Tuesday, March 15, 2011

When Irish eyes are smilin'...

EDIT: I'm bringing up last year's post so that I can join in Kathleen's St. Patrick's Day blog hop. I've just been too swamped since getting home from our 6 wk vacation to catch up & re-photograph everything.
We're getting company for the weekend & I'm up to my eyeballs in preparations.
My Irish decorations & menu are exactly the same as last year anyway! LOL Enjoy!


Come join the party!
Kathleen at Cuisine Kathleen is having her
2nd...make that 3rd! annual St. Patrick's Day blog party.



Feel free to listen to the music while
you scroll through the pictures.



We've been busy getting ready for days!



The front entrance is decorated.



The windsocks are flying freely

in the March winds.

So is my bow!

( see below)







We've got 4-leaf clovers & Ireland's flag on display.


I made DGD Caroline a jumper to wear

for the celebration.


I've got my sweater ready, too.

The bakers rack in the kitchen has

lots of Irish items on display.


A basket with shamrock ribbon trim,

filled with chocolate candies

is My pot o' gold.


Princess Caroline has her own little candy stash








A Limoges plate to remind us
of our golf trip to Ireland,
where we played Ballybunion!

(poorly...too busy looking down the cliffs to the ocean)



I've made recipes
from this cookbook
all month long.

Darina Allen was featured on the Today Show last year &
just this past week Bobby Flay
interviewed her on his "Taste of Ireland" show.





She is probably Ireland's best known chef & owns Ballymaloe Cookery School located in the middle of its own 100-acre organic farm in Shanagarry, Co Cork, Ireland which is the county from which my ancestors originated.

The school's philosophy believes in the sustainable use of resources.
They avoid waste by using seasonal produce,
being conscious of 'food miles'
(the distance between the farmer & the plate)
& keeping to a minimum use of imported ingredients.
Very environmentally sensitive.

I hope to someday return to Ireland.
Its on my *Bucket List*.





Even my orchid put on a green & white show!



The kitchen table is set with
cute placemats from Kohls.

I made the napkins using a
3-thread narrow rolled
hem on my serger.
Fast & Easy!




The salad plates are part of a series by Fitz & Floyd

with
various fruit motifs on each.


You'll see the rest of them in a future tablescape.



The large green leaf platter is
from Portugal & was a prize in a
golf tournament over 15 years ago.
Fun memories!

Hey, who moved that napkin out of place???

Honey!!

(wanna bet he was sneaking an olive & wiped his fingers)


The bowls for the Irish stew are
from Pier One Imports several years ago.




We have shamrock shaped muffins along
with homemade bread. Yum!


I'll share the recipe for this sourdough bread
made from my own starter in a later post.


I made Colcannon
using Cathy's recipe
found on her wonderful blog
Wives with Knives

Delicious & my most
favorite Irish side dish.


I made the muffins as well as
green Jell-O shamrocks
with this Wilton mold:

Caroline got a kick out of these!




The casserole cover, below, is
to keep food warm during transport.







I made it from 2 placemats.
I machine embroidered the design,
sewed 3 sides together then
added a button & buttonhole for closure.
A 9"x13" dish fits inside perfectly!




We've got cupcakes &
shamrock cookies for dessert.







I made Cuisine Kathleen's best ever Irish Soda Bread.

I cut the recipe in 1/2 & did a free form loaf.

It was wonderful!




Even my flowers
are showing off
their GREEN for the occasion!

























My herb pots are struggling.
Not much sun in Ohio lately.



A little round table has been
set for tea in the bedroom.






































The dining room table was
set early for photos
with green Chantilly Tiara dishes.
(Reproduction Depression Glass, 1980's)

Company is coming for dinner
so the faux botanicals went on the buffet &
fresh flowers adorn the table.





The napkin rings now hold a wee
bit of water & a few fresh buds.




Desserts are going to be easy!





After that,
a vintage American cut
glass wedding box


sparkles in the light

and holds chocolate treats
to go with Irish coffee
or tea, if they prefer.






Bask in the warm glow of the fire
as the evening fades &
a FUN party comes to a close.


Thank you, Kathleen, for allowing us
to share the festivities
with you & each other.


"May you always be blessed

with walls for the wind,

a roof for the rain,

a warm cup of tea by the fire,

laughter to cheer you,

those you love near you,

and all that your heart might desire."



Happy St. Patrick's Day, Everybody!

Fondly,











69 comments:

  1. Rett, what a wonderful post! You have been one busy lady. The food, the decorations...it looks as though you are ready for the big day! Enjoy.

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  2. WOW! You have gone ALL OUT! What a pleasure it has been to scroll down and see one fantastic Irish decoration after another! And then the food! Everything looks wonderful! It would be so fun to be at YOUR house for THIS holiday!

