MISS MOOX: kitchen

~Paperwhites~
Blooming in the kitchen window. From my sketch pad...
Hoping you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Hi to all my dear family and friends,
Today I have three special people that I want to THANK.

Cindy from "OLD TIME FARMHOUSE" BLOG surprised me by choosing my name to win her vintage apron Giveaway.
I love aprons...and, especially, gingham ones!

Paula from "SUGAR SWEET AND PINK" BLOG created and lovingly stitched such sweet gifts for me. I'd like to share a few of them with you.
I love each one!

Mark...my hubby
Thank you, Honey, for the cute as pie polka dot tea pot
and the matching polka dot plates.
You know just what I like.
You are such a sweetheart 

Polka Dots...
Whiskers on Kittens...
My favorite color...Red
These are a few of my favorite things!



Paula, My darling adopted daughter created this adorable kitty cat.
She designed the pattern and the hand stitched touches.
Paula added the crowning touch...the tiny blue and white creamer and saucer.
I adore it, Paula!

You guessed it...
A few more of my favorite things!
Gifts from my hubby...

More RED...
and
More pretty Polka Dots!

"My Little RED shoe Pincushion"
It sits proudly in my sewing room.

"Raggedy Ann"
Do you see the light blue gingham apron draped over the chair back?
Can you guess WHO gave it to me?

Heart Shaped Pockets...
Oh...How cute, Cindy!
I love your darling giveaway!

Cindy sent me this sweet vintage apron.
I don't have the heart or wear it and get it dirty...
I think it will hang proudly in my kitchen.

My RED vintage kitchen chair
with country tole painting.
I found this at a Craft Faire in Tennessee.
It has been used as a high chair for little visitors
and has sat in my kitchen for many years.

Sweet Paula gave me this beautiful vintage linen table cloth.
I love the fine stitching and RED crocheted edging.
Thank you, dear.

Gifts from my sweet Paula
Play Pals...
Patti, Penny & Kitty

"When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do.

Fate is kind
She brings to those to love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing.

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
Your dreams come true."

(Disney Theme Song)

Special thanks to:
Paula at www.sugarsweetandpink.blogspot.com
and
Cindy at www.oldtimefarmouse.blogspot.com

Each week I love joining in my favorite blog parties. I'm linking with:
Boogie Board Cottage
www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Mockingbird Hill Cottage
www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com
Sunny Simple Life
www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
The Dedicate House
www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
The Little Red House
www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
Etsy Cottage Style
www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com
Cozy Little House
www.cozylittlehouse.com
Knick Of Time
www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com
Lavender Cottage Dreams
www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Have A Daily Cup of Mrs Olson
www.jannolson.blogspot.com
My Rose Chintz
www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Common Ground
www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop
www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com
I Gotta Create
www.igottacreate.blogspot.com
Rooted In Thyme
www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
The Charm of Home
www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Meet and Greet Blog Hop by Laurie
www.createdbylaurie.blogspot.com
Show-Licious Saturday's
www.sew-licious.blogspot.com

Who is the most interesting person you've ever met?

By far the most interesting person I've ever met is a friend of my ex-boyfriend's. We travelled to the town where he grew up, and Dave's house was a requisite stop. Of course his name wasn't Dave, but it will be for this story.

Dave lived way out in the middle of nowhere, in a dump of a house placed in the midst of fields and trees and woods and ponds and streams. His kitchen bore an incredibly exquisite pattern of blue-and-white linoleum, almost like Persian art, from the 70s. I told him that I wanted to take his linoleum. Though worn in spots, it was glorious.

When we arrived we were greeted by a fierce, barking, stiff-legged Chow dog who glared at us like he would like to take off our heads. Dave's friend Mike, who seemed to be perpetually there, showed off a nasty purple-and-red wound he'd received to the thigh from this dog. We walked a long circle around his chain.

The dog was only the firstfruits of the menagerie. All over Dave's house, all over his yard, chained or cooped or caged or roaming free, were an astonishing number of animals. Groups of semi-feral bunnies hopped and scattered as we approached, disturbing their grazing on the lawn. Another dog and two or three cats permitted us to pet them. Baby quails huddled under a heat lamp in their sawdust-bedded cage. Tom turkeys and guinea hens stalked the grounds. A peacock perched high up in a tree. A long snake curled sleepily in its cage. Overwhelmed, I gave up trying to count the species or number of the hoard. It was like Isaiah’s vision of the peaceable kingdom.

Dave himself was quite the character. Short and grey-bearded, with an almost perfectly round, swelling belly and long, hanging arms, he bore an uncanny resemblance to a gnome. In fact, he cheerfully informed us, that was his nickname. He wandered around shirtless, in only an aging pair of gray sweat-shorts and sneakers. He was undoubtedly the hairiest person I have ever seen. Great rugs of hair covered his shoulders, chest, and arms, blending in with the long gray beard that covered his face and the top of his chest. The beard crept over and obscured most of his face, like untrimmed ivy. He even had a tuft of hair sprouting from the end of his nose. None of this bothered Dave. He was one of the most laid-back characters I have ever encountered.

Dave hospitably welcomed us and offered us beer. Beer, marijuana, and home-made corncob tobacco pipes seemed to be the main occupations of the house. Dave and his friend Mike drank can after can of Budweiser and deposited the empties into a bulging garbage bag in the kitchen. Dave showed us his system of smoking: he rotated through about four or five handmade corncob pipes, smoking one and then laying it on the end of the line, then smoking the one at the other end of the line. In this way he always had a cool pipe to start with.

In a lone conversation with Dave when he took me upstairs to show me something, he earnestly extolled the virtues of marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms. “It’s natural,” he explained. “Plants. Perfectly natural. They’re good for you.”

Despite Dave’s eccentricities, or perhaps entwined with them, he was obviously an intelligent person. He had or once had, I’m not sure which, a good job in the city involving computer engineering or programming. He was something of a lay inventor, describing to us his latest creation. He was generous, open-hearted, warm, accepting, and supremely laid-back, even when referring to his ex-wife, who’d left him for another man. His lone daughter, who with her boyfriend operated a tattoo parlour and who demonstrated their art all over her person, obviously adored him. One couldn’t help but like Dave, once one got over the astonishment of his surroundings, his physical person, and some of his habits. He was truly one of kindest and most intriguing people I’ve ever met.

Entering and leaving Dave’s place felt almost like those stories where children accidentally stumble into a strange, alternate magical world, experience adventures, and come back to the real world. It was a time, space and reality warp, this crazy kingdom populated by dozens of animals and eccentric people, and ruled over by a gentle, hairy gnome who drank beer, smoked pot and homemade corncob pipes.

So that was Dave. Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?

Greetings on this WINTRY WHITE DAY!
The snow is falling gently on this December morning.
This Christmas I pray each one of you are blessed to spend time with family and friends to celebrate the season.
Christmas services...
Caroling
Exchanging gifts...
Dining together...
Helping the needy...
Celebrating Jesus birth.

Several years ago I made this little Christmas quilt. I added hand embroidered touches, buttons, tiny charms, soft flannel, festive homespun prints and a cheerful Christmas theme.

"Every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings..."
from "It's A Wonderful Life"
One of my favorite Christmas movies

"Mother in the kitchen now
baking pies and cakes,
cookies, candies, goodies, too.
That only Mother makes."

Can you smell the sweet aroma from Mother's pies and cakes?
I enjoyed hand embroidering the steam escaping from each pie!

I love embroidering french knots! They make the prettiest snowflakes.

Baby...It's cold outside!

The winter weather has arrived in style.
We have a beautiful coat of white puffy snow
blanketing the landscape.
It's definitely mitten weather!

"Over the hill and through the woods...
to Grandmother's house we go..."

"WINTRY WHITE STUFF"
Having a little fun with picmonkey...
Would you believe it's snowing inside???

Merry Christmas! This year my husband is home. I am so grateful and never take it for granted. I recall the year that he was deployed overseas. Please remember those who are serving away from home this Christmas. May God bless them and their families. Blessings,Carolynn xoxo

"Joy to the world
the Lord has come...
Let earth receive her King!"

This Christmas I know many of you will be remembering the families who have suffered
tremendous loss. May God give them comfort.



I'm linking to all my favorite blog parties and giveaways for this coming week.
I hope you will stop by and visit with each lov ely blog.

Thank you, Meri, for sharing so many of your sweet vintage images.
They all speak of a simpler time.
www.imagimeris.blogspot.com

Greetings to all my wonderful blogging friends and family!
I've been having so much fun adding festive Christmas touches to my home.
I hope you'll come join me in the celebration!

Sleigh bells ring...
Are you listening?

Each Christmas my little red sleigh sits happily in my kitchen.
I love adding homespun items in hopes of filling it to the brim.
Evergreens,
Small pillows,
quilted stuffies,
wooden toys,
patriotic touches,
pretty red and green ribbons
and a chubby quilted Santa...
They all make the season so bright and colorful.

