Can Spring Be Far Away...

In spring, when woods are getting green, I'll try and tell you what I mean....

~Lewis Carroll

Okay, it is frigid outside and it's only going to get colder....brrrrrr.

On a frosty day like this, isn't it funny to be thinking about Spring flowers? No, not so odd at all! This is the best time to make plans for new garden plantings and arrangements, ordering seeds and well, just day dreaming about glorious Spring blooming all around us. It is just around the corner....

Stay warm, stay well, enjoy a daydream or two.

Hugs,

Suzie Q

Just For Fun List

This picture has nothing to do with the post today but it coordinated with the blue lettering I chose to use! The plate in the rear left of the picture was our gift from Grace this past Christmas. She made it in art class. Can you guess which piece is my favorite? Well, of course!

Okay...you must give an answer that begins with the first letter of your name! Go with your first thought, the first thing that pops into your head!

I am Sue soooo....I use an *S*! Easy huh?

Or not...we will see! We can see how people's

minds work, or, in the case if MY mind, NOT work!

Thanks Cheryl for this fun little list!

1. Famous athlete: Sandy Koufax

2. Four letter word: Um...well...I think we ALL know which word popped into this naughty little head but I will go with SNOW!

3. Street name: Spiece...the street I grew up on!

4. Color: Salmon...really! It is in the Crayola Box! And it is a tasty dinner too! : )

5. Gift: Hmmm...Sans A Belt Slacks? Nah...how about Sapphires? Okay, let's go with Sapphires!

6: Vehicle: An SUV? Does that count? Okay, that is my final answer Regis.

17. Tropical location: Sanibel Island

8. College Major: Sociology...that was mine. Graduated in 1978, uh huh, before the invention of the wheel. Or fire.

9. Dairy Product: Sour Cream

10. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Sand Dollars

11. Boy Name: Stephen

12. Girl Name: Samantha

13. Movie Title: Sense and Sensibilities, one of my most favorite films!

14. Alcohol: Sangria

15. Occupation: Social Worker

16. Flower: Sunflower, one of my favorites! Not a bad perfume either!

17. Celebrity: Sandra Bullock

18. Magazine: Smithsonian

19. US City: San Francisco

20. Sports team: San Diego Padres

21. Something found in a kitchen: Scouring Pad

22. Reason for being late: Socks were missing!! Ohhh...I got it! SNOW!!!

23. Something You Throw Away: Socks with holes. (Do I have a sock fetish tonight?)

24. Things You Shout: There is that pesky 4 letter word thought in my head again....but, looking out of my window, I want to shout, "SNOW!!!"

25. Cartoon Character: Scooby Doo!

Okay, now it is YOUR turn!

Stay well, stay warm.

Hugs,

Suzie Q

Where Does The Time Go?

When Bill arrived on Thursday night, it felt like we had just so much time! He left today at 5pmand I am here wondering, "Where does all the time go?" The visit is over in a flash!

Still, a lot was accomplished and we had a lovely time as a family. Bill met with his future boss on Friday morning and they had breakfast. It was a very nice and productive meeting and I think Bill is getting excited to begin a new phase of his life. That evening we took my mom out for dinner and had a lot of fun. Grace was in a wonderfully creative, ahem, albeit silly mood and I was just so happy we still had 2 and a half more days together!

Saturday was a day of hard work! We cleaned out the storage room and re-arranged everything. We have been here 5 years and that is the longest we have ever lived in one home! Things begin to pile up don't they? How does THAT happen!? Hmmmm....well. After much effort, it all looks great!

It is almost open & roomy enough for me to rent out space! Okay, so I AM exaggerating but hey, Bill, Grace and I actually did a little dancing in it! There was room! A little soft shoe....tappity tap....

Bill took 3 vans full of things to Goodwill. Some really nice things....out grown clothes, household things that we no longer need or want, decorations that we no longer use...you get the picture. Things I know that someone will find useful or just love. At least I hope so.

We cleaned up the basement/family room and it, once again, looks like a cozy part of the house, not a repository for Christmas decorations and household items we have no room to put anywhere upstairs!

