keeps giving

When we were given the amaryllis for Thanksgiving, I hoped that it would bloom by Christmas.  Needless to say that it did not happen.  Not too long after, it finally did bloom, we were graced with two stalks with three flowers each.  They were absolutely beautiful and somehow they house felt more alive by the flowers.  As the flowers bloomed the leaves started to grow.  When the flowers were spent the leaves just keep on growing tall, and I figured that the only green we would be having in the house would be the leaves.  I was looking at the giant bulb  and saw a few more leaves starting to grow.  Everyday I would spin the flower around so that the leaves grew straight.  Each day I was asked if I touched it, and no was always my answer.

One day I was turning the plant and noticed a strangely fat leaf growing....and then a few days later I realized what it was.....a new flower.

As the leaves grew taller, the new flower's growth was twice that.  When it first bloomed they flowers were tall, but nothing like now.  It is truly a beauty.

It has three flowers that are exceptional.  The flowers are 3' feet tall.  They reach the bottom of the chandelier. 

What a wonderful beauty.

Day One

you ain't a beauty but you're alright

remember that..

things ventured

Gabriella put herself out-there yesterday and I am happy with that.  It seems that creative gene that my Mom and Grandmother possess, that skipped me, has firmly been installed in Gabriella.  She has a very artistic side to her.  She will have her stuff falling down around her and you see her sitting on the floor with her strings making coverings for her wires or making knots with "cat-gut" as she strings together a bracelet or necklace.  Gabriella is always making something and not picking up after herself, but still entirely busy, busy, busy.  She (it really wasn't hard) roped me into a new endeavor, making fleece blankets to sell. Her first one was so warm and fuzzy that I was caught up in the yumminess of polar fleece.  Yeah, of course, there are 64.9 million different fleece patterns and you know where that went.

Glenette was asked to participate in an event hosted by the Union County College Campus Center and asked if Gabriella would like to join her.  Gabriella did a fantastic job shopping and making her blankets for the event.  I am pleased that she had the opportunity for a showing and she met the deadline.  She also had a few other items that she hand-made for sale.  She did not make a killing but she followed through with her plans and made some contacts. 

All around it was a good day and a nice day out.  I think that the most important thing is that Gabriella was proud of herself and what she made.

I still do not have a favorite blanket, I love them all.

things gained

#FireHydrantFriday

Livingston Street between Clinton and Court, Brooklyn, NY

Fire Hydrant Friday

Blue Heaven

Most of my favorite programs on the television have to do with food.  I love the Food Channel and Cooking Channel.  I love to watch programs where the homeowners' get new kitchen.  I do have a few exceptions like Shameless, House of Cards, Lilyhammer, and Big Bang.  Other than them, it is always about the kitchen.  I love a fantastic bath, but a kitchen rocks my world.  So when I was asked if I would like a new kitchen, I could not get the yes out of my mouth fast enough.

The one thing that was an absolute must was the upper cupboards had to go all the way to the ceiling.  That said, it was the most difficult part.  Nobody makes them that tall, they have to be custom made.  They are almost finished and they are wonderful, perfect, and beautiful.  The only hardware is the soft close hinges.  The perfect pull has not been located for either the drawers or doors.  No worries.

I had a grand time going to the different warehouses to shop for a counter.  There are so many beautiful mediums that can be used for counters and a backsplash.  It took a while to find the counter top.   The granite guys did a wonderful job cutting and installing the counter, I love it beyond. 

The backsplash was always to be subway tile.  I just not realize that there are 60 million sizes of subway tile.  It was like a giant jigsaw with mostly the same shape.  What I thought was going to be easiest part of the tile backsplash, wasn't.  Now it is done and I am ecstatic.

I am loving these under cupboard lights.....they are so bright.  

As a boon, we added receptacle led lights, they are awesome.

All we need is the arugula...