Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Peace Lily & Jadeite

Hi there!  How is your week going?  We had no appointments or meetings or anything today which was a relief to me.  It's been very hectic and busy in my life.  Yesterday I presided over a Friends of Multnomah Falls board meeting and so spent the whole day writing my presidents report, the agenda, etc, etc, etc - and printing them all up!  The new Area Manager of the USFS National Scenic Area attended the meeting, which was nice to have her meet the board.  So, today was a day to de-stress and relax.  

The image below is my Peace Lily, also known as a Spathiphyllum.  This plant is special to me as my aunt sent this plant to my Father's funeral and I brought it home.  I've had it many years and it's a beautiful plant!  It hasn't bloomed a lot in the last several years, so this was a special event for me -- I think of it as my Dad saying hello to me. :-)
I haven't said much here, but we've had a rough few months as far as losing the elders in our family.  My aunt passed away last month and on the way home from her funeral, my fathers eldest brother and last son alive in the family had an auto accident - and 3 days later his wife passed away, then just a few weeks later, he passed away.  Out of 6 kids, only my aunt is left.  We then lost my uncle on my Mom's side a while back and then just last week his wife, my aunt, lost a long battle with cancer.  Out of 11 children, only 1 aunt is left.  I'm sorry to lay all this on you, but I will always be honest here on my blog.  


I sent a big Peace Lily to my aunts service which my cousin took home.  I was happy that she will have it to remember her mother by.   
This plant of mine has been doing very well and I didn't know what it was, but since I'm showing it to you I googled it and found it's a "Calathea Ornata".  I'm not sure what the common name is.   
Below is my "Teddy Bear Kit".  My older son's youngest boy wanted a "Mint Green" bear.  So, I'm working on that one.  The older one wants a blue one so I'll be using the denim blue on his.  The 2 "baby" boys were with us on Sunday at my son's house and I asked the littlest one what color he wants for his Teddy Bear and without hesitation he said "Ow-eeng".  So, I guess I need to go yarn shopping!  Then I asked the 3 year old what color he wanted and bless him, he liked the lichen green I had.  It was *SO* cute how the 2 littlies then started telling me which yarn was for who.  Adorable!  
Then.. I will blame my daughter for this.. she just joined Pinterest, and one of her first pins was of some neat cups and saucers in Jadeite.  So, I looked on Etsy and found some for her.  Then I found some for me.  I just put in the order today but in a week or so I will recieve 4 of these lovely vintage beauties.  They are the oldest Fire King jadeite style, called "Alice".  It came out in the early 1940s and only cups, saucers and dinner plates were made.  The cups and saucers were "prizes" inside Quaker Oats and the dinner plates were given to those who attended movies!
Also... we have *LOVED* watching "Downton Abbey"!  We watched Season 1 on a rented DVD, and then were able to watch Season 2 as they happened.  The only bummer was that the season was over way too quick!  So, I went on PBS.org and ordered the box set of Season 1 & 2.  I want to watch them both all over again.. and again!  

I hope you're having a great week!  Oh.. and I just hit 200 "Followers" but I call you "Friends".  ((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

21 comments:

  1. What an update. You really have been amazing to make it through all the recent loss and challenges and moves. It does just seem like some days it keeps piling up. Take it one day at a time is my motto now.

    Yes, we too have loved each and every minute of Downton. I was so sad on Sunday when Season 2 ended. Can't wait for the next. Great idea buy the box set. I would watch them both again too.

    Way to go on getting to the big 200. And yes, you are a friend here to, not just a follower.

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  2. I'm sorry for your losses Teresa-it's always hard to lose someone you love. Hugs to you...
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  3. Teresa,
    I am so sorry for all of the loss your family has suffered in recent weeks. Your plant is beautiful and I love that you refer to the blobs as a greeting from your Dad! When my father passed, and Mom sold their home, I dug up the three rose plants he had recently put in and put them in my yard. When they bloom I feel the same way. Your bears are precious and your grands will all cherish this loving gift from their Grandma! We wer hooked on Downton Abbey with the first episode, and swiftly watched the entire first season, then got a season pass for seaso two and we are now current.