If I had done all of the work alone, it would have taken days (and nights!) and not been a bit of fun. But with all of us pitching in, it went quickly and was a lot a silly fun too. Oh how I wish I had taken a picture of Bill wearing The Wiggles, "Dorothy the Dinosaur" hat! Now that would have been a keeper!

After we cleaned up a bit, we ordered a Doubleday's Monster Pizza and fixed a Caesar salad.

One of my buddies dropped by and she ate with us. After dinner, we all settled in and watched, "Akeelah and the Bee". If you have not seen it, we would heartily recommend it to you and your family! Sweet, uplifting and so well done. The little girl who plays Akeelah will tug at your heartstrings until you think they will break! Grace simply adored this film, as did all of us.

I was happy because I still had a full day and a half left!

Sunday was an early to rise day. We picked up Mom and headed to church. We were all becoming members of our new church and there were photos they wanted taken. We then went to our last membership class while Grace tried Sunday School again. She is finally coming out of her shell a

bit where it is concerned!

At 11am we all went to the sanctuary for the service and our group was welcomed as new members. A really nice group of folks who can not seem to wait to be of use in the community and service to the church. That is wonderful to see. The minister asked us all to wait in a receiving line to be greeted after services ended. Now, Grace is usually no shrinking violet anymore but hates doing such things. Still, she acquiesced and stood there....bouncing back and forth on her toes and heels. The minister was just to Bill's left and he was getting a real kick out of her behavior. And oh what a kick he got when she said, in a voice just loud enough for ALL to hear, "Mommy! Do we hafta do this every Sunday? 'Cause if I do, I will just faint!" Diva in training? Nope...Diva already experienced and well practiced I am afraid!

When a very dear elderly parishioner asked Grace what she liked best about the church, our sensitive princess answered, " You guys gots really good doughnuts!" Thankfully the lady had a good sense of humor!

Our minister leaned in and tried to explain that she was just being welcomed by everyone since her family were among the *newest members* of the church. Now, this is where we wonder what goes through her head and what words she still has trouble understanding. She shot him a VERY perplexed

expression, rolled her eyes and said, "Well, my parents never tell me anything! I can't believe we bought a whole church!!"

So, she is good for a few guffaws if nothing else!

We had lunch at O'Charley's, ran a few errands and took Mom home. It was so cold....the wind was fierce and the temperatures were really dropping. Just a few snow flakes dancing on the cold breezes but oh how frigid they were. I had chosen to wear a skirt out and regretted that decision the minute we stepped from of the van in the church parking lot! Whoa! I almost did a Marilyn Monroe, "Seven Year Itch" number! Except I was colder, not on a street grate and not quite as body beautiful as Marilyn was! Other than that you get the picture I am sure!

Mom had the family over for dinner later that evening. Chili and all the fixings...so good, especially on such a cold night.

We watched a lot of the "Red Carpet" shenanigans

at The Screen Actor's Guild Awards show...even our Daniel got into a bit of critiquing! But it seems he just did not find a problem with all that actress cleavage like his Grandma did! Imagine that! A 24 year old young man who did NOT find that objectionable! Amazing!

And I was happy because I still had a whole half day left...

I had Mallory today of course but Bill and I played with her together. When she went down for her first nap, Bill went out to run a few errands. He brought home "Chipotle" for lunch. Oh how I LOVE their food. He got some for Grace and Dan too and they chowed down when they each came in this afternoon. Oh how Grace loves her guacamole!

All too soon it was time for Bill to drag the suitcase back out to the car and head for the airport. Yes, he will be back in 10 days. Yes, he will only have to go back one more time after that visit. Yes, at the end of February he will be home to stay. Still, I am a bit blue and wondering, "where did all the time go?"

I miss you Billy....hurry back!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Stay well and enjoy your week ahead....it is almost February!

Hugs,

Suzie Q

It Is Almost February!

Cupid's Cupcakes.... They're easy to make and require no special pans or molds. To make some, line your cupcake tins with baking liners. Then prepare a batch of your favorite batter and fill the cups halfway. Place a small marble or a 1/2-inch ball of aluminum foil between each liner and one side of the tin (a great job for kids, Grace loves this!). This will push the paper into the batter to form the notch in the heart. Bake the cupcakes at the temperature specified by your recipe but check for doneness a few minutes early. Let the cupcakes cool, then remove the marbles or foil balls. Frost with icing and top with colored sugar or sprinkles. Grace suggests pinks and purples! Are you surprised?

