South Street Shabby

Serenity EASTER Sunday...

2011-04-24T08:31:00.005-04:00

“Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

“He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.”

Happy Easter you all of you, May the joy of the season be with you, today and everyday...

**Tami**

Serenity Sunday...week 83

2011-03-20T09:44:00.014-04:00

Beautiful Super Moon....

Only the soft moon
and silky stars
know my ever
changing goals.
Within me, I found love
For others.

Tamara Egan

07/26/00

Deep sleep fades
as glowing rays
fills morrow's light
and banishes dark shadows.
Precious day is waiting.

Tamara Egan

8/9/00

God's wisdom danced.
Particles of glowing silky stardust
defined as grace and perfect love
within every new life.

Tamara Egan

8/12/00

Through impending cold
and afternoons of soft grey
my sub-conscious seeks an end
to the silky winter fog.

Tamara Egan

06/29/00

Soft rays of sunlight

glisten through dimly lit forests,

while the beauty of spring

awakens in the garden.

Copyright

Tamara Egan

3/11/10

*********************************

HAPPY SPRING!!!!!

I spent about 1 1/2 hours today raking out a couple of flower beds. I'll be sorry tomorrow, but it feels good to know that one, they are done (at least for now) and two, the blooming flowers are on the horizon. It'll be a long while before I see flowers, but just knowing that they are coming is enough.

Last night, I watched for the SUPERMOON and took a few pictures. I used the 'night' setting on my digital camera, but left my tripod at home. Lesson learned...when it's cold outside, night time photos need to be taken using a tripod...I apparently, shiver a bit.:-) The pictures (above) that I took of the moon last night, we captured over Jamesville Reservoir, which is still frozen. The moonlight on the reservoir was beautiful.

::::On another note::::

SAVE THE DATE!

The 2nd Annual

'Spring Gathering of Friends'

will be held at

The Colonial Housefitter

4538 Apulia Road

Jamesville, NY 13078

(315-492-1977)

Saturday, April 9, 2011

11am-5pm

We had a great time last year....
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

Serenity Sunday...week 82

2011-02-27T23:05:00.006-05:00

In my opinion, the most moving oration at the Oscars tonight...

"It's not the load that breaks you down,

it's the way you carry it."

~ Lena Horne

Serenity Sunday...week 81

2011-02-20T16:46:00.006-05:00

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village, though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sounds the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

New Hampshire

1923

***************************************************

I shamelessly repost this poem and photo from last January. For a couple reasons...first this is befitting this time of year and second...this is one of my favorite photos and the poem, well...speaks for itself... The photo was found on the web years ago...and always seemed like there was a story behind it. The photo is a story in itself...hope you enjoy..

** On another note, stay tuned for a peek into the 17th annual Valentine's Tea that was held at my friend Cindy Petter's house last Monday.

Serenity Sunday...week 80

2011-02-13T15:32:00.006-05:00

Quiet and serene
Nature’s heavenly moment
A calm winter’s day.

Love is not a word
It is the soul of a heart
Aching to be heard.

Happy Valentine's Day!~

Tomorrow is Cindy Petters 'Annual Valentine's Tea'. It's an all day open house hosted by Cindy for about 400 of her closest friends. I think this year will mark her 17th tea.

She makes her special 'magic' blend of tea and dozens and dozens of beautiful cookies.

These are a couple of pics from last year...stay tuned for some updates from tomorrow!

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!

Country Home......next?

2011-02-06T21:28:00.002-05:00

Has anyone seen another issue of Country Home magazine? Just curious...don't want to miss one and the last one I saw was the Fall issue...

Serenity Sunday...belated week 79

2011-02-06T17:36:00.012-05:00

Around here…nothing doing…doing nothing…except watching snowflakes grow into mammoth piles of snow. Piles of snow so huge that I could not wade through it if I tried. Winter white surrounds everything in it’s path and the icicles grow at an incredible rate.

I used to enjoy the snow…I was a skier for years. I’ve come to dread the white stuff…even dislike it to a degree! Last Friday (February 4th) marked the first time in 33 days that we didn’t have a measurable snowfall. Ordinarily, that wouldn’t be such an achievement for most of you out there…here it’s something to celebrate!

It started in December and has snowed almost continually since. According to an article in the NY Times…December in Syracuse (by 12/22) 71.9 inches of snow had fallen on our fair city making it the snowiest December on record. It hasn’t really stopped since…except on New Years day. That day it was a balmy 58* at my house, which quickly prompted the opening of windows to air out the place.

We skated on the storm that left the rest of the country in shambles last week. I don’t know how we managed that, but we were relatively ‘snowfall-less’ last Wednesday (Feb. 2) with only about 7 inches which was several inches shy of the predicted snowfall.

Yesterday, however, we made up for it. In the afternoon…it started as rain/sleet/freezing rain, depending upon where in the county you were…then HUGE snowflakes began to fall. That’s how the roads became so bad so quickly. There were about 10 inches of snow on my car this morning…it was only snowing for about 3 hours last night. I can attest that the shovel fulls of this snow was back breakingly heavy…laden with the water from the sleet and rain that fell during the afternoon.

After last night...officially, we're at about 130.9 inches. I'm ok with it...it can stop now...any time really...just turn to spring...take a week or two so we don't have flooding...but, yup...it's ok with me!

I’ve had it…officially…too much…too often…can render even a native Syracusan…crazy…

(These photos have been taken over the past couple of weeks at random times. That will explain the different amounts of snow on the ground. The nighttime photos were taken last night during the latest snowfall. The daytime road photos were taken this morning on my way to my parents for a visit. As much as I hate to admit it...snow photographs well...)

Food for thought...looking forward...

2011-01-09T15:39:00.007-05:00

Just something to keep in mind as the winter days linger and the snow keeps us in...

***Nine weeks from today, March 9th...Daylight Savings Time begins...

***Ten weeks from today, March 20th...First Day of Spring!

Now, how's that for goals??

Serenity Sunday...week 78

2011-01-09T09:10:00.009-05:00

CHRIS: Morning Cicely. 8:00 A.M. muchachos. Time to finish those flapjacks, knock back that second cup of joe, get ready to greet the day. Temperature's creeping towards double digits as the solar drought continues--23 days, an average of an hour and a half of sunlight every day. No relief on the horizon. Which only makes sense cause there is no horizon. Our friends at the weather service are calling for another storm and as we know, they've been batting a thousand lately. Hey, let's check our social calendar. Nothing. Total blank. It's cabin fever season people, that time of year when four walls feel like they're going to come in here and choke the spirit right out of you. Time to lock away those firearms and hang tough. No way through it except to do it.

*******************************************************

I hope you enjoyed another glimpse of the wisdom that the character 'Chris' shared with us on the TV show Northern Exposure. As always, the writers hit the nail on the head. Somehow, this show always comes to mind in the winter here in central New York...it must be all the snow....

HAPPY NEW YEAR! This time of year, there is so much to look forward to and so much to let go of. It's time to reevaluate your priorities, chart new goals and look at the long-run. Take a look at your relationships...improve what needs to be improved. Take a look at yourself...figure out what makes 'you' tick and expand the qualities you feel are your best and improve what needs work. We are all a work in progress and what better time of year to become the new and improved version of yourself, than the new year? I don't look at it as a 'resolution' per say...just a new goal...

**Tami

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T21:19:00.001-05:00

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

*****************************************

I used to be able to recite this poem, the entire poem, with no mistakes. I can pretty much do it now, but have to cue myself here and there. I remember sitting in grade school, watching this 'movie' done with puppets (you could see the strings if you watched closely) in the cafeteria in the week before Christmas. All the classes were called in and we watched like an assembly. Also, on the movie list was one of the Nativity. I was in public school...but those were the days when we sang 'My Country Tis of Thee' after the pledge and my 1st grade teacher even said a prayer every morning after that, so that we could pray for a good day of learning and for the troops in Vietnam. Her husband was overseas and her son was in our class. Strange, but nobody thought it was out of the ordinary for us to begin our day in that manner.