"Gather Round the Christmas Tree"
Do you see my shy little kitty, Abigail?
She waited to come down and investigate until after I had left the room.

When I decorate, my kitty, Zoey is always right in the middle of things.
She gets so excited with all the activity and always finds a spot to claim as her very own.

I love Teddy Bears!
Over the years my family and friends have given me each one of these little darlings.
Can you tell I love all things patriotic?
I was a Navy wife for many years and always find myself favoring the colors red, white and blue.

My mischievous Zoey is always looking for places to hide.
When I discovered her she startled me!
This adorable scene reminds me of one from the movie "E.T."
"E.T...Phone Home!"

Thank you for stopping by and sharing this wonderful season with me. Around the world people are celebrating this glorious time of year. I pray that you have a blessed Christmas as you celebrate The Birthday of a King Messiah Lord Savior Redeemer

Blessings and A Merry Christmas! Carolynn xoxo "Behold, the virgin shall be with child,and bear a Son, andthey shall call His nameImmanuel,which is translatedGod with us."Matthew 1:23

Oh, My Goodness! Have you seen Meri's giveaway? It's absolutely wonderful.If you would like to be included in her drawing you will want to pop inand say hello!www.imagimeris.blogspot.com

I'm linking to all my favorite blog parties and giveaways this coming week.I hope you will stop by my side bar and visit with each lovely blog.

Two scents that remind me of Virginia living at Christmas time...
PaperwhitesandBoxwood.
Paperwhite bulb on the kitchen window in yummy colored glass stones.
((Narcissus papyraceus with glass stones from Michael's Craft store)

December is finally here! I love this time of year.When I was in the fourth grade I wrote this poem and entered it in a contest at my local elementary school."Birthday Celebration" Lights and tinselbells and ballsRed and Green and Gold.Make the simple green fir treeso lovely to behold.Mother in the kitchen nowbaking pies and cakescookies, candies, goodies, too,that only Mother makes.Santa stands and rings the bells.Time to celebrate.Christ was born and came to earthGod's gift of love so great. Carolynn Mae Austin Mintz 1959

"Cozy Christmas Pocket "
I filled this little pocket with a variety of homespun goodies.
Pinecones from my yard, a tiny candy cane, one green gingham bow, cinnamon sticks...
and, my very favorite...the small snowman that I stitched out of muslin.
It needed to be filled to the brim.
I stitched a swatch of cotton batting to the front of the tea stained pocket and then added a petite wreath and tiny charm.

Would you believe I thrifted this cute little vintage rocking horse planter?
I think it's perfect for holding candy canes, don't you?

"Lights and tinsel, bells and balls, red and green and gold..."

"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall."
Laura Ingalls Wilder

"He tends His flock like a shepherd;
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11 I am linking to all of my favorite blog parties and giveaways this coming week. I hope you will stop by my sidebar and visit each lovely blog.

THE ROUND-UP:

Food - 4.5 out of 5
Service - 4.5 out of 5
Decor - 4.5 out of 5
Total - 13.5 out of 15

2375 Sainte-Catherine est
Montreal, Quebec
514-522-5105
restolegraindesel.ca
____________________________________________________________

If you're anything like me, TripAdvisor has become a trusted travel companion before, during, and after a trip takes you out on the road.

TripAdvisor offers more information about hotels, restaurants, and activities in almost any city than you could probably ever read. And more often than not, the information is reliable and straight-up honest.

Until recently, it had been more than seven years since the last time I visited Montreal. I was at a total loss as to where to eat, especially in a city with as many options as Montreal. So, I took the web's advice.

Do a search for restaurants in Montreal on TripAdvisor, and the number 1 result is a little bistro by the name of Le Grain de Sel (at least at the time of writing in September 2010).

Thank you yet again, TripAdvisor, for an amazing night out.

While no one visits Montreal without strolling down Sainte-Catherine Street at least once, Le Grain de Sel is on a stretch of the street that sees little traffic (about five blocks east of the Papineau subway stop).

The main dining room out front is cozy. White linens dress each table with darker colours on the bar and walls.

Staff were immediately welcoming and friendly, offering us a choice of available tables. The menu is completely in French, but our waiter took the time to explain almost every item, mostly without even being prompted.

I think Le Grain de Sel's total lack of pretension is one of its best qualities. The head chef even came out to our table to ask how the food was at one point in the meal. And he looked like he genuinely wanted to make sure we were having a good time.

