Everything is just Ducky

Rain, Rain, go away...we've had too much
for this May day!


We are beginning to feel like Pooh....on that rainy day...

But we shall find other things to do...
Certainly not bending and touching our toes! No, no, no!

Let's go to the flower beds and see what has bloomed after the morning showers...

Our pretty Annabelle!

And what do we have here...

These petals look like the shades of purple and blue in the ribbon worn by Daphne Delphinium Duckling!

(She coaxed Grammy Christie to purchase the silk hand-dyed ribbon, called by her middle name, and it is so lovely about her pretty yellow feathers.)

We shall ask Daphne to share some of her favorite books, so she refers to Tasha Tudor's miniature book, The Bouquet...

Miss Tasha has given a list of books that all should keep in their library...for "they have a good understanding of Bears, Ducklings, Dolls and others of like spirit."

Daphne Delphinium is quite proud of Grammy's library, which continues to expand, and includes some of the books on the list...

The Tale of Two Bad Mice, by another favorite author, Beatrix Potter, tells a wonderfully fantastic story of a little mouse named Tom Thumb...(you simply must acquire this book, for it is quite exciting!)

Daphne Duckling, encourages us all to read fun little tales such as these, even if you are a grown-up...for they keep smiles on our faces.

Look and see if you might have some of these books on your bookshelves,  in your closets, or in boxes in the attic....

And little duckling dearest is hoping Grammy Christie has spied the pretty little frock in the picture at the top of the page..she thinks that would be ever so lovely!

She believes the soft pink of the Blushing Bride hydrangea, would be perfectly perfect!! What do you think? Maybe one of pale green silk, as well?  How tremendous will be Grammy's effort to find such beautiful fabrics and trimmings...

Do you see the little fly perched above, on the fresh green petals?


Please Remember:
We pray today for those who have lost their homes because of the recent floods, tornados, and terrible storms. We ask for God's provision and guidance through these difficult days and months ahead.

Her name shall be 'Rose Water Cottage'

After much thought and consideration....writing different names....rolling them off my tongue...the way an expectant mother writes prospective names for her unborn child, using beautiful script, searching the meanings of the names...I have come upon a name for our little white Victorian Cottage.

Her name came to me early on, but other names strolled across my mind...the way it seems to happen when a child's name has been chosen...clouded confusion takes up residence.  Then suddenly the air clears, the first loved name has remained and presents itself as a banner.

As Xavier lay next to me for nap time yesterday afternoon, his little face right next to mine...he sniffed my cheek and said, "you smell like your house, Grammy!"
Tea Rose fragranced lotion was worn on my first evening of dinner and conversation with the wonderful man who would one day be my husband...and it has remained his favorite. Crabtree and Evelyn has carried a Rosewater that I love, and that Tia and Keely often present as gifts on special occasions.  The Rose Water room spray falls to my hair as I release it's fragrance to the rooms of our home...the Rose Water talc is dusted across my shoulders after a bath..

Rose Water body cream is applied to my hands before I slip into the bed at night...

Rose Water hand cream keeps my hands soft...as I write letters on rose stationery collected in a rose-covered tin....

The dried rosebuds and hydrangeas from our wedding cake, have been kept in a bowl that also holds the dried roses that formed a lovely bouquet (presented to us by our sweet Tia on our wedding day)...I wore some of the tiny rosebuds in my hair for that most special occasion.

Even the vintage 'handkersniff' I carried, wiping joyful tears during the ceremony, is covered with pink buds...

Sweet little Eliza has her favorite...

Tasha Tudor's Spring Bouquet Moisturizing Cream has a delightful rose water fragrance that I love to use when I take breaks from my knitting, as it softens the callouses eager to form on my fingers.

So, with much joy and anticipation...our cozy cottage finally has a name ....and a fragrance that will come her way.
Rose Water Cottage shall be her name....

Drying Yarrow

As beautiful as this Yarrow is...bringing jars and pitchers to life...days are coming and going all too quickly  towards our move.  It is time to prepare these golden blooms for drying.  I did think a batch looked quite pretty in my grandmother Leva's french blue pitcher. Leva Jones was the grandmother who grew Morning Glory that was close to this beautiful shade of blue. Mother thought the pitcher would be beautiful for cut hydrangeas, but lo and behold, the Yarrow is quite stunning, as well!

Husband and I made a quick trip to the little cottage to attain more measurements, and whilst in lovely Franklin, we ventured to the Yarrow Acres garden shop.

I found a sweet journal....

...with lovely endpapers...

...and beautiful brown paper pages for pressed wildflowers, sketches, and special notes...

When I finally approached the beautiful counter to pay for my purchases, I inquired of the lovely music playing throughout the shop...with birds singing and chirping along with the soothing instrumental sounds.  These were two of the ones I purchased....(they play now, as I write and sip my morning coffee...such inspiration is found)

I love to hear our resident birds' songs, but new and different birds' songs have been equally as pleasing!

The woman at the counter was generous enough to entertain my questions regarding the best method for drying yarrow. I displayed a photo of my 'crop' and she agreed it was perfect time for harvest and that I should hang the flowers, leaves stripped, upside down. I suppose that ensures the bloom will remain in a tight cluster, giving a brighter effect to the dried arrangements.

So early this morning, I rise...intent on the process of drying my 'treasures'...

Pretty ribbon tied in bows, repurposed for this project, will hold the stems tight as they dry.

The old fashioned "clothes dryer" serves well as an impromptu drying rack.

The count down has begun...two weeks from today...crossing fingers and toes...praying for all to be well...as we close on two homes...in one day.  It is time for packing and moving miracles!!
I am so thankful for a lovely distraction on this Monday Morning in May!

Harvesting Yarrow

Our Yarrow is in full bloom....and I must stop, midst the stream of a busy Saturday's list of things to do...

..and harvest some Yarrow...

Husband and I found the charming town, Old Salem, in North Carolina last Fall, whilst vacationing in Asheville.  As we came upon the giant tin coffee pot centered in the town square, I knew we had come upon a treasure.

Perusing the bakery...(where we happened to find a smaller version of the tin coffee pot to take home..it is barely visible on the top of the shelf to the right of the window)

 gift shops...

and lunch at the Tavern....

