When Bliss Is Gone

Dear Ones...

Just a quick note to let you know that I am still here in this thing called life.

However, life as I knew it is no longer. I've struggled to write this post, but perhaps by putting this out there to you all, it might help me somehow, someway.
2016 has taken my loves. My beautiful fella and my sweet boy Mr. Knightley are no longer in this world, but on the other side.

Needless to say, I am lost and trying to find my way.

I'm so glad that I was able to share my joy and my bliss with you all. I truly knew happiness and was the luckiest gal in the world to have loved and been loved by my fella. He truly was my world. He gifted me an amazing six years...all filled with BLISS. He took my heart with him this past March, then Knightley followed on October 21st. Needless to say, I was blessed to know and have the best kitty cat in the whole world.

I miss my loves. I miss my life.

Thank you for having been there throughout my blogging years. I wish you all love.  xo

Sandra

It's Meeeee!!!

 from here

My Dears...

I'm back! I didn't really go anywhere, but I'm back. *smiles* I do hope you have all been well and enjoyed a most enchanting summer. No doubt some of you have been wondering...where have I been all this time? Well, I was in a place called Hiatus. Mind you, there was no reason to go there, but I ended up in Hiatus just the same. I guess one can say that my writing motivation waned during the summer months. By the same token, those of you who've been visiting Harmonie House for some time will know that if anything will inspire me to write, it will be the changing of the seasons...especially coming into autumn and winter.

I've always felt that summer put me in a state of hibernation. Yes, I do function on a day to day basis and live life moment by moment all year long, summer included. However, it seems that when autumn arrives, I feel like I'm coming out of a deep sleep. My senses come alive and I feel giddy...just because! I can smell the change in the air. I can feel it stirring, almost crackling in anticipation of the comfort season. Autumn has arrived! Halloween is upon us! Let the festivities begin!

But first, perhaps I should recap. After all, it has been quite some time since I posted. Last I chatted with you all, I was singing the praises of those yummy scallops in a smoked gouda cream sauce. My fella and I ventured to the restaurant since then and enjoyed our favorite dish. Even better...one day the fella came home with all the ingredients and pretty much recreated it from scratch. Yes...I was smiling throughout the meal. *sigh* Needless to say, I'm a pretty lucky gal. *winks*

 Here's my honey pan searing the scallops.

 Making the smoked Gouda cream sauce.

 Here is the delicious result! I think it's time he makes them again. *winks*

Let me trace back a few months if you please...if you recall earlier, in my April 24th post, I was gushing over a pair of lavender Hunter wellies. Remember these???

 

Guess what the fella bought me......

 TADA!!!! Okay, they don't match the dress, but I just

couldn't wait to try them on and pose in them.

Let's fast forward. We visited Lake George in June and had a lovely getaway...we put up our summer gazebo and spent many a lovely evening dining and relaxing there...I hosted my annual 4th of July Edwardian picnic and a delightful time was had.

 At the Sagamore Inn in Lake George. 

Oh! I also celebrated my fella's birthday in June.

He loves homemade pistachio cake!

 The summer gazebo...

 Yet another of the summer gazebo. Directly behind is my fairy garden.

Not a very clear image of the fairy garden.

 Hmmm....in between then and now we entertained friends, worked, and pretty much counted the days till autumn. That brings us to now!
*happy sigh*

Well you can imagine by now that Harmonie House is dressed for Halloween and that the comforts of the colder season have been brought into play. Afghans, sweaters, woolies, and firewood are at the ready. The tea and cocoa cupboard has been replenished. Scented candles, of autumn harvest and pumpkin spice, burn slowly emitting the essence of the season and intoxicating my senses. Comfort food is the order of the day... everyday.

A corner of my kitchen.

 Homemade pumpkin pie. Yumm!

 On a cold Columbus Day morning, we had breakfast by the fire.

Yes...Mr. Knightley had top seating priority.

I've been in quite the happy frenzy due to the change in weather. I'm already anticipating November and looking forward to a yummy Thanksgiving dinner and the company of loved ones. I hear we might be getting quite the winter this year. It can only mean one thing...snow angels and snowman in the yard! Okay...that's two things. Well, you get my meaning. *cheeky grin* This gal sure loves winter and snow. I like to think of the Snow Miser dancing a jig while Mother Holle shakes her pillow...sending down those magical snowflakes that make this 41 year old feel like I'm 9 again. Ahhh...blissful winter. 

 Such a lovable character!

 I hear there will be lots of pillow shaking this winter!

from here.

