tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68670355245068154932024-02-06T23:47:43.403-06:00At Home in the CountryJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-55245091686214820172011-12-31T10:30:00.009-06:002011-12-31T11:36:44.407-06:00Vintage French Country<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692332861017778594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nKT9VNx5LLoNjZU0KbtFwd35Rl-4i-iqD2bhlssYK6M6N0S_sNvQGxeXBBFnBoOwSgwb0zELwuReiyZMCDFn2BL-ybE3uui0ERuQPQQ19gqU5JUpwDWvuael9ipvytAi-Yb1T7S9Lyg/s400/Welcome+2.jpg" /> One of the advantages to being a teacher is the Christmas break, and was I ever in need of a break. Being a homemaker at heart, I really needed some quality time with my home. I needed an abundance of stress free hours to putter and preen. In November I was able to sell my (not my style) dining room furniture and replace it with vintage French Provencial pieces. They are rustic and in need of some TLC, but they had the look I wanted. I had been reading many blogs about Annie Sloan Chalk paint and decided that chalk painted furniture was my new love! The painting and reupholstering will have to wait until June, but I just couldn't resist playing with my "new" vintage furniture.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692334757312469602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnBb57ha4hBKEpnmmb2eHPoJJBQ97ngnBcbpuNTDEJVhGxvFNKeRSVaVELw72C9TaGfWWF1s61qvJ3EM-6o3NASSIhhtoYPi2Lj69eU4_yHMuMXMQh4cUSPZQ9rccivWOW2sDKv6sabY/s400/Dining+Room+3.jpg" />When we first brought the little dining room set home, I thought, "uh oh" maybe it is too little. Furniture is so ginormous nowadays. I wasn't exactly sure how it would work with my high ceilings. Once we brought the china cupboard in, and I added some items on top, I started to get excited! This was exactly the look I love. I have a vintage floral picture that will go up even higher on the wall, and I am going to hang some white ironstone dishes on the wall. Of course, I need a cute, French Country oval rug to go under the table.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692347415337258354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJluYkGTYmTailiWkx6XbhzQO3qsh8UJki32fkN96DaWS242-y5qihvVtCTX6AQEeWscMYeoIe1PagfUzsxJYf7EDPB_Lji9s8QtTTZ9Xwflm8vrd0B0JIIM0AYiE5TSVHZ8TsLA_6-8/s400/Dining+Room+2.jpg" />What has been so fun about my new dining room design, is that I can use some of my more cutsie treasures that have been down in the basement on a storage shelf. The little porcelain rabbit was a recent thrift store find. My black bird cage came from a garage sale. It was originally white and I spray painted it black. Inside is a wee glass rabbit candle holder that Doug gave me over 10 years ago. It looks so charming when lit.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692336725844516242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXc2_1iTp-D6Yy2d0npUrT-DS7_UvGLCtLfnfy_hr7l6xsUi2vlhmUpsjjsg6EiP5K4UYKgIkZizI3zTLv3X_36c4K9OrqgoKPBsJ_LWBTd7RJATzUGeAmKxzosK8UwaMOJZ-yJCw5dc/s400/Dining+Room+5.jpg" />While on a shopping trip over a year ago, I found this burlap throw pillow. Being a follower of the Fabulous Fifi blog, I knew instantly that it needed to belong to me. It had been sitting on a shelf in my closet. Now it has a perfect home in my vintage dining room!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692336727967407554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPGafKv3UOWLvhliTOKa3ZO7k_Tjm5S36HMfgTSJAaSGA20j5lMS-fz3-AW7Fb9ewpI0oUyWKDxjMwnX2Vs7Zxl4iuZMfk0WtYvckvz9PVp2LzB3zdRJDkooKWtQSKZL0U0ENbsk3c48/s400/Dining+Room1.jpg" /> A friend gave me the rusty bird bath years ago. Yes, they were also resigned to some sad storage area. I love rusty, paint chipped, distressed things, I always have. Styles may come and go, but I have learned that the things I enjoy having in my home are still the same. Anytime I buy into something trendy, I lose interest in it.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692340228514810162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxh6aK67405poxRiTdAdJz_qC4aaZ6j1ce7WH6UhHwyl6Pf5M0WegTjQnxc4dJbUPUOuDOOwOtiMoSKL2eOj-9zGylVRpiWyrrByQwOKn5RzbUIFBv99FER1-CTTJD0IqlKhbmZcdyyg/s400/Dining+Room+7.jpg" /></div>I love lamps and have them scattered all over my house, I have them sitting on little shelves and perched on top of my kitchen cabinets. This beauty came from a thift store in Colorado Springs. It is one of my favorites!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692340235526036082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nGJ8f_HZR-fH8tU_Z1u93FVHYRGFgq3o9OY1u7ESaO5-LXIoWHGHQVjgZJb3PcHx3JbRLjmq9EeCYB7dxySeVBm7ZYa1KG6lR7AF_Kg3L95YRm8xA8s6yGH39cA6LjqcghkH3FGIkoo/s400/Dining+Room+9.jpg" />I also found this wonderful soup tureen and that same thrift store. Makes me inspired to cook a yummy wintery soup and dine in my new dining room.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692340235437479778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyn5XxhoyjE6G79stwyzxPaJ5PYMDcuGJeWxhrv0SPFG7IPMgikr095jmM45u5KHsyf21HMwLL9vw94XL83AFoCeCv8ehRCxvBger3JpSuXnuzyDME6TbLcMnHSUC4Bs1fqQNB9grLfo/s400/Dining+Room+8.jpg" /></div><br /><p align="center">Another iron rusty item! This teapot is over 10 years old and has traveled with me to every home we have ever lived in. It came from a wonderful tearoom about an hour from where I live. Years ago, I collected everything teapot I came across, so I have quite a collection of charming tearoom items. I really should open my own tearoom/garden shop someday.<br />Hope you have enjoyed visiting my vintage French Country dining room. It is definitely going to be a work in progress, but it is great fun to have a new decorating adventure in the works.<br /><br />'Till we meet again!<br />~Jill~</p></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-3287619091572515372011-11-20T14:31:00.011-06:002011-11-23T11:53:33.142-06:00Shopping ~ Craiglist Style<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677181354578023570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM1El9HviF39EbOSIEyXsBLq1vrsvvr02VYGjP7I6vJaFaL5ITzn5I-QAWStFJZ-mW9pZlwhY680gRV3lpOsMV69JX2gV1jXxLCqgE27GAMR2mRnixMXfZySXv2R0qIu3fC8bNmSEU4w/s400/Dining+Room2.jpg" /><br />My tuscan inspired dining room is now a thing of the past. It was ornate and fancy, but was it really my style? The answer is no. It had an extreme amount of carvings and moldings and was forever in need of dusting. Plus I think the wood grain was called burl, which reminds me of Spanish, which is my least favorite style. When our new orphan kitten was welcomed "into" the house, he thought the gigantic floral arrangment was a jungle to be jumped in. He would literally pounce right smack dab into the middle of it. Now the floral arrangment is on top of the armoir in the living room.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />I decided, what the heck, I am going to sell it on Craig's List. It sold within two weeks. The family that purchased it drove all the way from Kansas City, KS. She laughed and said they thought they would never get here. Definitely way out in the boon docks! Could not get over how "out in the country" we are. I thought they were just going to look it at, so I hadn't unloaded the full china cabinet and the base. Ye Gads....I had dishes all over my kitchen counter for two days! I just didn't have time to figure out where to put everything. So now most of the work is over. Ginormous furniture is gone, I'm relieved. Now I am hunting for something new. Been on Craig's List but just not found exactly what I am looking for. I think I need inspiration...<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678248800285219746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjCWv-XvkLWkO7hyphenhyphen97FY-CBwlvcoR64Ae9dVUw417PITK2urXtH99C7HBUkgCJ7UvUyiuLYV6Qmy8o4hiAwBz_hyphenhyphen5BaGPWdmB7q_zGWkkFEeKcTONFUmMyMFaOIeo1J3FlMrveSMt6K0/s400/french_country_style_dining_room_decorating_ideas_1.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Design of House.com </span><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">I think is very cute. I like the buffet. I have been learning all about painting furniture with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The question is, where to find the time. I do like the mix of cottage plus a little fancy with tassle and the lamps.<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677182862560367602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiAiC39QFjOUGI1NYSeynDwQbBtX0n39-Gp907Sc6F4cQdoP4PW2YjvCCz5k1b-saRoYyqv-5aQ0T9tA2ACoWJ6cXrc7DsxqFKlXOvcsic7ayusUcOoE3VvI0pemBstuxdwHpg6tHdMg/s400/country-french-dining-chairs.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center"></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Whitechair.org </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">I like the oak stained table top and the painted chairs. I also like the cabinet, that looks like it should be in a country house. I thought I wanted French Provincial, but now I think that might be too Froo Froo.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677187882564658578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoRvLy03ib_EyYA1Z0kha1NgUYLgQaIgO3OgUByLYMsjw-CB3S9zCYDOD8Y0NYZ7cBjzslAtEUCvC9njdIUSgBoJhBY76diYedk2mLnW20tCvILVzihc1M4hHtmjXWwVcpPIlY0wGNNY/s400/7_pce_dining__room_suite.jpg" /> decorators catalogs.com.au<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />~*~<br />Days Later....<br />Blogging continues....<br /><br />I've been shopping on Craiglist and have found "perfect" furniture for the dining room! Let me tell you, the story about the china cabinet deserves a post of it's own. If any of you know a bit about Kansas City, you know that there are murders every night in a certain section, say Prospect and Troost. Well guess what? Yep, two streets over is where I picked up my darling, precious little china cabinet...or as I prefer to say, "rescued" my darling, precious little china cabinet. I'm afraid she was in the hands of two questionable men, who appeared to be very rough around the edges, drugs, maybe? Well, that story later. Do you want a sneak peek of the dining room furniture? I am going to pick it up this afternoon, when I should be readying the house for Thanksgiving! But! At least we will now have something to eat dinner on.<br />"Aren't these nice sentences for a reading/writing teacher to use!" Hmmm where are the subjects and predicates?<br />Yes, artistic license!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678245968678893410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mIX6k4pzqJ5ZaNJrmhPLAHn7NdyNoS6rGgJAcjAwJGQYse9ut90qhkSV1SbcEXp70uPZs93QlXbir3TOfiIZYZF4mSjZi8M-1_pgIeg1l2eiWoLc7iEpEurm0W4AGgAwGz54XEUy2VQ/s400/327554_287661181267927_250545671646145_979552_629489798_o.jpg" />What do you think?<br />I think, really cute! The chairs are upholstered in a charcoal grey, and have a small pattern with a check, in each little square is a dot of white or beige. I am also thinking about getting the rug. It may match the wall color in the dining room which is a bittersweet red, and doesn't go well with red toile, sigh, which is a little more cooler in shade. How do you like the fleur di lis? There is a total of 6 chairs and the table has a leaf.<br />~*~<br />Okay want to know what kinda shopper I am?<br />When it was first listed on Craig's List it was $750. I saw it listed today for $475.00. I offered him $375.00 and he took it! Yippee! Only drawback, dear husband isn't home yet for me to tell him the wonderful news of a trip up to the city this afternoon. Hmm...tad bit nervous about this part. Generally he is a good sport, but two trips to the city (takes about and hour) in less than 24 hrs. that might be asking a little much. Although I AM cooking big tomorrow!<br />~*~<br />And friends...<br />THANK YOU for not taking me off your blogroll!<br />I feel like I am seeing my old friends again. Gosh how I've missed you and your sweet comments! Okay I know I haven't visited you back, but I will...I am just a wee bit sidetracked with the furniture right now.<br />AND<br />Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><em>~Jill~</em></span></span></div></span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-49010776470536248412011-11-12T19:42:00.008-06:002011-11-19T14:16:30.957-06:00The Friendly Village<div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674290973376923938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnA1dPDP9xF6FLQFcbCfeFhhbvPHkAuSf1Y-vmcCjV0lM6hThq2X1olTFzu3V9qF45oD4Nw6-SCca8ulDaeG1ZalypRo6B7wjcomBGs36lFimIolowgqTki5Pz5CZb4pU0uXbfQdQ_X4/s400/friendly+Village.jpg" /> I do I ever LOVE dishes. I actually have way too many dishes. I saw this little set of dishes in our local thrift store over a year ago. I just kept passing them by. Then one day, while I was at work, I decided... I must have those dishes! They would be perfect for Thanksgiving. So I had my mom call the thrift store to see if they still had them. Now, I get in an utter panic when I decide, you know months later, that I simply must have something. I am crossing fingers and toes hoping that they are still there. So mom called, they were closed for remodeling but, yes they still had my dishes for a whopping $4.00. A new collection has begun!<br /><br />I am going with new a decorating scheme at Hickory Hollow. I have always loved the mismatched cottage look. I tried really hard this time for a more formal look, but I just kept feeling that I wasn't quite home. I have been keeping an eye out for interesting pieces that have a more country house/cottage feel. One day as we were pulling into school, I saw a<br />table and chair set by the road. It was literally smack dab in front of the school. You know the feeling.... heart starts beating rapidly, panic sets in, I have GOT to have that! Especially when I saw the $30 price tag. I could hardly wait for Doug to stop the truck (he teaches high school math, at the same school) so I could run across the street. Banging on the door I finally get a young gal to answer. So happy when she would hold it for me to after school!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674296855770338850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhCzpTatMRQG0HMGhD-GG6HBmZUzodETABrw_RV0FJ_h6I9k1nsfkA7aqP712uiyiVStd7jgAlOPdN86QybEC23m7SbLtr_i4vlCzX6lw42bLsRJ9DXF_bWZKJYITjd54j7py3cvXnLM/s400/French+Country+Dining.jpg" />Whew... I really like it in my breakfast room. It is not so large and makes the area seem larger and I love how the black and oak look together and the pedestal base. It is a bit distressed, I actually need to sand down some areas more. But it was just what I was looking for!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674298684578930946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7nCkHVntkGz6TIgfCtIC_oUJ3NlthJGfT4FJF9SPnZEiFzZ2MSZJGnK2Gm0FQfGAmjkLaEoy4VdD34qPpn-9b14mWNwfGhyh746pdYp_15mmg1OGALiNciHCyTIHD6NS9Y83-J1fskE/s400/Breakfast+Room.jpg" /> Tomorrow we are going to go to the city to pick up a sofa, chair and ottoman set I found on Craig's List. I will give you a hint for next week's post... The name of the furniture set is called<br />Grandma's Attic!<br />~*Jill*~</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-45843945973253035932011-11-11T20:31:00.002-06:002011-11-11T20:46:41.321-06:00Change at Hickory Hollow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFc8Ot6kHOzReo502Mw0OYSOIxadWmiwdgR730zJcIA-uT6PkzNFzRIcEpyNt87lW2ouSbnO_-yu-bo7khwlhSi3iCXcMsNpq5mjwa2FUPLsMWuIVGCfN1-u-92Y8Ok-3I5zhs0QgvIw/s1600/cd4cd896-d6d9-467d-8762-fa53750f33e3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673935117302886146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFc8Ot6kHOzReo502Mw0OYSOIxadWmiwdgR730zJcIA-uT6PkzNFzRIcEpyNt87lW2ouSbnO_-yu-bo7khwlhSi3iCXcMsNpq5mjwa2FUPLsMWuIVGCfN1-u-92Y8Ok-3I5zhs0QgvIw/s400/cd4cd896-d6d9-467d-8762-fa53750f33e3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">It's Me!<br />Can you believe it!<br />Gone from blogging for almost 2 years.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">But, I ran across a blog and saw that Hickory Hollow was still on their sidebar.<br />I realized that I have really missed blogging.</div><br /><div align="center">~*~<br />With time, comes many changes...<br />New Cottage Herb & Flower Garden<br />New Victorian Back Porch<br />New Pets<br />New furniture<br />New job!<br />~*~<br />My fondest wish is to blog once a week.<br />You see, I work full time now.<br />I have for almost a year and a half.<br />Not just any ole job.<br />I teach.<br />Wonderful 4th graders!<br />~*~<br />Was it hard for this stay-at-home mom to go back to work full-time?<br />Oh my goodness yes!<br />Do I miss staying at home?<br />Oh my goodness yes!<br />~*~<br />But...<br />I feel God's hand guiding me to the classroom.<br />I know this is where He wants me to be.<br />So I pray to accept my new circumstances.<br />~*~<br />I still have to live in my own little world, though<br />the world of Hickory Hollow.<br />Where I capture moments<br />that make my heart sing.<br />~*~<br />I see much more sorrow & struggle.<br />So I feel the need, now more than ever,<br />to find kindness, beauty and goodness.<br />~*~<br />So I hope you will join me on my new journey,<br />Hickory Hollow</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">I'm coming back home!<br />~Jill~ </div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-56048755680234627072010-02-21T09:48:00.008-06:002010-02-21T11:04:21.264-06:00Cozy Little Corners<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440726178844374770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZZfXOdAp7bwazH-BYkoXxQkx1uCKkxEJOtKLDXgT_x87Ej2fqsniRpZyfj5HqKaJnmp-pEfUHAVVmp5Z8XgTKDKANqstZHgpVB2WgSuXPyFiILtZcoZpt-0ihnVSO7aNPM6JrFMcGPs/s400/CC9.jpg" border="0" /><br />Dear Friends,<br />Do you like cozy corners?<br />I always have liked to tuck my little flea market finds into cozy little vignettes.<br />Now, it is really hard to take pictures<br />of cozy corners because the lighting isn't very good...<br />the whole reason that they're cozy!<br />~*~<br />Great lighting, or not, here are some cozy corners in Hickory Hollow...