Winterthur, Part 1

<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt0jqnYiXLFLz_R_8yzPLYmJu9wybGy2bH0AWPJRwB7QWdMyQeUcNj8KKfTvvPgoApFE5-_8sAeZDZC42qp8ho3wgNTHFID0mRjgZ2JFjOpZN1cJwyxLvirb0c_hmVHALj_H-cZO8ypA/s1600/DSC00239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt0jqnYiXLFLz_R_8yzPLYmJu9wybGy2bH0AWPJRwB7QWdMyQeUcNj8KKfTvvPgoApFE5-_8sAeZDZC42qp8ho3wgNTHFID0mRjgZ2JFjOpZN1cJwyxLvirb0c_hmVHALj_H-cZO8ypA/s640/DSC00239.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">O</span>ur extended family starts the <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Christmas</span> season every year by gathering together and going on an outing.  Each year we choose different places, events and activities to enjoy together. But they all have one thing in common- they must get us in the Christmas <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">SPIRIT</span>!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span>his year we went to "<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Yuletide At Winterthur</span>".  Winterthur was the country estate of Henry Francis DuPont, located near Willmington Delaware. DuPont was an avid collector of Americana <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">antiques</span> and a <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">horticulturist</span>. Now a museum, Winterthur is a delight to the eyes! It's massive mansion, naturally lanscaped grounds and world class museum give hours of <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">astonishement </span>and pleasure.  It had something for everyone in our large group!  If you live within driving distance of this magical place  you should visit- it will be a highlight of your Yuletide season!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">F</span>or our visit, Winterthur was dressed in it's <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">holiday</span> best. As a Christmas treat, I will be bringing you the beauty, inspiration and<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"> wonder</span> of Winterthur in several  December posts!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoz-OQhaaCGy3B5sdPuHPrLVz0zm8d6AcT9ykA9ZoL5V_rkKrt2kxqTzAuOffv4Hav-oD8AlsdUYW-j8rfVj7cy92aN8Fp6gBUKrDWwoPwOImtvjh-MdDI3UTlKqawCgp7tFrNtT_H-U/s1600/DSC00253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoz-OQhaaCGy3B5sdPuHPrLVz0zm8d6AcT9ykA9ZoL5V_rkKrt2kxqTzAuOffv4Hav-oD8AlsdUYW-j8rfVj7cy92aN8Fp6gBUKrDWwoPwOImtvjh-MdDI3UTlKqawCgp7tFrNtT_H-U/s640/DSC00253.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">W</span>interthur is filled with Christmas trees at every turn- <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">resplendent </span>in magnificant themes and dripping with <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">drama </span>and beauty!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">A</span>s we arrived at the Mansion we were greeted by<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"> festive</span> and friendly people as well as 2 <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">dazzling</span> </span>Christmas trees mirrored on either side of a huge window in the reception area.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">H</span>appy, gilded and <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">bright</span>, these trees stood in glass alcoves overlooking the bucolic grounds. Over-dressed and every inch <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">embellished</span>, they set the tone for the glorious surprised we were yet to see.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">I </span>was fasinated that the base of the tree was a <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">gift box</span>. Very creative. It set the mood for a gift-of-a-tree!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnrCPRhp4ZyfKAhdcCoIDwkpFmTPZEkmlHED8rRLOQUAf9dTOAyUcsTg77BeTOz7xCUtsBCaIb3dxlJiHI8GY8akauthux38U37Nq9ynYhljkOCBAmEwN7wTWYd9NunNAEa9uxi2f1AI/s1600/DSC00254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnrCPRhp4ZyfKAhdcCoIDwkpFmTPZEkmlHED8rRLOQUAf9dTOAyUcsTg77BeTOz7xCUtsBCaIb3dxlJiHI8GY8akauthux38U37Nq9ynYhljkOCBAmEwN7wTWYd9NunNAEa9uxi2f1AI/s640/DSC00254.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">B</span>oth trees were similar in color, and design, but the decorations were subtly different.<br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7s8Z__c9iuDIf6NDBPL67hY3dg8mHY7t3ti4BX7AmxIjLdWSzUOwBq-j6aImWaeHeZWHS8elihvvutMMGWbpSBQTCC1SrCbyGFSEVLe023pMGzgwUxqiAo8xr4nsPPRfQGhcX_hViBw/s1600/DSC00240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7s8Z__c9iuDIf6NDBPL67hY3dg8mHY7t3ti4BX7AmxIjLdWSzUOwBq-j6aImWaeHeZWHS8elihvvutMMGWbpSBQTCC1SrCbyGFSEVLe023pMGzgwUxqiAo8xr4nsPPRfQGhcX_hViBw/s640/DSC00240.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span>he tree on the right had more of a natural element, but full of <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">glitzy</span> leaves and<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> frills</span>!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM8hZUdo9ziHdkiGcQr7tDKkzdgo1rmSjacfArHF5WSKZ4rWqzlF1hiZ0s2eciQA5bLmys3WylI_himiT54QqbMqWtbKTrFoywUwsL0DtNh6Tiwjz86jYDe_DScs86hNCDSg5eVGWPf4/s1600/DSC00235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM8hZUdo9ziHdkiGcQr7tDKkzdgo1rmSjacfArHF5WSKZ4rWqzlF1hiZ0s2eciQA5bLmys3WylI_himiT54QqbMqWtbKTrFoywUwsL0DtNh6Tiwjz86jYDe_DScs86hNCDSg5eVGWPf4/s640/DSC00235.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSJ1Uml_hyphenhyphenkP79xcAsf6msEGiqPfabi0Hu2jd2kgiPCxgJTaAxnRo27kE4vUhF5O-nwCQju7FEUzrFkZ9yqxFVw8saSyUNIyzMXFsZCkJ-JJPxI3ZUL001SXdItXw8-8zNw4KNBm1OnE/s1600/DSC00249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSJ1Uml_hyphenhyphenkP79xcAsf6msEGiqPfabi0Hu2jd2kgiPCxgJTaAxnRo27kE4vUhF5O-nwCQju7FEUzrFkZ9yqxFVw8saSyUNIyzMXFsZCkJ-JJPxI3ZUL001SXdItXw8-8zNw4KNBm1OnE/s640/DSC00249.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">R</span>ed sparkling netting swathed the tree bringing an element of <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">drama</span> and rich color!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-hbBe62VqCzx3rSEoL8qfrDkMnpUikM6xLLr7E1sJGho6a11myQVpu5AUGY2obpbBJzGnSoIIDMyHV__7zaKzlR1047khCnBIAy7zlFuwmHBD4yCxwZsxUn-qCsJuaUseIl0zuXv3No/s1600/DSC00238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-hbBe62VqCzx3rSEoL8qfrDkMnpUikM6xLLr7E1sJGho6a11myQVpu5AUGY2obpbBJzGnSoIIDMyHV__7zaKzlR1047khCnBIAy7zlFuwmHBD4yCxwZsxUn-qCsJuaUseIl0zuXv3No/s640/DSC00238.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QYr4Ka2vNyydj2ZXhOS5jUwSUTPpTy7eJ9prYzj2belUBp4m7onapviN9hC1riqDAN3eren5-lrijNC9msyDRc31PSbIQDe7w-jEQkbNKD_cTHH-S60EkkyvBPkfMLhgcawhyTwAnI4/s1600/DSC00236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QYr4Ka2vNyydj2ZXhOS5jUwSUTPpTy7eJ9prYzj2belUBp4m7onapviN9hC1riqDAN3eren5-lrijNC9msyDRc31PSbIQDe7w-jEQkbNKD_cTHH-S60EkkyvBPkfMLhgcawhyTwAnI4/s640/DSC00236.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">A</span>n explosion of colorful Christmas balls gave shine and punch! And playing a supporting role, bunches of berries brought a bursts of color and that extra <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">pizzaz</span>! The berries and balls were also placed on the inner branches of the tree. This gave this evergreen depth and great<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"> richness</span>!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi036j22vAej3N2lcal7Iqd7mJcD_4Q2tZV5C52p3CwqGQWNLxsfDteG7rRJGFbRwydxoaUphtLsWzGghQ6-DD4EDvklV0uqz5p7ufAHfspx347vbxMMjZL-G9blvP6KrJO78E70MamExE/s1600/DSC00244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi036j22vAej3N2lcal7Iqd7mJcD_4Q2tZV5C52p3CwqGQWNLxsfDteG7rRJGFbRwydxoaUphtLsWzGghQ6-DD4EDvklV0uqz5p7ufAHfspx347vbxMMjZL-G9blvP6KrJO78E70MamExE/s640/DSC00244.