X Is For Xavier

It's AlphabeThursday at Jenny Matlock's  and the letter of the week is X.  

X is for Xavier.

Saint Francis Xavier.

The Church of St Francis Xavier, which was designed by Barry Byrne,  is known locally as  "the Fish Church".   It is located across the street from Rockhurst University.

(this photo from the web)

(One of the photos in this post was borrowed from the web.)

Rose Garden

I love roses, so we wandered through the city rose garden last night.  The rose bushes were already past their prime, but a few blooms were still putting on a show.    I wish I had taken pictures a couple of weeks ago when they were at their peak of perfection.  

Staying Cool

The only way to stay cool on a day like today.

Jump right in!  The water's fine!

W Is For Wheel

It's Alphabet Thursday at Jenny Matlock's place, and it's time for the letter W.

W is for Wheel.

 Mr. Garden and my niece 

This enormous paddlewheel is from the Steamboat Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River one hundred and thirty-some years ago.  After it sank, the boat and it's cargo were covered by thick river mud.   As time passed,  the river changed it's course and the boat lay undiscovered  under farmland for years.

(this pic from the web)

 A few years ago 5 men and their families dug up the boat and opened a museum.   Included in the mud-preserved cargo were dishes, boots,  buttons, tools, farm implements, perfume and pickles.  The Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia museum is very much worth a visit if you ever pass through Kansas City.

(this pic from the web) 

(two of the pics in this post were borrowed from the web)

Home From the Farmers Market

I'm home from the farmers market with blueberries, chamomile, wildflowers and an apple pie.  What a perfect way to spend the morning.

All Sorts Of Packages!

I am finally getting caught up and getting this posted!  All sorts of packages full of goodies (gifts, prizes and some purchases I made myself)  have arrived in the mail over the past few weeks and I have been wanting to share these with you... so here goes.

 

I'll start with this package from Dawn at  A Cottage State Of Mind.  She had a give-away to celebrate  the first year anniversary of her blog.  And instead of picking one person to win, she decided to send a package of goodies to every single person who had entered her giveaway!!  Talk about GENEROUS!!  WOW!!!   Anyway,  my package arrived last week.   I have already written a proper thank you to Dawn, but I wanted to  share this picture with all of you!    I love all the PRETTY blue/green items, the teapot, the bluebirds, the forget me nots, the M. Bastien magnet, and the gorgeous crocheted and embroidered doilies and towels.   She must have spent a lot of time looking back through my posts and comments to find all of these things that I have mentioned are favorites of mine!    THANK YOU again Dawn for sharing your treasures with me!!   I am thoroughly spoiled!   You are such a sweetie!!!   

Here is a close up on that beautiful bluebird plate!

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   

Isn't this a GORGEOUS bluebird linen?  A couple of months ago Teresa of Meadowbrook Farm visited an antique store near her home and took some pictures of things she thought were kinda pretty but had decided not to purchase.  She posted the pics on her blog.  One of them was this little embroidered piece.  I love bluebirds, so I e-mailed her and she connected me  with the shop owner and a few days later  I was able to complete the purchase.  I appreciate Teresa playing the role of "antique  broker" for me!  I truly think she is one of the NICEST bloggers I have ever met!!! 

As you can see in this picture, the little bird towel is feeling right at home with some other items I already had.  THANKS again Teresa!  I think of you every time I see this.  

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

A couple of weeks ago  Diane at  Saturday Finds had a baby shower for her daughter.  She included her online friends during the week by hosting some fun little shower games on her blog.  I guessed on a couple of them and ended up winning the "guess the size of  the expectant Mommy's tummy".   :-)  I was SURPRISED to hear that I had won a prize and was DELIGHTED to receive some of Diane's ruffled crepe paper, a cake magnet, and scrapbook bits. I think I will make some cards with these.  My daughter immediately snitched the glittery pink Paris tag,  but I was happy to share it with her since she is the one who has actually been to Paris.  THANK YOU so much Diane!  This added some FUN to my day!!!

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

A couple of years ago  I started to collect the hammered aluminum trays that I remembered from my childhood years.   I recently found a couple more online and was THRILLED when this package arrived!  I just LOVE them!!   Susan's blog, The T Cozy , is amazing, and her  etsy shop, T Party Antiques, is chock full of wonderful finds!  I appreciate the QUALITY of her vintage pieces and the friendly and prompt service she provides, and hope you have a chance to visit her too.   THANK YOU again Susan!!  

I am a very lucky girl and am enjoying all these wonderful new bits and pieces!  Have you received anything wonderful in the mail recently?

V Is For Valley

It's Alphabe-Thursday at Jenny's!  

V is for Valley.  

Here are two favorites.

Valley of the Ten Peaks- 

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

My sisters and I, on a family camping trip.

Garden Valley
 Sung by Irish songbird, Cara Dillon.  I love her voice.

U Is For Undies

The following post is rated U,  for undressed.

U is for for undies.

Slips, crinolines, corsets, girdles, petticoats, pantalets, underpants, undershirts, skivvies, camisoles, teddies, garters, briefs, boxers, bloomers, spanks, knickers, etc...

Joan and Betty

Freezy Sliddle  and Florence Niddle

The Victorian Mousie Sisters

Holly Hobbie

Scarlett O'Hara

Harry, Bess and Margaret Truman

Swedish boy and girl

The Carnation Girl

Madame Alexander Brunette

Irish dancing girl

Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret

Texas pioneer woman

Mary Engelbreit's Ann Estelle

(Only part of the paperdoll collection.  Some of these are mine and some belong to my daughter.)

Linking to Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday- letter U.

There Is Magic In A Pot of Tea

It's gray and rainy outside today.  Take one  English Sadler teapot with a cheerful blue and yellow design.  (Found it last week at a local thrift store for only $4.00)  Add one Royal Albert Forget-Me-Not teacup, a pile of favorite old magazines to read again, and just a touch of spring flowers. (Embroidered and crocheted vintage doily also found at the thrift store for $1.00). 

Nothing seems gray anymore.  There is magic in a pot of tea.  

Hope you are having a lovely afternoon!

Linking to  Tea Time Tuesday    and    2nd Time Around Tuesday   and Midweek Blues.

T is for Timberline Lodge

(this pic from the web)

T is for Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood, Oregon.  The massive mountain lodge was a WPA project, built in a mere 15 months during 1936 and 1937.    

  

 Entrance to the Lodge.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

My two youngsters.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

Mr. Garden.

The lodge is  only 3.6 miles from the summit of Mt. Hood.
(But it takes hours for a seasoned climber to climb up and back.)

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

My parents and Mr. Garden visiting by the fireplace.

(this pic from the web)

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

Our family celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary at this landmark lodge.  

(this pic from the web)

Handcrafted works of art are found around every corner.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

All the kids.

Timberline Lodge is an amazing place.  Have you visited?

(Most of these pictures are my own, but two were taken by the family photographer , 

and three were borrowed from the Lodge web-site.)

I'm joining Jenny Matlock for Alphabe-Thursday.   And The Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingie Thursday.  I hope you will have time to pop over and visit some of the other posts.