I guess I'm getting ahead of myself, but I cannot help it! Oh well...in the meantime, I shall simply enjoy the beauty of the falling leaves. Red, gold, orange...jewel tones that turn a landscape into a most beautiful scene.

Nature's own palette of wonder. 

I'm happy to be back here in blogland and so grateful that you, my readers, have not tired of waiting for my posts. Do know that though I've been quiet here in my own place, I have been visiting your blogs. I may not comment as I used to, but please know that I do look forward to reading your posts.

Happy Autumn my dears!

Wishing Each Of You Blissful Tidings,

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.

A Little Of This...A Little Of That

 This was the view from my desk on this rainy day.

My Dears,

Hope you had a lovely weekend...albeit, for most of us it was quite stormy with these severe Spring showers.
The trees and plants seem to be happy as they continue to bud and flourish with all this rainy weather. It's not so bad really. There is something to be said about the sweet scent in the air after a spring misting. Just yesterday my landscaper was working on my neighbor's property. I walked outside and immediately was greeted by the heady scent of verdure. I find it quite intoxicating...and invigorating. Spring is in the air! *ponders somersaulting, but resists the silly urge.*

My side view from the desk. It was quite wet out there!

The cloudy sky didn't diminish the beauty of nature's palette.

I couldn't wait to get home from work today and put the kettle on. Today was such a tea and reading day. I arrived home to find my latest copy of The English Home waiting by the door. I knew a blissful interlude was to be had. So I poured myself a cuppa (Darjeeling), sat in my cozy chair, and opened my magazine. I've always considered myself quite the anglophile so it's no surprise, to those who know me, that I lose myself in this magazine. It wasn't too long before Mr. Knightley jumped on my lap and joined in on the bliss.

 Love this magazine!

Their ads are simply scrumptious! A feast for the eyes!

 Le sigh....

 I want this kitchen!! *getting the vapors now*
Actually, I want that stove!

 Yes..they feature beautiful gardens too!

***Magazine images courtesy of the English Home. 

Do go HERE for more info and subscriptions.

Okay I think you get the idea of just how much I enjoy this magazine. I apologize for the quality of these shots. I didn't have the right lighting at the time I photographed the pages. I just wanted to give you a taste of this most delightful indulgence. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the English Home, please give it a try. I think you'll enjoy it!

*nudged by the cat* Okay, okay! I can take a hint! 

Mr. Knightley wants to be included in this post!

So this weekend my fella and I were away in Pennsylvania. On our way back we traveled through a a town called Zionsville and ventured into their antique mall. Heavens to Betsy!! This place was huge and walking through it all was our workout for the day. *chuckles* Really, this is quite the place and chock full of fabulous vintage wares. I must share with you what my honey bought for me!

My very own vintage waffle iron!!!

 Yes..my fella has offered to help clean it!

I absolutely love my waffle iron..and it works too!! Once we get it all clean, I shall waste no time in making my very own Harmonie House Waffles! My fella already has recipe ideas. He's quite the foodie you know!

I think I should like to return to that mall in the future and see what other sweet vintage finds will await me.

I have realized that I haven't shared a picture of my upstairs hallway table. It's not just any table, but an antique Singer treadle machine. I'm fortunate to own a pair and both in pretty nice condition. The one you are about to see is in my upstairs hall. Upon it is one of my earlier antique treasures...an old gas lamp that was electrified sometime in the 50's. The shade is milk glass.

A sweet spot in the hall.

Here's a closer look. It can use a little TLC, but I love it as is.

My other treadle machine is in better condition and I can actually use it if I chose to sew on it. Let's state for the record, I can sew...but I do not enjoy it much. I sew out of necessity not passion. That being said, I may one day share with you some of my Edwardian outfits made by moi. Anyhow...I thought you might like to have a look at my hall "table". *smiles*

Since I'm in show-and-tell mode, I might as well share with you an image of my sideboard taken on Valentine's evening.

The glow on Valentine's evening.

Isn't it pretty? My honey had these carnations delivered and brought me roses too (delivered personally)...and Godiva! Have you ever had a dark chocolate, raspberry filled truffle and washed it down with a nice glass of red wine? You may want to try it. No really...I mean it. Tis one of my indulgences.  *sigh* I guess I should have posted this picture in February, but better late than never...n'est pas?

So there you have it my dears...a little bit of this and a little bit of that! I'm tired and need to start getting ready for bed. I wish you all a fine week and as always, oodles of bliss!

xoxo

Miss Sandra