Another Great Book!

I recently read Sea Glass by Anita Shreve and I love her writing style.  This past weekend I read another of her novels, Fortune's Rocks.  The setting for this powerful love story is a small oceanfront community in New Hampshire in 1899.  I think I'm going to read The Pilot's Wife by Shreve next.   Has anyone read any other books by this author?

It's Friday!

My dear  friend, Lady Hannah Goldenhare, from the The Raspberry Rabbits  blog, says "have a relaxing weekend and enjoy every morsel minute of it!"

Friends

Yesterday was such a beautiful fall day!  I did several loads of laundry and even hung my sheets outside to dry.  I know, that's a bit old fashioned but don't you agree that they smell so fresh when you bring them in.

I was expecting a visit from my former co-worker and dear friend later in the afternoon.  It's been several months since we were together so I jotted down one word reminders on a notepad so I wouldn't forget things I wanted to ask her.  I also know that's a sign that I'm getting old!

Our visit was delightful!  She's going to be a first time grandmother in the spring and we talked about that a lot.  It was fun catching up on all the happenings at the middle school where I used to work.   We covered so many topics in such a short time and decided we should have a designated night to get together once a month. 

I am rich with wonderful friends and thankful for each one of them!

More Pumpkins!

Can you believe I found these ceramic pumpkins at the Dollar Tree for $1 each?  My friend and I saw them in a antique shop this past weekend for $3.99 each.  I have them on my footed cake dish just to give you an idea how big they are.

I also decorated my mantel with them.  There are several different colors and the only one I didn't get is the salmon color.   I often find great bargains at the Dollar Tree!

Planting Fall Pansies

I read in Southern Living last fall that there is a new pansy available that is called Plentiful.  It is a trailing pansy that spreads about 18".  The article says that these pansies will survive below zero temps with little damage and should bloom from fall through spring.  I was never able to find them locally.  Did any of you plant them last year and what did you think?

Halloween Decorations

Sunday afternoon was cold and cloudy and a great time to stay inside and put out my Halloween decorations.  Above is a weathered handmade birdhouse that I bought from an antique dealer in South Boston, VA, many years ago.  Selfishly, I haven't been able to share it with the birds and have it sitting in my breakfast room.  I've been able to pick up Halloween figures that have the same weathered look and I make it a haunted house every fall.   

I won the beautiful lithograph hanging above the birdhouse  from Jeri Landers, the artist who writes the blog, Hopalong Hollow Gazette.  It is 16 x 20 and the detail and colors are gorgeous!   What a talented lady! She just released a new lithograph that I hope to purchase soon.

Neck Tie Purse

Tonight I folded and packed 95 neck ties to send to my friend in North Carolina who makes the most beautiful purses out of them.  I'm constantly on the lookout out for good quality, clean ties when I    am out "junking".  Below is a picture of a purse she made me last winter. 

Also, I had to share this picture of my beautiful little granddaughter who turned turned 14 last week. I'm not sure how old she was when this picture was taken. Nothing compares to the joys of being a grandmother!

I hope you're having a great weekend.  I love the cooler temperatures!