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440726184487770626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghXLUZqbdNaTkTBuc23RGzRGPZgGG-vZQcQLr02t6P9smQk5DlnL2_FA8RKHwC-Cgv9zEPrfS6FTPOwuxFcX2keueV9MeRgK-AgQiG0SGQ5IqnPjxUg-UzOdFyz8ivNnhVjDeJlf64IM/s400/CC10.jpg" border="0" /><br />This is a cozy corner in my laundry room. I found this primitive country shelf at a garage sale last year. It was too wide, but my favorite husband, Doug trimmed the sides for me so I could squeeze it between the wall and my cabinet. Of course I needed a little lamp for cute lighting. This is also a great place to display a couple of country aprons. My mom gave me the teacup embroidered one for Christmas.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440726191799716418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr7fVOUQI2taL8HVwI6cfsLC9xSBuwRElQ-OpSsfwTYuaAFwJEBh0-3KTF6kqlIDva8x2KAtOuHk9e4PzRbCJzxGBprJDxr6nRjxWTKY8hFYsUzowwFMZqgFkM8iuTmrttWlHEHAZa0c/s400/cc11.jpg" border="0" /><br />My friend Cheryl, made me an herbal wreath for my birthday! Isn't it precious. Cheryl loves all things cozy and toile. If in a pinch I run out of herbs in the pantry, I probably could harvest a couple of stems from here!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440729928309953762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mzHw-Abd7XkraY3xtrQodS8HXnoBqjMw48NbQruukpvoHsQ0zlet67Gyosf283yGF-B4pDE1oXQaW7GK7ciHyRIyC5LYyvq9vCjvdQWlKJRllwLDNkLGd090wGHbmcFWBcwpHqg2TrQ/s400/CC8.jpg" border="0" /><br />~ A Cozy Kitchen Corner ~<br />Here is a cozy corner tucked between my built-in pantry and my black cupboard.<br />This a perfect place to tuck in another apron. Cheryl also made this for me for my birthday.<br />Remember when I found the free Susan Branch apron pattern and shared it with you?<br />Well, Cheryl made me a toile Susan Branch apron!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440729957561718066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3f4ZVWOqWKLy82ituazBwAbFn7XmZXDs2wNqZz-9RJU3gFz-1L9g0CBal2Fn4T06Gss8oM8wE1IM0ga3MBkFHfTC-aouOQjHNTlEo0K58ZPyQGgOBmuisS4JoTqb9NmcyTxWIqUoLuA/s400/CC7.jpg" border="0" /><br />A little red berry wreath and teapot hanger.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440729934250905266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd1k5u_FMARKPxgvSrQsxqDC3XaD5RGQfVLcgue6DKuqjU9hpa7JXYZn2FdginBVGJwbxU_AdrijSaJNjzUyJ3nGE0y2FhQVj1tlif1CEm31BkkqbeER9zng6fEnfxUbwZJVgnAg1HAM/s400/CC4.jpg" border="0" /><br />On the other side of my cupboard is a stack of baskets.<br />They are my Longabergers. Much to pretty hide in a closet.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440729942894081106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeh8Fxq6GYX3oKgq3a0biQv-ZIz9WmCPrSuK0_dkN-HiMFrh-iyJAh_GLvTz7vqyQVL_0EsrtjPgbx2PkqTGNg5tD-36WIZEPVzee0Ju03DN5o3-0zF7b6RPSslB_UR6P5HhkZgTG_04/s400/CC5.jpg" border="0" /><br />I bought these several years ago.<br />So glad that I choose a red, green & gold liner!<br />The one on the bottom is a cupcake basket.<br />It has a wooden tray that sits in it so you can transport a dozen cupcakes!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440729947697624690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3Pp8ok4xwLjvUTKXzIp1THH1G7TmKpDtT5YPac5zqOQmfzQgaqAdXRsdwMbme3ZnUxbN7EXI0ZseuQFK6nxoZ7IuEXOauIP22nbXrhe4cSms9tUrrwM9YY-5nlCWIKR1VBhfG7lQF2Q/s400/CC6.jpg" border="0" /><br />A little wire hen.<br />Usually she sits on my kitchen table with flowering plant.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440732950430023314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTBxyokMzaxohz9Ce5ZGQz7RhooNEH9XJcpv_1duWLP1S1_HHdJkMpXLmzoNcr2YRQmAZZ2IV-U518pRChJMXHI54SW5Nqtcn75Ct3CTUtHiKa-R3vhqanIV9mJC8gRte7tnUZht6qbw/s400/CC14.jpg" border="0" /><br />~Cozy Living Room Corner~<br />I cozied up a corner in my living room with a new plaid curtain.<br />Love, Love LOVE this curtain!<br />My inspiration was from looking at pictures of Paula Deen's living room.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440732955125114946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFRTWdaCv0cL33kuG-e0HbPPzIR8pKxea5408tYaERxvJJnYbkhU4LMGmTfFZvS0w9Bdl6Xr9D4Oe4xR8BEKCtBcUOwgvnNfZXrT6tvC-_QI1JrJEXGHemPVqHGqtlSBPgYjD55O9BWg/s400/CC15.jpg" border="0" /><br />I tucked in my little white wicker table.<br />This was the table I bought at the country auction, some of you may remember.<br />Behind it is a mirror that I daringly painted black!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440732961991743842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0_LXYys6JDFtdAMXiamFbX0_qi4LvldZ6VnhuPtLUrDH_OVOP0l83R845WlOPbR-ZR18_8Wc4BJOyqLYTRhXDHSf1y8d7UcjRx69n9xjkXxvv3Ejrg2q4CdCavKdV1dXSKS68I56gR4/s400/CC16.jpg" border="0" /><br />Love this little pot of posies and the glazed pears!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440735383752521618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jW0p4Wy3UF1l5aqJml_vmaFwgXGXYNDTtnfJQA67W-4VPuzb-Tv2S9snYgSXQs5ZF2z_f0GVeXIX_1Gp64Yy14tT8LDfN86_S2c_1SgluR31IlAheNefC25P3gKcIgcN-xkTcxQC5GI/s400/CC%23.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">~A Cozy Counter Corner~<br />Goodness, I play with this corner all the time.<br />Sometimes I have my flour and sugar containers sitting out<br />with their toile teacup scoops. Sometimes I have a basket of seasonal cookbooks nestled in here.<br />Just last week, I remembered a thrifty painted tray I had and thought that would be great to add behind Mr. Rooster. My Rooster is a pitcher, what great thrifty find!<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440735379621831714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIIEaS5_4u_g6fH8zFRSG81-96WGcVfbmxdfLnojGpkVGF6IdGl-TbfPbzDJfEF_vMo7Hl0mRtAMqQQ6063X-mwJyVQBdr9gd_qAKSjtRtLt2IfeFJcFFkcGLLaKAK7L2fSp91NiChnY/s400/CC1.jpg" border="0" /> ~*~<br />I am on the lookout now for a cozy little chair to add to a corner in my bedroom.<br />I want to make myself a little reading nook.<br /><br />~*~</div><div align="center">I have been keeping very busy this past week!<br />I am substitute teaching for an extended time in 1st. grade.<br />I even get to do some lesson planning!<br />March will be here soon,<br />so I have been gathering rainbows, leprechauns, and shamrocks<br />for some fun things to do with the children to decorate the classroom.<br />Today I am off to purchase green glitter!<br />Dangling shamrocks need to be glittery, don't they? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">~*~</div><div align="center">I want to say *Hi* to all my new followers!<br />Welcome to Hickory Hollow.<br />And THANK YOU to all who leave me such wonderfully sweet comments.<br />I do try to return the visit, but sometimes, I just don't make it.<br />But just know that your comments brighten MY day!<br />See You Soon!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-32851064244425599852010-02-14T09:11:00.009-06:002010-02-14T21:51:23.546-06:00Valentine Wishes<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438186735938324610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oL1iHkXGTu-H-QbE4T9aWqaxC_DgtaEuJ9LS5__MzJsxtMi2jGxTKWqQ1lqwhiqxlclmMzuksixTixIWBl4kf589IC5ynPMpl5sFfFOhpJtK3z6bqGqA3CX9jju4CN_KCtPmDugcb5Y/s400/valentine2.jpg" border="0" />Dear Friends, <div><div><div><div><div><div align="center">Hope you are enjoying a very lovely Valentine's Day!<br />It has been so cold and so wintery white, I felt that I needed a reminder that greener days are coming soon!<br />I treated myself to a bouquet of red tulips.<br />They smell so fresh...so green!<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438186725806588882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjromDScf2Qu2dL9xFZh4A_LeOnXqt7hwRJ1d5MJ24B-VBzbHuLW0YMJ4SRMBCNCMAZB1kkPocTjkos-J4ZYs6YM6DWcT2PT3S-1doPYV6gLkZgvzdeO4x3i4AVLwnbojOMehi2GKXo36Q/s400/valentine1.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br />Tulips and a bunny...<br />makes me think<br />"SPRING"<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438186721278233330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkkBrd1wqhczonP74ATo8N5svKeT_ZB8od7zCYzg4mKzMlb1FGWzRZrTwZCNHbdRntbcthme-JiDWGlqibtZWqtgQD5tSP7EsboKYLehu1RbYlaBtNTSX7fLflEJcQcGoeH6PHO6nfoE/s400/valentine3.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br />Lindsey and I baked and decorated sugar cookies yesterday.</div><div align="center">So much fun!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438186742299402434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTh0k22wx9duVPdYZTA7WMpmfxISMNvEAfdFhsp-0eqfMYZKfx_OTobpbv_ay7ubxgKZ9JSJJ6h7WfXay2A24d6kl8LHYrQw1jPQBtBOV_LD5CPxG7gTyycUG2Uz4Pq2mYqnHrUf_FCI/s400/valentine4.jpg" border="0" /><br />Loved the heart sprinkles.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438189816203199410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiwi3kPgwEWWrUL04bcT80M91aWGUTROMGRw0ftiAgsyERwk5-X2_SZ29pMltgAyPdSAJWg_ThfAMb9dO1LdzbWjAxkqD4vPy3sgdMtUjUU4JLAgUdUkK_QzIiSQ7XZhvC_QDni4JVe4/s400/valentine5.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438189837411194530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpCJVqXHiQ97bdcMU4lpOQcOvS8V3G_DXMtnrQ7WBluhupkLxW6ksd7I6T_teYmarweql6lD-9U9n1Z_p0vDdH03CO4m3DBvVNDmEBn_6aoFuUDm07rBz3S20D_y4nDx7HaZbzbGQueU/s400/valentine6.jpg" border="0" /><br />Oooh, here is another reminder of Spring!<br />Tasty chocolate dipped strawberries.<br />I am already planning on planting<br />50 strawberry plants this spring.<br />Sweet, delicious homegrown strawberries...<br />Bliss!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438189843464431666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz06MSvXn_-dQ6-_Z55JjycRzRAKogg_lVzBjLMvju1J_GT9EoxCCe3p-pCSQLzHEdVibiqolxSdjKPYff201JElhdb1nFzLejCP9Q6-LMo_VdoX0VSN4eVwJtTb71j92Iz0JAgr5wEA/s400/valentine7.jpg" border="0" /><br />A cute way to celebrate Valentine's Day!<br />Sometimes we just need a nudge<br />to make a day special.<br />Do something a bit out of the ordinary.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438191742714010482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S3-WeeOe99_3cpspZ55_pEtZ-AjFXHMqRduM_LtS_oMDuu3Yt-b4pvTrySlG7boErB9U4MbGvF4FAbtyIxtoPxWZdsTS5gcSJGzsSaOCZDtz7FWBordkyFo-IrK16v-to4PD1RfDTqo/s400/valentine8.jpg" border="0" /><br />If you have been a follower of my blog for awhile,</div><div align="center">you will know that it isn't a holiday for Jill unless I have a special whimsical sweater to wear.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438191744490005586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfmbtBmZW4GI85BX_5TwQTtTck1zK7RzSgxnOgVwdY-anvleMPs3klVPPxkJrVTcfJoA3Wd_b3njbrDFMbnqsEG2qT01-JF61xiFK-z0biAptaOZLcpNTztO2IorhiAwN_ZNKHGNUX5A/s400/valentine9.jpg" border="0" /><br />Isn't this a cute one for Valentine's Day!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438191755597266450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif40WBAZStoiA2xgbkDBh_leN39iQHWMCSiBRuqujaiuymdclstIAatFIB857Eh3lU14gznF-Wnfgf7UvbHQejX90HhvZxeZMH9z2DVppXW_Iz_2h4Ny6lk7Jim7ZHrz2fvjAxmaTg5Sc/s400/valentine10.jpg" border="0" /><br />There are little heart-shaped charms along the bottom of the sweater.<br />The buttons have beaded hearts sewn on them.<br />Yes, I found it at a thrift store!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438191761929657666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2FfEMbmSd7mQic154CXyGHFkodKWb5EKhToxwUdQxq9SgHbTPjxxBaJ82JJ9aLn-KU57jrm8Qiv7KHV69eRsg3TqfZy4SvmOhbHmr7SIIa8R2oGub1kVk3N4Ml9V4_-dzUPkgb7hw28/s400/valentine11.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br />Some of you may remember that I found a little shabby pillow in a thrift store that had these adorable gold hearts sewn on it.<br />I retrieved the hearts and made a bracelet. I love that it looks vintage and Victorian.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">***********<br />I have a couple of cute recipes I want to share with you!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438191774180583874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dmPNybyfENqzX5nvI643oox_1b-Af7bgg0voseex7gDYrkpM3gfNziRVcuPIGthTRKXbrSV8uaJb1jFJDkKN2rSFus6lE5ByfkY3c-2rGvYoNr1eL5_ngPNiBOzBsMf51A8IMQSqV5c/s400/100_5513.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /></div><p align="center">Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your sweeties.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438117411315805154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmohQy3R-9joB4Yt3TQTMX2ukmCdAlklx-0TtwN4r_aZJcsQ_l85ZV1qhGCh7O1-NF1XVKrFQXiEGjHYzKX8ADR9PajDBj_6zcIpiNJ6Mtto5STWycNMsT661CKgG6yuF6RJ_VTF-MN_A/s400/1agirlval008.png" border="0" /><br />I looked at the window just now and guess what I saw?<br />Hmph...More SNOW!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~Jill~</span></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-49251014392540037912010-01-31T10:33:00.000-06:002010-01-31T18:30:54.392-06:00Sweaters & Granny Boots<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J36_4yTfYgfjq8616wtEIT5WtE3ldMJyxOKicMqTHQCMpUVdJ2e4kCtRDyj1UVN3D1KoOEEuXUKdvGTN5lP_g-jKWnbqbVQxkv_DQsA-bew3YPa_CECUMylXdUXEPAGsLUt9cKBV_ao/s1600-h/grannyboots2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433053417348871522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J36_4yTfYgfjq8616wtEIT5WtE3ldMJyxOKicMqTHQCMpUVdJ2e4kCtRDyj1UVN3D1KoOEEuXUKdvGTN5lP_g-jKWnbqbVQxkv_DQsA-bew3YPa_CECUMylXdUXEPAGsLUt9cKBV_ao/s400/grannyboots2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hello Friends!<br />I have a secret to share with you.<br />I'm not all that into the most current styles.<br /><br />Yes, it is true.<br />Maybe that is why I like Thrift Stores...<br />nothing is in or out of style at the thrift store.</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center">It is all there for the taking depending on how daring you are!<br /><br />I'm not all that daring, but in my closet at one time was a vintage 50's coat with faux fur collar! That one was beautiful blueberry blue. I passed it on when we lived in Mississippi. Now I have a jaunty red number that I wear with a black scarf and gloves! Lindsey gave me a sparkly monogramed J pin that looks quite cute on the lapel.<br />~*~<br />Seriously though,<br />I love wearing denim skirts with tights and boots.<br />I picked up on this style back in the 90's in the Victoria magazine.<br />Those girls always wore classic, beautiful clothing.<br />That is what I love, classic sweaters, classic shoes, classic handbags & jewelry.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433056274905925666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAh8RZgxBGGF520S6EhPKoUmy7PGAhZWZCu7J1uMd7QQ8K8AonreIxnUXi_iNZGzDjii6eoWDOevcO0kBL2dd6E5y6vraqXf1JRw1oKa3zkr-hsrkXdmf6fgZXgXJfDWCIiE_hCX2N9oE/s400/redgraysweater.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">In the winter, I want cozy Fair Isle Sweaters.<br />Sweaters that remind me of going on woodland walks, ski lodges & hot chocolate.<br />Sweaters that smell faintly of woodsmoke.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433057894184203426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VxE-ypsol-9MKAWCQ5i6L0UrrAdSrEzIcb9YQk_XfG9FKgGJSWid36cNnw1MJDCGOmMCbQR5cZOmPKhv6P72PrwG39V3B_ybpBStZwwXNKQRVrCr0ZFE9mt3JlNupjO1r9UIDY9vgMM/s400/redgraysweater2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433057254817863522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VVvUzt0ku5jpnhmgt_ojSbK054h23WlRHPOVqbWrREWpxf7LlCXUoxD9OmJcA9Wqfuwf7Z7B1bJko9tngoKFu74ZKHd65dbM9H9vWn3b4RZypflFmWMkQmwhjNuhb35h1kexftmj3pA/s400/Greensweater.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">These are so easy to find at the thrift stores.<br />Seems like nobody else is interested in these traditional winter garmets.<br />This gray/green one is classic Eddie Bauer<br />Lucky for ME!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433058778711681058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrsvn15GQMD8RvwH-0ftYid-wVmSCVS727mu3Lqf3Bmsvd-__QTfXqRLeA_TJvoX4S_PANhN7qUe4SeUZwlp5E2V14Nn25RPxGHYqHK4pNIADhL6r8iDjWq_mPwAseRjZdzZnoTA7H7U/s400/Littlesheep.jpg" border="0" /><br />Sweaters with a little bit of wool in them are fun.<br />Yes, they can be a bit itchy but you wear them over turtle necks.<br />This cute little sweater was a thrift store find from last year.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433059290761065170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVgwFTaos6Aq3bRUvrOhuHmBXH_koLqJ_Rl4_hFh9kKniHUFhYslz9ftiw57MPGAVDKBGjMYH_JxAqQLzyRgUFup5nSl_MHNHixOwKJFR_r13vH_z-eKFvlx5whHSrNxOnfWpGcE0Ml4/s400/Sheepsweater3.jpg" border="0" /><br />I researched the label and it is from New York and sold for about $175.<br /><br /></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433059913808363314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjEaghC1oPk-Tl4sdGJ80fwfy85wJXW2fxvKfeqnRjMUOhdzfZ44vW4kImrVAS8cKvmnXgSvILFa62fGR-72W3dbnFVsucJLXbIFJ8hn2KEu_j6REI-CCycZPwxixf8BQtzN538hqOqg/s400/Sheepsweater2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />Now to wear these with a denim skirt, you need the right type of tights. You want the thick, warm tights. The ones I bought this year are chocolate brown, and black. The boots are a bit harder to find especially for a good price. I did a search on Etsy and found a lot of them. Some were a bit pricey though. My favorites though are the ones with...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Buttons!</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433060396173830802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzXL3VB-KBvjBybFrqcmzEZnv2-_cL8y0XZ63bd_VU8z_eoIDMQpdBLCOiBcjWa8uaZlhvY68yjdpfr3knshQstwLGm5QROZ7o9Abq-gJXjA5WYJZK4LD5l5cqLKQrGV2lr70bavMwOw/s400/buttonboots.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center">I have worn my granny boots with...<br />long denim dresses,<br />short denim dresses,<br />denim prairie skirts,<br />and just plain denim skirts.<br />Denim skirts are a dime a dozen at the thrift stores.<br />But to me they are always in style...Victoria magazine says so!<br />~*~<br />So my friends let's enjoy winter!<br />Wear cozy sweaters, and<br />warm, woolen mittens,<br />and<br />Granny Boots!