We came upon a delightful bookstore...

...full of crafts, beeswax candles, and Moravian Star decor.  When I spied this little candle wreath, filled with golden yarrow, I had to take a photo..

This is my motivation as I gather and dry the yarrow this Spring...it will be glorious and golden tucked into Autumnal arrangements and Christmastide wreaths.

For right now, though, they are stunning in an 1800's Mason jar, vintage milk cream bottle, and repurposed reed diffuser vases...

There is a wonderfully inviting garden shop in the town we are moving to...and I always love to peek inside for frivolous needs...a lavender sachet, a bar of Linden soap, a topiary of angel vine...and it is called Yarrow Acres.  Such a treat for the senses.


Fresh harvested flowers...the fragrance that lingers as the leaves are stripped...fresh polk salad on the stove...
and my heart feels at home....
even though the rooms are now nearing empty.

Close your eyes and breathe...what are the delightful aromas visiting your home today?



I will give you an extra sneak peek at the progress of the hydrangeas and hollyhocks, trying desperately to make an appearance for their "gardener of growing things" before she moves...

See how tall they have grown? My goodness ...they take my breath...

A new caretaker will be coming soon...save some blooms, and greet her graciously...as all southern ladies do. What a welcome she shall receive!

A Peaceful Morning

On this quiet, peaceful morning...birds singing in chorus, in the morning sunshine.... I enjoy a much needed dose of "calm."

These days of packing, furniture being moved out and about, and the 'scaling down' process, has left my body weary..... time to restore and renew.

My little Scout shares this with me...she, being quite exhausted from movers and strangers' comings and goings...wants to sleep... I choose to knit.  She awakens as a photo is captured...

...and then back to her little puppy girl dreams....

                                         

I see the tiny ball of yarn, as I am binding off the top edge of this Tasha Tudor Cottage Shawl,  and become aware that I will need to wind a new 'Gigantic Ball of Yarn' ...as Xavier would say....and soon,  in order to knit the lace edging. 

I finish my one morning cup of coffee....from the mug that resembles a wintry white cable-knit sweater.  And I count my blessings.  First blessing on the list...

.... a grown son who knows his momma well, and chose a Christmas gift she would enjoy, even on a peaceful morning in the midst of May.

Enjoy this day! 

Count your blessings...not your troubles.  

The blessings will always win! 

Start counting.

An evening with Xavier

What to do ....scrandled eggs had been eaten, cars had been played with, Lincoln Logs stacked, and small scissor practice complete ...this little 4 year old keeps a grammy on her toes. I had been packing all day, he had spent a long day at school, so we finally landed in one big lump on the big chair, under a snowy white comforter. He asked if John Jacob and Eliza (our resident dormice) could come down from their home on the mantel to play.
Then of course, he summoned their old car.
"What kind of car is this, Grammy?" He often asks questions, of which the answers escape me ...I don't know how I made the connection or how far back I searched into the recesses of my mind, but I answered,
"It looks like a 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' car" and his response, "What is THaT?"

I have discovered anything in the whole wide world can be found on the internet...and this was not an exception. The entire movie was found...in parts, of course...and at first sight of that magical car, he was entranced.
As I held the iPad, he held the little truck next to the screen to compare the vehicles...it was an awfully close match...when you have the imagination of a 4 year old.
Is the resemblance not amazing?

Xavier examined every detail, and in his little mind, his car was magically transformed!

The movie continued, and the white down comforter became the water... his magic car floated along it's waves, as he held John Jacob and Eliza....out of harms way….

The little dormice were enjoying the play, as they were squeezed in and out of the "magical car"...

When Chitty drove off the cliff, and began to fly, Eliza and John Jacob soared through the air as well…..

The two little dormice have such fat little bodies that John Jacob's backside protruded through the rear window of the car, much to Xavier's delight!  He chuckled each time I tried to push his "behind" back into the car....saying, "Grammy, look at his be-hiney!" ..more giggling...oh, the silly sense of humor at this age! Somehow the term became "hiney-end"....more giggling!
The conversations between the dormice and Xavier continued through the evening...leading to conversations between Grammy and the dormice, Grammy and John Jacob, John Jacob and Eliza, Xavier giving Grammy instruction on words to recite ...voices switching to mice-y voices as each of us assumed our character roles.
Such an imagination... Such fun.... Wishing he could always remain this jovial little boy!

The movie continues...and, as the scene unfolds, revealing the grandpa in his tiny house, dangling in the air,  John Jacob was promptly hung upside down, as Xavier grasped the tip of his tail with his little fist!

(Eliza remained close to Grammy, perched on her shoulder, as she is quite afraid of heights... and being dangled by her tail!)

The visit drew to a close when Xavier's mommy walked through the door. It was time for socks and shoes and hugs and kisses.  He just could not part with his new little friend, who he now referred to simply as, Jacob ...the mouse fit just right in his little hand.  I leaned over and whispered in his ear, (for 'whispering in ears' is a newly acquired skill, procured in pre-school) "You may take him home with you, if you will be very careful with his whiskers... and his tail....and try not to tease him too much about his "hiney-end"! Xavier squealed and chuckled that 'little boy chuckle'.

Sweet John Jacob gave a snuggly hug and kiss to his dear Eliza…..

And then he said his affectionate 'good-bye' to Grammy…

Quite excited over his dormouse,  Xavier hopped and bounced out the door to his mommy's car...holding the little mouse in the air once more...beaming with pride...giggling, as his last words tumbled from his little boy mouth, "Grammy, he has a big hiney-end!"

And with waves and kisses blown, they pulled away.

The pictures grasp tiny highlights of the evening...intended only to remind a grammy and her grandson of a splendid evening of imaginative play, inspired by a wonderfully delightful movie, remembered from  Grammy's childhood.  But, if it serves as a reminder to seize an opportunity....to stop...and play...and imagine... as a child....then it has served an even greater purpose!


