Betty, you just showed WHY we've all missed you so much... your photos, your stories, your sense of humor, your Alfred. I'm so glad you are back. He's just the sweetest man and you are so lucky to have him. And getting those pretty Peace ornaments for him was very special. Your tablesetting is beautiful, ALL of it. Those dishes are to die for. I mean I am seriously loving them! And like Jeanne said, they were meant for you to find. (but be careful showing Jeanne anything with pines, LOL. She's like Luvs and her acorns.) As for Christmas stuff during the summer months.. BRING IT ON. That really helps me deal with our 100 degree days and think good thoughts. hugs, Karen

Mo, thank you for your many compliments & comments! I can totally relate to the time it takes to look at all the links for TT. I used to find it time consuming to just look at them but now I feel I have to comment on them, it is overwhelming! I'm not sure if I am cut out for blogland when I still have to go to work 30 hours/week. I agree that those glass vase/candleholders are so versatile. I am so glad I got the set of three and then found two more on a clearance table as one in the trio was broken. There are so many things you can do with them especially as the inserts have flat bottoms and you can use them separately. I am happy that my tablescape brought back fond memories for you. It sounds like it was a wonderful place to live! Luvs, you are so sweet and one of the reasons, I would never leave this forum! It is such a caring "family" here and like you said, we've had a lot of fun sharing our passion for tablescapes as well as some personal aspects of our lives. I just KNOW we would be friends in "real life"! Thanks for your compliments on my 'scape, I agree the faux grass "made" it and I got that idea from a tablescape book my son gave me for my birthday. Jay, I was undecided as to whether to post my blog entry here as I thought it might seem like I was just trying to "show it off" twice but you have made me feel like I did the right thing. Living near Daytona Beach must have been terrific! (never been there but have seen pics!) Sameboat, thank you! I know I lurked here for a year before "coming out" and it was great but it is even more fun to join in. We love to hear from new people so feel free to comment or post pics anytime! Karen, thanks for saving a pic for the album. You just work on that when you are feeling better. We all understand and like Luvs, said you aren't getting "top dollar" to do that work though we SO appreciate it! I haven't seen Jim in blogland either so wonder what he is up to. Yes, it is sad that Judith has left us. We were having such fun doing that "online course" she was teaching us. Whenever I look at that Nell Hill's book, I think of her. Donna, thanks! I'm always glad when a tablescape of mine can inspire or give ideas to others. Hope your sister's bday is a good one! Thank you, OA! Those placemats were a gift from my DD for Mother's Day but I know she got them at Walmart. At first, I was thinking an Asian setting with them but I like how they went with the beach theme too. The reason I didn't go with the fan-folded napkins was that they wouldn't lay right on the placemat but I kind of liked the idea and may use it again sometime. Wish you all could come over sit at the table while DH prepares us some seafood! DD

Good to catch up with everyone! Summer is always a busy time here. Lots of visitors who want to go the the ocean, and that means the whole day. Then having something cooked so when we get back we can have dinner. When my son and dil are here with their 4 little ones, it is VERY busy, and it takes a few days of down time to catch up with chores, etc. I do try to keep up with some blog events, and today I posted pics of the kitchen improvements we did.. I will link it so you can look if you like..I know some of you asked.. Betty, Congrats! How wonderful! Hope your dh is doing well too! Mo, good thoughts for you! Hope all turns out well. Speaking of which, Jane was having some medical concerns too, so please have positive thoughts for her too! OA, that's great! What do you use to show movies? An outdoor projector of some kind? It plays dvd's?? Cool! That would be great for here at the beach pavilion..although we have gnat issues here.. No bugs at night by you? Mary Ruth, I thought you had moved already! I remember when you said you were taking a break from HTE and Wicker Chair to get ready for the move.. And how is Judith? I know you are good friends.. Jay, good to hear from you too...You have been busy! DD have a good trip to the US! I have never been to your fair country! NCNana, we do out share of babysitting too.. 8 yo gdau has been a cast since school got out, and she won't get it off till Sept. Terrible time to break your arm..roller blades..ugh! Luvs, so good of you to start this thread.. Lynne, best wishes for your dau..I will pray for her.. and thank her for her service for me! Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen updates

Thanks everyone! This is an old thread and I just happened to stumble on helen's question when checking out new posts, and mostly trying to forget about Florence! I do appreciate your kind words and hope the table and chairs survive the storm, along with the rest of the house. We're right in the crosshairs but it has survived others and hope it will hang in there.....thanks again all :) Oh, and happy2b, of course you may use the photo, and good luck!