Of This And That..And More.

Tulips from my honey.

My Dears,

Happy May...or middle of May as it may be. *smiles*

So here I am..glad to be blogging again after a short hiatus. I think it's about time I play catch up on the past couple of months.

Winter was quite wonderful this time around. I'd venture to say that it's been having a bit of a rough time handing the reigns over to spring. I mean really...I had a lovely fire keeping me cozy this afternoon, for there is still a tiny chill in the air. I can honestly say though that I'm ready for the soft warmth of spring, the kind that feels like a tender caress rather than the stifling heat that smothers. There's nothing like the feeling one gets when spring fever runs amok! I tend to get giddy and feel like I can do it all. I become child-like in wonder and hopeful that life will grant me my wishes. In the springtime, all things seem highly possible. *sigh*

 Mr. Knightley enjoying the warmth by the hearth...in May!

So, let's trace back a bit. St. Patrick's day was one for the books on the culinary spectrum. I made a lovely meal consisting of glazed corned beef, maple glazed brussel sprouts, and mashed potatoes. Can you say yumm?? I know we did!

 St. Patricks dinner...

Then in late March, I hosted a lovely vintage affair at Harmonie House. My Edwardian friends joined the fella and me for an Afterglow Evening Party. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music of the 20's/30's, and beautifully dressed company made for a most delightful and happy evening.

 The fella and me during the Afterglow evening affair.

Easter came on a sunny Sunday in March. My fella and I dyed some eggs for the Easter breads I make every year, and together we set off for a lovely family gathering. The Easter bunny always brings me something sweet, but this time around he also delivered a Nook HD. Goodness gracious me! Today's Easter bunny has become quite the modern-minded fur ball. I must say I like his taste in gadgets. *winks*

 I love the colors.

 Easter bread...simply delicious!

April came by and went so fast that I've quite forgotten most of it. However, I cannot forget how the magnolia tree bloomed to perfection and provided a most fragrant display of beauty in my front yard. That month also brought back the landscaper and the delightful smell of fresh-mown grass. The scent of spring permeated the grounds of Harmonie House, and all I could do was bask happily in nature's gifts.
Oh! I mustn't forget...April 7th marked my 4th Anniversary here on Blogger. I can't believe it's been four years already. Thank you dear blog-land friends for sticking around and making my blogging experience a most wonderful one. Click here for an old post from April of 2009. Enjoy!

 Magnolias in full bloom and heady scent!

Tulips. I'll say it again....tulips. Now remember this my dear readers...I love tulips. To me, these flowers represent the joy and promise of the season. They are perfection and they seem to giggle in delight!
I make sure to have tulips at Harmonie House while they are in season. Funny thing is, I've never had them in my garden. I cannot tell you why. It even baffles me.

 The fella likes to keep me in tulips. Gotta love him!

Lilacs were in bloom, and now the lily-of-the valley are gracing the garden, right under the maple. The roses are in bud and the herbs are ready for the picking. Truly I love this time of the year.

Lilacs. Perfume in a vase.

Today I took the time to enjoy some afternoon tea and scones in the comfort of my sunny library/music room. The light of the sun broke through the untrimmed, bushy evergreens as it pierced through the multi-paned casement windows and brightened the room with its happy glow. It's days like these that make me so grateful for the simple things in life. The comforts of home no matter how big or small, make our lives extra meaningful. A cuppa tea, a good book, Mr. Knightley by my side..the fire in the hearth, the taste of marmalade slathered on lightly buttered toast, the feel and scent of freshly laundered towels and bed sheets, and the smile on my sweet fella's handsome face are just some of the simple things that make me ever so grateful.

Cherry scones slathered in clotted cream and rose-hip butter.

It's more of a curd than butter and it was quite tasty.

The sun's rays provided a happy glow during tea.

These days, our world is an unsteady place. The news, the papers, websites, and television are filled with all that is angry, negative, and ugly with this world. The fact of the matter is, there is so much good and beauty to be had...so much positive out there. Unfortunately, it becomes over-shadowed by what we're being shown and told. So when I come here to blog, I want to share all that I feel is good and beautiful. I try to show you my world in a happy light. Yes, I can tell you that my life isn't perfect and it's filled with the everyday cares that come with being human. I cry, I've felt fear, I become vexed, I've had disappointments, etc.
Then again I also know laughter, find joy in song, I dance, and act silly at times.
I love and I am loved. I know happiness and bliss. Knowing, experiencing, and feeling all the good, beautiful things life has to offer holds a much more powerful grip on my life than anything else can.
So you see, the negative will always be there. It's not always easy to ignore, but I choose to walk the path where the flowers grow...and it's that path which I choose to share with you here in blog-land. Embrace the wonderful things life brings to you. Be grateful and live simply, for it's the little things in life which are the most meaningful.

found this image here

After all, we've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night!

Wishing You Blissful Tidings,
xoxo
Miss 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

Tis That time Again!

My Dears!

It's that time again when I, my fella, and the rest of our "vintage" friends gather together for our annual Independence Day picnic at Harmonie House!

I've been working diligently on getting everything ready. I do find that I never seem to have enough time to prep for these gatherings, but by the same token I tend to become giddy as a child while I get the house ready, and spend oodles of time in the garden weeding, mulching, and just making everything pretty. On the day of our picnic I never lack help, for my fella and some of my closest friends make all the early prep and work flow smoothly.

The lists have been made (food, linens, outdoor accessories, etc). I still have shopping to do, food tent to put up, and finding something to wear. Shall I go Edwardian or perhaps 1920's? Hmmmm..I do have a few Victorian outfits as well as a 30's style summer dress. *sigh* Who knows? My guests always look fabulous in any era they choose.

Needless to say, we are all excited and ready for a trip back in time, a wonderful gathering of dear friends old and new, a most enjoyable game of extreme croquet (do avoid the flower beds), delightful vintage music, delicious food, and pitchers of frozen gin & tonics. Yes my dears, we also serve lemonade.
Oh indeed....this party is the "bees knees"!!

Here are a few images of picnics from years past....

That's me all the way on the left in the red and white.

 

That's me sitting at left with the hat.

 

I was trying to avoid the flower beds...not sure I succeeded.

Pondering...

No..that is not a frozen gin & tonic in my hand. *winks*

I hope each and every one of you has a most lovely 4th of July weekend. May bliss follow you wherever you go!

 Hey! What am I doing in the flower bed??

xoxo,

Miss Sandra

The Kettles Of Harmonie

Painting by Robin Weiss

My Dears,
I hope this rainy week hasn't put a damper on your spirit. Actually, I've had several glimpses of the sun throughout this day. Tis an amazing thing to see when one has become accustomed to gray days. Ahhh, but do not despair for the sun will kiss our world again.

You know I'm all about the simple things..the comforts and joys of home..and the pleasures of day to day life. Today I want to express my appreciation..nay, my LOVE..for certain important members of Harmonie House.

My tea kettles.

Many a blissful moment has been brought to me by said kettles. The comforting cuppa is for the most part, one of the gifts of life. It is said the kitchen is the heart of the house. There is no doubt the kettle is the heartbeat of this kitchen!

Let me tell you about Kenny.

Kenny was the name of my first copper kettle. (Yes, of course my kettles have names!) I remember finding him at a popular kitchen shop that was closing its doors. Needless to say, he was marked down 75% and I could  not resist such a bargain. I took him home and boiled the icky glaze off him right away. In no time he was ready to boil and serve. Kenny was a whistler. Oh could Kenny whistle! I could hear him in any part of the house. Till this day, he was the loudest of my whistlers...also the sweetest. Kenny poured water over many a brew throughout the years. Unfortunately his days of glory were numbered. Signs of age were suddenly becoming apparent. Then he started falling apart bit by bit. *sigh* I knew he had to be retired...but oh how I would miss him. Needless to say, I miss him still. *pouts* Kenny provided for many a tea..many a party.

Then Constance came along.