We ordered the Escargots en Croute and a pair of fresh Quebec Scallops for appetizers. Both dishes were delicious. The escargots came served in a piping hot bowl covered by a thin crust of glazed phyllo dough. Beneath the doughy dome were our escargots, buttery and mixed with wild mushrooms. Mwa!

The scallops were seasoned perfectly with oil, salt, and pepper, and served with a side of corn and red pepper. Not your usual sides, but they were a perfect match for the scallops.

As for main courses, we ventured for the halibut and a duo of haddock and pork belly. The fish was truly delicious and makes me wish that I lived nearer to the ocean.

The pork, on the other hand, was extraordinarily fatty. So much so that once the fat was cut away, just a few morsels of meat were left. When our lovely waitress asked how I liked my meal, I had to confess that I wasn't nuts about the pork. But she made a good point: the fatty pork was intentionally paired with the ultra-lean haddock as a contrast. I still can't say that I enjoyed the pork, but at least the kitchen is thinking seriously about the food it serves.

For dessert, we gorged on a homemade cheesecake, and a cold raspberry and balsamic vinegar soup with fresh doughnuts on top. It was all too, too delicious.

If I had to give Le Grain de Sel a grade, it would be an F++.

Hold on now, that stands for Fresh, Friendly, and Fantastic.

When in Montreal go to Le Grain de Sel. Just go.

With the official start of summer, comes the official start of soaking up the sun on restaurant patios.

Here are a few of my recommendations in Regina:

Cafe Orange: At the moment, Orange is doing coffee and sweets, but they tell me that a full menu is coming soon. Hopefully by Canada Day. In just two years, this place has gone from a coffee house/kitchenware store; to an all-out coffee house; and now a restaurant. The latest transformation looks to be the best. And the deck out front on Robinson Street (by the 13th Ave. Safeway) is so new you can still smell the sweet scent of new wood. (306) 779-0779 (no website)

Sweet Bakery and Coffee House: An ever-expanding list of baked goods, combined with comfortable surrounds in a heritage building (and a very nice, if small, patio outside) are turning this new Broad Street place near College Avenue into a favourite of many. Recommend an Americano with a Lemon Tart, if you're at a loss. (306) 352-9338 (no website)

La Bodega: the treetop patio at this Cathedral Village favourite is . . . tops, no pun intended. Sip a few drinks or have lunch high above the Albert Street traffic. You won't even notice the cars going by. www.labodegaregina.com / (306) 546-3660

Fireside Bistro: while opinions on Fireside often vary, their patio on the corner of Smith Street and 15th Avenue is second to none. Definitely worth a drink or two and an appetizer on a hot day. (306) 761-2305 (no website)

Beer Bros.: Watch the people go by on downtown's pedestrianized portion of Scarth Street. Beer Bros newly refinished patio is small but full of sunshine. Stop by and sample an exotic beer whose name you can't even pronounce (and that's before you start drinking). www.beerbros.ca / (306) 586-2337

Atlantis: This downtown coffee spot isn't licensed for liquor, but that doesn't keep the crowds away. Open from the early morning until late, and offers free wireless. Oh, and the artwork on the walls is all by local artists. www.atlantiscoffee.com / (306) 565-2213

More to come! Please follow the blog for updates to this list, and new reviews.
Follow me on Twitter: @The_FoodDude

I saw something tonight that made me think vividly and powerfully of something else.

I was about to go outside to clean my rabbit cage when out of the kitchen window I spied a cat. This cat was a gray and white patched one, sitting curled up in the backyard not far from the window. I called to him and he looked at me alertly; I spoke to him in my best high-pitched, cat-soothing voice and blinked my eyes by way of greeting. He continued to stare intently but didn't move.

I picked up the rabbit cage and hauled it out the door, hoping the cat would stay. But he swiftly leaped up from his resting place and ran across the backyard, toward the missing board in the fence from where he'd likely come. I called to him again and he stopped, looking back at me over his shoulder. I continued to talk to him in reassuring, high-pitched tones, told him everything would be ok, he needn't run away, please stay, I just wanted to pet him.

By the look of him, he was a stray. Skinny, ratty tail, no collar, the wary eye of an animal who has had to look out for himself. As frightened as he was, I could tell he wanted to stay. He meowed at me several times, his black mouth opening and almost imperceptibly voicing. I so desperately wanted to stroke him, to find out if he belonged anywhere, to offer him a meal, to take him to the shelter. But he wouldn't stay. Despite his hesitation, when I moved again, he darted through the boards of the fence and watched from the other side.

