Best Wishes

I would like to give my Best Wishes to one of my readers and his fiance.  Congratulations Adam on your engagement!  And Best Wishes to your sweet, pretty fiance. 

Besides the vows and the serious stuff... Adam, the only important part of the wedding is the cake!

That is all anyone really remembers.  Really!

So happy for you!

Finding the Right Blue

I'm trying to bring some blue into our living room.  On Friday I went through the house and found anything gold or blue and piled it on the table.  Then I moved things around.  I put a group of things in a tray on the mantle, picked some snowdrops and added a faux fern.

 I layered some bits and pieces.

 I pulled a pretty tray from a bathroom for the coffee table.  It's holding coasters and some candles now.

 I'm still struggling with pillows and a throw or two.  I had some home from Pier One but they were just too dark.  The blue needs to be a grayish aqua pale blue color.  Robin egg blue but I want it a bit turquoiseish.  It's a tad difficult to locate.  Apparently, it can only be found in my mind.

Meanwhile, Max and Kassie stopped by after dinner at Anthony's on Sunday evening.  

They are just so cute,  I mean, pretty and handsome.

Of course, in between the decorating I am doing suzy homemaker kinds of things, working at the museum, trying to stay warm  and waiting for Spring.  

Parenting Can Be Rewarding

I've had my eye on a new raincoat at the Gap for this Spring.  The color is pomegranate juice.  I love raincoats.  I'm not sure it's because I live in the Pacific NorthWET but I like the lightweight feel of a raincoat and they make me feel prepared.  A pretty raincoat is a sign that winter is on its way out.

This raincoat met a lot of criteria, it was a pretty color, a good length, single breasted and belted.  Retail $98.

I wanted it.  I wanted it bad. I was determined but patient that it would be mine.

For many years I have been buying jean for guys at the Gap.  Earning reward points and then using them for more jeans for guys.  It was a vicious cycle of jeans, jeans and more jeans.  Guys, guys and more guys.

On Friday it was all about Mom, I had hoarded my rewards.  I had saved my special 40% off coupon for myself.  So when she rung up my new pink raincoat on Friday and it came to $8.80,  I was pretty happy.  

The gals at the Gap were so happy for me too.

Now, I'm kinda wishing for rain.

Snowdrops Part II

 The snowdrops were literally in the snow this morning.  I don't care if it's March, I still get a thrill when I open the shades and see snow.  And in March it isn't going to stick around, so why not enjoy the beauty?

It was a gorgeous morning, snow on the branches, a beautiful blue sky and the sun shining so brightly.

I walked to work so I could soak it in.

Loving every minute.

It's Raining and I'm Reading

I've been reading.  It's been raining and I've been stuck inside.  I got an injury last Monday and so I've had to slow down a bit.  I'm not much into television so I read.  That said, I love my Downton Abbey!  I'm not convinced that Masterpiece Theatre is actually television.

With my Downton Abbey obsession I came across a memoir that was listed as a reference for Downton Abbey.  Below Stairs  was written by Margaret Powell in 1968.  It's considered the kitchen maid's memoir that inspired Downton Abbey.  Below Stairs  is a quick read and the author tells it how it was, she holds nothing back.  It's a delightful read.

While A Vintage Affair  by Isabel Wolff  could be considered chick lit, I really did enjoy this book.  A story of a young woman and an older woman told around beautiful vintage clothes.  The story  looked back to World War II and in the end the story made you want to look ahead to Phoebe's future.  I love vintage clothes and as I am a big boned girl they are not in my wardrobe however; that doesn't mean I cannot enjoy them.  And I did, in A Vintage Affair.

Last night I finished  Lone Wolf  by Jodi Picoult.  I have enjoyed most of her books.  Her writing draws the reader into a story whether or not they want to be.  A man that leaves his family to live with wolves, to become part of their pack... generally not my kind of book.  But I couldn't put it down once I read the second chapter.  Jodi Picoult's books are usually about current topics with court room scenes, Lone Wolf  was no exception.  

A book that I'll be thinking about for a long time.  In fact, I dreamt about it last night with a different ending.  I think I need to reread the last three chapters to make sure I know how it ends!

Snowdrops

 Our snowdrops are in full bloom, as is our crocus patch.  The snowdrops are in the back by the woodshed.  I pick them so that we can actually enjoy them.  Since I spent a good part of Friday cleaning bathrooms I ended my afternoon putting together small bouquets for the master bath.

Snowdrops are one of my favorites.  I'm not sure if it's because they are so pretty or because they are the first  flowers of the season, but I do love them.