Happy New Year....

Merry Christmas Eve....

Alrighty! Christmas is here again, and I am last minute shopping as usual --- what fun!!! I love it!

From Good Old Days magazine:

The Night Before Christmas has been a favorite of children in the 19th, 20th and now the 21st centuries, providing "visions of sugar-plums" dancing through the heads of youngsters of all ages. It certainly remains the standard bearer for yuletide verse. Here are the words to Moore's classic poem:

'Twas The Night Before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap;
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Choo, choo.....

Tomorrow is our "red hat" train ride from Cedar Park to Burnet ....What fun it will be...over 200 ladies riding on this train. Super-fabulous!

Update: It was so much fun! If you ever get a chance to go on this train ride, do so! And take the kids!

It's getting closer....

and, as usual, I will wait until the last minute. Isn't that part of the fun?!

Walking a rainbow trail....

"Walk on a rainbow trail; walk on a trail of song, and all about you will be beauty. There is a way out of every dark mist, over a rainbow trail." -- Navajo song

A better place ....

Come along inside... We'll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place.
—Kenneth Grahame, Wind in the Willows

I'm glad the Thanksgiving holiday is over....now we can buckle down and get ready for the big one -- CHRISTMAS!!

Tomorrow, tomorrow, we'll have pie tomorrow....

I've been baking for two evenings...almost finished.

It's getting closer.....

Thanksgiving is near and I am preparing my shopping list for this weekend. Oh, my, I am going to need a u-haul to carry all the groceries home. And two days to cook.

The election is over...let's concentrate on Thanksgiving now

Crustless Pumpkin Pie
from Coming Home with Gooseberry Patch©

4 eggs, beaten
15-oz. can pumpkin
12-oz. can evaporated milk
1-1/2 c. sugar
2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. salt
18-1/2 oz. pkg. yellow cake mix
1 c. chopped pecans
1 c. butter, melted
Garnish: whipped topping, chopped walnuts,
cinnamon or nutmeg

Combine eggs, pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, spice and salt. Mix well and pour into an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Sprinkle cake mix and nuts over top. Drizzle with butter; do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour, testing for doneness with a toothpick. Serve with whipped topping sprinkled with nuts and cinnamon or nutmeg. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

So very true.......

During this election year let's be reminded of these words:

* You cannot help the poor, by destroying the rich.

* You cannot strengthen the weak, by weakening the strong.

* You cannot bring about prosperity, by discouraging thrift.

* You cannot lift the wage earner up, by pulling the wage payer down.

* You cannot further the brotherhood of man, by inciting class hatred.

* You cannot build character and courage, by taking away men's initiative and independence.

* You cannot help men permanently, by doing for them what they could and should, do for themselves.

Do you recognize the author?


It was Abraham Lincoln

Very, wise words, written years ago and we still don't get it.....

Happy Halloween!!

Boo!!

Appropriate quote...

"If it wasn't for dysfunction, my family wouldn't have any function at all" - Magdelana Yoder from Grape Expectations written by Tamar Myers.

I don't like IKE!!

After two weeks we are still trying to "get it together" from the devastating effects of that nasty hurricane....We had damage here at my house, but not nearly as bad as some. I'm so grateful. Neighbors are wonderful!

I love red hatting!

When friends move away....

I have been so very fortunate to have made some lovely and inspiring friends through my association with the Houston Hat Net (hat lovers/wearers in the Houston TX area).



First, Kate, a milliner/legal secretary who lived in Friendswood (just south of Houston)- I met her in a "ladies room" - we both worked for lawyers on the same floor of a large office building. Kate always wore the most beautiful hats (and I loved hats but was wary of wearing them), so we became friends. When I learned she was teaching millinery classes at Houston Community College, of course, I signed up when I could. She is a great friend and fabulous teacher! Kate moved to St. Gallen, Switzerland, and then to Arlington, Virginia.

And, Jill, also a milliner/librarian whom I met at once of Kate's classes. Another sister soul...she recently moved from Kingwood (just north of Houston) to Salt Lake City, Utah. In the picture below, she is posing along-side Harmonie the Hippo - an art car belonging to our sister/friend, Sue. (Jill, love the bare feet - one of my favotire pictures of you.) Jill is also a great millinery instuctor.



Links to their blogs are listed on my site.

I miss my friends being close to me - but I love the fact that I am able to keep up with their activities through their blogs. And visits, of course.

Wild woman... (me)

My babies...

My granddaughter Amanda and her daughter Zoe on Zoe's ninth birthday.

I am a Snapdragon...

I am a Snapdragon What Flower Are You?

Addicted to Blogs....