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-TWbBBhhKwHJmovVGCLANVU8JgndP1F___L2d6Yk3OkXrkSyaD8VukMdFZaogGKQvAFwWb-1HZrqqrK-kr8zmUTRI5JzfOq6VpBEtGGZWZ7dNAWWZSjClL8uBbfnpg_wSA7Xn-GCIOA/s1600/DSC00255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-TWbBBhhKwHJmovVGCLANVU8JgndP1F___L2d6Yk3OkXrkSyaD8VukMdFZaogGKQvAFwWb-1HZrqqrK-kr8zmUTRI5JzfOq6VpBEtGGZWZ7dNAWWZSjClL8uBbfnpg_wSA7Xn-GCIOA/s640/DSC00255.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span>his is a case of "<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">more IS more</span>"! Many different leaves in color and texture and glitz! Beautiful!!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcw__YLw0VFNY280eDP-MNlBkEtK7dLWDhbZ1XF4NcTtt1dtziHizQdWKG1vswFAXTaUvq_pMA85Pc7kXKIj2b9Z2RWLaXkM45qn9FK3InQUeeufiXO9pL-sTbV3hD0zYVwREfKoX9-o/s1600/DSC00243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcw__YLw0VFNY280eDP-MNlBkEtK7dLWDhbZ1XF4NcTtt1dtziHizQdWKG1vswFAXTaUvq_pMA85Pc7kXKIj2b9Z2RWLaXkM45qn9FK3InQUeeufiXO9pL-sTbV3hD0zYVwREfKoX9-o/s640/DSC00243.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYvH9Mpa-eZntJIMfYMxpokJA_SAj_X3NDOaQeKcjRoCzkPPyC59q4u7U17uTjyAYmPqCMHxUI8LjqjI75LawcnWiEwOe0Mwq0JKV_ggVTTtt7r_UT1UQLCMbaRXL-0y1__VJDmv6pJw/s1600/DSC00248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYvH9Mpa-eZntJIMfYMxpokJA_SAj_X3NDOaQeKcjRoCzkPPyC59q4u7U17uTjyAYmPqCMHxUI8LjqjI75LawcnWiEwOe0Mwq0JKV_ggVTTtt7r_UT1UQLCMbaRXL-0y1__VJDmv6pJw/s640/DSC00248.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">A</span> fireworks effect of <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">berries</span> adorned the top of the tree.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkW_T99AXsUPelOFDNwnC463fVJEuC9mXXY6MgwREyctX0aSdB_kQGnjM17AE-XeP-RwAemF0BQJgeoMr9eOwd0h92yFWuyRjXUfKUb3ruXauw6MIvdwFWOi0E8xTpEo3NFZWU_pJ-UE/s1600/DSC00237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkW_T99AXsUPelOFDNwnC463fVJEuC9mXXY6MgwREyctX0aSdB_kQGnjM17AE-XeP-RwAemF0BQJgeoMr9eOwd0h92yFWuyRjXUfKUb3ruXauw6MIvdwFWOi0E8xTpEo3NFZWU_pJ-UE/s640/DSC00237.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span>he tree on the left side of the reception area carried the same colors and some of the same elements as it's sister tree on the right, but it was arrayed with glitter-laden <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">poinsettas,</span> golden holly and jeweled fruit.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrv6LRctOuCTmTuVcdnPHvjaotCoGW4FQP7tFSdJFBhu02vAtoHr5Z1it4zt0GKZfRQYkhwpdWlx3flwE6cOiL8JL-qjPOlPcTXHDz5uTGTRTDJ3ry9Fl_IfOcxA5m3C3g8dNPWoa_iU/s1600/DSC00241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrv6LRctOuCTmTuVcdnPHvjaotCoGW4FQP7tFSdJFBhu02vAtoHr5Z1it4zt0GKZfRQYkhwpdWlx3flwE6cOiL8JL-qjPOlPcTXHDz5uTGTRTDJ3ry9Fl_IfOcxA5m3C3g8dNPWoa_iU/s640/DSC00241.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span>his beauty was wrapped in a green <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">gossamer</span> ribbon. Christmas balls popped out of the tree on long picks for a very interesting and profuse look.  I am looking for these. They were beautiful on the tree!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N_Unqo31ysZIv902XkYVQZI-_UEbyyLsmBxGPl7t2ZnqpzZoAg2AwUuBrEClD22XB2FlVLOL4bEMzpg9HsCGacE4z_C8oS7yYr6Yzb-3ayxfprJxQ0GYUegqU2P1wCxt0rcZK9BXKjA/s1600/DSC00242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N_Unqo31ysZIv902XkYVQZI-_UEbyyLsmBxGPl7t2ZnqpzZoAg2AwUuBrEClD22XB2FlVLOL4bEMzpg9HsCGacE4z_C8oS7yYr6Yzb-3ayxfprJxQ0GYUegqU2P1wCxt0rcZK9BXKjA/s640/DSC00242.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZqXJqusIs6if7afGkRgKlVfDXxBR30KLBbbIr9rRRI_7lBn-Sgj1DCkzLjv0zX8ryB1yH-ZwQ9KKnVVSYP1Klaa6yRr2XSMQ-uEwAX-9ZF6zSWCfGaeDDjKFJgIc6K8lN5ETt1l_Kkc/s1600/DSC00247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZqXJqusIs6if7afGkRgKlVfDXxBR30KLBbbIr9rRRI_7lBn-Sgj1DCkzLjv0zX8ryB1yH-ZwQ9KKnVVSYP1Klaa6yRr2XSMQ-uEwAX-9ZF6zSWCfGaeDDjKFJgIc6K8lN5ETt1l_Kkc/s640/DSC00247.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">A </span>darling <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">pinecone</span> hung from a bough. Notice the Christmas ball behind it <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">echoing</span> the pinecone. The attention to this kind of detail makes the tree so interesting.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM0Xlfm6ZFGpFt4OOTy7qAJg_Mj8FZ_WWVlKFILEjUeuJ8HOMxHjkRIqV0r8i9zAE0nsVYns__wryJwWeSh8ypPU_YZBh65TyG1KaOQ30K8zkMYeNREaymGjtfnHWbmfpOce6EUHDPHU/s1600/DSC00245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM0Xlfm6ZFGpFt4OOTy7qAJg_Mj8FZ_WWVlKFILEjUeuJ8HOMxHjkRIqV0r8i9zAE0nsVYns__wryJwWeSh8ypPU_YZBh65TyG1KaOQ30K8zkMYeNREaymGjtfnHWbmfpOce6EUHDPHU/s640/DSC00245.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span>his tree, like the other had gilded leaves of every kind.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZe0NaEixHYQxOI1WQbqvSQYnGPdnsUcGc6jqogVXemnLUmjF18QQSZGZmZ8zT5b8AS2q9CPdsN-qlwPe2U0iPXwlgtPYBgQDdyL68sDakXiXivBGdaXbNKyAR7fQoJC17Uo9IFO_cITI/s1600/DSC00252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZe0NaEixHYQxOI1WQbqvSQYnGPdnsUcGc6jqogVXemnLUmjF18QQSZGZmZ8zT5b8AS2q9CPdsN-qlwPe2U0iPXwlgtPYBgQDdyL68sDakXiXivBGdaXbNKyAR7fQoJC17Uo9IFO_cITI/s640/DSC00252.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">A</span>rrayed in yuletide <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">splendor</span>, these trees not only gave great visual delight but I was also "gifted" with some great decorating tips:<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13;">*Many elements can be used, especially if you want a well embellished look, but the color palate must be kept simple.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #660000;">*Metalic and sparkle can be mixed for a very rich look</span><br /><span style="color: #274e13;">*Decorating a tree from the inner branches out gives depth and interest to your overall design.</span> <br /><span style="color: #660000;">*</span><span style="color: #660000;">Don't ignore the base or the top of the tree.  Have something interesting to look at so the eye travels the whole length of the tree.</span> <br /><span style="color: #274e13;">*</span><span style="color: #274e13;">Using wide ribbon as garland adds softness and color.</span> <br /><span style="color: #660000;">*</span><span style="color: #660000;">Repeat, repeat, repeat elements for a cohesive look.</span> <br /><span style="color: #274e13;">*</span><span style="color: #274e13;">Sometimes less IS NOT more!</span> <br /><span style="color: #660000;">*</span><span style="color: #660000;">Think outside the ornament box.  Use greens, and picks of berries.  Find interesting things to nestle in the tree. </span> <br /><span style="color: #274e13;">*</span><span style="color: #274e13;">Get inspired, look for ideas to use as a springboard to create looks you love.</span> <br /><span style="color: #660000;">*Don't</span><span style="color: #660000;"> overtink it.  If you love it, then it's right!</span> <br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">I</span> will be sharing several more trees (and more decorating tips) from <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Winterthur</span> along with my own tree that has been <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">inspired</span> <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">by</span></span><span style="color: black;"> </span>these beauties! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Winterthur, Part 1

