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Monday, April 22, 2013

LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE

Hello dear friends!   Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Spring is slow to come in our little corner of the world, but ever so slowly winter is ebbing  away, and even if we don't think it's spring the birds are cheerfully proclaiming otherwise.  Is there anything more comforting than the song from a red-winged blackbird?   Something about it reminds me of strawberry fields and wild roses.  There's is no better tonic for a crazy world than to just close your eyes, turn your face to the sun and just listen to the birds.  God is in His heaven; all is right with the world. Browning knew a thing or two!

This month we traveled to North Carolina to see our new little grandson, Ezekiel.  What a beautiful baby, with his pale hazel eyes and little rosebud mouth!  Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera, so we have no visual recording of our meeting. But it's just as well as I find cameras rarely do any of us justice.  Better the moment lives on  in my mind.  It was so nice to travel to warmer clime and fun to climb up and down the mountainous byways, but at the end of the day the nicest sight was when we turned into our drive and spotted our little gray cottage. 

To say that I am not a traveler, would be an understatement.  I like to see new sights but am a firm believer that there's plenty of new experiences right in our own backyards if we care to look.  And it's a lot easier on the pocketbook!   But one nice thing about traveling is that it reaffirms that here is where I belong.  I just had the thought when I uploaded this picture of our kitchen, that this is the type of kitchen when watching those home renovation shows that the host takes one look at and says "Total gut job!".   But granite counter tops and nickle-plated hardware in this house would be as out of place as putting lipstick on a pig.  It's time like this that I wish I were a better photographer, so that I could capture the wonderful golden glow that comes from the window and just the feeling of serenity that I have we I come down the ships ladder of a stairway and enter it's cozy little space.  My wish for everyone is that they have a place that they feel at perfect peace.  I'm sure it would be the answer to all the violence and hatred that permeates this old planet. 

You can't have peace if there's a lot of chaos going on, so to help alleviate  that problem here, Ran built this little window seat for our upstairs landing.  I store my fabric in it.

 He used an old foot board  from a bed we no longer needed and that beautiful old board for the top was found in the crawl space of a Victorian house we used to own.  It's cork pine, which is now extinct.  It's amazing that the wood hadn't rotted away because it is well over a hundred years old.  That's a testimony to a nice dry house!  We bought the HL hinges at garage sale, eons ago.  Total cost for the project was about $5.    I did some re-purposing of my own and made these tote bags out of some old window valances.
My hope was, that if I had cute shopping bags, I wouldn't forget to use them.  Fat chance!   Some habits are hard to break.   But I am getting better, now they get as far as the backseat of the car.

I found the valances at the thrift store.  Aren't thrift stores wonderful?  I really don't understand why people shun them.  Of course some are better than others.  I've never found anything worthwhile in our local Goodwill and the Salvation Army  rarely has much.  The stores I like are the little ones run by dear sweet ladies for church charities.  They always have the best vintage linens and serving pieces.  The junior league  type stores yield the nicest clothes.   It's funny, but I'm a bit of a clothes snob, in spite of buying my clothes second hand.  I only buy labels from  designers like Ralph Lauren and Ellen Tracy and stores like Nordstroms and Saks Fifth Avenue.  And yes you can find those things, but it takes time and patience.  This past winter I found a brand new with tags  ($246!) on gray cashmere tunic from Lands End  for $3.  And a pretty pale teal handbag from Marshall Fields.  I had to buy that just for the label because alas, poor Marshall Fields is no longer.  Some people think eww!  clothes that others have worn, but I assume someone may have tried on the clothes at the store, so they've been worn before also,  And I've order clothes and found lipstick stains and other tell-tale signs of previous wear on them, so I don't worry about that.  Besides, you are going to wash them before you wear them. New clothes are only new once, then you wear them and they are used anyway.  I'd much rather buy a a used sweater of good quality, than buy new cheaper clothes of shoddy quality. Here's some tips for thrift store shopping:

1.  Go with a plan. Knowing what "holes" you need to fill in your closet, keeps you focused. 

2.  I've found that having a color scheme helps so that you don't end up with a bunch of mismatched items.  My basic color them is gray, cream  and oatmeal with a bit of pale teal and lavender thrown in for good measure.  Other classic color combos are navy-gray-cream,  black-white, brown-tan. If it's not in that color scheme, I don't bother looking at it.