    DD

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  3. Wow, Rett,
    I'm speechless. Everything looks great. You have worked hard on decorating everywhere. I enjoyed the music, too. :)

    D

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  4. Your posts are beyond words.....gorgeous! I still wonder where you keep all that stuff. Your house must be huge or have a ton of storage. It seems you always have everything just perfect for every occasion.

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  5. May your troubles be less saying is painted on my wall by the back door. I forgot it was there until I read yours. Wow, beautiful, wonderful lots of things.

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  6. Each picture in your post looks like a magazine cover! I'm impressed with your casserole cover ... what a clever idea.

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  7. WOW! Your whole house is ready for St Paddy's! I realy love the cute little jumper you made for your little girl. And that placemat food warmer idea is fantastic and easy to do.
    Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

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  8. Love the little jumper but man you have been busy!! It all looks great. I am leaving now, should be there in time for dinner. LOL Just beautiful.

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  9. You have truly went all out for the day. I just love everything you have done. Where on earth did you get those herb pots? I just love them.

    Willow

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  10. S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G. Rett, this is your holiday, for sure!


    Your green Chantilly Tiara table is one of my all-time favorites...it is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! But I do want to see more of your green with blue trim tablescape....those are gorgeous dishes.

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  11. You do have a knack with flowers. That is exactly why I didn't start a floral business right out of college. But, now that I am an empty nester it has been great. I can schedule whatever weekend I want to work.

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  12. Rett, after your comment on my post I realized that my wording may have caused you to think that ALL of those dresses had been worm by my daughter and her friend. Nope. Only two belonged to my kid.. The rest are owned by other dancers.
    I went back in the clarified that in the post... I think.
    :-)

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  13. Seriously??? All you have done would take me a year and I probably still wouldn't have been able to accomplish all you have. It must be one of your favorite holidays! I really enjoyed everything ~ Judi

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  14. Dearest Rett,
    I have truly enjoyed visiting your place today.
    This is a great post!
    Have a blessed St. Patty's Day and many more.
    I'm not sure how much Irish I have in me, but have always enjoyed wearing green on St. Patrick's Day!
    d

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  15. Rett...I just loved your post today! Your festive home is glorious in all it's greenery and that dress for your grand daughter is simply precious!

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  16. Wow, Rett! Everything looks so festive! I'd say you are ready for St Paddy's Day! Enjoy!...Debbie

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  17. You have so many things! I don't know where to start. The bread looks wonderful. I have no idea what Colcannon is...but, I will find out. I really love the iron wall planter...beautiful. This is a holiday we never really noticed...I see others pay way more attention.

    Sue

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  18. Gorgeous post! I enjoyed so much!

    Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

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  19. HI Rett!!!!
    OH I WANT TO ATTEND THIS IRISH PARTY!!!!!!
    It looks so fabulous!!!
    You did an outstanding job on everything!!!!!
    it is so lovely!!!!
    SO fun for everyone!!!!
    You always amaze me with your talents!!!
    So many cute things around!!!!
    Love that Dress for Caroline!!!!
    Thanks for the sweet comments about my smile and approaching these celebrity's!!! I say it doesn't hurt to ask, I have only been told NO once and that was by a former NBA player, a much older famous Black player, like the first Black NBA player and right now I cannot think of his name, ny husband would know if he were home, as he WAS A big fan of his, not anymore, he was rude!!!!!
    SO anywho, I will just keep asking politely!!!!!
    And mostly they say yes!!!!
    have a great St.Patrick's DAY dinner/lunch!!!!!ANd fun day!!!!
    hugs sweetie,
    jamie

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  20. Wow, Rett, I am just totally in awe. I love everything, it is all just exquisite. So much wonderful eye candy and such wonderful inspiration. You have really outdone yourself. Wow, and double wow. What a feast for the eyes. Thanks so much for joining the party. Hugs, Marty

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  21. Happy St Patrick's Day from N Ireland.

    I love Darina Allen cook books, and have one by her daughter-in-law who is following in her footsteps!

    Nice to see a bottle of Bushmills too - we have a cottage there, just past the Giant's Causeway.

    What a lot of effort you have put into everything - enjoy!

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  22. You sure do have a lot of green plates and St. Patrick's Day decorations! Just fun to scroll through your blog. Especially liked the blue and green plates and the light green plates. Such fun! Joni

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  23. Wow! I just had a wonderful time at your party. Thanks for the invite!

    Wouldn't you just love to go to Ireland and take classes at her cooking school? I know I sure would. I have seen her on PBS and she is wonderful.

