Monday, March 12, 2012

♣ ♣ Top O' The Mornin' to You! ♣ ♣

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♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣

March 13th is very special for several reasons this year!

The first reason is that today is

Cuisine Kathleen's 4th Annual

"St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl"

One of the very BEST annual blog parties ever &
I am thrilled to be able to participate again this year.

"Is maith liom ceol Gaelach"
translation:
I like IRISH music!

If you'd like to listen to some of my favorite
Irish music while you scroll through the photos,
just start this youtube video for a
beautiful rendition of
"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"




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We've got Celtic accents all over The Gazebo House.



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Our table has been set with Kelly Green since
shortly after Valentines Day!
(you can tell by all the snow outside)

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Pfaltzgraff white dinner plates topped with Bordallo Pinheiro
cabbage leaf salad plates have been in use for weeks,
mixed with Gibson's white bowls, when needed.


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The gentle curved edges echo each other a wee bit.

Ms. C. says "?? a wee bit?? Nana Rett, you talk funny!"


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This beautifully textured pitcher was a gift from my
sweet step-son & his wife.
Sadly, there aren't any markings to identify its origin.

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We drink tea several times a day,
so my GREEN teapot & Irish shamrock tea cozy
are getting a good workout this month.


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Dollar Store stemware rests on some
Free Standing Lace (FSL) coasters that I
made with my embroidery machine.
I have more designs, like this one:


to show you later in the week
with a few tips, too.



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Since cabbage is always on sale in March,
I made StoneGable's Cabbage Soup last week &
we loved it... it is much better than my old recipe.

Thanks, Yvonne, for sharing it.
I'm SOOO glad you've come back to blogging!
♥♥♥♥♥♥

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The recipe can be found HERE.We topped it with croutons but I'm sure cheese would be good, too.


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We recently had Caesar Chicken Roll-Ups for lunch
(look for the recipe later)

ANYTHING GREEN goes this month!!


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In one corner of the kitchen counter,
I gathered all my Belleek pieces.

Some were gifts from dear sweet friends &
others I purchased from an Irish shop
in Venice, FL where we lived for almost 10 years.


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Did you notice my a little Leprechaun thimble?

He's not Belleek, but he sure is cute !!

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I have lots of green on the bakers rack in the kitchen

mixed in with my
white ironstone & milk glass.

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I like how the white pieces

mix so easily with different holiday colors.

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Can you see, I went BACK to Old Time Pottery & bought

just ONE of their darling GREEN & white polka-dot dishes?

I'll probably kick myself for not getting more but

seriously, how many casserole dishes do I need?


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My favorite Irish cookbook assumes
its rightful place of honor.
Darina Allen is the QUEEN of Irish cooking!
I hope NBC's TODAY show has her on again this year.

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I found this subway art
print online at eighteen25's blog.
There is still time for YOU to print one
...just
go HERE


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Ms. C. helped me make this dress for her doll

who joined us at the dining room table for Sunday brunch.

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We had sandwiches & salad, topped with delicious

Irish Cheddar Cheese.


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When we were in Ireland a few years ago,

I asked one of the serving girls what kind

of cheese was on the buffet...it was SOOO GOOD!

She looked at me like I was daft & said

"Cheddar", with a lilt, as if it was very obvious.

I had never tasted cheddar as delicious as that before.

This KerryGold brand is as close to that

freshly made, local flavor that I have been able to find.

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Today is also Marty's (A Stroll Thru Life)

Spring Cloche Party!

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Every year, I use my Chantilly Tiara GREEN glass
dishes
for St. Patrick's Day in the dining room.
They were
made by the Indiana glass company in the 1980s & are considered "Reproduction Depression" glass,
not truly from the Depression era.


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I am trying to teach Ms. C. all about her heritage

& to foster a love of all things Irish in her heart.
I tell her about my grandmother's mother,

who followed her one true love over to America,

(during the potato famine in the mid 18oo's)

where they married & had 5 children,

the youngest being my

grandmother, Mary Elizabeth.



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I kept the centerpiece playful,
for Ms. C's benefit.
I noticed that I seem to have developed
a love for reticulated edges!

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Its fun to change the ribbons in accordance
with whatever holiday we're celebrating.
I'm sure you'll see these with
red/white & blue ribbons, soon.

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Since the depression glass is so delicate,
I used my mother's William. A. Rogers
ONEIDA Silverplate.
The pattern is Wildwood /Always from 1958.
It is lightweight & very feminine in appearance.
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The Celtic Knot napkin rings pick up both the
silver of the flatware & the gold of the coins.