Note to readers:
I had not remembered the character's name being "Truly"...or that the little girl's name was "Jemima"...
After I posted these photos and referred to the movie, I received a message from one of my daughter's dearest friends...her name is Truly, as well, and she remarked, "this is my movie!"
This dear girl grew up in New Hampshire, one of eight children. Her mother visited with our beloved Tasha Tudor, in Tasha's home, and has aspired to live the same lifestyle ...on a farm, with a myriad of animals, homeschooling the children who remain at home...living her dream, with her husband and family.
How amazing that she and my daughter have such a friendship and that their mothers have a kindred bond, as well, even though they have never met. Messages are sent back and forth through the girls, to the mothers, for now.

One day, I am hopeful we will meet.
Such an inspiring testimony to the fact that God is good,
and sometimes he blesses us with such delightful occurrences...certainly not coincidence!

Happy Mother's Day...Dorothy Jean Aly Jones

Dearest Readers,

Please indulge this "Grammy" to write a belated tribute, as a daughter.... to her mother....as we realize life spins along faster and faster these days. I want her to know what an extraordinary woman she is, having come from such a humble beginning. But isn't that the beginning of all those who do extraordinary things with their lives?

The daughter of Fred and Effie Aly, Dorothy Jean(my mother), was born in North Georgia and moved to Central Florida as a toddler.

Her daddy built the home they would live in, when Dorothy was a little girl. She recalls dropping a penny in each corner of the foundation of the house...which meant luck, good fortune, blessings, remembrance ....significance of a home being constructed with love, and very little more. The late 1930's and early '40's were difficult years, to say the least.

Dorothy was fortunate to have a loving neighbor woman across the street. Two rocking chairs...a large one for the lady and a small one for little Dorothy...were occupied on endless occasions, for the reading of books. Before she was able to read, the kind lady introduced her to the classic children's books. Heidi, the story of the little girl living in the Swiss Alps, would become one of her favorites. For her seventh birthday, the neighbor gifted her with a tiny crocheted purse....

(As a young mother and missionary to Africa, Dorothy would acquire the Joanna Spyri book in Kitwe, Zambia.)

A sweet little gift, the tiny violet teacup, purchased for 25 cents, would be a Mother's Day Gift for momma, Effie.

When Dorothy was in 5th grade, her beau...Edward Cedarholm...presented her with a lovely "handkersniff". His mother, of scandanvian descent, painted the exquisitely detailed image...

Young momma Effie, made sure to teach her children the stories of the Bible. The book 'Bible Pictures, and what they teach us' was a well-loved book of Dorothy and her little brother Neil. The book is now coverless, with only the spine remaining, but the pictures ...each one, a work of art....are as beautiful as they were at publication.

Young Dorothy would grow to be a lovely young woman, attain the nickname "Dottie" and catch the eye of a tall, blue-eyed young man from Kentucky, in 1953. In January of 1954, William H. Jones, Jr. made his way from Newfoundland (where he had been stationed for 7 months) to Kentucky, and on to Orlando, Florida, within 24 hours. He did not see his beautiful bride-to-be until the moment she walked down the aisle...her veil having been lifted, before she entered the sanctuary, by a dear, wise, friend who simply said..."so he may see your face"….

This wedding photo sits atop the veil, Dottie fashioned herself. (There is a great similarity between the wedding dress of this young bride, and the enchanting wedding dress worn by a princess bride, Kate.)

The receipt for the purchase of gold wedding bands...

Children were born to this union, but not until college and seminary had been completed. Dorothy had felt called, since childhood, to missions. Bill, had a calling to the ministry, and pastored several churches. Together, they were led to the mission field and began to prepare for the journey to Africa in 1964. Three young children sit with them for the photo which would appear on their passports. ...Lynn, age 4 1/2, Christie, age 2 1/2, and Bradley, age 1 year.

The baby gown was worn by Dottie's young sister (20 years her junior), her oldest daughter, Lynn, and her second daughter, Christie...the tiny pink beaded bracelet wrapped Christie's arm as a newborn.

Silver baby spoons have been passed down through the generations, being used by Christie's children and grandchildren.

A photo of Dottie....with two women enjoying her visit to their village...

Husband Bill, had purchased the pearl choker for Dottie, before their passage to Africa...she is wearing it in the photo above.

A letter home...

Dottie had to measure her words carefully, in all communications, even the words she used to describe seemingly routine family updates..it was a difficult time in those days of recent upheaval of their government.

This photo of Dottie, along with Christie and Bradley, shows the ladies Dottie worked with, and their children. Christie remembers the little girl in the pink gingham dress, wearing green socks with her sandals...she recollects their innocent friendship...each trying to teach the other their language...

Dottie purchased a carved ivory necklace for her mother Effie and her mother-in-law Leva Jones. This is the one passed down from Effie. The carved ivory elephant statuette and elephant hair bracelet were brought back as mementos. The black Waldybag was purchased on a stopover in London, as the family traveled home. This being the same style the Queen carried...

Even as a 4 year old, Christie loved purses, and has recollection of this wonderful purchase...the cubby shelving the purse was drawn from...

These were the 60's...the era of Jackie Kennedy....Princess Grace Kelly.....elegant role models for the young women of our country...and Dottie followed suit...

Their work in the mission field was shortened by a difficult birth of their fourth child, Stanley, and it would be necessary to travel back to the States for further medical procedures.

Once again, a photo was necessary for passports...this one, though reveals a weary mother of four, maintaining her posture and smile...such incredible strength to be 30 years of age...

The story does not stop here....fast forward to 2010....Bill and Dottie answer the call, once more, to travel to Africa.  This trip would last four months...working to rebuild an eye clinic, post-war, and helping novice pastors start churches in the villages desperate for God's word.  They left young men and women, who would continue to think fondly of them...even referring to them as Mama and Papa...and who would claim brotherhood/sisterhood to the four Jones siblings (whom they never met... in person).

What a reunion it will be, one day, on the shores of eternity, to come face to face with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

After 57 years of marriage...Dorothy is still in love with the tall blue-eyed fellow from Kentucky…

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My mother has told me many many times...we remember the women in our family by their first names...as last names will always differ....given names will always remain....

On a favored quilt, she stitched the names of the women, forming a list from my great great grandmother down to my daughter....along with my daughter Olivia's baby bracelet and baby ring in the center of her initial "O"...

such a loving tribute....it will continue to be cherished through the years. 

I love you, Mother!

Your darling,

Christie

Preparing for a move...

....it's never fun...weeding out things...has begun. 

