An Easter tradition.... The butter lamb.....

An Easter tradition...... The butter lamb...........

I am really getting excited about Easter now! I picked up our butter lambs yesterday at the Polish Market. For as long as I can remember my family has always had a butter lamb on Easter. To me it just wouldn't be Easter without one of these precious little lambs to grace our table......
The butter lamb is actually a Polish Catholic tradition but we've always celebrated it in our home even though my father was German Lutheran and my mother was Irish Catholic. I don't know how the tradition originally got started in our home but I'm very glad it did. I think it's a wonderful tradition and one that hopefully will be handed down generation to generation.....
Either my mother or my paternal grandmother always seem to find the lambs that were already dressed so all you had to do was open a box. Then about fifteen years ago they were no where to me found. I was absolutely frantic! I went all over the place looking for a lamb. I told everyone in my family it just wouldn't seem like Easter to me with out the Easter lamb. These little lambs have always been one of the most important Easter traditions for me. Later that week I went to the Polish Market and there they were. I bought two and decided not to tell my family because I wanted to surprise them all. Imagine my surprise when everyone walked in on Easter Sunday carrying little butter lambs! We had seven butter lambs that year and it was one of the best Easter's I've ever had. It was also one we have all laughed and talked about for years....
The lambs from the Polish Market come neatly packaged. On Easter morning I will take them out and put the eyes in. Some people use peppercorn and others use cloves. It's been said that the eyes signify God's lighting the world. Then I will cut a piece of red ribbon to wrap around the lamb's neck. The red ribbon is used to represent the blood of Christ. It is a reminder that He died for us and for our salvation. The actual lamb itself represents the pascal (passover) lamb.....
This is a picture of last years butter lamb waiting to be carried to our Easter table. What about you? Do you have a butter lamb on your table at Easter? If not, what kinds of other Easter traditions do you hold dear? I would love to hear from you......
With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's. A post to share recipes, tablescapes, tea cups and teapots, stories, quotes, poems, and interesting facts relating to tea and friendship.................



Don't you just love the painting in the center of my button? I think it's so beautiful! The original painting was done by Susan Rios. I found it in one of my tea books called 'The Twelve Teas of Friendship' If you are interested in purchasing a painting like this for your home all you have to do is google Susan and a multitude of fabulous web sites will come up.....


'A Dance in the Garden'
"During the eighteenth century, tea gardens were the place to be in London. Vauxhall, Ranalagh, Cuper's Garden, and Marylebone were the most renowned, and though they were patronized by royalty, everyone was free to go there for a stroll and a cup of tea- along with other refreshments. As if this weren't enough, during the late afternoon into the evening, there were concerts in the arbors with bands set up under gazebos and couples gliding arm in arm under the boughs. The custom popped up again in the Hotel Palm Courts of the Victorian era, and some tea rooms today are reviving this lovely way of taking tea."
-Time for Tea-

I think it would be wonderful to live in a much more simpler time. What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from you.......
I hope all of you have a beautiful day!.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ A post where a group of us gals get together on Monday's to share something blue. Thank you Sally for hosting this fun post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site....


I absolutely love stained glass. I like to visit older churches that have stained glass windows. I think they are so beautiful! I find that the various religious scenes are always so calming and comforting to me. I have often thought of replacing one of my windows with stained glass inserts but I know it's just not a good idea and especially for the resale of our home some day......
One day years ago I found this beautiful piece of stain glass in a small art shop I frequent. It's a depiction of Saint Gabriel. If you click on the picture you will be able to see the blue in the sky, on the garment, and on the border. It's very beautiful when the light hits it and especially in the mornings. It casts the most lovely shadows on the walls. It hangs in our living room which we have always used as a sort of a library, a quiet place to read, contemplate, have tea or coffee, and converse......
Happy Blue Monday everyone!.....
I look forward to seeing all of your pretty blues!.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Tea and friendship Tuesday's.........