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  24. Rett, I don't even know where to begin. What a fabulous post this was! From the header all the way down to the beautiful table at the end! I love the shamrock on your door. Did you make that? You have so many beautiful greens - your dishes, your glassware, it's all wonderful! Even your food is beautiful. laurie

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  25. Rett, I can just see you snuggling up under your quilt on the sofa for that last cup 'o tea for the day completely satisfied that you did your Irish roots PROUD with your St. Paddy's Day decor. BRAVO!! Hope you enjoy the day tomorrow celebrating your Irish heritage. Everything is simply wonderful and artfully presented.

    Jerry

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  26. Wow! It looks like your all set for St. Patrick's Day. Love the cute wreath and your tablescape is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

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  27. Hi Rett, I am in awe of this post. Beautiful!!

    Barb

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  28. WOW!! Don't know where to start..you have such wonderful pieces and your tablescape is amazing!
    The jumper is so cute and love the casserole cover you made!!
    So glad I found your blog..will definitely be back!!

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  29. What a great post! You did such a great job. Your guests will fell so special! :)

    ~Liz

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  30. Wow! You have soooo much St. Patrick's Day stuff! Love it all...including the food!

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  31. I just love it all! You did a fabulous job :>) Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

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  32. Wow, you gave us a great show with lots of pictures ! I really enjoyed all your Irishness !
    Hugs ~ Kammy
    p.s. I will have to look for that site for thrifty finds - I am all about the thrift !

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  33. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and your family!

    For each petal on the Shamrock
    This brings a wish your way-
    Good health, good luck, and happiness
    For today and every day.

    Blessings, Gwyn

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  34. Good morning Rett, You asked about the candy I posted, this is a neat little project I picked up from a fellow blogger. All you need are Avery labels #8160. Then design your label any way you choose. These labels will fit nicely over Hershey Nuggets, minatures, and Nestle Treasures. I'm glad you liked them. Your blog is just beautiful! Again, Happy Saint Patrick's Day!! Many blessings to you and your family....

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  35. I just Love your Blog! It is marvelous!
    Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!
    Thank you for the Funny St. Pat's card. We both laughed!
    Joe is making Cabbage and noodles & Kielbasa for us tonight and I have bright green scrub pants to wear today.
    Enjoy you Holiday!
    Love,
    RE

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  36. Love all your Irishness! Very clever! I can't believe all the Irish decorations -- they are so neat!

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  37. Wow...this is an amazing post, Rett. I don't believe I've ever seen so many Irish decorations.
    All the food looks marvelous and delicious.
    Happiest St. Patrick's Day.

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  38. All I can say is WOW! Great post and 'eye candy'.

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  39. Rett~~~

    You have done a marvelous job, inside and out. I love it all. You have been one busy gal!! Happy St. Paddy's Day! :-)

    xoxo
    Jane

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  40. You really went all out!~ That was outstanding, every little detail and oh you had so many!~ Happy St. patricks day to you too!

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  41. Hi Rett....thank you for such lovely comments about my cooking style for corned beef....I knew you would like it....Doesn't it keep that amazing flavor without watering it down...I cooked one yesterday and by noon it was all eaten....I have another one to make but instead of sandwichs I will cook it then into the food processor and it will end up as corned beef hash....we love corned beef hash and if you have never made it from fresh corned beef you need to try it....Well, Happy St. Patrick's Day .....you really have a great celebration going on up there in Ohio....Have a fun dinner!!
    Sue @ Rue-Mouffetard

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  42. Fabulous post! I loved all of it. Wow, you have a lot of St Paddy's day stuff. You are definitely ready for today. Thanks for visiting my blog & leaving me a comment. Happy St Patrick's Day!!!

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  43. It's just amazing! How lovely everything looks. I hope you have a wonderful St Patrick's Day!!

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  44. Happy St. Patrick's Day, Rett! I thought I was here but I wasn't! I have Irish fatigue!
    I don't know where to start. It all looks wonderful The dress is darling and that casserole cover you made is amazing. I love all your decorations and food!
    I have never halved the recipe for the bread..it came out good? I made it today again too for our guests..I love how moist it is..that splash of OJ gives it a lift too..not very authentic for sure! I only heard of that lady last year...I will have to look at some of her recipes...Hard to beat Ina though!
    Thanks so much for joining in..It was so much fun and I loved getting to meet the gals from Ireland too!
    I am sorry I got here late..Mr. Linky even disappeared for awhile..very nerve wracking!

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  45. Oh my, your St. Patrick's Day decor is just stunning...the napkins and other items made by you compliment the store-bought items. The food looks delectable!

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  46. Rett, this is the best of the best Irish posts! You celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a big way! I love little Caroline's jumper. So adorable.
    Thanks for stopping by, and ... you are my friend you just live too far away to have breakfast! My loss!
    Have a wonderful day, dear friend.
    Yvonne

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  47. Oh my heart be still!!!! What beautiful things you have!!! It is a little bit of Ireland right in Ohio! Absolutely stunning! I am so glad you stopped by my blog! I can't say what I love best because I love it all! Anything Irish, green and with a shamrock and I am mush!!!

