A Work in Process ....

"Ongoing Projects"
A while back I posted about all of the "ongoing" projects we had planned for our backyard. 

(for a look at the ridiculously long list click here)

High on my list of priorities was our outdoor room. 

A room that would house our barbecue as well

as a fireplace and seating area. 

Here is the future sight looking from the grove

to the future site.

This is looking from the house to the future site.

and the site to the house.

We were teased early in December. A crew showed up

and began preparing the pad.

and got it ready to pour footings and

the pad.  It also included all electrical and gas planning.

and then it rained and rained and rained.....

Finally, last week, it was dry enough to

pour the pad.  To my delight this big dog

appeared.

and the concrete had to travel from the big dog ....

all the way through this hose....

to ....

Here. 

I don't think I was the only one excited about the concrete.

and this week we got a delivery of wood and a fireplace box.

 After yesterday

we had something that looked like this.

I actually got to design the fireplace yesterday, and no

it isn't going to be in the middle of the space.

There's really

no telling how long this process will go on, but

it was fun to see the progress so far.

and so far....so good.

First Day of School

My accommodating son is starting school today. 

I have always

taken pictures of my kids on their first day of school
and love looking back at them, with
their new clothes and excited anticipation. 
He is accommodating or
maybe he just pacifies me (which he's very good at)
when I asked him to send me a picture of himself on his

first day of Law School.

Well this is the picture I received on my phone....

I think years from now he'll get a

kick out of this picture...

as for me ....

I remember when

Look out world.

Damask for Four

No RED today....

Christmas is over and it's time to move on...

Oops !!!! 

I do have red, but only as my centerpiece,

but more about that later.

My table today is embracing the Damask.

Do you ever have words that you totally

confuse yourself in their proper pronunciation?

Damask is that word for me.
http://howjsay.com/index.php?word=damask

This napkin ring is from Roger's Garden years ago....the

only thing I have ever seen there for the low

bargain rate of $3.95

I got my inspiration from this cool runner.  I love runners

and use them as often as I can.

My candlesticks are a combination

of various odd shaped, silver Mercury glass.

The latest ones were an over priced (love them anyway)

purchase from Pottery Barn.

I also tried a second napkin ring .... just for fun.

What do you think?

 These glasses are my wedding crystal.

I don't remember the name of the pattern...but

I do remember they were 10.00 each.   I had

never purchased a 10.00 glass before.  Come

to think about it they were gifts....sooooo

A glimpse from above.

I am practising with my new lens and failing miserably.

My daughter stopped by to give me some pointers and

come to find out I had a setting that was not

right for my failing eye sight.  She changed it back

and I felt like I got my camera back....most of

these pictures were taken before the adjustment so

are blurry.

Reflection practice.

I also have the hardest time with light

and dark and settings

for the flash.

But you get a good look at the Damask pattern

on the candleholders.

Here is a closer look at one of my

Pottery Barn candlesticks.

These roses are left over from an open house we had for a

friend who is going into the Army.

I took the flowers from very

patriotic arrangements, bought a new vase and created

this new centerpiece....with 24 red roses.

They were so pretty.

Playing with my lens again. 

Focused on the crystal glass with a candle in the background

And focused on the candle in the background instead of the glass.

Kind of fun!

Thanks for joining me...I am linking to Tablescape Thursday

hosted by Susan

At

Between Naps on the Porch.

Be sure to check out the tablescape fun.

I know the last picture was too dark....

practice, practice, practice.

Have a great day!

By Invitation Only!!!

Looks like someone had a party and

I didn't get invited......

So sad for me, but it looks like a great party. 

I think I would rather believe I am there

in spirit... another cup of tea please !!!!

That party giving

thing must run in our family.

Up, Up, and Away .....

Our own Superman...

aka Sean

is setting up shop in his new apartment,

 in anticipation

of starting law school next week. 

So I ran down with him on Sunday to check out

the new digs,

and of course maybe do a quick shopping trip

for a few

"Necessities"

It is a somewhat large studio (with an alcove for his bed)

and I think he will be very

comfortable.

There's a nice Livingroom....

and a place for a desk 

(for all that studying)

He's using some fun colors

We are so proud of the man he has become...

and look forward

to seeing all  that he will accomplish in the future.

Good Luck Sean !!!!

Truth, Justice and the American Way.

Family, Food and Theft ...

Quick Tablescape Thursday...

The Rush Family Dinner

Every December my daughter and son in law host

a family dinner.

I know, isn't there enough to do without

throwing another event

into the mix? 

Well NO, not really.

Kristi set a rustically elegant table. 

That is she used wood chargers and more earthy elements, but also threw in a little sparkle. 

After all, it was the holidays.

I love the deep reds and that fun green.

Like a happy olive.

Our menu was Italian themed and delicious.

We enjoyed an assortment of appetizers,

blue cheese and walnut salad, Italian sausage with peppers and onions,

a pasta dish and  homemade pizza.

As usual we ate TOO much, laughed TOO hard, and

had a GREAT time!

It was such a lovely evening, darest I mention the incident?

Kristi has a stolen treasured ornament.  It was removed

intentionally accidentally from my home. 

and someone, I won't name names, decided to

return it.  And when I reference "it" I really

should use it's proper name. 

"The Santa Poop"

Needless to say, Kristi was distraught....

I just hope it finds it's way back

home next year....

and so the games begin ....

Thank you Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

for hosting.  Be sure to head back to see

all the tablescape fun.

One Year Older ....

The end of the year is not only busy with the holidays in our house...
but is also packed with birthdays. 

The Grand-Girls each turned another year older this season.

Madi started it off by turning "2"
It is hard to believe this little pixie is already two,
she is trouble with a capital "T" but just
as charming.

She likes dress up, doing anything big sister does, and being as messy as she possibly can.

This girl is always messy.

 and after seeing these pictures I think I should say

she likes to be naked.....

She has a passion for shoes and dance.  So I think there

may be dance class in her near future.

She thoroughly enjoyed her birthday and Christmas this

year and couldn't get enough gifts to open. 

In fact, she opened every one's gifts...just for fun.

I look forward to exploring her ever changing

personality

This little sweetie turned "3" .  With Bella

3 is equal to 23.  She has an enormous vocabulary, sings songs and

speaks 6 languages fluently.  Okay, maybe she

doesn't speak 6, that may be the grandma talking.

She enjoys chocolate milk, sushi, and

building million dollar bears.

She's a bit of a comedian and always

makes me laugh.
Or is it that I always make her laugh?

Either way she is a character and

always keeps me guessing.

Princess Riley turned "4". 

She has changed the most this year because

she has gone from a toddler to a little girl.

She talks your ear off, decided she wanted

to have straight hair instead of curly hair and

is just a little lady.

Other than the fact that she hates purple ... that is until

she got a Rapunzel doll and a matching dress for her birthday,

she is beautiful......

but extremely dramatic.  The girl

can call out for a bucket of tears on a moments notice.

She pretty much gets whatever she wants.

So Happy Birthday my darlings.  You

are truly my favorites.