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It didn't take Ms. C. very long to discover that there was
CHOCOLATE inside them!
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I found these pretty vintage sherbert glasses at an antique
store in Copley, OH several years ago.

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Of course, I had to put some GREEN M&M's on the table
in a pretty milk glass container that looks like its quilted.

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On the side table, where cups & dessert are located,
I have a cloche' with some of my fathers sheet music
(he had a BEAUTIFUL tenor voice)
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and several shamrocks &
my Mom's 4-leaf clover suncatcher.
(They aren't the same, ya' know...
you shouldn't call a 4-leaf clover a "shamrock")
St. Patrick was said to have used the shamrock,
or the 3 leafed clover to teach the
Holy Trinity, & explain the Father, Son & Holy Ghost,
were 3 parts of one whole.


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By now, the music should be over.
If you'd like to hear more, click below to hear a song
that I remember my Mother singing as she stood at the kitchen sink.
She was always singing Irish tunes, after all, her maiden name was
Peggy O'Neil! Honest, it was!!

"...Many years ago, my Mother sang a song to me,
In a voice so sweet and low.
Just a little ditty,
In her good old Irish way,
And I'd give the world
if she were here
To sing to me today"





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Desserts are served on an antique, round Americana
cut glass 9" cake pedestal.

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"May your pockets be heavy & your heart be light,

May good luck pursue you each morning and night."

~Irish Blessing~

The BEST reason that today is so special

is because it is my sweetheart's birthday!

Sláinte!

(Gaelic for "Health!")

Pronunciation: Slaw-in-tche
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I am so grateful that you are still around
to keep me company by the fire,
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to share some Irish coffee or
in my case, tea

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You are the SWEETEST man I've ever met

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and I am so grateful to still have you
to keep me company by the fire.

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Thank you, everybody for visiting The Gazebo House today.
Come celebrate the holiday with all the other
party goers at Cuisine Kathleen's
as well as Marty's
&


52 comments:

  1. I've always taken great pleasure that my family is also "Potato Famine Irish". I'm so proud of my ancestors...such incredible overcomers. We hail from noble, persevering, hardy stock. I love your St. Pat's tablescape and the history that you share with your sweet girl. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  2. Oh, it is with such wonderful memories of my trip to Ireland 13 years ago that I celebrate St.Patrick's Day. I too pull out my Belleck china and put it on the table at this time. Only mine was purchased in the factory in Belleck, Northern Ireland and carried careful home on the plane with me. My son carries on the joy of his year spent there with Youth for Christ, in N.Ireland, in the names of his two children, Gemma and Guinness (yes, he named him Guinness, but we love it and him dearly). BE in Canada

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  3. Looks like you're all set for a fun St. Patty's Day Rett! Love your pretty lace and the milk glass on the Baker's Rack! I'm off to check out Yvonne's Cabbage Soup and that donut looks pretty darn good too-enjoy:@)

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  4. Wow ! love your post! Thanks for sharing your lovely story. Beautiful table Joann

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  5. Oh Rettabug! You have outdone yourself! Everything just looks so wonderfully green and festive at your house. That food is so tempting and looks so delicious! Your table settings and cloches are adorable too. I have totally enjoyed my visit with you! Did you make the last shamrock tied on to your cloche with your embroidery machine too? I cannot wait to see more of your embroidery. Hope you have a wonderful week!

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  6. My goodness, you have lots of irish things! Going through this post was like attending a museum's exhibition of "All Things Green."

    I liked reading about how you are teaching your granddaughter about her heritage.

    That soup looks delicious.

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  7. I just wanted to add that you are a great photographer too.

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  8. Oh my, what a fabulous post!
    You have it all, every pretty Irish thing there is!
    And the cutest Irish cloches ever!
    Cindy

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  9. Oh, gosh. I'm back again - this time with a question. Where did you get the pretty Celtic Knot napkin rings?

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    Replies
    1. I bought my Celtic knot napkin rings YEARS AGO at a Waccamma store in FL, but they have since closed, nationwide. I'm sorry. If I ever see them again, I'll be sure to let you know.

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  10. Rett~ So many shades of green and wonderful St. Paddy's Day touches at your house! Beautiful Belleek and I LOVE your sweet cloche highlighting your father's sheet music & mother's suncatcher! Happy Birthday wishes to your hubby & Happy early St. Patrick's Day to you :)

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  11. Beautiful table, decor and what a delicious feast! The soup looks so good. Happy St Patrick's Day, very festive at your house!

