Christmas...

The library at Harmonie House dressed for Christmas.

My Dears,
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with oodles of bliss and wishes come true.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

It's That Time Again!

My Dears,
After a most delightful long Thanksgiving  weekend with my fella, I am now back to the normal hustle and bustle of the week..and dealing with an icky cold too! Granted, sounding like Lauren Bacall isn't such a shabby thing, but I'll be glad when I'm all better again!

Anyhow..Christmas decorating has begun at Harmonie House. I've quite a bit to go yet, but at least the tree and trimmings are up amongst other pretty greenery around the house and my honey put up the outside lights and decor. Once I feel better I can set up the Christmas villages and all the other sweet knick-knacks that add to the spirit of the holiday.

 Thomas Kincaid makes every Christmas seem magical.

Christmas tunes are playing as I type away and my heart is filled with cheer. Every year I plan to make Christmas time a most magical experience. This year shall be no different. The child in me still believes in Santa and I'm tickled by the sight of snow and the taste of marshmallows in my hot chocolate. Roasted chestnuts are a staple at Harmonie House and they taste even better when shared with a loved one. Cuddle time by the hearth is a must! A hug for an old friend who drops by adds to the joy of the season as does the warmth of mulled cider as it brings cheer to the soul in one single sip. The sweetness of Mr. Knightley snuggled contentedly between my fella and I as we share a warm cuppa while sitting across the tree simply creates a most blissful interlude. Yes indeed..there are many ways to bring the magic of the season into our lives. Just open your heart and see with the eyes of a child. We alone have the power to make our day to day life extra special!

I believe!

from here

I'll make sure to snap photos of Harmonie House in its Christmas finery. In the meantime...I wish you joy in all your preparations and celebrations!

Blissful Tidings...
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Joining the Happy Homemaker UK's
Post Of The Month Club.

Stop by her fabulous blog, say hello, and visit other wonderful bloggers' posts of the month!

 Do visit the Happy Homemaker here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Dears,
Just stopping by to wish each and every one of you a most blessed and happy Thanksgiving! I shall be quite the busy one getting Harmonie House all decorated for Christmas. However, I'll be stopping by soon enough to share my blissful moments!

 from here

Do keep in mind dear ones....there is always something to be thankful for!

Blissful Tidings!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

PS: I have heard that some of you have had issues trying to leave a comment and not being able to do so. Please send me an e-mail and let me know if this problem is still in effect. Truly Blogger can sometimes become quite vexing! *sigh*

Happy November!

Tis the season!! Mmmm..

My Dears...

Has it been over a month since my last post? Heavens to Betsy! I haven't forgotten you...in fact, I try to visit as many of you as possible when I get the chance. My world outside of blog-land has been keeping me quite preoccupied. There are changes in the midst and I guess I'm just gearing myself up and laying low while these changes take place.

Well first..Happy Halloween! Belated, yes, but sincerely meant! It was quite a nice one for me and my fella. Harmonie House glowed in candlelight and was scented in the perfume of autumn. Halloween music played throughout the evening, setting the ambiance. I dressed as a gypsy fortune teller and one couldn't tell that I had worked in the kitchen all afternoon cooking away. I made a yummy dinner for us (butternut squash soup...honey/apricot pork with couscous and glazed veggies...and a corn pudding pie for dessert). Oh yes...we were pleasantly full! I hope your Halloween was absolutely delightful!

 Any similarity to Mr. Knightley is purely coincidental. ;)

Did someone say snow?? Yes my dears. Harmonie House was in the path of Saturday's storm. Truth be told, this one caused more damage in this area than hurricane Irene. My front tree lost several limbs and one should see the surrounding neighborhood. Tree limbs line the streets from one block to the next. Tis quite sad really. Thankfully we didn't lose any power. I must say however..this storm made for a most lovely, relaxing time by the fire while feasting on yummy fireside picnic fare (chestnuts, cheeses, crackers, olive bread, etc..). Granted, there was shoveling to be done the next day, but my honey and I made quick work of it!

 from here

I'm thrilled about the cold weather we're having. After all, I'm in my element! Yes the warm soft blankets are out...the afghans...the cozy socks...the flannel...the firewood...and the stock on cocoa and tea has been replenished. *sigh*
Oh I am indeed ready for the nesting season. Are you??

Ratty's home in Wind & The Willows.

The comforts of a cozy winter's nest are evident. 

One of the dearest holidays is upon us now. Thanksgiving brings to me a feeling that all is simply right with the world. It reminds me that my blessings far surpass my woes. It's a time to reflect and be grateful. When Thanksgiving comes along I begin my trip down memory lane, for this marks the beginning of the holiday season. This is the time when the child in me comes out to play! The joys of the season we beheld as children should always be welcomed in our adult life. The childish glee, wonder, and curiosity that made our lives seem so magical should ever be present within us...you will find that this feeling is quite contagious!