3.  Buy classic pieces.  Edith Head said that anything extreme, eventually become ugly, and just looking at an old high school yearbook will prove that!  Some things never go out of style, like pea coats, pencil skirts, plain white blouses,  simple button down cardigans. 

4.   Know your style.   Over the years I've learned what looks good on my shape and fit's my lifestyle.  There's no purpose of me looking at floaty little skirts and little rosebud sprigged blouses, no matter how cute they are.  They just don't look right on me. 

5.  Don't shop with children and husbands that step on your heels.  Thrifting takes time. 

6.  Look for quality.  Plaids should match at the seams.  No pills on sweater.  Nice finished seams. Lining in woolen skirts, etc. Natural fabrics like linen, wool, etc. You know quality when you see it.

7.  Don't be afraid to alter a garment.  Sometimes all it takes to make dress look nice is new buttons or a skirt shortened.  Or the shoulder pads removed.

8.  Sometime all it takes to make something look nice is a good ironing job.  This goes for new clothes too.  Sometimes I think I need to do a tutorial on ironing, I think it's becoming a lost art!

9.  If something doesn't work out for you, bundle it back up and re-donate it back to charity.  Don't clutter up your closets with stuff you don't wear.  All of my clothes fit on two shelves of a linen press and a couple of dresses hanging in the closet, yet my husband calls me a clothes horse!   By buying classics in my color scheme, I have endless combinations. 

10.  As with everything, it's quality over quantity.  Some days you'll come away without finding anything.  Other days, you'll have a windfall.  It seems it's either feast or famine with thrifting.

I couldn't end without giving you one thrifty recipe.  This is our latest favorite for snack:

Buffalo Cauliflower


4 tbsp. butter or margarine
1/4 cup hot sauce
1 head of cauliflower, broken into flowerets
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter and sauce together.  Toss the cauliflower with the mixture.  Place on a large cookie sheet.  Roast at 425 degrees  for 20 minutes.  Give them a good  stir once midway through the roasting process. Cauliflower should start to darken and become soft when done.  Serve with blue cheese  or ranch dressing for dipping.  Or eat them plain.  A nice healthy alternative to french fries, especially if you use one of those heart healthy, olive oil based  margarines  instead of butter.

62 comments:

  1. First of all, your new header picture is so pretty. Secondly, I love your kitchen! You have real cabinets (I have fake) and the porcelain sink is so nice. I had one, and my husband replaced it, and heaven knows why I didn't stop him. Now I want to go back to porcelain. Your little lamp probably gives the nicest glow.

    Ha...if I had pretty shopping bags like that, I would just keep them on the hooks to look at.

    Such a neat window seat, with your antique wood! I love your window too.

    I agree about taking pictures. If you are busy taking a picture, you might miss that moment to keep in your memory! Memories are like little gifts tucked away in our minds.

    I enjoyed reading of your shopping and your tips. The roasted cauliflower with hot sauce sounds good. I just bought hot sauce...I suppose broccoli would do with it.



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    1. Thanks Andrea! I suppose the shopping tips could be applied to new clothes also Andrea. I like what you said about memories. I never look at photo albums anyway, but I can close my eyes and conjure up memories anytime.

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  2. Oh..ha...the grass is greener on newer ideas I guess! But porcelain is so classic! True you have to scrub it alot. But my newer sink is some sort of fake stone, and I actually chipped it with a new knife....it is super-sharp and I was cutting a watermelon last summer in my sink (too lazy to get out a cutting board!)

    You brought up a good point about clothes...I've had new clothes that I got on sale that were damaged...lots of times in fact! Like you said, they are basically old/or used clothes, possibly alot of clearance sales include returned clothes.

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  3. I pretty much stopped purchasing from the thrift store here in town, not because they are not wonderful cheap :), but because I am sewing for myself now, and I have to use up the fabric that has been cluttering my cottage ;D m.

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    1. I like to sew too, Maria. I always search the thrift stores and estate sales for interesting and nice fabric. I have a lovely bit of silk moire that came with a note from the owner dated 1917 stating that while the fabric was lovely, it was much too fine for a minister's wife to wear. Just waiting for inspiration on using it. One time I almost went into a swoon at a local estate sale of a seamstress' home. Her entire basement was filled with bolts and large cuts of circa 1940s prints. I could have spent days there! And I'll purchase sweaters and blouses with interesting buttons to use. Right now I'm looking for some nice leather or wooden ones for some baby sweaters I'm knitting. Selection is so poor at our Walmart for notions and it's the only place to purchase fabric for miles around here.