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! O ur extended family starts the Christmas season every year by gathering together and going on an outing.  Each year we...

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Menu Nov 30- Dec 4, 2009

<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Menu Nov 30- Dec 4, 2009</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc_JmLeihYQdMmaH2F6nLQNeKzPzjOh7ZM-4VaaLiCiE5S7tEXqFwDV9UGHNRjqAMJJ-r1_QxiLElLYEIzSN-6iL91E8NhZqSRSgXJmHQjcSP9gp_6JeiArTZXGmalcw7MEI306PR928/s1600/Menu+11-30-12-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc_JmLeihYQdMmaH2F6nLQNeKzPzjOh7ZM-4VaaLiCiE5S7tEXqFwDV9UGHNRjqAMJJ-r1_QxiLElLYEIzSN-6iL91E8NhZqSRSgXJmHQjcSP9gp_6JeiArTZXGmalcw7MEI306PR928/s640/Menu+11-30-12-4.png" yr="true" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">T</span>he Thanksgiving leftovers are gone- we ate some and I sent most of them home with family.  I am in the "transition" mode. Taking down Fall decorations and donning the house for <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Christmas</span>.  I am not good at decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving.  I call that "<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">cross-holidation</span>".  I guess it is because I usually host Thanksgiving and I want to give this beautiful and special holiday its due!</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">I </span>am also getting ready for a <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Cookie Exchange</span>- well... actually 2. One at the Church where I am speaking and one at my home on Sunday! And as it would happen, I am having 5 rugs cleaned on Monday, speaking on Tuesday and the tree I just put up is having a lighting <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">problem</span>! I just baked 9 dozen <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">gingerbread men</span> ( my house smells like Christmas!) and they are covering every surface in my kitchen! I haven't nailed down my "lite fare" menu for Sunday's Cookie Exchange.  I am going to be visiting many blogs to get <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">ideas</span>!  I have about another 100 things on my plate, not complaining, so this week will be busy and productive. No time to cook a large roast or make a plum pudding... who would do that, anyway?<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">T</span>he menu this week is quick and easy! I will make extra soup and crab cakes to freeze for another dinner.  Have a great week!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Monday:</span><br /></div><span style="color: #38761d;">Mixed Greens with toasted Hazlenuts, Apple and Pomagranate Seeds in a Citrus Dressing</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Leftover Potato Pancakes</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Recipe: Crab Cakes</span><br />1 lb lump crab meat<br />2 slices of fresh white bread, torn in pieces<br />2 TBS mayonaise<br />1 tsp mustard<br />2 tsp lemon juice<br />1 tsp worchestershire sauce<br />3 TBS melted butter<br />1  tsp dried parsley<br />1 egg, beaten<br /><br />Put crab meat in a bowl and pick over for any shell or cartlidge.  Add torn bread and toss. Add the rest of the ingredients and incorporate, being careful not to break up crab meat. Form into 5 large cakes.<br /><br />Heat large oven proof skillet over medium high heat.  Add 1-2 TBS cooking oil, let heat.  Cook crab cakes in skillet for 5 minutes each side until golden brown.  Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10 minutes.<br />Serve with tartar sauce. This is a delicious recipe!!!!!  I am requested to make this all the time.<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Recipe: Tartar Sauce</span><br />1/2 cup mayonaise<br />Juice of 1/2  lemon<br />1/2 tsp cream of tartar<br />3 TBS rellish<br />1/2 tsp grated onion (optional, I don't always use onion)<br /><br />Combine all ingredients and serve with Crab Cakes.  Refrigerate leftover tartar sauce.<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Tuesday:</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Panzanella Salad</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Chicken Picata With Spaghetti</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Recipe: Chicken Picata</span><br />4 Split Chicken Breasts. boneless and skinless<br />1/2 cup flour<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/4 tsp pepper<br />5 TBS butter<br />5TBS olive oil<br />1 cup good white wine <br />Juice of 3 lemons<br />1/4 cup brined capers<br />3 TBS parsley<br /><br />Pound chicken breast very thin between plastic wrap.  In a shallow dish add flour and salt and pepper. mix well.  Dredge chicken in flour.<br /><br />In a large skillet, heat 3 TBS butter and 3TBS olive oil.  When hot add 2 chicken breasts and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.  Turn and brown other side about 3 minutes.  When cooked transfer to a plate and keep warm.<br /><br />Add  1TBS butter and olive oil and cook the rest of the chicken.  Transfer to plate.<br /><br />Turn off heat. Add lemon juice, wine and capers to the pan. Turn on heat to medium and scrape brown bits.  When liquid starts to simmer add chicken back to pan and cook gently for  about 5 minutes.  Add last TBS butter to pan and melt. Add parsley.  Serve over thin spaghetti.<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Slow Cooker Meal</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Southwest Wedge Salad</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Beef Enchillada Casserole</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Refried Beans</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole</span><br />1 1/2 lbs ground beef<br />taco seasoning packet<br />8 large tortillas<br />1 large jar salsa<br />2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br /><br />Brown ground beef in a skillet and follow directions on taco packet to make taco beef.<br /><br />Put 2 tortillas in the bottom of a slow cooker.  Spread 1/3 ground beef mixture over tortilla. Add 1/3 jar of salsa over beef, and then 1/3 cheese over salsa.  Tear 3 tortillas into strips and put over cheese.  Using the next 1/3 of the above ingredients, start with the beef, add the salsa and then cheese.  Repeat.<br /><br />Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve with refried bean.<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Thursday:</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Oven Roasted Garlic Pork Tenderloin</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Baked Potato</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Roasted Aspargus with Shaved Cheddar Cheese</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Recipe: Oven Roasted Garlic Pork Tenderloin<br /></span>2 pork tenderloins<br />6 cloves garlic<br />2 TBS olive oil<br />1 1/2 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp pepper<br /><br />Dry off tenderloins with paper towl. Put tenderloins in a roasting pan.<br />Press garlic over tenderloins.  Add oil, salt and pepper and rub tenderloins.  Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in refrigerator 2 hours or as long as overnight.<br /><br />Take tenderloin out of refrigerator and let come to room temp for about 30 minutes.<br />Heat oven 450 degrees.  Remove plastic wrap and put tenderloin in oven. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for 10 minutes.  Cut on a slight diagonal.<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Friday:</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Salmon Pinwheels with Lobster Stuffing (from Seafood dept. at grocer's)</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Sauteed Rice</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Spinach with Garlic Oil</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Recipe: Sauteed Rice</span><br />This is my grandmother's recipe- a real family favorite.  She said "sot-eeeeed" rice.<br />1 cup long grained rice<br />2 cups chicken stock<br />1 onion, peeled and diced<br />1 stalk of celery, diced<br />3 TBS veggie oil<br />3 TBS fresh parsley<br /><br />In a large skillet, add 1 TBS oil and heat over meduim heat.  Add onions and celery and cook until soft and transulucent.  Add 2 TBS oil and rice.  Sautee rice for 5 minutes.  Add chicken stock and cover.  Cook until  rice is done, aprox. 20 minutes.  <br />Chop parsley and add to rice before serving.<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Saturday:</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Easy Shrimp and Crab Bisque ( from Debbie Rineer, thanks Deb!)</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Parmesan Bread Sticks</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Recipe: Easy Shrimp and Crab Bisque</span><br /><br />1 can cream of celery soup<br />1 can cream of potato soup<br />1 can cream of broccoli soup<br />1 can cream of mushroom soup<br />1 stick butter<br />1 1/4 TBS. Old Bay seasoning<br />1 pint heavy cream<br />1 lb broken shrimp (peeled, cleaned and broken in bits)<br />8 oz. crab meat<br />Combine above and heat thoroughly. Pour in bowls. If desired add a dash of sherry or madeira wine.<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Sunday: Soup Day</span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Cookie Exchange: Menu in Progress- </span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d;">Check back later for complete menu</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span><br />I am participating in Menu Plan Monday, at Organize Junkie<br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" mce_href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img mce_src="http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/Orgjunkie/smallbutton.jpg " src="http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/Orgjunkie/smallbutton.jpg" /></a>

