Little Red House

Mosaic Monday: Vintage White Christmas

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Are you hoping for a white Christmas this year? I understand that you all down in Texas had a taste of the white stuff already. ;) We had our first snowfall here in New Jersey on Saturday, with giant flakes falling at dusk and into the night.

I've been editing some snow photos I took last year at my favorite park, Natirar. I guess you could say that I've been on a vintage black and white kick, with just the tiniest bit of color. If you want to see the landscape photos full size, head on over to my other blogs, In a Soft Light and Simple Things, by clicking on the names in the navigation bar below my header. But before you do that, leave me a comment here and tell me if you think you will be having a white Christmas.

Now let's have some mosaic fun! Here are the instructions:

1. Publish your Mosaic Monday post.
2. Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.
3. Paste the url into the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
4. Type your name in the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
5. Click on "Enter."
6. Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.
That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline.net. I can't wait to see your mosaics! Here is Mr. Linky:

Bucket of Cheer

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. Well, at least a little. ;)

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I'd be thrilled if you would join me for Mosaic Monday this week! Mr. Linky will be up by 8:30pm Sunday. I look forward to seeing all your beautiful creations. :)

Christmas Crumble

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Just a little treat after a busy afternoon of Christmas shopping and decorating.

My friend Toni Anne brought a delicious apple crumble for dessert last weekend. It was so wonderful that I decided that I should make some more, just for me.

Oh come on, don't tell me that you never make a dessert just for you.

Because you do, right?

Anyway, here's the recipe, as best as I can remember.

Apple Crumble

4 Fuji apples, cored and sliced

1/4 cup apple cider

1 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

Preheat oven to 325. In a lightly buttered baking dish, mix apples and cider. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cut in the butter with two knives until it resembles pea sized crumbs. Pour over apple mixture. Bake at 325 for 45-55 minutes or until apples are tender.

This makes enough for four good sized servings. Or one serving, and breakfast for the rest of the week.

Because you do that too, right?

Just a note: when I have it for breakfast, I omit the ice cream. I swear.

How Do I Decorate, Let Me Count the Ways

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Berries,

Beads,

Bonbons

and baubles.

How do you decorate for the holidays?

I've been shopping online and in stores, slowly putting up the Christmas decorations, and hobbling around because I sprained my ankle last week. But I think I'm getting the Christmas spirit, and I'm planning to make some homemade breads for my in-laws. They are always difficult to buy for, so I thought maybe I'd make up a big gift basket with breads and jams and tea.

The weatherman has promised us some really nasty, rainy weather today, so I think this will be an indoor decorating day. I'll try to get some presents wrapped, too.

The fun just never ends around here, doesn't it?

Christmas Past at Little Red House

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Originally posted in December 2007. It's a story I think about often at this time of year.

When I was growing up, times were tough for my parents. My father was a heavy equipment operator; he drove bulldozers and backhoes and excavators at building sites big and small. Here in New Jersey, that is often seasonal work. And in the 60's, when I was a kid, even union jobs were hard to come by. There were times when he was without a paycheck for a month or more. He used to supplement his income by shoeing horses -- something he learned as a young man. Horses were his first love, so I suspect that he enjoyed this more than the noisy, smelly machines he drove each day.

I come by my love of animals from my father. My mother was a "city slicker," as he would say, and never to my knowledge set foot in the barn. I can remember helping my dad to clean out the stalls one Saturday morning when we discovered a nest of tiny newborn mice. They were pink, and hairless, and about the size of my pinky finger. I held one in the palm of my hand. I was thrilled by our discovery, and wanted to bring it into the house to show my mom. She was on the phone at the time, but stopped long enough to peer into my grubby hand, shriek loud enough to shake the rafters, and jump up onto the chair, as if the tiny thing would leap from my hand and start to chase her around the house.

Not exactly the response I had expected, but one which my dad thoroughly enjoyed.

I can remember a certain Christmas where all I wanted was a pair of leather riding chaps. They were quite an expensive item, and one that a young child would quickly outgrow. Frankly, my parents just could not afford them. My mother tried to explain gently that Santa wanted to be sure there were several items under the tree; that chaps were too expensive, and that he would probably bring me some other nice stuff, like warm clothes, and books, and a game or toy. She tried her best to shield me from worry. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I know now how difficult that conversation must have been for her. We didn't have a lot when I was growing up, but I never felt deprived in any way, and I certainly never considered our family poor.

