by their gift...Jeremy's words.." I can't believe it mom...you got me one....oh boy! " She replied how grandma twisted her arm quite a bit for her to get it for them, but they would need to wear the protective eye glasses. We helped the boys strap on the "adjustable scoring vest", don their Vision Gear safety goggles and they were ready to play Dart Tag !

To our surprise, the air powered dart blaster came out like a shot from an AK-47..featuring quick reloading magazines that would terrorize any kid...let alone their mother and grandmother! Those nerf bullets are very fast and have a lot of fire power to them!.......

so with this I say....Mother was right! This is one gift that shouldn't have been bought. That said, we told the boys that we would make a target on a chair..or better yet outside on a tree...but not at each other. They got lots more gifts and some very nice clothes to keep warm this winter. I enjoyed seeing their pleasure at each gift they recieved.

Stephanie said...
Follow-up to the story:The rugrats drug out the nerf guns early this morning and were laughing it up, shooting each other in the butt with nerf darts.(Yes, I, Mom Buzzkill, nipped it in the bud but at least they are enjoying their presents...thanks Grandma! :) )

Aren't our little power rangers cute though! Here are some more pictures we took of Christmas Eve. Stephanie sure put out a fantastic spread of goodies!

Earlier, while driving to their home,around dusk , we saw to the left in a field 12 magnificent deer eating from a stand of field corn . They were huge, almost the size of horses (which at first I thought they were) A few had larger racks on them. I see deer a lot around here as we have so much corn grown in this area...but never such large ones and all at once! It was like Santa had his reindeer waiting for him. I was telling Jeremy and Sean about it and Sean was really excited to hear this...saying.... "Santa is here...reeeeally"???? Jeremy on the other hand , had a moment of magic from grandmas's tale of the reindeer ...then in his new found wisdom about Santa...dismissed Gramdma s story....though she "reeeeeally" did see them!

A Christmas Memory

It was Christmas Day ,1957 and I was 12 years old. The family had all come back home for Christmas...my oldest brother Howard and his wife Delores and their little girl , Susie. My other brother , Don and his wife Donice, were there with their new baby Debbie... who was about a year old. My sister Helen and her new husband , Voris and my sister Karen, were there as well.... plus the wonderful parents we had...June and Howard Wellman.

Howie( named Howard Jr) had just got a new camera for Christmas...one that had a delay so he was able to run around and sit into the photo after clicking the camera...this was a state of the art camera for this time in electronics...so we all were amazed by his photography skills. ..and the ability to get a family picture with himself in it!

Click on picture to enlarge

Top row left to right: Howie, Dee, Voris Second row : Dad, Don, Helen, Donice holding Debbie, and mom . Bottom row: Susie, Karen and Cindy.. (wearing our new Christmas dresses!)

June and Howard

My niece Angie features some neat ornaments on her blog ..A View From Here. This particular one was made by me with mom tying on the jute strings while she was in the nursing home. We made over fourty for her growing family and it was such a joy watching her pass these out from a basket , to her grandchildren....and to know that Angie treasures it so.

Six of the family members pictured are no longer with us and it saddens me as do I miss them, yet know they are celebrating the Lord's birth in Heaven together. I hope they hear my thoughts as I say ..."I love and remember the times we spent together, and miss you all very much" .May the poem offer comfort to those who are celebrating Christmas and . missing a loved one who has passed on.

Christmas In Heaven

Author Unknown

I see the countless Christmas

trees around the world below

With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,

reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,

please wipe away the tear,

For I am spending Christmas

with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs

that people hold so dear,

But the sounds of music can't compare

with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,

the joy their voices bring,

For it is beyond description,

to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me;

I see the pain inside your heart.

But I am not so far away,

we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,

you know I hold you dear.

And be glad I'm spending Christmas

with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,

from my heavenly home above.

I sent you each a memory

of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift

more precious than pure gold,

It was always most important

in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,

as my Father said to do,

For I can't count the blessing

or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas

and wipe away that tear,

Remember, I am spending Christmas

with Jesus Christ this year.

Old Toys Gatherings...

Early 1900's Child's story book Country Playmates

...and Town Acquaintances

1950's Snow Globe

Old 1950's top

Christmas Attic Treasures

Stuck under one of my trees is an old top, snow globe , my old 1950's old doll and a child's story book . The snowglobe was property of my Mil, given to her by her son in 1956. It says "souvenir of Chicago Il" The doll was my last doll from "Santa" , the book a gift from mom from the 1930's, and the top I purchased a couple years ago for $4.00, because it reminded me of one I had received as a child. Sister Karen and i would play with it on the dining room linoleum floor. this one still works fine, according to Jeremy and Sean. Jeremy said he had it spinning a couple minutes! The red boot is something I made this from a good memory I have . Mom had my brothers boot over 60 years and painted it red and added cotton to the top of it to look like a Santa boot..actually it was once a cowboy boot Don wore as a little boy..it hung under moms porch light every Christmas that I can remember. I decided to make some little red boots for some of the grandkids this year.

Some good food / kitchen tips from Earthly Pursuits

I was reading Earthly Pursuits and found some good tips I had never thought doing in preserving and preparing  food  . With higher food costs spiraling upwards, these may be beneficial to do.
                                                    Tips of the Day


Here is a tip from an old New England family:

"If the vegetable grows above the ground, do not cover the pot when cooking them."

(Vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, beans or peas.)

Conversely,

"If the vegetable grows under the ground, cover the pot when cooking them."

(Potatoes, beets, parsnips or onions.)



