Teacup Thursday #15

Here it is the last Thursday of June~there have been 5 Thursdays this month. I'm featuring one more rose teacup for this month. I found this cup and saucer at an estate sale this past weekend along with the pretty plate. Our girls talked us into going estate saling again and it was a fun adventure again.

I'm not sure about the markings on this cup and hope one of you ladies will be able to share some information with me. It's marked TBC Bone China England. I've never seen the mark before and have no idea what company made it or when.

I'm showing a close up of a linen doily that I found a few weeks ago. It's done with silk embroidery thread...such amazing work! I used to collect this type when we were first married, but they're a bit spendy now. I get excited when I find a piece I can afford.

I wish I could say I won the pink rose ribbon...alas, another find!

The fresh flowers are from Len and Gloria's wedding on Saturday. It was at a local park and very sweet, casual and cozy....just a few friends and family. We felt honored to be invited. They are off to Hawaii for a honeymoon. We wish them many years of happiness together!

My post is so late...due to problems with Blogger. I had everything ready to go and then it it just stopped in the middle of my post. I couldn't get back on for anything. I hope I really get to post this message when I start hitting buttons!

Free is nice!

We were out tramping around last weekend with our girls, going to a few estate sales and having tons of fun. When we took Gina back to her house where we had been dropping off items, we noticed people gathering in front of the house next to hers where we had attended an estate sale last week. Well, everything was free that was left in the basement area. We don't know how people knew about it, as they were lined up with tubs and boxes, etc. So of course, we went too!

I found books, Jim grabbed me a braided rug, I got a cute set of little piggy pictures I passed up at the sale, I rescued a vintage child's slip from the floor that is beautiful and some other items. I was going through some Christmas things and opened a box that had a German pyramid in it. I had seen it at the show, and figured some of the pieces must be missing, but took it anyway. I am a root hog, huh? I think dumpster diving is all that's left for me.

Yesterday I was looking at it and Jim and I put it all together and nothing is missing. I got on the internet to see if I could find some information. They were made in Germany during the end of WWII to send to the German soldiers on the war front. They were made to be collapsible. The company that produced them is called Erzgebirge and there is one small marking stamped on the box that had the little nativity characters in it.

They company just made a new version as a tribute to the carvers who made them before the craft died out. I'm going to post a picture of the new one first. It has more shepherds and sheep-mine has the Three Wise men. It is selling for $89.00. I guess I really got a good deal for free!

I just love it and recently have been collecting more German figures and nutcrackers for Christmas. This has to stay at our home. A very special find.

Sunday

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."

Celia Thaxter

Friday's project

I started a project yesterday and was able to finish it today. LaVonne so kindly sent me a little display box a few months ago so we can use it at the antique show for little items. It was in her shoppe for sometime and needed a bit of loving care, but it's so nice, I didn't want to do too much to it.

I got two little knobs for the drawers, so they could be pulled in and out. I lined the drawers with black velveteen. I wasn't sure how to attach the glass top, so I went to the local craft store and they told me to use silicon. It worked great.

I was having trouble getting a good picture as the glass top reflects the surroundings. I just gave up and let nature be part of the photo.

So, that project is done! It looks good and the box still has it's vintage charm.

Thanks LaVonne-we love it and will give it a good home.

Teacup Thursday #14

It was beautiful on Summer Solstice, but the past two day, the sun has slipped away. It was warm enough yesterday to eat dinner outside and enjoy the peaceful evening, so that was nice.

I'm having a cup of coffee in my rose mug, looking outside at another dull day...sigh.

I have been sorting through things deciding what to take to the July antique and collectible show. We will have a double booth-my husband will have men's items and I have lady items so it's a great way to draw in both men and women.

As I was looking for my vintage fabrics, I came across some roses in my fabric stash...not old but so pretty. I decided to use a few for Miss Spenser's Teacup Thursday. I'm featuring roses this month to celebrate Rose Festival time here in Oregon.

I found this great book at an estate sale for $1.00. It looks so ordinary on the outside, but the pictures inside are just fantastic! I wish I could share them all.

The teacup was given to me as a gift.I'm sorry my photos aren't really too good today. I think I was in a bit of a hurry to get my post up. I should take more time. It says Tuscan Fine English Bone China Made in England

"Naples and I know nothing about it. When I went to tea for Ann's birthday last Saturday (you can see pictures from the party if you scroll down a bit) I was telling the ladies about Teacup Thursdays and how I used to buy teacups just because I liked the look! Now, I'm beginning to learn about the makers and it's opened up a new world of teacups for me.

My dear friend LaVonne gave me the rose dish for a treat a few years ago. She thought it had to live in my tearoom. I love it. It has a mark that reads-P⎮S Germany. I'm not sure if you can really see the hands on the watch, but they are scissors. My friend Bev gave it to me this week. She knows I quilt and sew and thought I should have it now. She's my doll friend and she no longer uses the watch. I was thrilled to be the new owner as I don't like to wear a wrist watch. Wait until the ladies see it at my quilt retreats! I will treasure it.