Perhaps some of you may have noticed the new button on my sidebar called 'Tea and friendship Tuesday's'. When I first started blogging a little over a year ago I joined a tea series called Hospitali-Tea, which was hosted by La Tea Dah at Gracious Hospitality, http://www.gracioushospitality.com/
Each week we were asked to write a post related to a different tea theme. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the series. It was so much fun! I've often thought about it since that time and wished someone would have come up with something some what similar to it........
I've met so many wonderful friends here in blog land. Although it would be a little unrealistic for us to sit down and share a cup of tea because we live so far apart, we can share ideas, inspirations, tea and friendship through this newly created post. 'Tea and friendship Tuesday's' is going to be a fun post filled with recipes, tablescapes, tea pots and tea cups, stories, quotes, poems, and interesting facts related to tea and friendship. I would love for all of you to join me.........
I have decided not to establish a Mr. Linky, because quite honestly, I don't know how many of you would be interested in doing something like this. However, if you would like to join me on Tuesday's, please pick up a button, link to me, and then leave a comment so that I, as well as others, can come over and enjoy your post.......
With warmest regards, Carol

"Our friends increase the quality of our lives. Their presence causes years to pass quickly and our days to be filled with meaning. They lengthen our days, improve our heath, and bring enjoyment to our lives that we all need. Our friends remind us of what is special and lovable about us when the weariness of day-to-day existence has sometimes caused us to forget that something is."
-Forever Friends-

I won a book give away!......

I won a book giveaway!........



I was so excited to learn I had won a book give away over at my friend Sally's. Thank you Sally! If you haven't stopped by Sally's yet I hope you will consider doing so. She has two very interesting blogs. Her blog addresses are as follows:

Http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/

Smiling Sally is a personal blog where Sally writes posts about her family, as well as, all of the things that are of interest to her. She has a great sense of humor and you are sure to get a giggle or two when you stop by. She belongs to Pink Saturday and Spiritual Sunday. Sally is also the host of Blue Monday which has proofed to be a very interesting and fun post to belong to......

Sally is an independent book reviewer and you will find her wonderful book reviews on her blog, Book Critiques. She also belongs to Faith 'N Fiction Saturday's and you will find her posts here. To be included in her book give aways all you have to do is leave a comment.

I truly enjoyed reading Sally's review of Sundays at Tiffany's. When I saw she was offering it as a give away I signed up. I am really looking forward to reading this book......
Thanks again Sally!........
I hope all of you are having a wonderful day!.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This post is dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. A post to celebrate God! Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post. If you would like to join our group, or you would like to learn more about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site.......


I heard of this legend some time ago and thought it was inspiring. It is my hope that you like it too......

"A legend or a fable is a story that doesn't pretend to be historical, but simply teaches a lesson. The events surrounding the suffering and death of Christ gave rise to many legends."

'The legend Of Robin Red Breast'
'When Jesus was hanging on the cross, a plain brown robin happened by and saw how much he suffered because of the nails in his hands and feet......
The robin felt sorry for him. It flew to one of his hands and began trying to pull the nail loose. He tried and tried, but it was a large spike driven deep into the wood.....
It was some sight to see, this small bird trying so hard to do what everyone knew was impossible. Those who were heckling Jesus started to make fun of the robin too. They pointed at him and made jokes......
But the more they laughed the harder the robin tried, pulling and straining for a long time until, exhausted, he fell to the ground and lay there with his eyes closed, unable to fly or even stand......
Soon, Jesus writhed no more. He was dead. and the robin, so they thought, was dead too....
When the robin awoke, all was quiet. He looked down at his breast and saw it was crimson with the blood of Jesus......
From that day on the robin has borne the mark of mercy on it's breast.'
-The Little Black Book-
-Six-minute meditations on the Passion according to Mark -

Peace be with all of you!....
I hope you are having a beautiful day!.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday........

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday, at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ A post where dog lovers like myself get together weekly to talk about their most precious four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site.....

"Charli what are you doing?"

"I found the eggs. You said who ever found the eggs could keep what's inside."

"You didn't find the eggs. We haven't even hid them yet. Besides, your a dog. They're for the kids."

"Sooo can we go to Pet Smart any way?"

"I don't think so. I think you have enough stuff."

"but there was this little yellow duck".......

"No Charli. Were not going to Pet Smart."

"Gee, I never get to do anything!"

We hope all of you are having a good week....... As you can see we have been getting ready for Easter...... It's still a little chilly in our area but every day we see more signs of spring......

Happy DOT everyone!.....

With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A post where book lovers like myself get together weekly to answer specific questions related to reading and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site...........

This week our question is as follows:
"The opposite of last week's question: What's the best 'worst' book you've ever read- the one you like despite some negative reviews or features?"


