A Story About Cotton Sheets

First of all, yeah, yeah, I know, another "first of all" but I think you'll like this one.

I have had so many bloggers email me and ask about my photos. Now, I am NOT going to give my sources; you'll have to figure out your own sources. But I will tell you that I'm in the process of loading a lot of them to a website for you to view. I have well over 14,000 of them so far. I only post about 15 on each blog post. I truly want to share with you and you can grab any you want. I don't care one bit. I am truly, truly excited to share with you but it will take me a long time. So I'm dedicating the time in putting them somewhere that you can view them without all my talking; although, many of you like the stories as much as the photos. I'll let you know when I have a good amount uploaded to the site. I can do that a lot faster than a blog post. But trust me, it's going to take a while to do them. Just keep reading and I'll tell you when.


Oh, and another thing. I just had surgery on my left hand last week and am having to curtail my keyboarding for a bit till it heals, but I'm scheduled out for several weeks so not to worry.
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I love cotton sheets. My daughter even bought some 600-count cotton sheets for one of her guest rooms for when we visit her. They are worth the money. I will only buy cotton for my bed. My feet especially can tell the difference. They are the best and, therein, lies a story.

I told this to a "thrifty" friend of mine about 12 years ago. Thrifty meaning cheap. ;-) Loved that woman but she was cheap. She would always, and I mean always, buy the cheapest brand, something I wasn't used to. I mean it's not my deciding factor with a lot of things, especially sheets. She had purchased 50%  cotton/50% polyester sheets all her life.

Anyway, she heeded my advice and finally got some 100% cotton sheets. She put them on her bed and when it came time to wash them, she did. She called me and said, "How do I get the wrinkles out?" Well, for me, wrinkles weren't a problem. I said she could iron them or just put them on the bed. I could tell over the telephone she was disgusted, having never thought of wrinkling. I just take mine out of the dryer, fold them as carefully as possible and put them in the linen closet. (And, yes, I used to iron them, but gave that up about 10 years ago.) I think she threw them in the garbage! I would have bought them from her. What a waste. But I love the cottony feel of them on my body and, yes, I can tell the difference in the 100% and the 50/50. To me, it's a no brainer! She moved away right after we moved to this town. I doubt she's ever forgiven me.
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This was one of my favorite rooms during the 90s. I don't know why as I'm not a person partial to brown or beige but the yellow walls just entranced me. Plus the black of the coffee table was beautiful. Just a very elegant room.

I've stated before how I love this kind of shower, one that doesn't need a door or a curtain. I love the whole design of this bathroom.

This is a house owned by Sister Parrish, one of the foremost designers of the last century. (For those of you younger people, that's the 1900s, not the 2000s!) I loved her casualness of an elegant room. Absolutely divine! She gave me so many ideas my head just swam.

Even back in the 1970s, 80s and 90s people wanted an elegant/rustic getaway.

When I saw this photo in a magazine I wanted immediately to have a spot in a room like this.

Plus, even back then, women wanted an elegant outdoor room to entertain.

It was even back then I recognized the beauty of leather pieces in a room.

Pink was "in" by several innovative women. I could see the future of that color back then.

This was one my one all-time favorite rooms also. I loved the pink, red and yellow together. It would be years before I caught the "vision" though. ;-)

Here again, the vivid reds and yellows brought into a room by the innovative use of a collection of magazines. All in all, a lovely, festive and cutesy room.

Coming upon the Christmas season, I thought I'd show you just a few photos from a Christmas room in the 90s.

How about that lighthouse? Is that cute or what?!

Lucky is the person who can have a room dedicated to the colors of the holiday season all year round. Same room as above.

I've always adored this tiny cottage kitchen area.

With this photo I caught the "animal skin" craze. I started making pillows with leopard print fabrics. Remember that? Sigh...

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Keep calm and glitter, glow or sparkle! ;-)

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.
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Linking up with WOW. 

A Dinner Party

Many years ago, Love Bunny, the kids, my parents and I were having lunch at a restaurant in Monterey, California. (The important thing to remember in this story is that my mother was fanatical about cleanliness.) The salads came and we began eating and my mother noticed a worm or some insect in her salad. She was horrified. And complained. Usually, when this happens a restaurant will offer that dinner free to the customer. They didn't; they asked if they could bring her another salad. We all stared at them as if they were crazy. Would you want another salad from that kitchen? Well, my mother didn't. I believe we got up and left. I can't remember about the bill, but I thought a reduction in the bill would have been appropriate. As far as we knew, this was a classy restaurant. Most of them are in Monterey or Carmel. But no, no reduction at all in the bill. We never went there again.

