Antique Sterling Silver ~

When I got married  in 1976, my mom asked me if I'd like to have sterling silver flatware.  My sister had sterling flatware that my mom would add pieces to on a regular basis.  It really was kind of ironic since my mom didn't even have matching flatware.  My answer was an emphatic "NO!".  A number of years later, probably in the late 80's, I decided that I indeed would like it, but my choice was to purchase mismatched pieces at antique shows and shops.  Most of my pieces are antique.  I'm sure some are just vintage.  My favorite pieces are ones with initials, names and/or dates.  

The pieces are so ornate.

The backs are as pretty as the fronts.

Though one of the plainer forks, this one is special.  It says Anna and is dated March 17, 1901.  My favorite aunt's name was Anne and she was born March 19, 1901.  So close.

Teaspoons are just as pretty.

Dated '07 on the front.

And Xmas on the back.

Though only silverplate, I had to buy this spoon.  My father, brother and son are all William.

A few more random pictures from around the house.

No matter the light, any pictures I take of these two blow mold Santas turn out pinkish.

This hard plastic Santa light is only 7" tall.

Thanks so much for stopping by
Pug hugs 😊
Lauren

Last of the November Updates ~

 

I have found little time for creative endeavors, but have gotten a bit done.  With Thanksgiving and my son being home, it really cut in to my "me time".  Living alone, I should have lots of me time, but it doesn't seem to work that way.  Life can get in the way.

Here is the start of my Christmas decorating.  I wish it could all be this simple and understated 😉

I did finish Santa and Rudy 1892.  I'm so happy how this turned out and I think the X binding technique is just the perfect finish.

Stitching on 40 count linen is going slowly, but I am determined to finish it because I want to gift it before Christmas.  The sampler is just 3 3/4" wide.  She is about half done.

My tree.  What can I say?  A scrappy little piece hooked entirely with worms so far . . . and not green.  This was not on my list!  The height of the triangle is 15 1/4".  

So here are what my October and November project lists look like.

October

HOOKING

Santa & Rudy ~ pattern to linen - hook - bind - label

APPLIQUE

Rebekah Smith turkey ~ pattern to freezer paper - pieces to wool - stitch  (maybe next year)

Stack 'O Jacks ~ pattern to freezer paper - pieces to wool - stitch

CROSS STITCH

Bethia Fenshaw 1861 ~ stitch - attach to spool  

WIPs to finish

Hooked Santa ~ finish hooking - bind - label

November

HOOKING

Skinny turkey (old freebie by Robin Leuschen) ~ pattern to linen - hook - bind - label  (maybe next year)

Seasonal mat for wood box ~ design - hook - bind - label

Christmas themed mat for a stool topper ~ design - hook - bind - label

APPLIQUE

Rebekah L. Smith pumpkins ~ stitch ~ 5 done and gifted

CROSS STITCH

Little patriotic Santa ~ cross stitch - finish as ornament (?)

Christmas Folk ~ cross stitch - finish

As you can see, many things did not get finished ~ or even worked on.  Oh well, there is always tomorrow.  I will not have a December list.  I put enough pressure on myself trying to get my house decorated from top to bottom.  Hopefully I will find some time to finish my WIPs 😁

Thanksgiving was extra special having my Las Vegas son home.  I had to have him at the airport at 5am (and I did not go back to bed!!!  I am beginning to fade!!!) today and thankfully his flight was on schedule and he was home by 7:30am Pacific time.  I think they are a right handsome group.

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs 😊
Lauren

New Lexicons ~

Social Distancing

Flattening the Curve

Shelter in Place

I must say, these are terms I have not heard before.  Perhaps they have been around, but unfamiliar to me.  Never in my wildest dream did I ever imagine something like this could happen.  I am not worried about becoming ill.  The only underlying issue I have is being elderly . . . lol.  

{{Personally I don't think 68 is elderly :) }}

I am terrified what it is doing to our country and economy.  Both my sons' girlfriends are now unemployed.  Thankfully both boys still have jobs.  In Ohio, dine in restaurants and bars have been closed for about 10 days.  Beginning today, we are to shelter in place.  Yes, we can still go to the grocery store, gas station, work (if you still have a job), etc.  Don't get me wrong, even though I don't fear becoming ill, I am being cautious.  Even before this pandemic, I was staying pretty close to home.  I know some of you will find this hard to believe, but I really am a homebody . . . unless it's hooking related.  Sadly my rug camp, retreat, hook ins, guilds, etc. have all been cancelled for the coming months.  