This question is yet another difficult one for me to answer. I guess I would have to say that the 'worst' best book I've ever read was '100 Years of Solitude'........
It's not so much that '100 Years Of Solitude' received negative reviews, because it actually got some wonderful and raving reviews, but many people I've talked to just didn't like the book at all. My hubby, who is an avid reader couldn't get past the second chapter. He thought it was just to hokey for him. I, on the other hand, absolutely loved it! I think Marquez is a literary genius to come up with such a colorful and magical tale as this. For me the book had so much to offer. It's mythical, magical, and even political. It's a story about love, death, and superstition that covers many generations of a particular family in a small fictitious South American town. The characters are very colorful, intriguing, and different. I couldn't help but love them. '100 Years Of Solitude' is also a learning experience as it relates to cultural diversity. The story is very different from any thing I've ever read. I would love to read it again some day with a book guide, or in a literary club, because I'm sure there were many things I missed.......
Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!.......
With warmest regards, Carol

Twilight, the book, the movie, some thoughts..........

'Twilight', the book, the movie, some thoughts..........


Even though I don't have a teenage daughter, or granddaughter, when I heard of all the hoopla surround the book 'Twilight' I knew I wanted to read it. Over all I liked the book. It was a fast, and easy read, with an interesting plot. It's an old fashioned love story and I can see why so many teenage girls are enamored with it. I have previously written a review of the book which can be found in the archives of my blog.......

My friend Cori and I like to read together and trade books back and forth. She expressed a desire to read 'Twilight', after hearing me talk about it, and she liked it so much that we decided to see the movie together. We went to the movies having no expectations at all because usually the movie interpretation is not even close to the book. Surprisingly though, both of us liked the movie.......

One of the things, both Cori, and I, thought could have made the story line 'Twilight' better is if the characters would have been older which would have made them easier to relate to and far more appealing to women of our age. In the story it was also hard to believe, knowing teenagers as we do, that Bella was so much more mature than other girls her age. In addition, it was unrealistic to believe that Bella did not seem to be the least rattled that she was dating a vampire. Like Juliet though, in 'Romeo and Juliet', Bella was love struck to the point of even being willing to die to be with her Romeo, or Edward...........

'Twilight' is not that much different than other cult movies and books that have been produced through the years. Movies, and or books like, 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Dirty Dancing', 'Grease', 'Beach Party' 'Rebel Without A Cause', and 'West Side Story' to name a few. These movies, and or books, have always appealed to the younger crowd, whether because of the dancing, the music, or the story line. However, I think the one's with the story line about the misunderstood boy and the love struck girl are one's we remember the most, and especially for young girls and the die hard romantics like myself.......

In my day it was certainly 'Rebel Without A Cause' and 'West side Story'. Who could forget the venerability of James Dean in 'Rebel Without A Cause', or the soundtrack and dancing in 'West Side Story'

Every generation of young girls as well as boys have their favorites, and this generation, as far as the girls are concerned, have seemed to adopt 'Twilight' as there own.........

Actually 'Twilight' reminded me a lot of 'Rebel Without A Cause'. I thought the characters Jim Stark and Edward Cullen are portrayed in a similar way in the movie.....

'Twilight' is considered a drama as well as a romantic movie. I don't think I would have liked the movie as much had I not read the book first. I thought the director did a good job. The movie is more to do with teenagers acting silly as they normally do, talking about who they are dating, and what they are going to wear to the prom, than anything else. There is a love story here though with a supernatural spin. It had some great special effects and beautiful scenery with meadows, wild flowers, lakes, mountains, and trees. I thought the characterizations were believable and although a lot was left out the movie it stayed true to the story line. To me it was like looking at flashes or snippets found in the book........

I think there are some good things that can be taken away from this book and the movie. Interestingly enough, Cori and I saw the movie the day proceeding it's coming out on DVD. There were seven other people in the movie theater with us and they were all adult women.....

In the end, I would have to say 'Twilight' wasn't the best book I've ever read, or the best movie I have ever seen, but on the other hand, it certainly wasn't the worse, and again, I can see the appeal of the movie to young women and even to some women my age. I think 'Twilight' is going to be one of those books, or movies, that people talk about for years to come whether it be in a negative or positive way....

What about you?...... Have you read the book or seen movie?......

I would love to hear from you......

With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ Every Monday a group of us gals get together to post something blue. Thank you Sally for hosting this fun post. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site.....




This is my reading lamp, well part of it any way. It's actually a floor lamp. I like it because the shade reminds me a little bit of stained glass. It looks very pretty when it's lit. It has certainly served me well. I love to snuggle up on my sofa with a nice cup of tea, a good book, my glasses, a throw, my dog, and read to my heart's content. This is a perfect lamp for me because it gives off just the right amount of light......
Happy Monday everyone!
I hope all of you have a wonderful day!....
With warmest regards, Carol

The Chocolate Cookie Spring Party.......