I don't remember what was under the tree that Christmas. Certainly there were a few books, as these have always been my favorite Christmas gift. There was probably a new scarf and mittens, and perhaps some Barbie doll clothes. My dad would have given my mother some little decorative thing for the house -- like a few china teacups with pink roses on them (I still have one of these), or maybe a small piece of costume jewelry. She always gave him a new blue workshirt and pants, which he would carefully put away. When he died many years later, we found several sets, brand new and still in their boxes.

Later in the day, after we had gone to Christmas mass and my mother was in the kitchen preparing the feast for my aunts and uncles and cousins, a knock sounded at the door. She hurried to answer it, drying her hands on her apron. It was our neighbor, Mr. Silverstein. My dad used to shoe his kid's ponies, and help out in their barn. He had brought a gift for me, with his family's thanks. I remember feeling a little shy, and curious. What could it possibly be?

I opened the box and there, nestled in the tissue paper, was a beautiful pair of brown leather riding chaps. He could not possibly have known what I had asked for, and since his family did not celebrate Christmas, I'm not sure what really prompted him to give us a "thank you" gift at this time of year.

I shyly murmured my thanks and my dad shook his hand, but my mother just stood there with tears in her eyes. I have so many memories of Christmases in our Little Red House; of my childhood and of my children's, too. Every Christmas eve, when my husband and I place the gifts under the tree, I say a quick prayer of thanks, realizing how fortunate we are, and remembering that Christmas years ago, when the grace of God brought me that unexpected gift.

Mosaic Monday: Welcome Christmas

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Is it too early? Do you not want to think about another holiday yet? Or maybe you're in a Grinchy mood from all that Black Friday shopping.

Personally, I never want to see another turkey again, unless it is wandering through my backyard. Every year, after Thanksgiving, my husband and I swear that next year we'll have baked ziti. And every year we cave. But 2010 will be the year. I swear to God. Because truthfully, I'm not all that grateful for poultry. But pasta? Yeah, baby. ;)

Before we get to the mosaics, I want to take a minute to welcome all of my new followers. I'm so happy to "meet" each and every one of you, and I'm honored that you take some time out of your busy day to visit Little Red House.

These photos are from last Christmas. What, did you think I was so together that I had gotten all my Christmas decorations up yesterday? Yeah, no. I'll probably still be putting the final touches up on Christmas eve. But I did have a lot of photos from last year that I never showed you. So here are a few. :)

Quiet

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:13:00 +0000

It's quiet here this morning as I write this -- everyone is still abed. The wind outside is howling. November is going out with a vengeance. We had a quiet but nice Thanksgiving, and the dining room table still needs to be tidied. Dishes and flatware are waiting to be put away. My kids want to start the Christmas decorations today, and I must admit that I'm looking forward to doing it together. I miss the days when they were little. :)

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, dear bloggers!

Just a reminder: go visit my interview at houzz and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a Target gift certificate.

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Please join me for Mosaic Monday this week. Mr. Linky will be up by 8:30pm Sunday. Remember there is no required subject for your mosaics. You may choose whatever content you wish. I look forward to seeing your creativity and imagination. :)

Little Red House in da houzz!

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Just checking in for a quick note: Little Red House is featured today at the terrific decorating website houzz! If you haven't already discovered this amazing site, you are in for a real treat. Just a warning, though -- you can lose track of time when you start wandering through all the inspirational decorating photos here. :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks for all your sweet comments and your support. For those of you who are at the mall -- happy shopping. :)

I'm Truly Grateful

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Just a little fun magazine cover that I made up last year. Things are getting a little crazy around here with the upcoming holiday, and the fact that I hurt my back while bagging groceries earlier in the week (Gah!) so I'm just going to take a few days to focus on family, and see you on the weekend.

May you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. And to everyone outside the US, enjoy your week, and know that one of the things I am most grateful for this year is the gift of your comments and friendships. Thank you so much. I am blessed!

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By the way, make your own magazine cover at Big Huge Labs. :)

Mosaic Monday: 2010 Calendar

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Here is an unusual mosaic for you today. I've been busy making a calendar! I found the templates at Shutter Sisters, and added my own photos. The pages for each individual month are sized to fit in a holder made from a CD case. You gently remove the top of the case, turn it around, and reattach it to the base. That gives you a stand up holder. Then you simply slip the calendar pages in where the liner notes normally go. Voila!

They would also look really cute hung on the fridge with a magnet-backed clothespin or binder clip. I'll be getting some printed up this week, so I'll let you know later in the week how they turned out. :)

Now let's have some mosaic fun! Here are the instructions:

Publish your Mosaic Monday post.
Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.
Paste the url into the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Type your name in the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Click on "Enter."
Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.
That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline.net. I can't wait to see your mosaics! Here is Mr. Linky:

Inspiration

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I guess this has turned out to be a week of posts about my kitchen. I didn't really plan it that way. In fact, I rarely plan much about the blog at all. I tend to take photographs and then build my posts around them. I know it would be much better to have a plan, but I just can't seem to do it that way. Inspiration is important to me, and you can't really plan for it. It just happens.

This is the carved tile that is centered in the backsplash behind our kitchen range. I had actually considered putting an antique fireback in there, but couldn't find one that fit in with my cheap renovation plans. And I wasn't entirely sure that it could be attached to wallboard without pulling down half the wall. So I went to Home Expo for some inspiration, and came home with this tile. And it turned out just fine. :)

Today is my daughter's eighteenth birthday. I can hardly believe it's possible. I would post a picture, but she won't let me near her with my camera. Happy birthday, Pookie! (Yeah, even though Mom can't embarrass you with a picture, she can still use your baby name. And no, you cannot get a tattoo for your birthday!)

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I hope you will all consider joining me for Mosaic Monday. Mr. Linky will be up by 8:30pm Sunday night. Just a reminder for those of you who are new to the meme -- there is no set subject each week. You may create your mosaic on any subject that catches your fancy. I look forward to seeing your creativity!

Yellow and Green

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Just some yellows and greens for you today. I've been busy cleaning out closets and drawers in my kids' rooms. Oy! But once it's done I'm sure there will be a great sense of accomplishment to be had. It's just that until then there is a royal mess that spreads across several rooms. You've got to break some eggs to make an omelette, right?

In the meantime, the light was so beautiful in the kitchen the other day that I had to record it. Isn't it funny how light can make such a difference in your attitude? Here's hoping we have a bright and sunny weekend.

Happy Friday, dear bloggers! :)

Feelin' Gravy

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I probably make gravy about twice a year. We're just not a gravy kind of family. But I love gravy boats or sauce boats. I've already shown you my silver-plated collection. Here is a small creamware grouping in my kitchen.

I found this one in HomeGoods. It's from the Hera Collection, made by Roscher & Co. I love the twining leaves, and the curvy handle. It's such a pretty pattern that goes with any other creamware, and also with my brown transferware.

Isn't this little cabbage leaf sauceboat adorable? I found it a few years ago in my favorite thrift store. I've never actually used it for gravy, but I love to display it, and it makes a sweet little container for flowers too. It's ironstone, from Shorter & Son, Stoke-on-Trent, England.

This simple little beauty is another thrift store find. Very plain, but with quite beautiful lines. It looks like it may have been a piece of restaurant-ware.

Here they are, all lined up on the mantel above my kitchen range. That beautiful black iron cornbread mold was a gift from my dear friend, Robin. I love decorating with culinary antiques. And old iron makes a beautiful dark counterpoint to my soft yellow cabinets.

So, have I converted you yet? Are you feelin' groovy? Or maybe feelin' gravy? ;)

Mosaic Monday: Pink and Gold

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:43:00 +0000

We had an absolutely beautiful sunset on Sunday, with the sky shading from soft blues and golds to pinks and roses. Gorgeous! There are still some beautiful leaves clinging to the trees, but most have fled before the north wind. Darkness falls by early evening, and we turn inward to sit around the kitchen table and share a casual dinner. These are the quiet evenings I love, before the craziness of the holidays sets in. Sweet autumn. :)

Now let's have some mosaic fun! Here are the instructions:

Publish your Mosaic Monday post.
Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.
Paste the url into the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Type your name in the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Click on "Enter."
Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