Cute and sassy. That's Constance the kettle! She came along soon after Kenny blew his final whistle. Thank goodness for this lovely lass of stainless steel. She's been boiling away for quite some time with no intention of going anywhere any time soon. Thank Heavens! Mind you...she's the silent type. Not one for whistling, she announces her readiness with quite a mighty hiss! Never one to skip a beat, she keeps my tea cups happily filled.

But wait!! You've yet to meet Collins!

Collins' arrival was quite a dear surprise...a Christmas gift from my fella! How delightful to have upon my stove a close kin of Kenny's. Oh yes...my fella had heard all about my dear sweet copper kettle..and how much I missed him. He wasted no time in finding Kenny's kin...just in time to place him under the tree. Though not a loud whistler like his predecessor, he makes up for it with a most softly, melodic boiling tune. Yes, Collins fits right in at Harmonie House.

Now you may wonder..how does Constance feel about Collins' arrival? I was a bit concerned at first, when she began to sputter as she boiled (all over Collins who sat nearby)..after some cajoling and some witty conversation on Collins part, they've somehow managed to get along. I've been giving them equal time of late. No need for either to feel unloved.

Besides..I believe Constance has developed a bit of a tendre for dear, melodic Collins!

 There is love brewing between these two! *winks*

There you have it my dears..a proper introduction to my tea kettles. They hiss..whistle..and bring comfort to those who enter our home...Harmonie House! How about a nice cup of tea?

Blissful Tidings To All!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

A House..A Home.

My Dears,

I find myself in quite the contemplative mood of late. I think of my yesterday, my now, and my tomorrow. Actually, been thinking a lot about my tomorrows.

Have I ever told you the story about how I came to be in Harmonie House? Okay, I'll tell you, and will try to make it brief...really, I'll try.

My late husband and I were at an open house directly across the street from Harmonie. The house we were touring was much larger, and the previous owners had let some of it fall into disrepair. However, there was still lots of beauty and its 1916 character was still intact. Restoration itself would have been minimal but still monumental to an extent. It was tempting, but my husband and I knew that it would cost quite a bit to repair, replace, and restore.

So we walked out the front door and bumped into a nearby neighbor who said, and I quote, "Oh my dears, this house is too large for just the two of you. The one across the street would have suited better, but it was recently purchased by a couple and their sons."
I looked across the street..my true first glimpse of what was to become Harmonie House. I sighed and shrugged indifferently. We thanked her and left.

Funny thing was, that somehow, the image of Harmonie stayed with me. Every time we passed it on our way to the nearest highway, I would ask the Mr. to slow down so that I could take a look at it. ..and so it happened it would become the thing to do whenever we drove by. At Christmastime I'd take great pains to look at their tree by the window and wondered what the rest of the house would be like. That's what it was like for about about 2 years.

Then one day, my husband came home and told me the house I liked so much was for sale. My heart skipped a beat, but then plummeted just as quickly, for we had just recently renovated the apartment we were living in at the time, and I knew buying a house was not in the cards.

Fate stepped in however in the form of a break-in..not in my apartment, but in the one next to us where we kept some storage..including my fine wedding china. Yes my dears, my china was stolen..and I felt afraid, violated, and ever so uncomfortable in my sweet little abode.

I told hubby it wouldn't hurt to look at the house..just to sate our curiosity after all this time. Knowing how much it would mean to me, and to cheer me after the hubub with the break-in, he agreed. I scheduled a meeting with the owners..they didn't have it listed with a real estate broker. I was so nervous. I wanted to love it but by the same token, I didn't want to. I knew my husband wasn't going to want a house when we lived in a perfectly lovely and new apartment. Why get my hopes up?

Walking up the front steps, I felt a pull..a nervous energy, and a deep excitement. When the owner opened the door she let us in through a small, tiled vestibule and into the open, large living room area. My heart seem to lodge in my throat. I knew from the instant I stepped inside that something had changed that very moment..my life was already affected. I was home.

