Snow Day at the Ranch

Snow is not much of a frequent event around here so we really enjoy it when we get it! It will be here for a few days and then gone.....perfect!







Enjoy the snow!

A Blissful Afternoon

Finally, a snowy day at the ranch! There will certainly be sledding tomorrow!





And I am warm and cozy watching A&E's Pride and Prejudice and sewing............


a beautiful lace panel for the girly breakfast nook - soon to be converted into The Rockin' "S" Bistro.


I certainly would not mind if those clementines were chocolate covered cherries.

Is there a felicity in the world superior to this?

"They gaily ascended the downs, rejoicing in their own penetration at every glimpse of blue sky."
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

This is what I glimpsed, for a very brief moment, this morning as I dropped my 4 year old off at pre-school. By the time I came back outside, it was "snowing." This very same 4 year old asked me yesterday, "Where is the sun?" That pretty much sums it up as it has been gray here in Middle Tennessee for over a week.

Happy Blue Monday!

Square Dance!

Apparently, I am MAD ABOUT PLAID. Since moving into the Ranch in May, 2009, I have consistently chosen plaid fabrics to "dress" it with. This was not planned, it just happens. Did I mention I am prone to themes and obsessive about them? Please take a look at the "Square Dance at the Ranch."

Remember this shot? This is my living room. Note the Spring Green checks on the drapes doing their best to add cheer!




The homemade headboard in the master bedroom.....






In the kitchen..............



Yes, those drapes are taffeta dahling but I have a chandelier in the Breakfast Nook for heaven's sake! It is definitely my girl room in a house of men. Okay, maybe the master bedroom is a little girly, but I did my best with the plaid and chocolate brown wall. You should have seen the original fabric I was thinking about. Very feminine!

And.....more squares to come. This fabric was on sale for $2/yd! I think JD will finally get some drapes. Stay tuned!

The new light fixture is here! The new light fixture is here!

Isn't she beautiful? As you can imagine, my menfolk are ecstatic! They really don't mind as long as there's grub on the table. Actually, the only reason they noticed it is because I made them hang it.

Here she is in the Breakfast Nook and I mean NOOK! You may have noticed we have a tulip "down" so these little guys won't be featured much longer. snifff......

I ordered this fixture from Overstock.com. I have always had a great experience with them! The rug under the table was purchased from them as well. Someday, when the sun comes back out, I'll try to take a better photo of the whole nook!

Grey Jane Day

At home on a gray rainy day with my sickly charge. What else is there to do? Settle in and read Jane Eyre with a cup o' tea......for five minutes at a time anyway.


Tulips, chocolate and Mr. Rochester.................swoon!
Swoon/verb/faint from extreme emotion. I think that covers it!

Hey Sailor

This guy is one of the icons at The Ranch. I bought him at the flea market because my dad was in the Navy during WWII and had a fondness for nostalgic toys. I have seen his value listed from $4.50 to $290. Hmmmmmm...I'm sure we'll be seeing great things from him in the future. He may even get his own blog: Adventures of a Sailor Man. Why should Gnomes have all the fun? That's right, I've been cooped up in the house all day with a sick child. Sorry for the lack of imagination today.

Inside Out

Looking out my window.........




And inside...............



I know, enough with the flowers but, some people need a little Christmas......I need a little Springtime. This is coming from someone who revels in a Jane Eyre grey day!

"It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it."
- Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

Blue Monday

This photo was taken in Creede, CO in 2007. I have a thing for churches.......

Bringing Spring into the Ranch

Allow myself to introduce myself......

I am currently 47 years old, married for 26 years with three boys and starting back at "GO". My husband is a builder and I am a designer/realtor in Middle Tennessee and that dadgummed economy zapped us! The next thing I knew, we were starting over with two teenaged boys and a four year old (oooopsababy!) Here's a confession: I am happier in the rental ranch than in one of the many "mansions" we squatted in. However, I do miss that steam shower! Oh well, there's always the Y sauna. Anyhoo....I am currently working on my "efficiency" kitchen. Sorry I don't have any "BEFORES" to share but just think "vanilla." Again, this is a rental so there's only so much one can do, i.e. rugs, paint, drapes, etc. But.... I bought a new light fixture! It isn't here yet but consider this a "teaser." I figured come move time, I can......wait, my HUSBAND can switch the lights out again and Mr. Landlord can have HIS selection back, no harm, no foul.

In this photo, the old light fixture. More changes, coming soon........