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">************************<br />~ Jill ~</span></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-71120574542317863772010-01-12T07:47:00.015-06:002010-01-12T08:58:56.864-06:00French Country Cupboard<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3At_6BcD1O6TGYcbk-OevYHy_WDbayyztIfJrX0N9Aw0883KlDlamPGrhgMJaQxkGlRbaFiuPbuxfTO2Y9L4PpPOwPrgyVaoBYk6EUV6Om1hwWgyWQNebNwbUP7dxtbhHeFxwFOFG38/s1600-h/Cupboard9b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425861726437019746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3At_6BcD1O6TGYcbk-OevYHy_WDbayyztIfJrX0N9Aw0883KlDlamPGrhgMJaQxkGlRbaFiuPbuxfTO2Y9L4PpPOwPrgyVaoBYk6EUV6Om1hwWgyWQNebNwbUP7dxtbhHeFxwFOFG38/s400/Cupboard9b.jpg" border="0" /></a> Dear Friends,<br />After the taking down the holiday decorations, I decided I would spend a little more time putting things back in their normal place. I dusted, washed dishes, baskets and bunnies. It took me awhile, but I finally found an arrangment I liked with all my found "goodies".<br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425851770827880530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlYjRPjbgoLwpgYZkMd3xgpNz9zb9tTvqS5IrF5JDyNcb5dq5NdNecdjIqow9YtPc0ZJHn41X8mrcOn_INVllQkkWxk_v8KxPdkOA-1-N2_uFlBNiXaMOH-HNeCcc4kG3CQuA4DoO5e8/s400/Cupboard2b.jpg" border="0" /><br />I've had this little conservatory for awhile, it was a thrift store find.<br />The design idea is from a Nell Hill's book, the tea cups an antique store find for $3 each.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425851777370630418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQLuAozEMpvdz0-T7hy3n2cinyTEfgkr8LSj9gArdHHfmw4e3d-Ft-FEAPeqrJ_vTuP1OWu11pSbfXCfty2hiHPCUh9Inuptc6NDGuk3c_2ELNnfqFO6gKb85ZaM8_aOpB9YuEpuUwvc/s400/Cupboard3b.jpg" border="0" /><br />I have a couple of friends that see transferware and think of me.<br />This one is from my friend, India.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425852945455114658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPa6UnKKP6QhlbJIOTOPDKR9LvuxYtmcVvjyW86C3hLs7jFgTh634bnEBkKDK7zYLO8NEkz5_LFBXuBbm9cmQPdJI03T8RvmuWnuXo9NI2jSjmz9z7fIdeCk9NU03dqRb78VDTPPTvhEg/s400/Cupboard4b.jpg" border="0" /><br />On my last thrift shopping trip in Colorado, I spotted this little silver teapot lamp. It wasn't a bargain, it was in the "display case". But I had to have it, and it is a wonderful reminder of fun times.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425852949902998146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXA8DhgWwZ37WEYvTIpOWoJBfOnwioP0HGSdoh0mBmTyF8EOUCk_ygAydpkl92z_4CQbGkbqkaxUQPVzTv7bb3KWzh_UtRUOzJ8-8kAvRHkAtJa9x-bv0IOo7ndtxB3b3LtrGukS1owg/s400/Cupboard5b.jpg" border="0" /><br />The beautiful transerware teacup set, was a great Salvation Army find. I found a set of 4, they were $3 each. I was certainly doing the happy dance that afternoon! The dark transferware plate in the back came from a friend who was stationed at the time in Germany. Thank you, Trisha it is such a treasure!<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425853903840712498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V1QnSNNFNoqhx3MwBaAU4z2LY58be4S-k061uanxXB4COQpoJ54Vlo23wZKuPqTJdYEJx6WvEE9zlAXNzEuMUsje4O_Gz-rSj_-rWCX8-u6ZcrlC_j-qkQKuaxHmVik2vIOlN578pI4/s400/Cupboard7b.jpg" border="0" /><br />Aren't they beautiful!<br />I use them when I have my morning coffee.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425855134278471938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOi2KsZD-J7vWtUh3i7J-YfPMWLXOUFDonOl0Nv-6XyFgIbow06N7r8DkANxRnCbMKTP9nKquT6M0EObi58V5YpH6cbR-C0eY6wKsrL7h5dQ2DRHMSFBchojYkm5-MYp7WGB_p6B8kZA/s400/Cupboard10b.jpg" border="0" /><br />The pair of chicken pictures was another Thrifty find.<br /><div align="center">I may paint the frame black, still deciding.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425855141348319490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WkmF3QDKY45Fbiz-66KgrD_LOEXjDbEnwzFyRJCkIpg5FN18mVMJi95WOulNewkCTI2dwy_txUxKf_11OqkJGg73A1HX_b-4BjHGz0rblrj7doLqXL4JU_bxIrWoxIlJoVaQSKzPb-4/s400/Cupboard11b.jpg" border="0" /><br />Cute finial birdies and floral hat box.<br />I love how the white, red and apple green go together<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4zuqEtSX5ao0MDFys6r5PxtM0TeJbGNZ8Pl_ZZoInAHjvyAzTeGxWrtd6dqGNKCDyJd670AMJh5yhUtB49EnPICuBQHqi60LefUjDRV9JlTsTYpnmDrVZVBtkQmIS2D8yNqsoFNSxwo/s1600-h/Cupboard13b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425856322992923970" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4zuqEtSX5ao0MDFys6r5PxtM0TeJbGNZ8Pl_ZZoInAHjvyAzTeGxWrtd6dqGNKCDyJd670AMJh5yhUtB49EnPICuBQHqi60LefUjDRV9JlTsTYpnmDrVZVBtkQmIS2D8yNqsoFNSxwo/s400/Cupboard13b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This hooked rug is one of my favorite possessions.<br />It came from my friend Peggy's garage sale.<br />Oh, Peg it is as you would say, "to die for"!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljel97bKxfPAIVl_EHfLgOJ_Er2NZIX8ujyfMKHiEDK-8llpUUtN1o-awq9lZ2Dnd4e3lW0NyTCoS8agdQ4T4hlQ9Rd5OyhvHxYah4_6CzUgZPolRKY4fcSyrb_1QVj1qpdXhVFBhxlM/s1600-h/Cupboard12b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425856646018764898" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljel97bKxfPAIVl_EHfLgOJ_Er2NZIX8ujyfMKHiEDK-8llpUUtN1o-awq9lZ2Dnd4e3lW0NyTCoS8agdQ4T4hlQ9Rd5OyhvHxYah4_6CzUgZPolRKY4fcSyrb_1QVj1qpdXhVFBhxlM/s400/Cupboard12b.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><p align="center">This little basket sits in the open space at the bottom of the cupboard.<br />I found the Julia & Jacque cookbook at a garage sale for $2.<br />After I watch the movie, Julie & Julia I pulled it off the bookcase and sat it here.<br />I ran across this book on Amazon and it sells for over $120 now. I think it was a gift when you donated to the PBS show!<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425862744170672834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ijsLDRg0AmApEY2kcq0gmDpV1kR2ykNSBLnUSxV4bb_903D0WUKaYtUGxr2HJEO9vNwfscv4iqGiHBJy2HGn6N91lz3M-FIstZda1Dqg_cVfHcHERbj-Wf1BBvBzHpYzigLQsQLHG3s/s400/Coldoutside.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></div></div></div><p align="center">Even though temperatures are slowly rising, it still is very cold outside!<br />The Kansas City weatherman said it was 7 degrees in our area this morning.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Brrrrr.</span><br />I am enjoying wearing all my sweaters though!<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />The Burpee garden catalog came in the mail a couple of weeks ago.<br />I have picked out some strawberry and blueberry plants I want to order.<br />We bought some picket fence at an auction last month, and I am so excited to begin planning and building my cutting flower and herb garden. It is going to be beside the little chicken house, complete with an arched arbor and an antique garden gate!<br />~~~~~~~~~~<br />Hope everyone is staying warm because I know it is chilly everywhere!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Jill</span></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-62899200321588755402010-01-04T09:30:00.002-06:002010-01-05T09:03:29.530-06:00Soup makes me Happy<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_e0CQ4D-AaTttxdJMWFZXEnVQ1gExlQyhf5LX7-5Dd3dE80EKuIINR383yBi2QuNNV0MyahfTd9AxLXvzopCSCQd54mt214PGZfFTG8BuzYWlQSiQFsKXZjo5fDfV1ti-_y3KuX1PUQ/s1600-h/Cheeseburgersoup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422908856145340306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_e0CQ4D-AaTttxdJMWFZXEnVQ1gExlQyhf5LX7-5Dd3dE80EKuIINR383yBi2QuNNV0MyahfTd9AxLXvzopCSCQd54mt214PGZfFTG8BuzYWlQSiQFsKXZjo5fDfV1ti-_y3KuX1PUQ/s400/Cheeseburgersoup.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Dear Friends,<br /></span></div><div align="center"><div align="center">I love soup! </div><div align="center">I look forward to fall and winter so I can make heart warming pots full of soup.<br /></div><div align="center">My family loves soup too, especially Tyler. I get so tickled at him when he starts to smell the soup simmering on the stove. Yum he says, is it ready yet?<br />This soup is a new recipe I tried, Cheeseburger Soup. Oh creamy and delicious. I was so glad that I had dried some herbs this summer. I sprinkled in my own dried basil right before I served it. And now is a perfect time to use my snowman dishes!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422910495137826034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbAoXIcr0I2s7gBMUkjfEuRYdp6OVGtX3OGZOU68BDEVv9BeZEwsYniYlqqD_GmRNw0ERpf8g9az05zMvetHgHKCagGhofr4eCP7lqq8dgiJWOf3FU4WfnJpqiG2WNPm-kqoZyQx6vsg/s400/snowmanbowl.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422909970148952306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_SK2LR-ukhpMQZyEj-Gc07l37Tc9qPuMB_Wut8esCvIomxOffs-8S77bETRmEbRaq0GV_Jk54ewoofGMp05a8SC75BFRaGAck9nPq8U04HWn8wjox0n3-cvsJpt7wdS-5Sov7F3jwA4/s400/Snowmandish.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><div align="center">I have had this set of dishes for about 14 years. This little snowman never fails to melt my heart. When Tyler was just 2, I would make homemade French toast for him every winter morning, served on a little snowman plate. What a wonderful memory.<br />What goes wonderfully with homemade soup?<br />Why, homemade bread of course!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422911232904997922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoh4AJ7w66T5RGnjUOrzQQIAgcYVWLrTKIDHB8Su43EXDfrTm6L5aXMmh8oHipR7Dw0in_eKXjIufQ2OOS_oSzE8VmjLq6zFc0I2HCbl7fJpPnv3No4oRKifX0Op4odxfOJiuUQ4Z27M/s400/Dillybread2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I adore dilly bread and whipped up batch and baked it in my flowerpot baker!<br />Fresh and hot from the oven with a little butter...<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422911850004280930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD7Ev0KwDFsmT44e65Fj-RTi4OFOQ9WsC89yRCq_9B7ujPu-djdijnApHcAahLipiVz3iPZnoyjcf4mOK1FjgoZUeo6u0NMsyCUEw8HyWe-IXPedej4iZ7fs3rL_5ghBR_2VRai-FObs/s400/Dillybread.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh be still my heart!<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">~*Cheeseburger Soup *~</span><br />1/2 lb. ground beef, 3/4 C. chopped onion, 3/4 C. shredded carrots, 3/4 C. diced celery, 1 tsp. basil, 1 tsp. parsley, 4 Tbs. butter, divided, 3 C. chicken broth, 4 C. peeled & diced potatoes, 1/4 C. flour, 8 oz. Velvetta, 1 1/2 C. milk, 3/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 C. sour cream<br />***<br />In a large saucepan, brown hamburger; drain and set aside. In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 Tbs. butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 min. Add broth, potatoes and beef; bring to boil. Reduce heat;cover and simmer until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, in a small skillet melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to boil. Cook and stir for 2 min. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, milk, salt and if you wish pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat; blend in sour cream. Yields 8 servings.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~*Easy Dilly Bread *~<br /></span>3 C. all-purpose flour, 1 pkg. active dry yeast, 1 1/4 C. milk, 2 Tbs. sugar, 2 Tbs. butter or margarine, 2 tsp. dried dill seed or dill weed, 2 tsp. instant minced onion, 1 egg<br />***<br />In a small mixer combine, 1 1/2 C. of the flour and the yeast. In saucepan heat milk, sugar, butter, dill, onion and 1 tsp. salt just until warm, stirring constantly to melt butter. Add to dry mixture and add egg. Beat at low speed with electric mixer for 1/2 minutes, scraping bowl. Beat for 3 minutes at high speed. By hand, stir in remianing flour. Cover and let rise until double (30-45 min.). Stir down. Spread evenly in a greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan ( or flower pot baker). Let rise until nearly double (about 30 min.). Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if bread browns too quickly. Remove from pan and let cool. Makes 1 loaf.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />~*~<br />It is very wintery here at Hickory Hollow and it is very cold!<br />It snowed almost all day yesterday. Made for a very cozy day tucked inside.<br />I have been doing a little thrift store shopping and have found some lovely cozy sweaters. Every day when I snuggle into one, I remember years ago when my Grandma told me I was a sweater girl. Yes, Grandma B. I am a sweater girl. I am glad there are so many to choose from at my favorite stores!</p><div align="center">~*~<br />I have also had a challenge trying type, my little Socks cat climbs on my lap and kneeds my arms, she is doing it right now with her kitty purr motor on! Oh my, we just Eskimo kissed, her little nose and mine! She also likes to prance on the computer desk, and I can't see a thing! I'd rather she stay on my lap all warm and fuzzy! I do love my pets.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422914200273953954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsHmPWS3ljmuSSYQYhTvKKy4Qxv5U_xwIH6v1L2wZu11iuNDb2vDdv0qoAvzcJaAGCrmvcZEHtAaNVelK48hgHDSnFP4VcCaS9-YCZCmBA_lTeRvVMCw8GppmrIsUsMgpcjrkGzFWAS8/s400/Winterhouse.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> ~*~<br />Hope you are tucked in safe and sound wherever you may be!<br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Love,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Jill</span></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-32645527431717969252009-12-13T10:38:00.011-06:002009-12-18T21:33:19.971-06:00*Ho Ho Hello!*<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-oRgxDl5CfCmzeKcD8y6xRf-CdlFUXSnmQdYgrtPoFLshOCzES6eexj1oNqhpF4ztc9mohVDE8YflwzJEZ3jcm2bh1CAlHD0IDngzcJNtVDiY_aztJklvzBJWZvnu9Gny95s1V7ujFo/s1600-h/wreath.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416779772973817442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-oRgxDl5CfCmzeKcD8y6xRf-CdlFUXSnmQdYgrtPoFLshOCzES6eexj1oNqhpF4ztc9mohVDE8YflwzJEZ3jcm2bh1CAlHD0IDngzcJNtVDiY_aztJklvzBJWZvnu9Gny95s1V7ujFo/s400/wreath.jpg" border="0" /></a> Dear Friends<br /><div><div><div align="center"><div align="center">I sat down this morning and just decided to stop in here at Hickory Hollow. I am so touched that many of you have left me notes saying that you miss me! Oh ya'll that means so much! I'm still here!<br /><br />~*~ </div><div align="center">Still behind in the scrapbooking department, but my New Year's resolution is to work on getting caught back up. We have a nice scrapbook store that does monthly all day crops so I am planning on going EACH month! Something I have recently accomplished is adding a cute red and cream checked wallpaper to the back of my garage sale hutch!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416781024259525970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBjFUkT-XUPCqE56kriQh-6DD0FwQerYoyp81bK1DK_ztvZemRTtjFNDwnGxVNFW4R_Geb4_8wd3h4xnlQnm_shQ62EZwTwyfaeDqegOUtyDHdBEp6iVkB7COws3k1gDOZONTI_pMAEk/s400/100_5375.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416781695165846818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz3vVD6xhk3_9NGGFFT9u9kxh6TchsiFNcO2XIf2Ps5uInlhUgqVAUj21lHUaj7zve_NaIBqZWDhZGs9__rkVLxoddrxNlFLRGnQsJTEcgh15ZsZA4rcPaI0g65RRQPgBac8YtiGYhPs/s400/100_5367.jpg" border="0" /><br />I found the cutest snowman lamp at the flea market...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416782295872269554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1e3lPdJg-rMzf6DRpREfui1yTr-nKDc5bpNvcraRkSjSclus7o_xr4_jVTXo4fQRE__bmG9x6MxTrICiYGi3TyNtdAXXYf6-cVCDjrDRH1F40s0YRYjcuEQ6MnEWx_03M9YvCgAVfGg/s400/snowmanlamp.jpg" border="0" /><br />We have decorated the outside of the house with icicle lights! Doug even put lights on the little chicken house. Tyler bought two Bantams at an Amish auction last week... a little bitty rooster and hen! He cockadoodle doo's every morning, she looks like a little pheasant! I''ve named them Fred and Ethel.<br /><br /><div align="center">~*~<br />I have found a new hobby I LOVE! Dollhouses! Long story, but what you need to know is that I am building a Victorian cottage from a kit and having a ball. I have been collecting little shabby chic furnishings and wallpapers. My mom and dad bought Lindsey an older dollhouse that I am renovating. So far I have finished the nursery...I even sewed a little bitty quilt and made precious tab top curtains!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416782841502846722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDF5O8jNjFyfptlxeAOPmoAvDnvsigIuWEOTBAVDSbEq1FnsWoH-MA49xsF49c-Op6Yp5BH3cu6qklF09okBuZ8PWH0jy9LWSdJCsKFArXC3GhNLLRmcF9ensUz9uZ632G6AFanXxcOU/s400/cottage.jpg" border="0" />The pink in the background is the walls of the house. Here are little windows I sanded, and painted and sanded and painted again! The little rose cut out is going to be a picture for the wall. Do you see that adorable Victorian door!<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416783582558339490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40HnBVCc8xvqQeuTKsQEpgavmlCUey-Wzl3iQHmkzP1dWJEhEeK7euabWpZ4FWA7nE37wy_6Yb8h0eNbm3_IDbOU052oiHLcdZOiJp0mEzeGSZ6dGvMo5HcgH7NY3IGzaLrBMq9Uzr7E/s400/wallpapers.jpg" border="0" />Cute cottage wallpapers most are really truly doll house wallpaper that I purchased in Kansas City at a doll house shop.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416784297292783954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkzyPCrT88Np5ZPvnv8WqVB8SmIvuojYIZD6aG3Bs3eNYzjCLUp45Ftuh4i5ls3yEi1Qu9Xi4KWxa0hAx8lqHX0RfVFSCEXuSjjKXNp64oK8ZxJiZT3c1nzGBTT8_WxEbstI-OszkdNU/s400/Nursery.jpg" border="0" />Here is the nursery I renovated in Lindsey's vintage dollhouse. It has new carpet and wallpaper. Here are the little tab top curtains I made and the little bitty crib quilt. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">~*~<br /><div align="center">Thank you everyone for checking in on me! I will try to get back in the swing here and at last blog once a week...how's that for another New Year's resolution!<br /><br />~*~</div><div align="center">Hope everyone enjoys a warm & cozy<br />Christmas Season!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-15126191881643793942009-09-02T12:59:00.005-05:002009-09-02T13:09:51.566-05:00Taking a bit of a break...<div align="center">I had considered deleting my blog.