A Big House, we've lived in, a Cottage we're buying. Where did all this come from?  Downsizing?...I'm trying!

3 weeks till we're moving, so daylight is wasting...to pack it all up, is surely exhausting!

News spreads to the Dormice...John Jacob is ready.

Eliza says, "John, will you pack and be tidy?"

"All of our things are precious possessions, made with great care and lots of affection."

Christmas wrappings are rounded up...

Dishes to disburse...

Teacups to be tucked away...

Like a bunny, I must hop!

For on I go to every room... and more and more I find....

shelves of Spring and Easter things...

books and books, galore!

In every single little nook...

I'm finding more and more..

...oh, my word, will you just look!

my books, I love to hoard!

So...

          Teacups and books... are all I shall be packing,

           If more than that is needed, I will not have a care!

          For in my nest, with tea and story, nothing will be lacking.

           The world may go on in a hurry, I shan't be with them there.

         A cozy cottage...with cushions fluffed and plenty,

          Will comfort tired bodies, and never leave us weary.

         The fireplace a-glow and dancing, what could be more enchanting?

          We'll drink tea for hours, 'til our eyes become bleary.

         We'll nod off to dream...dreams that are lovely,

          waking as moonbeams lay soft on the floor.

         Our prayers we will offer...prayers that are humbling,

          thanking our Maker that less shall be more!

                                      

Christie "Grammy" Ray

                                      

May 2011

An Early Afternoon Walk

The Little Land

 A Child's Garden of Verses

Robert Louis Stevenson
Florence Edith Storer illustrator

When at home alone I sit

And am very tired of it, 

I have just to shut my eyes 

To go sailing through the skies-

To go sailing far away to the pleasant Land of Play;

To the fairy land afar

Where the Little People are;

Where the clover-tops are trees,

And the rain-pools are the seas,

And the leaves like little ships

Sail about on tiny trips;

And above the daisy tree

Through the grasses,

High o'erhead the Bumble Bee

Hums and passes.

In that forest to and fro

I can wander, I can go;

See the spider and the fly,

And the ants go marching by

Carrying parcels with their feet

Down the green and grassy street.

I can in the sorrel sit

Where the ladybird alit.

I can climb the jointed grass;

And on high

See the greater swallows pass

In the sky,

And the round sun rolling by 

Heeding no such things as I.

Through that forest I can pass

Till, as in a looking-glass,

Humming fly and daisy tree

And my tiny self I see,

Painted very clear and neat

On the rain-pool at my feet.

Should a leaflet come to land

Drifting near to where I stand,

Straight I'll board that tiny boat,

Round the rain-pool sea to float.

Little thoughtful creatures sit 

On the grassy coasts of it;

Little things with lovely eyes

See me sailing with surprise.

Some are clad in armour green-

(These have sure to battle been:)-

Some are pied with ev'ry hue,

Black and crimson, gold and blue;

Some have wings and swift are gone;-

But they all look kindly on.

When my eyes I once again

Open, and see all things plain:

High bare walls, great bare floor;

Great big knobs on drawer and door;

Great big people perched on chairs,

Stitching tucks and mending tears,

Each a hill that I could climb,

And talking nonsense all the time--

O dear me,

That I could be

A sailor on the rain-pool sea,

A climber in the clover tree,

And just come back, a sleepy-head,

Late at night to go to bed.

It is not quite the middle of May, but it feels very much like Summer, already.  A quick-paced walk to the mailbox will give me a good dose of sunshine and jumpstart an afternoon of laundry.  I simply cannot miss an opportunity to document the progression of Spring...first sightings of favorite things...

The first glimpse of Crimson Clover....(as pictured in the story book illustration above)

Being raised in Florida...our nicely manicured lawns contained St. Augustine grass....so thick it could be quite uncomfortable to walk barefoot. In the early years...our lawns, which I suppose should be referred to as "yards," since not much manicuring was attempted in those days, contained sand spurs...that would stick in your feet if you dared to venture outside shoeless.  Moving to Tennessee twenty some years ago...I found the grass is like walking on soft carpet.
I am still in much wonderment over the pretty things growing wild in the field next to our property, as they are all native to this state, but still somewhat foreign (and delightful) to me.


The sight of May Daisies....we could call this month "Daisy May"...I always look forward to its arrival... and its daisies...(can't you just spy the little people under the Daisy Tree)

A wild little rose? I have never noticed this before....(these remind me of Tasha Tudor's illustrations)

Checking in at the grape arbor...I am fascinated by the stages...this one I did not know about....seems quite peculiar. Do the tiny prickles protect the tiny grapes?

I love the little tendrils ...curling their way around...


The mother branch is massive in comparison to the fresh new spring-y green vines...

My brother in Florida, just harvested his beautiful pumpkin last month! Pumpkins in April?  I thank him,
each time we speak on the phone, for encouraging me as a gardener...a grower of things. I promise him that one day I will venture into establishing a vegetable garden.  One growing thing at a time, my dears!

I hurry back inside, wishing I could linger awhile longer....Springtime allergies have won the battle! I will suffer through...

Enjoy your Spring, whatever part of the country you live in.  Each stage is beautiful, even when your daffodils are peeking out from fresh fallen snow...somewhere else, they have already come and gone.

Happy May!

Minnie Elizabeth Weatherington Aly...

I have had the most wonderful news...I am going to be a mother-in-law to the most precious young woman I could have ever imagined in all my dreams and wishes. My eldest, Matthew, has asked his Jenny to be his wife.  The ring he has given her as a promise, and as her  future wedding band, is the ring which belonged to my great great grandmother. I would like to share this post from last year, Mother's Day 2011, so that this sweet girl can know the history of this band of gold, given to dear Minnie on her wedding day in 1871.

"Keeper of the Stories" being my unofficial title in our family is a difficult task, but as I share them in this fashion, they are released, and no longer bump into each other in my mind, causing much relief. I want to remember all the special details, facts, who-begat-who, and on and on...
This is where we shall start.

A little car was purchased for Eliza and John Jacob  ...it reminded our friend Diane of a truck her grandparents had...and it reminded me of a photo I keep in my family treasures cabinet...and so the story must begin with Miss Minnie Elizabeth Weatherington.

