House of Houben

Pink Saturday: January 28, 2012

2012-01-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday once again!

Please join in with all the pinks at Beverly's blog, listed under Pink Saturday in my side link.

I never get a chance to visit them all myself, but during the week I do enjoy looking at as many as I possibly can.

Here is my Valentine tree.

I've always wished to make one, as Valentine's Day is one of my favourite days in the year.

That's because I adore PINK and heart shaped things, romance and true love!

My tree needs some more decorations which I plan on making.

It looks really pretty at night when the lights are turned on, and it sure brightens up the dark gloomy winter nights we've had lately.

Two of my little girls are exchanging felt Valentines.

I remember doing this in elementary school. I still have some of those sweet Valentine cards!

Robinette posing by the Valentine suitcase in her handmade crochet dress, made by a talented person in the UK. I just love this dress.

I played around with a vintage Valentine in my computer software picture program.

I use "Microsoft Picture It Publishing 2001". It's no longer being produced.

It's such fun! There are other programs out there for varying prices, such as Photoshop.

I hope you have a lovely pink day, preparing for February 14th!

Playing with Valentines.

2012-01-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

I find these old images online, or I purchase them, and I play around with them using my doll photos in Microsoft Picture It Publishing program. I still haven't quite got the hang of putting the photo BEHIND the cutout. It's driving me nuts!

Doesn't Daisy look cute, if a little blurred?

I think this one is my favourite.

It would be neat if I could place Daisy BEHIND the Heart Cutout in a heart shape.

This is another of my favourites.

I love the vintage lacy look.

Which one is your favourite?

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2012-01-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

We in Vancouver BC live half in China, so we celebrate along with the Chinese for their New Year.

This year is the Year of the Dragon.

Purdy's, our local chocolate shop, had the red packages with chocolate coins inside.

I'm never adverse to eating chocolate!

I had red jello with frozen (once fresh) raspberries with our chicken meal.

Yummy!

(we celebrated last week when Matthew was here)

This is how I decorated my kitchen hutch.

Any chance I can, I will bring out the dolls!

I bought the Chinese teapot many years ago from Regal Greetings and Gifts, now long gone like many other fine Canadian institutions.

The beautiful plate was a 40th birthday gift from an Oriental friend.

Samantha, my AG doll, is wearing a pretty pink tunic from eBay.

Mulan is a new doll, bought last year, from the Disney store. I thought she was so cute!

Ruthie is wearing a green tunic which I designed.

Happy Chinese New Year to All!

Pink Saturday January 21, 2012

2012-01-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

Oops! I nearly forgot about PINK SATURDAY!

That would never do.

I love pink, but I keep using the same theme; dolls. Sigh.

I guess I love dolls more than the colour pink!

Here is Martha's doll wearing the pink bonnet which I made, er, which Yvette Marie made, and Martha won as a prize in a sewing challenge in my Bleuette group online.

This is Martha's picture.

I love Valentines!

Here are a few pink ones.

These are kindly borrowed from LORRAINE at her blog.

Please visit her for some beautiful pinks and some amazing Valentines!

I even made a Valentine tree this year, and I will take a picture for next pink Saturday.

Aren't these sweet?

I just love this one!

I should try my hand at some Valentine crafts.

Hmmm...

Have a wonderful pink Saturday, everyone!

I love all the pink posts.

Please be sure to visit Beverly at the link on my sidebar, under Pink Saturday.

Another update on the Case of the Mysterious Rubber Doll: Part 3

2012-01-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

1961 November

Me and my rubber doll.

I'm including the rest of the photos of this doll in this final post.

This photo was taken in our little house on Euclid Street in Vancouver, by the front door.

I'm behind my Mom's sewing box. I loved this box; it was filled with her crochet books, knitting books, knitting needles, yarn, etc. It had a lovely smell. It was red vinyl, with a cream trim on the front and a large button in the middle. Yes, my Mom still has it in her bedroom!

December 1961.

I loved this grey rocking chair.

My Dad often rocked me in it when I had bronchitis, so I could breathe.

It had a lovely comforting creak.

October 1962.

Baby Leona has joined me and my rubber doll.

It looks like I'm actively engaged in entertaining her with my rubber teddy and my doll.

My Mom told me that once I took a rubber teddy with me to Safeway in my stroller and I lost it and was heartbroken. She went up and down the aisles but couldn't find it.

This is a really good picture of my rubber doll.

February 1963

Recently I discovered this photo in my Mom's album; I had never seen it before!

I'm positive that's my rubber doll with her back turned to the camera.

You can see the knob of her pony tail.

I loved pushing my dolls in my stroller.

Christmas 1962.

Amongst the wrapping paper and the thrill of new gifts lays the rubber doll.

It's strange that I never named her.

My next post about the rubber doll will show a clear photo of her, and a new dress!

She has been naked for so long, poor thing.

I double checked the back of her neck, and it does NOT say Rexall like I thought: it says "Reliable" with 1217 stamped above. I used a good magnifying glass with a light.

So there's yet another clue. Reliable dolls were Canadian made dolls.

My very first doll was a Reliable doll.

Here is PART ONE for the rubber doll story,

and here is PART TWO.

With great difficulty I added these new photos today.

Here are some new shots of my old rubber doll.

Isn't she cute?

I scrubbed her clean and she is no longer sticky.

Now she needs a new wardrobe.

Here is a side view of her cute face.

Here is the back view of her pony tail, which always fascinated me.

My Mom used to take a bobby pin and poke a red ribbon through a hole in the pony tail.

My doll has a squeaker; when you bounce her on her rubber feet, she squeaks.

It's really odd how toy companies created dolls...

Her cute red painted shoes and white socks.

Her full body shot.

A close up shot.

Snow in Vancouver

2012-01-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Robert worked from home.

He also had his eyes checked, and of course needs new glasses but at least he doesn't have glaucoma.

However the eye doctor could see damage in his eyes from high blood pressure!

The damage is slight but noticeable.

Robert's HBP is now under control due to medication.

I took his bus pass and went downtown in the frigid temperatures.

It was odd to see snow on the sidewalks.

It was around -2 C. Brrr...

These photos look like the bleak midwinter!

And winter has just begun; it isn't the middle yet. Ack!

This shot was taken near Broadway and Cambie.

I shopped a bit in Michael's, using a 40% off coupon.

I bought a Valentine's banner for my front porch.

I have every other season except Valentine's!

Afterwards I took the Canada Line train back to the Waterfront, and braved the elements to take this shot. No one else was around. It was a nice day to get a breath of really cold air!

OK, those photos were so dark, I thought I'd add this one, taken in my front yard.

I won an adorable knit set for my Bleuette on my BSC group.

Isn't it darling?

I also won the beautiful handmade coat last year. I've won quite a few prizes.

More pinks for Pink Saturday, January 14, 2012!

2012-01-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

Oooo...the 2nd pink Saturday of the year, and I've remembered to post.

Of course by now you've noticed I like dolls!

This adorable doll is a Bleuette friend, named Daisyette, in honour of the Daisy doll produced in 1911 by Ladies Home Journal. I purchased her last year, and she is made by Beth Golding, a very talented doll artist in eBayland.

Isn't her outfit darling?

It's handmade by someone in the USA but alas, I don't know her name, as this was a gift to me from Mary Martina at the UFDC convention in Anaheim, CA last July.

Beverly at How Sweet the Sound (link in my sidebar under Pink Saturday) suggested we post about another blog each Saturday. I found this beautiful one but can't remember where, and I was sure it was in the pink Saturday list but can't find it there.

It's one of those lovely blogland mysteries!

Anyhow, you must visit it.

This is the address: Shabby Cats and Roses

I just adore her pillows! Aren't they scrumptious????

This is my idea of pink heaven!

Each pillow is prettier than the last!

I hope she doesn't mind a bit of advertising!

Happy pink Saturday!

My newly decorated fireplace mantel.

2012-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

I've been admiring some lovely blogs in blogland.

Sigh.

I took down the nativity scene and wished to put something different in its place.

After looking at quite a few beautiful blogs, I decided I needed a "new look" for the mantel and not something too extravagant or fancy.

I headed to my local Winner's store, and found the silver candlesticks for $15 and $13 each, and the clock for $23. I already had the lights, and simply added the white tulle, bought from the dollar store.

I also bought the pretty silver runner from the dollar store, and the large silver frame. The small frame was only $5 (also from Winner's) so I think I did very well with my New Look!

The first baking of 2012!

2012-01-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

My house smelled so delicious today!

I used two old bananas and two new ones to make yummy banana chocoloate chip muffins.

I'll add the recipe tomorrow as I'm in a rush at the moment.

I also made Fudgie Scotch bars, a decadent dessert, but Matthew is coming over for supper, so all is forgiven. I always share generously with him, plus I'm sending some over to my parents to taste.

At least it won't all go to my hip!

It was fun to bake again. I've missed it!

Lunch at my friend, Isabelle's house...

2012-01-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we visited with my Chatty Cathy/Bleuette collecting doll friend, Isabelle, and her husband, Walt, in their lovely home, for a delicious lunch. We were supposed to get together for a Christmas gift exchange just before Christmas but I caught The Thing in the throat, so it was cancelled.

It was so nice to go out for Sunday lunch, though.

That's a real treat for us.

This first photo shows a gorgeous doll which one of Isabelle's friends gave to her recently.

In the Christmas photo the little girl is receiving this doll for Christmas 1949.

She is marked "American Character" on her neck.

Isn't she adorable?

Here we are about to eat the delicious lasagne, Caesar salad, Garlic bread and chicken drumettes.

It was very delicious! Isabelle is a fine cook.

That's her husband, Walter, at one end, Isabelle at the other, and Linda P and I.

Robert took the photo.

And here we are with our lovely Christmas gifts, which were dolly related.

This is Isabelle's aunt and uncle. Her aunt is her Dad's sister, Dorothy, and the man she married is Ed Ingalls, who is related to Laura Ingalls Wilder! Isn't that interesting?

As you know, I'm currently hosting a Little House challenge at the BSC sewing group, so I was delighted to discover that Isabelle is related to the Ingalls family by marriage!

It's a small world.

We had a really nice visit catching up, and looking at Isabelle's lovely dolls.

My camera battery was nearly dead, so I neglected to take other photos.

I love Isabelle's doll room.

PINK SATURDAY!

2012-01-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

I haven't participated in Pink Saturday since last year some time!

I love pink, but had actually run out of pink items to photograph.

These 2 little bonnets are the very first thing I've sewn in 2012.

I belong to a Bleuette doll club online, and Jan/Feb I'm in charge of the sewing challenge.