Comfort Food On A Winter Day

Not difficult to make, very yummy and my family loves it. It had been much too long since we had them....we all needed a little comfort tonight (Bill flew back to VA this afternoon) so it just sounded good. Warms up a frosty night....oooh, it also smells so good while cooking!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS: 6 large red or green peppers, rinsed 1 pound lean ground beef 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup long-grain white rice 1 1/4 cups chicken or beef broth 3/4 cup diced tomato (fresh or canned) 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt Pepper, to taste 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, plus a little extra for garnish 1 large egg, lightly beaten 3 cups of your favorite tomato sauce

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Slice the top 1/4 inch off each pepper. Finely chop the flesh on the stem end; set it aside. Remove the seeds and white pith from inside the peppers. (If the peppers won't stand up straight, take a small slice off the bottom with a paring knife to make a flat surface.)

2. Put a steamer basket (or a colander) inside a large pot and add an inch or so of water. Place the peppers in the basket. Bring the water to a boil and tightly cover the pot. Steam the peppers for 8 minutes. Remove the peppers with tongs and set them on a wire rack to cool.

3. Combine the reserved chopped pepper, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet. Brown the meat over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

4. Drain any visible fat from the pan, then return it to the heat. Add the rice, broth, tomato, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer it, tightly covered, for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the egg and the 1/3 cup of Parmesan.

5. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a large baking dish or casserole and pour in 2 1/2 cups of tomato sauce. Using a large spoon, scoop about 3/4 cup of filling into each pepper. Set the stuffed peppers into the prepared pan, so they are evenly spaced and surrounded by sauce. Spread a spoonful of the remaining sauce over the top of each, to keep the filling moist, and cover the pan with aluminum foil.

6. Bake the peppers until they're heated through, about 35 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the tops with Parmesan. Serve the peppers hot, in pools of tomato sauce.

Makes 6 servings.

Have You Seen The DCon??

Hickory Dickory Dock...

the mouse ran up the clock.

The clock struck one...

and Bill said, "Why are YOU not in bed?"

And I said I had to visit my blogging friends...

and he said, "It IS one & we have an early day ya know."

And I said, it was that darned mouse's fault it chimed...

and he said, "What mouse?"

And I answered, "The one up on the clock you big dummy."

and he said that it was "a stuffed toy", some other unintelligble words, & then he said, "NOW COME TO BED!"

And I said "OKAY smarty pants! I am done visiting anyway."

and besides, it is blowing outside and soooo cold.

None of this makes any real sense except to say...

never trust a mouse in a stocking cap.

It Is Very Late But....

So, how did we decide on the name for our home? I just knew that upon my first visit to the site, a name would pop into my head. The perfect name for our home!

We were living near St. Louis at the time it was being built and drove over several times during the 5 month process. The first visit was during the Winter and it was so cold and blustery the day we chose to make that initial trip. There had been a lot of rain and snow that week and, what would eventually be our small back yard & garden, was a sea of gray, undulating mud.

It all looked rather depressing and nothing at all like the home I had long awaited.

As we *tight rope walked* the wooden planks from the garage through the flowing torrents of ooze, 3 small brown rabbits darted by us as quick...as quick...well, as quick as a bunny!

Bill turned to me and said, "There! Who loves a little rabbit more than you? And look at them run around here! That has to be a GOOD sign right?". Rabbits....Running....Right by my future cottage....um....well. It *could* have been called, "Oozing, Gray and Depressing Mess Cottage", "I Am Freezing My Ample Tushie Off And This All Looks Horrible Cottage" or the ever popular, "How will this gross, disgusting muddy crap ever be a sweet little English garden Bill? Huh? HUH??? Cottage". In the end, "Rabbit Run Cottage" won out. Thankfully! Can you imagine how expensive a slate welcome sign with that

last title on it would have cost?