I did have our March birthday get together on Sunday.  Here are the three birthday boys social distancing for the group photo :)  On the left is younger son J (39 . . . how did that happen?), grandson Jake (15 . . . how is that possible?) and my brother Bill (70 . . . WTH?).  No pic of me!

Such a handsome young man.

If we don't laugh, we'll cry.  I still haven't figured the toilet paper issue and it seems no one else has . . . other than if we are quarantined for a long period of time and not allowed out of the house.  (Personally I am more concerned about food!)  If people would just stop hoarding :(  There are so many funny memes out there.  I bet when it is finally over, there will be books published with them.  Of course, since I wanted to post a few, this was the only one I could come up with.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  
Be smart.  Be safe.  Be healthy.
Pug hugs (from 6' away) :)
Lauren

Winter Solstice ~

So happy that the winter solstice has arrived.  I appreciate every extra minute of daylight we receive!

Gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble was a great success.  Molly and I worked a double shift.  Here she is with Paisley, a 3 year old fawn girl.  It's hard to tell in this picture, but Paisley is the tiniest little thing weighing only twelve pounds.  (Molly is just over sixteen.)

They charmed the shoppers.

Ernestine came and paid us a visit.

By the third hour, Molly was totally worn out.  It's hard being this cute.  (Thank you Melissa for her darling dress!)

I am happy to report that $1256.00 was donated for the pugs, and being a totally volunteer organization, every penny goes to help the them.

Each year I post about TubaChristmas and what a fun time it is.  This year was no exception.  100 tuba players ranging in age from 10 to 79, including several from out of state.  Next year will be the 25th year one has been held in our city.  It was said they are planning something special to mark the occasion.  

After TubaChristmas we celebrated Jake's Christmas.  Always good to spend time with family.

Tomorrow will be last minute grocery shopping.  NOT looking forward to that for sure.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

Gotta Love Texting ~

Last Saturday was the Christmas open house at Seville Antiques in Seville, Ohio.  This is a wonderful shop with true antiques ~ something of a rarity.  If money was no object, I'd need to buy a bigger house :)

I happened upon this antique coverlet and texted this picture to dear friend Wink, a longtime coverlet collector.  She lives not far from Xenia.

Before I even got these next two pictures sent, she was calling me.  (Thankfully she read the text tout de suite.)  Within a minute, she was the proud owner.  And perfect timing.  DSO and I were meeting her and her beau for lunch on Monday a couple hours away.  Sometime technology is amazing :)

I own many dough bowls and a few smaller trenchers.  On my antique bucket list was a large trencher.  I found many I liked, but wasn't sure where I could use one or what to put in it.  I came across this 36" one and fell in love with the old repairs.

Here it is decked out for the Christmas season.  I am so happy it came home with me.   

Grandson Jake has been playing the cello for several years.  Now a freshman in high school, he is in the orchestra.  Not a great picture, but that is him in the middle at last night's concert.  The boys wear tuxes and the girls long black dresses.  Impressive!!!

My decorating is D.O.N.E.  I am so happy ~ and relieved.  The only thing left is Christmas cards and I hope to get those done in the next day or two.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

Foster Fail ~

For those not in the know, a "foster fail" is what happens when a dog or cat who was only supposed to be a temporary foster is so lovable that his/her human just can't say goodbye, and he/she winds up becoming part of the family.  So basically, it's the best kind of fail :)

I have been fostering for well over ten years.  I have come close to adopting before, but never made the commitment.  I knew if I did not adopt Molly, I would regret it, so she is officially a member of my family.  

She is my shadow.  Here she is while I am typing this post.  I will never again go to the bathroom alone :)

Molly and Ernestine.  Molly looks like a little peanut compared to Ernestine.

Here they suspect food may be close by.

Molly with younger son J. He calls her little puppy (but that is also what he calls Ernestine).  He has the beginnings of his "winter face". 

Older son Bill with niece's dog Izzy.  They look pretty comfy, though Bill claims he was just resting his eyes.  

Grandson Jake with his Uncle Bill.  Jake is now officially taller than his dad.

I survived Thanksgiving.  Thankfully my niece's hubby is a great help in the kitchen so he was in charge of the turkey and gravy.  We had enough food to feed an army.  I do not eat sweet potatoes, but Marly shared a sweet potato casserole recipe with me which tasted more like a dessert.  I must say it was pretty good.  You can find the recipe here.  Thanks for sharing, Marly.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren