Deanna At Mary Carol Garrity's Table

What the Docent told me didn't change my feelings one bit.

She said the name of Mary Carol's Sister-In-Law is Deanna.

SOoOOoooo the Name Card wasn't for me?

I felt right at HOME and truly WELCOMED 

at Mary Carol Garrity's THANKSGIVING Table!

The Thanksgiving MENU is perfect.

Husband, Daughter, Lil Miss and I went to Atchinson, Kansas for Mary Carol Garrity's Autumn Open House.  Her House is a Greek Revival structure.  Knowing that my Husband more than likely would not be overly excited to see the decorations, I persuaded him to come along to see the architecture.  

  What a beautiful House.  Once inside it was like being Home.  Very comfortable.

First, let's take a look at The Dining room.

A few years ago, I did not know about Mary Carol and her Atchinson, Kansas decorated Mansion that she opens to the Public to view.  Her fabulous Home Interiors Shoppe, Nell Hill's is a big deal.  Came across her as I was surfing the web and today, I AM A FAN. 

I have to return to Nell Hill's when it isn't an Open House.  So many HAPPY SHOPPERS that it was difficult to see everything she has to offer for sale.

Hope you enjoyed.  

I sure did,

d

 http://www.nellhillsblog.com

http://www.nellhills.com

~TABLESCAPE THURSDAY~

Participating over at Susan's Between Naps On The Porch

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/garden-themed-table-setting-tablescape-featuring-peter-rabbit/

Disrespectful

Doesn't the Mayor look dignified?

Yesterday morning on the 911 anniversary, I listened to the names of the victims that perished 12 years ago being read at the ceremony that was presented in New York City at Ground Zero.  I watched as the family members and friends shared their loved one's names.  As their special someone's name was spoken, they were allowed to say some personal words about how much they missed that person and how they loved them.  It was very moving.      

At one point during the reading of the names, the camera captured New York City's MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG standing in the crowd chit chatting and laughing with cohorts as the names are being spoken.

Was this DISRESPECTFUL?  Gosh, I wish somebody had snapped a still picture of him talking during the ceremony.  He looked like a little kid that needed to be told be quiet.  Perhaps somebody did.  

At another time, New York's GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO was enthusiastically talking to his cohorts while the names are being shared.  Shouldn't you be quiet and out of respect to the dead listen for one moment to their names being said?  Don't you know better?  This day will come and go and off you'll go to more important matters?  

I believe their behavior was very disrespectful.  Turned my stomach.  Here are the loved ones of the victims sharing the names of those that perished.  Lost their lives that fateful day and the GOVERNOR is chatting about....oh, i don't know....perhaps the weather.  Maybe what he is going to have for Dinner that evening.  Where's the respect?   

MAYOR BLOOMBERG left the ceremony early smiling as his muscle bound body guards surrounded his small frame.  Walking and waving good-bye, he looked very small and I question his sincerity as he did not stay for the entire ceremony.  The Mayor.  The Mayor of New York City.  IMO...Small in stature and small in character.

White As Snow

Sandra Lee

I know that there was a time in AMERICAN History when leading politicians were looked down upon by the public if they took mistresses while in public office.  GOVERNOR CUOMO lives with his girlfriend SANDRA LEE, the television semi-homemade guru.  They have no shame.   The two share a house in CHAPPAQUA, NEW YORK.  

I grew up in a time where even the heathens and pagans knew they were to marry and not live together out of wedlock.  What has happened to our dignity and respect toward ourselves and one another?  Jump the broomstick for heaven's sakes.    

...keep it simple.

Keepin' it simple,
d

Remembering 911

Respectfully yours,
d

Like This Dining room

I like this Dining room.

The white painted paneling on bottom portion of wall 

with upper portion wallpapered appeals to me.

Hardwood floors and probably high ceilings.

I so love high ceilings.

This is the type of decorating that I hope to imitate 
when we get around to embellishing our Formal Dining room. 

I grew up in a cracker box 
where there was more love than space and

there was no such thing as high ceilings.

Mom covered our hardwood floors with carpet.