That's all there is to it! It's always a good idea to then check and see if your link is working. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: mrcarroll(at)optonline.net. I can't wait to see your mosaics! Here is Mr. Linky:

Coming Up for Air

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:19:00 +0000

I'm baaaack! Did you miss me? ;)

Just kidding. I somehow managed to get bronchitis on top of a flu-like virus. But I'm finally feeling as though I'd like to rejoin the land of the living. I sound terrible, and I'm weak as a kitten, but I'll live. lol My son went back to school on Tuesday, and is feeling much better except for a nasty cough. Thanks for all your get well wishes. :)

I hope you will all join me for Mosaic Monday this week. Mr. Linky will be up by 8:30pm Sunday. Have a wonderful weekend, dear bloggers!

Mosaic Monday: House of Contagion Edition

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:31:00 +0000

Welcome to Mosaic Monday! Yes, you read that title right. We're having a bit of a flu epidemic here at the moment. Or maybe just flu-like symptoms. At any rate, I have definitely felt better. My son, who attends school in Philadelphia, ended up in the emergency room Wednesday night with a fever, chills, aches, etc. My husband drove round trip three plus hours to bring him home. Endless cups of tea and bowls of soup later, he's beginning to feel slightly better, but now I have it.

Ick.

So this week's mosaic is just a bunch of images from last week, all bundled together. I'm thinking that I will be taking a few days off this week, and although I will visit all your mosaics, I probably won't be leaving comments. I hope you will understand. :)

And I hope that everyone else will take up the slack and encourage one another! Till later in the week then... :)

Now let's have some mosaic fun! Here are the instructions:

Publish your Mosaic Monday post.
Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.
Paste the url into the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Type your name in the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Click on "Enter."
Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

Happy November

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:54:00 +0000

Well, it's definitely November here in New Jersey -- dropping into the high 30's overnight, with cool, windy days. But at least it's been sunny. And quite beautifully colorful, too. :)

We had such a terrific turnout for Mosaic Monday last week -- 90 participants! I have been overwhelmed by your wonderful images and your friendly comments. Please join me for Mosaic Monday this week. Mr. Linky will be up by 8:30pm Sunday.

Have a terrific weekend, dear bloggers!

Collecting Fever

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I'll be the first one to admit that no one really needs more than one silver-plated gravy boat. But somehow, whenever I see one of these little babies, they just call my name.

I love the shape of the bowls, and the gently curving handles. And sometimes they have monograms, which are like icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.

I tend to let them go unpolished. Patina is good, right? That's what I'm telling myself at the moment anyway. lol

I've gathered them together here on this painted tole tray, but I'm trying to find a permanent place to display them. Maybe in the kitchen?

So tell me, is there some object that calls your name? That you have too many of, but can't seem to stop collecting? Tell me all about that one special object, that you just can't resist.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who needs to tweak her meds. ;)

Tell Me, Do: Favorites Edition

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:03:00 +0000

I thought I would do a little slideshow for you today -- a few of my favorite things, collected from some of my flickr photos. There are twenty images on the show, so sit back and enjoy. Then don't forget to come back and answer our questions. This week they are all about favorites. :)

1. What is your favorite movie?

2. What is your favorite piece of clothing?

3. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

4. What was your favorite childhood book?

5. What is your favorite room in your home?

This one is easy -- one word answers for the most part. So I want to see lots of answers today! As always, my answers will be in the comments section. Have fun!

Mosaic Monday: Fall Foliage

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000

OK, I swear to you that this will be the last autumn leaves mosaic for a while.

I promise.

But I've been editing fall foliage images all week, and I wanted to put them all together in the same place. Sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts, ya know? ;)

All of these images except the top left and the middle left were taken at my favorite park in Far Hills, NJ. It is called Natirar, and you can read about it here, in case anyone wants to learn more. I actually have so many images of Natirar that I could publish a book.

The building you see in the middle right photo was part of the original Natirar estate, and has since been purchased by a consortium of businessmen including Richard Branson of Virgin Airways fame. It is being developed into a luxury spa, restaurant and cooking school. But the surrounding land is owned by the county, and is open to the public as a park.

