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