Welcome to The Chocolate Cookie Spring Party, hosted by our friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ Thank you Cielo for hosting this fun spring post! We were asked to either bake or buy cookies, set up a table in our back yard weather permitting, or on our porch, and create a pretty tablescape using flowers, silver tea sets, candles, and vintage dishes. You still have time to join the fun! Just click on the above link to get all of the details..........

Since the weather in our area is still a little cold, and I don't have a covered or screened porch, I decided to have my spring chocolate party on a table inside of our home....
For my spring party I wanted to do a whimsical tablescape with an Easter and spring theme. The first thing I did was choose some pretty table linen. I just love seasonal runners and you will usually find one on my table all year long. Today I used one of my Easter table runners and then I added a spring basket, flowers, and some sweet little bunnies.........



Next came the dishes and silverware. I've had my dishes for many years. I like them because of the flower pattern and also because they are oven safe......

Then I added glasses and candles.....

Well, there you have it..... A nice spring tablescape put together with things I already had around the house.... But where is the chocolate?......

When you were a little girl do you remember those pretty little pink and blue plastic baskets you could get to fill with candy for all of your fun tea and birthday parties? I always loved those! My Aunt even used them when it was her turn to host her card party club. They don't make them any more but one year I found these colorful baskets at Hallmarks. Sometimes I fill them with candy and other times I put tea lights in them. Today I decided I would fill them with candy, and then for fun, I also added some baby chicks and Easter eggs to my tablescape.........

Since it was a spring theme, I used my flowered napkin rings. I think everything is looking spring and festive now, but where is the chocolate?..........

I think I may have shared with you before that my mother was known as the cookie lady. Every Christmas she literally baked thousands and thousands of the most delicious cookies to give out to her family and friends. She even gave cookies to the bank ladies. When ever anyone would visit her home during the holidays they would find a small sweet table set up in the living room. This tiered crystal serving dish was always filled with her wonderful Christmas cookies and could be found sitting in the middle of the sweet table. A couple of years before she died she gave it to me. She said, of all of her children, I was the one who she knew would enjoy it the most. I was so grateful to receive it! She was right, I do enjoy it, and I use it all the time. It's one of my most cherished possessions!.......

Because it's a spring party with an Easter theme I decided to add a ribbon to my serving piece. But.... but, where's the chocolate?...

When I am having any type of a spare of the moment get together I know exactly where to go. I head on over to

Mannios bakery, at http://www.manninosbakery.com/ They have the most delicious deserts you could ever imagine! I know I will always find something made of chocolate there.......

Ok, I didn't get all chocolate, because believe it, or not, everyone in my family doesn't love chocolate the way I do. I also didn't get all cookies because how could I pass these delicious pastries up? Doesn't everything looks scrumptious?........

This is my finished tablescape.

Now all we need to do is sit down and share a cup of tea.

Happy spring everyone!......

I'm off to visit with all of you....

With warmest regards, Carol

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ This is a post dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. A place to celebrate God! Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site....



My cousin Margie sent me this via e-mail
the other day and I thought I would share it with all of you.......

The Blue Rose........

Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no detergent? Well, I guess it was time for me to do my store run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, and Clorox. So off I go......

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there.This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here.".......

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by, His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey buddy, what's your name?"...........

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly. "Wow," I said, "that's a neat name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal.".....

"Hal like Halloween?" he asked.....

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?" "How old am I now, mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. "Your fifteen-years-old Denny, now be a good boy and let the man pass by."......

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles, and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someones attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.....

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk to her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit......

I told her there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Danny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.....

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?".....

Without thinking I said, "Oh probably just a dandelion but I sure love living in God's garden."...

Please the next time you see a BLUE ROSE don't turn your head and walk off, take the time to smile and say hello. Because by the grace of GOD this mother could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.........

From another old dandelion.....

Live simply... Love generously...... Care deeply..... Speak kindly.....

Peace be with you!.....

Happy Hopeful Friday!.......

With warmest regards, Carol

Dogs on Thursday........

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ A place where dog lovers like my self get together weekly to write a post about their most precious four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site........


Charli is happy that spring is finally here!........
We hope where ever you are there are sunny skies and warm weather too!.....
Happy Spring!........
With warmest regards,