Do you entertain?

A way of life.

I love the past eras where people loved to entertain their family and friends, and they actually had the time or took the time to have them over for gatherings in the kitchen or dining era. This is still one of the delights of living that makes me so happy! Last night I entertained in the boiling 32 C heat in our dining/kitchen area and I used a real table cloth, and my fine Dimity Rose pattern china set by Royal Albert which I collected piece by piece in the 1970's and 1980's. (a lot as gifts from my parents)

I love my china set dearly and I use it often. Not every day, of course, but for special occasions and for company. Our son has actually said that he likes my china pattern, so hopefully one day he will use it too!

By Loretta Houben

One lovely thing...

(all photos are from Pinterest)

My goal for 2015 is to do or enjoy one lovely thing each day.

I'm marking them down in a special book a friend gave me for Christmas.

This is to capture the moment and not live in such a hurry.

Do you know the feeling?

January 1st: Went downtown to American Girl store and got a free "Grace Thomas" apron.

January 2nd: Matthew came over for supper (East Indian take out) and he opened his Christmas gifts.

January 3rd: Browsed in Metrotown Mall with Leona for an hour.

January 4th: Had communion in our church.

January 5th: Took a half hour walk in the pouring cold rain and talked with my Mom on phone.

January 6th: Matthew came over for roast beef dinner. 

January 7th: Did some sewing and organizing.

January 8th: Bought "Grace Thomas" using my husband's Christmas gift card. My piano was picked up for free.

January 9th: Did a deep clean of the living room. 

January 10th: Went to Granville Island Market and shopped. Our loveseat was picked up for free.

January 11th: We were taken out for Vietnamese lunch by kind church friends.

January 12th: I had a cup of free coffee at McDonald's.

That's how the first 12 days of 2015 have passed.

It helps me to seize the day, and reflect on my blessings, large or small.

I hope your year is going well, too!

I am linking up with Stephanie at her lovely blog, The Enchanting Rose, for her "Roses of Inspiration" Tuesday feature. It's wonderful to see all the beautiful blogs which link up, although I must confess I didn't get around to visiting all 117 of them last week!

I will be trying to link up each Tuesday with something inspirational to read, and I do appreciate all of you who come by to visit.

Loretta Houben