Hi everyone,
I had a full day (I bet you’re tired of hearing that) but I still have a few things to show you…
These are some beautiful Lilacs from my neighbors bushes. She brought a bouquet over and I love how very pretty this bouquet actually was when I put the flowers in a vase. I couldn’t decide if I liked them better on the buffet in the dining room….
…or on the window ledge in my kitchen.
So I just moved them around every so often! They smell divine!
The next thing that happened was I made a corn casserole to take to ??? Can you guess? Yes, it was to Bithar and her family. She asked me if I could visit… it had been a while and we got caught up on each others lives. I took some pictures of her newest little boy, Isaac. He just stared at me at first but I finally got a half-way smile from him in this shot… Bithar fed him some tiny spoonfuls of corn casserole and it turns out he LOVED it. That made her smile!
Two of the girls had just gotten home from school and they wanted in the picture… Grace is on the left and Blessing is on the right…
Grace started right away on her homework… I had to take a picture over her shoulder. She is REALLY smart for 6 years old.
I received a picture from Anne in New Zealand and decided to post a portion of her comment from yesterday to explain the picture. The picture won’t enlarge any… maybe Anne could send it again in a bigger size.
We have another long weekend here, Friday is ANZAC day which is, I think, like your Memorial Day, though ours is strictly for veterans. There will be dawn services all over the country and a very special one in Gallipoli in Turkey where our PM will be attending then rushing to the plane to get to Rome. One of the first classes I went to when I first joined the Patchwork guild was making a wall hanging of poppies. (Poppies here, as in Europe are a symbol for WWI). Visiting my sister not long after I found she was responsible for a group in her church making banners for special occasions. My church had no such tradition so I added the words ‘We will remember them’ and offered it to her. Remembrance (poppy) day in UK is November 11th so obviously they would put it up then but I asked if they would also put it up for ANZAC day as well which they always do. The day is especially important to NZ and Australia because is started the process of being an independent country instead of a colony. The odd thing is that the Gallipoli campaign was a complete failure, in fact the only successful part of the whole campaign was the retreat. We had a population of only about 1 million then and very few families didn’t lose at least one member. Every town and village had a War Memorial, nowadays they include all the wars NZ has been involved in, of course.
The morning is racing on so had better close
Have a great day everyone
ANZAC Day is tomorrow 25th April.
LEST WE FORGET
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
…and one final thing in my day… I spent a while trying to decide on a dress fabric for Molly. I even looked online at 1940’s fabrics to see if that would help me narrow down my choices I had made. I spotted this fabric in my stash and it could ONLY be for Molly, so I chose it. I got it at an Estate sale, or someone sent it to me… I just can’t remember… was it you, Charlotte? I remember you sent me some fabrics once. Or it might have been Kathy. Anyway, I decided to see if I can turn this into something fun for Molly. It actually surprised me and is VERY VERY soft. It looks like an old stiff cotton, but it’s not. It was very nice to handle and wasn’t stiff so it will gather nicely.
I cut out the pieces, but that’s as far as I got… then I decided to show you how it looks “before” and then an “after” shot will hopefully be MUCH better!
When I was looking at 1940’s fabrics online, it said Navy blue was a top color back then, followed by yellow and red… I think this fabric fits the bill, colorwise!
Molly asked me, “Do I HAVE to model this with all these pins holding it together?”
I told her, “Yes, dear… you just wait until you see what I can do with that fabric!” (Let’s hope I can bring it to life!) *wink* *wink*
Well, I need to get to bed! It’s an “up early” kind of day for us! :o)
See you Friday,
Blessings, Jeanne
Your lilacs are gorgeous, Jeanne! They are my very most favorite flower, and the reason why we got married in May–the florist said he could only guarantee having lilacs for the altar bouquets in May! My lilacs are getting ready to bloom, but they’re not quite there yet. The oldest part of the bush broke off a few years ago under heavy snow, so it’s not quite as big as it used to be, but still lovely.
So nice to see pictures of Bithar and part of her family again. That little Isaac is a real cutie! And Grace and Blessing are darling little girls.
Anne, thanks for sending the picture of your poppies wall hanging–it’s lovely! I’m in the same boat you are–I will be 80 on my next birthday (January), and it simply amazes me that I am already going to be That Old!! As you said, I only feel about half that, until I decide to get up and walk, at which time my knee bothers me and reminds me that, yes, I really Am that old!
(In regard to your comment about ANZAC Day and our Memorial day, here our Memorial Day is to honor the military who have died, either in service or not, although in some areas of the country it’s to honor all dead. Veteran’s Day is to honor all those who have served and are still alive.)
That’s a cute print you’ve chosen for Molly’s dress, Jeanne, but no, I’m not the one who sent it to you. Perhaps it was from my friend Kathy in California? I know she sent you some lace and such a few years ago; not sure if she sent you any fabric or not.
