COLLECTING AUTUMN VINTAGE LINENS for "Tea In The Garden"

Today I am sharing some old

vintage linens:

Once I started paying attention to all the vintage linens, I was amazed at all the themes there were and the color combinations.  Certain colors naturally lend themselves to seasons and there are an abundance of them in the antique malls and flea markets.  This old granny afghan had a lot of fall colors I love.

This week we planted some Arborvitae's in the garden.  My husband has to get the most credit on this one as his muscle sure came in handy.  I would like some more but am waiting for a closeout sale.

Since we retired we seem to go from one project to the next.  Our basement was a bit out of control if you know what I mean so hours have been spent there.  We are getting the windows in our house replaced soon so that will mean more messes too. 

 I have recently faced the challenge of finding arthritis and bone spurs in my fingers and especially one very uncooperative finger.  I am so happy to report much progress in the swelling and pain and stiffness as I have been in therapy once a week.  It has really helped and I am thankful!

 Please pour yourself a cup of tea in one of my Johnson Brothers transferware teacups.
  I love this fall fruity
 pattern called Windsor Ware. 

I hope you are enjoying fall

 wherever you live!

THE POST ARRIVED

Not that many of you don't already know this

 but be sure and pick up a copy of Hoffman

 Media's new book "Tea & Savories" which

 arrived at my house by post yesterday along with the

 wonderful fall issue of Tea Time.

  It looks very promising!

I am also sharing my newest cup and saucer - a hand painted Rosina English Bone China one I purchased yesterday in a small antique shop in Victor, Colorado.  Just $5.00!

Have a lovely tea filled weekend!

ASPEN BEAUTY IN THE MOUNTAINS

We recently heard that the next two weeks were the

 best times to go view the aspens so today we 

took off for a ride to Victor and Cripple Creek.

 We drove through Woodland Park and Divide 

(about 8000 to 9000 feet altitude) and

 then went south to Victor:

It was a beautiful day for a ride:

One of the lovely old Victorian houses:

We were so glad we just missed a deer

 that ran out in front of our car.

Sharing at:
Saturday Showoff

APPLE BUTTER SPICE MUFFINS (with Craisins too!)

I am sharing some muffins I baked

 today that 

you might like to try too! 

 They tasted

 great tonight with Goulash!

I am sure you notice those little recipe books at the grocery check out.  I have purchased them in the past and even bought used ones in antique/flea markets.  This recipe was in a 2011 copy.

Ingredients:  1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, also 1/2 cup craisins, 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup  milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg and 1/4 cup apple butter.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  I used 12 paper muffin cups

Combine sugar, spices in a large bowl.  In another bowl toss 2 Tb sugar with chopped walnuts and sit aside.   Add flour, baking powder and salt to remaining sugar mix

In a small bowl, mix oil and egg and then pour

 into flour mix.  Stir all.

Spoon 1 heaping Tb of batter into a muffin cup, now spoon 1 Tsp apple butter on top and now another heaping Tb of the mix.  On the top sprinkle the walnuts/sugar combination.  Bake 20 min

THE DAY BEFORE AUTUMN for "Tea In The Garden"

I am so happy you could join me for "Tea In The Garden":

 It is a lovely day to just take a few moments and enjoy a
 cup of tea and one of these Cherry Puffs.  I have shared the recipe before HERE:

I do hope you are enjoying the lovely fall weather.  You best remember how quickly all these seasons pass and then whew - on to the next one!

I recently found this bargain priced throw with the peachy roses at the flea market in Fort Collins.  There is a street there which has a row of indoor flea markets that are great fun!

Another photo of my Missouri bittersweet.

My little tea set was made in China and produced for THT - also called Tenderheart Treasures.  That was probably made favorite company for tea wares when it was in existence.  We lived in the small town of Burlington, Iowa in the 1980's. Every time I'm out antiquing or flea marketing, I see picnic baskets from the Hawkeye Basket Company in Burlington, Iowa.  They must be all over the world! 
 Of course there are other brands that are very famous as well.

I hope you have a lovely week and
 let's be sure and count our blessings!
  I am thankful for all the blogging friends I connect with each week. 

HAPPY FALL WEEKEND

Today it is has turned quite cool in Colorado. 

 I noticed the leaves on the Virginia Creeper

 turning every so slightly red .

HAPPY FALL!

I've tried to remove the whimsy from my home

 but it's just not possible:

Have a lovely fall ya'll!  

WELCOMING FALL

Just a few photos of fall decorating around the home. 
 Many items are reused from year to year with a few new pieces here and there.

Can you guess which is the real bittersweet and which is fake?

I have tried to quit buying vintage whimsy but it

 just finds a way into my heart and home
 such as these little English cottages!

Hope your week is peachy!
 (the basket held the real thing!)