She is pictured in the photo wearing her fancy fascinator (this is surely why I adore wearing hats). This was taken about the time of her marriage to John R. Aly in 1871. Her wedding band rests on the art stand and is inscribed "John R. Aly to M.E.W" in beautiful script. The tiny spectacles, toddler's shoe, and darning egg have been passed down to me, but no one is quite sure which article belonged to whom. The dashing young fellow in the picture would be the son she would have, Fred R. Aly, Sr.  Minnie would obtain the Testament & Psalms after 20 years of marriage.

Little Fred Aly, Sr. would one day have a granddaughter named Dorothy, and would carve this tiny little chair for her. If he had ever dreamed that his great granddaughter would still cherish this petite piece of furniture and photograph its escapades with tiny mice and dolls and squirrels...He would surely be proud.

This photo was taken of John and Minnie and their grandson, Fred R. Aly, Jr. with the automobile that reminded me of Eliza and John Jacob's new little car.

See the resemblence?

I am so honored to have this Bible, fragile as it is, knowing that my great great grandmother held it in her hands.

Upon opening, the front page bears a faded signature, date, and address....

A closer look reveals the complete date...

Feb. 14th 1891

Pasted on the back cover, I found a poem, "One of Us Two" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. How incredibly gripping are the words...

One of Us Two

The day will dawn, when one of us shall hearken

In vain to hear a voice that has grown dumb.

And morns will fade, moons pale, and shadows darken,

While sad eyes watch for feet that never come.

One of us two must, some time face existence,

Alone with memories that but sharpen pain.

And these sweet days shall shine back in the distance,

Like dreams of summer dawns, in nights of rain.

One of us two, with tortured heart half broken,

Shall read long -treasured letters through salt tears,

Shall kiss with anguished lips each cherished token,

That speaks of these love-crowned, delicious years.

One of us two shall and all light, all beauty,

All joy on earth, a tale forever done;

Shall know henceforth that life means only duty.

Oh God! Oh, God! have pity on that one

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I have never known who passed away first, and who was left behind....

This is how the lineage progressed:

Little Fred Aly, Jr. pictured in photo on the left...grew up to marry pretty Effie Belle Sams, pictured in photo on the right...and they would have a baby, Dorothy, being held by new mommy... Effie...and Dorothy would have Christie (Grammy)....  I find my smiling eyes in my Grandma's sweet face.

My great great grandmother Minnie, holding my mother Dorothy in the photo to the right. 

Thank you for joining me, as I strive to be a thoughtful caretaker and "Keeper of the Stories"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Miss Eliza has requested that Grammy knit 2 more lovely shawls to send to her new friend, Millie Mousekin, as a belated Mother's Day gift. Mama Mousekin has been quite busy these days helping her mistress Linnie (the Butt'ry and Book'ry) sew tiny stitches in her beautiful gown for the Ball they will be attending this week.  A working shawl and a tea party shawl (like Tasha Tudor used to wear, minus the fancy ribbons...little mice have trouble keeping their shawls on their little shoulders) are being sent her way...

...with warmest regards, blessings, and many mouse hugs!

Hoping all who are Mothers, had a most blessed day, and were honored for their love and commitment to their children.

                                                  

Scrandled Eggs for 'The Girls'

It had been a while since Xavier visited with Ava and Andrea M'lynn, and he decided they needed to come to the tea table for dinner.
He began the task of setting their places...dividing the silverware between the two...plates, teacups, and salt 'n pepper shakers followed.

 A hop, skip, and a jump up the stairs to the playroom, and back down again...juggling a mixing bowl with his "scrandled eggs" and two tiny toy cats, one for each. He explained carefully to the girls, "The cats are to wook at, not to pway wiv!"

Andrea M'lynn is raising her hand, asking permission to speak...this goes unnoticed as Xavier scoops little spoonfuls of sugar in their teacups...he believes they will not mind if he put in too much ...
Salt and Pepper sprinkle onto the plates, which hold visions of eggs..."scrandled" to perfection.

I believe our little grandson is learning more and more each day....and how glad it makes "The Girls" to have his most sincere intentions offered on a pretty afternoon in May!

Xavier's in the Kitchen at Grammy's

Grammy sees a post on "Our Scented Cottage"...Recipe for Upside Down Blueberry Cake...for blueberry lovers....a box of fresh blueberries in the fridge...an afternoon with Xavier....Mother's Day on its way...Mommy likes blueberries...to the kitchen we go...

Blueberries swimming in butter and brown sugar, so we move to the mixing bowls.

Three pretty eggs (farm fresh from friends Glenn and Debbie)....selected and cracked (this was quite an interesting lesson)...little hands learning how to tap, tap, tap... takes practice, practice, practice.

With a whisk, the real fun begins! "Grammy, I just wuv heppin' you in the kitchen!"

Then we reach for the milk...

Flour comes next...little arms begin to tire..."This is hard Work, Grammy!" Yes, it is, but we have much discussion about Mother's Day, and he decides this will be her present...Now, he is reconciled to the task at hand...

Xavier sees Grammy taking pictures and says, "Didju take a picture of dat?" Pointing to the iPad with Laura's "Our Scented Cottage" recipe, I had to include this photo, along with a very big Thank You to our dear friend for her post....

After pouring the batter into the skillet (this job went to Grammy), into the oven it goes....

My Grandma Effie's iron skillet is used ....her home always kept the scent of blueberry muffins... the very fragrance now fills our keeping room...and piques one little boy's appetite. A bowl of Grammy's Cereal (Special K with Vanilla and Almonds) satisfies...

Precious...this boy loves his cars!

Mommy arrives before the cake has finished cooking. Oh, he does NOT want to leave ....He needs that cake!! for his Mommy!!!
Grammy promises the cake will be delivered and they can enjoy his cake tomorrow; tired little boy heads home with tired mommy..

The timer is buzzing and the oven is opened. The skillet is hot and the blueberries are bubbling at the edges of the cake. It cools for just a bit....

The flip is tricky, but managed...

A tiny "taste test" sliver is sliced...if there had been a scoop of vanilla ice cream on hand...Oh, my!
What a perfect day it is when Xavier's in the kitchen with Grammy!

A Visit to 'City Mouse'

Mistress Grammy and her Husband must make a trip to the city, for they must tend to a matter...
It happens to be the home where cousin "City Mouse" resides...and it is her mistress whom they shall visit.

Treats are prepared...Teapot shaped Vanilla Scones and a jar of homemade Lemon Curd (Grammy has never made lemon curd, but a most delectable recipe was found on "Our Scented Cottage.")

The mistress has spent many hours, tending to matters for Grammy and Husband, and she especially loves nice little surprises!

Eliza has received a "new" car, and she "believes" she can drive all the way to the city to visit her cousin.

Grammy tells her to turn off the puttering little engine ...Eliza simply does not understand.
Grammy explains, "City Mouse lives oh, so far away...and you are such a tiny little mouse....with such a tiny little car! I am afraid you must stay home, whilst we're away. We will surely relay to cousin your most sincere regrets."
So Eliza, being a very good little Dormouse, went straightaway to park the car and make her way back to her cottage. She found a cozy little pillow, fashioned from a very old quilt, on the daybed procured by Mistress Grammy...and nestled down for the evening, with John Jacob, keeping a watchful eye over the keeping room, until Mistress and Husband return.

Mistress Grammy and Husband drive for a very long time, 'til at last, they have arrived! Upon their entrance, following a pleasant greeting from the Mistress of the Home, City Mouse squeaks "Hello!"
Mistress Grammy's eyes follow the little squeak until she comes upon the tiny residence 'neath the table by the window....

"Hello, dear mouse! How clever you are to find such a delightfully inviting door to your cottage! Might we come a little closer?"
Squeaking can be heard....very tiny, little girl squeaks...

"How lovely you look in your tiny shawl and kerchief! We are so glad you are enjoying its warmth on this unusually chilly day!"
Nods and squeaks are seen and heard...

"Country Mouse Eliza sends her warmest regards and regrets she was unable to travel this very far distance, but how nice it was to see you, and we will send your 'hello' to her and John Jacob."

How very pleasant was the evening, and how very late 'twas the arrival home. Much too late for little Dormice to be running about...must be tucked in bed ....dreaming sweet little dreams....shhhhh....good night....

On a Morning in May...

"I can hear the violins begin,

I can hear the piper play,

But every time I think of you,

You just steal my heart away....Just like a morning in May like this...."

Grammy and Big Daddy's story began on a morning in May, seven years ago, and the lyrics from Van Morrison's song became "their song." 

This was such a beautiful morning, I took a stroll, with a letter to mail and my camera in hand, and captured a bit of the loveliness along the way to the mailbox at the end of the drive.

  I never tire watching this climbing hydrangea attach itself, 

climbing ever upward.

Good "Morning, Glory!"

Welcome! little "rainbow" garden...Xavier will be so happy to meet you!

I am so proud of my Peony Girls...

Pretty ..and Pink ..and Deliciously Fragrant....

Oh, how I wish you could feel this cool breeze and hear the calming sounds of the waterfall, as I stand in the shade of the Grand "Marshmallow" tree....

I must say...April Showers brought Fields of Flowers...

I place my letter in the mailbox, lift the red flag, and turn to walk the length of the drive to our house....

such a pretty sight...the cottage, our home, and the stone barn....with a backdrop of the most vibrant shade of blue...it catches my breath....and steals my heart away....

It is May Day!

I remember celebrating May Day when I was a little girl...beautiful ribbons streaming from a pole on the playground at school...weaving in and out...all of the children marching around.... such fun!
I found the lovely picture above, entitled "The Children's May Pole," in the antiquated book "Happy England" by Helen Allingham.  My dear friend Diane at Corgncombe Courant, had the most beautiful post featuring this book and its quaint scenes of country life in England. I have enjoyed having my own copy, now, and am ever thankful to Diane for introducing us to this treasure!

We awoke this morning to thunderstorms and left for church as the rain continued to drizzle....
When we arrived home, pulling into the drive, we looked towards the pond and exclaimed with much delight..."Look! Canada Geese!!"

Xavier was beside himself with excitement, for we had not had them visit....we had only seen them as they flew across our property on infrequent occasions. We approached very carefully, trying not to disturb them, but as we drove up beside the pond, they suddenly honked and took flight!

The pond was full to overflowing...but at least we enjoyed a few minutes without rain, to capture a few more photos, updating the progress of our flowers at 'Morning, Glory' cottage....

The hollyhocks are filled with buds, now, and we are so anxious to see them bloom this year. The peonies are ready, as well...

This is the most spectacular sight, to the gardener who thought a sweet plant had ended its will to produce...

As we move further up the drive and park our car, I come to the hydrangea bed for a glimpse at their progress. The climbing hydrangea is in bloom, and I spy little buds on the other lovelies at her side.

Once inside our home, we look to a very special book to retrieve more information about the geese..

Again, we thank our dear Diane for sharing this most beautiful and informative book, on a recent post describing the fascinating call of the red-winged blackbird.  Xavier, along with anyone who chooses to peruse this book, is intrigued, and anxious to tap the little button and hear the famous call of the Canada Goose.

We dig further into our ever-growing library, and find photographs of the beautiful peonies that grew in Tasha Tudor's cottage garden...

The English Cottage Gardening Book is such a feast for the gardener's eyes...a wish book, of sorts...each page provoking dreams of flowing, trailing, blossoming, borderless beds ...a must-have for cottage gardeners...

Someday, I will find these particular fragrant beauties...

Thank you to dear Natalie at Rookery Ramblings, Office Manager of Tasha Tudor and Family, for posting the availability of this exquisite, hard to find, book.

So on this rainiest of days on the first of May, we gaze through the bay window, over the fresh green grass, saturated by these rains, and ponder the beauty to come...as these showers will bring our flowers! Happy May Day!

A Saturday in Spring...April Showers brought flowers for May

After all the rain, floods, tornado warnings and horribly windy days, we finally have a wonderful gift! A gloriously warm, sunshine-y Saturday...the last day of April....and I simply had to fetch some photos of the lovely irises appearing against the fence, making a beautiful backdrop for the grape arbor, with its climbing, productive vines.

Look closely...do you see the baby grapes beginning to form?