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  12. Oh my, every one of your pictures are a work of art. I love all of your decor and your vignettes. Your cloche displays are so perfect with everything and the green donut, how fun. Thanks so much for joining the party. Hugs, Marty

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  13. Rett, You have absolutely outdone yourself with this post~ I love everything you have photographed! The table settings look amazing and you've created such pretty cloches, as well. Your Belleek collection is enviable! My MIL brought back several pieces on her last trip- sadly, I was not one of the recipients of them- they went to her daughters. She did bring me a Waterford pitcher, however! That made me happy.... Are you getting any warmer weather? We have sporadic sun and warmer temps. Yesterday it rained.... Spring in Ohio! LOL
    hugs, Sue

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  14. Love all your things green, but the most important thing is your honey's birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERNIE!!! Many, many more!

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  15. Hi Rett, I can't seem to leave your post today--I had to stop and watch the first video because the scenes were so beautiful and just like I remember Ireland! And all your dishes and food--I don't know where to begin. Miss C is very lucky to have you and so is your dear sweet love of your life! Putting the ribbons in the milk glass is such a good idea too--that is something I could steal and do :) ! Happy St. Patty's Day and thank you for this entertaining and delightful post! (I may have to go back for more). Linda

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  16. OMGoodness, Rett, this post brought tears to my eyes. It is all so beautifullly done. Your table(s) are just so beautiful. I love the green glass plates, and glasses too. I bet your parents were very special people that you have such wonderful memories of them and I love that you are passing on your wonderful heritage to your granddaughter. I could go on and on about this post. I also remember Kat Smith. Happy belated birthday to your sweet hubby too. XOXO, Pinky PS, I WIRED my clay pots onto the wreath. I will go include that in my post now. Have a FABULOUS St. Patty's day and thanks for telling me about the difference in a shamrock and a 4 leaf clover!

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  17. happy Anniversary, Rett! You two are so sweet! I love all your Irish displays, expecially the plates on the wall, so pretty. You hae so many and they are all so lovely...Christine

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  18. Rett,
    Oh my, there are so many wonderful things to comment on. I'll just say I love everything again. Especially the Beleek. Happy St. Patrick's Day Early! A wonderful post. Pat

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    Replies
    1. First dear Rett, I love your gorgeous Beleek dishes, wish I can get some one day. Every detail and photo is lovely, so many beautiful things and vignettes, don't know where to start! I love Irish coffee and your display makes me want some...it's to early still, lol! Happy Anniversary Rett and may you have many, many more. I'm loving your post. Thank you for your lovely visit and kisses to you sweet Irish Girl.
      FABBY

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  19. What a delightful post, Rett! You set a pretty Irish table...love all the green. I sure could scarf one of those cake doughnuts down right now!

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  20. Oh, Rett, this was a joy to behold! You weren't kidding about that snow outside your windows. But inside, everything is green and welcoming. Happy St. Patrick's!

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  21. Hi Rett,

    What a great post! Happy Birthday to your husband!

    I like all your Celtic decor. I have just a few little Belleek pieces, myself, but I do love them. It's such exquisite, delicate china. Did you shop for lots of goodies when you were in Ireland? We bought a lot of neat things, but we were there before Ireland was part of the European Union. We got good bargains on what we bought, but my in-laws went about five or six years ago, and they said things were quite expensive.

    I know what you mean about "the Troubles". We flew from London directly into Belfast airport, and I have to say, I was a wee bit nervous about that. But we didn't encounter any problems.

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your kind comments! I hope you have a great week!

    Hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  22. You went green in a big, beautiful way! I loved seeing your wonderful collection and green accents.

    Happy Birthday to your sweetheart!

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  23. A belated birthday to your precious Ern. He sure looks handsome and you look lovely with your long hair, Rett, very nice. Did you know my Bday is the day after your hubby's? I sure hope he gets two gifts, one for Valentine, and one for his Bday. I know you have that all under control ;0.

    I feel like I have spent the morning with you, sipping tea, sharing our Irish heritage, and you touring me around your lovely home. Thanks for the lovely time together.

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  24. Wonderful post Rett. Happy St. Paddy's Day to you. My mother was born in Northern Ireland just after WWII and immigrated to Canada when she was in her early 20's. She will be gone 12 years this year and I also miss her singing, mind you she could not carry a tune to save her life, lol. Has spring arrived yet, it is very warm here, in the high 50's. I am waiting for some spring bulbs. Jen xox

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  25. This was the best post from beginning to end. I loved listening to the first song, and now I'm going to click to hear the second one. It always makes me cry just a little so I thought I should comment first. This was really, really wonderful. You have so many treasures, but very clearly the best St. Pat's treasure of all is your Irish sweetheart. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIM.

    Now to click and very likely cry...

