Saturday, December 19, 2015

Salisbury Mansion Candlelight Evening

 The Firefighter Tree  with names of Worcester Firefighters who died while on duty.

The Boy Scout Tree was terrific!

At one time there was a corset factory in Worcester!   

This tree made from things from Starbucks!

A Santa Tree decorated with a beautiful collection of ornaments!

The Presidential Tree...my favorite!

www.worcesterhistory.org


Ronald Reagan - The Presidential Tree

A photo of the stately, Salisbury Mansion in Worcester, Massachusetts!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

November in Rochdale in Pictures...Enjoy!

Decorating for Thanksgiving!
My special crust waiting for the Pumpkin Pie filling.

Ready for the oven...

Pumpkin Pie ready for dessert!

Onto Apple Pie!
A family favorite ready for guests!
Table set...Turkeys waiting for Lobster Corn Chowder!
Remembering Mr. Fur.

A stroll in the pines on a beautiful day, make autumn special.
Crunchy leaves, still water and blue skies set the autumn stage.
Yummy cheeses set out on vintage crystal, china and silver.  
The old swing set has fond memories of our childhood days.
A November Birthday to celebrate!
Another November Birthday!

Turkey Soup...Yummy!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Apple Pie Sunday!


Today, I made a delicious apple pie!  I am calling it Apple Pie Sunday! 











          My paternal Grandmother used to make pies using only Golden Delicious apples.  In our family, she was the Queen of Pies!  I never thought that I would take over  that title.  But, I guess it is now true.  I'm known for my pies.  I am a seasonal pie maker.  I would never make a pumpkin pie in the spring nor would I make an apple pie in the summer.  For everything there is a time and season and that holds true for pie baking.

Here is the seasonal breakdown of some of my favorites.
Spring:  Maple Pie, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, Buttermilk Pie, Maple Walnut Pie,  March Madness Pie to name a few.

Summer:  Continue with the Strawberry Rhubarb until the rhubarb is gone from the garden.  Blue-Barb Pie, Peach Pie, Strawberry, Blueberry and Raspberry Pie.

Autumn:  Apple Pie, Apple-Ginger Cranberry Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Squash Pie, Custard Pecan and Date Nut Pumpkin Pie are some favorites.

Winter:   Pies take a backseat to Christmas Cookies, Warm Gingerbread, Cookies, Brownies and Puddings!  But, let's not
forget Pecan and Mince Meat (a maternal Grandmother favorite).

Although I only make my own crust and profess to have several different kinds of crust recipes, I do like the Pillsbury crust which comes in a box!  I can't get away with using it for my family because they are "Kit's Crust Connoisseurs" and can't be fooled. But if you don't have the time to make your own crust from scratch, give Pillsbury a try.  It is so easy and delicious.  Also, it may make the difference by having a freshly baked pie in your house or not!



                 

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Seasons...They Are A Changing Inside and Out!

 The zinnias are showing off in orange glass! 
Little dining room set for an autumn meal!

The last eggplant from the garden!  Picture perfect.

This cornucopia belonged to my paternal grandmother.   
Isn't it perfect with the eggplant?
This apple was found on this post at the Brookfield Orchards.  It was delicious too!

Looking out the window through the Tree of Life lace curtains...from Country Curtains, of course!


Sunday, September 6, 2015

The Summer of 2015 at a Glance

Berry pies!

Missing Mr. Fur.

Yummy berries make for good snacks and recipes.

Visits from our neighbor's pet bunny.

Birthdays!

Lettuce from the garden!

Farm stand visits.
Patio entertaining!

Fourth of July!


Ocean front dining

Summer on the Cape!

Picture perfect...a summer appetizer.

Summer luncheon for our QM2 Friends!

Green and lush before the summer drought.

A summer cruise.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

In Loving Memory of Mr. Fur


Mr. Fur, our dear little feline friend, crossed over the "Rainbow Bridge" 
at 2:20 PM on Monday, June 1, 2015.  Our hearts are broken and we are 
devastated for his loss.  

Mr. Fur was a gentleman, polite, talkative, appreciative, did tricks, 
greeted guests, was calm and had impeccable manners.  He never 
jumped on the furniture or counters...he knew his place.  
Mr. Fur enjoyed living with us.  He had many luxuries afforded to 
him by my husband and me.  Mr. Fur drank his water from a glass, 
enjoyed his crunchies from Trader Joes, his dishes were crystal and were cleaned 
every time he ate.  He had monogrammed blankets.  Mr. Fur had his own little 
bridge across the brook.  The English garden bench became his own.  Mr Fur 
had his own heated bed from Hammacher and Schlemmer in New York. 
He had his own Christmas stocking along with his very own fresh catnip in the garden.
Through his writings, Mr. Fur touched many people young, old, shut-ins 
and the infirmed.  His letters brought smiles to many a face.  He in turn 
often received letters and cards along with an occasional gift from his admirers.
The Adventures of Mr. Fur, as they were originally called, began some 7 years ago. 
His adventures turned into letters that reached so many people and other felines too! 
Perhaps in the future, Mr. Fur's Adventures and his letters will be published. 
Stay tuned...Meanwhile, we mourn the loss of Mr. Fur and hold his memory dear to our hearts. 
Thanks to those of you who expressed your sympathy via Facebook and email.  Your cards, calls 
and letters have meant so much to us. 
With sadness and appreciation, 
Kathy

He will be forever in our hearts. 

Friday, April 3, 2015

Ready, Set, HOP!!! Hop into Easter!

Children's table set, buffet table labeled...

Chalk board menu written...

Baklava made...

Chocolate bunnies in little bags done!

Jelly beans, of course!

Porch ready...and dining room too!  In case I don't get around to post again...Happy Easter!