Long day

I can't wait to go home to these faces. Even if they do drive me crazy once I'm there.

Dogs are always glad to see you.

Gerrard

Wasabi

Heritage

Last week, my dad brought me some quilts that my grandmother had made. I think they speak volumes of her resourcefulness and love for her family.

This first one is probably my favorite. The colors are so delicate. I smiled when I discovered that the print from a feed bag that was used to stuff it is visible through the backing.

This one is pretty bold.

Almost all the squares on this one are pin striped. My grandmother worked in shirt factory for years and I wouldn't be surprised if these were scraps from damaged shirts.

This last one took my breath away when it came out of the bag because it was so different from the others. I can only assume it was meant for a special occasion. It had to be unfolded to really appreciate the pattern and the cross stitching.

Special thanks to Liz at Mabel's House who gave me the You Make My Day Award. I don't think I deserve it, but it was very sweet of her. I'm going to pass it along to Jennie at Falling Down the Rabbit-Hole, whose blog I have really enjoyed reading and in whom I sense a kindred spirit. Cheers!

Clever things

I found this nifty little bird feeder in my recent ramblings and had to share. It is available on-line at Greener Grass Design.

Although a bit pricey for a bird feeder, I admire the simplicity and elegance of the design.

Of course, I also have the "You Could Make That" muse whispering in my ear. Not out of glass granted, but you just know there's a plastic container on the grocer's shelves that I could recycle for my purpose. I'll be on the look out.

The Amazing Bundt

Okay, quick confession: Bundt cakes make me happy. The mere sight of a cleverly crafted Bundt pan and an effervescent joy suffuses my being. I can't explain it. I can only offer my apologies to pastry chefs the world over.

Anyway, one of my Christmas prezzies was a castle Bundt pan. As darling as it is, a fear lingered in my heart, the fear of every Bundt aficionado - it's gonna stick! Look at the crenellation on the towers! The darling borders to the gate! It will stick and my vision of a beautiful castle Bundt will lie in yummy, cakey ruins . . .

Only, it didn't stick!!!!

And to what do I owe my success? The name says it all.

Fabulous Friday!

Happy Friday, you bright young things! Help yourself to champagne or, if you prefer, Arthur is mixing martinis at the bar (I warn you - he always over does it with the Vermouth). Yes, let's loose the bonds of the weekly monotony!

Allow me to introduce Lady Decies, nee Miss Elizabeth Wharton Drexel

Nabbed herself a title with that third marriage, but isn't she lovely. Between you and me, I'm not sure what she's doing to that dog, poor creature, but she insists that he accompany her everywhere.

Cheers to a sparkling weekend to come!

A Merry War

I can't help it, this ad makes me think of Keep the Aspidistra Flying.
"Opposite, next to the Prince of Wales, were tall hoardings covered with ads for patent foods and patent medicines. A gallery of monstrous doll-faces--pink vacuous faces, full of goofy optimism. Q.T. Sauce, Truweet Breakfast Crisps ('Kiddies lamour for their Breakfast Crisps'), Kangaroo Burgundy, Vitamalt Chocolate, Bovex. Of them all, the Bovex one oppressed Gordon the most. A spectacled rat-faced clerk, with patent-leather hair, sitting at a cafe table grinning over a white mug of Bovex. 'Corner Table enjoys his meal with Bovex', the legend ran."

P.S. Should you care to see the movie rather than read the play.

I will suspend my disbelief

In other cinematic observations the hubby and I went to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets. If you can ignore the ludicrous plot; it's romping good fun. That being said, how would a golden city hidden in the Black Hills of South Dakota be of any use to the Southern Confederacy? "Howdy boys! We'd really appreciate it if you'd turn the other way while we haul out several tons of gold through Union territory. Thank ya kindly!" The villain was wishy-washy and Nick Cage's hair was bizarre looking. Other than that, Helen Mirren played his mum rather entertainingly.