Honey,Shrink Me

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Cindy has wired the dollhouse for lighting which adds an impressive air of reality. All the lights are on to welcome us in. When you click the above images you can see all the items better....linger as long as you please.. Yes, Cindy made all the curtains, pillows and upholstered the front room furniture.....Notice all the clocks, candles, crocks. Painting on the wall, and the mirror on the mantel. Fire burning in fireplace. Is that Granny's dishes in the china cabinet? Looking at these makes one wish we had the "Nutty Scientist's"top secret machine which miniaturizes objects so we could shrink and curl up with a good book...or even better move in. We will continue our tour tomorrow...The Ol' Blogger

Miniature Doll House

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Dollhouses are not just for children anymore..Adults who enjoy miniatures can also find a great deal of enjoyment by crafting and arranging dollhouse components. While children typically use dollhouses for play, we view Cindy's miniature as a work of art. By clicking on the images of her house you will see how she is constantly striving to create the most realistic miniature possible. She has this three story beauty on a turn table. The day we were there it was all decked out for Fall/Thanksgiving. Each season is portrayed in its due time..

After constructing the doll house she has gone to great links to create the perfect home...Cindy made grass by knitting it to look like the grass she desired...Found the right location outside for bird houses that were gifts to her from a relative. I wouldn't be surprised if there was mail in the mail box. Placed around are pumpkins, scarecrows and bales of hay. Cindy also used her skills with stain glassed to produce the stain glass window in the front door.

We have been invited to come in and take a look around... I hope you will join me the next few days as we do just that......through the world of pictures and words.....The Ol' Blogger

Terri Lee

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What a treat, while at our new friend's house she shared this treasure..!!!!

The first Terri Lee Doll was featured in the 1946 Montgomery Wards Christmas Catalog where it sold 8,000. The real Terri Lee (the doll was named for) was born on Nov. 29 1927 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The doll was originally made of old fashion composition sawdust and ground up corn cobs. Terri Lee was one of the first companies to promote diversity with an ethnic doll line in the 1940’s.

Creator Violet Gradwhol had printed in her last leaflet "Terri Lee, Born to Love and Be Loved".

I do love her with all my heart... All though I never have had to privilege of owning one...I asked Santa but somehow he got me mixed up with another little girl and I got a "Tiny Tears":0)

I am still waiting for my own...Hopefully, Santa will remember....Love The Ol' Blogger.

Sharing Christmas

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Festive and fun, plentiful and playful is how I would describe Helen's winter wonderland. All dressed up for Christmas, her house along with her beautiful smile....makes all welcome. I am posting based on the pictures Rhona took...I sure wish I had got to go...Just by looking I am sure this will be one get together that made great memories.. Thanks Helen...the girls said fun was had by all. The Ol' Blogger

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Paper Dolls

A must click to see up close..

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It's just a flat paper object, but it has such enormous appeal to girls of all ages...These will provide a lifetime of pleasure for Sherry's grand daughters! What a Granny... she embroidery three sets (only two of which are pictured here) to take paper dolls to another dimension!!! One set will be staying at Granny's for stay overs..Where imaginative play will take the place of TV.

All of us over forty...remember paper dolls as the cheapest, yet most enchanting toy of our childhood... The years have slipped away with lightning speed, but looking a these awakens childhood with all its simplicities and joys..They provided hours of imaginative fun, immersing oneself in their fantasy lives. We had complete families with furniture and accessories, carefully clipped from the outdated Sears catalog.

Sherry even made the storage boxes to store their treasures in..We kept ours in shoe boxes stored under our beds. Also some of our dolls usually lacked part of an arm or a foot from overlapping in the catalog picture, but that deficiency was ignored..hehehe..

Aren't you pleased paper dolls are still filling little girls dreams? The Ol' Blogger

Living My Calling

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Our own dear Tony (pictured above) posted a comment on the posting "Winter Slump/ Magical Season". He was paying me a compliment and I definably took it that way...I puffed up like a toad frog. giggle giggle...Again Tony, thank you ..you made my day.I love praise... shamelessly I admit it.:0)

An acquaintance of ours passed away yesterday quite suddenly. In contemplating that we never know when our time may come and about missing ones calling..I have something I would like to share.

After living 62 years, there are many people and circumstances which have molded and made who I am today. Of course first would be my parents...my sisters and brothers. The love and sorrows that came with living and growing up. Most important would be my husband, Harold, who has always accepted me as me, encouraged me in more ways than I can count. Taught me what "love unconditionally" means...My children whom I grew up with..and who may watch me become a child again. God love their hearts.:0)

Next would be friends...old and new...For now I am going to speak of the SoTA Sister...who have encourage me in all creativity in the last 8 plus years..The quilting, clay dolls, cloth dolls, purses, cloth books, beading and especially the blog. Has been through their encouragement and teaching...the patience they have shown me would put my school teachers to shame.... Taking me on travels, that at one time I never would have gone. There is all today's technology, sewing tools which are extraordinary... which they have taught me how to use it......Then with the computer with all the information one could ever dream...I do need help when putting words together :0)... Rhona, is always willing to answer my questions and help me learn ways to use it to its fullest.