At present, my Dining room looks like a warehouse 

as the Kitchen is being revamped.  

Trying to stay focused. 
My attitude needs refreshed.
it's stinkin' 

Over the week-end,  Husband was down on his hands and knees 
 installing hardy backer board on top of old worn out and ugly linoleum floor.  
He laid some tile and it's looking nice.

I am looking forward to having a Dining room once again with a FUNCTIONING KITCHEN.  

That will be the day!

Monday, I had the day off.

Lil Miss had a tummy ache 

so Daughter stayed HOME with her.

Surprise.....whatever will I do?

Should have put my feet up as I rested.

My feet were swollen.

It's been a while.

Perhaps they will go back to normal size tomorrow.

Nutritionist Judy Lindberg McFarland   

suggest taking 160 mg to 200 mg of VITAMIN B6

to combat edema or water retention.

    Suppose to help with tension as well.  

this is a beautiful picture to me

 

Between being on my feet, 
the heat, 

not drinking enough water, 
sitting for a long time in the car, 

sitting still doing paperwork and typing,

my feet let me know about it.    

....instead of looking like this,

they looked more like this:

Remember what FORREST GUMP said about his shoes...

they tell you a lot about where you're going.

Where you've been.

My FEET do the same thing.

 If I have to choose between what Forrest says about shoes 

and a box of chocolates, I choose the chocolates. 

My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. 

You never know what you're gonna get."'

But since I don't have to pick and choose,

I'll just enjoy this 1994 movie all the way through.

The songs along with the events and people that are highlighted in the movie 
bring so many memories to mind about my childhood.

To date, 

it's one of my favorite movies that I've seen as an adult.

 

 

 From what I understand, 

this chocolate statement is one of the top sayings 

from a motion picture of all times.

 

Till next time,

d

A Dozen Years

A dozen years have passed since I was told something terrible had happened while I sat in the comfort of our Kansas family room.  At Lunch time, my Husband would come home to eat and as he entered the room, he asked me if I had had the television on?  No, I hadn't.  

That's when he told me that something terrible had happened.  He was helping to host a special demonstration in the Kansas State University Student Union where large televisions were broadcasting when the 911 turn of events took place.




I sunk into the sofa.  Later glued to the reporting and television evening news about this tragedy that would change the course of history and encouraged me to study about the  m u s l i m  faith.  For the next few days on Campus, no one of the m u s l i m  faith could be found walking about Manhattan or in the stores.  

So much speculation has occurred.  

Each year I take note where I am on the anniversary of 911 recalling.  This year 911 will be on Wednesday.  Middle of the week. 

It is affecting me more severely this year than previous years.
Praying for our country, the family members of those that lost loved ones, for those that survived.  

Dear God, There is no name higher than the name of Jesus in which to pray in.  I am aware.  It is in His name I pray.  I praise you for your goodness and mercy.  I praise you the true living God.  May we not turn from you, but seek your face and honor your ways.  Your mercy endures forever. 

Comfort those that hurt from the results of 911.  I'm asking that the enemies future attempts to destroy my country be spoiled and not allowed to prosper.  I'm asking for your divine intervention for protection.  Have mercy on us, Lord.  I'm asking for revival in my country that the lost will seek your face as the Holy Spirit falls, that the hurting will rest in you and the rebellious turn from their wicked ways.  Let your holy word be heard and the way of salvation through Jesus be embraced and accepted.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

Somber.
d

 

 

DECORATING ON THE PRAIRIE: Old Girl Comes Home To Live With Us

Decorating On The Prairie made room for an old gal to move in with us.  She needs some work done on her, but we're glad she has come our way.  We brought her home as part of our Wedding Anniversary Celebration.  Husband spied her at our favorite Thrift Shoppe and told me about her.  It took no effort to convince her to move in with us, an old married couple. 

Later we will have work done on her.  Much later.

This walnut chair is a Victorian Eastlake Parlour Armchair covered with a velveteen material.

Some details:

How do you prefer to decorate your HOME?  

Do you find yourself bringing home the same 'ole thing 

or something new?  

RULE OF THUMB:  

Decorate and fill your HOME with what you like.

God bless you and your HOME,

d

  Psalm 139:2

You know my sitting down and my rising up, 

you understand my thought afar off.

Contributing this post to 

THE CHRISTIAN HOME MAGAZINE 

at

http://daybydayinourworld.com/2013/09/the-christian-home-magazine-124th-edition/

Soak My Feet

Got up early Saturday morning to travel to Atchison, Kansas.  About a two hours drive to live a dream that I've been wanting for a few years.  Being the avid blogger that I am, I came across Mary Carol Garrity's Nell Hills and discovered that she opens her HOME to the Public.  GASP...i was excited and started hoping that i would get to see in person her place all decked out for the Seasons.  We live so close and this would be a treat to see the Designer's Home.  Yes. Yes. Yes.  Free tour and free ideas to bring HOME with me. 

About Nell Hills. Mary Carol is one of today’s most sought-after lifestyle resources—with her own series of books, a column syndicated weekly throughout the U.S., a line of home accents carried by 750 stores, and custom paint colors. She has garnered national attention from Forbes magazine, CBS’s The Early Show, NBC’s Today shows, Midwest Living, Country Living, Victoria, and many more. Mary Carol is known for her elegant, but practical tips on everything from holiday decorating to stylish ways to entertain at home, setting tables and displays that wow guests with their inspiration and affordability.

www.nellhills.com 

Mary Carol grew up in Atchison famous for being the town where Amelia Earhart, the female pilot grew up living at her Grandparents' HOME.

I pulled my husband's hair (not really) in order to get him to come along with Daughter, Lil Miss and me to attend the AUTUMN HOME TOUR at Mary Carol's private HOME.  Knowing that she lives in a Greek Revival House I knew my Husband would like seeing the inside of an actual Greek Revival Structure.  He could overlook the foo-foo that would be everywhere and look with architectural eyes.

Seeing her actual home made my heart go pity pat.  My feet are tired and I'd love to soak them.  Spent the day seeing Atchison.

Had a lovely day.  Saw so much my head needs to rest right along with my feet.  My 'ole body will feel this day outing tomorrow.

As soon as I edit some pics, I'll share Mary Carol's HOME DECORATING IDEAS.  Also toured Amelia Earhart's Childhood HOME where she lived with her Grandparents.  As we drove the Historic Neighborhood, we discovered Evah Cray's Historical Home Decorating Museum and made a split second decision to tour this three story MANSION.

WONDERFUL DAY!
Although the temps were HOT, we had a terrific day. 

Pics to follow.
I loved my special day in Atchison, Kansas!
d

Deuteronomy 8:4

"Your clothing did not wear out on you, 
nor did your foot swell these forty years.

Spot On

Hello out there in blogland.
Had your coffee yet?

For years I've cleaned our bathrooms 

on Wednesday.

Spot clean with disinfectant wipes 

throughout the week.

Love those disinfectant wipes!

With health issues and lack of high energy, 

I tweak my cleaning routine.

Change is challenging to me.

Having to remind myself that it's alright to do things differently because 
i iz gettin' older.

Love you.

If by chance you're cleaning your Bathroom today,

know that you are doing a good thing.

May you have a pleasant day,

d

JOHN 12:26

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me;

and where I am, there my servant will be also.

If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Home Sweet Home

  

Our HOME here was established December 2006.  

For now she is our 

~HOME SWEET HOME~

d

Granny Nanny Chronicles and Short Cuts

Lil Miss came home from the Beauty Salon and sported a shorter do.  11 inches of her locks went to Locks Of Love in which the hair goes to making hair pieces and wigs for cancer patients.

Her Grandpa was shocked and Granny cried.  I think giving the locks to this organization is heart warming and yet.....I loved Lil Miss's long curls.  

It'll grow on me.
She loves her shorter do.

whaaaaaaaah,
granny d nanny here

Homemaking Amongst The Messes

Howdy out there in Blogland.
Reminding myself that it is still Summer, 
I could have easily worn a sweater this morning while taking Lil Miss to school.  The Town Temp Sign blinked 50 degrees at 8 o'clock this morning.  The air smells so fresh and clean.  Time to take a deep breath and exhale ahhhhh.  

By the sounds of it, the locust are buzzing indicating that hotter weather will be coming along by mid afternoon.

Husband had turned the window unit air conditioner on and I had to turn it off.  Way too cold in the house.  Opening the window will allow fresh air into our HOME for this morning.  Crickets are chirping early morning tunes with the birds.  I can hear our Airedale scampering in the backyard.  Almost sounds like a person hammering on a project.

A wonderful blessing today.  Soft blue skies with no wind.
Beautiful morning here in my corner of the world.
Peaceful.  The Church Bells chime on the hour.  Small town treasures to enjoy.  That's for me.

What shall I fix for Supper?  Think we'll have left-overs with a Salad.  It's Tuesday.  Tuesday night supper made easy after a very busy three day week-end in which we celebrated our Wedding Anniversary. 

Hoping to hang the Autumn Wreaths on the doors.  We're getting our money's worth from these wreaths that I use year after year after year and enjoy seeing.  I purchased them a while back and store them in colored coded round wreath boxes out in the garage.  Each time I enter through the door of our HOME, the bright splashes of Autumn color grace the entrance into our old stone house.  Such a lot of pleasure from a simple wreath.  

These simple things add contentment to my 'ole heart.  Being weary doesn't belong.  SO much turmoil out there in the world that I don't care for it to come inside of our HAVEN.  

KITCHEN UPDATE:  Over the week-end,  Husband and I agreed to stay HOME so he could work on our Kitchen.  Making progress.  There has been so much to do on it.  By Christmas I pray that I will have a completed Kitchen to prepare sweets in and cook our Turkey in a full size oven.  Tadaaah.  Oh, the things we have made in our torn up Kitchen over the past 6 years.  KITCHENS are a necessary room to have.  I have grown an appreciation for CROCK POT COOKING like never before.  With a Micro-wave, a Crock Pot, miniature Oven and Skillet much can be fixed.  Running water and a sink is a must. 

We bought Hardy Backer Board for the floor to lay tile on when the time comes.  Hubby laid the majority of the board down this week-end.  I'm cheering him on.  He has done so much on our old stone palace.  Proud of him.  We bought the ceramic tile about 6 years ago.  She is quietly waiting in the garage.  Soon, the white fridge will be moved from the Dining room into our newly tiled Kitchen.  This will be  a   d a y   t o   d a n c e  when my fridge is no longer in the Dining room.  It will not take me long to get use to not seeing our fridge in the Dining room.  Praise the Lord.  Fridges belong in Kitchens.  I am humbled by all of these projects that are a major part of LIFE ON THE PRAIRIE inside our HOME HAVEN.

Humbled.

This time in life reminds me a lot like being newly weds starting to build a life together.  Though we have been married 39 years....I sometimes feel like I am just starting out.  The ongoing home projects have been c h a l l e n g i n g.  I stay busy amongst the messes.  It's amazing that I am not having fits.  Deanna here has had fits before while waiting for projects to get completed in other houses.  I'd get so tired of waiting.  For some reason I'm not having these fits.  Believe it is by God's GRACE and some maturity on my part that I am wearing better. 

Who'd thunk it...that it would take 6 and a half years for our Kitchen to be revamped?  God knew.  We started out with such high hopes that the Kitchen would be the first to get an over haul after we moved into our Stone Palace.  LIFE got in the way... sort of speak.  Life does that doesn't it?  Because we are living creatures living life.  grins.  So much for being philosophical.  What we thought we'd get done first was moved further down the list than we had originally planned.  Patience my Dear.  Patience.  


Other very important things have taken place during this long haul.  I shake my head when thinking about the projects that have come before the Kitchen.  Done.  It is almost too much for me to wrap my head around.  Completed.

I think the good Lord wanted us to find a slower pace of LIFE here in this old house nestled in a very small Flint Hills community where Life is what it is.  He has had His Hand in all of this and I believe that He wanted us to find more healing here for our own marriage with what comes to parents from a Daughter's challenges with being abandoned by her husband, helping to raise a granddaughter, some health issues, bumpy financial challenges and preparing for retirement down the road.

The house projects have not gone as planned... as we planned, but believe God had plans of His own for us and so the plans are ever changing.  Not predictable.  Can I relax knowing that God has other plans for us?  I need to trust Him.   

 The Utility room was the first to be beautified.  Under the floor work was orchestrated.  Plumbing completed.  Floor tiled and nice coat rack built.  Walls bead boarded, trim down, room painted.  Ceiling light changed out.  Washer and Dryer relocated to make room more functional.  First room ready to roll.  No more doing laundry at the Mat.  Hauling baskets of dirty laundry was a task.  I would do my best to make it fun, but was relieved that the laundry could now be done at home one load at a time.  

Then our roof on the garage and two story house would be shingled but not before the many layers of ancient shingles were removed.  Heave hoe.  Husband up on the roof through out a very hot also rainy Summer.  He grew a beard full of grey hair.  Before roofing was completed rain stained our bedroom ceiling that would have to be repaired.  She will get textured before long.  Waiting.  

The old front porch that disintegrated before our eyes, had to have attention right away.  The old porch was torn out and a new porch with new columns were put into place.  Painted and admired.  A few children's toys were found in the dirt under the porch.  I suppose that these children had hours of fun hiding out under the porch playing while using their imaginations with marbles, toy gun, and a metal soldier.  

Racing against time to get a old out dated boiler removed before snow fell, a new boiler was put in.  Major ordeal.  He-man had to build a special floor in Mechanical room to lift old boiler out of small space that it occupied.   He managed but not without prayer on how to get this boiler out and a new one in.   

A new electric hot water heater came to live here with us as well.  It was during this time that Deanna was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and had two surgeries plus Radioactive Ablation.  PAUSE. 

The Family room walls were cleaned of ancient wallpaper and the plaster walls that needed repaired got a facelift.  New rolls of wallpaper are hidden behind the overstuffed chair waiting for a hands on experience to take place.  When it takes place will be when it takes place.  An entertainment/bookshelf unit was built.  Bead board covered the wall by the stairs.  

New Porch lights were installed.  The small Guest room was bead boarded to add some country charm.  Still waiting to put my work clothes on and tackle this paint job.  Different Chandeliers were hung in four rooms.  

Dog kennels were relocated in the back yard.  The backyard fence needed replaced.  That meant rebuilding.  A flower bed went in.  A old Parlour door that matches the Dining room door was repaired and replaced the front door.  Also a different bathroom door was installed.  So much nicer than what was there.  

My Husband did the BRUNT OF ALL THIS WORK plus worked a full time job and has taken care of an ailing wife.  I am in awe of him.  As I type this, I am exhausted reading what has taken place.   

oh. my. goodness.  now he is building new Kitchen cabinets and revamping all the details needed.  PAUSE.  PAUSE.  PAUSE.

I am his side kick.  Do what ever he needs done.  Take pictures, hold boards, shop for materials and come up with ideas, do paper work, etc.  Just tell me what you need Honey and I will fetch it.  

I have the easier of the two jobs that's for sure. 

Today, I will make the beds, do some laundry.  Wash some dishes.  Hopefully scrape the paint off the Parlour window above the door.  Thin out some children's coloring books and make them ready to go to a thrift shop.  Wrap some Christmas presents.  Sweep off the front porch.  Do some paper work, do some cleaning, pay some bills and take a long coffee break before picking Lil Miss up from school.  Prayer time given. 

I will be giving Thanks for my Husband that I have been married to for 39 years.  39 reasons to say I LOVE YOU.  I appreciate our marriage.  I appreciate this man. 

Dear Ones out there...I hope your day will be pleasant and you take a coffee break, sip some tea or just put your feet up a bit.

I can hear the harmonious humming of locust now as if the heat of the day is scorching the air.  Leaves are already starting to fall off of the trees as Autumn approaches.  Better go.
Late Summer Blessings to you.
d

Shell Day

WISHING daughter-in-law, 

SHELL

a WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!!!

Today is the day to celebrate

the day she was born into this world.

You're a BLESSING!

Love you,

Momm d