Sunday Wisdom



"And God is able to make all grace abound to you,

so that in all things at all times,

 having all that you need,

you will abound in every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV

Blogland-Take Me Away!

For those of you too young to remember the 'Calgon-take me away' commercial

let me enlighten you.

Years ago Calgon, a bubble bath, had a commercial where a woman was surrounded by a barking dog, screaming kid, and ringing doorbell all at the same time.

She yelled out 'Calgon, take me away!'

And just like magic all of a sudden she was soaking in a huge, luxurious bathtub with a mountain of bubbles in complete peaceful silence.

(for those of you who do remember the commerical, did you ever wonder why a woman who could afford such a luxurious bathroom couldn't afford a maid and a nanny for the chaos she was trying to escape?

I did:).

Today was my Calgon day. Craziness all around me and finally I just laughed and thought 'Blogland, take me away!'

So here I am, except my Calgon is not a long soak in a tub full of bubbles (for that story visit,

http://bathtubdiary.blogspot.com/)

My Calgon is blogland and being able to share my love of  the Victorian era which I am blessed to be a part of even in the current time.

I don't know why but for some reason I feel more at ease when dressed in Victorian era gowns.

I enjoy antique jewelry and photos.

The intricate beauty of Victorian architecture makes my heart sing:).

Delicate antique lace,

formal parlors,

and colorful stained glass bring visions of a simpler more gracious time to mind.

Even calling cards depicted lovely themes with elaborate details.

(I suppose this was a Victorian version of what we call 'tweeting' today-lol).

When escaping to the Victorian era doesn't do the trick these amusing faces bring a smile to my heart:)!

Cone-head Kasey

(we were able to pick up the movie channels when she was in the room:).

Kitty yoga.

Floating feet napping

 (this could be a new sport in the next Olympic games:).

Crazy hair Calvin.

Sometimes when life gets hectic and crazy we need to take a 'Calgon, take me away' break.

For me it's escaping to blogland, losing myself in thoughts of a beautiful, more genteel time, or just playing with my furry babies.

What 'takes you away' when things get tough?

Sunday Wisdom

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Proverbs 16:24, NIV

Haunted Plantation Tour

This past weekend Millie and I shared ghost stories at Pick Pocket Plantation for the first annual Haunted Plantation Tour.

Mr. Keith, apple cider maker and owner of the plantation, arrived in his vintage Cadillac.

Even the chickens were excited about the arrival of tour guests:).

This chicken stood watch to alert us to arriving guests.

Being a haunted tour it seemed appropriate to wear my mourning gown (another Christine creation:).

Millie also wore black for the occasion.

After touring the house we all gathered around a campfire with homemade apple cider and cookies while Millie and I regaled guests with tales of a ghostly nature!

This Saturday we will escort visitors through the plantation house and grounds and then to the packing shed to watch Mr. Keith make homemade apple butter-yummm!!!

Sunday Wisdom

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,

not relunctantly or under compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you,

so that in all things at all times,

having all that you need,

you will abound in every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:6-8, NIV 

Cider Making at Pick Pocket Plantation

With Autumn comes falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and one of my favorite things...

APPLE CIDER!

Mr. Keith was making homemade cider at the plantation yesterday, an annual event.

He brings a load of apples from North Carolina.

The apples are washed and rinsed.

From the rinse cycle the apples are hand cranked through this machine resulting in...

apple cider:)! Yummmm!

All of this takes place in the packing shed, one of the original structures at Pick Pocket Plantation.

The inside of the packing shed is a photographers delight filled with vintage and antique reminders of the past.

Thanks for sharing in the cider making!

Come back next week for more on autumn at the plantation:)!

Thank You Be@Home!

A special thank you to Be@Home for featuring the Victorian Parlor II as one of their 'best of the web' picks:)!

http://pocketchange.become.com/2010/10/best-of-the-web-be-at-home-9.html

Autumn Splendor

 Ahhh...the splendor of Autumn with it's cool temperatures, colored leaves, and of course...

 pumpkins!

I love fall!

It's a time to relax and enjoy family and friends.

As you all know, I also love to decorate:).

Fall decorating doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Adding colorful leaves or sparkly fruits to vignettes brings the glory of autumn inside.

Sprigs of leaves, red and gold flowers and faux fruits can be purchased for a minimal cost at thirft shops and discount stores.

 The best part is that you can reuse them from year to year:).

 Silk flowers and faux berries add a natural feel to a room and last for months:).

 Pinecones are found in abundance at this time of year.

A little gold paint and they sparkle like jewels.

 Speaking of jewels...

don't forget to look in the jewelry box for autumn colored brooches that make a great fall display when grouped together in your favorite crystal bowl or just resting on a vintage doily.

 Shopping year round can land some great deals for off-season decor.

This pumpkin basket was a great find for only .50 cents.

 Nestle orangy pumpkins amongst greenery throughout the house.

Candles bring warmth and the fragrance of cider, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie to fall.

There's something cozy about the warm glow of candlelight on a crisp fall evening. 

  As whimsical Jack-o-lanterns begin to appear,

 and summer's hazy days fade to autumn shadows,

we hang corn in hues of burgundy, gold, and brown as a sign of autumn welcome.

 So fix a fruity fall punch...

 and a hearty pot of ham and potato soup

and enjoy the harvest of beauty and splendor that this season brings!

 Happy Fall!

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Autumn Porch Punch

In a pitcher mix:

One part Malibu coconut rum with three parts orange juice

Add one can each of  peaches and manderin oranges

Add 1/2 cup of marishino cherries

Mix well and pour over ice with fruit to garnish.

This same punch is just as good without the rum if you prefer a non-alcoholic drink:).

Hearty  Ham and Potato Soup

5 medium potatoes chopped

8 ounces of lean ham chopped

1/2 medium white onion chopped

3 green onions chopped

1/2 stick of butter

One quart of Buttermilk

1 1/2 cups of water

1 package of onion soup mix

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 package instant mashed potato mix

Salt and pepper to taste

In soup pot melt butter and saute potatoes, ham, and onions for about 5 minutes. Turn heat down to medium. Add buttermilk, water, soup mix, and green onions. Mix well. Bring to a low boil and add cheese, potato mix, and salt and pepper. Mix until everything is creamy and slightly boiling. Turn heat down to medium low and cook for about 30 minutes.