Anyway, those are definitely Molly colors! My Molly has several r/w/b things, also, although really her favorite color is red, so she has some things that are primarily red!
My son and his friend were here for a couple of hours this morning, mowing and doing some yard work. I’m no gardener, and don’t even know how to work a lawn mower, so I always have to have someone else do the yard. I have two things in my yard that our picture-worthy, my lilac and my azalea bush. Both are getting ready to bloom, and it’s always a race between them, to see which will pop first! I know I’ve shared pictures of those in previous years, so I don’t think I’ll do that this year.
Has anyone seen the Ruby Red Dazzle? I really wasn’t going to get another doll, at least for a while but she is SO cute, and her accessories are to die for!! Sewing themed!!!
Good for your son to come out and do the yard. Very sweet. I have mowed two or three times. It depends on the weather, but in my two short stints, I enjoyed it because the weather was cool.
UH OH, Dazzle is sewing themed. I must go look.
I am the same way about fabric.
Oh, Jeanne, your lilacs are beautiful, and I can smell them here already! Ha, ha, not really, what I am smelling is my Yankee Candle “Lilac Blossoms” that I light each morning when I get up in the spring. To me, that means spring is here, and it is my favorite spring fragrance! I would love the “ real thing”, but my lilac bush died years ago, and I was never successful in growing another. However, I am so excited, because my azalea bush is popping out now with blooms, after 2 years of no blooms!
Oh my, how cute little Isaac is! He is really growing! His sisters are darling, and I’m sure a big help for Bithar. It is so nice to see them again!
Anne, I could see your picture very well, since I can enlarge just by spreading my fingers over the picture, thus enlarging it. What a beautiful scene that is! Our Memorial holiday is also strictly for veterans, but for those who have died. It’s a day to visit the graves of our veterans and decorate them with flowers and flags. It used to be called Decoration Day, for that reason. Thank you for letting us know more about life in New Zealand.
Now Molly! I’m not sure what you have decided to do with the hat, Jeanne, but the fabric is just adorable and so 40’s! Fruit decorations were the “thing”, especially for kitchens in the 40’s! Then adding gingham, well, yes, no other doll could wear that piece of material! I can’t wait to see what you do with it, and I’m sure Molly can’t either!
My prayers are with you today!🙏🏻
Yes, I received my Dazzle doll and I’m so glad I gave in and ordered her. The little furniture is so well made and the sewing machine is solid metal. I’ll take some better pictures without Japanese or Chinese backgrounds Those go better with my Ten Ping and her little friends who are the same size as Dazzle. Once again the quality of the dolls and accessories is excellent. I’m expecting Evelyn next week and hoping that will complete my collection! The fabric for Molly’s dress is sure 1950s style.
Bithar’s girls are beautiful and Isaac is such a cute little fellow.
Anne, your needlework is beautifully designed and I’m sure is exemplary in its execution! Regarding the remembrances, a great-great uncle of mine was present at the Battle of Balaklava during the Crimean War about which “The Charge of the Light Brigade” was written. Yes, we do remember.
Dear Jeanne,
6 days!
Wow, a wonderful posting today!
The lilacs are beautiful and look lovely on the window sill.
Little Isaac and his sisters are adorable.
Blessings to Anne and her country for ANZAC Day.
I am looking forward to seeing how you transform Molly’s dress. Will it be a kimono of some kind? Hmmm.
Good morning dear friends.
Jeanne, those lilacs are beautiful. I have never had a lilac bush. Wow, What a show off! I love it, and i bet they smell delightful.
Dear Anne, so good to celebrate ANZAC Day, I have it on my calendar as well!!
Your poppies are beautiful, that is a masterpiece and a treasure!
Yes, we must always remember these sacrifices of brave men and women that gave all for our country.
Bithar and her girls and cutie Issac are such a beautiful family! I am so glad to know them.
Grace and Blessing are just precious and they do look brilliant!
Jeanne, this fabric looks perfect for Molly, a cute Spring dress? It looks very nice on her.
I am excited.
Okay, all systems are a GO here, so if I miss a post, I hope I don’t but I need to start getting stuff going here with the moving operation. this morning hubbs and I brought out a huge pile of things for Lupus pick up. I donated two bags of nice clothing, some of mom and dad clothes (finally ready to let go…. after two years….)
we still have a lot of things that will stay in the house for a last pick up after we move out, (NOT in a hurry, perhaps June?) Oh! okay, I have to say, as soon as we settle on May 15, that week-end, Elizabeth across the street, a senior in high school, and perhaps her sister, are going to help me move and organize all of my sewing stuff, tables but certainly the machines. Then they can go home and giggle about how much sewing stuff I have.