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  4. I disagree with your kitchen being a gut job. I LOVE your kitchen. I adore those painted birch cabinets with the original hinges. Love the window. You have perfectly enhanced it's charm with your pretty finds and things. I adore it. I wish I had this knack. These types of kitchens are actually a bit prized in my neck of the woods.

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    1. I'm glad someone appreciates its old-timey-ness. Thank you!

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  5. I loved traveling with my husband with his job when I had the opportunity; I got to see a lot of places I would never have been able to do so on our own. But you're right, there's no place like home. I used to enjoy going to the grocery store when we would be home for visits, just to see faces from around town that I recognized. When we lived in Georgia, my son was with us for the summer during his college days, and we ran into the wonderful woman who cleaned our (corporate) apartment (included in the rent!) and had a nice conversation with her in a local Walmart. As soon as we parted ways, he teased me by saying, "Well, it must be time to move again, we just saw someone we know in the store!"

    I like your kitchen! I always say my house is too old to be new, but not old enough to be interesting. Having an all white kitchen with touches of blue has always been my dream kitchen. Now that my husband is home, I'm hoping that someday we'll have the time to paint or reface our kitchen cabinets. One of those "someday" projects.

    I want to thank you again for stopping by my blog and leaving comments. I'm realy enjoying blogging again, and I certainly appreciate the encouragement.

    "See you" soon!

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    1. I know Charlene. Most people love to travel. Sometimes I feel quite embarrassed to admit that I don't. It's like saying I'm anti-social or something, which perhaps I am. Actually I love seeing new places and meeting interesting people, it's just that at the end of the day, I want to sleep in my own bed.

      I love visiting your blog, Charlene, and am very glad that your blogging more frequently these days!

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  6. Love the picture of the dill at the top of your blog.. is it from your garden? April is a crazy month for weather here - ice storms to snow. The only thing coming up so far is chives, some bulbs and garlic in my garden. I like shopping a thrift stores. You never know what treasure you will find.

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    1. The picture is from last year, Janet. I think we are having pretty much the same weather you are, which is to say, no spring yet. Today it climbed all the way to fifty and we got quite carried away with hanging laundry out on the line and digging posts for fencing. By evening we were back to cold and they say to expect snow tomorrow. Hopefully we'll be able to plant by Memorial Day! But the rhubarb is coming up. You can always count on good old rhubarb.

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  7. Hi Jane,

    I'm so pleased to see you posting again. I've always loved your blog!

    Your kitchen looks so cozy and welcoming and is perfect. I just heard that stainless steel appliance are "out" and white is now "in" so who can keep up and why should we? Our home should make us happy not matter what's in style. Your window seat is wonderful...I've always wanted one. Your hubby did a great job!

    Thanks for the shopping tips. Oh and your shopping bags look great, so pretty.

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    1. Hi Sandra! Good to hear from you again! I suppose stainless will come and go out of style just like avocado green and orange countertops. I'm pretty sure one day everyone will be pulling them out because the are so 2000s. That's why I always tell my children to go with white appliances, because although they are boring, white has always been a color choice for appliances. Of course they didn't listen to me. Ah children!

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  8. Thanks Jane....my future grandchildren of that son/wife will have a fun upbringing! This son is smart too...he wants to pay off the house quick, as he moved down from what he had.

    Ha...I see your conversation about appliance colors. If stainless steel is on the way out, that is good, because they are more expensive! I think you can't go wrong with white. Some day, I want to be in a house with old wooden cabinets that I can paint! BTW, your curtains are so pretty above your sink.

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  9. Oh can we hope that you will be back at least several times a month?? I know I missed your blog.
    blessings, jill

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    1. Thank you for the encouragement, Jill! I will try to write more often, but, goodness! how quickly time marches on here at our little abode!

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  10. Hi Jane! I really like the no curtain look for my house, to make it seem larger (ha) but in recent years I have added curtains, just to make the winter more cozy, and thermal curtains for warmth. Sometimes I take them down for summer..not sure what I will do this summer. (getting lazy). The thermal also helps with air conditioning.

