Hearts Day Coming!

Happy hearts quilt

Pink and red heart chandelier

The decorating for Happy Heart's Day is complete - this includes a heart quilt, Red Ruby Dishes, various heart ornaments, pillows and my pink and red chandelier (I just couldn't resist decking it out for Valentines).
Valentine means "strong" and the holiday, February 14 is observed in honor of St Valentine (a Christian martyr who died in Rome around 270AD).  Valentines are written, artistic works, messages or tokens expressing affection for someone.
During this cold, snowy time of year most anyone would welcome a warm valentine.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine wishes

Happy New Year 2016!

On to the New Year - 2016 brought scrambling to pack, label and categorize some of my decorations as I stored them away.  Some of them will stay here and some of them will go to MN for Christmas 2016.  We hope to spend next Christmas in our new log home in MN. 

Family Tartans

My theme for next Christmas will be "It's a Scottish Christmas" - my mind is already thinking plaids and oranges, blues and greens - I plan to use some of the tartans that are a part of our Scottish heritage as I work out the theme.

Polish Decorating!

The Star Carrier

The Star Tree

In researching my Polish roots I learned of Polish dinnerware and cookware; fragile glass ornaments, and the use of bold colors - red, cobalt blue, green and yellow.  My home and tree reflected those colors in lights and ornaments.
A Polish custom -  (the Gwiszdory) or star carrier travels around each village carrying a star - Polish children try to see the first star on Christmas Eve - like the star that led the Wise Men to the Christ Child's birthplace in Bethlehem.  Following this custom my decorations featured lots of stars in red, blue and white that my sister, Angela made out of pipe cleaners.

Christmas 2015 - How fleeting!

Auntie Dee and Polish Poppyseed Coffee Cake

I'm writing this after the holiday as it was so busy in December.  We were blessed to have family here for the holidays and that is always extra special!

My theme for this year's decorating was "It's a Polish Christmas."  Just what makes a Christmas "Polish"?  Growing up with 8 siblings and a Dad who was 1/2 Polish set the stage.  Our Mom taught us about her nationalities (Scotch, Welsh and Norwiegan), and our Dad's (he was 100% Polish).
Delicious family recipes were part of the holiday fare - Polish Liver Sausage - I almost had to bribe Dad for the recipe.  Polish Poppy Seed Coffeecake and Creamed Onions and Creamed Cabbage.  What memories these 4 conjure up for me, what special memories of family!