I moved to where I could see him through the hole and continued calling him persuasively. He meowed, a few more times. I could tell he wanted to be able to feel safe enough to give in. Cats are made to want companionship like the sun is made to rise every morning. It's just a fact.

But in the end, his fear won out. He trotted swiftly away and went on his way. A little sadly, I began to clean the rabbit cage.

And then it hit me. Thinking about that incident. That cat is like us. Like me. Scared, skinny, starved, alone, wandering wild, fighting for his existence, never sure where his next meal will come from, without shelter, fending for himself, friendless and mistrustful. I longed to offer that cat friendship, and maybe help. But in the end his fear and his instinct for self-preservation wouldn't let him.

In the same way, God calls us. Soothingly and persistently, he woos and beckons us. He longs to offer us his arms of love. Jesus went to the cross so we'd never have to be alone. Yet the walls of our fear and the walls of our shame and the walls of our mistrust and our bad experiences and our loneliness and our self-preservation make us run. We all have a deep-down longing for companionship, for shelter, for trustworthy, eternal love. But that scared cat in us all won't allow us to stay.

And he keeps calling. He keeps following. He'll never chase us, never hunt, never trap. He wants us to want him. He puts out food for us that we wolf down while at the same time keeping an eye out for him so we can bolt. Many times, we come to the point where we're starving. We're sick. We're near death. We can't make it anymore. Then, sometimes we realize that the arms of love are actually not such a bad alternative. We give in and let him hold us. We wonder what took us so long. And we find that what we were looking for all along is here, in the arms of surrender.

But some of us keep running. And keep on. But he'll never, never stop calling. He'll never stop following. And when we give in, we'll find him, waiting here, for us.

Two things of importance to report today. Actually, make that three.

1.) I am still on a carbohydrate high from all the perogies, rice, noodles, pasta, and dessert consumed during Mosaic this weekend. Hope that everyone indulged just as much as I did at this great annual event that showcases just how diverse our city is.

2.) A few weeks ago I posted a review of The Mercury Cafe. Since that time, a number of people have posted comments about the place. Last week, one reader alleged that the Mercury's burgers were not homemade, contrary to what it says on the Mercury's menu. Here's what she wrote:

Anonymous said...

I was expecting a homemade hamburger when the menu stated all burgers were homemade. To my surprise (and disappointment), I watched the cook take a box of burgers out of the freezer and place them on the grill... there was nothing homemade about them. I will admit they were good burgers for storebought box burgers but definitely not homemade. :(May 26, 2010 9:37 PM

I was a bit shocked by this. I really believed the burger I ate was homemade -- both the look and taste of the burger did not seem like they came from Safeway across the street. Then again, you never really know unless you're in the kitchen standing next to the chef.
Today, I posted two more comments on this topic, presumably from employees at the Mercury. They said:

Anonymous said...

Actually you couldn't be more wrong. The burgers are 100% home made and not store bought - NOR FROZEN. Not sure what you were smoking that day but you were hallucinating. If you are interested in our process of making the burgers talk to the owner next time you are in and he will be happy to show you.June 4, 2010 9:59 AM

Dave said...

Don't post lies. All the burgers are home made!!! Have a look next time you are in.June 5, 2010 6:39 PM

I have to say, I'm willing to give Anonymous and Dave the benefit of the doubt. With that, I think this matter is settled. The Mercury's burgers are homemade. And they're good, too. 3.) The former Cafe Orange on Robinson Street has reinvented itself as Orange Izakaya (izakaya is Japanese for pub). While the doors have reopened, the place is back to serving coffee for the next couple of weeks until the new menu and lounge atmosphere are fully ready. Early reports are good.This from my friend LRadd on Twitter: "Cafe Orange has been majorly sexified -can't wait for the bar to open. For now having a coffee on the patio. If ur in the 'hood stop by."And with that I'm off to enjoy this awesome sunny Sunday. Happy eating.

It's funny sometimes how tiny, seemingly completely insignificant incidents can sometimes have a far more profound influence than their outward manifestation, a tiny stone being thrown into a pond and sending out far-reaching ripples.

This morning when I came into work I headed first of all for the kitchen, as always, to make my morning cup of tea. Also headed in the same direction was Robert. Robert fuels himself with endless cups of foul coffee from the company coffeepot and is forlorn and bearish until it has finished brewing.

"How are you, Robert?" I greeted him.

"Pretty good," he replied, disappearing into the kitchen. "Better, once that little red light has come on!" he exclaimed, realizing that the coffeemaker was still steaming and putzing away on its brew cycle.