    My kids (except for my oldest daughter) seem to yearn for the country. (After growing up in suburbia and going to school in the city). (And college in the country mostly). My son wanted to leave Maryland, due to its liberalness and tax increases, and go to a more conservative state. (Statistics this year show he is not alone). His luxury townhouse that he sold was around $300,000 and this new one with land, which is worth the land alone, is 200,000. Our homes here...you can't find a decent home for much under 200,000 in my state.

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  11. dear jane,
    your kitchen looks so warm and welcoming. love the lamp on the wall.I have a porcelain sink in my kitchen,too. How do you clean the sink?Is that white large box a box for cutlery?It looks pretty.
    I wish we had triftshops like yours.....here in my country gives second hand shops,but they are higher priced.I have a few Shirts from land's end and
    eddie bauer.I love jeans from levis. Ralph Lauren is my favourite too.
    I like your bag.Thanks for all the wonderful tips and for the recipe.
    Wish you a nice evening.
    Love and Hugs,
    Regina

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  12. Hi Regina! I find the easiest way to clean the stain in porcelain sinks is just to close the stopper, run an inch or two of water and a liberal splash of bleach before going to bed. In the morning drain the water and the stains are gone.

    The box is an old fashioned seed box with several compartments. Since my kitchen is tiny, 7 1/2 X 14 feet, I don't have very many drawers, so I keep all the little things like can openers, corkscrews, scissors, etc. in there.

    It's too bad you don't have the thrift stores like we have around here. They are great money-savers. Plus I like that your also helping out charities when you shop there.

    So how's your garden growing. I suppose pretty soon your pretty yellow roses will be blooming!

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  13. Hi Jane ~ I just found you! (Through Marqueta),I gather you are putting your blog on hold ~ aw,shame, but I understand. These things have their phase and then life intervenes.
    I love the look of your cottage and concur with the idea of a little spot of peace (your home); mine is also small but we are very happy in it.
    My blog is called Candlemas Cottage blogspot, if you felt like coming by any time.
    God bless!
    Alex
    PS Have you ever tried putting lipstick on a pig??! Lol

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    1. At the moment, I haven't the pleasure of being acquainted with any characters of the porkine persuasion to give it a try, Alex. Ha! Who knows? Might actually be a fairly simple procedure. I'll certainly stop by your blog. Always interested in meeting new friends in the blogging world!

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  14. Oh Jane...snow! When summer is hot and miserable, you can write how your nights are cooler then ours! or something!

    I was just thinking...those Amish are smart...they sell the whoopie pies for a buck each. I must have at least 40. Right now I am mad at myself. I bought a pyrex pie plate for $5 something at the grocery store, and I now see it elsewhere for just $3. I am going to have to boycott these grocery stores! I would take it back, but the price of gasoline would negate any savings.

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  15. Ok, I will put aside the nostalgia and be honest. At my favorite Amish stand, which is small and quaint, and has very good bread and whoopie pies, I will confess that my husband won't eat their stuff. We bought canned spaghetti sauce once and the jar seemed dirty. And the pies, which I still buy at about $8 for a small pie, ....well...last summer I could only find one or two blackberries in it...the rest was all cornstarch- thickened filling! ha.

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  16. So true what you said. I thought, maybe I'm helping pay someone's salary that I know, as a couple kids from my daughter's h.s. work there part-time (grocery store). My husband always says, jokingly, "just let-go"! ha...maybe men don't dwell on things like women!

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  17. Thank you Teri! So nice to meet you. Looks like you have a sweet little place also.

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  18. Oh no! I would have tried to find a way to visit if only for 5 minutes if I had known you were coming to NC. Glad that you got to visit your grandson.

    Your cottage is such a darling place. Evokes those same cozy feelings a cup of tea and a good book do.

    I was looking for recipes -- shocking I know...haha....and I found this site. Made me think of you. http://veganinthefreezer.com/

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    1. It was a sort of impulsive trip, Shara. We just headed out between breaks in the weather. One day for driving down, the weekend with the grandbabies, then one day back. That was just too much driving for one day, I'll never do that again!

      Thanks for the link! I'm always looking for new recipes. Been in kind of a rut lately.

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  19. Yeah! You're having a more springish-day!

