Happiness is Hot Tea and a Sunny Patch

Good morning sunshine!

As you all know, if you follow me on Facebook HERE, I am dealing with my yearly episode of strep throat. I don't know why but my whole family and I are so darn susceptible to it. My Dr.'s appointment was first thing this morning. Sure enough, hubby woke up during the night with a 102 fever and sore throat and headache. Bless his heart. So off we went as a couple this morning...on Valentine's Day...to the clinic. How romantic!♥ haha Not the best V Day gift for me to give him. :(

The girls were so excited today. I dropped them off at school wearing special red and pink outfits. They held their party bags full of little cards like it was diamonds and rubies! I remember those days. Party days and field trips made school fun. So much of that has been stripped away from the public school system. Time for fun, social time to bond and learn how to act in social situations. But I'll save that rant for later.

What I really wanted to share with you is how having strep throat has been a blessing. Yes, a blessing. It has forced me to slow down and rest. I can do so many things that don't require using my voice! Like writing you! Or snapping pics around the house, or doing laundry...wait a minute. That doesn't go on the fun list! 

So here are some little recent changes I've made around the house lately...

I've been into interesting antique shakers and apothecary jars lately. 

I love a crusty dented lid!

And I still adore old frames. I have a plan for this collection. Until I make it a reality they can just hang out here as a backdrop.

Remember my new friend Brenda I told you about? The one with the fabulous house whose crafts and style so inspired me? I borrowed this idea from her! She had a wire rack full of ironstone platters on her laundry room wall and I remembered that I had a wire rack in a closet AND tons of platters! I am thrilled with the result. Thanks Brenda!!♥

This picture stole my heart. This old farmer with his beautiful farm horses looks just like my grandfather (Grand Jack). I found it at Goodwill! It was in a new-ish ugly frame though. That same day I found this mother of pearl, VERY old antique frame there as well. I cut down the matted farmer picture and slipped it right in there. Perfect! And I think it cost me $2. Judging by the smile on his face, I imagine Mr.Farmer was pretty proud of  his "fine animals". They look well cared for and plump. Maybe times were good on the old homestead at this moment...

Or maybe he had strep throat but welcomed the break from the backbreaking farm work. Maybe he took a leisurely ride into town to check out a new tool at the feed store, while stopping for a piece of pie in the small diner on the square by the courthouse.  

Here's Cow-pernia! Remember the name Calpernia in To Kill A Mockingbird? I always loved saying that name. It's so old school southern, and I love the way it rolls off the tongue. Perfect for Miss Cow-Pernia.

 My mother in law got me this cute bottle drying rack from World Market this Christmas. I love the size of it, it fits perfectly into my hutch shelves!

These sweet and ornate little embroidery scissors were given to me by a friend recently. I bet they were well used by loving hands at one point. Hands with wrinkles and sun spots and soft, tissue thin pale skin

My little lamb ornament is my first touch of Easter around the house. She had a tired red velvet bow around her neck. I cut it off and added a paper flower and lace. I love this beat up old lamb. It reminds me that we are all lambs of God. God is our shepherd.  This means that we have free will to follow him or not. We often think that we tough enough to take care of ourselves without God. We all know that a shepherd cannot promise that the road will be easy, but that there is comfort and security in togetherness. That he will go down the rocky road with us and guide us. 

 What should we name little miss lamb? Any ideas?

Here is that old cheese box I bought off Etsy. It makes a perfect home for my antique flatware! 

I wrapped some of them up in a tea stained ribbon and added this old rhinestone broach. I love the tarnished patina. I think it was 50 cents. 

And look who found a spot of sunlight to doze in this morning!! Old Miss Shadow. Right there in front of our messy "shoe basket". My sweet ol' gal is almost 10 years old. She's my best friend, and my best behaved child. :) I tell her everything and she sure can keep a secret. She's a great listener too. All she asks in return is a chin scratch and a chew bone. That's all she needs in this world to be content...

After all...

Happiness is a sunny patch on a soft rug.

Happy Valentine's Day!

♥ Linsey and Shadow

p.s. The Farmhouse Porch made it into the March issue of Romantic Homes Magazine!! Yee-haw! Lots of great bloggers in there this month, so please pick up a copy♥

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