I laughed and threw back some teasing remark. As we passed in the doorway, he on his way out, I on my way in, he suddenly grabbed my arm with a concerned look. "Are you OK?" he asked, looking into my face intently.

I immediately realized why. "Oh, I have a problem with my eyes that makes them tear up all the time," I explained. "It's nothing. Thanks, though, Rob," I added as he went on his way again.

A tiny incident. A nothing, in the daily spectrum of human interaction.

But it touched something.

I don't realize how guarded I am. How carefully I shield myself against showing any kind of vulnerability, of displaying emotion, of relying on anyone for consolation or support. Especially, how little I believe in masculine goodness or the capacity of men to comfort and protect.

If I had really been crying, would I have revealed that to Robert, or to anyone else? No. But if I had, he would have shown sympathy.

It just gave me a little glimpse. Of what could be, and the fact that there are still good men out there.

It was nice.

Do you want to see something really cute?

Sandy from "521 Lake Street" had an Easter Spoolie Swap.
I was paired with Joyce from "Scrap For Joy".
She created this darling Spoolie.
It is perched high atop a vintage Jello mold.
I just love it, Joyce!

Joyce is an amazingly creative lady.
She made this adorable swag.
I love the tiny creatures she so artfully crafted.
Thank you, my sweet new friend!

Do you see what I see?
Polka dots a plenty...
Joyce gave me two of the cutest little egg cups.
I just love them!

Bunny Express with a truck load of fresh carrots...
Could they be from Mr. McGregor's Garden?

Tea Time at Chenille Cottage

Bunny Hugs...

The Red Hutch all decked out for Spring.
My grandmother passed her Desert Rose dishes on to me.
I have many memories of Easter dinner at her house as a girl.
I miss her so much!





Dearest Joyce,
Thank you for this darling keepsake.
It is so sweet and will grace my kitchen this Spring.
I love every thoughtful gesture and each lovely gift.
In the coming weeks I will be sharing all of your red pretties, too.
I am thankful to have gained a dear new friend.

I'm so happy you stopped, my dear blogging family and friends.

Blessings to each one of you
and a Happy Spring!

Carolynn xoxo

"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of the singing of birds is come
and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.

The fig tree putteth forth her green figs,
and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell.
Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
Song of Solomon 2:11-13
I'm linking with these lovely blogs...

*Sunday:
Sunny Simple Life
www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
Seasonal Sunday
www.thetablescaper.blogspot.com
*Monday:
The Dedicate House
www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
The Little Red House
www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
Boogie Board Cottage
www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Etsy Cottage Style
www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com
*Tuesday:
Knick Of Time
www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com
Rose Chintz Cottage
www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Lavender Garden Cottage
www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Tuesdays at Our Home
www.mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
Coastal Charm
www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Budget Decorating Party
www.creativecaincabin.com
Friends Sharing Tea
www.bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
A Stroll Thru Life
www.astrollthrulife.net
You're Gonna Love It
www.kathywithane.com
Cozy Little House
www.cozylittlehouse.com
Tuesdays The Scoop
www.cedarhill-ranch.com
*Wednesday:
Lavender Garden Cottage
www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Rose Chintz Cottage
www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Sue Loves Cherries
www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com
Blissful Whites Wednesday
www.timewashed.com
Open House Party
www.nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
A Sheltering Tree
www.ourshelteringtree.blogspot.com
Whatever You Want Wednesday
www.freeprettythingsforyou.com
*Thursday:
Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
www.jannolson.blogspot.com
A Delightsome Life
www.blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com
The Thrift Groove
www.thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Bernideen's Open House
www.bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
Faith Grace Crafts
www.faithgracecrafts.blogspot.com
Little Homestead On The Hill
www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com
*Friday:
Rooted In Thyme
www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Country Whites Weekend
www.thecountryfarmhome.blogspot.com
Thrifty Things Friday
www.thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Lady Bird Ln
www.ladybirdln.com
The Charm of Home
www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Friday Favorite Features
www.foxhollowcottage.com
My Turn For Us
www.myturnforus.com
Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop
www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com
Anything Blue Friday
www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
I Gotta Create
www.igottacreate.blogspot.com
Common Ground
www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com
*Saturday:
Mockingbird Hill Cottage
www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com
Show-Licious Saturday's
www.sew-licious.blogspot .com

The lettuce I planted in the cold frame last fall is doing well...now. This was the first winter we had the cold frame. It didn't do much over the winter, but the mache, kale, spinach and lettuce are finally ready to eat.