I'll admit it, I am a blog addict!
Not to blogging myself evidently, but reading blogs, and I have MANY favorites - too many to mention here, but in my Bookmarks is a folder for Blogs and it contains about 100 of them. And, I try to check them all daily. Takes a lot of time, of course, but as I said I am addicted, and love all the great information furnished on those blogs. Wonderful, ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for sharing your lives and information with me.

Belief....

Do you know the Preamble for your state?
. . . interesting:

...be sure to read the message at the bottom!

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking
the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the
following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to
those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona ,
grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas ,
grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of
government...

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California ,
grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound
reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging
with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by
nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the
dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida ,
grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this C
onstitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon
protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this
Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine
Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to
Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois,
grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty
which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a
blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana ,
grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form
of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa , grateful to
the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our
dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this
Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty
God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are
grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of
Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious
liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful
hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in
affording us an opp ortunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland ,
grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts,
acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the
Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly
imploring His direction

Michigan 1908, Preamble le. We, the people of the State of Michigan ,
grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this
Constitution.

Minnesota 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota ,
grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to
perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention
assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our
work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound
reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His
goodness . Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to
Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution .

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for
our freedom . Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful
to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a
natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of
his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey,
grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so
long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our
endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to
Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York ,
grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North
Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our
civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our
dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful
to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do
ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to
Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our
common...

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order
to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be
secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the
dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania , grateful
to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and
humbly invoking His guidance...

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island
grateful to Almighty God for the ci vil and religious liberty which He
hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a
blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South
Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this
Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful
to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and
indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their
conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas ,
acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we
establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the
individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other
blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe
our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual
duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards
each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington ,
grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do
ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy
the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people
of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God
...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin , grateful to
Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming ,
grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish
this Constitution..

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions,
one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the
out-of-control federal courts are wrong! If you found this to be 'Food for
thought' copy and send to as many as you think will be enlightened, as I
do
(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship
God.)

'Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by
tyrants.' - William Penn
GOD BLESS AMERICA

I love Tea Parties!

Dilly Over Darjeeling (from Laurie Nienhaus at www.glily.com)

Darjeeling has always been one of my favorite teas. As a matter of fact, it is the tea responsible for the parting of ways between Lipton and myself.

Darjeeling's signature muscatel quality makes it a perfect match for pairing with mild, creamy cheeses. Dill is a herb that also pairs well with mild creamy cheeses, and the combination of all three makes a fragrant and savory tea experience.

Most large grocery stores carry dill Havarti and what can be easier than to bring it to room temperature, slice it thin, and pop it upon your favorite cracker or a piece of hot buttered toast?

Do you need a little crunch with your Darjeeling? Fill celery sticks with a mixture of cream cheese, dill, and a pinch of white pepper.

If you're in the mood for a little more fuss, have a cup of Darjeeling waiting for you as your Havarti dill and asparagus quiche comes from the oven. It's easy to substitute whatever cheese your quiche recipe calls for with Havarti dill (I sometimes also add a bit of fontina).

Do you need to be fancy? Make crab salad with dill and fill miniature Sally Lunn rolls to serve with your second flush Darjeeling.

And we can't forget dill bread! Sliced hot from the oven and spread with butter, it can easily stand alone with the finest of Darjeelings.

Oh dear, is it tea time yet?


Laurie Nienhaus is the Director of The Ladies' Tea Guild and Editor in Chief of the Tea Guild's monthly publication, Sweet Willa's Review. To learn more about this unique social club and tea society or to subscribe to Sweet Willa's Review, visit www.glily.com.

Happy Fourth of July Week!

Cinderella's song....

Checking my regular blogs today, I got caught up on House in the Roses (http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/). What a gorgeous blog. The lovely owner of the site posted "A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes" from Cinderella (the movie). A reminder to us all, especially us "old ladies".

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Vocals: Ilene Woods (Cinderella)
Music: Mack David, Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston
Lyrics: Mack David, Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cinderella sings this one:

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep

Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true

Albert speaks....

"There are two ways of living one's life:
As if nothing is a miracle.
or - As if everything is a miracle.
I believe in the last one."
- Albert Einstein

Summertime - and the living is easy?!

Too hot for this old lady, but I do love the flowers of summer.

And, I still believe in fairies....

Zoe needs larger wings!

I found this...

Did you ever want to buy a town?

Well, there is little town in Texas....noticed the general store was for sale and that the other buildings on the main street were empty also. Project for retirement?

Happy Birthday, Willie!

I believe in fairies....

This is my great-granddaughter, Zoe, taken two years ago.

Another favorite "bluebonnet"

Made by my friend, Jill Spriggs.

It's Bluebonnet time in Texas - Yee Haw!!

I love Texas - and especially at this time of year when the wildflowers are beginning to color our landscape so vividly. My favorite is the Blubonnet - can you tell?

Happy Easter!