Bleuette dolls always need new clothes to wear.

They have an extensive wardrobe dating from 1905-1960.

The bonnets are drafted by my friend, Jennifer E.

The pattern is very easy to follow, and my little Bleus love their new headgear!

This little lass is playing Laura Ingalls.

The sewing challenge is to create an ensemble which Laura or Mary would have worn in the 1890's.

This is the prize bonnet for the winner, which will be drawn from the first 10 names who complete an outfit first.

We do have a lot of fun each month participating in the challenges, and our Bleuette dolls have very extensive wardrobes!

Please visit Beverly at the link in my side bar. Just click on "Pink Saturday" and you will be taken right there to see many more lovely pink blogs.

700th post! Valentine cards...

2012-01-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

I adore Valentine cards like this!

I randomly take them from blogs I come across.

I love this design.

This is my 700th post and I find it amazing! That's a lot of posting!

Here are 8 tiny Bleuette sized cards I made today.

I had the first migraine of 2012 this morning, so I'm happy I got this much done.

The migraines are occuring at 4 or 6 am recently and that suits me just fine, as I can sleep most of the pain away. The aura was very bright today, which means hardly any pain. Whew.

But I still felt out of it today, which is why I'm glad I could make these tiny cards, the first of 2012.

Cleaning and organizing...

2012-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

I'm working on cleaning and organizing, one of my goals for 2012.

It's hard work!

I'm currently putting all my Bleuette doll clothes patterns into binders according to decade.

I'm nearly finished. I've used about 10 lbs of paper to print them. Tee hee!

I love fashion, and Bleuette's fashions span from 1905-1960!

I would love to make a few from each decade.

The above vintage print shows a little girl holding pussy willows.

I'm pleased to report my pussy willow tree is as tall as I am now.

It's in our backyard, and it even has a branch of PUSSY WILLOW buds!!!!

I'm so excited about this. I adore pussy willows.

Leona started the tree from a branch of pussy willow she bought for me.

New Year postcard

2012-01-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here is another New Year postcard.

I just love these pretty old designs.

It's raining cats and dogs here. Do you know how much I was hoping for a sunny, cold January?

We rarely have those kind of days in January.

Today I went out for a few errands. It was nice to get out again.

I have been very sick over the Christmas break, and lost all my energy.

It's quite ghastly to get that sick. Ugh. But now I'm nearly back to normal.

I've been sewing again too.

A Vintage New Year Postcard

2012-01-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

I love old postcards.

I borrowed this one from someone's blog.

Isn't it pretty?

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

2012-01-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all!

Here's our little feast we had last evening.

Leona thought we'd be eating at midnight but we settled for 7 pm, not being party animals of any kind.

We did stay up until 1:00 am though, and we banged pots in the backyard while Kelsie went bananas!

After our meal, Leona and I tried something new.

We rented a pay per view video on Telus TV, "The Help", which cost $5.00 and we didn't leave the comfort of our living room. That's the first time we've tried it out, and it was neat.

The movie was well done and very entertaining.

I'll confess that I'm feeling ancient watching movies from the 1960 era.

It's the strangest feeling, as I remember the cars and the clothes and the furniture.

I hated those kitchens but I sure loved the fashions and the cars!

I'm glad I did NOT live in Mississippi!

Kelsie is missing in this photo because of the CRACKERS!

She hates crackers...she was shivering on the stair landing all the time we were eating.

By crackers, I mean the popping English type of crackers, where you get a paper hat, joke and tiny gift.

Here's to a good, brand new year filled full of God's blessings, and a much better year for us than the last one was! Things can only get better!

A New Year...

2011-12-29T10:51:00.000-08:00

It isn't the New Year quite yet, but there's nothing like being prepared.

Isn't this an unusual but delightful image?

I love crispy apples!

The New Year ahead, 2012, looks wonderful written down.

I wasn't aware that I loved twos so much.

In 2012 Robert and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage.

Ashley, my niece, will graduate from High School.

Matthew will turn 23.

Time is spinning and never stops.

I used to make goals for the New Year, but have quit doing that, as some I don't meet and then feel flattened. I like to outline new projects in my head, and this year I plan to list them down the side of my blog, and put the dates they are completed.

I no longer keep a written journal on paper; my blog has become my journal.

One thing for sure, life is never dull!

I wish all of you, dear friends and family, a prosperous and rich in God's blessings sort of New Year!

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day in Canada...no I haven't gone out.

I'm sitting in my nightgown taking it easy, just like I have for the past 7 days.

I was very ill with a Cold Thing. It erased my voice and clogged up my sinuses like you wouldn't believe.

It is chilly and raining outside.

Today is like a calm after the storm.

Does it feel like that to you on Boxing Day?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

Matthew and I with his beautifully wrapped gift for me, which is a gorgeous crystal rose shaped candle holder!

One of our gifts to Matthew; an old box from his great grandma, with money inside.

A good dog.

My gift to Robert; a really good pair of binoculars.

Tee hee...

Christmas breakfast, made by Robert.

Christmas stocking gifts. I was spoiled!

(the Anne Perry book is from Matthew, a Christmas tradition)

The Christmas feast.

If you look at the photos enlarged, you can see Matthew's lovely candle holder in the middle.

The turkey is fresh and grain fed from Windsor Meats...just superb.

Leona made the gravy from scratch, I made the whipped cream/jello salad, and Robert made the rest.

It was a wonderful Christmas Day.

(and my voice is slowly coming back)

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T16:27:00.001-08:00

Our tiny but lovely little Christmas tree on top of the piano.

Two new Christmas dolls, one brand new, one very old.

Christmas 1966 and 1967

2011-12-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

I now have the missing photos.

Leona had scanned them in, so she sent them to me.

This is Christmas Eve 1966.

I was 6 years old, Leona was 4, and Marlene was 1.

Aren't we cute?

This year we have red velvet dresses.

I think my Mom posed us by the dining room table with the gifts instead of by the tree, so that Marlene wouldn't get into the gifts! I just figured this out now.

In the photo below you can see the tiny Christmas tree up high on a table.

Tee hee...she also did this when Marie was little. However she never did it for me or Leona.

I guess we were angels.

I remember Marlene's wind up bee. I remember the red hat I'm holding, but I don't remember much about this Christmas.

I also remember Marlene's rocking horse. I thought it was so neat.

Christmas 1967.

We received a neat prayer book, with lovely illustrations and children's prayers.

Yes, I still have it. I should scan in the illustrations.

I see we are not wearing velvet dresses this year, but this seems like a different photo; no paper laying around, no disarray, no before photo.

I see the drapes in the background have changed this year to the orange ones.

We had those a long time.

I loved my handmade doll wardrobe, bought at the New Westminster farmer's market, and my nurse kit, and my darling Teary Deary doll. The only thing I have is the doll, although she is missing one leg.

My aunt Frieda made the dress I'm wearing.

Leona with her Dr kit, wardrobe and doll. Notice she is holding the kit.

The doll on the left mysteriously shows up in the 1968 Christmas photos, in nearly the same position.

Did she lay there for one whole year?

A continuation of special gifts...

2011-12-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Mysteriously, I don't have Christmas 1966 or 1967 scanned in, but here is Christmas Eve, 1968.

I remember this Christmas well. My sister Marlene, sitting on the right on a chair holding a plastic house, also got the table and chair set. Leona and I got wonderful things for our Barbies.

Leona is on the left, holding her Barbie wearing a gorgeous blue satin bridesmaid's dress which my Mom sewed, and I'm on the right holding my Stacy wearing a beautiful white satin bride dress, also made by my Mom. My Mom absolutely hates sewing, so I still treasure this dress.

Leona is also holding the neatest set of breakfast dishes for Barbie including a tiny toaster with toast which popped up when you pressed a button. Yes, I still have most of this set!

Us by the tree with Dad. We always took a before photo. I do wish my Dad had snapped a picture of us with our Mom. Notice that funny thing on the grey rocking chair? That's my special teddy bear. He had to be included too.

We usually had new velvet dresses for Christmas. I loved those dresses, bought at Simpson Sears bargain centre for $2.99 each. Here I am holding one of my favourite books of all time; The Bobbsey Twins at Pilgrim Rock. I adored that book. I'm also holding a really neat washing machine for Barbie. Leona also got one, and we washed many doll's clothes in those machines. And yes, I still have it!

Aren't we cute?

Marlene got a little doll which could cry when you fed it a bottle of water. The house belongs to the doll. I just loved that house.

I also got a wonderful Etch a Sketch. I loved that thing!

Christmas morning. I guess the rest of the stocking loot is on the couch!

We always got a German made rubber doll in our stockings.

I loved those dolls.

Christmas 1969; decorating the tree. Our Mom gave us each a pile of decorations to put on.

The year Leona and I didn't have velvet dresses. I guess they were going out of style.

Marlene still has hers.

The whirlwind after opening gifts.

If you look closely, you will see a lantern on the coffee table.

It was Leona's. She used it in the middle of the night to go and get her stocking, and she opened it on her bed, telling me everything inside while I plugged my ears. She ate some of the loot, then put it back.

I never told on her.

Our new dolls. They cried "mama" when you tipped them over.

Special gifts from Christmas long ago

2011-12-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

My first Christmas in 1960, and my first doll.

My 2nd Christmas in 1961, and my first piano and first bike.

My 3rd Christmas in 1962, and my first iron and ironing board.

I set right to work.

My 4th Christmas in 1963, and my first kitchen utensils.

My 5th Christmas in 1964, and my first doll house and first Chatty Cathy doll.

I was thrilled, as you can see!

My 6th Christmas in 1965, with a new baby sister, and a gorgeous doll buggy.

I have been blessed with happy Christmas times, and hope that you have too.

These photos bring back such happy memories.

Nativity scenes

2011-12-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

I have always loved nativity scenes.

This is a picture of my Mom's gorgeous set. The figures are around 8" tall.

She has it set up on her sideboard.

Woodward's downtown used to set up a glorious full size nativity and when they went bankrupt, The Bay used to put it in their window, but I haven't seen it this year.

I have our set up on the mantel, but it is very simple.

Christmas preparations

2011-12-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas preparations!

I finished my shopping yesterday.

At least, I think I did!

Last Thursday evening, Dec 15, we took my Dad to hear the Vancouver Welshmen's choir.

I'm not sure about their name, as they only sang one song in Welsh in the two hour program!

However it was lovely and really put us in the Christmas spirit.

This year I find myself enjoying the beautiful Christmas carols AT MY LOCAL MALL instead of our church, as at church they sing mainly praise choruses, although today they actually sang four carols.