A Quick Little Post

Today was my first full day with little Mallory. Is she just the cutest or what? She just turned 3 months old & is such a good baby....now, can you tell Grace LOVES to help? I was lucky I got to do anything for Mallory once Grace came home from school. Oh, except changing a poopy diaper. M'Lady does NOT do poop. That is for the scullery staff, IE, Me.

Just 2 girls chillin'....

Now, I thought I would share this photo. My natural beauty. Um....this is what I get for allowing Grace to *play* dress up with a Barbie make up kit last night. And no, she was NOT emulating her Mommy! How can you even think such a thing? Why, I wear a lot more make up than this! Really! It takes a lot of pancake and slather to make this old dame look lovely. Okay, I am teasing but hey....

When I asked her if *she* was happy with the results, she just smiled and said, "Well Mommy,

I think I look like a movie star." Hmmm....now let's see. Which movie star does my daughter resemble? Bingo! Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard"! Theda Bara? Rudolph Valentino? Let's hope Mom can help her learn to apply make up with a *light* touch when the time comes. If for no other reason than we won't be able to afford that much eye shadow and blush! We would have to take out a second mortgage just to pay for the lip gloss alone! What did she use....acrylic paint? Sears Weather Beater House Paint??

Egads....we may have a lot to deal with someday....

I hope you are all well....I will be *visiting* you all after I finish a bit of clean up and laundry.

Bill arrives about 11pm. Yippeee! How we miss him....

Hugs,

Suzie Q

A Little Of This And A Bit Of That....

I wish you could smell this candle! Just so mood lifting and soul warming....yum. This is a photo of one of my constantly changing "tablescapes". I love to futz and putter and dolop and shiffle (And yes, those ARE the actual decorator terms. One must be a card carrying member of the Artistically Challenged, Color Blind, Overly Cluttered Room Adoring, Tchotchke Loving Amateur Decorators Of America Union to actually USE them. Ahem.) around the house when I can. Let's see. I can move this over here...and that over there...and take this one down and add a bit of that to this...you get the picture. I think we all do that don't we? Of course, I do it so often that it has become a family joke. Sometimes even *I* forget where I put something. Okay, what was on that table and where did it go? Hmm....nope. Not under there. How about in that drawer? No....okay. What WAS there? Ah...this looks better anyway. But then, maybe if I added this....or, what if I shiffled that around and....

It was a day to do just that. Cloudy and cold. I also cleaned and re did my closet today. Ah...I always love the feeling that re-arranging a closet can give. I have a bundle of things to donate and a neat and orderly space. Okay. NeatER and a bit more ORDERly. Anyway....um....

Yesterday afternoon I went with my Mother to a small luncheon with some of her fellow Roosevelt High School alumni. (My mother is on the right in the photo above)

All graduated in 1942 and what a sweet group they were. All had braved the snowy and icy streets to attend. The number was lower than usual due to the weather but it was a lovely group nevertheless. I love listening to folks that are older than me and hearing their stories. It is also a bit of fun to be the *baby* of a group. Believe me, at 50, that does not happen often! Okay, NEVER....but then....

You know? I graduated from High School in 1974 and the stories that these folks tell are not too different from my stories. Okay, so they did not have Led Zeppelin and Vietnam but they did have Benny Goodman and WW II. Right? The music and world problems are all tweaked a bit through the years but teenagers are teenagers...we all shared some of the same concerns and insecurities and happy times. Just did it all in a slightly different way, and with very different hair styles!

That afternoon I visited with my hairdresser and her twins. Mom and Gracie went too. They are the cutest girls, just turned 3 months old and are truly gifts from Heaven. It was a long, harrowing road to their arrival but arrive they did. Healthy, happy and pure joys. I was so excited about playing with them that I did not take a picture! I know, hard to believe. I will get one next time I promise.

Grace had her best friends over this afternoon and they had such a lively and happy time. All dressed up in various tiaras and gloves and dresses. Oh the stories they can spin together. I love to just sit and quietly listen to them. Each giggle is music to my ears!

