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Saturday, April 16, 2011

To my Trudie: the best grandmother in the world

I love my Trudie! She is my dad's mom, and I have her to thank for her top-secret chicken and dumpling recipe, my green eyes, and the beautiful things she has made me through the years. She made the place mats on my table for me when I got married, and I still treasure them.

The fruit motif is really nice because they match so many of my patterns. I think hand-made gifts are the best. I have large cross-stitched wall hangings that she made each of my children when they were born. I have numerous other knitted blankets that are put to frequent use. This year when Emma was so often in the hospital, I was so grateful to have them to bring a little something from home to keep family close when they were not allowed to visit.

Today, I have used these lovingly cross-stitched place mats with some of my other favorite things. The vintage red Morgantown golf ball iced-teas and the Spode Cranberry Traditions plates are so pretty on a spring table. (These were from eBay, as always, though the Spode Traditions were actually from the Replacements eBay site. These were sold as an auction and were actually cheaper through eBay than on the Replacements site. They have more!)

There are six different patterns in this particular set.

The majolica fruit sculpture matches the place mats and is also a special item. It was a gift from "Mrs. Margie," whom Emma mentioned in her last blog. I grew up across the street from Mrs. Margie, and we still visit even now.

I added my favorite red salad plates from Dillard's, my Dollar Tree soup bowls, and my Target ramekins with bright green apples. My family enjoyed this table for an early spring supper, complete with chicken and dumplings! The only thing missing was my Trudie!

-Andrea

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

If I can only be young at heart, that is good enough

When I was twelve, I was crazy about two things. One was the music of Ray Charles (I had just discovered him!) and the color combination of green and purple. I was so crazy about green and purple that my friends would look for things in those colors for me, even when they were on vacation!

Eventually, I found other colors that I loved and really forgot about green and purple – until now. I was trying to find something new to use with my Lenox “Solitaire” china, when I saw some purple glass plates that were on sale at Sur la Table. For some reason, the website would not let me purchase the plates and I, eventually, gave up.

A few days later, my sweet daughter found purple Pyrex “Festiva” glass plates at Big Lots and bought them for me. I thought they would look good with Solitaire, but what else could I use?

Another earlier Big Lots purchase had been some lavender place mats, so they went on the table.

I had purple goblets from Pier I.

Then, the great inspiration came! I discovered the most wonderful website, Saffron Marigold, and they had green and purple napkins! You must visit this online store. I have absolutely nothing to do with it, but they have the most marvelous linens. They are hand blocked in India and the cotton fabric is so incredibly soft. You really have to feel it to believe it. Anyway, I ordered the green and purple napkins and they certainly have rekindled my love of that lovely color combination.

A “Solitaire” dinner plate went on the lavender placemat…

Then, I added the purple “Festiva”. These plates are nine inches – perhaps, they are luncheon plates. I am not sure, but the swirl design is really pretty.

Next, I added a “Solitaire” salad plate as an under plate for the soup bowl. I needed something else green to go with the green and purple napkins, so I made a chilled green soup (Creamy and Cold Avocado Soup – recipe to follow). Perfect!

I used Barenthal flatware in an ivory color – a Tuesday Morning purchase.

I bought some yummy rolls at Fresh Market and put them on a "Solitaire" bread and butter plate. The butter spreader is from Steinmart.

The lovely cut glass butter dish was a gift from my mother-in-law.

For the centerpiece, I used a purple bowl that belongs to my daughter and simply placed a bird’s nest in it, in honor of spring – lots of green to go with the color scheme.

With dessert in mind, I added a sugar and creamer, a coffee pot and coffee cups to the table. All are part of my “Solitaire” collection.

Now, maybe I will get out those Ray Charles CDs and entertain my guests with “Hit the Road, Jack” or “Georgia on My Mind”. It is so much fun to feel twelve, again!!

Diane

Creamy and Cold Avocado Soup

2 medium ripe avocados, seeded and peeled

2 ½ cups cold water

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

1 (7.6 ounce) can of Nestle Media Crema (this is evaporated cream – usually found in the Hispanic cooking section of the grocery store)

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 cloves of garlic, quartered

4 teaspoons of granulated chicken flavored bouillon

Garnish with avocado or cilantro

Place avocados, water, 1 cup cilantro (optional), media crema, lime juice, garlic, and bouillon in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate one hour. Garnish and serve immediately.