Menu Nov 30- Dec 4, 2009

Menu Nov 30- Dec 4, 2009 T he Thanksgiving leftovers are gone- we ate some and I sent most of them home with family.  I am in the "tran...

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Sunday Scripture

<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Sunday Scripture: November 29, 2009</span><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">1st Week Of Advent:</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIDMFoglRpqrh-L_XlopvUGFBPiNqHU4kSLGcrYgY8Aqyhu1dnOGIkrmpnidCaJFM3scAQY-sylDn-lLvwRngJ5wV2KnO_3Jb8G3n816PzfYAyp_PUkZHMC3ZPbxrZU2RQTIb16KP95g/s1600/DSC05774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIDMFoglRpqrh-L_XlopvUGFBPiNqHU4kSLGcrYgY8Aqyhu1dnOGIkrmpnidCaJFM3scAQY-sylDn-lLvwRngJ5wV2KnO_3Jb8G3n816PzfYAyp_PUkZHMC3ZPbxrZU2RQTIb16KP95g/s640/DSC05774.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Israel</em><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">A</span>nd in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the field, and keeping watch over their flocks by night.<br />And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly afraid.<br />And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people;<br />For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.<br />And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.<br />And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,<br />Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom His favor rests.<br />                                                                                                         <span style="font-size: x-small;">Luke 2:8-14</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguBfwKc3n1psfpIQu47hqMRLdZidGtHMJzaelupyVnF-Q2C36wg4FDkvTxb6ih7JUkFGNam6gGPUhGLAeXpr79FNq3J1819yqbjADp3jkYVRCgW0e-stTKXHT8ZI2UNMWYgnnrPKsNFI/s1600/DSC05796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguBfwKc3n1psfpIQu47hqMRLdZidGtHMJzaelupyVnF-Q2C36wg4FDkvTxb6ih7JUkFGNam6gGPUhGLAeXpr79FNq3J1819yqbjADp3jkYVRCgW0e-stTKXHT8ZI2UNMWYgnnrPKsNFI/s640/DSC05796.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Shepherd's Field, Bethlehem Israel</em><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKe5C2n4JGqeOcp5SZ0Q6Bv97oeLVuPXNzC5QEd6VILE7cf52wTW-PE2A_gnUto121OTJNbgknK15IqXSYFXU0YABUco-G8N4N06_-AEpHu1ruhBPXfKq6Ih_0r6dDnxDVPm6WZe5j6E/s1600/DSC05772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKe5C2n4JGqeOcp5SZ0Q6Bv97oeLVuPXNzC5QEd6VILE7cf52wTW-PE2A_gnUto121OTJNbgknK15IqXSYFXU0YABUco-G8N4N06_-AEpHu1ruhBPXfKq6Ih_0r6dDnxDVPm6WZe5j6E/s640/DSC05772.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shepherd's Field, Bethlehem Israel<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipi1O0huXZaroLo8dsUXMRXsWqwMn6sjo5t6rA1tFzz9P8DgHA8eA7i21HfeTuqXLFFtv6Hho0tV3Pn1Uuhu9jPeHz1dHIfZnQMvcoLU-f3c0YRtoebY-AALDlcHBm89ymDNhuYnctp4/s1600/DSC05787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipi1O0huXZaroLo8dsUXMRXsWqwMn6sjo5t6rA1tFzz9P8DgHA8eA7i21HfeTuqXLFFtv6Hho0tV3Pn1Uuhu9jPeHz1dHIfZnQMvcoLU-f3c0YRtoebY-AALDlcHBm89ymDNhuYnctp4/s640/DSC05787.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Israel</em><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Sunday Scripture

Sunday Scripture: November 29, 2009 1st Week Of Advent: Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Israel A nd in the same region there were some she...

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Happy Thanksgiving!