Oh and let's not forget Thanksgiving dinner! If there is any thought that instantly brings a smile to my face is that of the table on Thanksgiving! *sigh* Yes..turkey and all the fixings! Tis tradition at its best! I think I better stop musing over this. I'm becoming hungry.

Happy November my dears! May this month bring to you the sweet anticipation of the magical season to come...filled with family, joy, lots of yummy food, and oodles of bliss. May the blessings of our daily lives be counted and never taken for granted.

 "The happiest of people don't have the best of everything...they just make the best of everything."

Blissful Tidings!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Rainy First Autumn Day!

from here

My Dears..

Just stopping by to wish you all a HAPPY AUTUMN!!
And remember that raindrops are kisses from Heaven. So let a smile be your umbrella! *Please turn off music below to enjoy this lovely old tune & video.*

Blissful Tidings! xoxo

Miss Sandra

At The End Of The Day...

My Dears,

I'm feeling wistful and blissful at the same time. 

Life is beautiful though not perfect. It need not be so. After all, perfection would become quite dull after a while. We need the challenges that creep up on us. In the long run, I believe it's how we've handled those challenges that has shaped us into who we are today.

Every day is a gift...even if when unwrapped disappointments sneak in to mar our lives. Regardless of all that, at the end of the day we and only we remain the makers of our every moment.  Let's make it worthwhile and let's remind ourselves that we can tackle those obstacles that may come our way. I grew up hearing that we will not be given any challenge we cannot handle. Deep down I know that's true. I may not always see it that way, but in the long run I will have overcome and knocked down every barrier in the way of my future.

Human nature is a plethora of all that is good, bad, indifferent, and misunderstood. If we can accept that then we can move ahead in our daily lives and make the best and most of our every moment. We cannot be perfect, but we can definitely be blissful.

Happy Autumn my dears! May the light of comfort be ever present in your lives and may love conquer all!

Blissful tidings and sweet nothings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Can You Feel It?

from here

My Dears...

Can you feel it? Can you feel it in the air? I do...I can feel the kiss of Autumn gently romancing my senses. It is ready to step foot into my home, sit by my hearth, and sweetly coax the cold days into my world.

It's in the way the trees wave about..the leaves slowly changing color in preparation for their glorious display before the branches gently shake them off to drop and wither back to Mother Earth. It's in the subtle hint of spice in the air..brought on by the cool breezes in the evening hours when daylight begins to fade. It's in that snuggly feeling early in the morning when the day has just begun. It's in the warm cuppa that not only revives but also comforts the heart and soul.

Oh yes indeed! Autumn is in the air and ready to envelope us in all its comforts. Let the nesting season begin!

Blissful Tidings To All!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

By The Way..

I'm Fine!! *smiles*

My Dears,

I should have kept you posted sooner to let you know we got through Irene with only some fallen branches and such.
We were fortunate..though many were not. My heart goes out to the many who suffered loss, injury, and damage due to this awful hurricane.

Thank you for your kind wishes and concern. You're the best followers a gal could ever have. xo

Till the next..I wish you all blissful tidings!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Irene...

My Dears..

Just a quick note to those on the path of Hurricane Irene. Please be safe and have all the necessities at hand! May the storm blow over swiftly and leave no damage behind.

I have cleared my backyard/garden of everything that can be blown away. My pantry is stocked and my hopes and prayers are for the storm to lessen before it reaches our turf.

Safe wishes to all! and blissful blessings!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

A Note From Mr. Knightley

Dear Friends of Mama,

I thought I'd stop by to make you all aware that today, August 17th, is National Black Cat Appreciation Day.

You must know just how much Mama appreciates me..as does her fella no doubt. My baby-sitter absolutely dotes on me as do all of Mama's friends who visit. It pleases me to no end knowing I have my very own day of appreciation. Actually..every day is Mr. Knightley day in Harmonie House. However, to have it proclaimed tickles my fancy. *purrrrrr*

I am so handsome..how can anyone not appreciate me?

Do feel free to appreciate me all you want. I am always ready to receive oodles of loving attention, petting, compliments, donations treats, sweet talk, more treats, a computer of my own treats, and anything else in the way of good stuff and such.
I think you get my meaning. *saucy kitty wink*

Anyhow, I guess I should leave this post before Mama gets here and catches me on her blog. I'm off to have the run of the house and of Mama too! Here's a picture of me taking a snooze on her legs. I'm quite cozy and comfy...can you tell?