<br />But then I would get inspired with a wallpaper sample and think what a neat background that would make...</div><div align="center">and then I would find something and think, I can't wait to blog about this!<br />~*~<br />But I really need to organize the basement.</div><div align="center">Two moves in six months...<br />Well, let's just say I need to downsize and organize a bit.</div><div align="center">I also have some scrapbooking that I desperately need to catch up on</div><div align="center">and I can't concentrate on that until some of this "stuff" is outa here! I bought a Cricut Create with birthday money and I so WANT to do some SCRAPBOOKING!!!<br />~*~<br />So I am havin' a garage sale and I'm doing my fall cleaning.<br />So I will be gone for a little while.</div><div align="center">But don't worry blogging buddies.<br />I will get to visit you more now on my coffee breaks!<br />~Jill~</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-57063694098710957912009-08-23T16:28:00.017-05:002009-08-23T17:48:06.260-05:00Fabulous Finds!<div align="center"><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373287629454947730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEKa0-xQB5L7e9z7EzGeQGKHvEhmcxCWBEXJZyhi5hdhq62potX8mu7vdM2mgfNIOl38bKsi2Zfx2-SZlDxnFn9_NEeeMQNo-SlBkmib7p3gdU6_CpFIex0u7hOuIqFmIdCC1yoyAUiM/s400/SouthernHospThriftyTreasurescopy%5B10%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> I thought I would join in the fun and participate in Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures.<br />I have been a follower of Southern Hospitality for over a year. This lady is just fantastic. I don't know where she finds the energy to do so much. I love her decorating ideas and the step by step instructions she gives us to help duplicate a great look!<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~*~</span><br />Doug and I were up in the Lee's Summit area this past Saturday and I found a new thrift store to haunt. Now this thrift store is about 60 miles away from home, so I won't get to go that often, which might be a good thing! </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />~*~</span><br />I love books.<br />I am not sure if I ever will have enough books, probably not. So anytime I am in the Thrift Store or the Flea Market I always check out the book section.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373275550502907570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_76Jc5rZH0xE0cfg6-M2OwceTH9k_CyJyJ9Zfoau8TCZcYpGO4m2OqEGUbxx6_4hM-Skh3JPhOoAF0hrbZY1lptWHA9nc-d0wFJ7toHUrG2RF426mpvKlRy6aCxMpUBZRFg5pR525VE/s400/decoratingbook.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Creative Room Styles,<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Soft back $.60<br /></span>It was published way back in 1998, but you know what, there are some absolutely gorgeous room ideas in here. I am finding that true style never goes out of style. There are always great ideas you can use as inspiration<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373276954433770562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V_ZSNvoJXrchbdIrPbbBY7GbPjEcbRGUR4Z_fMGxDqXpxFTifvVv8q62byHiHAnuB542hklyPHm4Tad8Mlgog4KBHfKPSsfMY-usFY1KDcPEkmhYBb52SKK87adZtW1LUZtri9YG0AQ/s400/decoratingpage.JPG" border="0" /> Here is a page from the book. Toile and checks...doesn't this look like something out of one of today's designer magazines! I almost bought a 1970's French Provincial dining room set when were getting ready to build the house. It was on Craig's List for $125. Everyone poo poo'd me, said it would be tacky. Huh uh...with toile fabric, it would have been wonderful!<br />~*~<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Outdoor Living and Gardens by House Beautiful<br />Hardback $1.60<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373278131305649858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcDiLm_sNVwIy-c_Vb0wtUsL28jBonjDvxWHPJNxrO8CGeFFuYDtZ9qHq79zv3QaBw4Z0Eas-ASsCPpj4gI-5m3WmSM6maQwea4MKRCsNncS-gKCYTe6Uph6RCc1PjZ2j1r84_Fdsets/s400/Outdoorlivingbook.JPG" border="0" /> </span>Gardening books are always in style.<br />Wicker, Rattan, Iron and Stone... I want them all in my garden!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373279013556200434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hyjoxHSe_ijtC3DcTQfWv0uiyz_menMgmK4dyVeb9_IZdnvzsmU5R-O6k3b4vXIZP7eZPn_somgIodf-udhsHHvLmOk9aNzUj6erEHAgTDqoz0RRkHwqDH6KwMawzj2z2s0TwVWirXE/s400/gardenpage1.jpg" border="0" /> We are planning on adding a covered porch over the patio next summer. So I am gathering ideas for what I would like to do. Oh some of you are going to cringe at this but, I think I am going to grow vines on the house. Yes, I know they will tear up mortar and they can be destructive, but this girl has got to have a more cottage feel!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373279843964594850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUZUNnt7dBkSfzhwtvsyUQiN-jUFuW5XbQIgBgudD82RQ3CXtLem3yT6p8A54r9ynmPSuoWk4hkdICpT7ld-IcNO4asWApZfGdFxq_bRvAzQgHrMOJqkCkgVQ3hndse6JLTVsx_BZoYk/s400/gardenpage2.JPG" border="0" /> Isn't this picture from the book dreamy?<br />Love the french door out to the lawn<br />~*~<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Simple Flower Arranging<br />Hardback $.60<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373280541262073314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o7lI_VI7DpWJSexDs-X3oqSNcP9o6xIfexz6XFpaQEn7OxSf94pLOlv4E6WJC2g4rIm9nVlLSdIS-TNsWgm7IrRT5ebhZN1VuhBeeMlHe7RwgDK2Dpe4lHR86fA6Ug2gBTzGzEfQ7_Q/s400/simpleflowerarrang.JPG" border="0" /> You all know how I love floral design.<br />Some floral design books are not practical.<br />But this little gem sure is!<br />I have already found dozens of ideas of what flowers to grow next year in the garden for fresh floral arrangments.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373281510017748738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqstMAU960TijvIN2ds4PGCUJJZVGGZO6ny_ppsed_CGbGoCOL09bi_of9Avk3KSLiWZReY7W0csJL4rUWWbs5O0EjWHxIKVHhDwu2OoVZ8MicurJe9KppYIvpE207QvNqKmgI6PGtneA/s400/floralbookpage1.JPG" border="0" /> There are several pages like this, that gives you the basic design steps.<br />What a great book! I'm glad it got to come home with me.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373281986815092866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmdcciahXIc2xuMqzUTPHsoZo79atJ54MzlOTVMlZ4tO9ZakmesyPF_kqLcXnM0uhd5wij3oKB3bLbUEKi6BpkyFADSngNSYX3wMEulf9TxJO8RvbQ8f94ON4sUVQCoxgrxu8noK9kWQ/s400/floralpage2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~*~<br />Music Finds!</span><br />I seldom listen to the radio. They just don't play my kind of music.<br />I like elevator music, soft jazz, big band, 1940's, Broadway show tunes.<br />I have been keeping my eye out for some nice c.d.'s to keep in the car.<br />I was tickled to find these...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Michael Buble & Tony Bennet<br />$.60 each<br /><br /></p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373282549486257170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhtHzAMNYWkqTKAlmL7APFegLH42CDa9iSBymQ-TtgQZu5KliEDFLT7HoaA74htXFRjXAAXDUvt2k86MhjpqG8hox7l3sPwehyphenhyphen3w9TrbULj2462pqCEXrIdYfR9ws4JKDMECABLCeCEA/s400/music.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">~*~</span><br />As were standing in the check out line, I spotted this wonderful, fantastic, heart stopping candle chandelier. I figured someone else must have found it, and had set it up at the front while they continued their shopping. I asked anyway to see if it was still available.<br />Whoppee It WAS!<br />What was even super great was that the price was $16.91, but today everything in the store was 60% off! That is why my books and music were such deals. But boy howdy was this ever a steal! It was $7.00<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373285272261101250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDjW7jmoJIN8D6Iw632pPBfCwp1_WJYP6TUcTb0TEeQP7RhMPJTtcf-0-hLzLLln9uif3ZyN2aMR9gy1cSjiISleEgktPZosPalHl6hnDoLGi5Yx6UFYmKMFIOtri-fHeiHgcdc4zD1w/s400/outdoorchandy2.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373283999169097074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVrxDqwAsGuG7bkFBwySYHDJ1hOoCIeJn0g-AlA0DDfYDy-o-n9mHnzH5RnFlCziGA6rfKu6odbcggKFlspec7d2LR42VngoYbPF4FesYLOKy2rz_rmoMPkzr6doXOHdF6IpUIzYcsKc/s400/outdoorchandey.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I definitely have plans for using it on the back porch next year summer. For right now, I have hung it under the umbrella!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373286425097475154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaooYl9adI6P4Np2yaNfI-o0rXicJb7eFENwPnIk_ZSRo3sERG664Jvz7UhCEm2a6DEr0AH6O5Zy1RLqvwKefgtHLqBwKV6yY5qUScaWfRa6YR13APPOIxD2WGYdE08TmCqJ1xGz-tntc/s400/outdoorchandy3.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">~*~</span><br />It is so fun finding great things at great prices!<br />I have lots of posts in the archives about my Fabulous Finds<br />if you would like to see more!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-88969415866831373492009-08-21T07:47:00.009-05:002009-08-23T18:05:55.031-05:00A hungry dog, chickens and a Shot Gun...Updated Again!***UPDATED A SECOND TIME ***<br /><br />On Saturday morning Doug and I took "Snorfus" up to Liberty MO. The man that operates Cowboy's Animal Rescue knew of a home for him. He is going to be a companion to an Amish lady who became a parapalegic when 2 years ago the buggy her and her husband was riding in was hit by a car load of drunk teenagers. Her husband and the horse were killed. She is okay with a big dog, she had a husky who just recently died. God works wonders...this is why Snorfus turned up at my house, why he hadn't already been shot by a neighbor. This big ole 150 pound lug has mission in life. Big ole Snorfus I forgive you for playing with my chickens and trying to eat them (maybe). Doug and I are glad we were able to help you find a home! Gosh this ole heart is a softy. <div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372449809905752786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBROqM0bKnZtk9SBNaZ3gASJx0-4cFBI_uJFi3vKBF0XAL1GnOkzHkeep0vpVT_eQe8FhJ9-cihtaoXMxHmk5PmwanurQ2lI1ih2YhN2bdhNBp_2z1sHND_n3jl0ne1BMYZR79LN6SsE/s400/chickenhouse8.jpg" border="0" />I had planned on a second post about my visit to Nell Hill's but instead this happened to me....</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This morning, I was downstairs on the computer typing up a post about Nell Hill's when I spotted a dog walking by the downstairs escape window. I ran upstairs and he was on the patio. It was a great big German Shepherd. I hollered at him to GO. But he just looked at me. That is when he spotted my Girls. He took off like a flash after my GIRLS!!!<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">In my nightgown, I grabbed my metal egg basket and my old plastic green watering can. I am running barefoot through the backyard to the chicken house. YELLING...SCREAMING....GO AWAY. He went straight for the girls. A few were able to get into the house. He started chasing the others around our utility trailer and the barn.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">He grabs one around the neck...I am SCREAMING....banging my egg basket and watering can together...he is oblivious. The chicken is sqawking. He is running around the chicken house, chasing them, he goes in the chicken yard. I try to trap him in the yard to save the chickens that are still out, he sneak out past me. I hurriedly lock the few girls that made it, into the chicken house.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">He spies one under the trailer, he grabs her, I am running and SCREAMING. He drops her and I rush her over to their pen and drop her in. He finds another one... I am SCREAMING and BANGING running around the barn, he runs the other way. He drops her, I grab her up and run her to the pen. One more is left... of course...he goes for her. I manage to get her after banging on the dog and more SCREAMING!!!<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">Finally it is quiet, he meanders off from the chicken house. I still haven 't done a count to see if I have saved them all. Off he goes sniffing. I go inside the pen. Honestly I felt as though my chest was going to explode, my little heart was beating so fast. I also thought I was going to throw up. Those chickens are our pets. We love each and every one, and the thought of him killing one....was unthinkable.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">When I felt that maybe I got all of them in, I ran inside and called Doug at school. I quickly told the secretary what happened. She paged Doug. When he got on the phone...he told me to go get the shotgun. I did.<br />~*~</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">I went out into the backyard and he told me how to take the safety off, how to load the chamber, and fire. I aimed up into the air and shot! The dog wasn't too fazed by it. So I loaded the chamber and I fired again. YOU are NOT going to KILL my CHICKENS!!! He went and laid down under the utility trailer. I went over and sat on my wrought iron furniture in front of the chicken house, in my jammies with my gun. I was waiting for Doug to come home.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">I turned to look and saw Doug coming down the road. The tears now have started to come. I try not to cry. I'm a big girl, I'm tough, I shot a gun. Doug goes in and gets his rifle. As he is walking around the house toward me, he sees a little girl hiding in the grass. She starts running toward the chicken house. I jump up SCREAMING that he is going to get her, but Doug shows me the rifle. The dog stays under the trailer.<br />~*~<br />We do a chicken head count. 4 missing. Doug puts the dog in the barn and we start looking for the girls. I am pretty sure that I saw the dog before he saw my girls. Hopefully they are just hiding. One by one we find them all. Thank you LORD!<br />~*~</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">We didn't shoot the dog. That is what people do in the country though. I called the Sheriff's dept and that is pretty much what they told us to do. The dog is very friendly, he is STARVING...he was dumped with another dog in our neighborhood. I called my dad he came out and also our neighbor came down to help. The dog has been up at their house for the past two days.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">NOW DON"T STOP READING<br />YOU WON'T BELIEVE<br />WHAT HAPPENS NEXT...<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">As I type this, I am waiting to hear back from the sheriff's dept. The dog had a collar of sorts and a rabies tag. I called the vet's number and gave them the tag i.d. number. Well Tike belongs to a lady that lives about 5 miles from us in a trailer court. The vet gave me the three phone numbers that they had. I called all three, not in service.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">I call the sheriff's dept. back and tell them that I know the name and address of the lady that dumped the dogs and that Doug and I were going to put Tike in the truck and pay her a visit if she still lived there. The deputy told me to call him back.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">Get this...we drive into this TERRIBLE trailer Court. I am sure there is probably half a dozen meth labs just in this one area. We spot trailer 18, we are looking for trailer 19. Doug gets out and asks this lady that is in her yard if she knows Donna Johnson. She shakes her head and says no. Doug says the Donna Johnson that is your neighbor in trailer 19. She turns and points to this lady who is walking through the knee tall grass towards us and says, " Oh yeah, her".<br />~*~<br />Well come to find out, Donna does have a German Shepherd named Tike but he is in the house and much smaller than the one that is in the back of our truck. How STUPID does she think we are, probably about as stupid as she is, dumping a dog with tags. We get back in the truck and leave.<br />~*~<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">Pulling over a couple yards down the road, I call the deputy back and told Donna was home and the whole not my dog story. He is going to pay her a visit this afternoon.<br />~*~</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">So right now...Tike is in the barn, we have fed and watered him. The girls are all accounted for and locked up in their house. I am worn slick, sitting here telling you my story. The deputy is supposed to call me back after he visits with Donna. The shelters are all full and not taking any more animals. What are we going to do? Right now the plan is to take Tike home this afternoon whether "Donna" likes it our not. You know what is a shame? He seems like a good dog. He was just literally starving to death.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The saga continues....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I need a stiff drink...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Jill~</span></div><div align="center">If you never leave a comment....now would be a good time.<br />I'm a little stressed, well I was now I am just exhausted, my head and throat hurts from yelling.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">More to the story ....</span></div><div align="center">The deputy called me...get THIS story she told him...<br />Donna lived in another town a few years back, the house was broken into and a lock box was stolen. Inside the lock box was dog rabies tags and vet paperwork. She told my deputy to call the other town she could prove her story. Well he called the other town and was told the same story. So this really isn't her dog she claims. She took the deputy inside and showed him a Sheperd Mix that she said was named Tike. Okay....so probably the dog I have isn't Tike, but I think it still is her dog. I also think she dumped a female Rottweiler too!</div><div align="center">~*~<br />So are YOU telling me, that these tags were stolen in 2005 in a town about 30 miles away. And it just so happens that they go put it on this dog who was then dumped on my highway just 5 miles from where "Donna" now lives!