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  20. Ha....yes, my elderly rabbit. My daughter treats him with such love...I told her to remember that when I am elderly, and treat me the same. I think 10 years is at the top of the lifespan. And, we've only fed our rabbits the cheapest rabbit food I could find, which is half the cost or cheaper then any other at the pet store! So much for that fancy food!

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  21. Jane, You've echoed my thoughts about thrifting--like you, I shop for lables that cost the original owner a small fortune. I sometimes get carried away because items are only 2 or 3 dollars--then I have to have a session of weeding out. Isn't it odd that certain 'antiques' are considered a prize, but discovering good second hand clothing can be looked down upon?
    I am envious of your beautiful window seat/storage chest--I've always wanted one. There is such satisfaction in imaginatively 're-purposing' bits and pieces to make something lovely.

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    1. I once had a friend that thought nothing of borrowing clothes from others but always shuddered when I mentioned buying at the thrift store. I guess it never occurred to her that the clothes she was borrowing came from there. Must have been having a middle-man made a difference to her! People can be so silly!

      I told my husband we'll need another window seat for our enclosed porch. Fortunately there's the headboard for that! They'regreat places to stash stuff!

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  22. Hi Jane! What a wonderful post. Your kitchen is beautiful, I love your curtains! There are few things sweeter than a cozy little kitchen. I have seen many big model homes and their granite and stainless steel, with every fashionable nick-nack placed just so...but a real honest-to-goodness cozy kitchen, needs only: the promise of love and welcome, happy memories and the smell of good home cooking. :)

    I had a good chuckle today when I read a newspaper article, where someone had claimed to have found the all-time, most "perfect" chocolate chip cookie recipe ever! Well of course that got my attention. But the recipe required so many unusual and expensive ingredients and three types of flour. The salt had to be of a precise special coarseness, and the chocolate "disk-ettes" had to be from Belgium. It was amazing how they made something so simple, so utterly complicated and expensive.

    I love your tote bags, they are beautiful and your new window seat too! What a great storage idea for your fabric. Tony made me a little window seat in our first house years ago. It had little sheer lace cafe curtains that softened the sunshine and it was stuffed with some of my handmade pillows. I think a window seat always makes a room look so inviting!

    I have been working on a big queen-sized crochet afghan the last 3 or 4 months but have had to put it away for awhile now that the weather is getting warmer. I had hoped to finish it by now but these bigger projects take me a lot longer to finish than they used to. No more marathon crocheting for me! Those days are gone. :) I started knitting a pair of "Norwegian Wedding Gloves" a few days ago. I got the pattern from an old Piece Work magazine. It is the first time I have ever attempted anything on tiny size 0 needles with fingering yarn. It is a lacy design and even has lace on the fingers. It has been a fun challenge, I'm about half way finished with the first glove. Thanks again Jane for your wonderful comments on my blog, it is always so nice to hear from you. I hope you have a lovely afternoon ahead! With Love, Delisa :)

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  23. You are lucky Jane! The real mccoy's would be so much more meaningful to own. These new ones are just colored glass really! And they are just pint sized. Hope you are basking in the sun this week!

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  24. I feel for you, Jane! I remember getting a new roof and the original two layers being scraped off and on top of my peonies and other perennials.

    My husband just weed-wacked our yard, and I have some flower casualties!

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  25. HI! Yes, i was thinking that.....extra expenses such as clothes, a car (as we only had one back then and life was more peaceful for me with just one!)...
    plus child care is so expensive. Not to mention bonding with your child. I think women working with other men helps the divorce statistics too!

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  26. I would love to move next door to you! ha. My neighbors aren't really the homemaker type here! Maybe one is.

    I am surprised my husband gave in so quick. If all our kids were living at home, there is no way we'd pay that much for milk though. The advantages of older age! ha.

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  27. Dear Jane,

    I was so glad that you stopped by and commented the other day, and to see a glimpse of your home! I love the window seat Ran made; my dad made something similar in the house I grew up in, and it was always my favorite hiding place (my mom hung curtains in front of it and put lots of cushions on).

    Has spring come your way yet?

    Love,

    Marqueta

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  28. Hi, my cyber-friend, how has the clutter-busting been going? We are on a mini-trip to NC, I "cheated" and took pictures and pre-posted for the days we'll be gone. Hubby was supposed to go sky-diving with his dad and two of his brothers, but the weather didn't co-operated and it had to be postponed. We probably won't be able to come back for the reschedule, but, such is life. As much as I enjoy traveling, I really will be glad to get back to my little house in the country, and back into my daily routine.