Fast forward forty-five years later.

A friend, her daughter, son-in-law and new grandson (their first grandchild) came over for dinner several days ago. I love this woman. She's the absolute best kind of friend anyone could have. Loves me no matter what. I'm also a great cook. Her expertise lies elsewhere.

I prepared an early dinner of Angus roast beef, mashed potatoes, shoepeg corn, candied carrots, fresh-from-our-garden salad, french bread slathered with butter and homemade ice cream, made earlier.

I told her earlier they didn't get the good china, the fancy silverware or crystal glasses because 1.) They are considered family. 2.) I was too lazy that day and getting ready for surgery in a few days with at least an appointment with doctors every single day that week and had 3 different events that day. 3.) She can live without the frou-frou! Not a problem with her at all. ;-) The new baby took precedence that day. I absolutely love babies and I smooched him quite a lot. Here's this little photo of him looking up at his Dada.

We sat down to dinner and the young father filled his salad plate and proceeded to spear some lettuce and tomato with his fork and said, "There's a bug in my salad." I'll never forget the look of horror on his face. I almost laughed but didn't. He was so stricken. Hubs had picked and washed the lettuce and assured me he had done each leaf. I just grabbed the plate and said, "Well, I don't think Dada will want any salad." Also, I skipped salad that day and I'm a big salad lover. I apologized and later called my friend and asked if Dada had recuperated from the shock. We laughed. I hope he wasn't too traumatized to see the little green wiggling up at him. I'm wondering if he'll ever eat at our house again if the opportunity presents itself.
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Sunny, bright, white dining area. That canopy is quite the thing also.

Cozy and bright pink room and accessories.

Exquisitely lovely blue table setting.

Yep, love that birdcage also!

Birdie singing his song.

What a cute table setting with different kids of cake plates and cloches on a vintage, rustic table.

This room looks familiar and I like the fabrics of course.

Ooooh, let me walk this pathway.

Cute idea to keep the kids and hubs clean while doing garden chores and not dirtying up your kitchen or baths.

Vintage baskets and rose strewn quilts.

I like this idea of soft lights on the porch or patio at night. Easily done, too.

Another quaint cottage and garden for you.

Lovely, but soon the windows will be covered with ivy and the owners won't be able to see out.

I could definitely live in this room happily. I would, however, paint the walls a delicate pink and put pink and white striped satin curtains on the windows.

For a week in the country, hubs could entice me if he rented this cabin. Yep!

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Sharing the Gift

I've been looking at some beautiful art prints to buy to supplement my favorite wall in our living room and came across this one a while back by my all time favorite artist, Susan Rios. Just about all the prints on this wall are by her so it was wonderful to add to my collection. I love her art and we've been emailing back and forth. What a sense of humor this woman has. I am astounded by her beautiful paintings and showed her a picture of my wall. I think she liked it, but I would truly love to be able to paint like this little chickee. Oh my, how gorgeous is this one! It is called "Sharing the Gift" and I'd love to have a patio like this one on which to sit with lace cushions, smell the roses and dream of my garden.

This is how it looks on that wall above the biggest painting
Closer view of it.

And a little mosaic table my daughter made that I confiscated while down in California last week. It fits just perfectly there by my chair. I've been looking all over for a side table to sit in that area but wasn't able to find anything. Thank goodness I found this in her garage while down there.
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Random Thought

If you can't forgive your hubby or wife of anything, then you don't love them enough.

Greeenhurst Nursery #11, Pink Saturday and An Award

Last post was my tale of woe with the computers so I need to apologize to Queenie of Somewhereintime blog for taking so long to respond to her sweet award to me. She's given me the "A Perfect Blend of Friendship" award. Queenie/Christie always posts pictures of her family, state, home and gardens. I thoroughly enjoy visiting her blog because she exhibits her love for her family in her blog. And that's what is all about: family. So thank you, my sweet cherub.
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Do I have the same friends from childhood? Nooooo, I was a military brat and traveled and lived in many states. I know no one from my childhood days. Memories, yes, but actual relationships, no.

