Not My Usual Weekend

 This past weekend I did a few things I had never done before.  

Saturday a friend suggested we explore a farmer’s market called Hidden Gem.  I was pleased with the quality and variety of meat, produce and baked goods for sale.  Also, there were a couple dozen artisans selling their creative items.  The photos below show just a little sampling of what was available.

Many gluten-free products

This vendor had a variety of beautifully sewn kitchen items.  One of them being a "kitchen scarf" which you wore around your neck and at each end there was a small towel.  The photo displays the scarf on the left side.

These were bars of soap which had felted wool encompassing them to act as a washcloth.  What a  great idea!  The small remaining fragments of soap could then be placed in drawers to provide pleasing fragrance.

On our way back to the car we passed many hens and roosters roaming the grounds.  It reminded me of time spent on the family farm in Missouri.

Sunday after church I decided to take a drive out to the Old Stone Creamery.  Unfortunately it was closed, but I was able to photograph the charming structure most likely built the year the Cleburne Jersey Farm commenced in 1872.

During my walk that afternoon I passed two sights which brought joy to my heart.  A child's sidewalk chalk drawing and a plain piece of paper with the word "God" on it.  

What a delightful weekend!

Blessings to you all,

Frannie

My Two Grandmothers ~ Carolyn and Mildred

My Grandmother Nelson and Grandmother Russell shared one thing in common.  They were both born in September of 1896.  Also, they enjoyed sewing.  Other than that, they were totally different... it seemed. 

Grandma Nelson lived on a farm in Macon, Missouri and tended to hens, churned butter, fed the hired hands and everyone else who sat down at the kitchen table, mended clothing and nourished her family.  These were just a few of the things she accomplished during her day which began at the crack of dawn until after dusk.

On the other hand, Grandma Russell lived in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio.  She adored her parakeets, tended to her African violets, enjoyed watching television and created many items with her hands.  I still have many of the doll clothes she made from the 1950's.  Also, she taught me how to braid my hair!

Both women had different talents and were very special.  They influenced my life significantly.

Happy Heavenly Mother's Day to both of you...  xoxo

Frugality and Sharing

 My mother practiced frugality and sharing.  Perhaps it was a result of growing up during the Depression and living on a farm.  The smallest tidbits of leftovers were never tossed.  A spoonful of corn was added to scrambled eggs and any bruised area of a tomato was simply cut off.

As far as plants both inside the house and outside in her garden, Mother always had clippings of cut stems immersed in containers of water.  These cuttings would form roots and she would either share with her friends or put in potting soil for another potted plant to add to her collection.  Our home was full of flora.

Last summer I visited my cousin in Houston.  Jim definitely had a green thumb and shared his gorgeous kalanchoe with me by wrapping the cuttings in a very wet paper towel and placing it in a plastic bag to carry in my suitcase.  It has grown beautifully and has been in bloom for several weeks.

At the end of most summers I cut back my annuals and place them in the garage.  Despite the absence of light I can often bring them back the next summer to their original state.  With occasional waterings throughout the winter months and a bit of pruning, they are ready to be placed outdoors.  This spring I added a caladium to such a pot to give it some added color.

Another way to extend your gardening dollar is to put together planters yourself.  I am fond of succulents and in one of my ceramic pots I decided to combine a variety of them to create a planter.  I did the same thing with various annuals keeping in mind height, color and sun tolerance.

In this final photo I simply added two small sweet potato vines, one on each side, to an existing New Guinea Impatiens.  I think the pop of color adds much to the ready-made planter.

Spot of Tea

This past Saturday my church's United Women in Faith group held their annual Tea Fundraiser.  Donned in hats of all types, the women gathered around several tables and shared many morsels of finger foods.  I suppose you could say it was a typical ladies' social event consisting of word scramble, best hat contest, tea etiquette and much laughter.  Several door prizes were also given out.  And yes, we had such fun being somewhat proper for a couple of hours!  

Little Poet

🌼 Let's dive into another gem of positivity on YouTube: Little Poet! 📝✨ This channel is like a virtual hug wrapped in sunshine. ☀️ What draws me in every time? Well, it's Little Poet's infectious spirit and attitude! 🌟 Whether she's reciting heartfelt poetry or sharing uplifting messages, her positivity radiates through the screen. 🌈 

Her videos are like a warm cup of tea for the soul, instantly lifting my mood and putting a smile on my face. 😊 With her bubbly personality and genuine enthusiasm, Little Poet creates a safe space where optimism reigns supreme. 🎉 So, if you're ever in need of a little boost or just want to bask in some good vibes, do yourself a favor and hit that subscribe button! 🎶

💖 Trust me, your heart will thank you! 🌻 

Here's a link to subscribe to Little Poet's YouTube Channel

Waterlogue - The Watercolor App

Some of you may already be familiar with the Waterlogue app.  Sometimes we want an image to be somewhat diluted.  This application is perfect!

Happy photo watercoloring ~

Frannie

Arm The Teachers

 

The powers that be of Tennessee decided yesterday to arm the teachers.  Many of you may recall the mass shooting last year at The Covenant School here in Nashville.  The legislators and the citizens have been in disagreement ever since on how to address this situation.  It was voted on yesterday and the legislators won.  The teachers will carry firearms.  Now the bill goes to the governor's office for his signature.

I am curious to know how my followers feel about this.