Isn't it funny to enjoy carols at the mall? But I do. I roam the walkways looking at the decorations and listening to the lovely background music.

There's only one more week to do this!

My Dad enjoying his gift.

2011-12-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday Dec 6 we celebrated St Nicholas Day by going to dinner with my parents and Matthew at the local Greek restaurant on their street near their apartment. My parents treated us.

Afterwards we went to their lovely decorated home, and I gave my Dad a gift; the newspaper with my article about his family moving to Vancouver BC 70 years ago in 1941.

Look at his face!

Here I am with him.

Here's Dad reading the article. I'm glad I could do this for him.

I tried to think of something special to commemorate the event, and I think this worked.

Flashback to 1981!

2011-12-12T18:06:00.000-08:00

Robert and I, recently engaged, Christmas 1981.

Somehow it just doesn't seem possible that this was 30 years ago.

Of course, we were a lot younger looking and much thinner!

We were so happy and in love.

This picture was taken by my parent's pretty tree, in the home on Monmouth Ave.

I had made the skirt and blouse to wear for the church Christmas contata the previous year, which had been combined with the Seattle branch church.

Underneath the mistletoe, Christmas Eve 1981.

I gave Robert the burgundy velour top; they were very much in style that year.

I also gave him a dark blue one, and a pair of grey pants.

He gave me a beautiful wooden jewellery box, lined with velvet.

I still have it, but Robert's clothes are long gone!

Christmas activity 2011

2011-12-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

I'm getting rather busy!

Ack!

I'm hard at work on Christmas cards, wrapping gifts, decorating, baking and working on my Bible study course project. It's due on Dec 19 and I hope to submit it before then as it's weighing heavily on my mind. It's worth 30% of my mark.

I took my exam last Monday and think I did fairly well, although it wasn't a multiple choice questionnare as promised, but a tricky worded true/false set of 60 questions. Oh my!

We are having fantastic fall weather this year. The sun has shone so much I'm not feeling any SAD symptoms. I usually am feeling really down by this time of year due to all the dreary wet weather, but we've had such lovely cold, crisp sunny days that I'm doing really well this year.

It snowed a bit in November but melted quickly. It hasn't snowed yet this month.

I wonder how your Christmas getting ready time is going?

50 years ago...Windermere High School

2011-12-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver BC turned 50 this December.

We attended the 50th reunion at the school.

It was fun to meet a few of my old classmates. I wish more would have attended.

There was a great crowd out, and not enough room in the gym for all who did come.

Most of them were from the 1960's era.

I attended this school from 1973-1978.

I adored school once I finished Grade 8. I've always enjoyed learning.

There are many fond memories of this place, and it was fun to visit again.

Matthew also went to this school, from Sept 2003 - June 2007.

He didn't want to return.

Helen Lee and I, in Mr. Grasdale's old science room on the second floor.

Helen and I in the main hallway.

Assembly in the gym. This was also the place where I graduated; no fancy Queen Elizabeth Theatre for the 1978 class!

Chhalinder, Leona, Helen and I.

The delicious birthday cake prepared by Windermere students.

A sign of the changing demographics of Windermere!

The 1970's decade of students.

Leona and Mr. Jewel, her former science teacher.

The spot in the lunch room where we used to sit each day.

My friends used to shout hello to Leona when she wandered past.

An old annual with my uncle's photo.

Dennis Williams, Grade 10.

It was a fun evening, but not long enough to catch up!

Pearl Harbour 70 years ago...Dec 7, 1941

2011-12-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

It was 70 years ago today that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour in the USA.

Here is a link to Ancestry.com which ends tonight...they have opened their military records archives for free, and if you have any family member who was in WWII you can see their records!

I poked around and found a few muster sheets for my uncle, Robert Albert Brutke.

I found out what ship he was on, the USS Eastland, and I also saw some muster sheets.

I'm considering getting a subscription with Ancestry next year.

They seem to have things that no one else does.

I'll see if I can find a photo of my Uncle Robert and add it here later today.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

2011-12-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

Our table this morning.

There were golden chocolate coins in my shoes.

Robert and Leona fared better!

I must have been too naughty this year.

(but the golden coins are delicious)

Exciting news!

2011-12-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

I have written a few articles for our local newspaper, the Renfrew/Collingwood news.

The editor, Julie Cheng, was interested in a recent story idea, inspired by a previous article by another local writer. My Dad, Jack Williams, moved to Vancouver 70 years ago last month from the prairies.

I wrote an article with photos of a past Christmas, plus other family photos, and it was published this month.

I dropped by my local coffee shop this afternoon, and there it was in print!

It's so thrilling to see my writing in print; I really never get used to it.

I think Paul Reid, the layout person, did an excellent job with the photos.

You can view the whole newspaper and read my article at this link.

Renfrew/Collingwood Newspaper Dec 2011

Please let me know what you think!

Christmas shopping 30 years ago!

2011-12-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Dec 28, 1981...Boxing Day shopping!

Christmas Day was on Friday of that year, so I assume that Boxing Day sales were on that Monday.

I can't remember! Anyhow, my Aunt Pat and cousin Judy Brutka came up from Brooks, Oregon and spent a few days with us. There was snow on the ground so we took the #27 Rupert Bus, near Rupert and McHardy, to Champlain Mall off Kerr St in Vancouver. That was a really nice little mall, but it was torn down around 10 years ago and a row of town houses were put in. I still miss that mall!

Left to right above: Marlene (16), my Mom (48), myself (21), Judy, and Marie (11).

We usually shopped at Hallmark, where they had the most beautiful things half price.

Hallmark items used to be made in the USA or Canada.

Do you remember those days? We also bought Purdy's candy half price.

Left to right: Myself, Aunt Pat, Marie; in back: my Mom and Marlene.

I don't know why Leona wasn't with us.

Christmas shopping on Broadway

2011-12-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

Today after my chiropractor appointment I shopped on Broadway.

It was fun!

The sun was brightly shining, the sky was crisply blue, and I had money in my pocket.

I didn't take any photos, so these pages from the Sears 1964 Christmas wish book will have to do.

Don't you wish the prices still applied?

I had a blue velvet dress similar to the one on the left from this 1966 catalogue.

It was a lovely day. My Christmas shopping is just about finished!

More Christmas doll photos from UFDC

2011-12-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more photos from the gorgeous Christmas display room at the UFDC convention.

I had recently read about the custom of putting the Christ child underneath the Christmas tree, with a fence around the display. This is the first time I had seen it in person.

This doll was Linda's favourite.

I loved them all!

I've never seen so many antique dolls all together in my life.

I never knew there were so many left!

It really cheered my heart to see them all so wonderfully taken care of.

Christmas photos from UFDC

2011-11-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

I don't think I will ever forget this beautiful room at the UFDC convention in July!

The displays were exquisite.

Who wouldn't want to see this sight on Christmas morning?

Friday Freebie

2011-11-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a lovely vintage picture for you to use in your crafts, whether it's Christmas cards or any other idea.

I'm basically finished my cards. I only have a few more special ones to make for our Bible study group.

It's only one month until Christmas Day!

A CHRISTMAS TEA!

2011-11-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, we went window browsing in Kerrisdale, which is on the West side of town. I wish I lived near shops just like these. Alas, my little area of Kingsway has gone downhill over the past 30 years, and there is nothing like this in walking distance!

Robert tagged along for the first few shops.

Here we are in Hobbs Florist on W 41st Avenue.

This Christmas tree had snow falling over it, which was a pretty sight.

This is how I like snow!

The view from above.

I resisted buying anything from this store.

Me in my thick Russian style fur coat.

It was bitterly cold but the sun was shining.

A silver Christmas tree in the shop next door.

The Secret Garden tea shop, where we met Marie and Ashley for high tea.

Oh yummy!

It was delicious as always.

We've made this a yearly tradition.

Next year we'll try it in December, when a harpist plays Christmas music.

The croissants had bacon, goat cheese, and avacado. Those were my favourites!

The dessert; lemon tarts, pumpkin squares and brownies.

Outside the Secret Garden tea shop.

We had a lovely time.

Williams Family Clues...

2011-11-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

While researching my Dad's side of the family tree, I remembered that my Mom had given me this old postcard a few years ago, as I love collecting them. Unfortunately my Grandma loved to cut out the stamps, so the postcard is rather ruined.

But to me it is priceless, because it containes two clues!

The postcard is addressed to my Grandpa, Mr. John G. Williams, of 11 Dorvil Street in Blaenau Festiniog, which is in North Wales. If you enter this address in Google Maps, street view, you can see the house where my Grandpa used to live!

As you will notice, the postcard is written in Welsh, by Maria Williams.

I'd always assumed that she might have been my Grandpa's sister, but thanks to a wonderful website which I discovered a week ago, Ken Davies, moderator of the site has translated it for me.

This is what the Welsh writing says:

"Dear cousin. I'd better send a word or two to you hoping that you are well as I presently am. I received your postcard and thank you for it and I am sending this to you to say that I am a good girl as you were saying, that for me to be . He has commanded his angels for me.

This briefly is from your cousin. Maria Williams. XXX"

Isn't this simply fantastic?

I am so thrilled after all these years to learn that Maria is my Grandpa's cousin, and to know what she wrote to him. I'm sure she was referring to a Bible verse,

"He will give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."

Psalm 91:11

Here is Ken's website:

PENMON

I found it by entering the words "Blaenau Festiniog" into the Google search engine.

I just adore the internet! Ken's wonderful website popped up, and over the course of one week, he has helped me trace more clues and find information regarding my great uncle William Williams, and also found information from the 1891 and 1901 census.

I hope to learn even more over the next few weeks.

Here is a photo of my Grandpa, John Griffith Williams, as a young man.

He emigrated to Canada in 1910, according to an old income tax document that my Mom found last week. He was married in 1919 to Nellie. They had a son, Harry, in 1920 and another son, Wallace, in 1922.

Both Nellie and Harry died in 1925.

My Grandpa remarried in 1928, to Alma May Palmer, and they had seven children, my Dad being the eldest.

I've put together a binder for my Dad with all this new information. I think he is quite pleased!

CHRISTMAS AT HYCROFT HOUSE 2011

2011-11-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my friend, Linda and I, took public transit to Hycroft House downtown.

I believe this is the third time we've done this.

Hycroft Mansion is owned by the UBC women's club and each year they decorate and open to the public.

Here is the traditional tree in the front hallway.

It was bitterly cold and snowed last night, which is why I'm dressed warmly and not elegantly.

This is the tree in the dining room. It isn't traditional at all, but I loved the theme this year; copper and brown.