</div><div align="center">~*~</div><div align="center">BULL..</div><div align="center">I called the vet back telling her about the "stolen tag" story. She absolutely doesn't believe. She says the dog is definitely Donna's.<br />~*~</div><div align="center">So what to do with this dog.<br />He loved his ride in the truck, licked Doug's had when he putting his dog tag back on, and he didn't growl at me even once, when I was beating him off the chickens.</div><div align="center">~*~</div><div align="center">The deputy remembered a man who had called their office several months ago...he was opening a shelter for abused animals. He wanted to let the county know about his shelter. The deputy called the man and he said he will take the dog. So I guess tomorrow, Doug and I and the kids will be driving about an hour north to take this dog to a no-kill shelter. I am not going to dump him again.<br />I am not sure I am cut out for this rural stuff!<br />I just want to go to Archiver's and scrapbook!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I promise next post will have pictures. Although mom wanted me to reinact the whole jammies and gun thing so we could really share with you the whole impact of the situation buy I kindly declined! I hadn't done my hair yet ;o)</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-6921816667268870782009-08-14T08:46:00.009-05:002009-08-14T09:36:35.361-05:00Designing with Wildflowers 101<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369816699157922098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6c1F1aqitc1yypOX8MT68ZWd3DQfkbcKkpD0XAuo7Jo-u03h0CFV3BMlqEz2r-2golJpDH8aLhCL04v36MrY7daeKJunz9JazYqNepNK1s-f6G7OQ-T-7UZMYNiWZIQBnCowGUsDi2G0/s400/floraldesign8.JPG" border="0" /> I love working with fresh flowers. I have even had the opportunity to work in a flower shop for about a year. At one time, I considered opening up my own flower shop, and applied for a tax number...the name of my store<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369826554835712194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAN1tN_61m0dwDw6CT465djqTJCMIgZOqv6g0fXRnRYyWFXbz2IM6_-4oQ9Pkpou3BUkNoOVtDc9hyphenhyphenMQXxyXhSibF4QNZXsWwhgEaYKaoo509Z5cGl78OPFLdszuK45qKnuB60jgvDwU/s400/floraldesign5.JPG" border="0" />Forget-Me-Nots</span><br /><div align="center"><div align="center">It would be in an old stone and brick historic building with beautiful tall store front windows.<br />A french garden cart would sit outside the door filled with fresh stems.<br /></div>Inside the wonderful aroma of flowers would envelope you, just as soon as your foot crossed the threshold. If you have visited a florist recently you will know that wonderful scent. So green and so fresh.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369819079380787698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCIiKc_O9iVGbW1qppCayW5FRF3sXTaXWj5s0knovruKnmAt5G9WGlZQHjmpL-yAD5pP9A9NUXxm42TBy5lNDVWK3Fjn2HBaETlSzemohHIuBRMrAxhTQCAXdepYyao1BkUQDPFZiaog/s400/floraldesign9.JPG" border="0" /><br />Gorgeous old cupboards filled with antique and thrifty treasures await to be filled with bounty. For wedding planning, wicker chairs and sofa covered in a soft chintz fabric nestle in a cozy corner.<br /><br /><div align="center">(My mom even found a set of wicker at a thrift store and we bought it to have just in case we decided to open the store. It was the set that I used on the porch at The Cottage.)</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369817173493710226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-pwAHjRfk2o_20i_l3rouGsqthWgXjr5l3-HPVRpyRrqzulSVofuZCVLlk4_-2anifcua_tqv5HU6SVKCZ8VdAIDtoVPMcUsdlc1OaQr12RSQBmLCrat_thkENetCo2Dz7B1FKAwfvU/s400/floraldesign1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I never did open my little store. I have had a chance to buy a flower shop here in town, the lady that owns it would like to retire. But in this economy, it would be a huge risk to open a business. So now I just entertain myself by cutting the flowers in my garden and also the wildflowers that blanket our country road.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369822373409823586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tb1tL5dZsNbJEvtRdGllJ4-urlaaPwHQArkv0ZVIGOsoDtQ17V4Ave0gUn8QsWV9Kx9mydjtTxJJ7d-2mWrvCKHBb8XD0YpPvNJ8wJ0QlybhJ3UoHMXZoiWqsdUkWHC9EDgCNwz3YIo/s400/floraldesign10.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Designing with Wildflowers 101<br />1. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Gather up stems of favorite flowers. As soon as you cut them place in a bucket of cool water. We planted zinnia's by seed this spring and we also planted gladiola bulbs. It was really very easy! The zinnias come up real quick. They come in an assortment of sizes and colors. I like the great big ones! They remind me of dahlias. By the road I found daisies and Queen Anne's Lace.</span></div><br /><div align="center">2. Gather up greenery. This is always the base for an arrangment. I don't have much greenery around yet. So I have been using hosta leaves and fern fronds. Most anything will work if you like the shape of the leaves and the color. I am definitely planting more greens next year.</div><br /><div align="center">3. Find a cute container and fill with cool water and 1 tsp. of bleach. The bleach keeps the water from growing yucky things that make your flowers die quicker. </div><br /><div align="center">4. Arrange your greens in your container first. IMPORTANT> Strip all the leaves that are below the water line! This is an absolute MUST! As you add them to your container criss cross the stems, this will help to secure them and make a grid for your flowers.</div><br /><div align="center">5. Add your flowers. I like to make a triangle arrangment. Start with your tallest flower. It should not be much more than 2 times the height of your container. Here again, no leaves below that water line. I like to add drapey things on sides like ivy that droops. </div><br /><div align="center">6. If your arrangement is going to be seen on all sides, make sure you are turning it as you are adding your stems.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369827453262236610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRgubfq1_ArlIaG5zJUBwu4pxNEg5ncU8ERlN6vmNBec2DJ_RUp8VWjjF1InCxgmoIrnlurx1DxzJdVlB5hugDhga0wr919PVbSwqcFo2JAeIcrN4qc4ZO8hwsvPOE8bUOXNchdi_89E/s400/floraldesign6.JPG" border="0" />I love this silver tea pot because the lid is on a hinge,<br />which just adds oodles of charm!<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369825881523101186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBisTRff3lzsywedhTFCiFHx8jsQzWWT2g_8db1aDdNkWIWFE7IZ6LEBOx6bs-uj2r-Ux8rNlcDHYNGpwU8Tme-1whTE-yvzSxYW4YzIKVOtBpGev5nvNrWET3m7Yh0icwDvwYp3Jlto/s400/floraldesign3.JPG" border="0" /></div>So my friends, go on a country drive with a mason jar and your handy dandy clippers and find some fresh florals to display in your home!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-26736202916762831362009-07-29T08:38:00.010-05:002009-07-29T10:37:25.999-05:00Winner, Recipe & Jill Answer's Questions!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MEV9L2z-pi3hL0R3zAWAN7iuFoOhu2OIBO54GiEcnnmH30zdk2KhFElnjK-9582KXF4WdVC8it5A2ruMRx9Y89GRzFR9GRurBKd1qUsz3LPKErapX9uctScS0mSy3Hs8T4ZZkiOkB2Q/s1600-h/Garden+Flowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363900758190334338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MEV9L2z-pi3hL0R3zAWAN7iuFoOhu2OIBO54GiEcnnmH30zdk2KhFElnjK-9582KXF4WdVC8it5A2ruMRx9Y89GRzFR9GRurBKd1qUsz3LPKErapX9uctScS0mSy3Hs8T4ZZkiOkB2Q/s400/Garden+Flowers.jpg" border="0" /></a> I can hardly believe how fast these summer days are flying by!<br />I know, I know...not near enough posting lately, <div align="center"><div align="center">but the green beans, cucumbers & tomatoes need picking,<br />the front door needs painting,</div><div align="center">the new trees need to be planted<br />and oh I need to cook & clean & do laundry!<br />You just wouldn't BELIEVE how many green beans we have..<br />Doug and I have already picked four HUGE baskets full.</div><div align="center">I don't have a pressure canner, so I have been freezing them.<br />One night I was still doing beans at 10 p.m.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363901315550367506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-XZ-3HSK6ZWYPX67YqLeOJdcHa6-mGScamwKodw7pq7fkbfXHtSTTYz4RuaHZfZ7oPcB1m3t0xJXRqJdw0pCJ7QTtS6jAZx6s9oE-dF1Dn4gVEX5Nee0NslT7eaAxdFw5KVrm6Rc6BM/s400/zucchini+bread.jpg" border="0" />I have to share with you my zucchini bread recipe.<br />This is so incredibly delicious, it has made me gain some pounds!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363902170530622642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnPLJLO1TWdArPsmItucB6p4G4AKikCLJihsM21_EYbIvayHjrJTr8wTebXOEiqvwBaYmVYw3c7k56rpjeHt4Ge32vpDx2E3dgPeTQy0v-1HGEopqHGVdyIuSTRWb35dmpzFauREmie0/s400/zucchinibread2.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Hickory Hollow's<br />Yummy Delicious Zucchini Bread</span><br />2 eggs<br />1 cup cooking oil<br />1 cup brown sugar<br />1 cup white sugar<br />2 cups grated zucchini<br />2 Tbs. vanilla<br />3 cups flour<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />1/4 tsp. baking powder<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />3 tsp. cinnamon<br />1 cup chopped walnuts<br />1/2 cup raisins or craisins<br />Beat eggs. Add oil, sugars, zucchini and vanilla and mix lightly.<br />Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Add slowly to batter and mix lightly. Fold in walnuts and raisins/craisins.<br />Pour batter into 2 medium greased and floured loaf pans.<br />Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.<br />Makes 2 yummylicious loaves!<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9u4oS_lrzwOQh1gX6vkHojyd6QEE0tKiVmnruyyLlhtA_jIOeMkRKuX5SRTc0YGY9qpBn29eihiZ35EqygmsdxP2X2MMGZPbNW-Ubk5ezdfGAEpyji1V64SeHunjTmrbmxwxmXFw_nA/s1600-h/summer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363879014983988034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9u4oS_lrzwOQh1gX6vkHojyd6QEE0tKiVmnruyyLlhtA_jIOeMkRKuX5SRTc0YGY9qpBn29eihiZ35EqygmsdxP2X2MMGZPbNW-Ubk5ezdfGAEpyji1V64SeHunjTmrbmxwxmXFw_nA/s400/summer.jpg" border="0" /></a> Celebrating Summer with Hickory Hollow Giveaway!<br />comment #20<br />Random numbers generated Jul 29 2009 at 8:36:25 by <a href="http://www.psychicscience.org/">http://www.psychicscience.org/</a>.<br />~*~<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://crystalrosecottage.blogspot.com/">Crystal Rose Cottage</a></span>!<br />Patti has a beautiful blog, it is so reminds me of an English Country garden.<br />She loves to collect beautiful rose patterned dishes<br />and her dining room wall paper is to die for!<br />Congratulations, Patti and thanks so much for entering my drawing.<br />~*~<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Questions & Answers</span><br />I have had a lot of nice ladies ask me some questions,<br />and sometimes I forget to answer them.<br /><br /><div align="left">~* Sally asked, "Do you plan on teaching this Fall, or will you have a chance to slow down?"<br /><span style="color:#660000;">I am planning on substitute teaching again this year. I really love working with the children, lots of hugs! I hoping that maybe next year a classroom position will be available. I have already started decorating my classroom in my head! Slow down...gosh I wish...this garden is wearing me out!</span></div><br /><div align="left">~* Smiling Sal... <span style="color:#660000;">Thanks for the delicious recipe! I haven't tried it yet, but I am going too soon!</span></div><br /><div align="left">~* Colleen...<span style="color:#660000;">Apple (zucchini) Pie, now that sounds fun! I will skip on over to your house and check out your recipe. Thanks for sharing!</span></div><br /><div align="left">~* Stacey told me, " I just wanted to say that I saw The New French Decor on your wishlist. I have this book and would say, don't spend the money. It's odd!" <span style="color:#660000;">Thanks for the heads up. Sometimes the best picture in an entire book is the cover. From your description, it doesn't sound much like my decorating style!</span></div><br /><div align="left">~* Penny & Bluebell asked, "How do you dry your herbs?"<br /><span style="color:#660000;">I try different things. What I found works best is to harvest a few stems in the morning, gently wash off any dirt and then let them dry on a paper towel. I then pull the leaves off and place them in a little bowl on the kitchen counter. Every now and then I will gently toss them. Most herbs will dry in a week. Basil is real hard to deal with, because it turns black. I have had good luck drying just a handful at time. If I do a bigger batch, I put them on paper towel on a cookie sheet and then place another paper towel on top and put it on top of the refrigerator. It really is easy. Another great fun way to play with herbs is to make herbal vinegar. It is fun to use in salads and marinades!</span> </div><br /><div align="left">~* Bella1198 ...<span style="color:#660000;">Thank you for sharing that wonderful recipe, that sounds gourmet to me! I will be anxious to try it out!</span></div><br /><div align="left">~* Nikki... <span style="color:#660000;">oh what a cute apron, yeah you can get for me for my birthday if you want!</span> </div><br /><div align="left">~* Melinda... <span style="color:#660000;">I am so glad you liked the pickles! Aren't they easy! I tell you, it isn't summer at our house without those pickles at every meal!</span><br /><br />~* Laura... <span style="color:#660000;">Sweet Laura, I am so not a fancy camera girl, I use my Kodak EasyShare DX7440. It is about on it's last leg. I have used my mom's camera recently, but I don't remember what it was. What I do remember is that is was pricey. Now I will share a secret with you...I always work on my pictures in Microsoft Picture It before I add them to my blog. My hands shake and my pictures are fuzzy sometimes so I just use the sharpen option. Works like a charm! Since my Microsoft Picture It went kurplunk, I have been learning how to use Gimp, it is a free photo editing and paint program.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#660000;"></span></div><div align="left">~*Solomi558...<span style="color:#660000;">Thanks so much for sharing a friendship award with me. I have to admit though, that I am terrible about posting these on my blog, I usually forget or don't pass them along because I forgot! But I VERY much appreciate you thinking of me!<br /></span><br />~*Debbie asked, <span style="color:#000000;">"Would you mind sharing the gorgeous wall colors in your home?</span><br /><span style="color:#660000;">Sure I will Debbie...</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#660000;">Foyer, Great Room, Kitchen, Hallways - Camel Back, Sherwin Williams</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#660000;">Master bedroom - Dusty Trail 414-4, Olympic Paint</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#660000;">Master bedroom trey ceiling dark portion - Stony Creek 414-5, Olympic Paint<br />Dining Room -Georgian Brick, Benjamin Moore color HC50</span></div><br /><div align="center">~*~<br />Hope everyone is enjoying these summer days!<br />Guess what I am doing on Friday?<br />Goin' garage saleing with my guy.<br />Guess what?<br />It was his idea!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-44319519458358395622009-07-14T18:00:00.023-05:002009-07-14T19:12:25.317-05:00Country Gardening and a Giveaway!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wh6p_wY9hoz34W7rW7_-oGTl-WPT19jQkZYQ7nHZPO8NEX9p4oM5hzuKsWAxdyspwNWtzAk7mUTj2heIXI2FayK-ci3qKZmjkGQTJ9WQJ1q89uusHuLiiyQB3mAlONPU_7GeSRGHPi8/s1600-h/countrygarden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358455790428123314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wh6p_wY9hoz34W7rW7_-oGTl-WPT19jQkZYQ7nHZPO8NEX9p4oM5hzuKsWAxdyspwNWtzAk7mUTj2heIXI2FayK-ci3qKZmjkGQTJ9WQJ1q89uusHuLiiyQB3mAlONPU_7GeSRGHPi8/s400/countrygarden.jpg" border="0" /></a> For years I dreamed about having a HUGE veggie garden.<br />Being a true country girl, I wanted to garden<br />and preserve my harvest for the long winter and<br />now here I am havesting...<br />zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, green onions, cucumbers,<br />and lots of herbs!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358462843337239026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf8m9v78wLpnYS2Wb70S5uBFxn_tx2_nmTiRADWcSX30GZeHED4Eusz3qnZsQZdCNxLnEb7d8Dum7QT8DouXncM4yhKi4ES0Has-iBdZmetGVXhxLNjjLpd19wEhOvVJMnrRc0aA2X1w/s400/garden+veggies.jpg" border="0" />Not really having a good plan on what to do with zucchini & squash, I began a recipe hunt.<br />I discovered the most awesome (if I do say so myself) zucchini bread recipe ever invented!<br />It is soooo wonderful I will share the recipe soon with you!<br />~*~<br />I have also harvested armfuls of summer squash. Hmm what do besides stir fry.<br />I found a delicious recipe for a summer squash casserole that is warm and filling and oh so yummy! I am going to share that one with you too!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358468197775548146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoq6M3Y6hcZcNb-i33VesIUn20walxwTytOfZNdXnD263YPhAEy875O8TLeUCR9qa9a3uzHJ-WjAb4ezqG_3Zn6Sei9fksfmZbflGMBL23Zp08rjK9vzo9Z5sptk4-V2JW2oNt1g-AOk/s400/canteloupe.jpg" border="0" /><br />The canteloupe and watermelon are plumping up nicely.<br />It has been fun to see how much they grow each day.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358457374708052850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfyg8s9Bdw15r8eymj1RGBMq2wWFhTuTOoY0efrUodijYSqy-hWTN63YfG749ITQzbkXDGhVpUBfbizHxjcRjdA8Ogbacz6MDYDwR9WFO9tgDz7ThzHZQIoFcL1STBAS0O6DmEfj1CHM/s400/watermelon.jpg" border="0" /><br />We have found that baby watermelons are just adorable,<br />quite like baby chickens!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358458281125520082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW5nOarAZAzn0v7GTuOVZNFRifCny6_hdzedrh-bHl-e0C83bXx5JIhf8YvQMPHdWVx9N9PRo-9ANuZ4PAlGn85uUwfQiP-5HaC4eqbDyyyI71iRF8F2xn2bWfhfwaOfu9VWr4zAy5_8/s400/cherry.jpg" border="0" />Lots and Lots of tomatoes on the vine.