This year, my Mom asked that each one of us tie a yellow ribbon for the soldiers serving overseas and at home. We did and we do...think of you/them often. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice so that we can do this...write about whatever pops into our heads without fear. It is our right to speak of freedom, whether it's about writing of our beliefs, our religion or following our dreams. I thank you and my family thanks you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Merry Christmas...from my house to yours, may you be happy and safe this holidays season...**Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 77

2010-12-19T18:37:00.007-05:00

(From my favorite quote garden: Northern Exposure)

CHRIS STEVENS: Season's Greetings, everybody, from KBHR, the heart and soul of Cicely, Alaska. This is Chris In The Morning. From where I'm sitting, I've got a great view of all the yuletide decorations going up all over town. That's right, everywhere I turn my head I see ebony birds roosting for the holidays. You know, twinkling colored lights are nice, and so are plastic Santas and reindeers and manger scenes, but I'll tell you something, friends... nothing like the sight of beautiful black-as-pitch raven to get you in the Christmas spirit.

**********************************************************************************

These past 2 weeks have been a winter wonderland around here. We have set and broken more snowfall records than I care to remember. Driving has been iffy at best, most mornings, but in our usual Central NY way, we find a way around the weather, get to work and make our way to the destination that we had planned. Not much holds us down here...the plow drivers work 'round the clock to make sure that we are safe and the roads are clear.

Rarely do we have a whole city shut-down. The schools may close for a day, cancel after school activites or delay the start of the day...but we get through it and are better for it. Yes, we get several feet of snow...it gets cold and we sometimes curse the winter, but rarely does it come with devastation or destruction. We don't have to rebuild or restructure our lives because of it. We can plow it, shovel it or wait for it to melt. It does not own us, we own it...winter...it's only a season, it lasts a couple of months and then it's gone for another year.

Enjoy your winter...whatever it may be... Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 76

2010-12-12T09:30:00.005-05:00

This is what it's like to live in Syracuse in the winter. There are tons of YouTube videos from this week, but of the ones I've seen, this depicts it best. We gripe about it, curse it, in some cases, detest it...but then the quiet serene beauty of the snowfall captures our imagination and it becomes a beautiful painting of white. We are way above average in our snow totals already and it's only been a week of snowfall. Here, without further ado...is the feature of the week...YouTube video of the snow capitol of the country (cities of over 100 thousand residents) after our first snowfall for Winter 2010...

**personal thoughts...it was miserable driving this past week and might be again this week....to all the locals...drive safe and stay warm! Oh, and keep your eyes open for the www.ColonialHousefittershopnews.blogspot.com for photos of our Christmas Open house from a couple of weeks ago. The post should be up today or tomorrow!

Serenity Sunday...week 75

2010-12-05T09:41:00.008-05:00

Another great quote from one of my favorite TV shows "Northern Exposure". This is from Chris, the radio DJ/Philosopher character regarding the first snowfall of the season.

Chris: Oh the snow the beautiful snow filling the sky and earth below. Over the house tops and over the streets, over the heads of people you meet. Dancing flirting skimming along. Oh the snow the beautiful snow how the flakes gather and laugh as they go. Whirling about in their maddening fun it plays in its glee with everyone. Chasing laughing hurrying by it lights on the face and sparkles the eye. And even the dogs with a bark and a bound snap at the crystals that eddy around. The town is alive and its heart in a glow to welcome the coming of beautiful snow. Bon Hiver Cicely.

***This weekend marks the first real measurable snowfall in the Syracuse area, especially in my town, Jamesville. This photo was taken last December and has been untouched. It looks like a black & white photo that has been enhanced to show the red, white and blue of the flag, but honestly folks, it is exactly as I took it. It looks like that a lot around here all winter. Just black and white or shades of it. You get used to it...it's really kind of pretty.

**********************************************************

Last night was the 'Light Up Jamesville' celebration here in town. It's the night that the town tree is lit and Santa comes to town. All the shops stay open until 8pm and the Christmas carolers wander through town and make sure they stop at every shop and gathering of people. It's really quite nice. I was at the shop, working. Lots of new faces and some that we know, stopped in for a little hot mulled cider and a peek at the Christmas decorations. It was fun, I never miss it. Other than our first night of the 'Open House' at the shop, it's my favorite time to work.

Enjoy your Serenity Sunday! and keep Christmas in your heart.....

Thanksgiving traditions...

2010-11-27T20:27:00.005-05:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving always includes the grandchildren putting up Nana and Papa's Christmas tree. This year, my sister's kids were here and able to help. Here they are. It's a grainy phone pic...but it's clear to me! Awesome kids...each and every one!

(Left to right, Jordan 11, Zach almost 21, Alex 13, and Dan almost 18...

...just crazy to me how quickly they grow up!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:26:00.005-05:00

Many thanks for my readers, friends and family.

Without you....there is no point...

Serenity Sunday...week 74

2010-11-21T15:06:00.007-05:00

Clark: Since this is Aunt Bethany's 80th Christmas, I think she should lead us in the saying of Grace.

Aunt Bethany: [turns to Lewis] What, dear?

Nora Griswold: Grace!

Aunt Bethany: Grace? She passed away thirty years ago.

Uncle Lewis: They want you to say Grace. [Bethany shakes her head in confusion]

Uncle Lewis: The BLESSING!

Aunt Bethany: [they all pose for prayer] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands/ One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Clark: Amen.

**I hope that your Thanksgiving turkey turns out better than the GRISWOLDS Christmas turkey! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...keep charity in your prayers and kindness in your heart.

Oh....and PS...SHOP TIL YOU DROP in FRIDAY!!! :-)

Serenity Sunday...week 73

2010-11-14T16:29:00.005-05:00

This holiday season...

...please make a point...

...to put charity first...

...think of others as well as your own...

...do what you can to help....

"No act of kindness,

no matter how small,

is ever wasted." - Aesop ...

Make Merry This Holiday Season

2010-11-11T19:16:00.011-05:00

Make Merry This Holiday Season
The Colonial Housefitter

Christmas is Near Simple Pleasures are Many
Handmade Santas in Every Nook and Cranny
Plum Pudding Cakes & Twinkle Lites
Feather Trees and Garland

Come Celebrate

Christmas Open House

Friday, November 19th 4pm-8pm
Saturday, November 20th 11am-5pm
Sunday, November 21st 12pm-5pm

The shop will be closed November 18th
November 19th until 4pm to prepare

Holiday Hours
Wednesday – Saturday 11am-5pm
Sundays 12pm-5pm Nov. 21 – Dec. 19th

4538 Apulia Road, Jamesville, NY
492-1977

Cupboard Doors...check!

2010-11-02T22:03:00.007-04:00

The back story:
I have a customer at the antique shop that owns a converted barn. He and his family converted it and then lived in it until a year or so ago. When they became 'empty nester's', Jay and his wife down-sized their household into a condo but kept the converted barn and turned it into a rental/vacation property. The property overlooks beautiful Cazenovia Lake and some very famous paintings have been done by some well known artists over the years. William Boardman in about 1848, painted the view from this vantage point and the folk art painting is very aptly named 'Cazenovia From The West'.

Commission:
So, after the move to the condo, Jay decided that the 4-door shaker cupboard that they had custom made for the barn/house and had been moved into his new 'office' in the condo, was kind of boring. He asked me if I would do a folk art painting on the inside of the top 2 cupboard doors so that when he left the doors open to showcase his collectibles, there would be something interesting on the inside to look at. The only things he required were that the painting be folk art style, that the outside stiles of the door be painted black to resemble a frame and that there be a couple of animals and birds in the painting. I finished them last night and he'll pick them up tomorrow. The hinged edge of the doors are toward the middle of the picture as I've set them up for the picture.

Mission accomplished!

**By the way, if you're interested in the house, the link above is connected to the realty company that handles the rentals. There are pictures. Jay has travelled the country and searched far and wide to refurnish the barn/house using many antiques and collectibles suited to it's style.

Serenity Sunday...week 72

2010-10-31T17:19:00.006-04:00

from

Macbeth

A dark Cave.

In the middle, a Caldron boiling.

Thunder.

Round about the caldron go;

In the poison'd entrails throw.—

Toad, that under cold stone,

Days and nights has thirty-one;

Swelter'd venom sleeping got,

Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn, and caldron bubble.

Happy Halloween from

my house to yours!!!!

Serenity Sunday...week 71

2010-10-24T09:10:00.007-04:00

(Photos Courtesy of my sister Wendy Rounds)

"Just before the death of flowers,

And before they are buried in snow,

There comes a festival season

When nature is all aglow."

- Author Unknown

**Apparently, and how this happened I don't know...I dropped the ball and missed last Sunday. All I can say is...it's been pretty busy around here lately. A couple of small projects here at home...some paintings that I have to get done for a client and some that I did for the shop.

Oh, I went to see the John Edward show at the Civic Center in Syracuse. My friends and I got tickets months ago and if you ever get the chance to see him...go! Whether you believe or not...it's a powerful show and you'll feel different when you leave the show. Somehow lighter and enlightened...more positive. Even if you don't get read (we didn't) just listening to other people's stories and how they coped...makes you somehow a better person for just being there and having listened. I know it sounds crazy, but there is a sense of calmness that follows you for days. If he comes next year, we're going again. I mean, who can pass up a chance to feel 'calm'?

**T.

Serenity Sunday...week 70

2010-10-10T08:49:00.016-04:00

Portrait of my Life

As I watch the sun, setting crimson over the horizon,
I realize that another day has come to an end.
Like the colors of my life, the yellows, russets and blues
seem to float over the dark line of trees and hills,
the division between earth and air that is really no division at all…
just a temporary border between night and day.

***
The colors of sunset are the events of my day,
Woven together, bound without a trace of beginning or end,
They make a complete picture of my life.
It has no abrupt starts and stops….
just a colorful painting of living life to it’s fullest potential.
…..and again it is true…at first light.

***

Tamara J. Egan

June 2001

***

**My sister sent me these pictures yesterday.

She lives near Cleveland, Ohio and they were taken

at the "Rocky River Nature Center".

It is, obviously a beautiful place.

The autumn colors are all around us...

reminding us to look forward,

but not to forget the past.

Enjoy your Sunday! **Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 69

2010-10-03T17:03:00.006-04:00

Autumn Within

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It is autumn; not without

But within me is the cold.

Youth and spring are all about;

It is I that have grown old.

Birds are darting through the air,

Singing, building without rest;

Life is stirring everywhere,

Save within my lonely breast.

There is silence: the dead leaves

Fall and rustle and are still;

Beats no flail upon the sheaves,

Comes no murmur from the mill.

**This is probably my favorite Autumnal photo. I have no idea where it came from. Somewhere in the world wide web about 10 years ago or so, I came upon it and all I could think of was the scrapbook my Mom has and how this looked like an old photo that might have been in it. The colors, I couldn't paint a picture and make it look so real. I have seen meadows like this, that look so sepia toned with just a punch of Fall color. Nobody would believe a painting like this. So...enjoy the colors of Fall, the oranges, ochres, russets and deep greens. The painting we call 'AUTUMN' only last a short while...and then comes the black, gray and white of winter on it's heels.

Serenity Sunday...week 68

2010-09-26T12:28:00.005-04:00

Everyone must take time to sit

and watch the leaves turn.

~Elizabeth Lawrence

**It's certainly Fall in my part of the country. Chilly early morning and overnights and warmer days with an occasional 80*-90* day tossed in for good measure. Two days ago we set a record for high temperature (in the 90's) and as I write this early afternoon, it is sunny and 60*. This is typical for a Fall day here in central NY...and that's probably why we love it here.

Have a wonderful week! **Tami

Day Trippin' Sharon Springs NY-Part Two

2010-09-21T17:10:00.016-04:00

This is 'Part Two' of the pictures that I took on Saturday at the Sharon Springs Fall Harvest Festival. This is the post that will show you the pictures of the Fabulous Beekman Boys, Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, formerly of Manhattan, NY and now (at least part of the time for Josh) residents of the Beekman Mansion in a beautiful rural community by the name of Sharon Springs, NY.

This photo was taken in front of the Cafe'

on the main street in town, NYS Route 10.

The banner flew high reminding the townspeople

that the 2nd annual Harvest Festival is upon them.

We got to the festival around 11 am and the streets were already filling up. We decided right then and there that our first stop would be the "Beekman 1802 Mercantile". Best move we could have made as the wait to get into the store wasn't too bad...we got to chat with the gentleman/artist who hand crafts the Britannia Fruit Spoons that are sold exclusively at the Beekman 1802. The spoons are beautifully made of "Britannia, a metal alloy that was common in the 18th century" (according to the authentication I got with mine). "The alloy becomes molten over hot coals and is then hand-poured into an original, authentic 18th century spoon mold." It is essentially, a type of pewter and it will make a very nice gift! Well, that's what I got it for...we'll see...it's beautiful.

This poster was hanging in McGillycuddy's Natural Soap store.
Loved that store! Smelled wonderful and they have so many 'flavors' of soap!

This poster of the goats (my favorite) was just inside,

at the entrance of the Beekman 1802.
It's just such a cool photo!

This is the signage for the beautiful scarves that they carry.

Inside the store (which looked bigger on TV) we all snaked around the center display table and it worked like a charm! We all saw the merchandise, the clerks were so very nice and when we were there (a little after noon) they still had merchandise to sell! I bet that by the end of the day they sold out. The TV crews were milling about and filming while we were there. You can see them in this photo. They blended right into the background and it was really easy to forget they were even there!

You see the double tiered display in the center of this island table above? This is where the Blaack Cheese was displayed. All of the bigger rounds of cheese were gone by the time we came around the table and they brought out the last two (smaller one pound) rounds. Judy and I pretty much looked at them, decided that we'd get one and split it. We had tried it, they had samples, and it's really good my friends! So...bottom line...we got the next to the last cheese round. At least that was the buzz while we were snaking around the inside of the shop.

We chatted with this couple inside the shop. So...let's see...Judy and I each purchased a t-shirt, Josh's book 'The Bucolic Plague' and we got the cheese round to split! Not bad!

Outside the building that housed the shop,

Farmer John's goats were having a wonderful time!

As you exit the shop, Brent was there on the porch

to sign autographs and chat a little.

Nice, nice guy. Truly enjoyed talking to him.

As time went on, the lines to get into the shop and see the 'boys' snaked all the way down the street. Thank God we had the smarts to do that first!

The Roseboro is in the same building and between there and the shop there were more great t-shirts, mugs etc. for sale. I was planning to go back for another shirt, but kind of forgot.

Not sure when Josh joined Brent.

He wasn't there when we went to the shop...

This picture (above) is the picture from the TV show website. This is the front of the Beekman Mansion. The rear of the building faces the street. (Brent told us how to find the mansion...) Since nobody was permitted access to the property (they had security guards...smart!) I had to borrow this picture to show you the perspective. We couldn't see this view of the house from the street.

I took this shot from the street. How grand is this place, huh? No wonder Josh and Brent fell in love with this place! and this is just the side of the house.

NYS officially says this is a historic place...

This is the view from the street, the 'back' of the mansion. Not too shabby the the rear entrance!
So...we had a great time, the weather was perfect and I would attend this festival again.. Look for the TV show on your Planet Green TV channel! According to the card I picked up in the American Hotel (love that building...took enough pics so I can paint it...see previous post) ...the 'Boys' will have a holiday special and the show will return again in the spring of 2010.

Day Trippin' - Sharon Springs, NY-Part One

2010-09-20T18:32:00.015-04:00

On Saturday, my friend Judy and I took a short 2 hour trip to a beautiful town called Sharon Springs, NY. Some of you may know that this is the beautiful upstate home of Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge of the Planet Green TV show called 'The Fabulous Beekman Boys' that began it's first season this past summer.

Sharon Springs is about 50 miles west of Albany, NY and is only about a half hour from Cooperstown, the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Settled in the late 1700's, Sharon Springs grew into a highly fashionable spa during the 19th century and boasted several beautiful hotels that were used as summer resorts for the guests of the healing waters. For more of the fascinating history of this picturesque small town, please visit here.

Last year, the residents of Sharon Springs, with the help and prompting of Josh and Dr. Brent, held their first annual Fall Harvest Festival to showcase the local farmers and craftsman in the area. (Pictures of the Roseboro Hotel)

This years festival was held this past weekend. Since (for a change) we were close enough to actually attend an event that we've heard about on blogs or national television, we thought it would be a great day trip! I mean, come on...Upstate NY in early autumn? Can't get much better than that! Breath-taking views and quaint towns...old original architecture, country roads...you have to love Upstate!

Look at this awesome building! It held what used to be a grand hotel and several small businesses. This is the building that the Beekman 1802 Merchantile , owned and run by the Beekman Boys themselves, is now in. The shop takes up only a small space in the center bottom floor of this enormous building.

This and the next three pictures are of the 'American Hotel' which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is steeped in history. It is beautiful inside. We couldn't hang around too long because they were very busy and we didn't have reservations, but the lobby is beautifully decorated and the wonderful aromas seeping from the award winning restaurant was incredible! Wish I had pictures of the inside. My friend is planning to make a reservation for her anniversary as a surprise for her husband next spring. Shhhh....don't spill the beans!

This was the booth of a fiber artist.

She had gorgous handmade items for sale!

Looking north on State Route 10 through the village.

What a great antique desk!

A quartet played music in the park's gazebo during the afternoon.

FRESH ORGANIC veggies!

Have you ever seen such a sweet face? This is one of the Alpaca's that were at the festival. There were plenty of working dogs with their owners and there was even a miniature horse wandering the streets and sidewalks of town.

Yards and yards of newly spun wool yarn!

Stay tuned for part two of our trip to Sharon Springs Fall Harvest Festival and hear about how we met Dr. Brent and pictures of their historical mansion!

Serenity Sunday...week 67

2010-09-19T17:40:00.011-04:00

When summer gathers up

her robes of glory,

And, like a dream,

glides away.

~ Sarah Helen Whitman

**Summer will officially ends on Thursday September 22nd when cozy Autumn moves in to take her place. The season of warm oranges, robust reds and rich ochres and chilly mornings arrives on September 22, 11:09 P.M. EDT according to the Farmer's Almanac. It's time to move in the corn stalks, pumpkins and mums and start the clean up for the upcoming fall/winter seasons. I know, I don't want to think about it either, but there it is...in orange and red...the season is just beginning to break the horizon...

Peace to all...Tami

PS...Those of you within ear shot...remember that the 'Fall Gathering of Friends' at THE COLONIAL HOUSEFITTER will begin at 11am on Saturday, September 23rd! For more information...check out the shop blog!

Serenity Sunday...week 66

2010-09-12T18:24:00.005-04:00

(Above photo courtesy of the web)

All those golden autumn days the sky was full of wings. Wings beating low over the blue water of Silver Lake, wings beating high in the blue air far above it . . . bearing them all away to the green fields in the South. - Laura Ingalls Wilder

In remembrance...9/11

2010-09-10T22:49:00.007-04:00

I'd like to take this moment to remember all of those who were lost on September 11, 2001 and the brave souls who worked tirelessly to rescue those who were missing and then finally, recover those who were lost.

I'd like to remember and thank all of those who fight the heat of fire, who face the threat of violence and who risk their lives ... daily to keep us safe and out of harms way. And last but certainly not least, I'd like to thank the families who have lost loved ones or lost time with loved ones so that we may remain a free country.

My heartfelt gratitude and prayers are with each and every one of you today...on this remembrance of the tragedy that struck the hearts and souls of the world on September 11th.

Please indulge me as I reprint a poem written about that day....

A PRAYER

…was the shock, then the hush,
then the awesome silence,
as we tried desperately to absorb,
the magnitude of violence.

…brothers and sisters united,
from all over the world,
their hearts were all breaking,
as a flag was unfurled.

Matters not, that they knew them,
hearts and tears work that way,
they all felt tied to a ‘someone’,
that was lost that fateful day.

Then slowly and sweetly,
silence turned from despair,
we don’t know where it started,
and we don’t really care.

…from high in the mountains,
from one country to another,
in the streets, in the forest,
from your sister to my brother.

The tune is so lovely,
it’s graceful and lyric.
The words speak of peace,
if you’re quiet you’ll hear it.

The world’s people are united,
the message is clear,
a solemn promise to ‘them’,
we will not live in fear…

A concert of devotion,
from fathers and mothers,
to the children we have,
and for the future of all other’s.

It sweeps deep in their hearts,
the song is love for mankind,
the harmonious tune,
plays forever in our minds.

We’ll continue, we’ll go on,
we’ll move forward with our lives.
But we’ll never forget our heroes,
those who gave up their lives…

Our America had been changed
by the events of that day,
for her children, and the parents,
it’s in their honor and their memory we pray.

So…pray to your God,
and I’ll pray to mine,
for the peace that we seek,
is that, which we find.

September 22, 2001

Country Home - Fall 2010

2010-09-09T18:50:00.004-04:00

Once again, my friends, I have purchased the 'Meredith Specials' publication of Country Home! It occurred to me as I was wondering my local 'Wegman's' grocery this afternoon, that it might be available. The earlier edition (that was on the stands in July) said that it would be and they weren't kidding!

I'm happy to report that it does say inside that it is available 2 times a year, July and September. Let's hope we can turn that around and make it available as a 10x/year magazine again!

This 'FALL' edition is 160 pages of beautiful fall decorating ideas. The best part...no ads that I can see...so it's all 160 pages of beautiful photos. (Don't you just love that painted floor on the cover?)

ENJOY!

Serenity Sunday...week 65

2010-09-05T18:59:00.007-04:00

Happy Labor Day!

~ No business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country. By living wages I mean more than a bare subsistence level--I mean the wages of decent living. ~
Franklin D. Roosevelt

~ If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool. ~
Abraham Lincoln

~ Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor. ~
Ulysses S. Grant

Save the date! Shop news....

2010-08-29T19:08:00.008-04:00

The Colonial Housefitter

**Presents**

"A Fall Gathering of Friends"

Saturday, September 25, 2010

11am-5pm

Check out my posts on the shop blog

The Colonial Housefitter News.

For those of you who are local...

stop in and say hello!

Please follow the shop blog for more information

on special events and shop news.

Serenity Sunday...week 64

2010-08-29T00:30:00.007-04:00

Please, take a moment today...

say a prayer...

remember those who were lost

and those who lost loved ones

in hurricane Katrina.

In the arms of an Angel,

far away from here

From this dark, cold hotel room,

and the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage,

of your silent reverie

In the arms of an Angel;

may you find some comfort here

Sarah MacLachlan "In the Arms of an Angel"

Madison-Bouckville Antique Show

2010-08-24T19:13:00.014-04:00

Last week/weekend was the annual Madison-Bouckville Antique Show. My friends and I actually went on Wednesday to shop 'town' before the 'in-field' opened. I'm going to let my 'not-so-good' pictures tell the story. For more on the show stop over to my friend Judy's Blog.

YUP! That's right...over a thousand dealers at the big show on the 'in-field'.

There are a couple of hundred dealers that set up along the streets, in yards and parking lots for the week before the actual show. For many years, I have shopped 'town' and skipped the big show. It's just easier for me to go during the week.

This doesn't really begin to show you the many, many dealers in town. Imagine both sides of the street filled to capacity with tents and booths, filling yards and all empty spaces, for about a mile and a half...and remember....this isn't even the main show!

This railroad cart was ticketed at $275.00!

Awesome, HUGE table!

I love these yard long photos from the 1920's or so. I have one, but it didn't come framed...

Hey Judy....doing anything on Labor Day?

Hey, I know there's a market for these doll sculptures...

...but honestly folks....they give me nightmares!

Judy bought a couple of pennants here...

So....I got this soap barrel top.

I thought it was kind of cool and I like the texture of it. It cleaned up nice...

I picked up this sign too! It'll look great on my wall.

I grabbed this small plate too. I know it's not 'priceless' but I needed a small blue and white plate for the dining room wall arrangement. It was only $1.00! How could I pass it up? You can see more about the show Laura at 52 flea and if I find more...I'll make sure you're the first to know!

Serenity Sunday...week 63

2010-08-22T22:48:00.005-04:00

~ The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. ~

Dolly Parton

**It's been raining like cats and dogs here since last night. I'm certain we're over 3 inches by now. Today just started strange. Between last night hearing thunder hours before the rain started...waking up this morning to a PC that wouldn't boot up to watching sheets of rain all afternoon....I've just about had enough. ;-) I finally got my PC started, somehow...all the stuff I knew to do...didn't seem to work at first. Not quite sure how all ended up ending well, but the stars must have lined up for me cause it works and hopefully, I'll be able to do a couple of posts this week. **

'Night......**T.

Stay tuned Madison-Bouckville Show

2010-08-18T21:41:00.003-04:00

Stay tuned for more from the

MADISON-BOUCKVILLE ANTIQUE SHOW!

Serenity Sunday...week 62

2010-08-15T13:06:00.007-04:00

(Image from squidoo.com)

Rain usually makes me feel mellow: curl up in a corner time, slow down, smell the furniture. Today... it just makes me feel wet. What is it about owning things? Why do we feel the need to own what we love, and why do we become such jerks when we do? We've all been there, you know: we want something; we own it; and by owning it we change it. When you finally win that girl of your dreams, the first thing you do is try to change her. That little thing she does with her hair, the way she wears her clothes, the way she chews her gum. Until eventually, what you like, what you don't like and what you change all merges into one.
Like a watercolor in the rain.

Chris Stevens on rain, relationships and changes from the TV show "Northern Exposure"

Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime

2010-08-14T19:48:00.004-04:00

So...this is how my mind works...this song by Mungo Jerry pops into my mind this morning...I've been singing it to myself for most of the afternoon...then, from there...I remember that the anniversary of Woodstock is coming up soon...so...I think I have to share this memory of this fun summer song...and...maybe...I'll stop singing it to myself....ya think? NOT likely!

Anyway...enjoy the song and the memories that it evokes...and don't forget to think about Woodstock...it was 8/15-8/18/1969...

3 days of Peace & Music...

Serenity Sunday...week 61

2010-08-08T10:05:00.005-04:00

**My friend Judy and I went to Clayton NY on Friday. It's only about an hour and a half from home on beautiful Lake Ontario. Judy camps up there every year and I haven't been there since I was a kid. While camping, Judy saw that there was going to be an outdoor, juried craft show at one of the museums. We went, we saw some cool stuff and Judy made a few purchases. She showed me a couple of hot spots to shop and that's where I made my purchases. One was a really great antique shop in a former church. That's where I found the porch baluster for a mere $4.00!

We had a great time...wandered around a bit, thought we may have gotten lost for a short time, but didn't...and now, we are looking forward to the Bouckville Antique show in a couple of weeks! Can't wait for the next road trip!

Serenity Sunday...week 60

2010-08-01T18:44:00.006-04:00

Footpath
As I begin down a new path,
each step taken gingerly,
being careful not to stumble,
I remember the road I had taken before.

A well worn footpath,
winding it’s way into my future,
only wide enough for one to travel,
lies behind me, as I travel forward.

Looking back, as I go,
I see the friends I’ve made,
experiences that shaped me,
leaving a mark of maturity on my life.

Using what you’ve learned,
makes it easier, more comfortable,
to move forward, take risks,
and move along the path to a new adventure.

Tamara Egan

6/2004

**I wrote this poem for my (now former) coworkers back in 2004 as I was leaving to begin a new job. It was heartfelt and after working in the same office for many years, it was time for a change. Now, I see that it was possibly the best move I ever made.

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. I did, however, as usual....it was entirely TOO SHORT!

Serenity Sunday...week 59

2010-07-25T08:29:00.004-04:00

(Image: Flikr)

“It's the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance. It is the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance. It is the one who won't be taken who cannot seem to give. And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.”
Bette Midler

Serenity Sunday...week 58

2010-07-11T08:32:00.008-04:00

(Painting 'Wind From The Sea' Andrew Wyeth)

Summer Wind
　
　
The wind tossed and turned everything in its path.
Blowing lazily and without pattern,
it slowly wound itself around, enveloping me.

My eyes closed, I could feel it lapping, haphazardly at my body,
I felt the tingling of the hot summer air against my skin,
and with it came a sensual, almost erotic, thrill.

All my other senses were peaked, adding to the sensation,
lending me a sense of freedom that I never dreamed possible.

I was witness to the sweet aroma of the flowers,
the salty taste of sweat on my lips,
the sound of the wind whirling through the leaves,
and the clouds, swaying with the pulse of the wind.

It was a great feeling…to just be,
let the time wander, as I enjoyed the mysteries of nature.

I will remember that day forever.
It was…as if, the only thing that mattered,
was the very fact that I was savoring life, in all its beauty.

Tamara Egan
Copyright

July 28,2000

**We're off (Judy and me) to the Lavender Fest today at Lockwood Farm! Looks like we've FINALLY broken the heat wave...less humidity and lower temps today. Never thought I'd look forward to the mid 80's as 'cooler weather'! Have a wonderful day!

Nobody told me! or am I the only one who knows?

2010-07-08T20:59:00.007-04:00

Imagine my surprise when walking through Target this afternoon, I stumbled upon this magazine!

Apparently, Meridith Corporation has decided to put out Country Home again! The one I picked up was dated 'late summer' and is on shelves until mid September at which time another edition will be released (around September/October)! The inside near the binding says that CH will be published 2x/yr...July and October. Maybe if we keep it sold out they will increase it and bring it back the way it should be.

YAHOO! I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself...:-)

Thanks Meredith...I really missed Country Home!

Serenity Sunday...week 57

2010-07-04T09:14:00.009-04:00

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

I wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday!

Serenity Sunday...week 56

2010-06-27T14:53:00.007-04:00

Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscapeLay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. ~Celia Thaxter

The summer night is like a perfection of thought.

~Wallace Stevens

In summer, the song sings itself.

~William Carlos Williams

Serenity Sunday...week 55

2010-06-13T19:51:00.006-04:00

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless. ~Bill Watterson

Jamesville Balloon Fest was held this weekend. I was just on my way home and saw tons of them flying west toward the town of Manlius. Must be the winds aloft are flowing westward!

If you are ever in town on the second weekend of June...make it a point to go. The best launch is the 6 a.m. launch on Saturday and Sunday morning. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

Common Keepings Antique Show

2010-06-12T17:36:00.009-04:00

I'm a little behind in my posting, but I have to make a point of mentioning the "Common Keepings" antique show. It's a new show that looks like will become an annual show! Great time was had by all. The exhibitors were knowledgeable, the prices were reasonable and the selection was great! It was a kind of fluke that I went and I'm glad that I did. Thanks Janet for a wonderful time!

Martha makes the most wonderful soy candles!

The hall was packed with Americana and collectible patriotic items.

Check out those quilts!

This is one of my finds. Look at my bird mansion!

Judy and I did pretty well...filled the back seat and the trunk!

The bird house and tabletop cupboard that I got.

I mention this because, if you are from the Syracuse area or within driving distance...keep an eye peeled for the next show! I'll try to remember to post when I hear about it. I recommend that you make the trip...not too many dealers...only about 30 or so...but quality pieces! For more pictures please see my friend and fellow shopper Judy's blog Orchard Drive West! (and while you're there, check out her great header picture! Love those flags!)

Serenity Sunday...week 54

2010-06-06T09:39:00.004-04:00

“If a June night could talk,

it would probably boast that it

invented romance.”

Bern Williams

Gardening...June 1, 2010

2010-06-02T20:57:00.014-04:00

I am amazed at the growth of my gardens this year. I've only been puttering so far, but jeesh! They are growing like crazy.
There is something to be said for an early and warm spring.

Peony

Hosta, fern and Lily of the Valley

New garden (on the left of the arch) that I put in this weekend. It was crazy hot this weekend, humid. There are a couple of Coreopsis, a couple of lavender and a Meideland Rose Bush.

Mock Orange

This is the beautiful birdhouse that I found at an antique show this past weekend. It's bigger than it looks....sort of like a bird mansion! I haven't found a spot for it yet so it's residing on a stack of bricks until I find someplace 'safe'.

Serenity Sunday...week 53

2010-05-30T09:48:00.006-04:00

Celebrate our heros on this Memorial Day.

"That's what it takes to be a hero, a little gem of innocence inside you that makes you want to believe that there still exists a right and wrong, that decency will somehow triumph in the end."

Lise Hand

**Happy Memorial Day friends. Spend some time enjoying your families and friends. Take time to remember your heros and pray for peace. Peace...takes dedication, patience, loyalty and above all, courage. **Peace, Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 52

2010-05-23T13:25:00.006-04:00

"The trees are coming into leaf

Like something almost being said;

The recent buds relax and spread,

Their greenness is a kind of grief.

Is it that they are born again

And we grow old? No, they die too,

Their yearly trick of looking new

Is written down in rings of grain.

Yet still the unresting castles thresh

In fullgrown thickness every May.

Last year is dead, they seem to say,

Begin afresh, afresh, afresh."

- Philip Larkin, The Trees

**Somehow, in the craziness, I forgot to post, even Serenity Sunday, last week! What's up with that? Ever have those days when you are busy as a bee, but can't see much accomplishment? I'm having that kind of month. Like Grandma used to say, "the further I go, the behinder I get". My gardens are growing like crazy this year and I'm working on expanding a bit. I'm getting there, slowly but surely...** Peace, Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 51

2010-05-09T08:31:00.007-04:00

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

The one thing children wear out faster than shoes is parents.

~John J. Plomp

Most mothers are instinctive philosophers. ~Harriet Beecher Stowe

For Heaven's Sake...it's MAY!

2010-05-08T20:10:00.005-04:00

The lilac's have been blooming for over a week...

great big purple flowers...wonderful scents...

My garden is growing and it's so much

earlier than it usually is...

The myrtle has the tiniest of purple blossoms...

...and the lily of the valley is in it's final stages

before the flowers burst and

the fragrance wafts into my window...

lavender is growing and it won't be long...

...and then this? The weather report says there is a chance of flurries...

say it ain't so!!! I'm probably not going to see any here at home, but rest assured that there will be snow within a few miles...it's just crazy...the wind has been howling all day. This morning...it was 64* here at my house and now ... this?? It must be a dream...a bad one!

Serenity Sunday...week 50

2010-05-02T09:38:00.010-04:00

Because everything will be ok!

A simple piece of paper that my nephew

Zack found on the street yesterday.

Profound and elegant words,

that carry huge weight.

Serenity Sunday...week 49

2010-04-25T10:05:00.007-04:00

PROCRASTINATION...

"Procrastination is the grave

in which opportunity is buried."

Anonymous

I apologize...for the lack of posts lately. I've been leaning too much on my Serenity Sunday series and haven't posted much else lately. In my own defense, I have been busy working, painting, running around doing errands etc..

I have had a revelation lately though, I have to learn to relax more...smell the roses as they say. I have to spend more time with my friends and worry less about what does or does not get done. I have to make time...that's right...MAKE TIME...and while I'm doing that...I will take more pictures and post my 'doings'... After all, when you leave this life...nobody remembers all of the time you spent working...but instead, the time you spent with friends and family is remembered and embraced.

Enjoy your day...and remember to smell the roses! **Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 48

2010-04-18T09:49:00.012-04:00

All human wisdom is summed up in two words – wait and hope-

Alexandre Dumas Père

***********************************************************

Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow – that is patience.

Unknown

********************************************************************

Chris Stevens: They say dreams are the windows of the soul - take a peek and you can see the inner workings, the nuts and bolts.

Northern Exposure 1990

**********************************************************

**SPRING is working up to full steam around here...a chilly day here and there, but the gardens are coming around and the grass is greening up. I've seen a homeowner now and then...mowing. Nothing like smelling the freshly cut green grass.

**Have a wonderful day**Tami

COOL SPRING GIVEAWAY!

2010-04-11T18:19:00.014-04:00

Quick, Hurry, Don't Delay!

Run on over to my friend

Judy's blog for a beautiful

SPRING GIVEAWAY!

Yup!

That's right...Orchard Drive West's

first giveaway is a honey!

Judy makes these great gift packages...

...tags and all!

This giveaway includes all of these prizes!

Hurry now...
you only have until Friday, April 16th!

What? You're still here?

Go on now...hurry!

Orchard Drive West

Serenity Sunday...week 48

2010-04-11T14:00:00.007-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Webshots)

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of
others cannot keep it from themselves.
James Matthew Barrie

Serenity Sunday...Easter week 47

2010-04-03T23:21:00.008-04:00

(Photo of Otisco Lake, Finger Lakes Region, N.Y.

Happy Easter to you and your families.

May you find peace in everyday life and serenity in your heart...

From my house to yours, Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 46

2010-03-28T08:47:00.006-04:00

Reflections

Reflections…
Echos of the past
Forever etched in our memory
Mirror to the future

T. Egan

11/2005

Stay tuned for an update for the 'Spring Gathering of Friends' that was held yesterday at the shop (The Colonial Housefitter). Have a wonderful weekend!

Serenity Sunday...week 45

2010-03-21T09:59:00.008-04:00

Meidland Red Rose

Picture perfect smiles
Laughter in the wind
Children chasing rainbows
Simple signs of spring…

Spring has finally sprung and it seems that Mother Nature has decided to play along. Temps around here have been great and for the most part (except in the higher locations) snow has melted. I can't wait to see the grass greening up and leaves on the trees.
I saw a lilac tree yesterday...
buds are growing and in my ever hopeful mind...
I see the bursting buds and perfumed flowers.

Where does the time go?

2010-03-13T21:55:00.006-05:00

(Just something to dream about...)

Just a quick note tonight. I had plans for a couple of blogs this week and poof! It is already Saturday night. It seems like it was just Monday ... how can this be?

(...dream fuel...almost...or at least it feels attainable to me now...)

The snow has pretty much melted around these parts and now the mud season begins. It doesn't last forever...just until we have a few days of rain to cleanse the winter leftovers and silt from the de-icing of the roads all winter long. I dream long dreams of color and green. I close my eyes and can almost see the greening up of the lawns and the first baby leaves on the trees. My Grandpa always said the leaves will be in full, by May 10th. Well, if you're not from around here, you won't understand...but if you are a native Central New Yorker...you will not only understand, but dwell upon that very promise. I do and I check and I'll be darned if he wasn't right! Right now....that seems a million days away from now.......

Serenity Sunday...week 44

2010-03-07T00:42:00.003-05:00

LIFE is what happens to you

while you're busy making other plans...

John Lennon

Do you think if we all 'think spring' it'll happen??

Serenity Sunday...week 43 (belated)

2010-03-01T21:30:00.005-05:00

I have to celebrate that

Syracuse University

Basketball is #1

in the polls!!!!!

Go 'CUSE

Go 'CUSE!!!!!!

2010-02-27T17:40:00.007-05:00

"SHUT IT DOWN"

GO "CUSE!

Had to share this picture of the "Snow'cuse Castle" that the kids across the street spent all morning making. I saw the curved wall when I got up this morning. It was probably too dark to see when I got home last night. All morning they worked on this and the Orangeman standing next to it! Talk about design skills...to me...this is an excellent use of color and texture to exemplify the loyalty any Orangeman fan worth their salt will endure. BIG game tonight against Villanova....

Merry Christmas...again!

2010-02-25T17:57:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas...again...I think!

The picture above reminds me of black and white toile.

It's snowing like crazy out there. I shoveled for the third time,

a little while ago and the total is creeping up toward my knees.

I'd say there's about 10 or so inches already.

The weather man is predicting 12-18 inches by morning for a total of 12-24 for the storm.

Although, I agree it's kind of pretty and it defines the structure of the tree branches,

is a good example of texture and the strength of Mother Nature,

I prefer to think about spring...

Are we there yet?

Serenity Sunday...week 42

2010-02-21T21:12:00.005-05:00

(Crocus photo found online some time ago...)
(Red tulip photo found online some time ago.)

(White tulips found on the desk in my very own livingroom.)

"The sun was warm but the wind was chill.

You know how it is with an April day.

When the sun is out and the wind is still,

You're one month on in the middle of May.

But if you so much as dare to speak,

a cloud come over the sunlit arch,

And wind comes off a frozen peak,

And you're two months back

in the middle of March."

Robert Frost

We can dream about spring...can't we?

Valentine's Day Tea.....

2010-02-16T17:43:00.028-05:00

Valentine's Tea...

Friday, February 12, 2010......

This is the home of my friend Cindy. It is nestled in a beautiful lake community that I have blogged about before (Day Trippin Skaneateles) named Skaneateles, on one of the New York Finger Lakes with the same name.

Cindy stopped in the antique shop and while she was there handed me an invitation to her annual Valentine Tea and told me to bring a friend. Which I did. I asked my friend and co-worker, Judy to come to the party with me. Judy was excited to go, remembering that Cindy's home was featured in the newspaper one weekend.

Cindy's home (above) when we arrived.

My picture didn't turn out...so I 'borrowed' Judy's!

(See Judy's post with more pictures here.)

Cindy's home is filled with wonderful antiques and it's so cozy,
it feels like it gives you a warm hug when you enter.

Wandering through, you kind of forget that it's 2010 when you're in this home.
Hardly any modern conveniences are visible.

Cindy baked for weeks to get ready for the 400 invitees that would possibly attend her tea.

( Read Cindy's post about her 'Tea' preparations on her blog.)

The dining room table was over flowing with all the fixin's so that her guests could make homemade Valentine's for your Sweetheart.

Judy and I had a great time! We talked to some friends, we met some new friends and it was a pleasure to attend this annual Valentine Tea of Cindy's.

On another note...make sure you get to know Cindy...
there's something pretty special coming up for her.
***************************************************************

AND: on even another note....remember, I'm looking for any bloggers and blog readers that are within driving distance of Syracuse. We're trying to set up a meet and greet for this summer! See the details below...

So...here's the plan...If you're within driving distance of Syracuse, comment on my blog...let me know where you're from and if you'd be interested in attending. Even (and especially) blog readers are welcome. Even those of you that don't have your own blog will be able to get together and exchange ideas and maybe we'll find more Upstate NY blogs! If you'd rather not comment...click my 'email' button and send me a note and I'll make sure that you are included.

Spread the word to your friends and let's see if we can get an UPSTATE NY blog network started!

We already have some interest...so talk it up!

Serenity Sunday...week 41

2010-02-14T09:46:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Calling all Upstate NY bloggers and blog readers!

2010-02-11T18:17:00.010-05:00

I have a widget on my blog called MapLoco. This little guy allows me to see how many people click on my blog...we'll call them 'blog readers'. It also tells me where they are from...a general idea...no specifics. I know a couple of people that click on my blog are from places called Manlius, North Syracuse, Cortland, Fayetteville, Rochester, Buffalo and many other places in and out of New York.

I also know a couple of 'bloggers' from my area...only a couple though. We'd like to try to plan a get together sometime this summer. Maybe just an afternoon...not sure where or when or what it will entail.

Spread the word to your friends and let's see if we can get an UPSTATE NY blog network started!

(P.S....to my reader in "Soddy Daisy, Tennessee...every time I see that you have read my blog and your town name is listed....it makes me smile. What a great name for a town!!! Drop me a note and tell me who you are...)

Serenity Sunday...week 40

2010-02-07T19:14:00.006-05:00

(Image created using 'www.wordle.net')

“What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.”

Henri Matisse quotes (Artist regarded as the most important French Painter and Artist of the 20th century, 1869-1954)

Serenity Sunday...week 39

2010-01-31T09:50:00.003-05:00

Groundhogs Day is right around the corner. When it's this time of year and February 2nd is upon us...who cannot think of this movie?

The Old Painted Cottage: Living Room Redo – Fireplace Makeover

2010-01-30T08:22:00.005-05:00

Jennifer at 'The Old Painted Cottage' has the right idea....with a teeny bit of varathane and pretty much nothing else but a surround, she's made over her ho-hum fireplace into a show stopper! Look back into her archives for the before and after of the ranch style home she and her husband purchased about 1 1/2 years ago. You have to take a look! This girl has got such vision....

This is one of my favorite blogs...

check out this post...
The Old Painted Cottage: Living Room Redo – Fireplace Makeover

Barnhouse Marketplace...now open!

2010-01-28T19:42:00.009-05:00

You have to check this place out! The Boys of Barnhouse, who hail from the upper northwest, Battle Ground, WA, and have an awesome blog, have opened a new online shop. Stop by their blog and enter to win Barnhouse cash! I have been reading about their events and sales for a while and I'm so excited that now I can have a little taste of BarnHouse style from the east coast!

So...go straight to the marketplace, and see if I'm right! Awesome stuff!

http://BarnHouseMarket.com/

Serenity Sunday...week 38

2010-01-24T22:16:00.010-05:00

"The path to our destination is not always a straight one, Ed. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark."

- Leonard to Ed, Northern Exposure

I don't know what it is, maybe just that it's WINTER, but the TV show 'Northern Exposure' keeps popping into my head for my Serenity Sunday series. I always loved the show and one of my favorite characters was Chris, the "Philosopher, radio show host". I always found his message to the good people of Cicely, Alaska, relevant and insightful. His monologue on his radio show always made me think...and isn't that what it's supposed to do? Make us think about those things that motivate us. Those things that move us into action, or make us stop and think about what's going on around us. I realize that this quote, itself, isn't from Chris, but it is one of those quotes that makes you think....

Serenity Sunday...week 37

2010-01-17T09:06:00.008-05:00

"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."- Vita Sackville-West

** Yes folks, that's right...the days are getting longer. I can attest to that! We've had what you might call a "January thaw" this week. The temps have been hovering around 40* and that puts a smile on this bloggers face. Winter may have started later than usual this year, but when it started, it got intense quickly. All I can hope for is that SPRING follows suit and comes in like gangbusters...but early... ~ Tami

LaFayette NY...winter wonderland

2010-01-15T22:05:00.011-05:00

My parents live in LaFayette, NY which is the next town over from mine. I however, live in a valley (the sunrise and sunset really are different in the valleys) and they live over the mountain and in a higher elevation. The idea that they only live about eight miles from me and our weather is so different at times, astounds me. It is usually a little warmer at my place, the snow isn't quite so bad (they get a little more) and the ice sticks to the trees better up there.

I took these pictures last Sunday. When I was arriving, the scene before me was almost unbelievable. Not a bit of any color was visible, only white and a faded blue in the sky. It literally looked like God shook a sugar shaker overhead and it stayed where it landed. Every tree, from trunk to twig was perfectly cast in white...like they were spray painted. An hour or two later, when I left and was able to get these pictures, the ice/frost had begun to melt...just a little.

I'm lovin' taking winter pictures this year (I use them for research/reference for painting). They all look like I took them black and white or photo shopped them...I swear, the only thing I did was crop and lighten up the background a little. The top/first picture is my favorite. The only color is the little red barn in the center of a vast blanket of white. I hope you enjoyed this journey!

I won, I won!

2010-01-14T18:44:00.006-05:00

While I was out of town visiting my sister and her family during Christmas week, I got an email. The email was notice that I won a drawing! Now, I have to say, I NEVER win anything...so this came as a huge surprise. Gio of "Decorator to the Stars" sent my package right away and I LOVE IT! I've been eyeing those Junk Diva necklaces for a while and the tote is the perfect size to carry things back and forth from the office. THANK YOU Gio!

Happy Birthday...to my sister...

2010-01-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to you! Yep, that means you Wendy...
My sister is celebrating her birthday today... please send good thoughts her way...

My sister and family the day after Christmas.

Believe it or not, we were out shopping!

Serenity Sunday...week 36

2010-01-10T08:31:00.008-05:00

...from KBHR, the heart and soul of Cicely, Alaska. This is Chris In The Morning...

Time for the weather report. It's cold out folks. Bonecrushing cold. The kind of cold which will wrench the spirit out of a young man, or forge it into steel.

Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider,

Northern Exposure, Episode: Lost and Found, 1992

***and so it goes folks...IT IS COLD OUTSIDE...-5* as I write this...it will go up as the day goes on, but only to about 21* today (windchill will make it feel only half of that). We look forward to a little sunshine amidst that snowflurries...only a few flurries...they say...*** Tami......reporting from Syracuse (Jamesville), NY

Snoooowww Stormmmm...Brrrrr!

2010-01-03T20:14:00.008-05:00

Scenes from South Street early this afternoon. I just came in from shoveling and it's over my knees! When I took these pictures, it was just about 6 inches and still snowing. It was cold...a mere 12* at my house and the wind was howling...wind chills were about -2 all day. Tonight calls for another 6 or so inches. Needless to say...it was a perfect day to stay inside, watch a movie or two and putter. Believe it or not...none of the pictures were black & white, it's just the way it looked this afternoon. I think they turned out fine!

