Hello Dear Friends!
In celebration of St. Patrick's Day
and Spring,
I've brought out a bit o' the green!
I've always loved the color green and what better time
to enjoy it than now.
It just reminds me of lovely green grass and leafy trees
and all things spring.
So come inside and I'll put on the kettle
and show you around the kitchen.
My kitchen already has the basics with a green door, chairs
(that need a new coat of paint),
and my little rolling cart that holds my bowls and picnic basket.
I'm so looking forward to having picnics again!
So nice to bake something yummy, make some sandwiches
with a carafe of something good to drink,
and bring it down to my picnic table
for a little break during the day.
The grand-boys love picnics, although they only eat dessert :)
But right now, the weather is cold and wet, so that dream will have to wait.
I've already outfitted the daybed in mossy greens.
But I added some green checks to liven it up.
A cozy place to sneak in a bit o' readin'.
xx
You might remember that I love memoirs, especially if
they involve faraway places where I can pretend to live:)
This one just seems so appropriate right now!
The Mr. and I had Irish grandparents.
Or, how about this one?
Full of Irish sayings, and strange little stories.
xx
I've had the green jar since I was a newlywed.
Such a simple little thing,
but for some reason I've brought it along
everywhere I've lived.
It started out in New England and now,
over 3000 miles away, and 50 years later, it still makes me smile.
I keep things like marbles or sea-glass in it,
but it looks pretty, empty by the window, too.
This old hutch has stayed with me for many years, too.
It came from a tiny cottage we rented in Oregon
when we first moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1977.
The landlord was going to throw it away!
I was in need of something to store dishes in,
so, it became mine.
I did the painting and sewed the curtains and it's
weathered the wear and tear of a busy family and many
sets of dishes over the years.
It still holds my everyday dishes and glassware and miscellaneous
baking pans and serving dishes.
It's like part of the family now.
xx
My Kitchen Queen Hoosier cabinet is also part of the family.
I found it in the early 80's to put in the antique shop
my mom and I had, as a display piece.
The shop was in the attic of a blue Victorian house.
The owner had her shop downstairs, called 'Country Pleasures'.
Our shop was called 'Under the Eaves'.
When we closed the shop, it went home with my mother.
She painted it mauve :)
When she remodeled her kitchen, she gave it to me and I
repainted it this creamy white. Behind the drawers, I can see the original
paint from the 1930's.
It's a mossy green.
What do you think?
Should I repaint it?
The cream color does show off my dishes nicely, though.
I have a few shamrock teacups that go well with my
green depression glass.
The sweet honeypot and little green teapot
were gifts from my dear sis-in-law.
xx
I just crocheted the shamrock garland.
If you like to crochet, this little book has the sweetest
crochet edgings.
I used the same pattern to crochet the shamrocks in the door wreath.
I just used a different yarn.
I wrapped the garland around an existing wreath of white flowers.
Shamrock cookie cutters.
I have a thing for cookie cutters :)
I may or may not get around to baking with them this year.
xx
I also love vintage potholders.
They are perfect to put under a pretty bowl, pitcher or teapot.
xoxo
My 'Easy Bake Oven' has a little touch of green, too.
Vintage refrigerator dishes hold food thermometers,
egg timers, and other small helpers.
My spice drawers hold cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaf, toothpicks, etc.
Some even have tiny treasures I stashed inside,
like stray monopoly game pieces and Tetley tea figurines.
Does anyone remember those?
Green tea towels, of course.
I have to be very creative with storage in my small kitchen.
The 'Himself' and 'Herself' mugs
were gifts from a dear one.
xx
And of course, green plant pots!
This is a north-facing window, so not too many plants
like it here.
The African violets won't bloom, so I need to find
some more philodendrons, which seems to be very happy.
The green salt and pepper shakers were a gift from
daughter, Heather.
The lace trimmed vase was from daughter, Jennie.
Love having sweet reminders of those I love.
It's a good thing that I love you,
because you can be very naughty sometimes:)
The picnic table that waits for me :)
Signs of spring :)
Deer Baby
Then we woke up to this...
So, while we wait for the thaw, come back inside
and we'll have something to keep us warm.
and Irish Brown Bread hot out of the oven.
I added a couple of handfuls of golden raisins
to the bread batter this time and it came out so
delicious!
It makes great toast in the morning, too.
xx
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song
And an answer for each prayer
Happy St. Patrick's Day,
dear friends,
and Happy Spring!
xx