Dan took my mother out to dinner this evening and then brought home some goodies for us too. I had been out so much on Monday and Tuesday that I needed to stay in and get all the house chores finished. Mom and Dan have a good time together and I love seeing them share some special times. When he returned, he took out all the trash, hung a tray above the dining room window for me, did a little shoveling and put down some ice melt out front. Then he did 3 loads of wash for me. That was a huge help I can tell you! Hmm....now, let's see. What could he possibly want? Nah....there are actually those days that he is a pretty great guy and this was one of them. I will commit it to memory so I can retrieve it on a day he is a total poop. Aw gee Mom...

Tomorrow I will begin my regular babysitting duties! I have had Mallory here but not on a regular basis. Her Mama goes back to work tomorrow and I know it will be difficult for her to leave this tiny treasure. I hope that she will be comforted by the fact that I will treat her with love and care and she will be safe in our home.

And the best thing to report? Bill is home tomorrow, albeit just for a visit. Still, he will be back for good at the end of February. It will be such a relief for all of us when he puts his suitcase away for good. Well, until we ALL go on a trip that is!

I was just thinking about how my day is not complete unless I pay a visit to all of YOU via your blogs. I do not always leave a comment (I should I guess and will make an effort to be better at that!) but I am there. I think about you all and celebrate your joys and keep a warm thought or say a prayer about your concerns. I love seeing your families and your homes. I cherish each and every one of you. I can not express that enough....you all are just a joy.

Hugs,

Suzie Q

A Heartfelt Thank You

Yes, I have been in a silly mood of late and I had fun posting all sorts of blather and dither about my 200th post. Just a bit of fun and I am so happy that you all shared in that.

Still, on a more serious note, I also want to offer you my warmest, most heartfelt thanks. Thank you to all of my new blogger buddies who have been so good to me...welcoming me into this blogging world and inviting me to visit your perfect little pieces of cyberspace.

When I began this venture late last Summer, I was convinced that no one would ever read a word I wrote or see one single picture I posted.

I thought that many would see this as a goofy bit of self indulgence, a waste of my time. Well, thanks to all of you, those worries were soon put to rest. I gather strength and inspiration from you all. I have gained new friendships with an amazing circle of women, for whom I am most grateful.

I tend to see the world in a very different light now, looking at my surroundings with a softer eye, a more artistic eye.

That is thanks to all of you.

I feel more confident and have grown into a more self

confident woman of late. That is thanks to all of you.

I owe you much, I owe you my thanks, a hug and a smile...

More than that really. This blog has become a precious outlet for me, a place to write, to share, to just have fun. It is addictive! I also have come to treasure the time I spend visiting all of your blogs....my homes away from home. From you I learn and grow and laugh and feel a kinship that warms me, nurtures me.

Thank you to each and every one of you.

Hugs,

Suzie Q

Thyme Chicken And Mushrooms

A Crock Pot dinner for a snowy day...

~Ingredients: 5 cups sliced assorted fresh mushrooms,

such as shiitake, button, crimini, and oyster 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 cup chopped carrot 1/4 cup dried tomato pieces (not oil-packed) 3/4 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper 3 pounds chicken thighs or

drumsticks (with bone), skinned 4 1/2 cups hot cooked plain and/or spinach

linguine or fettuccine, or hot cooked rice

~Directions: 1. In a 4- to 5-quart crockery cooker

combine mushrooms, onion,

carrot, and dried tomato pieces.

Pour chicken broth and wine over all.

Sprinkle with tapioca, thyme, basil, garlic salt, and pepper.

Place chicken pieces on top of vegetables. 2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on

high-heat setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. To serve, arrange chicken

and vegetables over pasta or rice; spoon juices on top.

Makes 6 servings.

Kipper Haiku

In honor of the 200th post, Kipper presents his haiku for "mom": You bump me, I growl I "kiss" you, you forgive me Try that, you dum kats! Love, Kipper

Snow Day

Morning at last: there in the snow

Your small blunt footprints come and go.

~Philip Larkin

We shall walk in velvet shoes:

Wherever we go Silence will fall like dews

On white silence below. We shall walk in the snow.

~Elinor Wylie

The Great Snow!

How cheerful it is to hear of! ~Henry David Thoreau

More Celebration And Honors....