    "See" you soon!
    Charlene

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  29. Hi Jane. Oh, that is funny...charlie horses. But educational. Good old potassium! I probably get too much of it!

    A log cabin is right down the road from that house that my husband is interested in. Personally, I think it is safe to just wait a few more years until retirement and make a decision then. You just don't know what a few years could bring! I am now beyond wanting to move...I waited too long.

    Well, it is cloudy out...around 65. The gardens are just not going to grow until the weather gets more seasonal!

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  30. p.s..I have to add...my husband doesn't think like me. I'm thinking...that house had almost two acres of flat-football field shaped land....I could have real gardens. The carriage house could be a future business if need-be (zoned already for it). I guess I'll do all of that when I get to heaven, doesn't look like in this life :) ha.

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  31. Hi..ha...I was driving home this morning and got a hankering for pagache!
    These old-time dishes are very filling!

    I just spent the evening watching a wild rabbit and just posted some video on it. Now I can see why I still didn't clean up my kitchen...we homemakers can busy our time in many ways!

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  32. I was just thinking that when I grew up with woods around our home, I rarely saw wildlife, except for the occasional black snake on our porch, or deer, or a bunny nest I ran over with the lawnmower (!). I rarely saw squirrels or chipmunks (don't have those around my house..chipmunks). I think the reason is, they have their wonderful woods to live in there. Here, in the suburbs, they are forced to just live in our yards! But I do note the rabbits are smart enough to not go in my backyard where my dog occasionally spends her time!

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  33. Happy mom's day to you too! Your header picture is so pretty...the blossoms....and looks like mr. mcgregor's garden! I hope you didn't lose any perennials from your contractors! Can't wait to see your garden when it is growing!

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  34. ¸╭•⊰✿¸.

    Bom domingo!
    Feliz Dia das Mães!
    Beijinhos.♡ღ

    •*✿⊱╮ღ

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  35. Hi Jane. Do you think we will ever get a real summer? I shouldn't say that...ha...it might be a real hot summer after a real cold winter!
    No, those tulips were from my kids..the multi-colored ones were from 1800 flowers and the white ones from a whole foods store.
    I have snapdragons doing well in my garden right now...they seem to not mind the cold. Snapdragons are my favorite annual!

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  36. Once again Jane, I could have written your post. I LOVE you! Except for the part about altering the clothes from the thrift store. I guess I'm too lazy for that. I don't mind ironing but my sewing cupboard is full of things that I ought to alter or repair. I am a preacher of classic style, know yourself
    and what looks good on you... And a home that is your haven (minus modern fads) is the greatest vacation spot. So glad I popped in. I didn't know that you had posted. Now I'm going back to see if I've missed any others.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  37. Boy did your comment mirror my thoughts!

    Your blog has so many valuable posts! I'm glad you mentioned asparagus so I am reading it now...90 crowns!!ha...I think I am getting 10. I like the comparison to daffodils and tulips...that helps me to know.

    I would love a short graduation! I know some sort of acknowledgment is due for excelling, so I would think that was weird too...but it should be tempered with treating others close to equal too, as they all achieved the same goal (just some better than others..ha) I think, that in the elementary and h.s.'s, there is some administration favoring going on and things aren't all fair.

    I love peonies..and lilacs...I just have new bushes, one doesn't have any blossoms..:(
    Those roses from the store never open up for me...I much prefer a bush to plant. Maybe this weekend I will read your gardening label posts on your blog.



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  38. Thanks Jane! Yes, alot of boaters need rescued, especially in the summer!
    If I had a boat, I'd want the Coast Guard around too.

    Uniforms of all kinds make people look sharp! I was thinking today, how I should weed out my closet and only keep age-appropriate clothes for myself. Surely something I wore 20 years ago might be too young (plus doesn't fit anyway..ha)

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  39. Yes, I think that is it...I am nostalgic for my grandmother's homes and comfort!!

    I am constantly making mistakes of what is good to buy to wear! I know I should be praying in church, but that is where I look around at ladies my age and older and try to note the mistakes they make so I can counter them! For instance, I try to wear skirts/dresses to church. But many don't...and I am noting that women should cover their back ends with a longer shirt/jacket at all times with pants on! And I like 3/4 quarter sleeve lengths instead of shorter....especially when I get closer to 60.
    I think it is hard because our styles these days are "anything goes" and it is hard to pinpoint what is best. Meanwhile...I really do need to weed out my closet and "let go" of clothes this week!

