Life's Blessings to the Royal Couple

"How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss and all was said" (Victor Hugo, 1802-1885)

Best wishes to Prince William and his wife Kate for a long and happy, healthy life together!

Garage Sale Find

During good weather, my mum and I make a weekly excursion to neighborhood garage sales. Most times we come home empty handed, but every once in a while we find something nice. Now, pair that with my love of linens (OK, I also like china, crystal, books, jewelry...) and I feel really good at the end of the day.

Today, we came across a lady who had some doilies her grandmother had crocheted and of course I bought them all. Pictured below are three light yellow doilies.

A 24" square crocheted (?) scarf which will look terrific on a small table.
Three green and gold crocheted scarves...
( a close-up of the small one.)
Matching pieces with raised flowers and...
another close-up view.
I also bought a round white crocheted scarf, a long white brocade tablecloth in excellent condition (no stains) and 10 off-white brocade napkins.

And what do I like most? The price tag - $4.60!

Mom's Backyard

Mother's backyard is beginning to bloom and I captured these shots this past weekend. She has a bed of white irises that are just 'bloomin' beautiful!
The wind was gusting but I managed to get some shots in between.
I love how the sun helps outline the petals with shadows.
Another smiling bloom.

Her crabapple tree is also blooming. The tree has been covered with white and pink blooms for the past week.

Antique Portraits

A couple of months ago, my mum and I attended the Dixie Fair at the North Atlanta Trade Center. It's a small antique fair but the quality of the vendors and their goods was outstanding. One lady had quite a collection of Civil War period artifacts and I fell in love with this pin. It appears to be a Civil War era soldier, probably Union, and the pin is in excellent condition with only some patina on the front left.
At the Lakewood 400 this past week, I purchased two more pins, probably around the turn-of-the century to maybe the 19-teens. This pin is of a lovely lady with a strand of pearls and some color has been added to her cheeks.
This pin is of a lovely lady with her hair nicely curled and a large bow added in the back.
To say the least, I believe I've become hooked (no pun intended) on these gems. It's like wearing antique portraits when you pin them on.

Hints of Spring

It's still February but there are hints of spring in the air. Since I am dog-sitting, I have the opportunity to catch some of the sights in early morn. First, is the sunrise with it's rays lighting up the sky through the still barren branches of trees.

On one sunny morning, I was able to capture a lone bird sitting atop a tree peering over the quiet dawn.
Saturday morning I captured several shots of birds - first, just a beautiful cardinal...
then two more birds...
and a few moments later, many more. I wonder, was I watching them or were they watching me? As the numbers increased, I couldn't help but reflect on Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds."
Oops, what's this? A squirrel? Very unusual for our neighborhood since we have few tall trees.
My rose bush is beginning to get its leaves.
And the hydrangea is peeking out...

Aaahhh spring... but as you and I well know, old man winter may once again raise his relentless head.

Georgia Snow 2011 - Update!

Yes, once more nature has graced us with a wonderful blanket of snow. As beautiful as it is now, we are expecting freezing rain during the day which could change the landscape, literally. Our junipers and trees are of concern as the weight of snow and ice could bring them down.

The city has pretty much shut down and we are staying inside today, well, except for an occasional excursion outside for photography. It's lunchtime and treacherous out there so this will be my last post of the day.

This morning we thought we had only gotten 3" (measured on the back patio) but it measures 6" out front. These were taken around noon.
Neighborhood children (and adults) are playing a southern form of hockey at the end of our icy cul-de-sac but I decided not to traipse down there - too treacherous!
Holly berries peeking out...
and my sweetbrier berries.
Snow piled up against one of our water birch trees and provides a great backdrop for the curly pink bark.
The snow came through the screen on the porch and covered some watering cans.
And an artificial tree.
Since I couldn't get out the back screen porch door due to the snow drift, I walked around the side of the house. I was able to get the gate open enough to squeeze through...

The holly bushes in the back have a nice fluffy blanket...
A view of the backyard.
Of course, no snow should be without a snow angel, but due to the sheet of ice that covered the snow, any movement was nearly impossible.
9:00am ish

We seem to have only received 3" of snow, but a lot of North Georgia has up to 7" (probably more in the mountains). I could only get the back porch door open a few inches due to a snow drift against it, so I stuck my arm out took the following pics early this morning.

A snow drift covering multiple pots which are at least 8-10" high.

Stay warm and keep safe!

A White Christmas, in the South!!!

It snowed Christmas Day, the first time since 1882! Of course, we only got a smattering but it was still beautiful.

Oddly shaped icicles...
The holly bushes gave us a Christmasy feel...



Although we were overjoyed with the snow, it made it rough for family members traveling. Our granddawgs, however, made the best of it. Lizzie snuggles against Kim, and then,
takes a turn with Darryl.
She too found the snow beautiful (except when she had to go out in it)

Calvin (the philosopher) found comfort amongst some blankets

His pensive look... contemplating the infinite patterns of snowflakes.

Kasey preferred the indoor activities, especially being scratched... a little to the right please.
Hmmm.... what is so interesting in the kitchen? Do I get up?
Treats maybe?
Kramer remained in the shadows most of the time, working on his next post for the Victorian Parlor. He prowled, climbed, perched and growled and then sought shelter in the bedroom. I'm sure he took plenty of notes!

Our wishes for a safe and happy New Year!