I truly don't mean this as braggadocio for me but for all who have shared this life with me...I like who I have become and am going to be...thanks to you all...I am living my calling....

The Ol' Blogger

Merry Christmas

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SoTA Sisters traveled to a friends house last week...Above are three of her trees...Stunning....By the pictures Rhona took...it looks like they went to a beautiful winter wonderland...I will be sharing those pictures after Christmas...I just wanted to take time this morning to wish all... A Merry Christmas from the SoTA Sisters...The Ol' Blogger

Believe in Santa just beclaus

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Sorry I have been to busy to post....Christmas is coming quickly....I did get this wall hanging completed for Harold to give as a present for the school nurse.....She cried and gave him two big hugs...Home made gifts always brings kindheartedness....A satisfying feeling when someone enjoys what you make...I am working on two more for gifts. I am not waiting till the last minute next year I am starting on Dec. 26 this year....DEFINITELY... I have some sensational pictures to share on an excursion the SoTA Sisters took to Helen's home....thanks to Rhona...I wasn't able to go :0(...Will get to these as soon as possible....The Ol' Blogger,

100 postings

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This will be our 100th posting...How appropriate it should be about this ravishing bracelet our own precious Kathy made. I love it when I can use their narrative....Here we go..."The bracelet started as a plain brass cuff. I made a template to fit the cuff from Lacey’s Stiff Stuff to do my beading on. I used old zippers (you cut off the fabric part and just use the string of teeth) and stitched them on in the design I liked, then just filled in with assorted beads. I glued this onto the cuff, and glued a piece of ultra suede on the underside of the cuff. The edged of the Stiff Stuff and ultra suede were then stitched together with a beaded trim."

Kathy you have designed a hand-crafted beaded bracelets women would love to wear and wear with love. The Ol' Blogger

Winter slump/ magical season

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We can get into a winter slump ...or we can see it as magical season the choice is ours...

It is a time of the softness of flannel and fleece, the enticing warmth of comforters and throws, for those lucky ones the glow of the fireplace. The scents of warm chocolate or coffee, crock-pot dinners, marshmallows for cocoa, hot chili soup. A time for family and friends gathered close inside the warmth of homes.

Although aching muscles may keep us from building snowmen and snow forts to throw snowballs from.. as we once did. We can still appreciate the soft landscape it has left us. A cover of snow makes the grubby bright again. How thrilling snowflakes twirling like ballerinas as they whisk back and forth in the wind....

Just as the picture I took before we left ...gave us a Thank You for visiting...We can Thank Winter for visiting... At just the right time it will leave just as we did :<)

This will be the last posting on our outing to Stream Cliff Farm...Hope you found something to brighten your day...The Ol' Blogger

Sleeping Beauty

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Sleeping Beauty
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Stream Cliff Herb Farm is owned by Betty & Gerald Manning.The farm has a long history in Betty's family. Betty's Great-grandfather lived on the farm and it has been passed down through the generations since that time. The gardens, which are done in quilt designs, are dedicated to Betty's grandmother, Luella Tate Artz. She was a quilter and gardener and lived for more than fifty years on the farm. The farm was raided during the Civil War by Morgan's Raiders and has been in the family for more that 100 years. .

Stream Cliff Herb Farm consists of: four shops filled with handmade, traditional crafts and garden related items, Twigs & Sprigs Tearoom, Grandmother's Keeping Room: A Nature and Traditional Craft Learning Center, several display gardens with water features, lectures & workshops, and an extensive line of herbs, perennial flowers, old-fashioned roses, wildflowers, hosta, vines and climbers.

If you will go to their web site www.streamclifffarm.com there are beautiful pictures of the farm with everything in bloom. We have been there at this time of year it is breath taking.
We have enjoyed each trip and the food has always been scrumptious. Check it out...The Ol' Blogger

Friends

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Friends like these are a special gift worth more than finest gold.

They are always there with a comforting hand to hold.

We share our hopes and fears.

Our smiles and tears.

Always there with a hand to lend.

We are happy to call each a friend.

A few of our friends weren't able to make the trip of Stream Cliff...but they are included in the words above..The Ol' Blogger

We loved the Snow

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One of the most outstanding characteristics of the winter environments is the presence of snow...Without it winter would be ever so drab...There was nothing drab on this outing..If you click on the pictures above you will see the snow falling around "The Elder" and Rhona...

Wish I could play The Christmas Song for you as you read....I will settle for second best...read the words and I am sure you will be singing and feeling the joy we did on our outing to Stream Cliff...
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir

And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some

Mistletoe help to make the season bright

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow

Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa's on his way

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies

On his sleigh

And ev'ry mother's

Child is gonna spy to see if

Reindeer really know how to fly
And so, I'm offering this

Simple phrase to kids from'

One to ninety-two

Altho' it's been said many times

Many ways; "Merry Christmas to you"
Merry Christmas...The Ol' Blogger

Grandmother's Keeping Room

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With a very light dusting outside,a beautiful full golden moon and freezing temperatures tonight....And many trips out with Presley (our dog) to do his business... Leaves me thinking...Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour...Right now I have a desire to do just that...