    I hope to get back at that antique mall sometime. And I hope I am mature enough to enjoy looking and not buy. Although there is a little wall lamp that reminds me of your kitchen look and it might be something I'd want to copy from your kitchen...that is definitely a cozy idea!

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  40. Ohhh.. I love the smell of stocks. I've never seen them growing here except for at the florist! That is neat about your strawberries.

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  41. Hi. I like that..poor and humble..ha..at least as long as we have someone in college huh! And you have a bit more years then I do I think!

    Well, I love having the windows open, so I am fine as the new air cond. is going in a little over a week from now. It is half the price as we thought they would cost these days, 3400. So we are pleased with that. I guess it is good to think the worst, then you are always satisfied.

    Have a nice Memorial Day too!

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  42. I love the header but i think the flowers are gone now. How are you?

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  43. Hi Jane! I was just thinking about you this morning and thought I would pop by and say hi! I hope you had a nice weekend. We had a quiet one, just relaxing and watching old movies. Tony cooked some burgers on the grill and I made a big lemon meringue pie. The weather has been perfect the last few days. It was starting to feel like summer already with heavy heat and humidity but yesterday there was a refreshing breeze and it just felt good to be alive and in the sunshine. :) Have you read the new Interweave Knitting Traditions magazine? It sure has some really good stories in it and some neat patterns. Have a lovely week ahead my friend and thank you again for stopping by the blog and saying hello from time to time, it is always so nice to hear from you! With Love, Delisa :)

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  44. Hi Jane! The little old ladies who used to tell me to enjoy my little kids (when I was a young mom) because time goes fast, and before you know it they will be grown, were right! ha.

    I know...I stayed in this house so long...my first and only house...that I had an inkling that it was going to be the perfect size for a retirement house for us! And it is already customized by us..ha.

    Thanks...fishing line would be great...for that and other things around here...I never would've thought of that! ha...good point about the salmon..

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  45. Yes..the memories. For some reason I feel them most in the yard...I guess because I like nature...and my kids spent alot of time playing outside. They joke that I rarely let them in...but it is just that I felt it was healthier to climb/run/play outside.

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  46. Somehow I missed his post! Glad I found it. :) I love our red winged blackbirds, we live right by marsh land, and they fly back and forth all summer. Your thrifting sounds like so much fun, my mother is big on hunting down bargains at thrift shops, she finds some pretty great things, I grew up thrifting with my mom. Sadly our small town doesn't really have much in the way of thrift shops, there is a children's resale shop though, and I do think I saw a tiny church charity shop that recently opened, maybe I will have to pop in for a visit. Love all your shopping tips, and that Buffalo Cauliflower sounds yummy I will have to give that one a try! Hope you have a great weekend!

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  47. So nice to drop in and catch up! Had I known you were in this state, I would have crawled to see you! Glad all is well; the joy in your voice is marvelous, Jane!

    Sending love!

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  48. Missing you, Jane! Don't you think it's time for another update? Just a teeny one???

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  49. Hi Jane! I bet your garden looks alot different now! It has been raining constantly here. I'm beginning to cover flowers because they are getting too much rain. I've heard of good-for-drought flowers but maybe now I need water lilies..ha..

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  50. Luckily I did pick some of my roses, because...do you believe...some bug, but most likely a worm, ate every single leaf and all the buds!!! It is bare. I am smitten:(
    ha!

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  51. Hi! You are right about the cost of making jam. I do have some fruit bushes and apple trees that are small, hopefully someday I can brag over picking their fruit for free!

    ha...it is funny how my grandparents at 50, looked similar to when they turned 80! Those same hair styles, glasses, dresses for the women! (Plus so many smoked...so maybe that is why they looked old!) My 90-year old neighbor still wears the clothes that she did when we moved here several decades ago, and I did the math, she was 56! ha.

    My dental hygienist just retired! I guess that is how we can tell we are aging...we start going through more doctors, etc., as they retire! I used to feel bad that we talked so much (in between opening my mouth for her) as I probably put her behind those days I had appts! :)

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  52. Ha! You're right about all of those styles!

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