    We flew into Cork once and drove along the eastern coast up to Dublin. It is such a beautiful area that we want to see more! We are planning a trip for Christmas with the whole family to celebrate my husband's mom's 70th birthday. We asked what she wanted to do most on her birthday and she said," Dance a jig in Ireland!" I was more than happy to oblige and am planning it! We are going to stay in Killarney or Kerry and tour the south west corner of Ireland. I can't wait!!!!!!!

    So glad you came by and stop by an visit again soon!

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  48. Whoa you guys went ALL OUT! Your decorations are so gorgeous, I love the way your table is set. The whole thing is total eye candy...especially to someone who's favorite color is green!

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  49. Hi Rett, I am very late to the carnival but so glad I stopped by. Your decorations were so pretty! What really blows me away is that ingenious and clever casserole cover you made. Did you embroider the shamrocks on it as well? Even if you didn't, it is still a wonderful casserole cover idea. Back to Old Tyme Pottery for me to look for some more placemats!

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  50. Hi Rett,
    Thanks for visiting and thanks for your so very kind comment :-)
    I have been wandering around your blog a bit this morning and posted back here, because your green bunny teapot is too sweet! I also enjoyed all your fantastic depression glass collection... so not depressing :-)
    I am guessing that is your Granddaughter in the header she is very lovely in her pillowcsase dress! The peonies are gorgeous, I think we have the same one, but the heads are your are Giant!
    Have a Great Sunday, Bella

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  51. Congrats :)

    You won a prize as part of my St Patrick's Blogging Carnival.

    Email me with your address to claim your prize :)

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  52. Beautiful greens! With being gone I guess I missed seeing this! Enjoyed it all!

    Katherine

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  53. Rett, sorry I missed this earlier. This is a wonderful post. You out did yourself on this one.

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  54. I am so glad you reposted this! I did not see your lovely St.Patty's day tablescapes last year. Love the light green glass dishware. I love those pretty white and shamrock placemats you made too! I love all your precious holiday decor!

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  55. I enjoyed all your pictures. So many beautiful things. Happy St. Paddys Day.

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  56. Rett, This is a gorgeous post! Loved both your informal and formal St. Patrick's Day tables! Your green depression glass is very special!
    Blessings, Beth

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  57. Rett, you've got it covered. I love it that you have the Irish green in every room. Your tables look gorgeous. I can tell you have fun with this holiday.
    Happy St. Patrick's Day! ~ sarah

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  58. Oh Rett, You have certainly covered all your bases with this post. Everything looks lovely! From the shamrock wreath to the flowers in the napkin rings, everything looks magnificent! Gorgeous, all!!! Happy St. Paddy's Day! xo Sue

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  59. Let me start by saying that as of right now, I'm your newest follower!
    WOW! You really went ALL the way with the most beautiful things and gorgeous tablescapes! One after another Irish decors, my goodness! I'd love to have a few of those!
    Come over and visit, I'll be thrilled to have you!
    Happy St. Patty's Day.
    FABBY

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  60. Wow, you had quite a celebration Rett! Everything looks beautiful! I haven't tried Colcannon yet, but it's made with all of my favorite things:@)

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  61. I am speechless! What creativity on display! Everything is so festive and well thought out. I'm sure your guests know how lucky they are! That tablescape is breathtaking!!!!

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  62. So beautiful! I don't even remember it from last year!

    Happy St. Pat's Day!

    Katherine

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  63. Wow! You do almost as much for St. Patrick's Day as I do for Christmas. My hat is doffed to your efforts and results. Love the Tiara glass on the dining table. That a magnificent shade of green. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful vignettes and for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay

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  64. I want to come over! What a beautiful table...and delish!!

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  65. Rett~ I'm in awe! What wonderful detail you've gone too! I love the reflection in your door of the snow blended with your shamrock! I'm glad you have warmer temperatures this March!

    Hope you had a wonderful vacation, thanks for waving Hi!

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  66. Fabulous! Last year as well as this! Thanks so much for taking part, Rett. I know how busy you are!

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  67. Still amazed at all your pieces..fun to see it again!!

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  68. Hi Rett:
    I'm in love with your little green tea pot, and all the gorgeous green and white treasures were true eye candy! I bet the princess loved her new jumper! I love it.

    Wish we could have celebrated together, my friend. Carol has been so naughty since you headed home! (lol) You'd laugh your head off if you knew!

    I'll be back to visit again soon. Til your next post, I'll be taking in all the details from the photos in this one.

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  69. Rett...I have so enjoyed all your latest posts...Donna is such a sweetheart I hope to meet her sometime when I go to my friend's in Fl. I especially loved your glass napkin ring holders with the flower how pretty!
    Hugz,
    Sandy

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~