The Tennessee state flower is the Iris, in the lovliest shade of purple...which is why I purchased my 'Iris' wellies... (Natalie..they are just the right color, don't you think?)

These bloomed on the prettiest day of the year!

This is another one I adore. It is the creamiest peach, and looks so pretty in the glass pitcher.

This Easter season, I was blessed to receive gifts and packages from dear family members. Once again, I have used my treasured art stand to display the two new books I received, which form the back drop of a sweet tea table still life.

Well, I must say, my little Eliza Dormouse shared that her sweet John Jacob has been ever so fretful to stay at their cottage in the baseboard aside the tea table...Scout pounces and hops about...ever-threatening their safety...and Scout believes she is having quite a grand time, playing with her new friends. I believe there has been a terrible miscommunication of intentions, but as their mistress, I think and think...until I have found the next most perfectly perfect spot for their home. Atop the mantel of the fireplace in the keeping room, I have found a lovely bit of real estate...slate rock for a front porch...the greenest of green topiaries, in tiny little pots....greenery that grows instantly over the cottage door (a sprinkle of glittery dust creates such things), even a welcoming wreath, hanging with invitation to enter,... and the Dormice are as happy as larks!

I think of all the pictures I've ever seen, of cottage gardens, cottage doors, cottage furnishings...and my imagination runs full speed ahead...searching craft closet, kitchen cupboards, and even the garden outside...and I find little pieces of this and that, forming a miniature "cottage world" for deserving little friends. What a delightful way to spend those extra minutes in the day...between the household chores, visits with grandchildren and family, errands that must be run...  I am glad to share the "harvest" of those moments.

Eliza and Grammy prepare Victorian Cookies for Royal Wedding Day

A Royal Wedding! What a lovely time to bake ...Eliza is ever so excited to learn! She and her mistress are anxious to try a recipe from their dear friend Laura at "Our Scented Cottage." Victorian lavender cookies with Rosewater Icing will be most special for celebration tomorrow as William and Kate exchange their vows.  (Mistress Grammy watched a royal wedding many, many years ago...a bittersweet recollection.)

Grammy and Eliza place their "receipts" (Tasha Tudor used this old fashioned term, meaning recipe) and folders on their new art stands, skillfully crafted by Seth Tudor, and collect the needed ingredients. Culinary Rosewater and Lavender have been special ordered.

Eliza is excited to begin a folder of her own! She is grateful that her Mistress Grammy has taken care to save a dormouse-sized chair, carved by her great grandpa, Fred Aly, Sr. for mistress' mother when she was a toddling little girl ... Now she can read how much lavender to scoop into the mixing bowl.

Sniff, sniff, sniff. Oh, so very ....intoxicating! No other word describes the fragrance wafting through
the kitchen.

Now, the cookie dough must be dropped by teaspoonfuls, for it is very, very gooey!

The waiting begins....John Jacob is very anxious to taste Eliza's first batch of cookies...

Finally, hot from the oven, the tiny cookies must cool completely before the rosewater icing may be drizzled....What delicious smells they smell!

Mistress Grammy has decided the scrumptious cookies will be more scrumptious if they take the shape of miniature teapots. What a splendid idea! (Eliza wishes there was a teeny tiny teapot cutter for her teeny tiny cookies)
Teapot cookies....3 in a row!

This is the little secret: Before the cookies have cooled completely, and while they are still on the cookie sheet...carefully cut them out with your favorite teapot cookie cutter..

When the cookies have cooled completely, and using a fork, drizzle the rosewater icing.. back and forth.. over the cookies...

Patty Patty and Tara Squirrel smell the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. When they peek and see Grammy in her prettiest pink apron, they are now certain it is cookie baking time! They run with their tiny little feet, and climb up to the top of the little black cookstove, to find the tiniest little iced cookies. 

With delightful congratulations to their new friend Eliza Dormouse, mannerly manners are remembered, and they decide to send the tiny cookie-filled cookie sheet to their City Mouse cousin and ask if Grammy will include some teapots for her mistress. (and because they are thoughtful little country cousins, they will dine together with Mistress Grammy, savoring her portion of the delectable treats with a teeny tiny cup of tea, as the Royal Wedding plays on the television) 

How exciting to prepare a package for family...it brings a warm feeling in their teeny tiny hearts. (Eliza insisted that being a City Mouse, her cousin needed a receipt and folder of her own, so one more is created.)

What an exciting time it is...Spring...lovely cookies....wonderful, lingering aromas....and a Royal Wedding!!

Wishing God's best for Prince William and his Princess Kate!

Those who visit Mistress Grammy's House always feel like a prince and princess!

Meet the Newest Little Residents at Grammy's House....John Jacob and Eliza Dormouse

After hibernating all Winter long, John Jacob and Eliza Dormouse found their way to Grammy's House....sniffed a few sniffs...scurried 'round the baseboards...and found a lovely little cottage door by the tea table. It was perfectly perfect!

Eliza's "City Mouse" cousin lives in a grand house not very far away and commissioned her mistress to craft a sweet little door for Eliza and John Jacob's new home at Grammy's house in the country. It seems to be just right!

So Eliza asks Mistress Grammy if she would prepare a lovely Spring wardrobe for her dear cousin...and indeed, Mistress Grammy is delighted to knit and sew a pair of shawls and a kerchief.

Very special yarn will be used, and fashionable little ribbons will keep them snuggly tied around her mousey tummy and shoulders. The kerchief will be made from handkersniff remnants....Xavier's very most favorite of all of Grammy's hankies...the one he loved on the most...until it came apart from all the loving. What beautiful little Tasha Tudor - like kerchiefs are made as sweet remembrances.

The brown shawl is very similar to Miss Tasha's "work shawl" used whilst she was gardening, cooking, sewing, spinning...completing her domestic tasks. The pink shawl shall be for special occasions, such as tea parties and visits from her "Country Mouse" cousin.

Mistress Grammy finds a teeny tiny box to wrap the teeny tiny gifts and uses pale blue tissue paper to wrap each one. She uses her very old fountain pen to write a sweet note, dictated by Eliza, and tucks all these things into the box.

Eliza whispers to John Jacob, "She will be so surprised!!" 

John Jacob whispers to Eliza, "She mustn't squeak too loud...for Matilda the Cat might pounce!"