I guess I better go and play cute around my Mama. No doubt she'll coo and give me some treats....did I mention I like treats?

To all of you with black kitties of your own...spread the love and appreciation. You are quite fortunate that they've chosen you. Now go and give them some treats. *Cheshire cat grin*

Sincerely,
Mr. Knightley of Harmonie House.

Of This, That, and Bliss.

Blissful verdure in my garden.

My Dears,

I hope this day finds you and yours in a most delightful way. I've been keeping busy and trying to keep my chin up during these dog days of summer. After all, you know I'm a winter gal at heart! However, I think I've been a good sport about it all and have kept my summer doldrums to myself..considering how Father Winter gave everyone quite the shaking this past winter.

I promised to write another "this and that" post..so I guess this shall be it. Heaven knows, my well has been quite dry on the poetic side and I haven't anything exciting to say...at least I don't think so. There is so much anger and negativity being expressed in our world right now. All I want to do is hide behind the curtain of bliss and think of happy things. Therefore, I shall share with you pleasantries that will put behind, even if only momentarily, the doldrums of the world. After all, it behooves us to see the glass half full and to find all the magic and good in our lives. If we didn't see it that way, what a sorry state we'd be in!

This is how I see it. I'm in control of how my day will turn out. If it's raining, I shall rejoice in the rain and take the time to do something productive indoors..even if it's just lingering blissfully over a good novel. If I have a lousy day at work, I shall seek the comfort within my home and put the workday behind. Should I wake up on the wrong side of the bed..I shall think of all the blessings in my life. Then I shall smile and be grateful. There isn't anything that can really take control over our lives and emotions...unless we allow it of course! We shan't..and that's that. *smiles*

Hmmm..let's talk about what makes me smile. You know...those moments of bliss. Most of you are aware by now it's my most favorite word in the world....Bliss. Say it out loud BLISS. Say it softly bliss. Doesn't it have a most beautiful sound? Doesn't it fall gently from your lips? Bliss...bliss. I so love that word. My goal in life is to surround myself in bliss..to seek it, find it, and make it my own. So without further ado...here are some images of things that have brought me bliss.

 Thrice the bliss...my home Harmonie, winter, and snow!

Afternoon tea and an old magazine
in the comfort of my library.

Finding a very old pressed flower
in the 100+ year old magazine.

Dragonfly lights over my bed...simply dear and blissful.

...closeup of dragonflies.

My sweet bliss Mr. Knightley.

 ...music for the soul.

Watching the sunrise over Lake George alongside my fella.

 Stopping the boat in the middle of the lake
and having a relaxing picnic with my fella.

The simple comfort of a pair of wellies in the rain.

...my garden.

 

Breakfast in bed...blissfully prepared by my fella.

...a fireside picnic.

 Christmas...traditional bliss.

Bliss of my heart...in the arms of my love.

I may have to post a part two on this subject for there are ever so many other pleasures that have brought bliss into my life: the music of Al Bowlly, the laughter of my nieces, the hugs given by my parents, sitting by the fireside during the long winter nights, and losing myself in song. I do sing a little you know. As a matter of fact, I shall close this post with a lil' video of one of my tunes. I do hope you enjoy! Be sure to scroll down below and turn off the programmed music on the green player before you play the video.

I wish you all blissful tidings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

A Letter To The Skunk Family...

from here.

Dear Skunk Family Living Under My Shed,

I hope this missive finds you all in good health and keeping cool under these severe heat conditions. It's been quite some time since I've noticed your existence in my garden. At first I thought you were just passing by.. crossing from one yard to another on your merry way. I began to question your frequent visits, when my dear fella almost mistook one of you for a kitty...yes, he called you over and you gingerly acquiesced and approached him happily. Naturally he exited the premises, quite quickly mind you, upon noticing that you were not in fact a kitty cat.

Twas not long after that, when I went out one evening to water my flower beds. I turned on the lights in the tent/gazebo and just when I was about to enter, I heard some scurrying nearby. Lo and behold!! There were two of you making your way past me. Yes, I froze in place hoping you'd ignore me...thankfully you did. One of you was actually quite adorable and little. I guess you were the baby strolling with your Mama. Needless to say, I backed up slowly...farther into the yard...and watched you both disappear under the shed. Not far behind, near my fence was a third one in your clan. I believe it may have been Papa skunk foraying the premises for your evening meal. How good of him to take care of you so well. I hope he succeeded and brought home the bacon. 

I've spied each of you at one point or another since that night. Just this evening I braved the very warm weather and went out to quench my flower beds. Hose in hand and humming a happy tune, I sprayed the flowers whose sigh of relief was almost audible. Mr. Knightley watched me from the dining room window...at least I thought he was watching me. *sigh* 

No. I wasn't the subject of his attention for LO & BEHOLD, once again, I was accompanied by you...the cute family of skunks. No doubt you watched me while you did what you do when you do what you do in the yard. (I hope you all got that!) 