<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">A Thanksgiving Blessing-</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrQ4iXVmqEUmkUKcjwGmtAK9nMTTyavaBgH09e88zKmaFySFEPh7bbE-iigbEJLHdTRvZLV_7ORF43PSz3i0tH7hBoPL72rgdyv8BAscWGU5lF7mk47fMNlz7YzOylbGb7UciaAcmVCc/s1600/DSC09277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrQ4iXVmqEUmkUKcjwGmtAK9nMTTyavaBgH09e88zKmaFySFEPh7bbE-iigbEJLHdTRvZLV_7ORF43PSz3i0tH7hBoPL72rgdyv8BAscWGU5lF7mk47fMNlz7YzOylbGb7UciaAcmVCc/s640/DSC09277.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">I</span> come into my study in the early morning hour while it is still dark, and sit down with my Bible to read and give thanks on this day of Thanksgiving- I am deeply aware of the blessings I have and I am filled with joy and gratitude! The upstairs bedrooms are full this early morning- full of my children and family held so dear, still sweetly asleep.<br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">N</span>o big show-and-tell table this day. Just a quiet picture to paint my feeling of peace before everyone else in the house gets up. ( I will post complete table in January)  I love this time... just me and God. Talking and listening and breathing in His presence!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAuhAQsrXR7Yc5Iuwv0IJkYi5Qr4ZxExF6_pjTXBo3ofP2j_ydMRg4iH74-qDww6j-XxM9AloyGSeAtZZ8VHmTOeXnM0qOMRyYV-4RFyAcZxe8RXf87ibmlnoX2SExjRZaNI1SqDoQ14/s1600/DSC09340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAuhAQsrXR7Yc5Iuwv0IJkYi5Qr4ZxExF6_pjTXBo3ofP2j_ydMRg4iH74-qDww6j-XxM9AloyGSeAtZZ8VHmTOeXnM0qOMRyYV-4RFyAcZxe8RXf87ibmlnoX2SExjRZaNI1SqDoQ14/s640/DSC09340.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">A Psalm for Thanksgiving</span><br /><em>Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.</em><br /><em>Serve the Lord with gladness;</em><br /><em>Come before Him with joyful singing,</em><br /><em>Know that the Lord Himself is God;</em><br /><em>It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;</em><br /><em>We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.</em><br /><br /><em>Enter His gates with thanksgiving,</em><br /><em>And His courts with praise.</em><br /><em>Give thanks to Him; bless His name. </em><br /><em>For the Lord is good;</em><br /><em>His lovingkindness is everlasting,</em><br /><em>And His faithfulness to all generations.</em><br /><em>                                                               Psalm 100</em><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKbY0noMh7EFRFzIB2w4Y0noM4ok92dp_FjnTHxsHqFUqL0ovOL_9PvbrP8gWFVn9_iWsNSC6e-7qCCTs3hPPHsbBBnaF0qXHIUKsF24MlYzxk-cEwfAj8XiymZg7RiVL_ZCZvSclPW0/s1600/DSC09283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKbY0noMh7EFRFzIB2w4Y0noM4ok92dp_FjnTHxsHqFUqL0ovOL_9PvbrP8gWFVn9_iWsNSC6e-7qCCTs3hPPHsbBBnaF0qXHIUKsF24MlYzxk-cEwfAj8XiymZg7RiVL_ZCZvSclPW0/s640/DSC09283.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">M</span>ay you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and may God richly your lives!<br /><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />With much affection,<br />Yvonne<br /><br />I am participating in Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Thanksgiving Blessing- I come into my study in the early morning hour while it is still dark, and sit down with my Bible to read and give...

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Slow Cooker Estofado- Spanish Beef Stew

<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Estofado- A Spanish Beef Stew</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSX4h1BfF5A78MLw_dtf1KWnW9YwjyAnxz_XBkms2OwI115gb2-pRFsjXiPbwWp413g2L_xXRqDvFGRmGssYspKKUhsuuEW7cgLk8_XXOt-aa2tyn-Olx6QwAQmbTHpgjXcJuGtdEpKs/s1600/DSC00186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSX4h1BfF5A78MLw_dtf1KWnW9YwjyAnxz_XBkms2OwI115gb2-pRFsjXiPbwWp413g2L_xXRqDvFGRmGssYspKKUhsuuEW7cgLk8_XXOt-aa2tyn-Olx6QwAQmbTHpgjXcJuGtdEpKs/s640/DSC00186.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">T</span>his was a new recipe for me. This recipe is from " <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook</span>"... and it's not! I modified it a little and doubled the recipe.  It is delicious and has a great depth of flavor.<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Recipe:</span><br />2 lbs beef stew meat cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks<br />Salt and pepper to taste<br />1/4 cup flour<br />1 tsp paprika<br />3 TBS vegetable oil<br />1 lg. yellow onion. peeled, diced<br />2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced<br />1 cup salsa ( use what is in your referigerator or pantry)<br />1/2 cup chili sauce<br />2 TBS. good red wine vinegar<br />1/4 cup water<br />1/3-1/2 cup dry red wine.<br /><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">M</span>ix flour, salt, pepper and paprika and dredge beef.<br />In a large skillet over med high heat, coat  with 1 1/2 TBS oil. When very <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">hot </span>add onions and cook ,stirring until sweated and soft. Add <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">garlic</span> for the last 2 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.  Add the rest of the oil and heat until hot, add beef and brown on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker. Add <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">salsa</span>, chili sauce, vinegar and water to <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">slow cooker</span>. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTq4f4cDCFGGNyj9B3poxiISg5AziXRA9HgtBxetfZQwmogRnJRGDqd709j4ALcGdKnatwG_5u5r0S3TwuMnyX4vvQHuWOVHZlHkq24gzPJYOdXQDN9aJC4t5i6hSVWbSc6EkErDAkVI/s1600/DSC00175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTq4f4cDCFGGNyj9B3poxiISg5AziXRA9HgtBxetfZQwmogRnJRGDqd709j4ALcGdKnatwG_5u5r0S3TwuMnyX4vvQHuWOVHZlHkq24gzPJYOdXQDN9aJC4t5i6hSVWbSc6EkErDAkVI/s640/DSC00175.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">P</span>our wine in skillet and heat over medium flame. Stir and <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">scrap</span> pan of brown bits. Reduce heat and let <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">wine </span>reduce just a bit. Pour in slow cooker. Stir ingredients .<br /><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">C</span>over and cook on low for 6-8 hours. ( In my slow cooker, Estofado was done in 5 1/2 hours)<br /><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">I </span>served this over rice, and had <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">cheddar biscuits</span> on the side.  Roasted broccoli in garlic oil rounded out this dinner.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV23u9Q-9biVwK424DLm7DvTd4v2suiYIyMP0PLR9PHDrggm4aH1cf6mgxWhFJTMR7VCs5y_xEE3TzBqXf6DHbVc0BRzjTrywanM8MvafPVAv_vuK3SI4MKupRvPTvvEIcYX_R2GXeEs/s1600/DSC00185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV23u9Q-9biVwK424DLm7DvTd4v2suiYIyMP0PLR9PHDrggm4aH1cf6mgxWhFJTMR7VCs5y_xEE3TzBqXf6DHbVc0BRzjTrywanM8MvafPVAv_vuK3SI4MKupRvPTvvEIcYX_R2GXeEs/s640/DSC00185.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">E</span>stofado got a muy bien and 4 thumbs up!<br /><br /><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span><br /><br />I am joing Debbie @ Dinning With Debbie for Crock Pot Wednesday.  Great recipes!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx199/darnold23/crockpot7-1.jpg" t="crockpot7-1.jpg" target="_blank" /><img /></a>

Slow Cooker Estofado- Spanish Beef Stew

Estofado- A Spanish Beef Stew T his was a new recipe for me. This recipe is from " Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook "......