<br />We have been able to have about a dozen nice ones to slice up for dinner.<br />We have 4 cherry tomato plants that are going wild!<br />So wild I can hardly get between the rows.<br />Totally out of control and I LOVE it!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358458960359636818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvOT5WEISIqLuXC3Xteg47-Mb2Ca2Sob_zTpBFgESfe1h6-Wls0xL8xdVHGt97Q5My-4u1O7Et1NIeQEIHhUdm-8asDjbBRqgNM00r7zMccq1Hgcn7BmF47eNVIhKzAl4FJ2tWz-0g6s/s400/purple+tom.jpg" border="0" />My heirlooms are not quite ready,<br />I am growing Brandywine and another that is going to be PURPLE!<br />It is a Russian heirloom variety. Now that will be fun!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358463386069748370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoUdQVWX904ZK2YTjJVFdGD8xJS8ntWm4UyPmekSrYUZfDTlHpa2zYQ_fBagpueG_bxXU2VDANoNiei24H76yEFRNMuX9-tqkgoxKlSdQ_2H1EHmWv_DjBqWaBICTg2iFtrWElPf0Nso/s400/green+beans.jpg" border="0" />Later this week we will get to pick the green beans.<br />It has been so long, since I have had real, homegrown green beans.<br />Think I will whip up an old fashioned meatloaf to go along with them.<br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358462156070121106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNR83IzfvmepUYVLya9tGxHSpJ_x_DbZB5me5Y3TIK0hIHfNNtuQAR0do1S_ddgAVqQPBOYWnlmdYF4A0SRgcUggB1tJKCAnFAEiFWzGcMF-kxaCEpr4zMwyCr6DZ5Um4m6SfTqwOZOA/s400/cucumber.jpg" border="0" />The cucumbers are coming along nicely,<br />(that sounds like something out of a 1940's garden journal doesn't it)<br />and I have been making refrigerator cucumber pickles.<br />We eat them as fast I can make them.<br /><br /><span style="color:#003300;">~REFRIGERATOR PICKLES~<br />3 nice size cucumbers peeled & sliced<br />1 Cup Sugar<br />1/2 Cup Vinegar<br />1 Cup Water<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#003300;">*Mix and put in the fridge, try not to eat for a couple of hours*<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358464921512264370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbDDsPLXChUHcteFBIMoFj3ndqaRcVNgrz8XV-Ro4WkizCX9_lo0bHztJvOtVW2g-DvMm_YW3w0St8LXbeheaSUVlPqGGXJKI2Mh5tgUSD-Mx1guk-m-9XlgkgWNoRgf7uz0yD3R27aQ/s400/corn.jpg" border="0" /> We were late getting the corn planted,<br />but it too is coming along nicely.<br />The locals have told us<br />that the deer and racoons will eat it all of it the night<br />before we decide to pick it.<br />Those craft devils...<br />we spotted deer tracks in the garden yesterday,</div><div align="center">I guess the word is out that the corn is lookin' good!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358465700736913602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVYqpUgRvaeYdAbqbpJ5EogKbBI0OKQDwvSprYGGDt7EN558cZBqCbQCi3FuLBozgPGSdbbMSW1xIO-W4Go2aPHKqlrKUajLiu5Rs0NymTZKV36GY94Vc2RktxWnsrd1AnYQDibC9trY/s400/siam+queen.jpg" border="0" /> My Basil is beautiful and I have started drying many herbs to use this winter.<br />So far I have dried tarragon, basil, and oregano to use in my homemade spaghetti sauce.<br />I have also dried rosemary which I put in an awesome Rosemary Rum Cake.<br /><br /></div>~*~<br /><div align="center">Speaking of summer and gardening!<br />I found a wonderful treasure to pass along to you!<br />It is the Summer Book by Susan Branch<br />So let us<br />Celebrate the Seasons with Hickory Hollow</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358466527217770706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tBi4edXASAtzL_EIUuVWGEwbUcXTJE-sbjl0fZehTpuDbO4bMi3smGdenX76yz8dfwcMFYTC11Oi5m5eRwj0b4IE1G8pnZ8BNT9Fj54oDyJPUWQIuxOmlBo5KJhvq_-dEhRBLc7ru3Y/s400/summer.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358467265710459282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjQukBo7UcdO_iG52LRXmaucItyeatD-j8_9BzmuDQTmGEbBuQe_NvlLlM2vgy1gjTk-vh9onljU2_FprZTupXupGcCBJT6O8uX7Qxgcewb_pcxylVju-ZP-a-VjvsSM5ZlbdIa2LGzE/s400/summer2.jpg" border="0" />To play along all you have to do is leave a little comment on this post!<br />Simple, isn't it!<br />In one week I will pick a name<br />and this little summer book will be all yours!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Now for a Maggie update!<br /></span><br />Maggie has a new home...<br />It is a wonderful Victorian cottage home complete<br />with a white picket fence and rose covered arbor<br />and filled with all the very best things...<br />love, warmth and doggy treats!<br /><br />One of my very best friends, Cheryl (Hi, Cheryl)<br />fell in love with Maggie and wanted to take her home.<br />Her and her husband, David, came and picked Maggie up last night.<br /><br /><div align="center">The minute they stepped through the door,<br />Maggie went up to David and gave him doggy kisses,<br />and then turned to Cheryl and gave her lots of kisses!<br />I am so thankful she has found a good home with a fence in yard.<br /><br />Cheryl's home is absolutely they CUTEST place you have ever seen.<br />Red toile wallpaper in the dining room, does that tell you anything?<br />Well, I asked Cheryl several months ago if I could take pictures of it for my blog, and she agreed. We were just waiting for the cottage garden to bloom.<br />So coming soon will be a tour of Miss Maggie's new home!<br /><br />~*~<br />Lots going on here at Hickory Hollow<br />and lots to look forward to,<br />so make sure you come back to visit!<br />Remember to leave a comment<br />for the giveaway!<br />~Jill~</div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-29195389316968578412009-07-08T15:28:00.008-05:002009-07-08T16:33:45.872-05:00Thrift Store Roosters<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTaVSAtoOMZNLZIEt37qMRjE2VN7LALUZrObnIgqDuruJ5FFqQ1WbVAMsV9013F6C2CciCd15Wbhxn_QJTsjNY944t5yRq1ltnkpYYH6WgRzWPLqnqqeDXpK5maLT1bW0F_y1Sa1MMeI/s1600-h/rooster3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356194347437092498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTaVSAtoOMZNLZIEt37qMRjE2VN7LALUZrObnIgqDuruJ5FFqQ1WbVAMsV9013F6C2CciCd15Wbhxn_QJTsjNY944t5yRq1ltnkpYYH6WgRzWPLqnqqeDXpK5maLT1bW0F_y1Sa1MMeI/s400/rooster3.jpg" border="0" /></a> Howdy do everyone, or should I say,<br />"Cockadoodle Do, Everyone!"<br />I have had smashing lucky lately finding rooster/chicken goodies.<br />I wanted to share these finds with you earlier,<br />but my photo editing software went kaput on me.<br />I downloaded Picasa 3, free from Google and I am back in business...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356195966130563778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMKYupZGIIePBLpHAPy7atpU1-K4SIN9o5_GARhbqd3mesRc1lgR4CQo0VEdaj9v0AujC5O7Bt3TLIteUicig-oZ81bXEnBy_XvnYY8IXSDHLbi24huc3ijIvyPULf0NN7sNnNBf8rAQ/s400/rooster2.jpg" border="0" /> I was really doing a happy dance when I spotted this goodie at the thrift store.<br />This Fitz and Floyd pitcher was only $3.<br />Fellow shoppers were admiring it in my cart!<br />~*~<br />I think I need to explain about my favorite thrift store,<br />it is VERY tiny and on an Air Force Base.<br />It certainly isn't anything like a BIG CITY thrift store.<br />So many of you make comments that you wish you had a thrift store like mine, well you probably do! You just really have to go consistently, some weeks you will find a cart full of treasures, and then weeks will go by without so much as a book to bring home!<br />For me the fun is the thought there just might me a treasure waiting for me.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356195975247779730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOVlyPqrZXHB3ht4cKlBGw4VulmH-ds-8NduOPGXHa8Ri68YQqg3ubBoDxT08CSI8DhBqRjkOB06-lqydca22_wSHuvkw5eXD1jqEnH2O0-EJ1Ojcw9Oo7JQsrzWj6dOElaSvfbud81o/s400/roosterpics.jpg" border="0" /> Who would have thought that I would find a pair of rooster prints?<br />They were $5 for the pair.<br />At first I was going to paint the frames black.<br />I've changed my mind since they go so well with my kitchen cabinet color.<br />I am going to by those 3M adhesive hooks and hanging them under the cabinets.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356200008286454754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1y2bXY2ZN1gdTliIXzXp_HaDOuHNnZangSMyMvdCeYfHh8zJb08aQE60wP-kPkogm-j6k8vrFry8v8Cn25P5y5lzSTJyjH4dlT4GAwqBZ1wJlpBMN2qr871tVRGBxhFkz_uJlgolpcQ/s400/redtransferware2.jpg" border="0" /> This I bought as a set, with a pitcher and two mugs.<br />It was $7 at an antique mall.<br />When my mom comes over to visit,<br />we love to treat ourselves to a cup of freshly brewed raspberry gourmet coffee!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356200018566874274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOXXCDOw1oxjNdTia9PeGgZrBTmfvy4kmdDcBqcnerlyPC8zFQ9uFqYhY_-dlPcVN9r_i7FYnqw_nKdn0AlJRImsG2nBjQNWy7yvbQwkZiXeLwd67maTQ7FAProSio57ZnpA9vHpMmYM/s400/redtransferware3.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I know it isn't an old set,<br />but it sure goes well with my red transferware collection.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356202304282281234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XqlqwSrGZss_1ZTTlQ9NRSXorXStT9_ShTGP-zIN35TcInAZIZoMKnRLuefj5TDMEZkyUmsIcaL6BgxIDC6_YR6RdvwIddv1-67bBEkDFtyFfif_0dudkcXQ4ASQzqZ6XSe3mGYHizs/s400/applepic.jpg" border="0" />My latest treasure is this apple picture.<br />I LOVE this!<br />I had a very hard time deciding where to put it.</div><div align="center">I think it looks so cute here in the mud/laundry room.<br />The little basket is what I grab when I head out to the garden or out to gather eggs.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356202308942104802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkQZ1w0NCMiukK1iarbATHaNwP_DfwPrOSYTUK15P8fmz7_-zBj9NxnBSILVEvUKubsyPLAoScE_MHg9oedQ-nqj0ix1u1U-wYTyf6TNLVWPaMgARBb4vMm5oqyQYUN6UEysWHwal3Ns/s400/maggie.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><p align="center">and this is Maggie...<br />Maggie is a stray dog that as rumor has it, been kicked out of her house.<br />She had been hanging out at the ball diamonds for about 4 weeks before coming home one night with us. <br />I couldn't take those sad eyes any longer...she was getting thinner and thinner and covered head to toe with ticks and fleas.<br />I gave her a good bath, took her to a wonderful vet here. He charges very little for his services, so that people can help rescue these orphans.<br />She has lived with us for 3 weeks, has put on a little bit of weight, and currenly sleeps with Lindsey. She is a doll and a really sweetie!<br />That being said...<br />we are trying to find her a home because she needs a fenced in yard. She has trouble doing her business while attached to a leash, and if we take her off the leash...she takes off. On one 100 degree day, we had to run through 2 fields to try to catch her before she ran out on our main road, speed limit 55 miles per hour. We only live a few feet from the road<br />So say a little prayer for Miss Maggie that we can find her a good and safe home where she can run and run...in a fenced in yard!<br />~*~<br />Thanks everyone for leaving a comment,<br />it is so wonderful to hear from you,<br />Thank you for choosing to follow me I have had great fun learning about you!<br />~Jill~</p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-15627679233213370052009-06-24T10:20:00.008-05:002009-06-24T11:22:33.203-05:00The Victorian Chicken House<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNlHqACvuALvw-lqlShvHsjsVspdMxfigsGRkTy1jIBUdvWog2M1ppsbGjsoaFkPekh5i31k0BzD4vfipmJIUmHw_2mxcaM_JYwk6_CywvMgbpxVRP9RffuZrQKB66m4q4uXUq_eovx0/s1600-h/chickenhouse17.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350924555684752802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNlHqACvuALvw-lqlShvHsjsVspdMxfigsGRkTy1jIBUdvWog2M1ppsbGjsoaFkPekh5i31k0BzD4vfipmJIUmHw_2mxcaM_JYwk6_CywvMgbpxVRP9RffuZrQKB66m4q4uXUq_eovx0/s400/chickenhouse17.jpg" border="0" /></a> There are some new residents at Hickory Hollow. <div align="center">11 in all...<br />10 chickens<br />and one stray dog<br />(more about Maggie later)<br />for now let's talk CHICKENS!!!<br />Are you ready to see the Victorian chicken house?<br />She is now ready for the tour!<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350915842586449730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GGc9yPQx-PPL81nZxFwALARAyV-GGxhUW8bto8iiJ9Uj2dEgdHdF3-dTxmXCO_7EBh1ah0r4tJRisHX3ZZKyDH3NmrjDaw4KdYuNg84dN20DLP271VVTqvFNOAtRU83ud8ECFC3zCCY/s400/chickenhouse2.jpg" border="0" /> Doug and Tyler made 10 nesting boxes for the ladies.<br />I painted them with some left over paint from my bedroom.<br />That $4 a roll Waverly wallpaper sure is cute!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350915847533713522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk7GVftsOm1nwALdbz-eAbUXUR66KVMjg0vZNkgFposWl5iV1h37HVr4XXmxonp7bRIbM3mdxgxsRd-BYew7Fo6i_-Id4eG0JnyU0mNeIA1aYX4_aYkyWTJKV5o-qxqENdoyyhDSVnL8/s400/chickenhouse3.jpg" border="0" /><br />Remember these little bird needle point pictures?<br />They look right at home in the cozy hen house above a little wicker shelf.<br />I am going to keep my eye out for some cute chicken knick knacks.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350915850125993266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKz2wBlrMyZBIbzyFlCFmbUP5HDJYqRB9PPBJwW0SANu9RrBxs4_Pyvp3qYmywOuiaSwuHv8fEeAwmA1_FOVVvVNw2uz2P18FdNnB-5gN6zCR6mof84AwcnBLzzMq0-fDrSZ0fYfCCCQI/s400/chickenhouse5.jpg" border="0" /><br />You couldn't very well have a chicken house without a place to roost could ya?<br />Doug made this cute little roost out of the handles of broken rakes.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350919214267571570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWjxZR_T5TNSFwrQEUAHoaZm2SOrtuag_9yPAyC9zEOgUccUPz3PbfY9Yw3h8ua3HfINImVzXmRJKh3BizhPkmwpXGS9z-ldeS6bhis2dcTcSUhClmFMlDnoUO_yjuTzPVygkl7Xx-1k/s400/chickenhouse6.jpg" border="0" /><br />Cute little Mason Jar vintage feeder.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350919220175222130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIdG1C-ZExZYlrqo5wBJWYw-DJ2Qjsiw4roeHk-noX2PNcq3HzyC4j8JEVRAqmXfykcAvHx-M_lHeQXE4RhDFR2cIgTZIgCsLBqqxSHYeoEy9Uxbqvxz0uKwwJIMLBLbFQFkPI17oEUk/s400/chickenhouse8.jpg" border="0" /><br />These are our young ladies...believed to be Rhode Island Reds.<br />The couple that gave them to us, said they may be Bantams, they were free!<br />These chicks were hatched at our little preschool. They aren't laying quite yet.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350922348015383346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SirOqy9AOIZ3WUPJ9o3YZ5EU04t2d1mNPxiuW7qZuEjSPXijLdaKOS59bfotZ5Q7VjefZjr2XyvfAgqZfwMNRRhfOZ5hgljWcGGx8Sf4veKszYRrwwddDWl-eLuq-JOQQwHy-GYX8LA/s400/chickenhouse9.jpg" border="0" />They are the sweetest things, they love to be around us.<br />Probably because they were handled a lot as chicks.<br />~*~<br />We do have some hens that are laying,<br />but they just simply refused to have their picture taken.<br />They have a slight problem...<br />called feather loss.<br />We bought them from the local farmer, where everyone gets their hens from. I called late one evening and they told us to drive on out and get them, it was about 9:30. He plopped them in the pet taxies and sent us on our way. When we got home and got them out, we were stunned! They are they shabbiest, most pitiful lookin' chickens you have ever laid eyes on. Maybe they are molting, I don't know. What I do know is they have already given us 5 beautiful brown eggs.<br />Hopefully, they will get some new feathers!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350922366350154802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa73WNk_o2erggauaevRYmUqW_VbM4r0E5Quj5FTNEncY1neHsuI1WAOLLcAa51MRjszzXB-SC1B9CSZSXCMZmmjpbOrITHSqieu5oOWwydFEwevCf99WqAvbcXkt0IcWGS-1EWCHAFk/s400/chickenhouse13.jpg" border="0" />See the little egg basket in the corner?<br />It was Grandma B.'s.</div><div align="center"><div align="center">So was this little white enamel chamber pot.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350922362403810674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBTDwCasK_TAhq-XXbhEbJ5szYBwvgcX2xT-q6zZ9lGJNOY8JAtRs1qKQYL_JlqR3Aq-n7AiEZvoNWdJSKnaSCaMi1CQIEX9qxJiOWO60Ht5Nd-7y-HfeeexjgbdbOz1tedfkMMogo30/s400/chickenhouse12.jpg" border="0" /><br />It is now filled with lemon balm and begonias<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350922352656044786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrPH_JyktjXFpQv_oRC9KgDZGCNBgAC0S7syFqHT4h2vR932ql7UGbN7v7LIjuCuYcUyfFS1p6T9eC3A5GhbATH5YuEXLi0xY3RhYrsV4kD9hyphenhyphenl_1PJsOdtg6Y_JKe2wesnfRwCSJ-hM/s400/chickenhouse11.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><p align="center">My little temporary herb garden, garlic chives, oregano, French tarragon, and sage</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350922369644810322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q0A-pX1OoOXpMoWeIu_eO5VgQgGXm8HtNweyw7nV3-EWh281dLVQZKHTxBHgUKSy98GPc81BWWEQ6y50picy5LNAqX-CpeOhfMyqzxjMu2TqSa3OaAKynmhS6_PNhrRx2JLvbvJgm-o/s400/chickenhouse15.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I purchased this little door knocker years ago!<br />I had been waiting for the perfect place to put it.<br />~*~<br />So what do you think?<br />So many of you have been anxiously awaiting this transformation from run down play house to Victorian hen house. It really was a lot of fun. I have been teased relentlessly by the locals for wallpapering my hen house, they think I have way too much time on my hands.<br />You know what I told them...<br />it is all about priorities!<br />Ha Ha!!!<br />~*~<br />Next time...<br />Maggies story!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~Jill~</span></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-16090781291949578212009-06-09T13:45:00.008-05:002009-06-09T15:01:12.047-05:00Thrift Store Decor I Adore!