You must've been quite amazed at my bravery, though some may call it stupidity, of not budging from my spot and continuing to water my plants. Oh don't worry. I kept an eye on each of you. One ran into the hostas and went right back under the shed. The other (I guess it was Papa) continued sniffing around for supper, and the third strolled into the tent/gazebo. You must've heard me loudly exclaim.."Oh No You Didn't!!!" *insert vexatious mutterings* Yes..I believe Mama skunk was making good use of my lounge chair. I decided to mind my business and quickly finish what I started out to do. 

Twas then I decided I've had enough!

This brings me to the reason behind this letter. I am quite honored that you chose Harmonie House's garden as your home. It shows you have fine tastes..you are indeed skunks of quality and distinction. However, I can no longer risk the possibility of myself or my fella vexing one of you and getting sprayed. Please, do not take offense. It's not that I think your scent lacks in essence. Truly it's got the quality that's in a class by itself. It's just not for everyone...myself included. So I'm asking you to please pack your bags and find another shed in another garden...somewhere far away. Thank you for your cooperation and have a nice day. *smiles*

 Whaddaya mean we gotta move???

Consider yourselves evicted!

Sincerely,

Miss Sandra

second photo from here.

The Picnic

My Dears,

I hope you've all kept cool these past several days...what a scorcher it has been! Thankfully I've kept comfortably cool in air conditioned rooms. As much as I love the days of old I still cannot fathom how those dear folks got through the dog days of summer without AC. *sigh*

So here I am tapping away on my very modern keyboard to share with you a very vintage event. Two posts prior I made mention of my annual Independence Day picnic. Well, needless to say it was truly an affair to remember. The weather cooperated, the food was plenty, and the guests were as ever delightful. To add to the fun of our day, we had reporters for the Star-Ledger drop by to do a story for their "Munchmobile" feature. What is the Munchmobile you wonder?

Well get a load of this!!!

 TA-DA!!

Yes...a van with a large wiener on top graced the driveway of Harmonie House.  No really dears, this is truly on the level! The Edwardians were not scandalized...that I know of. *winks* Anyhow, the reporter and his munchmobile companion of the day were quite lovely people. They seemed to enjoy taking a stroll back in time with us. They sampled the food, toured Harmonie House, watched the croquet match, and snapped many pictures. I was even interviewed on video. How fun!!

With Munchmobile reporter Pete.

Tables laden with delicious fare!

Sweets are on the left!

How pretty!

Of course lemonade was served along with other soft drinks and water. However, what most of these dear, proper ladies and gents preferred was the ever popular frozen gin & tonics! Oh indeed!! Our sweet friend Heather made sure to keep those glasses filled with this refreshing brew. Not one to skip a beat she was there, pitcher in hand, ready to greet the reporters with a frozen cup! These gin & tonics have become the signature drink at this annual affair. 

My dear Heather..sans the pitcher.

Naturally there was music to be played. Tunes from the teens, 20's, 30's, and 40's kept us tapping our toes and singing along. What about our game of extreme croquet? Well of course we played! As usual, the flowers were not too happy when a ball would land in their bed....and as usual, I kept on hollerin' "Stay away from the flower beds!!!" *sigh* Even I, yes, I too was guilty of this faux pas. *shrugs* I guess it wouldn't be called extreme croquet if we weren't challenged by the garden's inhabitants. Bless their sweet lil hearts. I made sure to water them well and give them some extra TLC after all was said and done. Thankfully my friends know to treat my plants gingerly at all times during a croquet match.

These lovely gents tenderly held back the plants
so that I could knock the ball out of the bed.

When evening came along, my fella brought out the grill and put on the burgers and hot dogs! We sat under the night sky and feasted on our yummy, grilled food while the stars twinkled high above us. We chatted away until it was time for everyone to return to their homes. 

It was a memorable affair. How can it not be when in the company of dear, beloved friends?

By the way...there isn't a picture of me and my fella at this event. Why? I don't know. I guess we slipped the camera's radar. Needless to say, I pouted fretfully when I realized that my honey and I were not photographed together. *sigh* So in lieu of a picnic picture, I shall share of picture of us together at a friend's wedding this past June.

 I think we make a cute couple....don't you?

Well my dears..tis late and I'm tired. Another day of work beckons for the morrow so I must bid you all a good night. Oh and just to let you know...I'll have another "This & That" post coming up real soon! 

Blissful tidings!!

xoxo

Miss Sandra