Word of the 200th post has spread and now, Brian Dennehy, star of stage and screen, has *begged* me to let him do

*something* in honor of my 200th. (Okay, so this happened in my all too vivid imagination but still...a gal can dream can't she?)

Now, being a sensitive soul and not wishing

him to stay on his knees pleading any longer, I have agreed to let him read a touching poem I wrote in honor of this

world changing event.

Please turn off all cell phones and pagers.

Okay Mr. Dennehy...the stage is yours...

*Clearing throat* A poem to honor Suzie Q's 200th Blog Post...set to the music from the Broadway musical, Brigadoon...shall we begin...

You in the back....quiet please! Show a little respect! There now, that's better, let's begin again...

Ti's a noble venture this blogging biz...

and at writing and venting this gal is a whiz.

Never at loss for words by the score...

from her keyboard they flew, from her mouth they did pour.

Silliness, ranting and rambling extreme...

For all of you here, twas such a bad dream.

When would her writing take flight and give way...

to something more meaningful to brighten your day.

But she means well this blogger and loves all her friends...

for you she will dance, sing and do deep knee bends.

If not for you all, she would be just so sad...

out here in cyberspace, her blog a mere fad.

Now 200 posts later she still perseveres...

when her posts fail and she's knocked on her rear.

Suzie gets up and shrugs off the pain...

gets back to typing and blogging again.

She thanks all her blog friends and wanted to say...

that without you all, she'd a called it a day.

Now it's her joy to meet with you here...

you bring her great happiness, joy and cheer.

*shuffling papers* Is that all? I came all the way from bloody New York City for *this*? Where's my $#@*&@ agent?

Who is this Suzie Q dame anyway? I am so outta here....

Try To Remain Calm...

The Marching Band Performs....

Open the champagne...it's on me!

Toss the rose bouquets...

Cue The fireworks...

A Military Salute...

The Navy's own Blue Angels...

A 21 Gun Salute ...

Rabbit Run Cottage's 200th post! *Cue the William Tell Overture*

Ahem...(Is this microphone on?)...check one two...check one two...there.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pride and humility that I, Suzie Q, announce my 200th post. (Insert thunderous applause)

Now, I realize what a momentous day this is for all of you. There will be tears, there will be fainting...please try to control yourselves. Please.

I will be signing autographs in the lobby after the festivities...$10 for one. T shirts are $25, hats are $20.

Wear them with pride.You will be the envy of all.

Now, please enjoy the parade.

(Try not to throw your champagne

cups at the clowns. It frightens them.)

Thank you.

Little Traces Of Long Ago Spaces...

I guess I am just an incurable romantic. I love things with a past. Those things that have seen a few years roll by, suffered a ding there or dent here, not unlike me I guess! Little treasures picked up at a flea market, in dusty antique shops & thrift stores. Sweet gifts that arrive from a friend, cherished memories of trips and faces from our past. The bits and bobs of our lives.

Kitchen roosters and rabbits keep watch... The laundry room fowl never tell...

Blue and white in the study

I never knew this young woman but I have written her story,

as I imagine it was...where she traveled and with whom.

Treasures from China and Carmel, California

A friend's gift...

Dining Room Plates

With rabbits for companionship...

A Chinese goddess stands guard

Walking sticks from Concord, Massachusetts, Ireland & China mingle with the cane my father used late in life....I always stop to touch the handle as I pass, and think of him.

Vintage Italian photo and a modern San Francisco watercolor

Soft light in our bedroom

Treasures from my Grandmother mix with books waiting to be enjoyed

Bedroom plates and a wee heart which reminds us to....

A subway sign from NYC....

Guest room eye candy

From England and China

Gifts from the ocean....

Virginia Beach, Padre Island, Texas, Pensacola and

Tampa, Florida. The Bahamas, the coasts of Southern and

Northern California, Maine, Cape Cod, Diego Garcia, Connecticut....

Cherished handmade treasures from my mother in law....now watching over Grace.

A memory from my childhood which is now

passed down to my daughter.

I have never been one

who wanted

everything

in our cottage to match.

I pick up a piece here

and another somewhere else.

Somehow, a little at a time,

a treasure at a time,

it all comes together

to make our house a home....

and tells the story of our lives.

Hugs,

Suzie Q