Sister Time

~Pink Saturday~

~A Few of My Favorite Things~

~Silver Sunday~

~Summer Sunday~

~Three or More Tuesday~

Oh, for the lazy days of summer . . . the perfect time to steal away to visit those friends and family who live miles away . . . and the perfect opportunity to explore new territory, ie ~ Antique Shops.

A recent trip to visit my sister was just that and yielded some Silver Sunday finds in time for Beth's Silver Sunday Giveaway Post. Be certain to stop by The Gypsy Fish Journal , put your name in the drawing, and then add a Silver Sunday post of your own.

Seems I always find some silver plate treasures when my sister takes me to her favorite shops. Each of these were thrifty finds black with tarnish, but just look at the lovely details once I polished them.

The beautiful unmarked basket vase stands 16" tall.

It is perfect for these delicate Stargazer Lilies and has the most wonderful details . . .

Like this basket full of flowers that is featured on the curved handle . . .

And this wide lacy edge that dips gracefully around the open cavity that holds the blooms.

Trays are a favored accessory here at HFTS, so I was all smiles when I picked up two different oval gallery trays. The larger one has detailed pierced sides with a fluted edging and . . .

Beautiful intricate engraved details that cover the entire surface.

It will be perfect to move about for various things, like this silver fern pot that is currently home to a gorgeous pale pink hydrangea.

Just look at these delicate little blooms!

The smaller gallery tray is just the right size for my petite fern pot that holds an African violet that will be covered with little pink flowers in its next bloom cycle.

The rim edge on this tray is simple, but the sides have a wonderful open work design.

And finally there was this bride's basket marked MF'D & Plated RV Reed & Barton 4740. It's doing duty in the kitchen at the moment, but will be useful for all sorts of things. No doubt it is the oldest of the items I found this trip. If anyone can help date it, please let me know.

The double handle features a central ball and a little tassel half way down on each side.

The rim edge is a stylized leaf design, and the footed base is full of charm.

This one just might be my favorite!

I hope the remaining days of summer offer up

some special time for you with your family,

and a perhaps a chance to explore new territory!

Click here for details on the Celebration Giveback @ HFTS

Thank you to each of the ladies hosting the following memes:

Beverly's Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Laurie's A Few of My Favorite Things @

Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie

Summer Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Beth's Silver Sundays @ The Gypsy Journal

Three or More Tuesday @ The Gypsy Corner

Yellow is for Chicks

I was enjoying lunch with a friend recently when this mother peahen and her baby chicks wandered nearby on the grounds just outside the window.

Seeing these baby peachicks was a new experience for me, so I quickly grabbed my camera and went outside to get some photos. Peachicks hatch from eggs that are about 3 times the size of a chicken egg, but smaller than a goose egg. Their feathers are yellow with touches of brown, and their legs are long.

Peafowl can refer to two species of birds: the Indian Peafowl from India and the Green Peafowl from Burma east to Java. The male peafowl is known as a peacock. This guy is an Indian Peafowl identified by his magnificent iridescent blue-green plumage.

The tail of the peacock is actually elongated covert feathers that cover the tail feathers. They have a series of "eyes" that are best seen when the tail is fanned. The peacock struts and fans his colorful plumage to attract the female.

The female Indian Peafowl is very different in appearance from her mate. Her feathers are dull brown or grey. Though she has a crest, she does not have the long showy upper tail coverts.

Peafowls nest on the ground, but roost in trees. These birds are omnivorous. They eat plants, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. The mother peahen will teach her chicks how to find food, which is likely what she was doing this day .

Upset with my presence, this mother peahen was very protective of her chicks and didn't like me getting close.

She fussed at me and then quickly turned to take her chicks elsewhere.

As a retired elementary teacher, children's literature has long been one of my true loves. I used to spend Sunday afternoons at favorite book stores looking through the children's section. These three picture books are not new, but rather favorites that I read time and again to my students. JUST PLAIN & FANCY by Patricia Polacco is a heart warming story of two young Amish sisters who find an unusual egg. They place the egg with their hens to be hatched and soon find this is no ordinary chick. It is a story of the plain ways of the Amish and the beauty of God's creatures. Mem Fox's FEATHERS & FOOLS is an allegorical tale of war between a "pride of magnificent peacocks" and "a flock of elegant swans." In the end no birds remain alive, though two eggs survive. Once hatched, the little peachick and cygnet recognize they are more alike than different. The two become friends, and "They went together, in peace and unafraid, to face the day and share the world." This story offers an excellent antiwar message. THE SPOOKY TAIL OF PREWITT PEACOCK by Bill Peet was written in the early 70s, but the storyline of being different continues to provide young children with a marvelous example. Bill Peet is a master storyteller.

If you want to take part in HFTS Celebration Give Back click here.

Thank you to those hosting the following weekly memes that this post is linked to:

A Southern Daydreamer's Outdoor Wednesday

Mrs. Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday

Rainbow Summer School ~ Yellow

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

Rooster Party ~ 2010

Last fall when Barb hosted her first Show Us Your Roosters Party, I was thrilled. With roosters plentiful around HFTS there was no question that I wanted to join in the fun once again.

Detail of Man's Tie

The rooster is a revered and beloved image in many cultures so it is no surprise that there are many of us that enjoy the decorative nature of these handsome guys.

