Before and after.....

Decorating my home has become a real passion since I got married.  I have spent hours pouring over magazines and books since then.  I used to keep an expandable folder with clippings of bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. The Internet offers an incredible source of literally thousands of ideas through magazine websites such as Better Homes and Gardens, blogs, and online shopping sites. When I see something I like, I put it in my "photo" album on my computer.  That way I can pull it up any time I want and revisit it.

I've decided to make my Friday posts before and after pictures of rooms or corners of my homes that I have worked on.  Today's pictures are of one of the side entrances to our main home.  I didn't actually change out the doors myself.  I was the "assistant" to my Englishman.  As it turns out, he is extremely talented when it comes to building, repairing, painting, etc.  That didn't come up in the discussions we had while dating, so I felt like it was an extra bonus when we got married!

I am a huge fan of crisp white paint.  I think it can dramatically change the look of a room, especially on molding, baseboards and doors.

The new door lets in so much more light than the previous one.  Though solidly built of wood, the first one just looked too dated - probably from the late '50s or early '60s. This one seems a little more in keeping with the neighborhood.  Now we just have to get some keys made up!

Ha Ha...

Upon returning from food shopping today, my Englishman came out to the car to assist me in bringing in the groceries.  He reached in the back seat for the last two packages and came out with a long loaf of French bread.  Upon examination, he noticed a large crack.  "Did you hit someone over the head with this?", he inquired.  I smiled and said, "oh, very funny!".  Were his mother alive she would call him "cheeky"!

When we were first married I found I was having a great deal of trouble getting used to my husband's humor.  The British have their own unique style - very quick and somewhat cutting.  I reminded him one day that I was in fact American, not British, and was having a hard time dealing with his jokes.  To his credit, he dispensed with the little remarks for many years and we got along quite happily.

Fast forward, and now our three little girls had become young women, and there started to be little comments coming from the Englishman once again.  Sometimes they were directed at the girls.  Like most kids, they would turn their heads and look to me for some assistance.  And so I came up with this:

Yes, I made a small sign which I kept on the windowsill in the kitchen.  Whenever the Englishman felt compelled to share his sense of humor, or as they spell it "humour", I would hold up the sign and the girls would have a good laugh.

All kidding aside, my husband has a wonderful sense of humor and excellent timing.  I just prefer to see it directed at another Englishman!

Downton Abbey

Did you see Season 1 of Downton Abbey last year?  It is a British television period drama series, produced in England for the ITV network.  The series is set during the Edwardian era on a fictional estate of Downton, Yorkshire.  Among the actors in the series are Dame Maggie Smith and American, Elizabeth McGovern.  It is reminiscent of Upstairs Downstairs, following the trials and triumphs of the upper class and the under staff who serve them.  Throw in a war, and you have some serious drama.  

The second season is set to air on PBS, starting January 8, 2012.  I have a confession to make.  Due to the fact that I am married to a very clever, tech savvy Englishman, I have already watched the first two episodes.  Never fear, I will not give anything away!  You will have to tune in and see for yourself after the New Year.  But I can say I am hooked once again, charmed by the costumes and scenery, and the intricacies of the various relationships that have evolved.

If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.  You can check out more information on the PBS website. (They actually have a countdown clock for when the series returns!)

A tip for Tuesday...

My mother became seriously ill two years ago and together we spent a lot of time in the hospital, then a nursing home.  It was a huge learning experience for us both, in many areas of life.  One thing I learned early on: pack a "go-bag".

What's a go-bag?  For me, it is a large canvas bag packed with items I might need in an emergency or trip to the hospital.  At the moment, it contains all necessary documents for my mother, kleenex, small amount of cash, blank notebook, pen, a crochet hook and yarn, and is ready to be scooped up any time I need it.

Actually, the crocheting turned out to be a lifesaver for me.  It was something I could work on during the long hours waiting in the ER, when my mother went for tests or if I was just sitting next to her bed.  It allowed me to busy my hands, which in turn calmed my mind.  I was able to do something while still listening to what was happening and being said around me, which reading material would not have afforded me.  I would tell my mother that I was feeling productive, so she was less anxious about taking me away from my family.  It was also a great conversation starter with the staff at each of the facilities.  I actually made two huge blankets, one for each of my nephews to take away to college.  They were made with love, sitting beside their Grandmother, so they have a special meaning for them.

So that's my tip.  Your go-bag might contain diapers and crackers, or magazines and an i-pad.  Whatever works for you, it can be a real help when a call comes and you know you are ready to go with some of the essentials that will help the experience flow more smoothly.