The gorgeous mirror and sidebar.

The dining room table. How I wish I could entertain like this!

The mantle and fireplace. The canldes looked very realistic.

(they're fake!)

Owls appear to be the "in" item this season.

Ah, Christmas red, more my style!

The fireplace in the main living room.

Linda and I didn't stay for long this year, as our favourite craft vendors weren't there.

The items for sale were mainly jewellery, jewellery, scarves, ceramic items and yet more jewellery.

So we left early and had lunch at the Bay on Granville, and then browsed the Christmas decorations just outside the restaurant on the 6th floor. It was a fun outing.

Christmas photos from the 1960's

2011-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS 1961

I look worried as my Dad begins to open a package.

CHRISTMAS 1962

I'm admiring a new doll cradle while clutching a soft bodied doll.

I didn't name any of my baby dolls.

I can't remember these Christmas times at all.

They took place in our little house on Euclid Avenue in Vancouver BC.

However, I've always loved Christmas!

I recently scanned these from my parent's collection.

Over the past two weeks I've been having a grand time going through the family memoirs.

11 11 11

2011-11-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

I just had to type 11 11 11 in the title. It looks SO COOL.

Also I found another photo which I had in my files, but now that I know who William is I thought I'd add it here. Would you believe I don't even know how many brothers or sisters my Grandpa Williams had? Not much is written down anywhere.

Memories of the War Years

2011-11-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

William Williams was my Grandpa John Williams' brother.

I recently discovered this photo last evening while interviewing my Dad. He had it stored in a box along with the newspaper clipping below. He died in WWI.

This is the medal given to Williams' family. My Dad now owns it.

At last, I've found a picture with more information about William who was nicknamed Willie.

What a sad and awful thing war is.

Christmas cards for sale! $3.00 each

2011-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Would you like to purchase a unique Christmas card for your doll loving friends?

I've created these cute cards using a 4 x 6 inch photo, which I've attached to cardstock with punched out corners, to which I've added adorable candy cane stickers or a brad.

Underneath is matching Christmas paper, and inside the card is "Merry Christmas" in gold lettering and a pretty sticker. Card also includes an envelope.

If interested please email me at dragonfly3@telus.net for more info.

Card #1

Card #2

SOLD!

70 years ago...

2011-11-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Williams Family: photo taken at the Naicum, SK train station in November 1941.

My grandparents are in back with a friend; my Dad is on the left with Glenys next to him, then Harry, with Audrey in the back.

It was seventy years ago, on November 6, 1941, that my Dad's family moved from Spalding, Saskatchewan to Vancouver BC.

I had fun interviewing my Dad last night about his memories of that time. He and his younger sister, Audrey, remembered when they stopped in Three Hills Alberta and spent the night in a hotel. The next day when they boarded the train again, they were very excited to see a large group of soldiers also boarding the train, enroute to Vancouver. I'm not sure where they went after Vancouver, as this was during WWII.

I'm in the process of digging into Dad's memories and will be posting more as I learn more.

Last night I talked to him for about one hour, and it felt like ten minutes!

I love Vancouver history.

30 years ago today...

2011-11-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Robert and I, November 1981

(notice the grand 1980's fashion style and home decor)

Looking at these photos brings back the feeling of intense happiness I felt when Robert asked me to be his wife. The 1980's were the happiest times of my life.

It was 30 years ago tonight that Robert proposed to me in Queen Elizabeth Park near the rose gardens.

It was a bitterly cold Sunday night after church. He had asked me out, all by myself, without the usual group of young people. I was thrilled as Robert usually loved a crowd about, while I wished to be a little romantic once in a while!

We got into his little blue Volkswagen and drove down Kingsway to Top's Restaurant. We parked in the front but before I could open the door, Robert said, "I'm not very hungry. Would you like to go for a drive instead?" I was surprised because Robert always liked a snack after church! But I didn't mind a drive either, so I said sure. We wound up at the park, and parked in the dark near the rose gardens.

Robert chatted for a while and then he said he wanted to marry me. I was surprised for the second time that night. I couldn't believe it. We had been dating for 8 months and I thought he'd never ask. I said I'd like to marry him too! He then brought up the subject of no job, but that didn't concern me in the least. I told him I already had a date picked out; April 3, 1982.

Looking back I was quite naive, but also full of faith that everything would work out according to God's plan. Robert found full time work at the end of January 1982, and by that time I'd already bought my dress and made most of the wedding plans!

A HALLOWEEN STORY

2011-10-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 31st began as an ordinary day.

Zoe, Phoebe, Yvette Marie and Emily were getting rather tired of studying Geography.

In fact, Zoe had laid out her Halloween buttons on the bed and was quietly playing with them, when suddenly...

...everyone heard such a strange sound from the room above.

There was no one up there, yet they were sure the sewing machine was running. Thump...thump...thump...

Yvette Marie raced up the stairs to the sewing room, with the others following close behind. They crowded around the sewing machine, which indeed was thumping up and down, up and down.

Zoe bravely stepped up to the machine, ignoring the buttons scattered everywhere.

Phoebe sat down to examine the Halloween fabric piled on the floor. The other girls couldn't believe their eyes or ears.

The sewing machine abruptly came to a halt.

Yvette Marie took an embroidered felt pumpkin from underneath the needle. There was an embroidered message on the back:

"Please visit the pumpkin patch this afternoon for a clue in a witches hat."

Yvette Marie was very puzzled.

She turned to the others and announced that they would be visiting the pumpkin patch right after lunch. Everyone cheered!

Zoe had noticed the buttons by this time, and began gathering them into the container.

It was a warm day for October, and the girls hurried straight to the pumpkin patch once lunch was finished. The pumpkins were marvelous, all shapes and sizes.

They looked about for a witches hat and Phoebe spotted it first, laying behind a tree.

"Oh!" she said, "there it is! What should we do with it?"

Emily thought maybe Phoebe should try putting it on, to see what would happen next. So she did. She felt a very strange sensation.

"It's talking to me!" she exclaimed.

Phoebe quickly pulled the witches hat off her head.

"What did it say?" the others shouted.

"It's very odd. It said to gather up the pumpkins, and take them home, and make pumpkin pie to share with the less fortunate people in our neighbourhood."

Phoebe looked puzzled.

"But I don't know how to make pumpkin pie!"

"I do!" said Yvette Marie. "It's lots of fun. I'll show you how! And we can carve Jack O Lanterns with the shells."

Emily, Yvette Marie and Zoe helped load the pumpkins into the witches hat. It held all the pumpkins they could carry.

The ordinary school day had turned out very exciting and filled with unusual events. Who would have thought that a haunted sewing machine had been in their house all this time?

The sisters and cousins agreed that making pumpkin pies and sharing them, and carving Jack O Lanterns, was a different way to spend Halloween night. The sewing machine was very quiet, but the girls decided to keep it busy that week by sewing the Halloween fabric and making new dresses for themselves.

PS: The above dolls are reproduction Bleuettes and Jumeaus, made by various artists in the USA. I collect dolls, as most of you know, and enjoy setting them up in scenes and creating stories. My friend, Sara Jean, made the dresses the Bleuettes are wearing. The Jumeau dolls, Phoebe and Emily are from her. Bleuettes are fun to sew for, and are always wanting new clothes! I hope you enjoyed my Halloween story, and thanks for dropping by!

Please visit Vanessa's Blog for many other Halloween parties!

You will especially enjoy Vanessa's photos; she creates amazing scenes!

Some of my favourite parties so far:

Breathe

Art by Peachy Cheek

A Wildberry Path

Castles and Carriages

Circles of Rain

Collage Diva

Le Chateau des Fleurs

This one is my special favourite so far:

Artfully Musing

I don't like anything pagan, so when I come across a site with paganism in it, I scuttle out as fast as my fingers can fly!

I enjoy the cute aspects of Halloween, not the frightful ones.

It will take me a while to visit everyone's party, so I'll enjoy myself this week.

Halloween party TOMORROW!

2011-10-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Please come by my blog tomorrow for an early Halloween Party!

I'm participating with Vanessa's yearly activity.

If you click on the link in my sidebar, second little picture from the top, you will be taken to Vanessa's website where there is a long list of parties happening!

It will take me weeks to get thru them all, but it's such FUN!

Thank you, Vanessa, for doing all this hard work.

I've never met anyone in Blogdom who takes so many gorgeous photos for each and every post.

She is extremely artistic.

Have fun!

A fantastic weekend with Margaret!

2011-10-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Margaret, Robert's youngest sister, arrived by Greyhound bus on Thursday afternoon, October 13.

You will notice she brought the sunshine with her!

Kelsie was in raptures to see her, as Margaret is a doggie lover, and she hasn't been to visit for a while.

We promptly sat down and had a cup of hot tea.

Crockpot chilli chicken had been simmering all afternoon.

The house smelled scrumptious.

I had set up a Halloween display in the kitchen.

Halloween has taken Vancouver by storm; many people have decorated their yards with Halloween things, even though it's still 2 weeks away.

Never one to let the grass grow underneath her feet, Margaret began to make Christmas cards that very evening, the purpose of her visit.

Never one to be left in the dust, I followed suit.

Here's what the kitchen looked like with two tables set up for our card making.

Hard at work.

All day Friday we made cards, and in the evening we went to Matthew's apartment where we enjoyed a cheese fondue supper. Yummy!

Margaret with ALL her cards, a total of 39!

(some are laying down)

My cards. I made 34!

I was very pleased with the result of two days and one evening of crafting.

Yet another dolly adventure...

2011-09-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Sept 23, 2011, we set off on yet another dolly adventure!

This is the year for DOLLS!

It was exactly 2 months ago we were on our way to CA.

This time it was a road trip in the most fantastic warm and balmy weather you could ever imagine for September! I believe the store opened on July 16 of this year. I was very anxious to get to it, but my trip to UFDC in CA the following week interfered so I knew I had to wait for a good time.

This is AG's 11th store, and it's only a 2 hour drive from my house!!!!This year is AG's 25th anniversary. The company used to be Pleasant Company but now it's owned by Mattel. (the very same people who created Chatty Cathy)

We ate lunch first, then we headed straight to the store in Alderwood Mall in Lynden, WA.

We could hardly contain our excitement.

This is the first display which greeted our eyes after entering the main door from outside.

There's also another door leading into the mall, but we sure didn't spend much time there!

This is the special wooden shelf for AG's 25th anniversay. It's $48, and I thought I would buy it and the mini dolls, but once I saw the large 18" dolls in person that idea went right out the window. I adore the 18" dolls!

Here are the brand new dolls, from 1853. I do not know why it isn't 1854 to match all the other years ending in 4. Do you? The dolls are from New Orleans and are just adorable. I very nearly bought Marie Grace, but today was a special memorial day for me, and instead I purchased Ruthie, Kit's friend. She is from 1934.

It was 10 years ago on this day, Sept 23, that my mother in law, Ruth, passed away.

I thought it was a very fitting tribute that I bought "Ruthie" in remembrance.

This is the Doll of the Year, Kanani. Linda purchased her.

Dakotah is standing in a special display; she had a lot of fun in this store!

Here we are outside the store; Dakotah chose a Just Like Me doll.

Ruthie wearing a modern Seattle souvenir outfit.

Ruthie wearing her school clothes.

AG makes the most fantastic outfits!

Waiting outside Claim Jumper's Restaurant. There's always a huge mob of people here, but the place is so big, the wait isn't long. The food is very good.

After a long and exhausting yet wonderful day!

This was me and Linda's 3rd trip to an AG store, and the best one yet.

Unbearable grief and pain...9/11 ten years later.

2011-09-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to post anything for this day, but I did an unthinkable thing.

I looked at YouTube and saw an amateur video of the World Trade Center collapsing ten years ago today.

In 2001 we didn't have a TV. My Mom called us and told us the awful, heart wrenching news.

Would you believe I didn't even know where the World Trade Center was located?

I was very naive ten years ago.

I felt sick to my stomach that week. I was so distressed I didn't write in my journal. Each night was filled with nightmares. I thought the world was coming to an end.

Then over time I forgot the events, as I didn't know anyone personally who had been affected by them.

But today, after watching the video clips of the carnage, I looked online and discovered the name of the flight which was hijacked and flown into the second tower. I found this heart wrenching memorial by a mother whose son, wife and daughter were on that flight; United Airlines Flight 175.

They realized what was happening, and the son called his father just before the plane crashed.

Here is the link to the memorial.

The son's name was Peter Hanson. His wife, Sue, and their 2 1/2 year old daughter, Christine, were on the flight with him. They were going to LA and Christine was looking forward to visiting Disneyland.

I'm not quite sure what I've learned in the past ten years. I'm certainly not naive anymore.

Oh, one thing I know; I treasure each day as a precious jewel. I hope you do too.

First signs of Autumn...

2011-09-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

I love how this photo turned out, don't you?

I used my simple Nikon point and shoot for this shot; I'm always on the hunt for something unusual.

Did I ever say how much I adore autumn colours?

I discovered yet another way to add a different border to a photo in my Microsoft Picture It Publishing Program. This is a cut stamp effect.

What is prettier than a garden?

I walk to this place at least once a week.

I never tire of its changing beauty.

These photos were taken at the Bob Prittie Library in Burnaby BC.

Happy Summer Memories

2011-09-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Summer 1968.

My cousin, Judy Brutka, in the back, with Marlene, Leona and myself in our backyard.

I loved this backyard on Monmouth Avenue.

It was huge! My Dad faithfully mowed it once a week, front and back, and my Mom had a wonderful vegetable garden, with gorgeous flowers along both sides of the back fence, and along the fence in the front yard. My Mom always loved to garden; it was one of her relaxing hobbies. She was always out in it, in between other chores.

I remember she would hang out laundry on the long back line each morning by 10 am, and then my sisters and I would play all day in the back yard. The front was off limits. I would ride my tricycle down the front street though; taking it to the very top of the hill, and lifting my feet off while I rolled down the middle of the road! I loved doing that. Sometimes Leona and I would tie a long skipping rope to the front picket fence, and skip. We would also play in the mud puddles if there were any, and pretend that the chicory plants were mini trees. In the back we would wash dolly clothes by the hour. When I was around 10 or 11 we got a plastic pool and spent hours in it. We also had a camping spot near the garage where our dolls camped in a wooden trailer my Dad made from a peach box, which attached to the back of my tricycle.

We would make mud pies and let them dry in the hot sun on old TV trays, and we'd make "salads" out of grass and dandelion flowers. One of our highlights was when my Dad made us a sand box. On really hot days we'd turn on the sprinkler and run back and forth through it, or we'd read in the cool basement.

This picture brings back all those memories. I would help my Mom hang out the laundry and I'd take it in for her in the boiling afternoon sun around 4:30 when she was making supper.

I wish Judy had a computer so she could see this!

Beautiful Butchart Gardens

2011-08-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

There is absolutely nothing in this world as beautiful as the Butchart Gardens near Sidney, BC!

Here are a few photos from our weekend trip to the Island.

(Sidney is a 10 minute drive from the gardens; the gardens are actually in a place called Brentwood Bay. This is a half hour drive from Victoria. It is so beautiful in this area.)

Our 6th day in Anaheim, UFDC convention; Thursday, July 28, 2011

2011-08-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 28, 2011 I slept in! It felt marvelous!

I went to the salesroom before my workshop at 2:15 pm; "Shopping in Paris with Bleuette".

It was a wonderful workshop. Apparently I was fortunate to get in it, as there was space for only 25 people. Marie Scopel sat with me. She is a member of the BSC and her needlework is astounding.

Here is the darling kit, with everything preassembled.

The tiny Bleuette is only 5" tall.

Carol Wesby was our instructor. I kept up well with the rest.

I sewed the first dress, and glued the second! Glueing is much quicker, but I will finish the rest of the outfits by sewing.

Here she is in her new underwear.

The darling set of clothes. These belonged to the instructor.

These are the two dresses I made. It took me 3 hours!

The cigar boxes were trimmed and decorated by Carol; her son took the photograph for the background, and he also painted the background, which is actually printed.

We met Marie and her friend Mary for supper at Overland Stage, which was delicious as usual.

At 7 pm we hurried to Publisher's Preview, where I met Donelle Denery.

At 9 pm we were invited to Gael's room for a "PJ party" with our Bleus. Linda and I hurried and had a soak in the hot tub before that time, as we were so exhausted. The photos of the PJ party are on my Bleuette blog. I also packed most of my things, as we had one more day before heading home.

My flower garden.

2011-08-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Here is my small flower garden in the back yard.

It's finally looking good!

Can you believe that we've had TWO WEEKS without rain?

It's the first time in 2011!!!!!

Christmas Exhibit at UFDC: Wed July 27, 2011

2011-08-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

This was the glorious scene which greeted anyone who entered the Christmas exhibit room at UFDC in Anaheim, CA. I used my Cannon ESL camera to take these photos.

Here are a few of the pictures; enjoy!

A beautiful nativity display to the right of the entrance.

I loved this corner.

Our 5th day in Anaheim, UFDC: Wed July 27, 2011

2011-08-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 27 was the busiest day of the week.

I decided by the end of the day that conventions are not for me, as they are so intense!

At least, if you go to one, you should not combine a relaxing vacation with it, as it doesn't mix very well.

I got up at 6:30 in order to have my breakfast and hurry to the 8:00 am opening of the Highlight Tour in the Competitive Exhibit. The first one lasted until 9:00 am and went very quickly. Others in the tour had little booklets to take notes in, but I didn't receive a booklet in my package, so the tour is now rather hazy, as I don't do very well without note taking! We saw china head dolls and wooden dolls from the 1700's. They were interesting but not my favourites. Plus the tour leaders got carried away and talked too long on certain things, so we missed out on most of the exhibit we were looking at!

At 9:00 am Linda joined me and we went on another tour in a different section of the room. I cannot remember which dolls were covered; it's all a blur.

I had planned to attend a program at 10:30 am but after all the talking from the tour, I couldn't possibly listen to anymore, so Linda and I headed to the National Doll Festival showroom at the Sheraton.

It was the last day for this show. I bought a lovely Ginger Brook Hollow doll. She was half price as they are being discontinued.

Then I visited Sylvie Bravot's booth for the last time, and lo and behold, this beauty was still sitting there.

She was calling my name and I succumbed.

I told Robert that he cannot buy anything for me for 2 years. I really overdid it at these shows!

This doll is a Jumeau repro, and is entirely made in France, including her dress, undies, socks, shoes, hat and purse. I have named her Marielle.

We also visited the UFDC salesroom. Here is Carol Hansen with the dolls she makes.

Linda bought a doll from her.

I ate lunch in Linda's room; we heated our leftovers from the night before. She had a microwave and fridge in her room, which was really handy.

At 2:15 I went to the "Kestner the King of Dollmakers" program, by Maureen Herrod.

Like everything at UFDC, it was extremely interesting.

At 6:00 pm, Linda and I headed to the Special Exhibits and took photos for one hour!

The exhibits had a Christmas theme and were positively beautiful. I'll post photos in another post.

From 7:30 - 8:30 we took photos in the competitive exhibit room.

At 8:00 pm the Bleuette Gathering was assembled in the Avila A room. I arrived late.

There were door prizes but I didn't win anything. Here is Marie being brave and holding up one of her lovely Shutterfly books she assembles of her Bleuette collection.

This is Nicki holding a Marie Therese doll she had bought that day.

I had hoped this Gathering would be a time to chat and get to know one another, but there were too many people here and it wasn't possible, so Agnes Sura gave a chat for 1 1/2 hours on Bleuette.

Ann and her darling Bleuette.

Christine and her cute Bleu.

New friends!

The Helper Prize donated from the BSC group. I do not know who won this lovely set.

I wish it had been me!

After this hectic day, we were supposed to meet at the pool between 10 and 10:30 pm, but when I returned to my room, my key didn't work! I raced down to Linda's room to use the bathroom, and in the meantime Robert called Linda on the phone, trying to locate us. It turns out he had been trying to call my cell, which did ring loudly in the meeting, and I shut it off; he had lost his room key, and it had been re-programmed. Robert didn't realize that of course my key wouldn't be any good, so in the meantime, before he called, Linda had called the front desk, and the security guard was going to my room to meet me.

It was quite an end to a busy day. The hot tub sure felt good after all that! I only got to use it twice, as there was no time for relaxation!

Our 4th day in Anaheim, UFDC: Tuesday July 26, 2011

2011-08-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Our 4th day in Anaheim dawned bright and sunny. Here is Robert taking a photo of tourists outside the Hilton, near the Marriott. He had work to do that day, I believe. For the life of me, I cannot remember what I did in the morning, but from noon till midnight my day was packed!

I met Susan Sirkus, authour of many books and patterns.

I purchased 2 of her books at her UFDC booth.

Myself, Sammy Odin, and Linda P in the UFDC salesroom.

It was such a joy to meet all these famous people which I'd heard about online!

Sammy Odin and his father have a doll museum in Paris,

the Musee de la Poupee.

