Still Playing

Here are a few more shots, taken with the new camera. I still haven't cracked the manual open, but I've already taken close to 150 pictures. Anyway, these are some of my favorites. Who would have thought that my failure to put away the dishes from Christmas dinner would turn into a photo opportunity? That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

I'm still taking down Christmas decorations, and coughing my brains out. Can you tell that January is not my favorite month? It was 60 degrees here yesterday, though, which made up for a lot! We're supposed to hit 70 today, so I'll be outside enjoying the weather, and the rest of the Christmas decorations will just have to wait another day.

Have a wonderful day!

Thank You!

Many thanks to everyone who left me get-well wishes -- reading all your comments really cheered me up. I'm on antibiotics for the pink eye, and the sore throat and ear aches are receding, leaving just a nasty, tickly cough, which is keeping me up half the night. And a general malaise. But I think that may be more a symptom of the weather and the end of the holidays. I need to get out in the sunshine, but right now I feel as though I could sleep through the entire winter.

So I'm going to be brief today, and just leave you with a few pictures of some things I got at the thrift store last week, before the head cold from hell struck. I just couldn't resist the two small handpainted bird plates pictured above. They even came with the plate hangers already attached -- perfect for the kitchen.

Here are two tarnished candlesticks, currently joining the fun on the dining room table, which still has the centerpiece from Christmas day. I've been feeling so lousy that I haven't taken down any of the Christmas decorations yet. Hopefully today I'll get a start on that.

Finally, a small chintz butter pat plate, and a piece of Clarice Cliff transferware. You had to know I couldn't resist that.

Hope you all have a great week. I've missed so many of your posts; I've got a lot of catching up to do. But right now, I'm going to take a nap! :)

Rate My Space

I'm still feeling pretty lousy, so I thought I would just leave you a link to my rooms on HGTV's Rate My Space. If you've never visited the site before I warn you, it can be mildly addictive. I find the blog world much more supportive and encouraging, but if you are just a design voyeur like me, it's always fun to get a peek inside all the homes listed. Have fun!

Winter Sunlight

I've tried so hard to photograph the weak winter sunlight as it washes in through the french doors in the dining room, barely kissing the dishes and crystal on the shelves with it's icy light. It catches the golden gleam of the dish rims and bounces off the facets of the crystal. All too soon, it is gone. Am I crazy, or is there a promise of spring in it's fickle light? I don't know, but I'd like to think so.

I find winter so hard to take. Some days I feel like a cat, following the sun through the rooms of the house -- morning: the library, afternoon: the dining room or the family room. It also pours in through the kitchen windows in late afternoon, highlighting every single speck of dust. I am not a fervent housekeeper at the best of times and right now, with this raging head cold, the dust is definitely winning. But still, the promise of spring implicit in that glorious light is the best tonic I know. So here I am, surrounded by a mound of dirty tissues and a half-empty cup of tea, dreaming of spring.

Are we there yet?

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Edited to add:  OK, it's official -- I feel like sh**.   Pardon my language, but a sore throat, double earache, and pink eye in both eyes -- yuck!  Please forgive me, but I just won't be able to visit all of you for a few days.  Looking forward to seeing all of you again when I'm feeling better.   -- Mary

Needlepoint

I've always loved needlepoint, especially pillows, and though I've tried a time or two to make my own, I never seem to have the time or patience. Here are a few examples in our Little Red House:

The picture at the top of the post is a pillow I got for Mother's Day last year. I love the edging of the image which is supposed to look like an animal print. I think it saves the whole thing from being a little too saccharine.

Here are a couple of small framed needlepoint flowers that I bought on sale at an antiques store last year.

This pillow was purchased at the same antiques sale. I don't think it's really an antique, but it is lovely.

Here is a pillow I have had for years. I bought it in TJMaxx, and it has been in several rooms over the years. Currently, it sits on the desk chair in our bedroom.

I bought this pillow for $5. at an outdoor antiques market. I think it needs a little gentle cleaning, but isn't that a great price?

Finally, here are two needlepoint birds that belonged to my mother. I have no idea where she got them, but for years they hung in our tiny den. Now they are in the kitchen, next to my collection of bird prints and plates.

Does anyone out there do needlepoint or other needlework? I'd love to see it!

Playing With My New Toy

Santa brought me a new camera for Christmas, so here are a few pictures...I still have a whole lot of manual-reading to do, but I'm having great fun just experimenting. I also got a couple of really beautiful books that I'll show you soon.

I'm still feeling more than a little under the weather, so posts for the next few days will be a little shorter than normal. I hope everyone is getting back into the swing of things after the craziness of the holidays. Today was my daughter's first day back at school, and no one was murdered in our house this morning, which I count as a great start to the new year. :)

Have a happy day!

Happy New Year

I have so much enjoyed getting to know all of you over the past couple of months, and I wish all of you and your families a bright and happy new year!