In reading through my post, I find myself thinking of all my sweet friends....I really am blessed with a flock of them. Don't you love to have gifts that bring back such memories of dear friends?

Jim's Father's Day....2011

Finally getting around to posting pictures from Jim's Father's Day celebration.

LOVE this picture of Jim and his girls!

We had quite the day with Angie and Gina spending the day as Jim wished. We went to several estate sales, came back home for Angie's homemade blueberry pie-YUMMY-, back out for a few more sales, Tad's for dinner (yes, LaVonne...chicken livers) and then back home for presents!

You can see us filling up Angie's car and Jimbo finding another sale with his GPS.Gina is the proud owner of some Bakelite kitchen utensils.

I think old Jimmy was pooped from all the fun!

Hope you had a great Father's Day Jimmy-you're a great husband and a fantastic father.Thanks for all you do for the three of us! We love you!

Ann's special birthday!

I've been so busy and my internet went down a few nights, so am a bit behind with some very special posts.

Last Saturday was my dear friend Ann's birthday. We were told that it was her 65 th and so my friend Natalie arranged a lovely birthday tea at Mrytle's Tea Shop in Richfield WA. Well, it really was Ann's 66th birthday! We all had a good laugh and as I told her, it's not everyday that one gets to go backwards for a birthday! Not a bad idea, heh?

I made some party favors for the group of ten...little packets fit for ladies at tea. One of my favorite things to do. Ginny brought a fresh rose for us all too.

I especially enjoyed the cold strawberry soup with clove seasoning. It was just delicious! Everything was so nicely done and such enjoyable ladies. Tea is just the most wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion.

I got to share all about Teacup Thursday with the invited guests and they were all very interested. I hope they will take a peak at our blogs some Thursday.

The hours just passed so quickly and it was time to return home.

Teacup Thursday #13

"It's the month of June,

the month of leaves and roses,

when pleasant sights salute the eyes

and pleasant scents the noses."

Nathaniel Parker Willis

I decided to continue the rose theme this week with my teacup for Miss Spenser's Teacup Thursday.We just love roses here in the Portland area.Did you read the article in the Victoria magazine about heritage roses and rose rustlers? A friend of mine in Washington rustles roses. I posted a picture on my Facebook page of the one she sent me a few years ago. It's really doing well this year. My miniature roses are in full bloom now and they are just so sweet.

This is a teacup I've had for awhile marked RR Dolton. I like the roses all around the outside of the teacup.

The charming teatime pin was the birthday gift years ago and it seemed to be perfect to feature this week.

The cookies were decorated by Maria and me this morning. I just love to decorate cut out cookies. I usually save that for Christmas time, but I thought it would be a fun activity to share with her.

I turned chilly and rained today~just when I think summer may appear, back comes the rain.

I had time to play with my dolls today. It's good to have a child visit your home and let your inner child escape for a bit.

Maria's day with Auntie Linda

Oh boy, what a busy day with Ms Maria! I picked her up at 9 AM and we had one fun filled jam packed day together at my house.We had so much fun, but I have to admit, I'm tired tonight!

We frosted cookies for tea, Gina taught us how to make friendship bracelets, we crafted with pipe cleaners, we went through tubs of fabric so Maria could take home "lots" for making doll clothes this summer, we went out for lunch, we played with Annabelle, Hitty and little china head dolls,

we put on new false nails, had tea with Gina (yummy) in the tea room, played with my old Barbie dolls and then had some more tea with her mommy when she came to rescue her daughter!

I think I need to go to bed now!

Strawberries!

We finally got some local strawberries. Yum!

Waiting for more sunshine and more berries.

RIP Micki

Jim and I went to Micki's memorial service today in Tualatin. Her daughters Natalie and Carla had a lovely celebration for their beloved mother. Natalie put together a great picture presentation for all to enjoy. Sweet words and stories were shared along with a yummy cake, ice cream, Constant Comment tea (Micki's favorite). chocolates and pansies to take home.

Micki insisted on a bit of chocolate every night before she went to bed...my kind of gal.

She had such a love of gardening-I'm happy to have the pansies to plant to remember my friend. Memorial services are bittersweet. It joyful to connect with friends and people you haven't seen in awhile, but the reason you are gathered is sad.

So good bye dear Micki...I'll eat my chocolate and think of you tonight! You are always in my thoughts when I am in the garden.

I'm posting a few pictures from garden as a tribute to Micki.

Rose Festival

The Rose Festival grand floral parade was today. It was a lovely day with lots of sunshine and a light breeze, just perfect.

My sister Alisa and my niece Maria were in the parade marching with the girl scouts. They had a great time.

I think summer must be here...I got my first mosquito bites tonight while watering the garden.

Teacup Thursday #12-Roses!Part II

Well, couldn't load all the photos on one post, so am giving up and will post the pictures of the teacup separately....I hope.