His booth contained many wonderful things. I bought a darling Becassine figurine here, and a small jug and jar for Bleuette. These are GL dresses which were around $300 each. It was fascinating to see them in person.

At 2:15 pm we gathered in the BL room for "Bleuette Celebrates", a cute slide presentation narrated by Agnes Sura, an author and expert on Bleuette's history. I finally met Gael S and her little Bleuette, Claire. It was an exciting moment!

Gael and Agnes Sura, holding little Claire, who is a Resin Bleuette.

At 1:30 pm Linda and I had signed up for a hectic picture taking schedule on Wednesday.

After the Bleuette program, we rested briefly before heading to Marie's room for a meeting of the Bleuette Clan. Here are Laurie W's darling antique Bleuettes.

More darling Bleuettes! The one in the white dress in back belonged to Mary, a friend of Marie's.

If you click on all these photos, you can see them much larger.

These ladies all belong to the BSC group online, except for Mary.

It was a thrill to meet them!

Each day at UFDC was thrilling!

Nicki's beautiful hand stitched Bleuette clothes, using vintage LSDS patterns.

Are they not the cuteste things?

Afterwards we met Robert in front of the hotel, and took the shuttle bus to Disneyland, then switched to another bus which took us to Mimi's Cafe. We invited Ann H to come along with us, and we really enjoyed visiting with her. Mimi's Cafe has superb, delicious food!

The 3 of us on the shuttle bus.

After supper we headed for Downtown Disney, the only time I ever had the chance to get there.

A new sign; isn't it neat?

It was so cold that evening, we all bought new hoodies, even though we had some at the hotel.

It must have been around 12 C. Brrr....it does get cold at night in CA!

It was another event filled day!

Our 3rd day in Anaheim, UFDC; Monday, July 25, 2011

2011-08-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Next morning bright and early we headed to Disneyland again, as there wasn't much happening at UFDC convention except boring meetings! We definitely were not interested in those. There were also Dolly Dialogues which sounded quite interesting, but truth to tell, I'd much rather go to Disneyland with Linda and Robert! Here we are waiting for the shuttle bus. We paid $4.00 each for the whole day; a really good price.

(although the shuttle bus used to be free in the 1990's, until Disneyland made the whole area into a resort)

I took many photos, but am choosing the best ones for my blog posts.

A professional photographer took this one, using my camera. He used the right settings on it.

We bought the professional photo too. Isn't this a great angle for the castle?

Linda and I spent some time in the Emporium, purchasing our souvenirs, using our 10% off coupon we'd received the night before on our dinner receipt. (which I alertly noticed before throwing it away) It was a special deal which expired on Thursday. I bought a lovely purse with Mickey and Minnie cartoons on it.

We met Robert at 12:45 for our lunch date at the Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square.

This is another of our traditions. I had made the reservation 3 weeks ago. It was just as wonderful an experience as the first time! We sat by the water's edge. Of course my photos from inside did not turn out, so instead here is a photo of a beautiful stained glass in a perfume shop in the square; Walt Disney and his wife picked it out while on a trip to Europe.

Robert mailing postcards home and to friends who had signed up for Yvette Marie to send them one.

We watched the parade around 4:00, which was magnificent.

We returned to our hotel to rest, and came back in the evening.

Me and Robert waiting for our shuttle bus in the evening. That evening was warm and balmy.

Look at those lovely palm trees!

Our riverboat tour guide. We had quite an adventure on this; the ride "malfunctioned" and when we were nearly finished the tour, with one boat ahead of us, the ride stopped, and the lights went out.

We sat there for quite a while, and finally had to GO BACKWARDS all the way to the beginning!

We were given a pass to bypass any ride, but it was already 9:30 and the firework show was just beginning, so on our way out, Linda stopped at the customer relations building and negotiated and got 3 ride passes for our next trip there.

After the frightening experience on the river, we consoled ourselves at the Gibson's Ice Cream Parlour.

Robert was also consoled.

One more picture of the parade which wouldn't load up above.

We got back to our hotel at 11:00 pm, and headed to the UFDC salesroom, which was finally open!

It was another full day.

Our 2nd day in Anaheim CA, UFDC.

2011-08-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

I've already added Disneyland photos to a previous post, so here are a lot more!

Linda and I on the staircase in New Orleans Square; our Disneyland tradition.

Linda and I hurried back to the Hilton for a newcomer's meeting.
At 3:00 we hurried to the National Doll Festival at the Sheraton Hotel. It seems we were always in a hurry...

Here I am with Sylvie Bravot at her gorgeous booth. She is from France and her dolls and clothes are simply marvelous.

Linda's name was called and she won a door prize; a cute Madam Alexander doll.
(she won this on Saturday evening)

We met Ms. Cholong from Ruby Red Galleria. She was a real sweeite.
Here she is, ready to sign my edition of the doll magazine that had her Ruby Red Bleuette article in it.
I purchased the "Paris" Resin Bleuette from her first thing on Saturday night.
She is very different from antique or other repro Bleuettes, but her body is really unique and quite heavy.
I am enjoying dressing her. I bought the blue Marin outfit too.

Linda, myself, Ms. Cholong, and Judy, from the Doll Peddler.

We hurried back to Disneyland at 5:30 pm to meet Robert for supper.

This was dessert, served at The Plaza. (another tradition)

There is a new night show in Disneyland. Favourite photos from the day are chosen in Florida, and put on this illuminated wall at It's a Small World. It is quite dazzling.

The highlight of this show was OUR PHOTO ON THE WALL!

This photo was of Linda and myself, holding our Bleuette dolls in their Minnie Mouse dresses by the Walt Disney statue. It was a thrill to see ourselves on the wall!

This is where we sat to watch the show.

Our pass entitling us to bypass any line; we got this by chatting to a Disneyland employee near the rope where we were standing watching the fireworks show. I had never been on the Alice in Wonderland ride, so the employee, whose name was Danielle, I believe, went and got us this pass. We could bypass the lineup by going to the exit line. Isn't that neat?
Our second day in Anaheim was filled with many adventures and happy memories!

Our first day in Anaheim, at the UFDC convention.

2011-08-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

After our short flight from Vancouver BC, lasting from 9:00 am - noon, we quickly caught our shuttle bus right outside the LAX doors; it was there when we arrived at the spot. We didn't have a chance to eat lunch, so I was famished by the time we checked into the Hilton Anaheim, a wonderful efficient hotel.

The first thing we did after unpacking was head down to the food court, a new area since we were here in 2006. One place gave attendees 20% off, so that was great. We kept buying our water bottles there! The food was delicious. Robert snapped our photo by the UFDC sign.

Linda and I registered with UFDC at 6:00 pm, and then we hot-footed it across the huge Sheraton Hotel parking lot, to the Rowbear doll show. This was our first glimpse of antique dolls in row upon row, and I actually stopped dead in my tracks! I took along my Canon camera, and will upload photos of those dolls in another post. My first purchase was from a seller named Marlene Peterson, who has been making doll clothes for over 30 years. I bought the fabric you can see here, and she gave me the darling boy outfit for free in a grab bag. I also bought the darling Tasha Tudor book from her. Then we headed to the Big Room, and hurried to Sylvie Bravot's booth. Wow. I bought a gorgeous bonnet, all handmade in France, for one of my Bleuettes. Afterwards we went to the Ruby Red Galleria and I purchased a Resin Bleuette; the Paris edition. She is simply darling. Of course she needed a change of clothes so I also bought the cute sailor outfit. It was immense fun meeting Mrs. Cheelong!

The previous post has our Disneyland photos, which is what we did on Day 2. Here I am, after eating a scrumptious breakfast at the Marriott. (a tradition for us) Do you see that heavenly blue sky?

Coming across the lobby, the second person I recognized was Marie Scopel from our BSC group.

I was delighted to meet her!

Where I've been!

2011-08-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Robert and I flew to Anaheim, California on Saturday, July 23, 2011.

We did not drive.

I had meant to blog but California does NOT have any free Wi-Fi, so that was out of the question.

I was disappointed that I couldn't blog, but it was just as well, as the days and hours were chock full!

I attended the UFDC doll convention at the Hilton Hotel, and Robert found enough relaxing things to do in Disneyland and by the pool. I must say, I was never bored for one moment.

The picture above was taken by Linda P, who also travelled with us. This is on Sunday, July 24; we headed to one of our favourite places first thing.

Me and Linda; our traditional photo.

Linda and Robert showing our free 3 day passes.

Linda and I brought our repro Bleuette dolls to the convention, as we were meeting many members from our online Yahoo Bleuette doll group. No one wanted to come to Disneyland with us, to take a picture, so we enjoyed it alone. We both adore Disneyland. A trip every two years is simply perfect!

We dressed our Bleuettes in matching Minnie Mouse dresses. Linda found the fabric at Fabricland in Canada. She even found tiny ears for Madeline, her Bleuette, this trip; I had bought Yvette Marie's ears in 2009.

We headed for Adventureland first thing! We really did have quite an adventure there the following evening; the river boat ride malfunctioned and we had to ride it backwards! That was quite interesting indeed.

Another favourite spot; the Enchanted Tiki Room.

We had pineapple Dole Whips before heading in to see the show.

These are just a few of the 1000 photos I took. Of course you cannot see them all!

I will be posting my absolute favourite shots over the next few weeks.

We had a BLAST!

Another delicious meal...

2011-07-22T12:35:00.001-07:00

Doesn't this look good? Matthew made the chick pea salad on the left.

I'd never tried chick peas; they are quite good. He added sliced purple onion, chopped yellow squash, and chopped orange pepper, plus a dash of olive oil. He made up the recipe.

It was very refreshing along with my butter chicken, basmati rice, Naan bread, and corn on cob. Yummy!

We eat very well at the House of Houben.

Four years ago...where I'd love to be right now!

2011-07-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, on July 12, 2007, I was visiting Sittard, Netherlands with Robert's Tante Jo.

Here I am about to purchase a beautiful handstitched table runner. I spent over half an hour in this shop, deciding what to buy. It was a dream come true.

Tante Jo was amazed that I was buying so much, but I told her that's what I'd saved my money for.

I wish with all my heart I was there right at this moment.

HAPPY CANADA DAY! Freebie Friday and my Dad's 82nd birthday.

2011-07-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Canada is 144 years old today!

My Dad is 82.

I've mentioned this before, but when I was little I was impressed that he had chosen to be born on a holiday, so he would always have the day off.

