Skywatch Friday

For gorgeous skies sometimes there's no place like home. This shot was taken Wednesday evening as we were getting in the car to go to church!


Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Tea Talk

1. I'm having...Twinings Blackberry Black Tea in my red transferware, Spode,The Blue Room Floral pattern as I enjoy this march issue of Tea Time magazine!


2. I'm feeling....happy in my spirit and looking forward to our senior luncheon today at church
3. On my mind....only one more week until our dearest daughter flies home to see us! Actually, we'll have next Friday! Can't wait to see her!!
4. "Keep your faith in beautiful things;
in the sun when it is hidden,
in the Spring when it is gone."
- Roy R. Gibson
Now you will wish to join Ruth for more Tea Time Chat !

Ruby Tuesday

This is the last time I'll be seeing this hutch assortment for a while.... thankfully, the season for red decor is coming to an end... not that I dont love red and all it entails.... Christmas cheer, Valentine sentiments,.... but red is definitely for winter... snowy thoughts... which to be honest... I believe most folks will attest..."Enough, already!" " UNCLE!!!
Starting today, I will be pulling my green together for St. Patty and dare I say it,..
"Spring!"
Like our host, Mary.. I'll be searching for red tulips and other rosy harbingers of the vernal equinox!

Three or More Tuesday

Visit Tam at The Gypsy's Corner for more TOMT!

Today I am reflecting on the bed and breakfast experience. Two years ago my dear husband and I decided to make our anniversary celebrations infinitely more special by partaking of the bed and breakfast opportunities available. This was probably the best decision we have made in a long time..
That first B&B was the Federal Crest Inn and by far they exceeded all our expectations.



That summer we decided to vacation at a B&B just 30 minutes away from us...


Located in Blue Ridge Mountains there was nothing like taking your morning coffee listening to the chatter of nature on that fabulous veranda!!
Last year we stayed at Brierly Hill.


Waking up there was like suddenly finding yourself in a Jane Austen novel!

Then this past late summer on our way to Boston we stayed at The Swiss Woods in Lititz.

That door was the garden exit from our room.. onto this marvelous scene..


and on our return trip we stayed in Hanover in this lovely inn.

where we enjoyed this amazing first course!

So now it is time to begin planning for our anniversary trip coming up at the end of March~
exciting because our destination will be.....
Williamsburg!

The Symphony Last Night

was astounding. Entitled Romantic Getaway to the Scenic Country. it featured DAVID STEWART WILEY Music Director & Conductor and soloist,and Tavit Tashjian on piano. The program opened with Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 , F Major "Pastorale". The orchestra seemed in rare form with this beautiful piece which seemed to bring to life the natural scenes of a babbling brook,singing birds, then culminating in a mighty storm. But the real piece de'resistance' was the Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor featuring the most gifted pianist I have ever heard in concert!

At only 23 years of age he is a recent winner of the Ann Walling Piano Competition.... which so brought me back to one of my favorite films, "The Competition" starring Richard Dreyfus and Amy Irving. I love the dynamic of that film, the glorious music in performance, and passion of the artists! Seeing this same passion in last night's performer roused the whole auditorium. As the last note faded into the heavens the whole audience rose to their feet in ovation and resounding "Bravos" several of which I added to the fray! It was stupendous! The piece is the introductory song on my blog currently but sad to say as the actual piece is 50 minutes long this is just a minute taste of the rapture that follows that is not included in the upload! And to see it performed was sublime! I might add that our seats at the Shaftman Hall were probably best in the house.. front row balcony... to be able to watch his hands in action made it all the better. To borrow words from the program,"Tavit has been described as “having a very particular gift, possessing impressive technique and a colorful sound with a beautiful cantabile.” Tavit is already receiving numerous accolades and his performances have been noted to be “brilliant” and “energetic and virtuosic”. I couldnt have said it better! HEEHEE!!

I must also mention the orchestra,, as the grand finale was advancing to a close Conductor, David Wiley, always theatrical and totally engaged in the moment, drove the various sections into a powerfully rousing crescendo of emotion, the air became electrified and the I am sure hearts around the hall melted with the intensity of feeling... I cried with the glory of it... I have already used all the words I can think of to describe it... I dont want to be redundant, but it totally
cataclysmic!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... from Carolyn's Daybook

Outside my window... we have about 6 inches left from last weekend's snow. snow showers are forecast, and the sky is mostly cloudy and drear.

I am thinking...after a certain time of cancelled events and just staying at home, I fall into a funk and just don't want to go anywhere ever again. Spring, where are you???

I am thankful for... a nice, warm, comfortable home!

I am wearing...my jammies and long, white, terry robe. No reason to think of getting dressed, yet!

I am remembering...the wonderful news that Amanda will be with us in for a nice weekend visit in 12 days!! YAYAY!!!

I am going... to the Symphony tonight at the beautiful Jefferson Center.

The programme:

Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 , F Major "Pastorale"
Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor
The Rachmaninoff piece is the first piece playing on my blog this morning!
Glorious!

I am currently reading...
All Creatures Great and Small, by James Herriot ( Highly recommended)
Begin With Christ, Bible Study
A Country Affair, by Rebecca Shaw (Life in North Yorkshire)

If you havent guessed it yet, I am completely mesmerized by Yorkshire right now!

I am hoping...to get to go in March to a Women's Conference featuring the great Christian author, Liz Curtis Higgs! Her latest book is shown in the previous post.Looking for someone to go with me... Jan, would you be interested?

On my mind...well, I did drag out the oil painting paraphernalia and have almost finished a piece. It is so therapeutic... I really enjoy getting back into it!

Noticing that... the days really do seem to be flying by.... what can I do to stop the clock when Amanda gets here!!!

Pondering these words...

One day two caterpillars were plodding up a hill when they noticed a butterfly dipping and weaving overhead. Turning to his buddy, one said, 'You'd never get me up in one of those things!' Raise your sights, take a leap of faith! '...faith is...the conviction of things not seen'(Hebrews 11:1 NAS).
This is taken from a blog which I like to visit.... a pastor in England, who always delivers the most thoughtful and inspiring offerings.

From the kitchen...no plans at this time.... I need to go to the grocer!!

Around the house...what else...laundry!

One of my favorite things...reading, and my to read list is growing by leaps and bounds.



From my picture journal...

Our Monday morning Bible study has grown from the 3 of us to 8 ladies.... since the snow hasnt started yet... perhaps I do need to think about getting a move on and that we will be having group! I love these ladies....dear, dear friends!!!!
Starting this week you can visit Peggy for more SWD on Tuesday!

Another Great Read

I love Liz Curtis Higgs' books.. and this one is a definite page turner, for sure..... I'm off tomorrow to Barnes and Noble!!!! I just realized,,, I have to wait until March 16th....well, time to finish Herriot's book... which is wonderful, btw!!!!