The Hubs snagged this beauty (Mantis Dual-Chamber compost spinner) for me off Craig's list last summer. It works like a dream! Loving the dual-chamber system that allows finishing off a batch of compost while starting another. It's been a bit of trial and error ~ including one batch of slime (too much grass not enough browns). A mixture of maple leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, chicken plops, kitchen scraps (including lots of coffee grounds, mashed egg shells, greens, banana peels, etc.) DOES make beautiful compost!!

Emptied out one barrel of the spinner and started another batch of lettuce with it in the cold frame.

The re-purposed windows for the cold frame are going to need a little bit of TLC this spring. The heat ( it hit 100 degrees in there last week when it was 16 degrees outside ) and humidity have caused the interior paint to peel off.

We've planted some lettuce, chard, spinach, and radishes under a hoop in the raised bed by the garden after adding the compost. Really want to look into producing a larger volume of greens throughout the winter. Just starting to read Eliot Coleman's winter harvest book and my wheels are spinning!
Is anyone out there having luck with cold weather crops under hoop beds?

We've been hanging around...
enjoying the last snows of winter (maybe).

Knitting by the fire. This is a new fave hat... Elizabeth Zimmerman: Ganomy Hat.Warm over the ears, but with a slight split in the back perfect for a pony tail.

Hanging out with Dad in the "sugar shack" as he boiled down some maple syrup.

The buckets just kept coming...

He rigged up his own version of a maple sugar cooker:
~One old used stainless Maytag washing machine barrel~One burn barrel~Smoke stack~Damper~Wood

Put a wood fire in the bottom to heat the sap... Let the steam begin!

Used the camp stove to finish it off.

We've been dreaming of seeds...Dreaming of the muck drying out enough to actually get outside!

This guy was dreaming of lunch and was hanging around at the chicken coop today.
The ladies raised such a fuss we headed back to see what was going on and foiled his plans of attack, although... it was close. The ladies dashed under a pine and I was able to get them back in the coop as the hawk sat about 10 feet off the ground watching us!

This will be hanging around the kitchen for the next "farm fresh breakfast". The early syrup is light and sweet. (Thanks Dad!!)
Worth hanging around for... that's for sure !!

Hello My dear friends...I'm so glad you stopped by!
Is your kitchen beginning to smell like hot apple cider, maple syrup and fruit pies fresh from the oven?.
How I love this season of the year. It is truly my favorite. There's the sweet scent of Fall in the air.

A Bowl Full of Autumn Wishes!

What a beautiful time of year the Fall is with it's rich warm hues of orange, red, green and gold.
I enjoy the long awaited cooler temperatures, nice breezes and vivid colors.

I had fun stitching up these sweet little quilted pillows to add a homespun touch.
One of my very favorite quilt shops is "Little Quilts" in Marrietta, Georgia. The patterns for these little pillows are found in their book "Little Quilts Around The House".
I have visited their shop and fondly remember their warm and friendly staff.

Autumn in the Country


I designed and made this Fall "WELCOME" quilted table runner. Each year I look forward to displaying it on my antique Singer Treadle Sewing Machine cabinet.I like using a wide variety of textures in my seasonal vignettes.

Isn't this a delightful Harvest Image?
It was a free graphic from
"Mom On Time Out" blog.

"Chenille Cottage"

Thank you for visiting my blog and my home.
I have enjoyed visiting your blogs so very much.
So many of you have shared your cozy homes, richly displayed with artful
Fall arrangements, handmade creations and delicious Autumn dishes.

I pray you have a bountiful week just brimming with God's richest blessings!

Carolynn xoxo



"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done."
I Chronicles 16:8
I'M LINKING WITH Sunny Simple Sundaywww.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com Mosaic Mondaywww.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.comNifty thrifty Tuesdaywww.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.comCottage Style Linky Partywww.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.comYou're Gonna Love It Tuesdaywww.kathewithane.comTuesday Garden Partywww.anoregoncottage.comTweak It Tuesdaywww.cozylittlehouse.comRednesdaywww.suelovescherries.blogspot.comIvy and Elephantswww.ivyandelephants.blogspot.comHave A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsonwww.jannolson.blogspot.comA Delightsome Lifewww.blissfulrhythm.blogspot.comThe Brambleberry Cottagewww.thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.comFrench Country Cottagewww.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.comCommon Groundwww.commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com

Welcome to "A Cottage Tour". Last weekend my sister and I had the fun of touring two charming beach cottages in the tiny village of Neskowin, Oregon.This little town is situated on the Oregon Coastbordering the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean.