Now let's have some mosaic fun! Here are the instructions:

Publish your Mosaic Monday post.
Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.
Paste the url into the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Type your name in the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Click on "Enter."
Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

Happy Halloween

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Gosh this week just seems to have flown by! I just want to wish everybody a very happy Halloween, and invite you to participate in Mosaic Monday this coming week. Mr. Linky will be up by 8:30pm Sunday.

For those who have asked for instructions in making a mosaic, there is a link to a tutorial on my sidebar. Just click on the little blue mosaic. :)

Tell Me, Do: Kitchen Edition

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:27:00 +0000

I was totally amazed at all the wonderful links this week for Mosaic Monday. You guys blow me away with your talent and your generous comments! I have tried to visit all of your blogs, but I am so behind on leaving comments. I promise I will get to you all by the end of the week. :)

Because it was so much fun last week, I thought we might play "Tell Me, Do" again. Are you up for that? Here are the questions:

1. Are your kitchen counters crowded or empty?

2. Do you have just a few recipes that you return to again and again?

3. What is your absolute favorite dinner?

4. Are you "meat and potatoes" or "nuts and berries?"

5. What would your dream kitchen look like?

My answers are in the comments section. I can't wait to read yours! :)

Mosaic Monday: Autumn Hues

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

For some strange reason, I don't have many pumpkin pictures in my archives. I was all set to do a Halloween mosaic when I found a decided lack of winter squash on the hard drive. lol

So, I thought a ramble through some autumn landscapes might do the trick. :) What do you love about autumn? For me, it is the golden hues all around -- from the drying grasses in the fields to the touch of orange in the evening sky. Hope you enjoy my autumn hues.

Now let's have some mosaic fun! Here are the instructions:

Publish your Mosaic Monday post.
Once it is published, click on the title of the post. This will lead you to the static link for your post. The static link is the page with only that post on it. Copy the url from your browser at the top of the page.
Paste the url into the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Type your name in the appropriate Mr. Linky box in this post.
Click on "Enter."
Please link back to this Mosaic Monday post so that your readers can find other wonderful mosaics.

Beautiful Autumn

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:13:00 +0000

I snapped this through the car windshield a few weeks ago, driving home from my favorite park. Before you go and get your panties in a twist, let me say that my husband was driving at the time.

Sorry, I just couldn't resist saying "panties in a twist" -- it's not exactly something that comes up often in daily conversation. ;)

Anyway, I hope you are all having a nice fall weekend (or spring, for my friends down under). It's quiet and rainy here this morning, and a lot of leaves came down yesterday in the wind and rain. :(

I hope you will join me for Mosaic Monday this week. Mr. Linky will be up by 8:30pm Sunday. :)

What I Got at the Rummage Sale

mrcarroll@optonline.net (Mary) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

First of all, I have to say that I had an enormous amount of fun reading your answers to Wednesday's questions. It would seem that the Felixes outnumber the Oscars by at least two to one. And several of the Oscars harbor a secret desire to be a Felix! On the other hand, almost everyone -- Felixes and Oscars -- go to triple red alert the day before they entertain.

So my question is this: What's the use of being a Felix if you still freak out before your guests arrive? ;)

I was encouraged to read that several of you don't feel the need to get dressed up to visit the supermarket. In fact, I'm thinking of emulating Mental P Mama and going to Stop 'n' Shop in my jammies. :)

Not surprisingly, chocolate in any form was the number one comfort food listed. There were several unusual cravings, though. Sorry, Chris, but I don't think I'll be reaching for waffles with cream of chicken soup anytime soon. lol

I do have to say, however, that I am totally down with Chris' wish for a glass conservatory with a brick floor. How wonderful does that sound?!

Anyway, thanks so much for taking the time to play along. Should we make it a weekly feature?

By the way, the photos here show a few of the items I got at the semi-annual Visiting Nurse's Rummage Sale earlier in the month. Don't you love this pair of flower prints? They are hanging above my desk in the library now. And you know I just can't come home without a few pieces of milk glass to add to my ever-growing collection. I love, love, LOVE the little cachepot with the lid!

But then you knew I would, didn't you? ;)

Have a wonderful weekend, dear bloggers!

Edited to add: I'm linking this post to Cindy's Show & Tell Friday. Go visit her at her beautiful blog, My Romantic Home, for other meme participants. Thanks for hosting, Cindy!