Monday, December 31, 2007

Window Shopping

Look at this! My sister snapped this picture of the Cath Kidston shop in Bath as she was dashing by on a whirlwind walking tour of the city in November.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Oodles of Inspiration

I've found another joyous web-site with lovely items for the home. I told my Mum and sister yesterday that I have an overactive homemaking bug. Room Service Home web-site is great inspiration for decorating a home in Traditional, English and more modern styles.

When furnishings are designed tastefully with a sensitivity to line, color and texture they suit me quite well, and I'm finding that some furniture with a traditional background accented with retro, art deco and even modern hints is quite appealing.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Cath Kidston


I've just viewed the web-site of british designer Cath Kidston and have nearly fainted. I'm in love with the cheerful colors, floral motifs, and bright polkadots. http://www.cathkidston.co.uk.
Take a look and have a cherrio day!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Shakespare in my Library


William Shakespeare Playwright and Poet
S. Bennett

Last evening at our church Bible Study, a fellow saint gave me a six volume hard bound Shakespeare set. Each is printed in Great Britian (1957), hardbound, and red with gold embossed letters. I am exicted to have a set that has foot note translations at the bottom of each page. The volumes are looking quite smart on the bookshelves by the fireplace.


My bookshelves have needed some tender loving care, so this morning I weeded out extra copies that I will pass along to others.
Print courtesy http://www.allposters.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

A day with children


Last evening we lost electricity for awhile and I journaled at my Arts and Crafts desk with one candlestick for light. It was quite Dickenesque, I must say.

Lovely sleeping in until eight-thirty and getting loads of house work accomplished. The two Hart children arrived just after eleven for me to care for while their Mum went to work for several hours. The children colored, did puzzles, helped me vacuum, clean, and water colored pictures at the kitchen table. We also planted a large red amaryllis bulb!

After their Mum was home from work we spent supper with them. She made oven baked chicken, steamed carrots flavored with butter and cinnamon, broccoli, and homemade macaroni and cheese. For after supper tea we had apple spice cake and a steaming white-peach tea. I showed their Mum how to prepare for making a braided rug, and made several strips from old wool plaid.


Red Amaryllis Photograph (courtesy http://www.allposters.com)

Monday, December 10, 2007

My latest fetish, British Columbia



British Columbia - Emerald Lake
I'm thinking this would be a lovely place to visit, and it would be grand taking a train across Canada.

Pictures courtesy http://www.allposters.com

Thoughts on a cold day

Hit by an ice storm early Sunday morning has given me the start of a most interesting week. So far my classes have been cancelled for today and tomorrow.

Rebecca and her college friend, Gwen waited until noon today when the ice had started to melt to make a dash back to Hollister before more freezing rain descend upon us tonight.




Last evening we enjoyed watching early James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small episodes on Rebecca's laptop computer, while sipping hot tea with milk, and turbinado sugar. Each year our Christmas tree which when assembled reaches about six feet is yet even more wobbly. Mum and I are thankful Rebecca came home, she is always able to work wonders with the stressed and precarious tree. It has now taken it's place on the right side of our fireplace looking quite cheery.


At last I have finished my assigned reading for cello studies. Joys and Sorrows- Reflections by Pablo Casals. What a read. It encompasses more than just his direct work with the cello and the fine tuning of playing techniques but also his work as a conductor and composer and how he was able to utilize his God given talents to help encourage peace between nations after World War II.


Alf Wight - (the real James Herriot) courtesy of http://www.jamesherriot.org/images.php