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home... so I thought it best to begin your tour in thiswarm and inviting room.

Our lovely cottage host, Janet, had baked up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies for her guests to nibble on. Everything about this charming kitchen says, "Pull up a chair and sit for a while!"

Do you see the bright red cherries on that wonderful plate?

Past and Perfect
Kitchen

Nothing says "Cottage" like the color RED!
(Which just happens to be my favorite color!)

I loved the vintage touches that greeted meas I strolled from room to room.

Every room was full of colorful surprises...whimsy and wonderful antiques.

It has been a pleasure sharing Janet's Cozy Kitchen with you.
Be sure and pop in again...
I have more cottage touches to share in the coming days...

Blessings, my sweet friends!
Carolynn xoxo

"When love and skill
work together,
expect a masterpiece."
John Ruskin

I just love Sue's REDNESDAYS at www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com
I hope you'll stop on over to say hello!

I posted on "Feathered Nest Friday" at www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
I just know you will enjoy visiting this lovely blog!

I posted on "A Cottage Garden Party" at www.fishtailcottage.blogspot.com
Please pop over when you have a minute to explore this lovely blog!

It's Summertime at Chenille Cottage!

Make yourself at home...I hope you'll stay for a while.
My sister, Patti, made this lovely red, white and blue quilt for my birthday.
I just love it!

A Cuppa Spiced Tea...
One for You
And, One for Me!

Be a Lamb...and Stay For a While!
My Blue and Yellow Canisters were given to me as a gift in 1970.
I have always loved blueware of any kind.

"Summertime"
Red, White and Blue
Stars and Stripes
Bouquets of Daisies
Mouthwatering Watermelon
Beachcombing
Picnics
Fun!

My sweet husband brought this Gzhel Sugar Bowl back from a trip he took to Russia. He has a tradition of bringing something blue home to me when he travels overseas. I love this darling sugar bowl with it's lovely shape and rich blue hues.
The sweet little Dutch Girl was passed on to me by my Mother. It was given to her in the 1920s when she was a little girl. I have fond memories from my childhood of admiring it, but, never touching. It is a precious keepsake!

Milkglass from my friend & distant cousin, Laura
I love Chickens...
Any way, shape or form!

"This Little Piggy went to Market..."
I have had these little salt and pepper shakers for over 30 years.
Aren't they cute?!!

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt,
so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
Colossians 4:6 NASB

Sometimes I fall so short of this challenging passage of scripture!

"Blue sounds like the mighty Pacific.Blue smells like a blueberry on a bush.Blue tastes like a blueberry on my tongue.Blue feels like a turquoise puffer fish in the ocean.Blue looks like a shimmering sea.Blue feels like a shard of beach glass.Blue sounds like a whale singing."J. Bowers

Sweet cream comes from Contented Cows!My kitchen isn't complete without a few happy bovines!
Thank you for stopping by for a visit, my dear friends!I hope you'll come back again, soon!
Blessings and Friendship,Carolynn xoxo
"Kind words can be shortand easy to speak,but their echoesare truly endless."
Mother Teresa
Happy Rednesday! I added this post to Sue's lovely blog. I hope you will pop in and spend some time!www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com

It's "SHARE YOUR CUP THURSDAY" at Jann's blog. I hope you'll stop in and visit her lovely blog!
www.jannolson.blogspot.com

I posted at "VERY MERRY VINTAGE STYLE"...I hope you'll pop in and visit this darling cottagey blog!
www.verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com

Welcome to the county where I was born...The area is a charming little farming community. It has an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables...tiny farmhouses and quaint little quilt and antique shops sprinkled throughout.

When I was born my grandparents had a tiny ranch they called "Yamhill". They raised bright red chickens called Rhode Island Reds.

Welcome to my kitchen...I have brought a little bit of Yamhill County home with me.

RED Barns...and, one contented cow!

Here a Chick...There a Chick...Everywhere a Chick Chick!

And, of course, lots and lots of RED!

Summertime in the Willamette Valley is a time of abundance...A time to be thankful for all that God has blessed us with...

Thank you for popping in and visiting the place where I was born...and, now, the place I call home!

Have a blessed day, my dear friends,
Carolynn xoxo

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4

These little vintage bottle brush trees were in a bottom of a discarded box at my favorite thrift shop.
I had to giggle...
~SCORE~

I love these little trees.Like a miniature forest under glass bubbles on the kitchen window.

Wishing you a new year full of light, love, hope, health and happiness!