Robert & I went to the Burnaby Village Museum close by; they have FREE admission all year long in celebration of their 40th anniversary. We had a picnic lunch with my friend Linda P and her granddaughter, Dakotah. Here we are in our finest patriotic clothes.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

I made cupcakes for the occasion.

My Bleuette dolls are dressed for the holiday.

I took photos of my Dad's birthday but will post them later.

Our dog, Kelsie

2011-06-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago tonight, we brought our little Jack Russell Terrier home.

We'd picked out the name of Kelsie, which means "warrior" in Gaelic.

We hoped she would guard our home, and she certainly has.

Matthew had wanted a dog for a few years, and I didn't as I believed I was not a dog person.

Ha! I'm so attached to Kelsie and cannot believe she's lived with us for 10 years.

I always say that there's nothing cuter than a puppy!

Kelsie chewed on our floor, our walls, my antique sewing machine cord, and our dining room furniture.

She left her mark everywhere. Aside from those puppyhood misdeeds, she's been a wonderful companion.

She enjoys her nightly walks with Robert, and she follows me all over the house during the day.

She especially loves to garden with me.

She really missed Matthew when he moved out in the fall of 2008, as she used to bound upstairs and jump up on his bed to wake him each morning. She loved his beanbag chair, too.

If you wish to live a full and contented life, just get a puppy!

I'm so glad I gave in to Matthew's begging all those years ago.

Canucks lost Game 7. The score was 4 - 0

2011-06-15T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I have nothing much to say. I'm speechless. Disappointment is filling my whole being, but it will pass, because it was only a hockey game. I feel so sorry for the poor skinny Canucks. They did try hard but they met their match in those Boston Bruins. I've never seen anything like the Bruins. Wowzers. Their goalie, Tim Thomas, is simply fantastic! I admire him immensely. He never lost his cool; not once. He was never afraind of OUR building. I wonder how he feels tonight. I wish that once I could be on a winning team.

My birthday celebration.

2011-06-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my __st birthday. I'm 50 and holding.

Robert, Matthew and I ate at "Vancouver" Pizza last night.

We won't mention the "B" word here...they have changed their name temporarily to Vancouver Pizza until the end of the NHL Playoff season, which I am happy to say will end tonight.

Here you can see the Canuck's flag in the background, proof that once again the Playoffs have continued until my birthday. Sigh. I sure don't want a repeat of 17 years ago!

Does anyone else have a birthday on Game 7 day of the final round?

Mmm...we all shared this small piece of scrumptious birthday cake.

Matthew gave me a pretty bouquet of lillies, and a wonderful set of Folio books, written by Edith Nesbit; "Five Children and It", "The Phoenix and the Carpet" and "The Story of the Amulet". These books were written in the early 1900's and I read the first one as a child and have always enjoyed it. Nesbit also wrote "The Railway Children", another of my favourite books.

The Folio Society produces wonderful hardcover books. Matthew is a member and is stocking his ever growing library with their volumes. He is an avid reader.

And here is Robert's gift to me; an iPad! It's open to my blog page.

I just love that thing; it's amazing. I'm glad I waited for it and never bought a laptop!

Leona bought me a tiny piece of mango cake. It was delicious.

We played "Taboo", a word game Matthew had just bought.

It was mind bending and quite fun. I had an enjoyable evening.

Birthdays are wonderful when spent with family!

The Canucks have lost Game 6...sigh...

2011-06-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Me and Matthew way back on October 16, 2002, at GM Place in Vancouver at a Canucks Hockey game.

This is 9 years ago! Wow...time flies. This is the last Canucks game I attended in person.

I believe they lost this game. It just isn't fun paying good money to see them lose.

Fin the mascot came up near our seats.

Does Fin still exist? What I don't know about Canucks hockey would fill a huge book!

Dan Cloutier was the goalie at the time. Whatever happened to him?

Why can't the Canucks have a goalie like Tim Thomas? I tell you, I'm very impressed with that man...

Do you think the Canucks will take home the Stanley Cup on Wednesday?

Because they are now tied with the Boston Bruins, and the playoffs now go to Game 7.

Seventeen years ago, in 1994, this same scenario played out.

And they LOST on my birthday.

Once again, they are playing Game 7 in Vancouver on my birthday.

I don't have proper hockey nerves.

The Canucks have won Game 5!!!!!! (and lost Game 4)

2011-06-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a nervous wreck!

I suffered great angst after Wednesday night's horrific game in Boston; the score was 8 - 1, with 8 belonging to the Boston Bruins. It was a terrible game to watch. Tonight I went to the Metrotown Library where they had set up a HUGE screen for the avid hockey fans. Mysteriously, there were only about 80 people there, so it was nice and calm. I sat on a bench and had my supper (A & W chicken burger & hot tea) and enjoyed watching the game in a big crowd, with a leafy tree blocking most of my view.

After 2 periods and no score I came home. I was actually in the living room when the Canucks scored; someone named Lapiere did the mighty deed!

Kelsie and I went leaping about the living room as usual.

There is a huge High when the home team scores a goal.

I just love the feeling!

These photos were taken in 2003, the last time I was excited about the Playoff games...

I don't know what I did with those flags.

Playing with my picture publishing program.

2011-06-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've had the "Microsoft Picture It! Publishing" program for 10 years now.

Lately I've been playing around with it.

It's soooo easy to use.

I love this layout above.

Tasty Tuesday June 7, 2011

2011-06-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

The fruit of my labours for the past 2 days. Yummy.

On the left are jars of strawberry and banana jam, and on the right, plain strawberry jam.

The BC berries I'm sure are washed out of the fields, so I bought California berries this year.

They definitely aren't as red as BC berries, nor do they taste as good, but the jam is still very delicious on toast in the morning, or at any time of day!

The Canucks have LOST Game 3...uh oh...

2011-06-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

I couldn't watch Game 3.

I'm not really a die hard fan, although I love hockey.

But the Playoff games are way too intense for me!

So I went out and gardened instead, and periodically I came inside and checked the score.

Alas. The enemy scored 8, and the poor Canucks were clobbered and only got 1.

Oh dear me.

On a brighter note, the cute Chatty Cathy belongs to my friend Isabelle.

She dressed her in a Build a Bear outfit.

The Canucks have won Game Two!!!!!

2011-06-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Another exciting evening here in Vancouver BC, and to top it all off, it was a gorgeous warm day!

There wasn't one speck of rain in the area. It was heavenly.

Robert and I decided to be completely silly and go downtown to mingle with the hockey nuts.

This is the crowd of wealthy ticket holders heading into Rogers Arena, formerly named GM Place.

Granville Street. If you click on the picture, you may see the large TV screen in the distance.

There wasn't any way I could see it, being of small stature.

We ate our supper in the empty crepe store on the right.

It doesn't look like much, but it was superb; handmade crepes with egg and Swiss cheese; Robert had his with chicken added to it. Matthew introduced us to these crepes.

The crowd on Granville St, just outside the Crepe Cafe.

We watched some of Game Two on that large screen on the side of Canada Place.

It's more exciting at home, so we headed back there during the second period.

I just noticed that aside from the title of this post, I haven't said what the game was about or who was playing, but of course everyone knows it's the Canucks battling it out between the Boston Bruins!

I snapped this picture while going past in the Skytrain. This is where the action took place.

Alex Burrows scored the winning goal, only 11 seconds into Overtime. It was the neatest shot I've seen yet!

Go Canucks Go!

The Canucks have won Game One!!!!

2011-06-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!!!! After anxiously listening to the game from the kitchen (I can't bear to watch in the same room) I decided to come and watch the last 3 minutes of the 3rd period, as neither team had scored yet.

As I sat down, Raffi Torres scored a goal with one minute left!!!!

I shrieked and waved my Canucks flag and Kelsie went racing madly around and around the room.

We were so excited! There are my mascots beside the TV, along with the Canucks flag.

Go Canucks Go!

2011-06-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Now isn't this cute? Here are 2 of my favourite Chatty Cathy dolls, dressed in Canucks outfits, ready with one hockey stick and puck and their Canucks flag, set to cheer on the home team in one hour!

GO CANUCKS GO!

I bought the little hoodie and T-shirt at my local Build a Bear store at the mall, and I sewed the jeans using a vintage CC PJ pattern.

It would be wonderful if the Canucks won the Stanley Cup!

They are playing the Boston Bruins tonight, at Roger's Arena, at 5 pm.

I saw this "prayer" at a store at Granville Island.

Isn't it appropriate?

Writing Endeavours

2011-06-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been spending a lot of time in the library.

I live within walking distance of a huge one in Burnaby; I love it there.

It has an immense DVD section, and I randomly pluck titles off the shelves hoping to find a gem.

That happened a few days ago.
"Everything is Illuminated", starring Elijah Wood, is a fictional story about a young man from America who wishes to visit Ukraine and find his Grandfather's roots. It's filmed in Ukraine, very close to the place where my Great-Grandparents lived. It looks a lot like Amity, Oregon, where they eventually settled in the 1920's.

The young man in the story is Jewish, so his tale is much darker than my family's.

I enjoyed the film very much and I think I'll add it to my collection.

It's my dream to one day visit Ukraine, even though the villages where my Mom's family lived are long gone. I'd love to breathe in the "flavour" of the place which was their home for many years.

We're not Ukraine, that we know of; our ancestors on my Mom's side are German and Polish. But a little Ukraine might have got in somewhere, because the family records are lost.

For the conclusion of the whole matter: I'm very thankful that my Great-Grandparents had the fore sight to flee Ukraine while they could. At the time, of course, it was part of Russia. They felt and knew that a wicked, dark time was coming for all living in that area. I shudder whenever I watch films like "Everything is Illuminated", and read history books about those ghastly years of ugly and evil men, and what they did to the beautiful people of Ukraine.

Red sandals, red jacket...

2011-05-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here I am, wearing my free new red sandals, plus a red jacket I bought a while ago, but had never worn. It's very comfortable. In browsing the vintage clothing blogs which are my passion lately, I've been inspired to wear something similar. I adore the clothes of the 1940s - 1950s. However I've never sewn any vintage patterns from this era; this is the closest I can come. I felt a little out of place wearing this to church last Sunday. But it was very comfortable, and what do you think of my huge grey purse, which adequately holds my Bible so it doesn't get wet?

I must say, those vintage clothing models in Blogland are a brave group of women...more power to them!

Happy 3rd birthday, Pink Saturday!

2011-05-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

*** Just to let you all know, I'm finding it impossible to post comments on Blogger sites; for some reason I'm asked to sign in again and again, but I still show up as annonymous, so needless to say, I'll be LOOKING at your posts, but unfortunately, I cannot COMMENT on them! Wah!!! They all look beautiful, too. ***

Happy 3rd Pink Saturday birthday, Beverly!