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  4. My week is going ok so far thanks Teresa. Been to hydrotherapy twice and that's always good. Very sorry to hear about your family's loss - it has obviously been a very sad time for you all - my thoughts are with you. Your lily is gorgeous and what a lovely, healthy looking plant and a beautiful reminder of your father. I think its great how you're doing teddies for all your grandchildren - no doubt they'll be cherished, much loved little bears. Enjoy the rest of your week and take it easy or you'll wear yourself out.

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  6. Dear Teresa, I'm so sorry to hear about the losses your family has been suffering. Your Peace Lily is gorgeous and very special. The other plant I've never seen before, it looks like someone roughly painted veins on the leaves, how amazing! Looking forward to seeing the future teddies, and congrats on 200 friends! :-) xxxx

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  7. Hi Teresa so sorry to hear of your losses, so many in a short space of time
    Heart breaking news
    Thinking of you all hugs xx

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  8. Sorry to hear about your losses Teresa. Getting older and losing family is a part of life that I truly dislike. Although I lost my mother at a young age and learned about death very early, it still is hard losing someone.

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  9. This must have been such a hard year for you Teresa, so many difficult things have happened and think you do brilliantly to keep your chin up and stay so busy. Your bears are coming along brilliantly and your flowers are beautiful.

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  10. As we say here in the south - Bless your heart! You've had a rough go of it lately. I'm so sorry! It's always so hard when the older members of the family start going. All my grand parents are gone and I miss them terribley as I was able to enjoy them most of my life, the last one dying in 2006.

    I think I'm the only person not watching this show! I've heard so much about it, but didn't want to get involved in it because let's face it, I don't think the rest of the family would go for it as much as me. We decided long ago, that if we were going to rot our brains, we'd do it together, so we are not all in separate rooms watching different things....I watch a lot of "man" shows....thank goodness for my hooks and needles :)

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  11. Congrats on 200! I have got to get with the program and check out Downton Abbey. So many people are saying how great it is. I keep telling my husband that everybody is talking about it and their husbands are watching it with them. I've about got them convinced to watch it with me.

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  12. Sorry for your losses Teresa, the only certain thing in life is change. Keep moving forward and being busy and enjoy what you have. I love the new teddy yarn. I am glad you enjoyed Downton Abbey, even my Hb watched it with me so can't be too "girlie". There was a Christmas special shown...do watch that too. The next series is being filmed and due on screen here in September...set in the roaring 20s! Enjoy your week,
    Jane x

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  13. I was thinking of ordering both seasons as I have yet to see the show but know I will love it. So sorry to hear of all your loss, the circle of life is tough. I love the cup and saucer so beautiful. Hope you are having a good day,
    Meredith

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  14. I care about your losses, Teresa, and love that you are nurturing some plants like your peace lilly in remembrance of loved ones...a wonderful idea. Your creative life style and appreciation of beauty continues to inspire me. I am grateful to be one of your friends. <3

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  15. Hello Teresa. What a lot you have had going on so far this year. I was so sorry to read about the losses of your loved ones. The plant is beautiful.
    Congratulations on your 200th follower. Can't imagine ever having that many- but you have such lovely reports and photographs on here that it is not at all surprising you have so many 'friends'. Take care. Anne x

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  16. Testing my new comment thing.. hopefully you won't have to type in that dastardly security code! :-)

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  17. Beautiful Peace Lily!!! I use to be able to have a LOT of plants, including one of these, but we now have two plant eating kitties so we don't have anymore live plants in the house :(

    I also loved Downton Abbey and hated to see it end :( What a great series that was!!!! I don't usually buy DVD's but I did the same thing you did and bought the series so I could watch it any time the mood strikes :)

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  18. Hi Teresa, so sorry to hear of your sad losses - sending you a big ((hug)). Downton Abbey is wonderful. Have you been able to see the episode that was shown over here at christmas time yet? Joanna xx

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  19. Hello Teresa, I'm sorry for all the sad losses - what a difficult time.
    -Kim

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  20. Very cute. Me and my Arizona Personal injury lawyer likes this post. Enjoyed reading every single paragraph! Thanks a lot!

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