Hearts and Paper Roses

I've always wanted to try making paper roses, 

and here are the results! 

I thought these would be perfect for Valentine's Day. 

I love how they turned out and they brighten my table 

so beautifully on these dreary winter days. 

Can you believe these were made with coffee filters? 

I hand painted them with watercolor paint in 

'geranium'. 

These were very easy to make, although they did take 

about an hour each. I made two a day...., plus had to 

let them dry overnight after painting. 

I originally planned to make a dozen, 

but 6 were enough for my vintage urn. 

With one extra for my silver bud vase. 

You can see how real these paper roses look

next to the live miniature roses 

(a gift from my daughter, Jennie). 

The watercolor paint adds lovely sheer color. 

What would Valentine's Day be without hearts

along with roses? 

These are lavender sachets that I made 

with hand crocheted flowers. 

I love adding hand-made decorative touches 

to my home for the holidays. 

These have been carried over from my Christmas decorating, 

and are sweet to keep year round. 

Hearts are a favorite theme, 

and my spice and utensil 

racks have their own 

little offerings. 

Heart shaped cookie cutters and tea strainer

wait for tea and cookies to be served. 

I always make my Ramblin' Man 

sugar cookies to celebrate 

special occasions. 

They are his favorite <3

My dear, sweet Sister-in-Law, Donna, 

sends me herbs grown in her New Hampshire
 garden every year. 

This little bottle wears a tiny, rusty heart. 

I found these heart shaped measuring spoons

at my local grocery store recently. 

xox

A nice way to add a little love 

to those cookies I need to bake 

soon! 

Vintage heart shaped cookie cutters 

wait to be put into service under the dome. 

My kitchen motto.....

If you would like to make your own paper roses, 

you can find the instructions Here

xoxo 

<3

Today I am linking with:



Roses of Inspiration

and

Vintage Inspiration Party



and Ivy and Elephants - What's it Wednesday


Won't you join the fun? 

A Country Drive in Winter

On a recent visit to my daughter's to help her move, 

(she and her husband just bought a new home)

I headed home just as the sun was setting. 

Come along with me as we travel towards

the beautiful Cascade Mountains, 

over quiet farmlands

to my home in the foothills. 

Even in winter, we can find beauty in the subtle

colors of earth and sky, 

and the lovely, lacy patterns of 

bare branches. 

We have had very little snow here in Western Washington

State this winter, even in the mountains, due to mild temperatures. 

This has left the ski resorts empty and 

the snow pack lacking, which fills 

our reservoirs with water when it melts

in the spring. 

A low snow pack also means high fire

danger in the mountain forests this summer. 

An old silo stands tall on the horizon. 

Beautiful white fencing corals a pretty sunset. 

The top of Mt. Rainier peeks 

over cloud shrouded foothills

as we turn a corner. 

A lovely view as we complete the turn. 

My foothill home is the last hill

on the right.

An ancient barn stands bravely by the road. 

A rare, small, F1 tornado took down a companion barn

two summers ago. 

Once part of a thriving dairy farm, now this barn gracefully

ages into the landscape. 

This handsome farmhouse was recently completely restored. 

On a clear day it has a view of Mt. Rainier

and the full Cascade range. 

Gazing out the window with a cup of morning

coffee must be very special, indeed! 

Can you see the top of Mt. Rainier peeking above the clouds?

Another little farmhouse that has recently

been restored. 

I love that they kept the majestic tree in the back. 

The top of Mt. Rainier rises over this working barn's roof. 

This is one of the last dairy farms still operating

on the plateau. 

I love this tree - a Black Cottonwood. This particular

beauty is a favorite roosting spot for Bald Eagles. 

As the light fades away, 

the drive through my old logging town leads

to my mountain road. 

One last glimpse of the setting sun before

I start to climb the mountain road. 

Thank you for coming along on my country drive, 

Dear Friends. 

Now that my daughter will be living so close, 

I will be taking this drive more often.

Today I am linking with Good Fences

xoxo

Superbowl Sunday

My eldest son, Gabe and sweet wife, Erica, hosted Superbowl Sunday. 

Their house sported the blue and green Seahawk's colors,

with the '12th Man' banner showing fan loyalty.

Seahawk's fans are legendary for their loyalty.
Their cheers have been recorded
on the University of Washington's seismographs!

Our front door welcome.....

Gabe greets his guests.

Daughter in Law, Jenn showing her team spirit.

My two son's, Dustin and Gabe at a recent game.

 These two die-hard fans have season tickets.

Daughter, Heather and hubby, Eric brought along
Seahawk's donuts!

Daughter-in law, Jenn, baked football and jersey cookies.

Of course it wouldn't be a Seahawk's party
without Skittles!

Or appropriately colored refreshments!

A little pre-game warm-up, tossing the football.

Daughter Heather, Jenn and Dustin.

Seahawk's memorabilia.

The mantel.

Bobble-head dolls.

The 'Fan Cave' ready for pre-game fun.

My favorite Seahawk's fans.

 From left to right, Erica, Ramblin' Man, Heather,
Jenn, Dustin, Gabe,
 and Eric front and center.

Daughter, Jennie had yet to arrive.

Sporting her Seahawk's manicure.

The game begins!

Everyone must touch Dustin's lucky Seahawk's stone!

The amazing half-time show!

'Trash Talking' via Skype with adorable cousin Ashley
 and husband Rob
back in New England during half-time.

(We went to their wedding in October)

It was an exciting game, but in the end,
we had to concede that the Patriots
won the game.

So with spirits dashed,
we made the long way home.....

There's always next year!

It was a good run.

You made the 12th man proud, Seahawks!
xoxo

Thank you, Gabe and Erica for hosting a fun night!
xoxo
This year's game was the most watched Superbowl in history
with nearly 50% of all television viewers
tuning in!

Did you watch the Superbowl?