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Hydrangeas In Rustic Urn- Tutorial

<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">Thanksgiving Centerpiece Tutorial:<span style="font-size: small;">Taking natural elements and turning them into a centerpiece.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYisXb31WfW1yIUv6Q9Z3UhlRJQyFVoz8tdgjKyWcP320Az4IT0mzCtrAIXzrpqnDpjlJUw7CB6Tn3tzOMwEts1JSg2q9eENn9lc7OfiwE3SOED6g477i2oCXZMFhcfGohSbFAHKkKuk/s1600/DSC00182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYisXb31WfW1yIUv6Q9Z3UhlRJQyFVoz8tdgjKyWcP320Az4IT0mzCtrAIXzrpqnDpjlJUw7CB6Tn3tzOMwEts1JSg2q9eENn9lc7OfiwE3SOED6g477i2oCXZMFhcfGohSbFAHKkKuk/s640/DSC00182.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9mYWt2qQE7v_ayi7lNP9VYtSoo_9KOyQmNeWkxkvFNcomYl0HOzBddGCq_4TDSoMHA65XFyQQ5jkTjlKo2jeyXbY72xU4qrxsH3kCBOQp6tbK1_p3CSkMQViMjtuaSseri3TR1d7B1w/s1600/DSC00180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9mYWt2qQE7v_ayi7lNP9VYtSoo_9KOyQmNeWkxkvFNcomYl0HOzBddGCq_4TDSoMHA65XFyQQ5jkTjlKo2jeyXbY72xU4qrxsH3kCBOQp6tbK1_p3CSkMQViMjtuaSseri3TR1d7B1w/s640/DSC00180.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">I</span> see things all around me that inspire and <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">delight</span> me. Beautiful things! And many of the blogs I visit are like big <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">picture</span> books filled with creative ideas and helpful instructions. <br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">I</span> recently saw a <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">breathtakingly</span> lovely urn at Artie's blog, Color Outside The Lines.  Bold, yet delicate, hydrangeas accented with pheasant feathers spilling over a <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">creamy</span> urn . It was magnificant!  I knew right away that I would try to make something similar for my Thanksgiving table. Thanks Artie, you blog and ideas are truely <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">inspirational</span>! <br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">I </span>hope this tutorial inspires you too! <br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">Thanksgiving Urn Centerpiece:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">A</span>quire<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> urn</span>. I bought mine, but you could use an old flowerpot, basket, bowl on a pedestal or even a big painted jar. This was an investment piece for me.  I am putting the arrangement in my daughter's and son-in-laws guest room when it is done on the table. I did not spend anything on the <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">natural </span>elements. Just got them from my yard.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpfTr-9OsDIncUiM2F3niUYliA-VD4hexDYkQkAdNE4YZGZulwvP8evlo8ZtMvNYxCxIoauO8tFjXf-2egD7OyHeQLRgkDoNtRLIey7GKNEO3yG8q8MLFdb9t8G3AnK6_4KDZrL6VfNI/s1600/DSC00011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpfTr-9OsDIncUiM2F3niUYliA-VD4hexDYkQkAdNE4YZGZulwvP8evlo8ZtMvNYxCxIoauO8tFjXf-2egD7OyHeQLRgkDoNtRLIey7GKNEO3yG8q8MLFdb9t8G3AnK6_4KDZrL6VfNI/s640/DSC00011.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxTXXztUfT_MMHLhqAiAl-IEuSMVTy4YakZlNXD1ExIUof6RFYf68KBo1bPYh7XFjyWpJMxBXhhEY6BHvo0uz7w0_kv-n-GlI4MAa1aqaUG-0Zp28LduksgZ4lY7gZPEQGOqKBTV2xQk/s1600/DSC00012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxTXXztUfT_MMHLhqAiAl-IEuSMVTy4YakZlNXD1ExIUof6RFYf68KBo1bPYh7XFjyWpJMxBXhhEY6BHvo0uz7w0_kv-n-GlI4MAa1aqaUG-0Zp28LduksgZ4lY7gZPEQGOqKBTV2xQk/s640/DSC00012.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">G</span>ather supplies:<br />Dustbuster (great tool, to keep from having a disaster of a mess, clean up as you go)<br />Turntable (to put urn on, so you can easily turn it when decorating, see urn picure above)<br />Dried hydrangeas<br />Twigs<br />Styrofoam block to fit urn<br />Florist's tape<br />Feathers<br />Florist's picks<br />Ornaments<br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">I</span> got some of my <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">hydrangeas</span> from the bushes around my home, and got some from friends bushes (thanks friends!)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxryW4mjtaCMXi51DXKwgXn_Yb-jWPQdt7-qaVfPJoECJkrkTrSalT3yhX-Bhq7qrRhEmhBOhqoNTm75QuJaEJ8sJc8-lRbnXXlDERXppnnW9fh2ilFpA6V43NFpKltfHX9W_YnOGiZ2M/s1600/DSC00001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxryW4mjtaCMXi51DXKwgXn_Yb-jWPQdt7-qaVfPJoECJkrkTrSalT3yhX-Bhq7qrRhEmhBOhqoNTm75QuJaEJ8sJc8-lRbnXXlDERXppnnW9fh2ilFpA6V43NFpKltfHX9W_YnOGiZ2M/s640/DSC00001.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">R</span>emove all leaves from hydrangeas. This is where my <span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">dustbuster </span>comes in so very handy!  I get discouraged doing a project that leaves an atomic-bomb-of-a-mess and takes longer to clean up than to actually do the project!  And this tends to be a <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">messy</span> project.  Take a couple of seconds, to dustbust your mess, and go on.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUK-kmi2vw7XDxEmKevJcP4llE6MBzG1ZvJTeb9C9P_bxWJdHVMZAoPCAd6b2A6Fq6nVjZjUz-FX6gV85-mPGJIs3T2Vp3IzLUcFM3mVfimLpUVJBDloU-C_fBBwYhpGQp4A7_dOV25k/s1600/DSC00006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUK-kmi2vw7XDxEmKevJcP4llE6MBzG1ZvJTeb9C9P_bxWJdHVMZAoPCAd6b2A6Fq6nVjZjUz-FX6gV85-mPGJIs3T2Vp3IzLUcFM3mVfimLpUVJBDloU-C_fBBwYhpGQp4A7_dOV25k/s640/DSC00006.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">C</span>ollect long willowy <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">twigs</span>. I used Weeping Cherry branches.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK-EODhhYxvVqcjqiaEVMHzL9zaTXudIuIgDlElsrZcJtrRTw5eIcosRyr2RPhTRl77eE7WgOjVeHIOczto5FyvgXsrAlwL3qtWZd6cJ8deUIOdSHk3s31D7Xp-XBH32YXfnLM0wCuHo/s1600/DSC00008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK-EODhhYxvVqcjqiaEVMHzL9zaTXudIuIgDlElsrZcJtrRTw5eIcosRyr2RPhTRl77eE7WgOjVeHIOczto5FyvgXsrAlwL3qtWZd6cJ8deUIOdSHk3s31D7Xp-XBH32YXfnLM0wCuHo/s640/DSC00008.