Serenity Sunday...week 35

2010-01-03T07:49:00.007-05:00

Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you. But your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others.

Anonymous

HAPPY (belated) New Year!

2010-01-02T08:37:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

I've been out of town visiting with my sister and family in Avon, Ohio. Well. I did return on Wednesday, but have been busy ever since. I went into the office on Thursday and yesterday I worked around the house. My plan today is to continue yesterday's work. I have some pictures from my trip to show you later. I had a wonderful time!

I don't ever make resolutions...not seriously anyway (can a resolution to win the Lottery really be taken seriously?), but try to think about what I should do to improve my life. It's not an easy task. So, I'll just leave it like this...I'll try not to make bad decisions, I'll try to improve my health and save some extra money. After all, you cannot make a lot of promises to yourself that are impossible to keep...you have to be able to trust yourself.

So, anyway...my wishes for myself aside, I hope the new year brings happiness, health and wealth to you my friends...

All the best to you! Tami

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T22:55:00.008-05:00

I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I walked around the neighborhood the other night and took a few pictures of the decorations. The people around here really take it seriously! In the first two pictures...that is snow...not orbs or several moons and stars. I think it came out kind of cool!

Serenity Sunday...week 34

2009-12-20T20:03:00.005-05:00

Glowing rays

swim gold and white
from the candle's flickering light.

A child awaiting sleep
spins a yarn with charm
that magically banishes all harm.

Tamara Egan

08/14/00

Serenity Sunday...week 33

2009-12-13T19:09:00.005-05:00

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village, though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sounds the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost
New Hampshire
1923

This is perhaps, my favorite poem. You can picture the scene as he's writing it. Amazing.....inspiration...

New Record!

2009-12-09T20:55:00.006-05:00

Update: Widespread snowfall

ends 287-day streak for

Central New York

That was the headline this afternoon.

Finally...snow in snow country!

Ummm...not that I was looking forward to it too much...

I was secretly doing a little happy dance every time the

snow skirted our area without stopping in to say 'hello'!

The biggest snow plow in the world is the 32-foot,

3-inch blade attached to a payloader at Hancock International

Airport, Syracuse, NY. The 48-inch tall piece of steel can clear

8,500 cubic yards of snow in an hour.

(Cleaning a runway at Hancock International Airport with

the world's biggest snow plow.

Only 28 feet of its blade was being used.)

Serenity Sunday...week 32

2009-12-06T09:18:00.006-05:00

First Snow
It falls aimlessly from the sky,
slowly, gracefully and without a plan.
Light, sparkling stars wandering towards the earth,
form a fluffy covering over the leafless trees and frozen ground.
But it’s a comforting site, the fresh wintry layer of glistening snow,
with it, comes memories of lazy Sunday afternoons by a warm a cozy fire,
hot cocoa and snuggling happily while watching through the frosted windows
as the snow falls and covers everything in sight
in a perfect, pristine blanket of white.

Tamara J. Egan

*Yesterday evening, we had a little snow. It's so unusual for us, being known for having big snow totals, not to have had any measurable snow this late in the season. I have to admit, it makes it easier to get around and plan things, but it sure seems strange not to have a blanket of white and flurries follow you around. I'd be surprised if what we got was even recorded as measurable. In my yard you can see the grass and there is no snow on the sidewalks or streets...just weird....

Christmas...in the movies...ahhhh

2009-12-05T12:17:00.004-05:00

Serenity Sunday...week 31

2009-11-29T17:54:00.006-05:00

Never are voices so beautiful as on a winter's evening, when dusk almost hides the body, and they seem to issue from nothingness with a note of intimacy seldom heard by day.
Virginia Wolfe

What now?

2009-11-27T11:36:00.017-05:00

Thanksgiving is over, save for the wonderful leftovers. I came home with the makings of delectable turkey sandwiches, hot and cold, from dinner with my family.

I live in a somewhat rural area and my parents live a scant eight miles from me. So driving from my small town to theirs takes in some beautiful scenery that changes from day into night. Old farm houses and acres of wooded land cover most of the drive. In the evening, I can see into those old homes (not in a weird way) and through the uncovered windows it's comforting to see the families gathered around a table or in a family room. Driveways and roadsides are filled with vehicles and it just gives you a warm feeling knowing that so many families are celebrating the holiday of giving thanks, together.

(A painting that I did a couple of years ago.)

So, now what? The oven is off, the leftovers are in the fridge and the tradition of Thanksgiving has been fulfilled. The attic door will open, the decorations will start trickling down. I put my lights on the garden arch over the sidewalk that leads to my porch door, last night while the weather was warm. Traditionally, I like to light the outdoor decorations on Thanksgiving night. I use all white lights and other than the arch and something on the porch, I rarely do much more as far as lighting goes. I used to light the tree (s) in the front of the house, but they are just too big for me to do now.

(Photo courtesy of the world wide web. I've had it for years and sincerely don't know where it's from.)

I looked through the ads last night and nothing jumped out at me, or at least enough to make me want to get up at 4am and join the many shoppers in the stores. I have been there and stood in line for an hour to shop on black Friday many times. Honestly, its kind of fun and a great kick -off to the Christmas season. Standing in line, people are ready for shopping, they are sharing ads, sipping coffee and usually, freezing cold, but in a jolly mood none the less.

(I love this photo of a winter cabin that I found online last year. Kind of cozy, huh?)

(Photo courtesy of Countryliving magazine online.)

Our first real snowfall happened overnight. I woke to (only) about 1 inch, which has vanished already. We had a dusting of snow a couple weeks ago, but it didn't happen at the airport, so it wasn't measured for the official snowfall total. We are so late for measurable snowfall. Yesterday the temps were so warm that I really only needed to wear a light quilted vest. It was just a little weird not having snow. I don't mind so much, but know that later, we'll certainly pay for the lack of snow, with big totals later in the season. It's just how it works around here.

(My own backyard a couple of years ago.)

I've already looked online to get a concise and printable schedule of all the Christmas TV shows and specials. Heaven forbid I miss "Christmas In Connecticut" (with Barbra Stanwick) or "White Christmas"!

(This and the following are photos taken from my porch door last year.)

So, in conclusion, this season promises to be a busy one. I have a few parties to attend (one next week already), lots of days working at the shop, shopping and a little decorating as well. Let's try to remember to keep the holiday magic working, the patience of the Saints and good will in our hearts.

Happy Turkey Day!

2009-11-26T08:48:00.003-05:00

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of my friends, some old and some new, a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Serenity Sunday...week 30 Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-22T08:47:00.006-05:00

"We tend to forget that happiness

doesn't come as a result of

getting something we don't have,

but rather of recognizing and

appreciating what we do have."

Frederick Keonig

"We cannot do great things on this Earth,

only small things with great love."

Mother Teresa

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

to you and yours!

With much appreciation, Tami

Serenity Sunday...week 29

2009-11-15T19:05:00.005-05:00

One doesn't recognize the really important

moments in one's life until it's too late.

– Agatha Christie

AND THE WINNER IS....

2009-11-15T13:40:00.013-05:00

AND THE WINNER IS.......

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 74

Result: 40

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Mindy from

Primtiques 'n Poetry!

A HUGE Thank You to everyone who left a comment, posted, and signed up to follow. This was so much fun!

I met a bunch of wonderful people and visited a bunch of new blogs!

Mindy, email me your address and I'll get these out to you ASAP!

GIVE-AWAY LAST DAY TO ENTER!

2009-11-14T10:40:00.009-05:00

Last day to enter the

Christmas Box

Give-away!

Includes:

Eight hand-painted (by yours truly) glass tree balls,
4-silver and 4-pearly white, with pink roses,

Two pair of rusty jungle bells,

dusted with mica snow and

tied up with sage green ribbon,

Magical Santa Key with original poem.
Hurry on over to this post

and comment to enter!

Give-Away...3 More Days to Enter!

2009-11-11T19:31:00.005-05:00

Only 3 more days to enter for the

Christmas Box give-away!

We're celebrating my 75th post...

so tell your friends to hurry and enter to win!

Serenity Sunday...week 28

2009-11-08T10:03:00.004-05:00

Along the streets,

I found weed-grown lawns

and rotted stumps
where grasses and
poplars once were,
and I wept.

Tamara Egan

9/5/00