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt7APAxpu5sEkbdXNuhg5V1IrNBjtKdjPBSgRNxTGTX_yuQ296T60bcFX1HPcWl8t_N2TuksSe3YF3Wn1GKLZ9gTX9UgAIDllgiIbHKNpBFIpSfIuRXZUGu93jnUQCsz0z_sVrBs2KMg/s1600-h/chinesejar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345401797632091250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt7APAxpu5sEkbdXNuhg5V1IrNBjtKdjPBSgRNxTGTX_yuQ296T60bcFX1HPcWl8t_N2TuksSe3YF3Wn1GKLZ9gTX9UgAIDllgiIbHKNpBFIpSfIuRXZUGu93jnUQCsz0z_sVrBs2KMg/s400/chinesejar.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some days are good days at the local thrift store, some days not so much.<br />For the past couple of weeks I have had my eye on a couple of items, would put them in my cart, and then take them back out again. Over the weekend, after my visit to Nell Hill's I kicked myself for not buying these things I had found.<br />~*~<br />Today the thrift store was open and I was on my way.<br />I burst through the door,<br />fingers crossed that my goodies would still be there.<br />They were still there, thank goodness<br />and then I found even more treasures...<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345403676792831010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbZS43JqCU2tRxDDU5__spzgHPvy-KXGSCewajtyCpQBNUX4lrXRz5JT-aRgdRVjsInDwc_lKHBE5wFmmvy3m2TJKTWo9VpH5r2qmNlbPJfb6C08KQDHujoTB-kwky6LhU6YSjpFj3BQ/s400/antiquemirror3.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">This antique mirror has been in and out of my cart a half a dozen times in the last month. It was only $1, but it is VERY aged. So over the weekend, I began thinking about this mirror, and how neat it was that it was aged and cracked. It is stamped on the back with a date, June 1919. I adore this mirror!<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345403681169733170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaebuRjOPc_xFfj7ymdIiSdLX_PpoKDVw_wqvvn_FY53GG2Caj19ExymUJ_K0OPUXyJmPa7wutOG0pTMwdUOyGrn1H_ZbVz1e6e1WRMa_k3TNkC06iaSaKYXPoSE6StzqR4TMChF_i-MM/s400/antiquemirror4.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">The next item on my list was a little side chair, spotted last week.<br />It was $10. I was in a bit of a panic to get back and get this chair.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345417326312802274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oELuEedz25Dv-OObytv-E-WW-JDBd42EAvJ3UKosB4D42r4IUO0DjooiA_tQcDz5Zl4w_4wjM97jJqVU70lY1ouydHzdCYR4mw8iU0PiGMmUTM3nHL7wVvMm1dFQyEZv6n-n7c06weE/s400/side+chair.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">It wasn't where it was the week before and I thought it had sold,<br />and then I saw that they had moved it.<br />I had also had this throw bolster pillow in the cart numerous times and put it back, it was a whopping $1 also.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345417330514043810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUVDvoYBS3YRce4o24bsJwz9_aMlI3Fs23gDMMHzzzs1cgkFzaaNewPO3vRkGuhpo_dWA8d0Evj6IhADJ84nDvfDXf-7bDavmku6IZTImrdjDd2douR5HbI_f0dUvuHtOvo-5x4BiwAM/s400/side+chair3.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Some new goodies I found today was this Chinese"ish" dish with lid. I think the colors work so well with my house! It reminds me of Nell Hill style! it was $3.50<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345401805411547074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoKNhXATofO2xdYo2YB5dVifTaknlDCs_1zeXLtIhacjdMO8_jF6yFhV3NPHa6hIPAQPCRByICXTbPX8QwCvJbv4-WOx8hluxnhIN1R9PO2DraYErhNCbu-QstM_hwpRc1iVFOU5G7xo/s400/chinesejar2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345418191246062834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7QP8de9ACzk5TbABtqnIE0x8LGoCj4ThRQ1LWMX_y44hGxedb31RLPbbaslKYJLGQipFCOAqzi6o-bTCvYIOgQ24h5iP0P9WwrISAr6zPzz_ANuTgZG1Hx0MPU4TJLfZR1vX9a2-OGU/s400/mantel.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">How about this gorgeous stone pillar candle holder.<br />Love it...it was $3!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345418183133819986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtylloehb7Lg-Hjy6Akzpc7EnxsieDu9i29WvTnYraM2lH_DV7ETBMWOXK_9rk54vYG2f0YLri2yrqb-NzQnKrMW5LR5IyH5CZUEda40RhAnEHlXntNQTDOWIm3WHnoOo5sHyAa4wE4A/s400/stone+candlestick2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345418188205482098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCNW8L4Ag9VDymlX7scstWMI-1xcp7VPHcjDUkDXJ5sDdhVD26mzgBnY6AlYw4eXQIB0bHB_Mq-sdX-pV4A2A2rqku7p30-vkCTv5sQ7D49eMkNsutjOkG8c2xu1dkgPbLfP_gXqno54/s400/stone+candlestick.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Boy that sure was fun! Like I said, sometimes you find goodies, sometimes you don't. I was really lucky too, that the things I had found earlier hadn't sold!<br />~*~<br />Coming soon...<br />The chicken house is finished!<br />But I am not sure if I want to turn it over to the chickens!<br />I am now thinking I want it to be a potting shed or an English Garden Folly.<br />I also have some great pictures of Nell Hill's the Store to share!<br />~Jill~</p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-55351297198930440952009-06-06T19:17:00.011-05:002009-06-07T09:38:35.587-05:00Nell Hill's Open House ~ Part One<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4BYiMqEYP_l-rYGP0gOKszsoFIoisKXvJ03NmFxcRntMSTT4TBy7aRfmw273ljN9hMPbmpmh2wOLh5SuxdnQN74vfwDXWxxrvmLP1vuEqiMNR7j1masx9y6uAhRBmqiu6zJMl6eeeQE/s1600-h/Mary+Carol+%26+Me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344373637108297538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4BYiMqEYP_l-rYGP0gOKszsoFIoisKXvJ03NmFxcRntMSTT4TBy7aRfmw273ljN9hMPbmpmh2wOLh5SuxdnQN74vfwDXWxxrvmLP1vuEqiMNR7j1masx9y6uAhRBmqiu6zJMl6eeeQE/s400/Mary+Carol+%26+Me.jpg" border="0" /></a>Can you guess where I went on Friday? Can you guess who I met?<br />Oh my Heavens above, it is me and Mary Carol Garrity author, decorator most fantastic and owner of Nell Hill's!<br />~*~<br />It was a summer open house at Nell Hill's and her private home this Friday. Mom, Lindsey and I drove 2 1/2 hours to go visit.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344589167500829714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4CJGJPRcp6bUW8STXEw37dKwiA5rk3bWsc4xiNLJHAbsV6261f6jW3wC3EZ5Q_nDLsCSFFQvRhah6xKoLpg94xPcle1Qy6vUNbl8JvZpE1t008Yl7SrMAAonIIqFrhjOdsT32TxuwTw/s400/NH27.jpg" border="0" />We stopped in at the store first, and then boarded a huge air conditioned tour bus that drove us to her home.<br />Let me tell you, I was so excited<br />when I spotted her standing at the top of the stairs to welcome us in.<br />~*~<br />Mary Carol, is one super sweet gracious gal.<br />So warm and welcoming, an absolute doll!<br />Would you like to see a little bit of what I saw?<br />~*~<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~ Part One ~<br />A Tour of Mary Carol Garrity's home</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344380324592275618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0NlGltg8l_x2teQnMRMRTFVnCxhLKgztTI6QFyikcA-C_1SvK6imfwKk2qqlMjgAayDcP8EnmKif3tXyvZyZVsSkq6tb-cc9E4K6KAIOJKzBH7R8FT2NdehH0lxhr0jGyMGdw_XmXag/s400/NH5.jpg" border="0" />Isn't this just beautiful.<br />I love the columns and the urns full of ferns.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344380326737345970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EO3FLL39xElsw9de0sLqcL9q-nXEmiElbxIqI2Pu1a900-5uiigfExs-9pKdiDdHzWgplQRW8KbMUXCld677GQlG_zO4b1W0XEyyTHhj3tzOpYYyWMpOQacA8gc1CKD0BecatJV_5Vc/s400/NH4.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344380331253674290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI9nDWqZ_bBxJOq6yrQSuQ1lGCZUUw7EJyhMw9Dx2f0eTxu1D3sJWKFRg6Nnk_zVnNwiMTqjnWbLVs6PXyNJpwllsSDuwc1VzDVtG-jWrn_FTIlLQGe4N_zb3SvZtOnGiXFuCtZd8T3A/s400/NH3.jpg" border="0" /> Her beautiful front door.<br />Do you remember this from her books?<br />I love the topiaries in the black urns.<br />(I'm going to paint mine black, too!)<br />The wire birdcage that decorates the door was for sale in her shops!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344583175044423522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQH7riuVxoQPStDMVv5erP3yESQwBEOS0EHGm2NBvGg-6K80r_pDb5xDhd8dbXJ1GEQ9S6dNIvs33ZLKuz066fShTR9xxj9Oi9xaxu8MiAQzUwaq5Elh-iZ7PF34RQAGs_x01zFnZaR0/s400/NH6.jpg" border="0" />To the left of the front door was this beautiful outdoor seating area.<br />The wicker was painted a dark turquoise and the iron chairs and table were black.<br />The urn has ivy planted in it and white taper candles.<br />See the stone riser, they were everywhere, and were for sale in the store for only $14.<br />Of course, I had to have one of those!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344583179179422658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_WopFn5IUb-1hQzJFwHgnwd0r8tK9m-0DKHknn01Vhg6XgWkBwyqd9OQCwf1qpCLPpE4NKv-kRAwf3Iw8oiV8I9Tq-VdwfW37VkPLdBH-eIxXq-l_SuV7va1QAB2iJZqwL51MJgQUnM/s400/NH10.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><p align="center">How exquisite are these windows?<br />You can never have too many moldings can you!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344583184369095858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEw5oF3QrcsWZOspLGEUIOLGWtT_b5dpN9TK0_Ors7ColGKLmK2bih4Z4gcPlTZvxgtMr-3riAXW7jSEhkEk6TZ03tacETcLK6MqkMQ0OSHouG48rWgKvuNIt6vCTxuhCd_h0-tdNUDc/s400/NH19.jpg" border="0" />In the foyer, to the left was this little seating nook.<br />She has used shutters instead of blinds on most of her windows.<br />Look where she placed this mirror, it is in between two windows!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344586315388878178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ4djRJwEArznKCTwO-8XJBZFqZsEdBxTCczsn6Pux9_s7O-OoawljyxY0fWjsDr4J_uiOnS-IY5GceKEYL2ow5k4HZbUjQ1WUuo4SibakSStTLnwtEBDsXOgD__z2KcziTn6ZADgHqI/s400/NH25.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div><p align="center">This is the pretty scene you see when you first walk in the front door.<br />If you have her books, then you have definitely seen this before.<br />She has prints everywhere!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344586322018102690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTekHSaY51ZbYsk61snJKmjUC2-oGzYwGinej8Wr-NDVy3zmo5hg9BdyhMcuNOPQAZlvYqRKfPjv6dxphyRmVvlgMFLsqtLCy3Phv4f5_BWXbCfL4WwoauR_irSIG_ql6YsHs2SmTNuU/s400/NH26.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">This is the living room, and you will probably recognize those butterflies and bookshelves.<br />She tucks little tables almost anywhere.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344586319525010242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQ1Pdpfj0hDndvX-Y7qr4fsgAv5ouKl80xkBMUBOwTPe4McVwgRbzYI82l8O9sRHHsZ5oe05WpsO2VDu3KckrDi093PUbU7JPctqcdMgLcINHrFxebXytNVnyG_QvT9iBCKqKMN6sOek/s400/NH20.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The dining room.<br />The topiaries are in little french pots that were for sale in the store.<br />Lots of layers and lots of green moss and silver. She elevates everything on pedestals.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344589164846870594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvh2Mr9F0MDoC9gOk5NcpAmzp1Qyo-CJSnH4Cqy4xVilPSMmiVrqqY_AlGScJgBjEItntEyIQsp5C0OWybCzTZ71tkYCFT_NXjrCmjDjDRnEU1bOL3uU7axVoV5MPmJFOjrusCj1dL3c/s400/NH29.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><p align="center">The screened in back porch.<br />You have seen this beautiful painted piece of furniture many times in her books.<br />See the topiary in the white vase, I bought one just like it!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344589160152389378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQFNBsC1AeE_t22_4uIciQg3nI1fjQq7W8eZuQNZxWKWHt-n-NQsYcVAu9IbJ-1Egop6PZI9joEBrHWtOpCVJsKnLLWfZhWpPZgFUphBFWsQXl00SMsS1fwnY0TN7FEQNyjFedZQRnSk/s400/NH23.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Another corner of the back porch. Isn't it lovely?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344591580115957954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_auOFzU4G_QZxrRe8JFivUrohU427g1gtvCXdRR4xmyNVvKdaeVu5NYSpWhbd9oSkcxVzZwf7UfCFoSFwzEY47YpS8fIrx44BgSrfJRqZYfuOjnd_Oo3mgPsVdVnGbWBQ73BUS7dtNZM/s400/NH21.jpg" border="0" />Outdoor refreshment area.<br />What a beautiful way to ice your beverages.<br />Gorgeous hanging baskets of ivy and candle chandeliers.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344591582965042402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFqxnhyl4M-_qCoakV4fQWPy9fLZAk8Y_qmIMG8fxLnWalYMkppasav7vTYTERXETk51OtuXsEA0WIcg8f1RwSR3lloQpeDvE5wQyf9jQKTR183cqO9Vzv05B64tXMX-541naa1VNcPo/s400/NH24.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div><p align="center">Stepping down from the back porch was the hidden dining room area.<br />Most of these items were for sale in the shop. Doesn't this just make you want to have a garden party?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344591574683192370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFX_8JYPxWdXz24PumUklo64HQGJt8vXrvq9WOpeA7cSacBNcOqnXHeqUgw72OI2m67pEU5O3G4UglYmxp4QmuEY7fMBFLl0Nyj7Kds5PN8Hhhy38HldlB4kKRSRaRzyep6dXGFShGBM/s400/NH22.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">An outdoor seating area.<br />Love the balustrade with the ivy and clematis clambering over it.<br />An urn with ivy on a little black table.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344591583117545858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7VaV-hAsiNv-eRiXUXlsIr1JYpU4AtpfeFgCRQoWLgK8WbXsCmHBTPoGQZ0HsJBYOxdokMUtagyb4jvEE85ipKIgu8etTWWKouXeb_Iu60kM_QyvinfCLFzZPz0nZJyLO-dHT0HQfqg/s400/NH18.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Walking down the garden path, back to the front of the house.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344593654821564578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnGFpY8chqvO8UWDOZRsWKFi6HhuEHxEzghbXlkSM1XYgSulkg3QnfguyoJWgSID8BDatfGIOTC-EZeU09MlkAgobWMBbOhlRQAuiEhwxv8vM-KpQX9yTc0Pt2a__FV6A-Ru9KyU9FLU/s400/NH7.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /></div><p align="center">Getting ready to walk past the garden gate.<br />I think we all need one of these in the garden.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344593650305801874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I1yliPX5IT6Na3WtLYbp9LokoTK80_DCt2MqpFht1ytB_adCJD7Fz-CwuTOcY52kaMsXkP5cXIHZBXGSYGWDO98SPAE4SRcfbl88oEQyWwvo4534Xz3nviUTyFB5377reSPgAKZKroE/s400/NH8.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">This was the first stepping stone as you would enter the garden from the front.<br />How whimsical!<br />~*~<br />Hope you enjoyed these pictures.<br />I sure had fun taking them to share with you.<br />I have even more to share next week of the store.<br />Now I am off to wallpaper the chicken coop.<br />How's that for a tempting ending so you will return for a visit!<br />~Jill~</p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-26257488518688141662009-05-26T15:41:00.010-05:002009-05-29T23:07:47.033-05:00Geese and Gardening<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6KWdFjYmyemkbYMDyYVTZOwCAwRtiaTcW8pFkyiOSL-vsH7qfm-rzyRKdBQ7igI3O5eCe9Jc3PaIAO71t0g0a9Wt-iITODDbcD1r2kOwu7T5KB5i6g4bLOByo7nzTVdaUhzian18vlg/s1600-h/IMG_1265.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340245571899663474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6KWdFjYmyemkbYMDyYVTZOwCAwRtiaTcW8pFkyiOSL-vsH7qfm-rzyRKdBQ7igI3O5eCe9Jc3PaIAO71t0g0a9Wt-iITODDbcD1r2kOwu7T5KB5i6g4bLOByo7nzTVdaUhzian18vlg/s400/IMG_1265.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Life in Hickory Hollow...</span></div><div align="center">This past weekend we had beautiful weather! Beautiful weather for getting out and getting some projects completed. We have had to do a bit of work in the garden, actually a lot of work. The soil is just not rich enough for anything to grow very big. We bought bales and bales of peat moss and tilled it in the soil. This fall it is going to get a manure and lime treatment. These cute geese were hanging out by the pond all Sunday morning. I crept up pretty close to get these pictures to share with you.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340246776412915858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixg6EGIzTZrxxNcFe5BO3191nRKSD5SMsmx428xNbgIWwAMmWHYprbVxHZh4SnyrXzJhNkr9sZzH8po35fFk2bRWa-nlkS6Qybl4pzqefOqnCH0r8l9i6Te21tGPB968Ka_cskqlbIZsM/s400/IMG_1267.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340244986938209858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQeSzDWfJkgYd1-cNkKhcHzBmXDhybOaOrX6JBni_hmf2LvLiPAkJnUiZWMDuISUDwG2ztLHgB-OzhcVsb166Gp5DXT5jb8jZcwc8AGMguEDZBS74I-QlYLFcXbKeCCaDmpXcpYH3f7k/s400/IMG_1264.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Visitors...</span><br /><div align="center">We have also had a couple of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unwelcome</span> visitors. Doug had to shoot a big snake down at the pond shortly after I had taken these pictures. It was about 4 feet long and as big around as a man's wrist. He couldn't tell if it was poisonous or not and we couldn't risk the kids getting bit. Now, I am not a big on guns type of gal, but I was pretty relieved that we owned one and my husband knew how to use it. I am absolutely, positively, skin crawling, jumping, yelling scared of snakes....even little garter snakes!</div><br /><div align="center">Another unwelcome visitor has been the deer. Humph...they are not so cute anymore...they have tried to prune all my Cleveland Pear trees that line the driveway into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">topiaries</span>! I am not thinking they are cute in the least...they have also eaten the new leaves of my raspberry and blackberry bushes and have tried even more topiary art on the fruit trees.<br />BAD Deer....very, very BAD DEER!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Stone Nest...<br /></span>We have a Killdeer couple that have made a nest of stone, smack dab in the middle of the driveway. There are 4 little stone colored eggs in the middle. The comical act of these two was pretty funny about 2 weeks ago...they pretend that they are injured to lure you from their nest. We call it "hurt wing". Here we are a few weeks later, and they aren't so cute...and they are getting a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aggressive</span>. We have been driving out and around the nest so we won't disturb them. Now as we come down the drive they run at us! We pull over to the side and ask her everyday if she could just get on with it, so we can have our driveway back! I will let you know when the BIG day arrives...personally we can hardly wait!