Have A Seat.

It seems every Christmas I spend most of my shopping days browsing the antique stores.
I like to buy gifts according to my own likes and dislikes, so it only seems natural that I tend to buy antique dishes, or unusual pieces as gifts.
It also gives me the opportunity to look around the shops and treat myself to a little treasure or two.

Today, whilst shopping with my daughter, we came across this wonderful old chair.
At first glance it appears to have belonged in a rectory of sorts, maybe even an old Manor House.
I'm not sure of the wood, possibly maple, or poplar.

I was smitten on impact, and proud to announce it has found a new "forever home".

Merry Christmas To All.

"May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;

The spirit of Christmas which is peace;

The heart of Christmas which is love."

~ Ada V. Hendricks

Wishing you and yours, a wonderful Christmas.

May you all be surrounded with much love and blessings.

Your friendships have been a true a blessing throughout the year !
Hugs to you all,

From our home to yours.......

Winter Solstice Begins.

Now winter nights enlarge

This number of their hours;

And clouds their storms discharge

Upon the airy towers.

Let now the chimneys blaze

And cups o'erflow with wine

Let well-tuned words amaze

With harmony divine...

~Thomas Campion

A Day at The Hermitage

Amidst all the shopping, and hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation, I took a much needed diversion this week, to visit one of my favorite historic homes The Hermitage.
Home of the seventh president of the United States ANDREW JACKSON
Term- March 4, 1829 to March 4, 1837
Andrew Jackson -

The front of the mansion

Back of the mansionGroundhog guarding his burrow on the grounds

Belted Galloway's on the farm

Three hundred year old cedar

Slave quarters View of the original log cabin used by Jackson

Andrew and Rachel's burial tomb

Renovation underway on the front of the mansion

The Tulip Grove built for Rachel Jackson's nephew.

Info credit: Wikipedia

A List Of Goodies.

Happy, happy Christmas,
that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days;
that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth;
that can transport the sailor and the traveller,
thousands of miles away,
back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!

~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

I've made my Christmas list and checked it twice.

Lots of Christmas Crackers. Check.

Plum Pudding. Check.

Bird's Custard. Check.

Plenty of Yorkshire Gold Tea. Check.

Pickled Onions. Check.

Mince Pies. Check.

Cadbury's Collection Chocolate Biscuits. Check.

Sled: For snow, Christmas Day. Check.

"Timeshare" Oliver kitty,
requested his presence for Christmas Day. Check.

Tartan And Table.

Seems my table this Christmas will have a distinct Rabbie Burns flare.
There is something so warm and inviting about the color of Tartan, not as "stuffy" as some of the more formal tablecloths I've used in past Christmas's.

I'ts still a work in progress, needing the Christmas Crackers and few more pieces from England, which are a must have each year.


''Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thanket.''

~Robert Burns (1759-1796),

Mr. Toast's Tea.

Today is the event of the anticipated Mr. Toast's First Annual Christmas Tea, held in the snow-filled mountains of Aspen, Colorado.

It is planned to be the most magical of times.

Please won't you join us, there will be lots of delicious treats, and of course the very BEST of teas.

You may read all about it here....... http://goodteatoo.blogspot.com/

I'm running behind schedule, one of those unfortunate things I'm afraid.

However, I have notified our gracious host and he is most understanding.

I'll be wearing this tapestry gown, I hope you approve.

We have the accommodations booked, and shall be arriving shortly.




I'm delighted to bring all the guests a little Christmas gift, I hope you'll enjoy.




Oooh, I'll be bringing along a friend........
I do hope it's OK.



Lillibet