A rose is a lovesome thing...

God wot, and I agree.

Here's a list of some of the things I've planted this year:

marigolds, violas, pansies, black pansies, nasturtiums, columbines, California poppies, marguerite daisies, shasta daisies, blue lobelia, forget-me-nots, (more) peonies, Japanese iris, sweet violets...and more roses.


In fact, today we bought a David Austin rose, the Winchester Cathedral. It's white and full-blown, with a rose-pink tinge around the edge as it starts to bloom.

Coggeshall Farms Fiber Fest 2010

As you can see, we had a beautiful day for it. Very breezy, but otherwise perfect.



Lots of healthy, happy critters.


I think I went round twice before I decided what to take home. DH started right in, though.


He got (machine knit) alpaca blend argyles, honey, a vintage card game (it's a lot of fun, we played three times after we got it home), and I think one or two other things.


I finally picked out a cone of orchid colored Shetland in fingering weight...it might be enough for a cardigan. And best of all, wood (sweet) violets. Finally! I've been trying to find some for a couple of years now...but most nurseries just don't bother to carry them.



We had a great day. And Sunday wasn't bad, either--plant sale, gardening, and even better weather. But I'll save that for another time.

My Favorite Fiber Festival

Honestly. It's the festival at Coggeshall Farms, in Rhode Island.

Google (or Blogger or whatever) is being useless again, and will not allow the link to post. Please just search for the place; you'll find it. Click on "Events" and you'll find the information.

It's in Bristol, RI, a gorgeous little town. We've been there the past three years, and loved it every time.

It's at a working Colonial farm, and the festival itself is worth your time. It's small, but the vendors are wonderful. We've found gorgeous fiber (of course), delicious honey, a charming vintage style apron, and more...including some of the most beautiful, inexpensive cashmere I've ever fondled.

In addition, you'll get to see horned cattle and sheep, chickens all over, striped, serious working barn cats and a lovely small house, complete with weaving, cooking on the hearth and exquisite Colonial furniture.

If I'm organized enough to remember, I'll bring the camera so as to give you some views from our perspective.

So...it's tomorrow, Saturday, May 15, 2010. If you're within an hour's drive, do yourself a favor and go. It's open from 9:00 am to 4 pm, and you'll have a fabulous time.

(Don't forget, it's in Bristol...and in Bristol and neighboring parts you'll also find antiques stores, great grocers, consignment shops and a very good yarn store!!!)

The Inimitable Miss Horne

Lena Horne was one of the greatest Hollywood entertainers ever. A fabulous, gorgeous, smoldering, funny, earthy, talented woman; and in her heyday especially, dragged down by idiotic racists.

Miss Horne, I'm glad you were out there, brilliant, funny, and wonderful. Thank you for illuminating our lives and showing us just how incredible you could be. (And what you could inspire...you even inspired fictional characters. I remember a genie in a sci-fi story who venerated you above anything he could have invented!!).

To your family I send my deepest sympathies; I'm sorry you lost her on Mother's Day. Thanks for sharing her with the rest of us.

Of Uncle Fred and Bakelite in the Springtime...or something like that

Today has been a great day. It's spring. May. Sunny. Blue Skies. And Good Weather.

In addition, I've been reading Wodehouse, which is enough to make a cloudy, cold, early winter day seem bright. In addition to THAT, a vintage Score was made.

The book is Cocktail Time. Good title, isn't it? It's an Uncle Fred, and not the earliest...he's married, but as bright eyed, bushy tailed and interfering as ever he was. Really, next to Jeeves he's Plum Wodehouse's best creation.

(And I'm reading it because, bless the place, the Providence Athenaeum still keeps it in the stacks.)

As to the vintage Score (aka Bakelite napkin rings)...I saw them a few days ago at a local antiques mall. Not the one where I hold a booth. It's a little less pricey, and if you're willing to dig, a great place for a bargain.

These napkin rings were jumbled together in a plastic bag. Twelve of them. And the price?




[Wait for it...]




$16.00. Really. I kid you not. For twelve Bakelite napkin rings, in near-mint condition. They're Scottie dogs. On wheels. With bright little eyes. Now, DH and I did consider selling them. (I'd make a killing.) But can you see them holding place of pride at a buffet supper? Fala eat your heart out (look up FDR if you don't follow that).

Vintage Kitchen

Believe it or not...there's a possibility that my kitchen will be the background for part of a fashion shoot.

For bathing suits. (No, I don't see the connection either.) I'll keep you posted on whether this odd and interesting thing actually happens.

Here's the kitchen in question: