Galveston, Texas

It's been a while since we just "talked", you know a random post about life...

so here you go, no party, just me and my life.

Galveston, Texas

I love the place.

No kidding.

It's the history, the resilience of the people, the seagulls, the pelicans,

the salty air.

I've been making trips to Galveston for as long as I can remember.

Not necessarily to the beach (go figure) but just to hang out.

For the past 20 years or so,

 it's been a Mother's Day tradition to attend the Historical Homes Tour.

Sometimes there's quite a crew of us, other times just the traveling trio...

my mother, sister, and me.

Since my mother and sister were coming from an opposite direction to the island 

we drove separate cars. They took the Boliver Ferry, I took the interstate.

With the ferry, there's usually "wait time"... sometimes a short wait, sometimes longer.

Today a relatively short wait for them so

I had a few extra minutes on hand.

Well, what's a girl to do?

take pictures

Yep...that's just what I did.

As I was driving along Broadway, the flowers in this cemetery were a new sight.

really

Never in my 52 years do I remember seeing such quiet beauty.

It was breathtaking.

Our tour this year had two special homes that were in the "restoration in progress" state.

The first was originally apartments 

but a single family has currently purchased the entire site for family gatherings. 

(apparently large gatherings!)

The shell shaped carved stone planters are its defining glory. 

The red arches were once on open breezeway separating the east and west wings.

However, the area is now enclosed 

with a kitchen specifically designed for that space.

In the back were two carriage houses, "next "on their proposed schedule for restoration.

Note the sand bags below...a true dose of reality. 

The first floor flooded during Hurricane Ike...

I guess they are staying prepared.

Don't you know those bricks have quite a story in themselves?

We moved on to the second house "in progress." 

and the owner was there to greet us.

She said that it had taken her one year to get to this stage.

Just look at that foundation...

it looks very secure.

As we were walking through the interior, it was clean and well organized.

It always amazes me how far some of the houses have to be stripped back...

all the way to the lathe board.

The owner hopes to have the home

on tour next year.

I sure hope so...it's going to be a beauty!

Stay tuned for more Galveston treasures!

Peter Rabbit

In the children's book, Peter Rabbit, 

source

I always felt sorry for Peter because he was obviously very hungry

 and Mr. McGregor's wasn't too accommodating.

Now, I don't have a garden myself

so my opinions are plainly swayed.

Because, I'm sure, that IF I did have a garden,

and worked and worked for it be

successful,

I most likely wouldn't want little bunnies

eating my produce either.

I get it.

But, in the magical world of Blogland,

I can invite Peter to dine with me,

right?

So here's my table this week...

It's all about Peter

and he's welcome to eat until his heart's content!

The luncheon plates with their simple design fit right in...

the trellis reminds me of Mr. McGregor's fence.

However, the "fence" on these dishes is easily hopped over!

All the produce on this table was from a local farm...a "U-Pick" farm.

It's a favorite!

As all bunnies, 

my Peter also has a watchful eye.

But he needn't worry,

this red leaf lettuce and kale are his to enjoy.

As are these strawberries...however, 

I might have to try one or two for myself, they look super yummy.

And let's not forget about the green beans...oh my.

 As I finish this post, look who's visiting again, my morning friend!

I think I'll name him ...

yep...

Peter 

or

how about 

Petunia?

Thanks so much for visiting!!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

Drop by for loads of inspiration!

Desert Rose...

Do you have a set of these dishes?

Chances are fairly good that you might have a set tucked away 

somewhere in your stash.

Yes, they are Franciscan's Desert Rose,

I've read that they are, and have been, the most popular pattern in America.

These particular dishes, the ones on my table, are actually from my maternal and paternal grandmothers.

This pattern was their pick when they were young (most likely when the pattern first came out.)

Or they could be from my mother's set when she and my father married in the 1950's.

It's obvious Desert Rose is a family favorite...

 but I wasn't even interested in joining the tradition.

Silly me...

because now, they are indeed a favorite.

They are a happy pattern...

perfect for spring time,
don't you think?

Thanks for dropping by!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her

Tablescape Thursday.

Be sure to visit there as well for loads of inspiration!

Fun facts about this pattern.

Franciscan Desert Rose hand-painted earthenware is an American classic that, according to Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen, authors of "Franciscan: an American Dinnerware Tradition," is one of the most popular china patterns in history.

1. Identification

   • Franciscan desert rose broad-rimmed plates feature scalloped edges. Pink roses and green leaves sit in relief upon a cream ground. Flowers are joined by briar-lined vines around the rim edge.

   Gladdings McBean

   • Franciscan's parent, Gladdings, McBean & Co. (GMcB) was founded as a Los Angeles clay building products manufacturer in 1875. GMcB developed malinite, the basis for its creamy-colored earthenware in 1928.

   Franciscan

   • With the acquisition of Tropico Pottery in 1922 and Catalina Pottery in 1937, GMcB entered the pottery business. The Franciscan pottery line premiered in 1934 and the FDR pattern was introduced in 1941 after Franciscan's 1940 "Apple."