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">S</span>trip the branches of leaves. Again, use your dustbuster! Not only on your work surface, but on the foor. You will be glad you did!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzX_PMZd8-6RnzjnG-d_9or0hhPUCJZdVS2-yMM8dLMOIpnFecaDOWkRfKuWnFON9iuTmiyS4wRx1Ea9YGkR-dJ00ouGzQsbyhTKY2xjPqWN_ENahDdPjDtjinEEz6AHb-HXdThnud05E/s1600/DSC00010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzX_PMZd8-6RnzjnG-d_9or0hhPUCJZdVS2-yMM8dLMOIpnFecaDOWkRfKuWnFON9iuTmiyS4wRx1Ea9YGkR-dJ00ouGzQsbyhTKY2xjPqWN_ENahDdPjDtjinEEz6AHb-HXdThnud05E/s640/DSC00010.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">T</span>o anchor the arrangement in the urn I cut a piece of styrofoam block to fit inside the urn and used sticky, shiny florist tape to anchor the strofoam.  I have had many a sloppy and floppy arrangement because I did not do this step! <span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Live and learn.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-hUP4HN8Z8XeRAsaIx4QUrPoxGZYFyOPSD7uSyOCdhjkqnUM2HzCljna8Dfv8lM7NhAxvdfW7YByRzZu7X8ZPNaub76iYqv2ca2HUuGI6daknfwMM_BJphGQslK8z0pESD53LZyouxQ/s1600/DSC00013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-hUP4HN8Z8XeRAsaIx4QUrPoxGZYFyOPSD7uSyOCdhjkqnUM2HzCljna8Dfv8lM7NhAxvdfW7YByRzZu7X8ZPNaub76iYqv2ca2HUuGI6daknfwMM_BJphGQslK8z0pESD53LZyouxQ/s640/DSC00013.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGb15i8SIAZTxQoWdHoV-MLRFqB8tgW0I7KsiwlfOQxi1ZWSd9xyK1qI6XGl4VzXO9exgm4Wpr-qqo8y5KqLbHjeKyDrzJ5ZPSZflXz7iUHCAfLfMLfJHIrjQrOTe2h3Hlfj4yQZ7w2_s/s1600/DSC00014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGb15i8SIAZTxQoWdHoV-MLRFqB8tgW0I7KsiwlfOQxi1ZWSd9xyK1qI6XGl4VzXO9exgm4Wpr-qqo8y5KqLbHjeKyDrzJ5ZPSZflXz7iUHCAfLfMLfJHIrjQrOTe2h3Hlfj4yQZ7w2_s/s640/DSC00014.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">I</span>t is important to know how high, wide and deep you can make your centerpiece. I was going to put the urn in the middle of the table. The bottom of my <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">chandelier</span> is 32 inches from my table, so I decided that my centerpiece could be no more than 29" high. (See info about arrangement height at bottom of tutorial)<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The width did not matter for this centerpiece, and the depth should be no more than 22" to accommodate<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the place settings on the table.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">I </span>began by placing the twigs in the urn to give me perameters to work in.  I measured and cut a<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"> twig</span> to fit in the center of the urn that was 29" high. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj0sEHDzohtuchdH8M8QlA5Dasr7IiS_nZMURxHjF0zdnKytb8HYoyOJHL3MN4zwXGyuBEpYmsl2rvHXt1w65YKjnOSfa-ajvvcKmdSPTc5SIFwAFK8-Ddbup-tVYwfHDJKSmkNJdmOM/s1600/DSC00015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj0sEHDzohtuchdH8M8QlA5Dasr7IiS_nZMURxHjF0zdnKytb8HYoyOJHL3MN4zwXGyuBEpYmsl2rvHXt1w65YKjnOSfa-ajvvcKmdSPTc5SIFwAFK8-Ddbup-tVYwfHDJKSmkNJdmOM/s640/DSC00015.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPiWcWM3Vu4nxFlljoNf-7ciWnZS5Vc80lSzFBDADAwRxSJieWaj9sCrbvOfVlaK9_0D0HqyeudH8JwsjCE0xNHpoCtouRxesbJ5lZsqf-uNqhwmgdhcbPAXVdYce4Oz_ekqInrjHLes/s1600/DSC00016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPiWcWM3Vu4nxFlljoNf-7ciWnZS5Vc80lSzFBDADAwRxSJieWaj9sCrbvOfVlaK9_0D0HqyeudH8JwsjCE0xNHpoCtouRxesbJ5lZsqf-uNqhwmgdhcbPAXVdYce4Oz_ekqInrjHLes/s640/DSC00016.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">N</span>ow it is time to add the twigs to give a limit to your width and depth.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc4kkhdelUG4DC-bUu_anftTTjiBAksZoue_p5biYYEm8h-4Va5A4ootLXf0vbGG4Hh573z6bxuU4VxX7qhmXqdfFxnJZ2n6FYp28dp7jXGpfcjK-l6FyFM77F-_MfusJHfrxI0WBt7U/s1600/DSC00018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc4kkhdelUG4DC-bUu_anftTTjiBAksZoue_p5biYYEm8h-4Va5A4ootLXf0vbGG4Hh573z6bxuU4VxX7qhmXqdfFxnJZ2n6FYp28dp7jXGpfcjK-l6FyFM77F-_MfusJHfrxI0WBt7U/s640/DSC00018.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter all the twigs have been stuck in the urn, and have been checked to make sure of <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">spacing</span> and length, begin adding hydrangeas.  This is where you have to <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">play</span> a bit. I begin by placing the hydrangeas to form almost an outline of the fullness I want and then fill it in.  Continue to turn the urn and remember to sweep up the mess with your dustbuster!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlvUSds7oFGEV6eVMefCmUb3ZeDi_OqswvCybMbFWj0PIBffeMdFiHuUbFJXyaaRcPKt-Z0SJqERivLr8Lp_4VyyE5q1ifmYHI-iHH1fc5Eh56FAoM1YNlOMbsVqv_7jzk3rwOhsXLWU/s1600/DSC00020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlvUSds7oFGEV6eVMefCmUb3ZeDi_OqswvCybMbFWj0PIBffeMdFiHuUbFJXyaaRcPKt-Z0SJqERivLr8Lp_4VyyE5q1ifmYHI-iHH1fc5Eh56FAoM1YNlOMbsVqv_7jzk3rwOhsXLWU/s640/DSC00020.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">K</span>eep working until the arrangement has the <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">fullness</span> </span>and look you want from all sides. It is worth the extra work and <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">attention</span> to detail here.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SJK7NVgBJ0Vsu5qQPvLgSA0GfIyzXkokX92krwTtegtIZ-cpfUh_AcwW7NSM7cPhuEZ2Ep3EgzHtRzu2p-QlcREm9FQl4C4GLwco2BR36KB3j5GbIkE-mZWms8tmbZuF-PPly6LXCPM/s1600/DSC00023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SJK7NVgBJ0Vsu5qQPvLgSA0GfIyzXkokX92krwTtegtIZ-cpfUh_AcwW7NSM7cPhuEZ2Ep3EgzHtRzu2p-QlcREm9FQl4C4GLwco2BR36KB3j5GbIkE-mZWms8tmbZuF-PPly6LXCPM/s640/DSC00023.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">A</span>fter arranging the hydrangeas, add <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">feathers</span>. I put them on picks so they would be easily go into the styrofoam.