Yes, the city mouse cousin must always watch for the Cat, as John Jacob has learned he must always watch out for Scout the Yorkie, who snatched him straightaway whilst he was posing for his picture by their new door. (Mistress Grammy will be much more careful to watch out for her tiny new residents!)

Eliza loves to sit atop the Tasha Tudor Spring Bouquet Hand Cream and watch her mistress knit...for she uses the cream quite often...which means extra attention for Mrs. Dormouse...

Sweet little Eliza is named after Mistress Grammy's Great Grandmother....Dear John Jacob is named after her great-great-great grandfather, who came over from England to North Carolina and fought in the Revolutionary War. Miss Eliza Bitt was nicknamed 'Bitty', as she only grew to be 4 feet tall! 

A Dormouse is found in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, making nests under the foliage of the forest floor, hibernating all winter long. They have furry tails, and resemble squirrels...and are called dormouse, referring to their dormant nature during the long cold months. 

But since they are British, Mistress Grammy felt they would be perfect little friends with perfect little names to honor her ancestry.

We will pop in every now and then to see their progress as they create a cozy home at Grammy's House.

Hippity Hoppity...Easter's on its way

Things are certainly "hopping" at Grammy's House...
Must prepare little "chicks" ornaments for Xavier's preschool class, Key Lime pie (made with fresh squeezed limes, goat cheese, and goat yogurt on a Mary's Crackers crust...mmmmm) for husband, and knitting projects for gifts, almost complete.

Here are a few of the special things I like to set out around the house for this time of year...

I love my little sheep pulling the cart of bunnies and eggs (a Bethany Lowe design, acquired on a visit to Savannah, GA).

Xavier has loved these little porcelain chicks since he was a baby...his Aunt Bonnie gifted us with a tiny Easter banner, bearing identical chicks, and he was so tickled how they matched.  The tiny little lustreware teacup is a new addition this year.

What a sweet surprise when you sip the last sip.
Checking in with "The Girls"... I see they are being on their best behavior and anxious for Easter Baskets..

Our excitement grew, as we heard news of hand-decorated Easter Eggs being made at the Rookery in Vermont...precisely the way Tasha Tudor created her lovely eggs, for Easters past. Upon their arrival, each presented in a sweet, be-ribboned box filled with protective straw, I was in awe of the tiny, meticulous details....dresden gold trims, velvet ribbon, hand cut victorian scrap papers of bunnies, flowers, birds, nests, and sheep. I am inspired to attempt this craft next Spring. Aren't they beautiful?
(They created a limited supply but you may check in to see if any are still available at tashatudorandfamily.com)

One last Daffodil bloom for this Spring....

I wish all of you a very Blessed Easter season....as we remember the precious sacrifice made by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

"Grammy, where are the girls?"

With the door barely having closed behind him, Xavier was making a bee-line for the tea table. Finding its fresh white tablecloth, teacups and extra dishes put away, and the absence of his Ava and Andrea, he looked at me quizzically and asked, "Grammy, where are the girls?" I directed him to the master bedroom, saying, "They're taking a rest in their bed. You can bring them in here." He ran straightaway to the room to find his dolly friends, propped serenely in their antiquated bassinet (circa early 1900's, found at an estate sale).

Emmaline, Lillamay, Andrea M'lynn, and Ava, having widely diverse backgrounds, are happy to have each other's company. If the 'baby girls' are absent from the crib, Ava and Andrea enjoy chatting together about tea parties and wonderful children that come to play at Grammy's house. If Andrea and Ava have been invited to a party in the other room, Lillamay comforts tiny Emmaline, as Lilla is referred to as "Big Baby" and fairly able to cradle "little baby girl."

Meanwhile, Xavier's mommy was becoming quite nervous as he re-entered the keeping room with both his girls bundled up in an awfully awkward position, leaving a trail of tiny leather shoes behind him. I said, "Mommy, look at me...don't look at him...(smiling, I continued)...he is okay...this is what they are there for...play." Trying to relieve her anxiety, I had to continue to reassure her as he placed the dolls in their assigned chairs and proceeded to the hutch to gather the teacups and bowls (spilling china dishes onto the table) and spoons and forks (dropping onto the hearth for sorting)...all the necessities.

Side note to reader: Many years ago, while working towards my degree in Early Childhood Education, I took a course on Play.  Yes, it was in the curriculum to learn how to inspire play, providing children with  "Guided Discovery" (a term which refers to allowing the child to try things on their own, seeking help as they realize they need it, and then gently guiding, with as little assistance as possible, towards a solution.)
You cannot imagine how difficult this was for me...as I tended to want to help, before the pupil knew they needed help. I am learning, slowly, to allow my grandson to play with abandon...without the restraints of Grammy's particular orderliness hovering over his imagination.

This was the result of Xavier's efforts to set his table and his girls in their seats...

To the unimaginative eye, it certainly looks a haphazard, willy-nilly display...but look closer...
Ava's placesetting...

She has a teacup of her own and the creamer to pour a cup of something hot.
This is what Ava sees, and she is most likely quite thankful for a pretty doily, placed so she can view its lovliness..

She has been given the book The Springs of Joy for her perusal over tea, and Andrea M'lynn is given
A Tale for Easter and a cup of her own.

Now, she may, of course, be feeling just a little cramped and uncomfortable, as her dress has not been neatly tucked under the table, but she is quite fond of the little boy who is waiting on their table. He seems so attentive to "his" details...the ones most necessary, assigned seats, a cup for each girl, and a nice book to read . He also receives great satisfaction knowing that his retired 'paci' remains in the basket, along with a baby sock that lost its partner when he was a baby.  Grammy and Big Daddy are sentimental like that.  As time was running out and play would have to cease, he asked one last request as he scooped up his Scouty-Scout (his name for our little yorkie who loves to lick his little fingers), "Grammy, take our picture!"

He and his mommy left for the afternoon, after kisses and hugs and waves.

As I returned to look over the objects of his play, this was the scene I found on the hearth.

Junior sized silverware...placed into ordered groups beside handkerchiefs used as napkins...didn't quite make it to the tea table, as play was stopped mid-stream.

  

Grammy has learned some great lessons along the way. Xavier is a patient teacher.