All right...I said I would keep it short, so I guess I aught to stop now. After all, you know the rest of the story. I live in my Shangri-La...Harmonie House. There is much more to tell. It really is somewhat of a love affair..a coming home of sorts. Tis a story I would love to write about some day. The laughter, tears, hopes, and dreams held within these walls throughout the years are an extension of not only myself, but of those who have loved this home before me.

*sigh* Told you I was in a contemplative mood. Though life can seem a bit controlling at times and tries to take the upper hand with difficult situations, I sit myself down and know that all will be fine. I've encountered loss in the past and I have climbed out of its despair. I smile today because of my yesterdays...I'm hopeful for my tomorrows..and blissful because of now. I'm blessed and grateful.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Embracing The Season..

pic source

...The holiday season that is!

I can't believe we are several days away from Thanksgiving 2009. It seems just yesterday I was planting my herbs for my spring garden. Well never-the-less, I am happy about it. Two years ago was the last time I hosted Thanksgiving dinner. I am thrilled that this year I shall don my apron once again and have my family over to celebrate and be grateful.

Poor Thanksgiving. It seems it's always overshadowed by Christmas. It doesn't stand a chance. Once Halloween is over...Christmas decorations are on display. As a child, I remember seeing paper cutouts of turkeys on windows in every shop and home. Pilgrims, pumpkins, and other symbols of Thanksgiving were a given and commonplace. You see very little of it today..perhaps a small section at the local CVS...somewhere underneath the Christmas lights.

I guess it shouldn't really matter. Thanksgiving is felt within our hearts...and we have reason to be ever so thankful on a daily basis. The first words I usually speak, when I open my eyes each morning are "Thank you for the blessing of another beautiful day of life."

Those words I have said, even during the worst of times.

And so on...in the spirit of things, I shall officially begin my Christmas decorating this weekend. Yes, yes..I know. Did I not just preach about Christmas overshadowing Thanksgiving festivities?? Silly me..Though really, I have no choice. I like my place to be decorated by December 1st. However, it usually takes me a week or more to dress Harmonie House in Christmas splendor. These days are pretty busy for me, so I have to take advantage of the spare moments I get...especially the weekends. I shall incorporate my pilgrims, pumpkins, and turkeys into the x-mas decor. I love both holidays...very much!!

Christmas 2008 at Harmonie House

So my dears...I wish you all a lovely weekend filled with many blessings..many reasons to be ever thankful.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

After The Ball

My Dears,

A lovely time was had at our annual Armistice Ball. We had a nice turnout, the band delighted us with some great music for dancing, and the Afterglow party at Harmonie House was absolutely divine.

Harmonie House hours before the revelry.

Downstairs at Harmonie House.. Mr. Knightley kept watch from the stairs...while upstairs several of us were busy getting into our gowns, and tuxedos.

Having given my lady's maid the night off...I settled for the butler to help me fasten my gown. *smiles*

The band, led by well known Vince Giordano, gave a stellar performance and provided us with tunes to kick our heels...foxtrots, one-steps, tangos, blues, and waltzes.

The dancers were pleased as pie and were having a ball!

Tis I...dancing away to a one-step


C'est moi..again!

It was lovely to be twirled around the room to the music of another era..long gone. Alas, like Cinderella, I had to leave the ball much earlier...for I had to get the home and prepare for the Afterglow party.

This was only the beginning. By the time all the guests (31) arrived, the table was heavily laden with food...hot and cold dishes. Wine and champagne flowed as did the smiles.

...with Dan Levinson and his lovely wife Molly


Vince relaxing after a fabulous musical night
and chatting away with Tom & Sue.
He and his Nighthawks take us back in time with the authentic sounds of the 20's & 30's.


Dear friend Tom entertained the whole weekend on my Lauter.

After the party...yes, it went on till very late...I was thoroughly exhausted. However, that didn't stop me or my weekend guests from enjoying some ragtime coming from the talented Tom on the piano. Twas 2am, we let our hair down, took our shoes off, and I served coffee (yes..regular not decaf). We listened to music..while we all reclined and talked about the ball and party..we were still glowing.

Yes, the mistress of the house was tired..but still glowing.

Happy days to all!
xoxo
Miss Sandra