Birthday Quilt from Betty Gram

I am so pleased with a beautiful quilt picked from Brylan Home...though it is a China made quilt. At this time I don't have time or space to finish a large queen size quilt for my bed. This one will be just dandy and it was on-sale significantly!

Gardening at Betty Gram and Fredpa's

After a record breaking amount of successive days of rain...we have sunshine again today and Betty Gram and I have squeezed every possible hour into her garden. Things are really shaping up and as soon as I can I will share photos of the latest plantings.

Peak into the Garden

April showers have brought May flowers. Come down the pathway and you can see what is blooming in Betty Gram's garden...and since I've given her much help, she says it's mine too...sadly it's on the other side of town.

A Miniature Buffet

A little area of Betty Gram's dining room was needing a little show case of some sort. So, Betty Gram and I found a little table and set it together with a country looking shelf. Betty Gram's husband, Fred gave her the shelf filled with many varieties of tea one year at Christmas. The shelf/table duo looks like they are meant for one another.

A Day with Betty Gram

Across town, I dash in my silver station wagon to help Betty Gram with some much needed grocery shopping. Let's run away she proclaims, let's go shopping in Collinsville. But, no perhaps we shouldn't. What about taking a spontaneous trip to the very near town with an antique shop hub on main street? Yes, lets.

We spend four hours perusing three antique shops, and having lunch in the car. At our favorite shop, which is like stepping back in time, we spend well over an hour. Betty Gram had a small estate sale some months back. She should not be buying anything! I know you are going to squeal Amy, when you see what I am going to ask you to move up to the front counter, and yes, I am going to buy that folk horse on rockers. Betty Gram! Despite it's broken wheel, she buys it, among other things.

I am lingering at a booth display with many green glassware items and kitchen items. A green lettered breadbox captures my attention. I don't think I have seen one quite that old. Then I remember...you must save...and so...

This favorite shop of ours boasts an old fashioned soda fountain, and Betty Gram and I, each enjoy rich chocolate sodas. First one ever and it's yummy! As we drift out the doorway, I holding Betty Gram's shopping bags, I turn to behold my violin teacher of some years ago, standing just inside the doorway. Mrs. Wallace! Quick, I think....who is older...Mrs. Wallace....Betty Gram...Mrs. Wallace...oh yes, then I introduce, Mrs. W. to Betty Gram. As we are driving away, I am nearly rolling with laughter, when I tell her of my sudden predicament inside, as to the oldest, she laughs heartily, Amy, I am always the oldest in every situation!

P.S. If you have the money, you may buy a bread box like this one from E-bay...and someday it will be an antique...for the penny pincher's of the world, we must maintain the hope of finding one at the GW Boutique (for those unacquainted with GW, that's the illustrious, Goodwill).

Betty Gram's Abode

My Dear Betty Gram

Stepping in you'll see...

delightful 'Old World Charm'

and tea tins stashed here and there...

and everywhere!

How about a nice little brunch in the breakfast nook?

Getting sleepy from all the cares of life? Just pull up the soft coverlet on Betty Gram's bed and take a cat nap.

Betty Gram's Sewing Cupboard Comes Home

All my fabric and sewing paraphernalia is safely stashed in this cupboard I purchased from Betty Gram, today. Mum and I made two trips across town in my little car, "Silver Lining". My fabric has been taking up lots of space in corners of the dining room and now it is nice to have the dining room free for future dinner parties.

Fabric waiting to be made into gifts for friends and family. Don't you love the lobster fabric in the middle? I get such a kick out of that fabric. I am looking forward to incorporating the hearts into a project. Any suggestions?

Patchwork everywhere! I group fabric by color and then make patchwork based around that color scheme. I was delighted to have found two batches left over from previous quilt tops. There will be enough to make some baby quilts for friends.

Yarn for future gifts and quilt batting.

College Takes Time

Generally, I work for Betty Gram on M-W-F, but due to my expanding college schedule, studying, cello and other obligations, I had to reduce it to two days and then just to Mondays. As of today, Betty Gram will find someone else to be her maid. This really makes me sad. But there are positive sides to this dissappointment. Betty Gram has just had a big auction of many collectables and antiques and her house is looking very nice and uncrowded. I'll share some pics soon, perhaps. This photo was taken before she re-arranged her bedroom (all by herself at 86). Can you believe that!

Miko is Like Tricky Woo

This is the "Her Royal Highness", Miko. She is walked and bathed three times a week for Betty Gram. I found Miko a lovely Scandinavian sweater to wear out and about...so we've tossed the thread bare one out the door! Miko reminds me a great deal of Tricky Woo in the All Creatures Great and Small Episodes.