Chickens, both hens and roosters are often out and about around our home.

This little boite ancienne Reglisse Zan once held French licorice candies. Now long empty, it remains appreciated for the simple joy of the graphics.

Whimsical hand carved "poultry" are colorful folk art pieces from Oaxaca, Mexico that are usually on a shelf in a guest bath. They wandered outside for a little fresh air. Those of you here for Pink Saturday might note there are plenty of pink accents on many of these.

Large jug by Capelo and two small plates by Gorky Gonzales are each made in Guanajuato, Mexico. Both of these famous potters are renown for their beautiful ceramics.

A petite brass and enamel place card holder is likely from the 1940s.

Vintage Chinese mud figures in various poses like to gather in a group. Each are about 2"-3".

A pair of larger Chinese roosters 8" tall are near by. I like the way this one is reflected in the pewter pitcher that stands behind it.

Most recent to join the flock are a pair of vintage Chinese roof tiles found while in Santa Fe.

Once guardians upon the roof of a home or public building in China, these two now stand guard in a bookcase.

A ceramic tea caddy made into a small lamp features a barnyard gathering.

Does your mother know you're out?

A petite paper maché snuff box was found at an early morning London flea market years ago. This one simply puts a smile on my face!

Yes, roosters are definitely in the category of A Few of My Favorite Things.

Carpe Diem ~ Seize the Day!

The older I get the more I realize that this motto is one I want to live.

Barb has set a beautiful rooster tablescape so be sure to visit Barb @ Bella Vista. Links to all who are participating in The Second Annual Show Us Your Roosters Blog Party can be found on Barb's sidebar.

Thank you to our hostess Barb and to the ladies hosting the following weekly parties. More information about each of these memes can be found on my sidebar.

Friday Finding Beauty @ Dipity Road

Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

A Few of My Favorite Things @ Bargain Hunting With Laurie

Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Thanks for stopping by to visit. Details for the Anniversary Give-Back at HFTS can be found at the top of my sidebar. Hope you'll participate.

Orange is for Marmalade

"Orange was his favorite as he never tires of telling us. It is, apparently, a more interesting color. Many of William's favorite things are orange. Not oranges, nothing that prosaic. It's not that William is opposed to fruit. He likes a nice kumquat, especially in preserves. But the things he enjoys that are orange include paella spiced with saffron, Monarch butterflies, the Orangemen of Northern Ireland and of Syracuse University, and especially traffic cones."

(LOVE AND OTHER IMPOSSIBLE PURSUITS, p.8-9)

If you'd like to know more about William, the precocious five year old whose favorite color is orange, pick up a copy of Ayelet Waldman's LOVE AND OTHER IMPOSSIBLE PURSUITS. William and the other personalities in this novel are certain to keep you amused. You can read more about this book in my Food For Thought review here.

I do appreciate an occasional paella spiced with saffron, and Monarch butterflies have always fascinated me with their amazingly vibrant orange wings, but orange to me is marmalade.

Growing up, my mom usually made biscuits on Saturday morning, but here in our home it's Sunday mornings that often mean fresh baked biscuits ~ piping hot out of the oven, lathered with sweet cream butter, and a dollop of orange marmalade. Though my husband is the chef in the family, I'm the biscuit maker in our household. And see that vintage cutter? It was the biscuit cutter that belonged to my grandmother as a young bride, has been passed down through the family, and has been in my kitchen now for almost 30 years.

Can you smell the aroma of fresh baked biscuits?

I've set our vintage breakfast tray just for you.

Orange marmalade is made from the peel of Seville oranges, sugar, and water. The peel, somewhat bitter, is what gives orange marmalade it's distinctive taste. Seville oranges are high in pectin which helps set the mixture.

Go ahead and lather 

up plenty on your biscuit.

It's the perfect combination

 of sweetness with a tangy bite.

Orange is across the color wheel 

from blue which makes them complimentary colors.

The contrast of complimentary 

colors creates a vibrant look.

Blue, a cool color, gives the impression of calm and will help sooth your morning while the orange, a warm color, will help you feel energized for the day ahead.

I especially like the striking 

contrast against fresh white or neutrals.

The multiple fabric weaves and designs outlined with chain stitched embroidery add wonderful texture to this textile from Anthropologie.

It's actually meant to be a dish towel, 

but I like to use it as a tray cloth.

The linen napkin edged 

in lace adds yet more texture.

So settle in and enjoy 

your little morning treat.

You're sure to find plenty of 

orange color among the Sunday comics.

Hot biscuits, marmalade, 

and fresh squeezed orange juice.

ORANGE

you are extroverted

cheerful, impatient and loud

you seek adventure

your down to earth attitude

is very attractive

you love sports and nature

you are quite talkative

you are always willing to help

but you will never be pushed around

So how many of you out there consider orange to be your favorite color? Any of you see yourself described above? Leave me a comment to let me know.

Don't miss the Give-Back. August is Anniversary Month @ Hyacinths For The Soul. Leave comments here on the original post to be included.

Thank you to the ladies hosting the following weekly memes. A click on the link will take you to a list of others participating this week. You can find more information about each of these events on my sidebar.

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday

Rainbow Summer School

Vintage Thingie Thursday @ Colorado Lady