They are dear dear girls I will never let go of them. Their mom died of cancer two years after Elizabeth was born. It was tragic, I think 2011. Just heart breaking. Their mom was just the sweetest friend.
Anyway, Thursday again!
I hope everyone has a joy filled day.
Oh, I have been cleaning and tidying my gardens the past few days, trying to trim away shabby looking stuff, but I will have to make a list of stuff that is out of my reach, or needs to be cut with a saw. So far, my flowers are getting settled in their new gardens. I still have not found pansies, oh they are out there, just need to GET them. Perhaps I will run over to Home Depot and get a box or two for the side yard.
Love to all of you
So much to do before you move! You are lucky to have young helpers. I am sure you have been a help to them through the years.
One state south and our pansies are turning brown from the heat. We are looking for heat tolerant summer flowers. The petunias have been a good transition from winter to summer. Good luck with the move!
Wow oh wow, what a lovely arrangement. Your neighbor is so nice to bring the lilacs to you, but your arranging talent and exquisite vase seal the deal. 🙂
Molly looks so happy to be getting this special dress. It’s overwhelming at the moment, but I can’t wait to see it when it is all put together with maybe some navy blue solid for accent.
Good for Grace in getting right to that homework. Is she in first or second grade? Just curious.
Loved seeing Anne’s photo. Thanks Linda for reminding me about using the screen to enlarge. 🙂
Managed to pull another can of weeds late yesterday. This is getting so old. But, lots more to go. Callie the cat was so helpful too. Well, she was excited to actually see clear ground below the weeds. 🙂
I’m sure all will go well today and the rest of the week. Don’t forget to take a break for yourself too. Be thinking of you both.
Joy I left you a comment (or two) yesterday. One was asking you about the earthquake in your area. Since you didn’t mention it, I guess everything is okay.
Up early and busy all day…I can relate. Those lilacs are flower show pretty. I miss them from my childhood in Pennsylvania. Bitar’s girls look very happy to see you. I wonder if has anything to do with the goodies that you bring?
I can’t wait to see Molly’s dress, the fabric is perfect because red and navy are her colors.
So many great pictures and comments.
I’ve been thinking about the straw hat dilemma, can the brim be flipped up like a derby? Don’t know if there is flexibility after it’s made? Then decorated with cherries and blossoms could be cute.
Lilacs, sigh……. I so remember those beautiful flowers from my childhood in PA. My mother had several bushes of both white and purple. She would gather bouquets in the spring and bring them in the house and it just smelled like spring. We absolutely cannot grow them where I live in Texas and while the Crepe Myrtles are beautiful, the smell is missing. We can now do all kinds of interactive things and I love video calls with my daughter in Maine but smell is not something we can do remotely. But I love Linda’s idea of lighting a candle that smells like lilacs. I haven’t found many things that are “lilac” that actually smell like the flowers. Sounds like Linda got lucky.
As for discussing age, I had a friend that was several years older than me. Sadly she is gone now and I miss her, but we worked together and became great friends. Each year when we celebrated her birthday someone would comment on her age. To which she replied, “It sure beats the alternative”. I concur, pains and all.
Anne’s creation is absolutely lovely. I can enlarge it by right clicking on the picture and magnifying the image. It gets some bigger but if you magnify it too much it will become blurry, but you can see the details better.
Bithar has an amazing family. So good to see baby Isaac and his darling sisters. I love the girls’ names and Isaac is the middle name of my one grandson.
Molly’s fabric is interesting and should make for a cute outfit. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.
First about GETTING 80 YEARS OLDI
I seem to be the oldest here, I am waiting to hit 86 in July, so I can let you know how it is.
When I hit 80 I didn’t feel any different, much to my surprise, except for feeling strange, I didn’t feel like I thought I would. The number always seemed OLD, but I didn’t feel that old. I just just kept on doing what I always have done, and kept up with my exercising in Water Aerobics like I have for so many years. .I had both knees replaced 14 years ago and they are still working fine. I started having back problems at 83, but got a good pain doc, have a shot every 3 months and I get around ok. Yes, now I am slowing down, due to my back, but it never hurts during the water exercise. You just have to keep going, exercise is vital, good luck and happy 80th birthday, Ann! You don’t sound as if it is going to change your life one bit. I loved seeing your banner.
Oh, Jeanne, so glad to see you sewing again, and such a perfect fabric for Molly. I almost got her when they came out because she is my age doll. All her little 40’s things are my memories. I can’t wait to see the results. I wish your lilacs could send the smell to me. I have never seen or smelled them in person. It is so nice to see Bithar and the kids again, they are so sweet, so lovely.
Yes to exercise but you have a youthful attitude and a creative hobby/vocation. Sissy you are an inspiration to all of us. ❤️