This weekend will be a time of reflecting and recalling a time that most women dread the most... losing their father. It will be two years this October 23rd that my father passed away.... away to be with the Lord he served and to be with his wife, my mother who had preceeded him just four months earlier. It was hardly a surprise that my father waited until my mother was gone on. He was the caregiver, the protector, the provider. He had survived illnesses and incidents that would have done most men in, but my father persevered to the end... quietly slipping away in the night. I could hardly be sad. My parents were entirely devoted to each other, showing us, their four children, what a loving and solid marriage was all about. We miss you, Daddy, but I know Mother is probably planning a wonderful Italian dinner for you as you both celebrate a time of togetherness. That's just how I see it!
Friday, October 22, 2010
It's been two years - my father
This weekend will be a time of reflecting and recalling a time that most women dread the most... losing their father. It will be two years this October 23rd that my father passed away.... away to be with the Lord he served and to be with his wife, my mother who had preceeded him just four months earlier. It was hardly a surprise that my father waited until my mother was gone on. He was the caregiver, the protector, the provider. He had survived illnesses and incidents that would have done most men in, but my father persevered to the end... quietly slipping away in the night. I could hardly be sad. My parents were entirely devoted to each other, showing us, their four children, what a loving and solid marriage was all about. We miss you, Daddy, but I know Mother is probably planning a wonderful Italian dinner for you as you both celebrate a time of togetherness. That's just how I see it!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
My Department 56 Fall Home
Fall at my house...
at least at my Department 56 house
I really enjoy "playing" with my Department 56 Snow Village. I've been a collector for about 25 years.
Every year I buy one piece and a few small items for
decorating. My husband has been bitten by the bug as
well, and for the past 15 years we have always enjoyed our
Christmas shopping trip together. We shopped for the boys, and then we shopped for the year's new building.
This particular piece I love because the home reminds me
of my aunt's home in Dallas, Texas.
I bought it for that very reason.
Aunt Rachael married my Uncle Joe and
together they built the home they were
in for 60 years.
My mother lived with them throughout
her college years at SMU.
We all loved this home so much.
It is gone now, but my memories
have always been wonderful.
I have a circular window in my living room
that is similar to Aunt Rachael's.
I always wanted to enjoy my Snow Village pieces at a
time other than Christmas. Not all of them are
adaptable, but I managed to make a stack of pumpkins
to cover Christmas wreaths here.
So much fun!!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Show and Tell Friday - Chinese Pewter Teapot
Pewter Teapot from China
My husband's relatives were missionaries in China in the early 1930's. When war broke out there they were forced to leave and return home. They brought this teapot with them.
I feel fortunate that my husband inherited it.
I invision the work his relatives were doing and how they must have felt having to leave.
I wish I knew more about that period of time there
so if anyone has input, please comment.
I'm early with Show and Tell Friday
at My Romantic Home,
but my schedule is a little crazy these days.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Garten Verein - Galveston, Texas
My husband and I attended a lovely wedding this past Saturday in Galveston, Texas.
The ceremony and reception were held at
the Garten Verein. What a wonderful building that
has lived on in spite of three major hurricanes, including the
1900 Galveston Hurricane which I wrote about in a previous posting. This is what the we know about it...
The flamboyant octagonal Garten Verein (Garden Club) was the center of 19th-century refined social life in Galveston. Lit at night like a fairy lantern, dancing couples would swirl within as German waitresses served beer steins and sandwiches.
Built by Galveston's prosperous German community — but open to anyone who could afford the modest membership — the whimsically designed Victorian pavilion flew the flags of all nations, and sported a bowling green, exotically landscaped park, croquet grounds, an ornate fountain, and even a genteel zoo.
Galveston businessman Stanley Kempner bought the site in 1923 and donated it to the city as a public park dedicated to his parents.
In 1998, the Kempner Fund provided a $1 million restoration grant for the fanciful pavilion.
Galveston is still struggling a bit to recover from Hurricane Ike, but they are well on their way. It may have been a stroke of luck, but the beaches and water were outstanding. We stayed at the historic Hotel Galvez and thoroughly enjoyed the it all.
I'm late to enter Mosaic Monday on Little Red House but here goes...
Visit this wonderful blog for some fabulous mosaics!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
NyQuil Test
"Cough, cough"... I'm taking a break to
test the benefits of NyQuil. Yes.. I have a cough and cold.
My sons tease me when I claim that something is
"going around"... but that's how I caught this darn cold.
It's going around!!
I'll be back in a few days.
We are headed to Galveston for a wedding soon
so I need to make a miraculous recovery.
Back to bed for me.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Three or More Tuesday - Girl Scout Camp - ca. 1959
Camp Brownwood in Texas
It was the first time I had left home on my own and
without visiting grandparents. It was a week full of fun
and meeting new friends. I am pictured in the middle.
The girls on each side of me were so much fun and I was sure we would be in touch for a lifetime.
Swimming lessons were daily and it was my least
favorite thing to do. What I did enjoy were crafts
and games.
This is where we slept. One night a possum climbed
inside and did we ever scream!
We sang the "Johnny Appleseed" song for
the blessing before each meal.
And we learned manners. No one was allowed
to have their "fairies", or elbows .. on the table.
It was so much fun to go to Girl Scout camp.
I do remember though that when my parents
came to pick me up, I was really glad to see them!
Anyone else a Girl Scout or attend summer camp?
Visit The Gypsy's Corner
for a real cool picture
and enjoy other entries in
Three or More Tuesday
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