The Things We Do To Get Dinner Made

Running

This is Mav and I after our first 6K this morning.  He was ever the gentleman and stayed with me throughout the whole run regardless of the fact he can run circles around me.  Our friends from Seattle came down to encourage and run with us.  It was a lot of fun-even though I don't enjoy it.  (Love/hate relationship you could say.)  I am anxious to register for another run, an 8 or 10K to train for.  What I am even more excited for of course is to have the legs of a runner!

Come Knock On My Door

Yesterday I shared my plan to host an "at home" each week.  That got me thinking of fellow bloggers I would love to pop in.  Obviously, I have a few who do live close and will be doing just that- Solanah, Twila Jean, and Dana.
I decided to pick two lovely ladies whose blogs I read and wish to visit with.

 Drumroll please...
Cat, The Vintage Housewife and Fiona of Straight Talking Mama are at the top of the list.
 I considered a list of ten as there are more but wanted to keep it simple and well, two's company.

So what two bloggers would you like to have over?

At Homes

I have decided to adopt the long forgotten custom of "at homes".  This is one day each week which I will be home and "accepting callers".  It is a tradition Victorian women adopted in order to better manage their households.   I crave a house where hospitality is offered regardless of the time or circumstance, but the truth is I homeschool two of my children, have a toddler, a teenager, and a husband who works odd hours.  In order to preserve our families needs and offer a good old welcome (and mean it) I am choosing an "at home".  I have so many people I want to connect with and never find the time so I am hoping this will help with that.

Of course I immediately began to wonder what I would wear.

I like this from here.  But then again they had me at the Boston Terrier.

Most likely more like this

before

and after

I also began to think about calling cards.  Did you know there was a silver tray near the door you left your card on even if the hostess was home?  That way she could keep track of who had visited -and more importantly other guests could see who had visited.

I may have to make some just for fun!

Mustard Seed Faith

I wore this pin to church this morning.  A silver bow with lucite inclosing a mustard seed.  I have seen these mustard seed pendants described as 'Good Luck' jewelry.  Truly they are based on a Bible verse which states that if you have a mustard seed of faith nothing shall be impossible to you.  They were popular in the 1950's.

If you are interested in hearing about me and my struggles to discover what church is you can go here Mama Minister Papa Preacher

That Old Black Magic: Las Vegas

March 9th was Keely Smith's 79th birthday.  Mav took me to Las Vegas to see Keely perform with Sam Butera and The Wildest in 1994.  We got to meet her afterwards.  She told me I had her old waist, a compliment for sure.  We also had a couple of drinks with Sam Butera who kept leaving, we were told, to call his mistress.  (back in the pay phone days)  True Las Vegas style.

Her hair is so cute.  I attempted to wear the same style years ago, it's definitely not for everyone-and I am one of those everyones.  

Style Wizard

This is the character Harper Finkle from 'The Wizards Of Waverly Place'.   Chances are, unless you have children ages 7-14, you are unaware this show even exists.  So I just had to share some photos of Harper. 

 She is so cute!  I love watching to see her outfits.  There are more outfits I'd love to share but can't find them outside of watching the show. 

 The circus cotton candy outfit is my absolute favorite.  

So just when you think all hope is lost in a world of jeggings,  just tune in and check her out.  

A great example and portrayal of a teenage girl not afraid the express herself creatively through her clothing. 

 Target has a girls clothing line based on the female lead, Alex, on the show.  I wish they had one based on Harper.

My Lucky Scarf

Here is a glimpse of an average daily outfit.  On this particular day three of my girls and I met Solanah and Twila Jean, along with her two children, for lunch. 

 The best part of my outfit is the scarf which  belonged to Mav when we married.  I remember he had it placed on his nightstand with a prewar era lamp and clock sitting atop of it.  He has always had way more style than I do.

I love the little peak of Solanah walking away.  

After lunch it was time to drop one off for a class and as you can see the baby was over due for her nap.  Not very glamourous but true to real life.

Pee-ew! Stinky Silverware

My husbands grandparents gave us their silver set when we were first married.  It is the Coronation pattern by Community (now Onieda) that was introduced in 1936 to commemorate the crowning of Edward the VII.  (Which of course never happened.)  

His grandparents were married in the 1940's and gave it to us in 1994.  We have used it exclusively since.  

But sadly it is now packed away. 

 Why?  Because it smelled so horrible we could no longer eat off of it.  I have heard this means it is time for a polish, as tarnish smells like garlic.  It didn't work. 

 What I did notice is the silverplate is wearing off.  This liberates phosphorus used in the plating process, which is not good for you.  

I imagine had we only brought it our for special occasions it would have a lot of life left.  But, I do not regret using it daily and loving it.  Everyday is a special occasion!

If you are wondering it was replaced it with a classic look modern set.  I doubt I'll ever go back to vintage silverware.

When shopping for vintage sets be sure to check the wear.  Who knew we could wear them out!?  Have you ever ran into this?