Trunk Treasure

Before V. left for Europe, he had found the key to his parent's trunk.  It had been missing for a number of years and I could barely remember what was in it.

A couple of weeks ago, I took the key and, making my way to the garage, I opened what I regarded as a treasure chest.

It was not disappointing...

Two ventouses... These are vintage cupping jars now used, inverted, to showcase small treasures

Romanian folk blouses, skirts and a shawl

A beanie from the time when V. was four

Handmade suede shoes that once belonged to my mother in law
A picture of my guy at 3...

A metal tray with engraved signatures given to my husband's grandfather from his employees

A set of  embroidered pink duvet cover and Euro shams, a linen tea towel from the ship that my husband took to Canada in 1955 and so many, many more items.

There are hand-embroidered table cloths for every occasion, witnesses to another time

This was Elena's favorite

I am reliving the time when my parents-in-law were alive.  These treasures bring V. closer and they shed light on who he is and what he means to me.

You never know what you will find in a treasure chest...


Stella

Grandnephew on the Horizon

I am expecting a grandnephew in the next weeks.  I have other grandnephews and nieces but this one is S.'s first.  S. is a special girl to me.  She has two brothers who are also special, but they did not give birth.  This is different.

Isn't she gorgeous?

My sister D. has been crocheting numerous baby hats and sweaters in anticipation.  So many in fact, that I wondered what I could make that might be different or novel.  As I haven't a whole lot of experience knitting baby wear, I decided that Sprout would be just the ticket.

Here is Bean Sprout, aptly named for his Mom is just a little sprout herself.

I look forward to seeing the little head inside the hat.  Now if I can just work up enough oumf to knit the Sprout Blanket.  It has a CHART, that is frightening.  Any helpful hints out there?

Love and sunshine in Alberta,

Auntie Stella

Prague

My husband V. is in Prague for the next two days having fun with his friend and his cousin.  Three retired guys with nothing but time on their hands.  What could they possibly do to fill their time?

I know:  drink beer, walk, go up things like towers and hills, eat meat, drink beer, walk up and down all streets not being too preoccupied with anything as mundane as shops for example.

Well, I am proposing a cure for all that aimless walking and climbing.

Bohemian-garnet-earring-shopping:

O.k. so my birthstone (July) is ruby, but I like garnets.  So far, I've sent him the above photos, addresses to reputable shops and an article about counterfeit stones.

There is also some lovely crystal in Prague.  

That should keep him busy.

Teehee!

Love,

Stella

Saturday at Wellington

It was Spring Fling time at Wellington on Saturday so I met my friend Nicole and we strolled around talking and soaking in the beauty of the place.

Photo via Art and Artifact

I bought a cloche and a cast iron birdie to put underneath it.  Cloches were used as mini-greenhouses long ago but now, they serve a more aesthetic purpose.  To see different ways to decorate with cloches, click here. 

Will show you my finished product when it's done!

Happy Monday everyone!

Stella

Happy Mother's Day

As our youngest son is alone with me for Mother's Day, it befell on him to create celebration around this time-honoured event.

This morning, a latte from the café where he works (got up at 7:30 to get it for me), and a gift of Burt's Bees products.  You know, for a 21 year-old, he puts a lot of thought into it...

Bonne fête des mères Mom!  I miss you...

Stella

This n' That

O.k. people, I got ONE comment!  I have enabled the anonymous commenting thing-a-ma-jiggy and you can now comment as you did before.  I wasn't aware it was turned off.  I wondered why I was getting so few comments, I mean even one a day is encouraging but the drought of the last few weeks has been, well, disenchanting?

Anyhoo... I have just returned from the Wellington Reading Circle: Get to Know France: One Book at a Time.  This is our second in the series and we were discussing Escoffier from White Truffles in Winter.  It was pure fun!  From the rosé wine, grapes and foie gras to the enchanting decor to the stimulating sharing around the book, it was a success!

And, I forgot to take pictures... UGH! This is where the event took place:

The Cottage: one of the 5 buildings on the property.  We were all seated at French patio sets, it was perfect!  I am fairly floating with relief and joy!

Our next circle will take place in the fall:  Annette Vallon: A Novel of the French Revolution.  Why don't you give it a shot, maybe we can have a little online sharing.

Bonne nuit,

Stella

This is a Test

I want to know if you are able to comment.  Someone told me recently that it is difficult to do so.  Could you please just leave a word, say hello, let me know that you are able to do so.

Bisous,

Stella