“It is therefore recommended…to set apart Thursday……for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts…” First Thanksgiving Proclamation adopted by the Continental Congress, Nov. 1, 1777
Decatur Daily, Nov. 23, 2010
I did love my entertainment closet until climbing the stairs to get a vase or (heaven forbid) a set of china was painful. After one total knee replacement and needing another one, I started thinking…that closet under the stairs…hmmm…it has never been functional…it might work? A china closet! Lots of shelves, a pretty light(with a dimmer), replace the solid door with a french door. This opens to our dining room so my thinking was “if I have a glass door, I will keep it neater”. I could also enjoy my dishes, all the time. I think this made so much sense?
Serious carpenters!
They did such a great job!
my dimmer…
There are five of these dowels for hanging table linens.
Slow but sure, it is happening! We had to special order the door because of it’s size so, still waiting for that.
It will be wonderful! Stay tuned….
Visit : Metamorphosis Monday @
In the beginning……this was a very large upstairs closet. My sweet brother-in-law installed all this extra strong, reinforced shelving. It quickly became the “entertainment closet” and I loved it! All my “stuff” in one place. When I made these pictures, many sets of china had already been moved. You’ll see some empty shelves as you get the “tour”.
All sorts and sizes of vases…
I seldom use faux flowers but I do have a few favorites that I enjoy.
I love my tablecloths! My favorites are the old linen and lace ones.
This is a collection of saris, sheers, etc. that are pretty to use to brighten up a table.
The lavender punch bowl is hand-painted and has 12 matching cups.
I know, I’m crazy!
The metamorphous continues…stay with me.
You will love it!
Visit Metamorphosis Monday at
(We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessings…)
My mother-in-law (Ma Ida) taught me many things.
She was a feisty little redhead who raised eight sons, three daughters, and two grandsons. 
(Christmas Day at Ma Ida’s, 1969)
Everyone loved to come to her house. They never came without eating a meal. She hardly ever knew who or how many would be at her table. It never occurred to her that some would not have a place to sit. In summer, many of us ate on the front porch balancing our plate on our laps and finding a place close by for a glass of sweet tea. It wasn’t important that the dishes matched. I can’t remember ever having a centerpiece! None of that mattered. She never owned a dishwasher.
What we did have was an abundance of wonderful food! Always home-grown and so good. At family dinners, at least three meats with a whole table of desserts! 
(Dessert table on back porch)
You know, I am ashamed to admit this, but I never remember taking a dish to her house(and I don’t think anyone else did either). What were we thinking!
The joy of gathering at Ma Ida’s is a memory that we all treasure.
(New Years Eve Party at our house, 1974)
(She was also the only person who has ever called me “little”! She referred to me as “little Betty”. God love her!)
Holidays are near….lots of family coming! My mind has taken flight already so I try and do lots of cooking before the big day. 
Mother’s dressing is the main dish… so this morning, my sister came over with four pones of cornbread and I had baked more…we had already cooked a “fat fresh hen,” had about six quarts of rich broth, and had chopped a gallon of celery and onions! I pulled out the huge dishpan(Mothers) that we always use to mix all this dressing.
Mother is making sure we do it right!
This year is going to be easy. We are doing the turkey and dressing and the kids are bringing the sides! Thank you, Lord!
We made four 13x9 casseroles of dressing! Bake it Thanksgiving morning and take my word for it! No one will ever know you had frozen it.(2 of these are my sisters, just so you know.) Another handy item that freezes well, see the two gallon bags of Taco soup? So good!
You might enjoy my 2009 post:
Hot, spiced tea as I enjoy what is left in my tiny garden…
(Crepe Myrtle)
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree
by: Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918)
This is a huge pot of english ivy that has survived several winters right here. See the little “twig” chair I picked up at a thrift store this summer.
A favorite place to sit and have my tea.