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">In the Garden...</span><br />So far in the garden I have planted 9 Big Boy tomatoes, 9 Celebrity tomatoes, 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Brandywine</span> tomatoes, 4 Cherry tomatoes, 4 banana peppers, 4 green peppers, 4 jalapeno peppers, 4 Italian Basil plants, 4 Siam Queen Basil Plants, 3 rows of Blue Lake Green Beans, 28 cucumber plants (yep, you read that right, 28 plants germinated from the seed), 4 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cantaloupe</span> plants, 4 watermelon plants, 4 zucchini plants, 4 yellow straight neck squash plants. We are getting ready to plant corn later this week. My potato plants are up, but not just real big. I have been Miracle Growing everything, and they look a bit better. I am hoping to be able to can spaghetti and salsa this fall! I will take some pictures of the garden later this week to share with you. </div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">and the Chicken House...</span></div><div align="center">We have really been working hard on the chicken house...Doug put on a new roof, and I have finished painting the outside. It is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">soooo</span> cute! I even added a hanging basket and potted up some plants to sit on the little front porch. I will share some of those pictures with you too! I am hoping to be able to finish the inside with the wallpaper this week. Doug and Tyler are almost finished building the nesting boxes! I think I have decided that we will get 8 hens. I am going to get a couple that lay the pretty pastel eggs. If you are in the neighborhood in the next few weeks, come on by for a slice of quiche made of farm fresh eggs!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Thank you everyone who so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">diligently</span> follow this gal, who doesn't quite so diligently post! My goal is to post at least once a week this summer. We are really working hard to get our place up and going so we can have bountiful harvests later this summer!<br />I seem to be over the bloggers block...now I just need to find a bit of time, to visit all my blogger buddies!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~Jill~</span></div><div align="center">P.S. I am addicted to watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows...why, I don't know...it is so silly, but this girl loves a good romance, I guess now matter how fake it is...anyway... I like the pilot so far for Jillian!</div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-44702098605233623512009-05-13T09:34:00.006-05:002009-05-13T09:49:43.376-05:00My Fountain Courtyard<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V3Ur1epTMQc-pyodQv84l9EjSHI8f6ioKoYBzFErUKsqXhljbgKFx2Wi66U3lDO8pzHJkqRukXNAHNufKp64HHMZT8QNEma6jOiKJPw4i2v04zM-RppcsyHdhHJ1SUrFaEt7Ibijmxg/s1600-h/frontgarden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335317748439159810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V3Ur1epTMQc-pyodQv84l9EjSHI8f6ioKoYBzFErUKsqXhljbgKFx2Wi66U3lDO8pzHJkqRukXNAHNufKp64HHMZT8QNEma6jOiKJPw4i2v04zM-RppcsyHdhHJ1SUrFaEt7Ibijmxg/s400/frontgarden.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div align="center">I finally found some inspiration<br />and here I am this morning with a new look and a new post!</div><br /><div align="center">All before 10:00!<br />What do you think of the new look?<br />It is a bit more classic and hopefully I won't be so inclined to redecorate once a week.</div><br /><div align="center">Now on to the fun stuff<br />~*~<br />My new courtyard fountain and landscaping...</div><br /><div align="center">While looking a couple of weekends ago for a fountain locally, we learned about a place in Southern Missouri that makes their own fountains. We found out the name of the business and drove down last weekend. They had over 80 fountains up and running. Beautiful things...Grecian ladies with urns, balustrades, bird baths anything your heart could desire in concrete!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335318196827382050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-5cjRW315_AZ95dzBfKj5bcGlqm2Ih01IYNaUxytSLVmXHMvUnjLL_Sf5esLfj9wp2Q6hZe03opfQ1MbCsd0o_xhvbxb2xo1SxU_sp7WNyMxh1pGYm8a4WN8P7at8EEhZrM0gkQ_6Fs/s400/frontgarden2.jpg" border="0" />The couple that owns the business were so very helpful. But, they asked me all sorts of questions that I couldn't answer. "How big is the area, how long is the sidewalk, how tall is your roof, how tall all your windows?" Hmmm...well I really don't know, probably about yea high and this wide. They wanted to make sure that the fountain would not over power the space or look dinky.<br />It didn't take me long to find this one, and I think it is perfect!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335319954172637362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1PMjFanmWpC-QhwOZjTf4pKSbnbteQI9yTqYJeJgy4-6oCXjPM573xdmrnMPnzQhWqHntQplRpllqK4YFWLDDPbZRBviJgLT7Q6Drjt_QmDTVICEeInW1CM-LQnnVguGy4qaIp-YQIg/s400/frontgarden3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335319955267031234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCY7zakWKASn5lhuAZmHDd6ueCPqODnwzP0RAO1bwbEZPwLxB1Eos6LA6ArfML_jnosQj4-S7peqFSJuDErhNMcLKzQBoPiXUSSIQaBN-TZL_AwvUQyxlzZZzPTcc3yDr961qBRi1MOc/s400/frontgarden5.jpg" border="0" /><br />Bob still has to come back and do some odds and ends. My front door still needs to be stained walnut and the pillars painted. We only have a week and half left of school, so we will have the whole summer to frou frou!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335319960911914626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoS8YuYkgxR2UCpVgItB_hZeGWVCifDVCGZNfugFNE-gQPGSTLnJHVaESbL7AR9CIYA9bI5lVjXZ4HN-ERCpIq1uh3o2CSOIS4WWnBlvy_QmqXZxqYhGxaDc1gWTWa-SaP3NHhMt9iqg/s400/frontgarden4.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br /></div><p align="center">Now I am off to go teach this afternoon,<br />but I certainly feel better, having everything in it's place again!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-34515607677120906422009-05-12T21:49:00.001-05:002009-05-12T22:02:23.014-05:00AWW SHOOT!<div align="center">Have you ever had just the sudden URGE to redecorate?<br />You decide, say, to redo the living room...<br />pull the furniture all around...<br />some of it you slide into the kitchen,</div><div align="center">some of it you carry out to the hall,</div><div align="center">roll up rugs, remove all knick knacks,</div><div align="center">because while you are "redecorating" might as well clean, too!<br />Well, I got the URGE to redecorate my blog...<br /><br />Hmmm...I'm going to do a Nell Hill look,</div><div align="center"> today I am going to spend hours on the internet looking for free backgrounds, </div><div align="center">I am going to fart around with margins,</div><div align="center">change the font and the colors make a beautiful new header...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">and I came up with NOTHING!<br /><br />I didn't like a thing I came up.</div><div align="center">Now, I'm tired and my cyber house is in disrepair.<br />I had a beautiful post planned showing your my new fountain.</div><div align="center">Alas...photos are still on the camera.<br />I've brought back the chickens for a bit...<br />until Iget inspired for my blog background...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So for now, I have pushed the furniture back into the living room,</div><div align="center">and didn't even dust!<br /></div><div align="center">Humph...<br />and would you just look at what I did?<br />A post with no pictures.<br />How sad is that?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Maybe inspiration will hit soon!<br />I have some great things I want to share with you!</div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-46939832525348722462009-05-04T08:55:00.003-05:002009-05-04T09:13:47.308-05:00Fountain Search<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQlBBgvlagmvWldPhP5bJQkMjsaJ1BZJXTk8-Cdk12jXQHfdJVX5nhVYcSx7GJmqSynoLEQVI5K9Z-T6MnKOZLwEJ9-2SGpurysile3_v_PhmPSNqOjTDVT0x4deFoGNNzWgmJvxory4/s1600-h/fountain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331971179238988962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQlBBgvlagmvWldPhP5bJQkMjsaJ1BZJXTk8-Cdk12jXQHfdJVX5nhVYcSx7GJmqSynoLEQVI5K9Z-T6MnKOZLwEJ9-2SGpurysile3_v_PhmPSNqOjTDVT0x4deFoGNNzWgmJvxory4/s400/fountain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">The blogger's block is still here. And I am telling on myself....I haven't even looked at the computer in about 2 weeks.<br /><br />Lindsey has started playing softball and I have volunteered to be an assistant coach. Bet you didn't know that I played softball since I was 5 years old and continued playing until I was about 19 years old! I dug out the old ball glove and have been literally having a "ball" ever since!<br />My official title is outfield coach/pitching machine operator!<br /><br />I've also been substituting a lot at school, 4 days just last week. There isn't going to be any classroom teacher openings this next year, but maybe next year I will have a room of my own. I have already been dreaming of how I am going to decorate my classroom. Can you believe it...ME dreaming of decorating something! I am daydreaming of a cute country school look with a Debbie Mumm schoolbus lamp, willow baskets of apples and country plaid curtains. Debbie Mumm has even created school bulletin board borders and calendar sets. It is taking every bit of will power not to start stocking up!</div><br /><div align="center">In between all this madness we managed to get our driveway pad poured, curved sidewalk and a back patio. Doug and I did a bit of landscaping out front, planting barberry bushes, hostas and ferns. I am on the lookout for an outdoor concrete fountain. We went on a huge drive yesterday but didn't find anything that struck my fancy. I just called a place in Kansas City and they have a huge selection, the lady on the phone told me I needed to get up there in a hurry though. With Mother's Day quickly approaching...they sell out FAST!<br /><br />Okay...I gotta go!<br />My heart is racing...and I think I need to strip out of these jammies and jump in some sort of vehicle and head out to find my fountain....I am afraid they will be all gone by the time I get there. This is sort of like the rummage sale panic I experience every Saturday morning!<br /><br />Okay...<br />I will try to write something more often!<br />If I don't get beaned in the head by a softball!<br />~Jill~</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6867035524506815493.post-70910236354716189022009-04-13T11:00:00.011-05:002009-04-13T12:54:29.376-05:00Dining Room Design<div align="center"><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAws9ChxLtiKcF7iYfXJXHF-T1P1mzz3uiddasW3Yt-yponBJziG-RvOWw4Xm1R3kSBkqJyXVK-aezHymZuepS291VBxCbk3TRnydOQ_t-EWG3Zt53s0yt18-kShFlCa6t2vvdAq-Ukw/s1600-h/Dining+Room2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324208222611265986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAws9ChxLtiKcF7iYfXJXHF-T1P1mzz3uiddasW3Yt-yponBJziG-RvOWw4Xm1R3kSBkqJyXVK-aezHymZuepS291VBxCbk3TRnydOQ_t-EWG3Zt53s0yt18-kShFlCa6t2vvdAq-Ukw/s400/Dining+Room2.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have hit blogger's block! I haven't posted much lately because I can't seem to come up with anything to blog about...I seem to have exhausted the gardening subject for now. So I thought to myself, what is it that I really like to see when I visit other blogs. I really like to see how they have decorated their home. I love to take the tour. That got me to thinking that I haven't shared many pictures with you of my dining room, and I have added some Nell Hill touches recently.<br /><br />~ Visiting the Dining Room ~<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324210012363290274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrydQh0k007GeECk49QB2p9IYEqx5RInyNW-G2lSUA-h6_Jl0rXUWk218Lwp5ZQ0NJNN_aEHYsjqDBtnJkgYF34RHPVnplRfSMBjSvCjNz6ZXwQSulfiDrE2rqj9xgLYJo__ESU9FagPA/s400/diningroomcorner2.jpg" border="0" />A little corner decorated with finds found at garage sales, thrift stores and the flea market. The lamp came from Hobby Lobby and the wool rug I found at Lowe's. The little table was my Grandma B's.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324210037084865794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ounvZ7Rl5QdhPkOq4SuEkueO6MnYRyvE0-SgVvGCUwo5cyBmomU_HpDPQJn5sIZi-ujaGGBoIUhfbZ_6WV9Bjpyg88qzvnlMBPuJ3hy1L7DJQwYkdM7mZbpfrtSuUHotia6rDZFSOw/s400/Dining+Room4.jpg" border="0" /> I made this monogram G picture<br />using a frame from Dollar Tree and some scrapbook paper.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324231250833763138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX_2CEsysenSyyLMOM2MnBn5lCm6MychqVRyUqYLAKJzvpUhY-2FWSYr9jQbuIqZo-ZuIV8M4gzllXNRdfkukHjwmRi_fD3mbRILeZPJPUk3Q_ToiAiuqyYiRicjVSWbetNfjyrFHNMQ/s400/Dining+Room5.jpg" border="0" />Here we are in the dining room peeking into the kitchen.<br />Love how the gold and the red flow so well together, they are the colors in the dining room upholstery. Underneath this new wall pocket, I would like a little chair with a stylish monogramed throw pillow!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324210009556226594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbC3Q4DJk1GYhxUMiRn9iH9z8lNh5jl6RRTm2VZsn6dvto0bwESc0c-hopJN237AJ63NV0PvJe6RgkWITLk2lWVlB1HN3P18XPxIR66MZwlWvFYsYHTv2v7JUDM_1pesIZeZD3vucyIE/s400/Dining+Room3.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center">This is a new dining room addition. I found the wall pocket at the flea market and added the ivy. In this picture you can see the paint color more correctly, it is reddish bittersweet. A friend of mine named it Rusty Pumpkin. The walls do look a bit orangey in these pictures, but it really isn't orange, all the light that comes from the big dining room windows makes it take on this orange hue.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324226486137899154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1mA90lVh5uSaAuAs0WY910Ny23bSVN-73IXR0_SuwrlEARZjx8kvTkptICPZeVO-V8MW7RS-kciPIVtHrlD53jHlgpD6PSQxXTNxSNZU8RmkgIudQU_gWN_07UaX0LmmnLWnMQ_SrDM/s400/Dining+Room9.jpg" border="0" /> I knew I just needed something on the other side of the windows, so last week I was scouting out plates to hang on the wall. This was definitely a Nell Hill inspired shopping trip. After looking around about 40 different booths, I found the perfect stack of plates for the perfect price! I wasn't sure about the turquoise color on the plates, but I thought they might just play beautifully with the wall color.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324228437753095330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbuqwm85HOIpmDh5J3T8VTaVOp3pynpoj3YUQ3PXWnXcqnhBgDVaJvqigahFIoc11NhnuY3QD-dU2CxXaleDGFqxidvKcmB_zX0oqCT6NUMqNgagWTDH9g9i7czFrbe-9URUupXX6q04/s400/Dining+Room10.jpg" border="0" /> A closeup of the plates, all four are the same design.<br />In another booth, I found a matching bowl.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324226481527871298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQdGQHbpZzA9pgtrBV7rSiywWvkGAb3I-rjFylSgclqvKOw5qWSArRe8bpAlTnvSWEZZMKXloFswDHb-NVAL8boUmg94_Cp_NxKp-wNqBrWQ_fTGkvHhDgeymVkgdvM2KDnnDeUm46K4/s400/Dining+Room8.jpg" border="0" />A very grand tassel found a home decorating the handle of the china cabinet, I found her at the flea market last week too!<br />Inside the china cabinet are silver and white dishes that I have been collecting through the years. I recently started picking up affordable silver serving pieces.<br />Victoria magazine has always been my inspiration for gorgeous serving pieces, especially their more vintage issues of the 1980's.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324228441644523922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD4sqHB9B-_MCTS_Px1CV4mfLaVpKnyc8CW6xV6Q_Eygk0YFs0_vH09MX590xJZMphra-C3NocWC-0DAjHb-_sh0XRMicFyDdG5BWI5kWBVv3OVXp1P3OG4jpUTSAYfyxpFlsnWyuR3U/s400/Dining+Room11.jpg" border="0" />Just this past weekend, I served Cherry Preserves in this darling silver and crystal bowl. Isn't that spoon so very cute and dainty.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324230144290811938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMsURPUCKVwVyLMWtC1oPtccUIrIkfO0oSO3Qadp6xGQrPrjcOm5_XZuRn5OPhF0XqGeD3cUIXrbQ8otgYjZDLQYA5UsX5tbWWlGotwN0g1kjCvnquYQBLQzvk4J6YtIL9rNDJSwdPDo/s400/Dining+Room12.jpg" border="0" />Here is a closeup of the dining room fixture. It coordinates with the foyer's fixture. The balls that look gilded are actually a metallic green with a crackle finish, the shades are an amber. </p></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324230146004332562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstqbyPwd_aRqR_egaXMXVHWXpEjKZZW8K4jrT8AuklBtRrve81dHlBRZ0SHdXFnAkLxLHVpkaK1ImEOXprQuuENnTpt7k8207yNtLzniwEhO1tYlTorZeX2mjgFVgL2nzPK488uo_cLQ/s400/Dining+Room7.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324230140829768434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgpeCMkVUqifnX2bktDsVogJG_7IviVOFJR0_e01yPXZJA1oKx-8clwg1NQdpdvUw3eJJiUHWtV0PFR8mxL0MxB253uSS038TjAs19KuCkyoXHwNttwNZkt-hYX8aKNy_9x5RHVdQbZM/s400/Dining+Room6.jpg" border="0" /> Looking into the dining room from the foyer. When I first got this grape ivy plant it was in a little 4" pot. He is just going bananas. A friend of mine in Colorado gave me the metal trellis. One day, I got the idea to stick it in this urn to give the ivy something to curl its tendrils on. I went out to the woods and found some moss and have placed it on top of the soil, I really like that conservatory/Mediterranean look!<br />~*~<br />Hope you have enjoyed visiting me and my dining room.<br />I'm hoping blogging inspiration will come back and I will have more interesting things to share!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">~Jill~</span></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04285615544970706346noreply@blogger.com34