Squatter's Rights

Squatter-  a person who settles on land without title, right, or payment of rent. 

I took this pic of a potted plant on my my front porch on July 15th.  Doing pretty well.

A few days ago I went out to water and, at first glance, thought my four year old grandson had been digging in my plant. (I apologize sweetie).  At closer inspection, I realized that I had a squatter. 

Of all the acres of plants, bushes and trees this little bugger had to choose from, she had to make a nest in my planter. Oh well...she new I wouldn't chase her out.  I haven't seen her yet to know what kind of bird she is, but she has startled the tar out of a few people as they unknowingly walked by and she whizzed out past them.

No eggs yet.

In Love...again....

Most of my current collections began with the finding of one "love at first sight" item, usually at a flea market.  It happened again this week. It was a plate in a booth at a local antiques/flea market.  She had multiples of all the other plates, but just this one plate sat alone.  And I couldn't resist. 

However, I despair of finding any more. I googled the manufacturer (Coalport), tried replacements.com and couldn't find my pattern anywhere. I'll keep trying, of course. My daughter and I both agree it looks presidential.

A Silver Lining

Even having little money to spend does not mean you can't have pretty things. I never had much of a desire for silver and now all of a sudden I'm seeing it used in gorgeous tablescapes and loving it.  I certainly cannot afford sterling silver but it's so easy to find silverplate, it costs a little bit of nothing, and cleans up beautifully.  I have found all of these pieces in the last month (and have had a ball spending my birthday money on them). The largest piece was the most expensive at a mere $6, two of the others were $4, and the rest ranged from $1.25 to $2. Trays in particular are easy to store and don't take up much room. 

At the Goodwill Store I found 13 silverplated Wm. Rogers spoons for 29 cents apiece. I can't wait to offer someone a cup of tea. 

 

Cutting Garden

I planted a small cutting bed this year for the first time...sunflowers and zinnias. It started out well, but it has been so hot and dry that it looks pretty sad right now. As I post this, however, it is raining. We're having scattered thundershowers. I'd like to see it rain all night.  
Don't you just love sunflowers?

The Attack of the Killer Mockingbird

Lately we've had a crazy, noisy mother mockingbird around our house. She must have a nest nearby and lets us know without a doubt when we get too close.  She has particular issues with Kramer, our cat. A few days ago, I heard the most awful screeching bird noises.  I went to the door and saw her perching beside our patio,  giving a reclining, not-bothering-anyone Kramer a terrible fussing. Then she proceeded to dive bomb the cat.  Kramer would take a few passes and get up and move to another spot. Not good enough.  Mother mockingbird kept after it, even hitting the cat a couple of times.  Finally Kramer had enough and got up and left.  If Kramer was younger, that mockingbird would have been toast.

The photos aren't that great, but you get the gist.

 

(Almost) No Cost Decorating

I have to admit...I'm completely hooked on thrifting, frugality, and green. Yes, the color, too. But I'm talking here about green from the "save the earth" viewpoint. Recycle, reuse, repurpose!  Part of this came from necessity. In choosing to be a stay at home mom of four children, I had to be frugal in this two income family economy. Now all four are on their own, but my husband experienced a layoff over a year ago.  So the frugality needs to continue.
But I love thrifting!  Oh sure, it will be nice to have the extra money to buy that gorgeous antique whatever, or that new sofa that I really do need (I have a throw covering the big hole in the arm of our current handmedown).   But I love finding a use for something that might end up in a landfill.  I have two rules guidelines that I always usually follow. (#1) Buy only what you need or what you love. You'll find a use for it.  (#2) When you bring something home, get rid of something. Truthfully, I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff lately and have plans for more.

The "decorating on a shoestring" TV shows and the wonderful, creative bloggers I've found have inspired and taught me to see objects in a different light... not as they are, but what they could be.  I love the heritage of a vintage piece. Who owned it?  What is the story behind it?

This and the next few posts will be about some of my recent finds.  I've had sooo much fun lately (said grinning gleefully)!!

I paid $4 for this very heavy silverplated Reed and Barton meat platter.

A little silver polish and elbow grease....

and it looks pretty great to me. 

Stay tuned for the next installment!

Beautiful Bouquets

I've received two gorgeous gifts of flowers in the last two months.  The lilies were for mother's day, from first son. This picture was taken after almost a week...they lasted so long and smelled heavenly. 

The mixed bouquet was for my birthday in June and from second son. The colors were so rich and gorgeous...all shades of reds, oranges and peach. 

They certainly know the way to their mother's heart. 
Oh, and by the way...the first and second reference is birth order, not ranking. Ha ha.  (family joke)

Strawberry Fields Forever.....

 
It has been more than a month since I last posted. I hate when I miss so much and have to play catchup. But, here goes....

Hubby, first daughter and I picked strawberries at a local nursery and strawberry farm in early June.  Yummers!  Strawberry shortcake and the rest frozen for throughout-the-year treats.