   Changes

   • In 1984, FDR molds and production lines were moved to England by their new owners, Wedgewood Ltd. In 1987, the pattern was acquired by Johnson Brothers, who produced a limited line of 60th anniversary pattern pieces in 2001. All production moved to China by 2004.

   Considerations

   • The malinite formula or original Franciscan molds are not used in Chinese-produced FDR dinnerware. Antique stores and replacement clearinghouses offer many American and English pieces.

more: http://www.ehow.com/facts_7444523_history-franciscan-desert-rose.html#ixzz302CdzGxb

Lifelong learning...

True to my blog title..."a little bit of this and that"...

this post fits right in THAT category.

It's not a particular pretty post

with lovely flowers,

dishes,

stemware,

antiques,

or even linens.

Nope...

it's about lessons I learned this week 

of:

friendship, courage, and respect.

You see, every time my husband leaves for an extensive trip,

something happens here on the "home-front."

really

You can bet on it.

So, true to tradition, just a mere 5 hours into his trip,

this was outside my home.

shaky snap with my phone...

Now, to set the stage...I've been ALL over this property for approximately 3 years,

walking, digging, kneeling and never have I noticed anything slithering around.

NEVER.

Oh I knew there were probably critters like this around

since we're in a wooded subdivision.

But surely NOT where we are constantly moving about

OR 

where this little one likes to snoop around or do her business.

SURELY not in MY yard!

But the proof is here, right on my back sidewalk, leading straight into my garage.

It's a path I walk at least 1000 times a day,

sometimes with shoes on,

sometimes with shoes off,

sometimes during the day,

sometimes during the night.

So, when I was going about my routine and saw this in my path,

I ASSUMED it was a stick and was about to scoot it out of the way.

BUT then I noticed the markings...

AND this high shriek came out of my mouth 

while I did THE

that's.not.a.stick.that's.a.snake dance.

really

It wasn't a pretty sight.

 This I know for a fact...

I saw my debut on the security camera monitor.

ugh

So, being that I'm a smart city girl, 

I did the only thing I could think to do,

I used this product:

Yep, wasp spray (aka SNAKE repellent.)

And not only did I spray its head liberally 

but its body too,

just in case.

Well, this snake didn't really like the taste of my "magic potion" 

and slithered off to a little nearby boxwood.

I saw him take refuge 

but 

I wasn't thrilled that he didn't slither off into the wild blue yonder.

So I did the NEXT best thing,

went to Facebook.

yep

I wanted to put it out there for ALL the wide world...

Did any of my friends know what kind of snake was lounging at my house?

AND most importantly,

was it poisonous or not?

yikes

As I waited, I Googled, "brown snake with triangles" 

I'm such a smart city girl...

and guess what came up?

rattlesnake

Well, I knew that wasn't it,

I didn't see or hear any "rattles."

Meanwhile, I heard a little "ding" from my computer,

one of my super smart friends came to my rescue.

"It's a copperhead!"

And before I knew it, 

my computer was going crazy 

with all the replies of advice and mountains of knowledge.

I have such smart, amazing friends!

Then a local friend called and said she was sending her son and another 

over to my house to look around the invaded area.

At this point, the snake was gone, good riddance as far as I was concerned,

but she was adamant, the fearless snake hunters were on their way.

Luckily, within 30 minutes, my yard was investigated with NO sign of THE copperhead.

Good sign or bad?

I'm  not sure 

but after telling my tale to friend after friend,

and reaping more savvy advice...

I bought this product.

The reviews were mixed...but I believe somewhere on the package 

it states, "...gives peace of mind to damsels in distress."

ugh

country living

So today I learned :

friends - what would I ever do with out them...once again!

courage - living in the "country" takes a different kind of courage than "city" living

respect - for all of God's creatures, even slithering ones 

Seriously,

we're taking all precautions (for our family and pets)

with this critter, and any of his friends.

After all, we built in HIS territory...

I just don't want him in MY territory!

ugh

*no "critters" were injured in the writing of this post

*i received no compensation for the products in this post

Mimi's on Main - Spring 2014 Update

Just letting you know that Mimi's on Main in Conroe, Texas

 is ready for S.P.R.I.N.G!

Step in and take a look!

There's been a sighting of Peter Rabbit and all his bunny friends waiting just for you!

There are tons of vintage items for serious collectors...

as well as one of a kind clothing items and jewelry.

What about adding a piece of Fitz and Floyd to your collection?

This is just a sampling!

If you're having a special dinner, what about adding to your table?

There are gorgeous dishes in just about everyone's booth...

and the best thing...there's plenty of variety!

For instance, this vintage set would be just lovely for a new bride...

or for anyone wanting special pieces.

Just take a look at those gorgeous wedding pictures!

Or how about a treasure from the sea?

 Our booths (Sharlotte's Reflections) are stocked with Etsy type items...handmade and vintage.

Mimi's on Main,

on historic Main Street in Downtown Conroe,

 has about 30 different vendors, each with their own style. 

Come in for a visit, 

we'd love to meet you!

We guarantee you will have a great time browsing and shopping!

If you missed the first post about Mimi's on Main, click here.