Thank you for all you do each week!

I've participated in a few pink Saturday posts through the years, and truly, I've never looked at pink the same again, and my eye is always open to this most delightful of colours.

My favourite pinks are found in nature.

Just cast your gaze upon the beauty to be found there!

Myself and our son, Matthew, taking Kelsie for a walk in the neighbourhood.

This is a blossom from our very own pink tree, planted last month to celebrate Vancouver's 125th birthday!

Gorgeous pink rhododendrons along the Fraser River.

I'm fortunate in that I'm surrounded by gardens. This view is only half an hour by subway from my home.

This little church is at Burnaby Village Museum, a wonderful 1920 style village, celebrating 40 years this year.

The tulips are very late this year and we are enjoying them immensely!

My Bleuette doll collection wishes all of you a happy pink birthday!

Please visit all the other lovely pinks, by clicking on the Pink Saturday button on my sidebar.

An adorable commercial with dolls...just what you want to see!

2011-05-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday May 25, 2011

2011-05-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

There's really nothing more to say...

Tasty Tuesday May 2011

2011-05-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this for Tasty Tuesday, as these days I'm always behind. (sigh)

Here's Robert trying out our brand new grill for Victoria Day on Monday May 23.

Truly I can't believe it's nearly June as we still haven't had spring! The weather is ghastly and cold with tons of rain. The only thing that likes the rain is the grass, as you can see in the background!

Anyhow, we love our new BBQ. Robert patiently basted chicken wings and drummettes, chicken thighs, and lots of steak. It was superb.

We also had corn on the cob which was very tasty.

I made my 7th heaven layered salad. There were fresh lily of the valley flowers from the garden, another thing in nature which enjoys rain!

Leona added buns and the drinks.

My Mom brought pieces of store bought desserts, as we can't manage to eat a whole cake anymore.

Leona decorated her piece with flowers from the garden.

The number says what? No, it can't be...

I took my number off. Tee hee...it's truly wonderful to be celebrating another birthday, even though mine isn't until the middle of June. I like these photos as they are a tad blurred and don't show any wrinkles!

It was a nice holiday, as the son and Leona's sons also came over and helped us eat the food. Kelsie was extremely happy as she was fed little tidbits.

Typing from my new iPad...

2011-05-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ok this is an experiment! I'm such a novice when it comes to new technology. Slow geared should be my second name. I can't even figure out how to add a photo from my iPad. It's a sad situation but I'm not giving up. I'll take it one baby step at a time. There's a tutorial online. Once my ghastly migraine goes away I'll have to check it out.
This iPad was a Mother's Day gift and an early birthday gift from my husband. Isn't he generous?

Writing Wednesday

2011-05-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Well, as usual, the only writing I've done lately is emailing and blogging.

I've definitely lost my muse. I seem to be way more interested in gardening and sewing and scrapbooking, than in writing. I don't know how to keep inspired. The "keeping focused" gene is missing from my makeup.

However, I read every day. I usually read before going to bed; I'm currently reading my way through the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" books written by Alexander McCall Smith, and I'm so enjoying them. I have quite a longing to visit Botswana, Africa one day!

I also spend too much time reading online. I adore blogs, and lately I've found quite a rash of beautiful sewing blogs, with vintage patterns and fabrics shown in gorgeous photos. I have to lose at least 15 lbs before I could ever sew a vintage dress for myself. Anyhow, that's the story of my writing life to date!

Memory Monday...long weekends

2011-05-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite times of the year when I was a young girl was the month of May, with the long weekend of Victoria Day on Monday, (the 2nd last weekend in May) and Sport's Day at Sir Wilfred Grenfell Elementary School.

In the picture above, dated May 1968, I'm on the left wearing an old dress and a blue hat of my Mother's. The blue hat was actually part of her going away outfit from her honeymoon and yes, I still have it! My Mom decorated our doll buggies with coloured Kleenex pom poms and streamers. Leona is standing next to me, and Marlene is beside her. May seemed much warmer in those days.

Sport's Day began with a big parade. We lived just down the hill from the school.

Two rows of chairs lined the gravel playing field where our parade took place. It was such fun to go around the field twice, while the parents chatted and had coffee. I have many happy memories of my childhood and I'm very grateful and thankful that my Mom didn't have an outside job, and so she shared in my daily joys of school life, and was always at home after school.

These memories are very precious to me.

Shoes from a vintage shop.

2011-05-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went shopping in New Westminster, in the Army and Navy store.

It's like going back in time.

It's been a Canadian institution since 1919.

I love the bottom level, which has oodles of shoes.

I don't know where the store purchases so many styles.

I tried on the blue pair above.

They were very comfortable, and made in Spain.

I can't decide which colour I like best, so I didn't buy any.

They are called "espadrilles". I'd heard of this type of shoe, but had never seen them before.

They remind me of the 1940 - 1950 era.

Do you like them?

Freebie Friday May 13 2011

2011-05-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Aren't these cute? Would you believe I got them for FREE?

I'm an avid and loyal shopper at Sears Canada.

By using my Sears card I collect points.

These points add up to dollars.

These shoes were regularly $50.00 but were on sale for $25 yet I got them for FREE by using my saved up points. They seem very comfortable. I bought them in hopes that one day soon the warm sunny weather will arrive!

The month of April was the COLDEST and WETTEST on record.

I tell my friends we live on the Wet Coast (instead of the West Coast) and they chuckle.

But it's so wet here the local farmers can't plant the potato crop. We haven't had one week of sunshine since last year. I mean a full sunny week. I think the most we've had this year is two days of sunshine in a row.

So I hope I can wear those sandals soon!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms everywhere!

2011-05-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Me and my lovely Mother, May 1961.

I love this photo, taken 50 years ago.

I believe I have the best Mother in the world.

I'm thankful to be so blessed.

Pink Saturday...May 7, 2011 Smocking!

2011-05-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday!

Here is little Yvette Marie wearing her new pink smocked dress that I learned how to make last week!

I had the delightful experience of boarding the large ferry, Spirit of Vancouver Island, from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Schwartz Bay on Vancouver Island as a "walk on".

I think this is the 3rd time I've done that. If you've never visited Vancouver BC, and taken the 2 hour ferry ride across the channel to the Island, you are missing something exquisite!

This is my friend, Sarah Jean. She is a sister with St. John's House in Saanich.

I met her online in a Bleuette sewing group!

She visited me last October and invited me to visit her this Spring in order to have a sewing retreat.

We had lunch last Thursday, April 28, at James Bay Teahouse in Victoria.

This place has been around for many years, and the walls are covered with British Royalty photos and memorabilia.

We had a grand time at lunch. If you click on the photos you will be able to see what we ate.

Victoria has a much milder climate than we do! All the flowers and the glorious pink trees were in full bloom.

I had smocked a pillow in High School, and over 20 years ago I had smocked a baby dress on my own, but I'd forgotten how to apply the smocking dots, and how to gather the stitches in the back.

Sarah Jean brought it all back to me!

Here is a row of cable stitches and a row of baby wave stitches.

For a small dress for Bleuette, the dots are ironed on twice; close together.

I began the dress as soon as I arrived on Tuesday and I sewed all day Wednesday.

It was fun and enjoyable but smocking requires a great deal of patience!

I sewed the dress together later that day, and I also embroidered a back stitch around the neckline.

I love to embroider and haven't done it in a while.

I love how the dress turned out, and so does Yvette Marie!

Before tea we took a walk along the Dallas Road near the water.

It was very cold but the sun was shining.

I hope you enjoyed my Pink Saturday Post.

To see more posts on all things pink, please click on the Pink Saturday link in my side bar.

Federal Election, Canada 2011

2011-05-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Today we had another federal election here in Canada.

At first I wasn't going to go and vote, as I was perturbed another election had been called.

I believe the Liberals called it, before Prime Minister Stephen Harper had finished his term.

He had another year to go, so I was miffed. I like that man and I agree with most of his policies.

However, here in Vancouver Kingsway I vote NDP.

Pictured above, I'm standing with Don Davies, on Feb 12 of last year. (the day the Winter Olympics began here in Vancouver) I voted for him today and he won again, so I'm quite happy.

Plus the Liberals are waaaay down on the scales, and the NDP is the official opposition party, with Jack Layton leading them. I like him too.

So I'm very happy with the election results tonight, and I'm glad I went out and did my civic duty today.

Memory Monday...25 years ago...

2011-05-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Somewhere I have a photo of Princess Diana, first wife of Prince Charles, heir to the throne of England, taken by myself.

It was taken 25 years ago today, I believe; I'd have to check my journal.

That was when Princess Diana, or Lady Di as we liked to call her, visited Vancouver BC and attended our World Fair, Expo '86.

I found my little album of Expo photos, and will scan them in this week.

My sisters, especially Marie, were completely "gaga" about Lady Di.

They decided that they would meet her coming out of the hotel where she was staying downtown, and they lined up early. Robert and I met for dinner that night, in a restaurant long gone now.

We joined my family at the hotel, and surged forward with the crowd when the elevator carrying Lady Di and Prince Charles came down. Marie screeched and called out her name, and Lady Di came up to us and commented on Marie's "sheep jersey" (one of Lady Di's own favourites, and Marie was wearing a copy of it) and she took Marie's flowers, and Marlene's too. I never thought of bringing flowers!

I remember the beauty of Lady Di's face, especially her blue eyes; she had a peaches and cream complexion. Dan, Leona's husband, called out, "God bless you, Prince Charles!"

Prince Charles looked surprised but he smiled and waved.

The moment was soon gone. It was euphoric and I still remember the feeling of meeting royalty in person.

There's nothing quite like it when you are a commoner!

Because I live in a Commonwealth country, I'm a fan of the Royals.

Yes, indeed; I got up at 2 am last Friday, April 29, in order to watch Prince Charles and Lady Di's first son, Prince William, marry his true love, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, also a commoner.

It was nearly as exciting as meeting Lady Di in person.

I think she would have been so proud of him.

Happy Easter! He is risen!

2011-04-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today is the best day in all the year!

For Christians it's the highlight of our faith.

Without Easter and the hope of the resurrection we would all be in darkness without any light.

But hallelujah Christ overcame the power of hell and the grave, and all who believe on Him and accept his full salvation by faith will be saved.

It's a marvelous and wonderful plan.

I love Easter and the hope it brings to us!

Two of my girls dressed in their Easter finery.

I made the dress on the right, completely by hand except for attaching the bottom to the bodice.

I hope you all had a wonderful and happy Easter day!