What would you pack?

What a girl wants......

There was much rejoicing and squealing last evening - mainly from the four basset hounds - upon the return of my Englishman and eldest daughter from their European business trip. They were happy to be back in the US and to sit and tell me all about their adventure.  I, on the other hand, was eyeing the bags they brought in and trying to figure out their contents. Then finally, it was time for gifts!

Now most women, I suppose, eagerly look forward to receiving gifts such as French perfume, a "Pippa"bag (English handbag made popular by Pippa Middleton, sister of Kate), silk scarves or jewelry.  Not I.  I was overjoyed when my man presented me with a bag full, literally, of these:

 Ah yes, the Wispa bar.  Made by Cadbury.  After gaining much popularity in the '80's with considerable help from the Englishman and I, they were suddenly pulled from the market during the '90's.  An outcry and online campaign have led, thankfully, to their return.  'Twas a glorious day when I discovered they had returned to store shelves!  If you have never tried one, it is well worth your effort and time.  They are cheaper in the UK at the moment, but I'm not sure you  can justify the cost of airfare and hotel for a few candy bars.  However, they are to be found in the US at some specialty stores and supermarkets.

I would say I would offer you one, but I'm not inclined to share.  Not even with loved ones.  That's why the Englishman and my daughter bought me so many.  Wise people, indeed!

Is it the yard or the garden?

How do you keep four basset hounds occupied when you are on your own?  Take them outside as often as you can for as long as you can!  So far that has been working for us.  And as a result of being outdoors I am getting a lot of work done.  I've managed to fill six barrels for yard waste pickup in the morning.  But what do I refer to the outside as - the backyard or the garden? Since marrying my Englishman many years ago I have come to find that there are many differences in the names we each call things.  He calls it "the garden".  Now when he first said that, I thought he meant some large estate with flowering beds of plants and vast lawns, or a Secret Garden.  But no, he means any area outside the house. Growing up we simply called the outdoor space around the house either the backyard or the frontyard.

Whatever you call it, I've gotten quite a workout this week while watching, or as the English say "minding" the dogs.  Cheaper than going to the gym and much more rewarding.

What's in a name?

When we found out that our second daughter and her husband were expecting their first child about 3 years ago, among the many questions that we thought of was "What will the baby call us?" My first thought was "Grandma" of course.  I was going to be a grandmother, so isn't that what I should  be called?  I was surprised to hear that people of my generation don't want to be referred to as "Grandma" or "Grandpa".  Why, I asked?  Is it that it makes you sound older than you feel or want to be?  My children referred to my parents as Grandma and Grandpa.  My in-laws were known as Nanny and Grandad.  These titles were pre-established by earlier grandchildren and we just kept with them.  My Englishman wanted to keep the tradition and be called Grandad.  Grandma didn't quite go with it, but my mother wisely pointed out that grandchildren themselves sometimes come up with the perfect solution.  And that is precisely what happened.  M decided to call me Grandmom. How clever!  It works perfectly with Grandad.  My heart does a leap every time I approach my daughter's house and hear "Grandmom, Grandmom" as M rushes to the door.  There is not a sweeter sound on earth at the moment.

And so we begin....

Doesn't it seem like everyone is "blogging" these days?  Two of my three daughters blog, which is a wonderful way to be in touch with them, especially when they post photos.  There are several other blogs that I follow on a daily basis and I find I look forward to each new installment, almost as though checking in with a friend.


Do I have something to contribute to the "blogosphere"?  Who knows?  My hope is to share some of the experiences and wisdom I've garnered over the years.  As they say, "Take what you can use and leave the rest".  At the very least, it might give my daughters some insight into "The Mom" and serve as a reference point for my two granddaughters, and others that may follow, (no pressure girls!) when they grow up.


I am happy to report that as I write peace reigns in the household.  I am currently "babysitting" daughter #1's new puppy and 3 yr old basset hound while she is on a business trip in Europe with my Englishman.  Along with our two basset hounds.  I know - what was I thinking?  Only myself to blame, I volunteered.  It's been 5 full days so far (yes, I am counting) with only two more to go.  Due to the downpour of rain today, I did have to spend a considerable amount of time convincing two of them that no, the rain would not hurt them and it was indeed safe to venture out.  Basset hounds are known for their stubbornness and the boys have not let down their breed this past week.  Truthfully, they are also an absolute joy and very affectionate.  And as someone said, "It could be worse.  Could be four kids under the age of four!"