Lets start with a sentimental journey... our trip to Stream Cliff... Laughter, conversation on the ride to and from was sheer merriment...along with the singing "Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas".

Golden moments....the meal was delicious. Green salad with a homemade mayonnaise, lemon, sugar, dill dressing...Pork loin drizzled in a sweet sauce, creamy mash potatoes, carrots with just the right amount of sweetness, and green beans....A bread pudding that took one back to Grandma's kitchen.

Walking in the snow carefully.. :0).. touring the Ol' Farm House...

The excitement of finding "Free" wall paper books along the road...the wondering about how long those had been there before we snatched them up...discussions of what we will do with all the beautiful paper....

Hope you take time this winter to gather your golden moments, go on a sentimental journey and enjoy every idle hour ....The Ol' Blogger

Friends having fun

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These are the last of the pictures from Thurs Dec. 6... Although I took pictures of all some of them didn't turn out...Sorry...."In the beginning it was fun. In the end, it was all for fun. And in between is where it tickles most....Thank you for this day of fun...The Ol' Blogger

Royalty

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You would think royalty was dinning here...The table was beautiful embellish for our "Sip Of Champagne"... food was delicious as always...

But not a candle could it hold to the friendship JB has extended to the SoTA Sisters. What a compliment to the SoTA Sisters for her to open her home and introduce us to her friends.

"Friends are the siblings God forgot to give us" With this group that old saying seems to ring true....The Ol' Blogger

Lady in Red

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Today I want to share a treat with you all...A exemplary lady...We first met Vesta Lou at the farm this past summer. Although we have only spent a few hours with this gracious lady..She won the heart of each. With enchantment the words roll out as she shares her life. Never a stranger has she met. A trait she told me she shared with her father...One gets the feeling that her years have not been wasted. Although I never heard her complain, no doubt her share of troubles shes experienced in her life time. But no sign of bitterness appears in her kind loving face.

A life of living that shine for all that come into contact....Thank you Vesta Lou for being you...

The Ol' Blogger.

Stirring Memories

*************************************************************************************** The modern sewing machines look and work in a much more mechanized and computerized way as compared to the sewing machines which our great grandmothers uses. Instead of simple stitching, they do decorative stitches, attach buttons, embroider and much much more..

Old sewing machines always brings to mind stories of loved one who sewed on them. Hope the above picture I took while we were at the farm...stirs your own memories. The Ol' Blogger

Beauty in the harshness of life.

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I am not really sure how to start this posting...I just watched a Hallmark movie...."Front of the Class." A true story about a man with Tourette's... Brad Cohen who defied all odds to become a gifted teacher. A must see movie....Will make your heart swell, will touch every emotions you have...

These picture I took on Saturday when the SoTA Sisters went to Stream Cliff...speaks of beauty that is in the harshness of life...Just as the snow brings beauty to colors of winter, holly berries, browns, and the evergreen stand out more.....Love and encouragement brings beauty to physical and mental disabilities ...

For me it has been God, my husband, family,friends and paxil that have helped me take panic disorder and dislike for myself....and turn this into discovering who and what I can be and do....Wasn't a easy road but one worth taking.

I will share more about our trips to the Farm and Stream Cliff in future postings...This movie just touched my heart so I wanted to share...Love The Ol' Blogger

Sip of Champagne

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*************************************************************************************** SoTA Sisters were invited back to the farm Thursday for .."Sip of Champagne" event.

Friends of JB's waved the magic wand of love over the farm, with their decorating for Christmas. Santa Clauses were peeking around many corners with garland and holly hanging inside and out..... Naivety Scenes set above the mantel. Even the old wringer washer with the red long johns seem to cheerfully wish a "Merry Christmas".... Every where you looked was Christmas Cheer...

Like snowflakes, our Christmas memories were gathered and danced all around us Thursday night....each beautiful, unique and too soon gone... We had a grand evening thanks to all....

The Ol' Blogger

birthday quilts

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Two more have had the pleasure of turning 60 awhile back.....The Elder was the first SoTA Sister to celebrate this great mile stone. The first picture is her 60th birthday quilt... Remember even though she can't wear them she has a shoe fetish... Kathy's 60th birthday quilt is the next one..Crazy quilt with lots of add embellishments...Just wanted to share these with you all.

The Ol' Blogger

No place like home...

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There's no place like home... except Grandma's.....

Rhona made the above wall hanging for her grandson's room at her house....When asked why she decided on the lighthouses/nautical. She answered.... because I didn't want to go with something too specific like Spiderman or Nascar or anything like that, and I wanted something that wasn't masculine nor feminine and something that was not too young or too old. I was looking through wallpaper books and ran across the lighthouses and decided that was what I wanted to do. It also reminded me of my trips to the beach with my "beach girls" here at work.

The Ol' Blogger