I am building my nest again!

   I didn't mention it, waiting until I could speak of it with more grace, but I had a difficult move this past summer and am only now getting comfortably settled in.  I'm adjusting to a very modest home, but I am grateful that God has provided it and I am  determined to make it a love-filled, comfortable, cozy place, a warm and inviting haven.
 I am building my nest again!
 All the materials I'm using are: Love, joy, peace,  patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians5:22-23) *
  Also,  I must have flowers, music, books, and old things!

These are two huge, gorgeous Crepe Myrtle  trees
 next to my screen porch!
 Next summer,my transplanted hostas, coral bells,
 and other shade plants will be growing  along the side also.

 It has a really nice kitchen!  I love being able to cook for those I love.   I  have big plans to bake for and with my family, especially with the holidays coming up!  

I love my vintage brown transferware dishes for fall.
 It's Windsor Fruit, and it blends beautifully
 into my red and white kitchen color scheme. 

Isn't it fun to use pretty old china and glassware? I don't have this whole set, just a few pieces. But I like to use different table settings all the time.
  Just placed some pears and apples in an old amber Depression Glass bowl.

  Love baking those pumpkin muffins, pies, breads, and apple pies and crisps!
 So many great fall foods to make with the bountiful fall fruits!
  Ah, it makes it feel like home, the baking scents, the cooking aromas.

At least I found some of my cookbooks!
I still can't find lots of things!

Just draped a fall gourd garland around my chippy, shabby-chic mirror

A collection of old mirrors, an old chair, and bookcase, still evolving.
The wall was dark brown paneling, until I primed it
 and painted 2 coats of creamy white paint.

My old bookcase, made by Gunn Furniture Co.  in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1890-1920

This bookcase has lift glass doors, some are missing but I don't care!   I love to change up the collection displays, and  vignettes to go with the seasons.  I stuck some pumpkins and gourds on my green pottery collection.

This small plaque, from my daughter, Julie, says it all!

Not my Dream House!

This is not a lovely seaside cottage,  or a big old farmhouse where I could raise  some chickens and alpacas.  It's not  a character-rich Victorian where I could showcase antiques, and use my wicker furniture on the porch, nor is it a brand-spanking new house with the most modern, state-of-the-art fixtures and features.   But it's a good, sound home, that I could afford in a safe community, with good neighbors, and pretty yards. It's close to my kid's and grandchildren's  homes! 

 I will love decorating it and making it my home and I am so very thankful for it.  God is good.

 I wish you love, peace, and joy in your home!

Love, Linda

 

I  often visited www.littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com,

 and read 2 books that helped me during my difficult move. 

  After The Boxes Are Unpacked, by Susan Miller and The Bible

 

He is happiest, be he king or peasant,

who finds peace in his home. ---Goethe

I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage,

with my books, my family and a few old friends...

letting the world roll on as it likes, than to occupy

the most splendid post which any human power

can give.                           ---Thomas Jefferson

'By the Bay'

  What has my friend Maureen been so excited about lately?    I had to go find out!   She has been spending much of her time working with a group that has been restoring a historic bayside area including the shipping sheds and wharves and  a 1928 oyster schooner, A. J. Meerwald, N.J.'s  Tall Ship.
She invited me to the very first "2nd Friday-'By the Bay'.  What a delightful evening! Mingling with local artists, tasting oyster stew and other seafood delicacies, and more delicious homemade refreshments! Enjoying folksy guitar music on the dock, and learning something of our rich  maritime history in South Jersey!

A model of the A.J. Meerwald in the museum.
 She wasn't in port, because she was in
a schooner race in the Chesapeake Bay this weekend!
for her history and details, go to www.ajmeerwald.org



Maureen in the museum shop, with lots
of  bayshore artwork,  local crafts
and pottery, and souvenirs

Ted  had a cup of grog

I saw exquisite artwork by Anthony Thompson and others.


  This is a painting of Eastpoint Lighthouse, in Cumberland County,built in 1849. It fell into disrepair, then was later restored 
 and is a very popular local artist subject. It is also a place where the Monarch Butterflies stop before their Autumnal Journey to Mexico, and this can be quite impressive to observe.  To learn more about the lighthouse history and tours, please visit www.njhs.org/links.html 
 or email the Maurice River Historical Society, at eastpointlighthousenj@yahoo.com

Photo from nrm.wikipedia.org/wiki/File oysters_in_circle_on_plate.jpg

 At the Raw Bar on the dock, we watched oysters being shucked and we could buy a plate of 6, for $6.00!  For more fascinating information on New Jersey oysters, visit www.cumauriceriver.org/downjersey/maritime , and www.jerseyseafood.nj.gov

Knot work being  taught by Horace Whitfield
 When I tried to make a square knot,
 He told me it turned out to be a "granny knot".
I thought he was kidding me!

A section of the lovely mural by Rudderow
in the museum


Each month there will be themed events, on the second Friday evenings, at the shipping sheds and wharves
 in Bivalve, Port Norris, N.J.
 They are also presenting children's programs.
Details and directions at www.bayshorediscovery.org
856-785-2060 ext 100

 That was a really fun and educational evening! 
 Who knew I lived near such an interesting place!
 Love, Linda

Three Days A Week

At least three days of the week, I am playful. I laugh a lot, sing all day long, and dance freely.

  

At least three days a week, I have fun. I learn new things, I see clearer, I feel hopeful.
At least three days a week, my faith is stronger and I have bigger dreams and aspirations.

I am confident, sharing what I know and teaching what I've learned in life.
I feel loved, appreciated, truly honored.
I make a difference, and there are little eyes looking up to me, following my example.
I take my job very seriously. It's a most important job,  oh, I'm still parenting although my kids are way grown-up, I am helping them parent!.
I am now becoming the matriarch, gradually inheriting this esteemed position after being silently, subconsciously  tutored throughout my lifetime, by my sweet mother, mother-in-laws, and grandmother's excellent examples, triumphs and mistakes.   I must be sometimes strong and firm, sometimes soft and  tender. Someone small totally depends on me, so I must be wise and gentle too,

.
 Because, at least three days a week I spend with a dear little child,my grandson.
And the other four days of the week I go about my business, working and playing, growing and learning,  day by day, finding a balance and  purpose in my life, praying for God to show me the way to do it all and let His love shine through me.
 I know I am so blessed, and that the best is yet to come.  Being a grandma is the richest, most satisfying role I've ever had in my life!.

image from http://shandalin.com/store/fall-pumpkins-bears-clipart-p-289-html

Enjoy the little ones in your life and have a very happy fall season!

                    Blessings!  Linda