Birthday Fun

Last Saturday, my daughter wanted to take me out to breakfast for an early birthday treat. Chris and her picked Multnomah Falls which is fairly close to your home. We met about 10:30 AM. The day started out foggy but turned out to be a very nice day. The waterfall was just wonderful.

The stone lodge and gift shop is really nice. We always have to make a stop in the gift store. They have a smashed penny machine in there.

The restaurant is upstairs...all warm and cozy with a fireplace.

Otto and his daddy Chris~all decked out in their Christmas sweaters.

Mommy Angie had on her Christmas plaid jacket too.

I love hash and eggs, so here's my yummy breakfast. It was good! The restaurant has used this same china forever.

I walked up a bit so I could take some pictures of the Wirth family. You can see the falls behind them.

I love this one!

We said goodbye and went off to the Open House at the historic Harlow House in Troutdale, our home town. I think the last time we visited the house was when our girls were in grade school!

I went upstairs to take a peek at the bedrooms. The children's room was so cute with toys and dolls.

The master bedroom was very small with lots of vintage items to enjoy.

There was also a sewing room in the corner room.

Our next destination was the Wade Creek House out in Estacada, which is a delightful shoppe with a mix of antiques, collectibles and handmade items. It's always a fun place and we always find a treat to take back home.

Mr Snowman was keeping his eyes on old Jimmy!

O just love how they take everyday items and make simple decorations that look so good.

This is their chicken coop. They only had 4 chickens this time. Love the quilt block on the building. They are going to have a class on how to make them next January.

Not far from the Wade Creek House, we always go past this historic home and have never stopped. They were also having an Open House, so we decided to stop in. It's the Philip Foster House and it was just charming. Some delightful young people were helping to run the place. It was once a major stopping place for those travelers on the Barlow Trail going on to the Willamette Valley after crossing the Oregon Trail.

I loved the inside of the house and don't you love the old quilt on the spool bed?

Jimmy was visiting with the volunteers and Santa while I was snooping around and taking pictures.

I wish I had a pantry....love this one! The kitchen was my favorite part of the house. Can you image all the wonderful meals that were cooked on that woodstove?

There was a big barn and even a small blacksmith's shoppe on the property.

A trip to the store was wonderful. It was really cute inside. I got wrapped up with the clerk and didn't take any pictures. I guess I'll have to return someday.

A little history to read,,,,

We really had a great day. It was fun to go out in the country and visit some historic homes. 

St Nicholas Day and A Tasha Tudor Exchange

What a happy day I had on St Nicholas Day yesterday! I got to organize our Tasha Tudor ornament exchange this year for December 6th. Our group has a lot of new members and it has been a real JOY.These new people have really given us a renewed interest in Tasha. Most of us are dolly people, so I chose Tasha's book A DOLLS' CHRISTMAS as our theme. I also asked the participants to package their gifts in a cone or cornucopia as Tasha used for gift giving.

Tasha began her Christmas season on St Nicholas Day~December 6th. As my birthday is Dec 8th, I have chosen to celebrate it on St Nick's Day. It's just a really magical day for me.

So, let me take you back in time a bit. I decided to use cardboard cones for my cornucopias and found some great ready made ones at the craft store. I painted some red and some pink. I had so much fun making these that I decided to send little ones as thank yous to those who participated.Yes, sometimes I just get carried away.

I used scrapbook papers to cover part of the cones.

Yes, I love Tacky glue. I don't know how I would do crafting without it!

I added pipe cleaner handles and filled them with tea,candy canes, little miniatures and a candy.

I made little tree with spools. I also used LaVonne's wool for the snow look. I always like using her wool for my projects.

Here's the finished larger ones that were for my main exchange partners. I tried to match up the look with the likes of each person.

I mailed them off with a note not to open until December 6th. I think the members all actually did wait for the big day.

This is a beautiful paper cone that is from Victorian days. I have had it for a few years and it's so pretty.

This is what's under my little tree in my tea room. It's always fun to pretend there's a little girl waiting for Christmas Day.

 The cabinet next to the tree is my dollhouse. I wish it was a bit larger, but I do love it and love that it has a door that can be shut.

Annabelle set up her side board with a few new items! I love the tidbit tray. Looks yummy for her tea.

My dad started out with breakfast out with Chris, Angie,Otto and Jimmy at Multnomah Falls. Then Jimmy and I stopped at a couple historic homes. It was a fun day. I will blog about it a bit later. When we came home, it was getting dark and I fixed a tea for us. I love having tea when the day is slipping away and candles light up the room.

After tea, I opened my gift exchange boxes. This one is from my friend Jan in Kansas. She made the cone out of a vintage doily. It's so pretty and I love it. It was filled with a dolly, tea, a mini and chocolates.

Thank you so much Jan!

My other gift partner Heather sent me this darling assortment of goodies. She said she struggled  with the cone, but I think it is wonderful. I love the small box that was filled with the most darling tea set! How perfect for me! Thank you dear Tasha friend.

LaVonne sent me a fun cone as part of my birthday gift. You will have to see the rest of the gift...just fantastic. Thanks LaVonne.

 Jimmy also gave me two signed Tasha books for St Nicholas Day. He is always so sweet and makes the day perfect.

It's very late and I should be  asleep, but I am still so happy an so blessed to have such sweet friends.