Anyone know why?



Bacon:

When you buy bacon and only plan to use 2 or 3 slices at a time, roll them together and fasten with a tooth pick and put in Zip Lock bag in freezer, then you only take out one roll. We don't use a whole lot of bacon, but this is nice when you need 2 or 3 slices to top baked beans or spinach.



Lettuce:

Lettuce will keep 3-4 times longer in the refrigerator if you will wrap it in paper towels and then put it into a plastic produce bag. If your grocer has paper towels available, wrap it at the grocery store. This also helps other vegetables such as green onions, cucumbers, etc.



Cheese:

Remove outer plastic wrapper. Wrap cheese completely in paper towel. Store in zip-lock type bag. Separating the cheese from the plastic helps keep it free of mold longer.



Corn:

After removing husk and as many silks as you can, twist cob gently in your hands under cold running water. This will remove almost all the remaining silk.



Onions:

If you are only going to use part of an onion, cut off what you want to use from the top stem portion and peel just this part. Leave the skin and root end attached to the piece you want to store. Store in zip-lock type bag or glass jar in refrigerator. This keeps the onion from drying out although you may need to remove a very thin slice from the cut surface before using if it is stored for several days.



Boiled Eggs:

When eggs are cooked, remove from hot water, crack and let them sit in cold water for a few minutes. Gently rub egg between your hands to finish cracking. Shell should come off easily. (I just dump the eggs out of the hot water into the sink then throw them back into the pan hard enough to crack them and run cold water over them.)

High School Fun and Cars

My very cool Sister Karen and friend Roger... Homecoming Queen and King.

Alan Spotts, Gary Hunt, Bob Huber, and George Freedolf

Remember driving around and around the Dog and Suds before actually stopping for something to eat? and the gals would skate out to take your order? ...that was 'Cruisin fun,  before McD 's . Skating was a big thing back then..we went roller rink skating every Friday night at white Pines roller rink...they are still open for business!

This sure brings back memories if you are near or over 50! I will show you a picture of the first car I learned to drive in...The Studebaker, (which was always known as "Karen's Car" but never was..ha ha) was our family car. Karen does has the key yet though...I presented the key to her a few years ago, after finding it out in the flower bed at moms. The story is...Dad decided to tell her she could have it one day and she literally took it that way..but we soon found out, he really didn't mean it. From the looks of the car sis, I think it was a teenagers blessing! It would have ruined your rep to be seen driving in this one! LOL! This was a 50's model..not sure what year Dad's was though..will have to ask brother Don.

Here it is..Karen's Studebaker" !

( added note to Angie from comments below)

Yes Angie...she really did make curtains...and I think she even added some "Evening in Paris" Perfume, "borrowed" from our sister Helen. ...but maybe that was in Howie's "date car" she was cleaning for him? Seems I remember aunt Dee mentioning Karen perfuming the car for a date they had once. LOL!!!

Fender skirts..I came across this phrase yesterday... "FENDER SKIRTS."

A term I haven't heard in a long time, and thinking about "fenderskirts" started me thinking about other words that quietly disappear from our language with hardly a notice like "curb feelers"

And "steering knobs." (AKA) suicide knob. ( ALSO NECKING KNOBS )

Remember "Continental kits?"

They were rear bumper extenders and spare tire covers that were supposed to make any car as cool as a Lincoln Continental..When did we quit calling them "emergency brakes?" At some point "parking brake" became the proper term. But I miss the hint of drama that went with "emergency brake."

I'm sad, too, that almost all the old folks are gone who would call the accelerator

the "foot feed."

Didn't you ever wait at the street for your daddy to come home, so you could ride

the "running board" up to the house?

How many still wash their car with the hose in the driveway? ..or have those wider white wall tires? Remember when Glass packs were cool? I think every one in town heard Karen's boyfriend arriving..ha ha ha ! Now sis...though WK wasn't cool .but that Ford was one cool car!
Oh, and here is another memory...remember when we would sit along hill from the front of the the folk's house and kids would line up in their cars to stop and talk? Dad always teased, saying he was seriously thinking of putting parking meters in front of our house, to make himself some money!

Fun Days weren't they sis!

My Latest Fast Craft Project

http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/

Show and Tell Friday

 

Every year the Rock Valley Hospice has a Festival of Trees ,and also a Country Store, in which you can buy crafts for Hospice. I found these two adorable snowmen half price at 3.00 each and had to have them! Once home, I remembered a glass globe my son owns that had butterflies in it It was old and crubling inside..so he said Yes...when I asked if I could have the glass dome... He is a sweetie! Here is what I did with them all.

Added some glitter and tinsel to the hats

Added a while felt mat, some tinsel and pine to the base

I washed the glass and I was done..
Wishing all  Happy Holidays!
Be sure to go see Kelli's blogspot for some more sharing of ideas!

 

Some Santa Information and more

I have been recently thinking about when I was a kid at school, and how we would have our annual Christmas Program each year. I am taking you back a few years though...to the 1950's . Mrs. Ashenbrenner, Ms Tiffany,Mrs Degner, and Mrs Marcheisi , our earlier grade school teachers, would have us start practicing songs for weeks ahead, so every song would be perfect. . As I remember at the school program, we sang Here Comes Santa Claus , All I Want for Christmas , Jingle Bells, Frosty The Snow Man ,Up On The Housetop . and end it all with...We Wish You A Merry Christmas . Sometimes we would have jingle bells to shake or triangles to play. At the end of the program, an an announcement would be