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Monday, February 14, 2011

It's Monday, and I'm Back

It is Monday, Valentine's Day, and I am back to blogging . . . 
but my camera is missing.

This is when I regret not learning how to use Howard's digital SLR.

I found an adorable, funny and romantic Valentine's card this morning, placed by my husband in a spot he knew I would not miss -- the bathroom vanity.  Alongside, a tiny wrapped box of sugar-free chocolates.  I'll share them with him tonight.  He will get one.  I will get two.  After all, I'm the girl.

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 Today is a day for Red.

Mr. Snowman seems to be offering me his heart.
What a sweetie.

If I could find my danged camera, I could show you the Snow Family that has taken up residence
on the fireplace mantel in the parlor.  They are so happily goofy in that serious room.

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Now that life is getting back to normal here, it's time I tackled long-put-off projects.
This is a major red project:  new draperies in the dining room.

 I've got the bolt of fabric.
 The bolt spent the holidays leaning up in the corner of the dining room.
I wonder what our guests thought of that?
Next time we have people come to dinner, I'd like the fabric to be hanging from the rods instead.
I offered my daughter Anne and her roommate the 2-year old gold draperies hanging there now,
for their nekkid-ish living room windows.  That's a good 18-yards of fabric.
If she and Gennie don't want it, it might become dining chair seat covers.

Waste not, want not.

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There was just a knock on our sunroom door.
A dozen Valentine's red roses!
Oh Howard, you romantic fool.
I may actually cook dinner for you tonight.

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It is still distinctly winter around here.  Despite today's mild mid-50s temperatures,
the snow and ice remain, with just glimpses of muddy grass near the edge of the driveway.
Much to Dion's delight.

 I'm going to focus my energy and time now on daughter Alida's upcoming June wedding,
and on tackling myriad neglected projects and chores here at That Old House.

She is beginning to complain of neglect, my house, and she can be one cranky old bat.

And while winter does have its majesty and pure beauty, and I don't want to rush through time,
 I'm looking forward to April and May, when these reds will be the ones we celebrate:


************************************************************

I want to thank the many dear people who wrote,
in comments and privately, after my post of February 2.

Your kindness and sympathy following the loss of our dear Pop was priceless and much treasured.
Our family gathered in force, right down to the tiniest ones -- 4 month old twins Calvin and Luke,
the newest of Dad's 9 great-grandchildren -- to celebrate two rich and much-blessed lives -- my father's and my mother's.

Together we remembered, laughed, wept, hugged, ate, laughed again, ate some more,
talked endlessly, and took strength from one another . . . 
realizing how very lucky we are to have had them, and to have each other still.

Good lives, well lived.
And much missed.


May 2009, Anne and her Pop-Pop, at her college graduation dinner.

Alida and her Pop-Pop, visiting, 2009.

Now . . . I really do have to find my camera.
I want some pictures of those beautiful roses!  My best wishes to you all -- Cass

15 comments:

  1. I love the fabric you have for your Drapes!!
    Happy sewing!!

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  2. I'm very happy you're back. Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have a wonderful day, and if you want some dessert please stop by!

    Mary

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  3. Cass,
    Glad you are back and I hope you find your camera soon

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    Carol

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  4. Love that fabric STANDING in your dining room and can't wait to see it HANGING.

    Sorry to hear about your dad.

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  5. Cass,
    So sorry to learn about your dad. I know he'd been in and out of the hospital in recent months.
    The fabric is lovely, hope your camera turns up soon, and good to see you back.

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  6. I am sorry about your dad...
    Welcome back and I am sure you will find the camera.
    Great drape fabric!

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  7. Cass, I'm sure you had a few tearful moments today remembering your Dad and other Valentine's Days spent with him and your Mom. God bless you today...and I hope you find that camera! Hugs-Diana

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  8. Glad your back! It is a great time for you to get your mind off of things and jump into a project like your drapes...like the material!

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  9. Glad you are back to blogging and even without a camera you have just a sweet post. Can't wait to see those roses. Happy Valentine's Day to you.

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  10. You are going to be a very busy lady. Hope you find your camera soon.
    Enjoy your evening.

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  11. You did a great post without a camera...our weather is the same and I so enjoyed seeing your flowers {and can't wait to see the ones from Howard...what a sweetheart!}

    I'm happy to see you back...I have been thinking of you.

    XO,
    Jane

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  12. Who says you need a camera for a good post? That was a full one.
    Your family celebration for your parents' lives must have been wonderful for all of you. Thinking of you.

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  13. Such sweet pictures of your girls with their grandfather.

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  14. I am sorry for your loss Cass, I feel your pain having just lost my Dad before Christmas. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you adjust. hugs for you, Jen.

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  15. Welcome back - I for one certainly missed your posts - camera or no camera!
    My old Nan used to say 'Time's a great healer' and you obviously have some beautiful treasured memories of your Mom and Dad - Will be thinking of you

    Best Wishes

    Sandra

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