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZBmdZK2jnE2wBCCQRXQ-VHPdW_iGfU0Q4KTVxy8wrDaz7xml0f3OsyRjemERhSu7HdoK9IoBswVO4XLYg65uIMSdljfYI3TrWG95zKzFESnKrK2p_hkNMs0kVu8pqm10NRAZITJVay8/s1600/DSC00030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZBmdZK2jnE2wBCCQRXQ-VHPdW_iGfU0Q4KTVxy8wrDaz7xml0f3OsyRjemERhSu7HdoK9IoBswVO4XLYg65uIMSdljfYI3TrWG95zKzFESnKrK2p_hkNMs0kVu8pqm10NRAZITJVay8/s640/DSC00030.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">T</span>urn the arrangement as you place in the feathers so they are <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">evenly</span> distrubuted.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK8Yua36nTF5MRVrHnU91sRSlxn_uVaVX3MOWcE4krsy5k1erRhEdMqZmrZyBmh2LDtH4BjkU4ZaC7HKuZsYdWyrpp-LkoR2X1chOaViYnVkLCLxZrHK58wys4hgWpdGo7S-t7kxTETM/s1600/DSC00031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK8Yua36nTF5MRVrHnU91sRSlxn_uVaVX3MOWcE4krsy5k1erRhEdMqZmrZyBmh2LDtH4BjkU4ZaC7HKuZsYdWyrpp-LkoR2X1chOaViYnVkLCLxZrHK58wys4hgWpdGo7S-t7kxTETM/s640/DSC00031.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">T</span>o add an extra <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">sparkle</span> and shine I wanted to use glass acorn <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">ornaments</span>.  They were grouped in three by putting them on a wire pick.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzRgRyPL7mXKwwtbTHzT7QWdfGbLm1ou6pKOCACyE_Dy0IbhG1n_RKO25x7jpOH31KeHpIwp7YDuSKLktM3-BrxkN8RQdwJD6AvjoWiOl8NWkzyWaH_c7xWcmWXR00k7aEUkiTD9GzKY/s1600/DSC00040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzRgRyPL7mXKwwtbTHzT7QWdfGbLm1ou6pKOCACyE_Dy0IbhG1n_RKO25x7jpOH31KeHpIwp7YDuSKLktM3-BrxkN8RQdwJD6AvjoWiOl8NWkzyWaH_c7xWcmWXR00k7aEUkiTD9GzKY/s640/DSC00040.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">P</span>lace them here and there, in the arrangement.  Try to place some high, medium and low.  Even distribution is the goal.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XDHtpK5I3aDuHCTSs4lHemCHjShXfSDm8G-syK66GA2c4vtCGh-tvfESFuUQB1bUHiraEmEzCYOxXGUWhKsbCJnyUpMpGBTrvUwouoYlP7ewNXMMZOYToDlz40zOlurD7sUxIjkjHDI/s1600/DSC00048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XDHtpK5I3aDuHCTSs4lHemCHjShXfSDm8G-syK66GA2c4vtCGh-tvfESFuUQB1bUHiraEmEzCYOxXGUWhKsbCJnyUpMpGBTrvUwouoYlP7ewNXMMZOYToDlz40zOlurD7sUxIjkjHDI/s640/DSC00048.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">T</span>his technique would work wonderfully with greens for Christmas too.  If I were not using  this arrangement in another room after Thanksgiving, I would also add greens on picks, and use <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">glittery </span>Christmas ornaments instead of the acorns. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">I</span> might try this technique using <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">holly</span> and greens with loops of ribbon on picks and ornaments.I have a Christmas bowl that would work nicely for this type of arrangement.  I would put it on a pedestal.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">T</span>he important thing is that you have done something yourself and learned something new! That you have taken what you have and with just a few additions made something very <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">special</span>!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">An extra note:</span> I was, until recently, very worried about the height of my arrangements- I felt that it was important that my guest could see eachother so they could enjoy everyone's company. I said "the comfort of my guest before beauty". But, I also know that nothing give a punch to a table like a high arrangement.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Susan, our lovely host, wrote me a little note and told me that it is perfectly fine to have an arrangement as tall as you like, just remove it during dinner.  This sounds wonderful.  I will replace this big urn, with a low<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">arrangement filled with hydrangeas, and put the large one on my sideboard. Thanks, Susan.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXI-C8g3WP1EFHCSo1ML-WX4MVoxHBxrZ0bhIWmV9SxDn2CNvHE26-5ro9JehKwPDCuaqeVjXlmBo-62GYEbM6dYKq3HyIbKXI8lY4CxWJz4Jc-aBjkMP2gax3HokOf3gl86_5ZLU6Bg/s1600/DSC00180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXI-C8g3WP1EFHCSo1ML-WX4MVoxHBxrZ0bhIWmV9SxDn2CNvHE26-5ro9JehKwPDCuaqeVjXlmBo-62GYEbM6dYKq3HyIbKXI8lY4CxWJz4Jc-aBjkMP2gax3HokOf3gl86_5ZLU6Bg/s640/DSC00180.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68qeciljtCxzSkPh7i2TYuy7BvoLwC1_JZXnMpCFQSpe03eraX0FcouAxEeZYaFn-loLpcSLnyGC7Rch6xgSyMtIxh-qK6ETw4PYTDVTZ1U27cWAE9ToDBhEJZirWZHKBsSU1_DkFkkM/s1600/DSC00181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68qeciljtCxzSkPh7i2TYuy7BvoLwC1_JZXnMpCFQSpe03eraX0FcouAxEeZYaFn-loLpcSLnyGC7Rch6xgSyMtIxh-qK6ETw4PYTDVTZ1U27cWAE9ToDBhEJZirWZHKBsSU1_DkFkkM/s640/DSC00181.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoqkAtlhdkAW9t8FEtrwzXboecAvfgY_2-X5zmCvpNtrOMT33peKJ-G2LQuHNtaCiEeNnUCJB2_jLjpFmVKo0ASjca13aV92qGw9vb0jhoSNtcf-TIltFFixWQhFjz1eMPuFEzpmSJjU/s1600/DSC00169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoqkAtlhdkAW9t8FEtrwzXboecAvfgY_2-X5zmCvpNtrOMT33peKJ-G2LQuHNtaCiEeNnUCJB2_jLjpFmVKo0ASjca13aV92qGw9vb0jhoSNtcf-TIltFFixWQhFjz1eMPuFEzpmSJjU/s640/DSC00169.JPG" yr="true" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am joing Susan for Metamorphsis Monday, at Between Naps On The Porch. Thanks Susan<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am joining Jules @ Persimmon Perch for Made It Monday, Thanks Jules!<br /></div>I am joining The DYI Show-Off<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii164/Magnolias_Moonlight/butterfly-09-t-1.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6uNZbNrNT-_Sl_wygpv1qH_t2JyRSiqokjEvGUH7KLaCyAE52R9X-kvlJyACSyo-ElriZmHMFS6AlIB_ymJ-zfS2GnmfD57fsvFxCRsYQeErQ7rhSLAD8CLrxZQm-TtwuBb28CRrvlk/s230/holidaybutton.jpg" /></a><br /></div>

Hydrangeas In Rustic Urn- Tutorial

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Tutorial: Taking natural elements and turning them into a centerpiece. I see things all around me that inspire and...

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