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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Spring and Snow From Long Ago

Two years ago, on Thursday, March 4, 2010,
we had snow on the ground.  A lot.  And more to come.
Spring Fever hits hard when you have endured a rough winter -- as we learned in both 2010 and 2011 --
but this winter has been so mild that Spring Fever is almost just a dim memory.

I'm reviving that memory, with a re-run of a two-year-old post.

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Welcome to a Springtime Table at That Old House . . . 
with colors and shapes right out of Mr. McGregor's Garden.
(from Thursday, March 4, 2010)


The setting: the old oak table in the conservatory, with a sheer tablecloth,
a vintage gift from my mother-in-law, folded over and tossed on to give a light and gauzy covering.

In the center, a gathering of Spring . . . .

Place settings of Mikasa Ribbon Pink china, an Ebay find that belongs to my daughter Anne.
But who brings such pretty china to grad school? Mama is keeping it safe at home.


Is Mrs. Bunny staring at me?

A stomach's eye view -- dinner and soup plates, old Irish linen napkin,
old Georgian silverplate flatware (1912).

Irish crystal stemware.

In the center of the table, an asparagus tureen.
From Tuesday Morning shop, two summers ago. I had looked at it on several trips,
and finally one day my daughter Anne went into the store, came out to the car carrying a box,
handed it to me and said, "Here it is. You know you want it. You owe me $15."
A hurricane candle, a gift from my very dear friend Betsy.
I love the etched cranberry glass shade, and the swirled pewter base.

Roses! A soft and creamy pink, and nestled in an asparagus pitcher
from a now-defunct store named Bradlee's,
back in the Year One when my girls still rode in the shopping cart while I browsed.

My favorite bunny, a sweet crackle-glazed matron who stays out all year,
because Easter is just not long enough for me to enjoy Mrs. Bunny. She is so matronly and comforting.
Especially when she has black jelly beans in her basket! Today, it's just healthy grapes.


A cut crystal fairy lamp, Gorham, a gift from my mother-in-law. (Who gives me the sweetest things.)
Our place settings. What shall we put on those plates?
I'm still checking Ebay occasionally for more pieces of this pretty china.

Mikasa Ribbon Pink ... let me know if you spot any!


Ebay again . . . old linen runner, hand embroidered and edged in hand crocheted lace.
Can you resist old hand made linens? I can't.

Outside, it is snowing.

Inside, it is warm and dry, and we light the candles as night draws in,
as people have done for centuries when darkness falls.

Pull up a chair, watch the snow,
then take heart that the season for bunnies and asparagus is almost here! -- Cass

13 comments:

  1. The season for bunnies and asparagus is almost there for you a well, I MUST believe that. {{HUGS}} Lovely post.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  2. At least you had spring inside, even if it was snowing.

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  3. See, You pull those old posts out for a reason...for people like me that didn't see them the first time around. What a gorgeous picture you have painted here. I have never seen that china pattern before but I LOVE it! Happy Sunday- xo Diana

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  4. You're tempting the snow Gods by discussing the mild winter thing, you know. Very pretty table runner. I just love those handmade ones. It must have taken someone months to make that (it would be years in my case).

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  5. Gorgeous EYE CANDY ! THX for sharing. (((hugs)))Pat

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  6. I really love "4th march 2012" tablescape....it's so fine!!! Hugs and have a wonderful Sunday... here Spring has arrived :D , ciao Flavia

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  7. Don't mention snow. I have jonquils just ready to bloom. I would hate to loose them. Have a great weekend. Richard from My old Historic House.

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  8. Beautiful! And the china to die for!

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  9. Hi Cass...

    I just read your sweet note, my friend...so very good to hear from you! I hope that my note is finding you and your family all doing well!

    Ohhh my...your spring tablescape is like a breath of fresh air. Of course, with living in Colorado, I can completely identify with spring fever! Your table is beautiful, Cass! I love, love, LOVE the Mikasa Pink Ribbon china. This is the first time that I've seen this pretty pattern. I will definitely keep an eye out for it. The pattern is so pretty and feminine and sets a perfect spring table! Love the table centerpiece that you created as well! Oooh...the pink roses...GORGEOUS!!! Thanks for sharing this pretty table with us today.

    Warmest spring wishes,
    Chari

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  10. Very spring like! I love your table settings by the window! Hope spring comes to stay soon!

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  11. Such a beautiful table setting. And to be able to use decorative pieces over and over again make it all the better. I don't have any Easter like decor...I think I need to go shopping!! ;)
    I had to laugh about your daughter because that is something she would most likely do as well. LOL
    Plants and trees around here are budding and blooming here in OK. We are holding our breath and praying that a hard freeze doesn't come our way and ruin everything, which has been known to happened too many times!!

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  12. Your table looks so pretty Cass. It says spring and it has sprung here in Holland already so will be there with you soon. :-)

    Hugs from Holland,
    Heidi

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  13. I love your table scape and especially the dishes. You are very artistic. Even though the post is old, your blog is new to me and I enjoyed reading it.

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