What do I value most about my friends? That would have to be their ability to put up with me! I'm very opinionated and never hold back on stating those opinions. ;-)

Are my friends sounding boards? You betcha!!! But hubby is my best sounding board because he doesn't put up with my "theatrics or hysterics" and lets me have it with both barrels. This is done lovingly and with an attitude of trying to help.

What is my favorite activity to share with friends? Eating!! Going out to lunch and just chatting with them. Feed me and I'll follow you anywhere, chicks!

Now, I'm not selecting just one person; I want all who read this and want to answer the questions to do so. I love hearing about other people. My only request is that you email me through the email link on the profile page and let me know you've answered the questions. Yesssssss, I DO care and will be waiting for your answers! Just let me know.
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Now, for more treats from the nursery.

This is their "bar and spirits" area. I'm not a drinker so I only got a few shots here because once you've seen a bottle of wine you've seen them all. ;-) Truly it was just a small area though. I love that chair though and those little things hanging on the table are relaxation disks. Beautiful music is played though out the year in this establishment. No rock here, just classical.....for the plants, I'm sure, but I love classical music.

Look at that gorgeous lamp - one of so many in this place.

I love aprons and this one is one of the cutest I've ever seen. Red polka dots! Look at those lime green totes also. Dahhhhling......

More Christmas dolls.

These are adorable also.

This is the wall leading into the "kitchen" area! It is so colorful with red and lime green. Are those this year's Christmas colors??? Hmmmmm???? I wonder....

This is the "french country" area. That satin quilted table cover has feathers on the bottom. My friend, Stephanie, would love that! Blingggggg!!!! Stephhhhhh, smooches for our mum!!! Make sure she reads this one. We share a "mum" but I think Mum loves me the best!! Hah.....

The french farm house table. I doubt that it is an antique but it is gorgeous!

Just more "eye candy" down an aisle.

A wall in the "kitchen" area. Aprons, dishes, unique ornaments reminiscent of olden days.....fantastic.

Now, I thought this was a fantastic idea. Remember the paper chains we used to make in school? Well, they've taken it to new heights with pretty papers, not just the construction papers we knew as children, but delicious polka dots, plaids, stripes in pink and greens. I loved this idea for even a fireplace or across the top of a door or window.

And here is that little apron in the above photo unfolded. Black and white checks with pink trim. Squeeeeeeeeal!!!

Shot of standing at one end and taking picture of other wall of "kitchen" area. The wall with the colorful red and lime green gadgets is on the other side of the right side of this photo. Just to give you a bit of perspective. This area looks like "Candy Land"!!

That stove is an antique. You're just seeing the door. I'll have the full one in another group of photos. As I've said I got over 200 photos that day and I'm taking them as they come mostly. Aren't those dishes cute? And the "popcorn" balls? Nope, nothing is real. Nooooo, wait, those little lollipops in the bottom of photo are real.

Greenhurst Nursery #8

Is this lamp gorgeous or what?! I think it's stunning. I'd definitely put it in my house even if it isn't shabby chic or roses. Yep, I sure would. Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh

This is where I pay for my purchases. It's always calm there with the music playing and treats sitting on the counter.

This area near the checkout stand is awaiting decoration. It's the only time I've ever seen it this bare. Usually stunning vignettes abound here. But I do love the old time clock hanging there.

This is just to the right of the above photo. As you can see. this is the "pet" area. Just adorable.

This is back in another section of the store. We'll soon be coming to the french country, italian, Christmas areas and the "kitchen" area. Are you gals in for a treat!!! I'm sooooo teasing ya! :-) But look at that chandelier. Gorgeous! And the harvest table and all the faux veggies

Just a picture of their cloches and pretty jars. Much more available but this is it for now.

They have a very respectable book section with all kinds of gardening book, candles and paper items.

Also little hanging signs are all over this place with just about any style you could want: seasonal, lifestyle, cutesy.......anything.

Some darling veggie tassels.

And my favorite: paper lanterns. I was tempted but I've got 2 in my office/computer/painting room and have absolutely no place else to hang one. :-(

I am soooo NOT a halloween person because orange is prevalent during the season and it's my least favorite color. But this little table is just adorable is you're "into" that holiday.

And lastly, another rose struggling with its demise of summer. Still beautiful though.