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  27. Wow, you said I had a lot? You have a wonderful collection. I love the glassware, such a beautiful pattern, so delicate! All of your treaures are lovely! I want your tea cozy, it is adorable!
    Happy Birthday to dear, Ernie, may the Lord keep him in good health!
    Thank you so much for joining the blog crawl with such a beautiful post! You went way out, and I thank you and your Irish heart!
    Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  28. I really enjoyed your post and the pictures are wonderful.

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  29. So many pretty greens and Irish treasures. I love your reproduction Depression glass, and those sherbets are exquisite. Your table settings look so pretty. But Rett, I am drooling over that pretty green tea pot. It took my breath away. There is something about Irish songs that is so comforting, even if you aren't part Irish. I loved your Irish post. laurie

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  30. Hi Rett!

    Your post is gorgeous! I love the music, your tablescape, the delicious soup wrap, donut and Irish coffee and all your decorative accessories. I am also a collector of Belleek China.
    ♣ Happy St. Patrick's Day!♣ Most importantly, Happy Birthday to your darling husband and a belated Happy Anniversary!

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  31. Hi Rett,

    I'm visiting again -- I've been looking at your blog, and I love it. Wanted you to know that I'm now following you on Google Friend Connect and Linky Follower. Your recipes look wonderful!

    I noticed your pics of the Bushmills Whiskey for celebrating your husband's birthday. I toured their distillery with my husband on that trip to Northern Ireland. It was pretty interesting. Hope you have a happy and festive St. Pat's Day!

    All the best,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  32. Happy Anniversary! Pretty table. I love the Belleek and cute tea cozy! Happy SPD~

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  33. I love Kate Smith. What an amazing Irish collection you have.

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  34. Oh my, Rett, I loved reading your post! I adored seeing all your green, your sewing/embroidery projects, your Beeleek, your cloches, BUT, most of all I loved your tribute to your sweetheart. That just warmed my Irish soul. Slainte to both of you!! xoxo

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  35. Sorry I'm late to arrive, but I've been away from my computer. Rett, every image in this post speaks of your love of green for your beloved Ireland. Such a wonderful collection of green in your home. The food, the table details, the music ~ everything makes me smile thinking about you and your love of shamrocks. Great photo of you two on the 25th. Happy St. Patrick's Day! ~ Sarah

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  36. First, that is quite an amazing post - wow and a big happy birthday to your handsome sweetheart. I wish you many more years together. Twenty five is a great milestone!
    Your Chantilly dishes are the prettiest color of green ever and all of your wonderful Irish touches around the house are so great. I especially love the green pitcher with it's gorgeous texture. That was so fun learning about your family history too. I love that you celebrate it and pass it on! Happy St. Patrick's Day.

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  37. What a wonderful and beautiful St. Patricks Day table! I love all your pretty accessories! Just perfect!

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  38. Hello Rett,
    This is my first time to visit you and I enjoyed it so much. Loved everything Irish. All your photos were just lovely and made it feel so much like St. patrick's day. That was my grandfathers birthday as well, so Happy birthday to your dear husband. The music was a lovely added touch.
    Thanks for making such a lovely post,
    May your Irish eyes keep smilin

    Irish Blessings to you and yours, Nellie

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  39. Oh Rett - you are the sweetest thing!! Even if I don't win the contest, I'm so touched by the outpouring of generosity this fabulous blogging community continually bestows upon fellow bloggers. If I could, I'd give you a (((GREAT BIG HUG)))!! Happy Birthday to your beloved, and as always, I LOVE everything you do - you certainly have a gift for decorating, and your home is always stunning!!

    xoxo
    Patricia

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  40. Wow, your Irish is really out. We used to be able to get Irish butter when we lived in the Bahamas and it was THE very best butter I've ever tasted.
    Sam

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  41. Hi Rett! What a post! Green eye candy and food! You have the prettiest Irishness around. I am in love with your wonderful baker's rack. Happy Birthday to your hubby! Thanks so much for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  42. Oh, I forgot! Oh, course you can pin my felties! I'm honored you would want to.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  43. Rett! Happy Anniversary!

    Oh, how I've missed you and enjoyed reading every word and seeing every picture of this post. It made me tear up in a good way!

    I'm so sorry I haven't been blogging. I've had computer issues and am on Mr. Magpie's work computer tonight. Don't know when I am going to have a chance to get a new one because I am up to my eyeballs in life stuff... Adelaide's husband had a triple bypass (unexpected), and another friend's husband is in the final days of pancreatic cancer. I have had no time to blog which I miss SO much.

    I hope to be back by the end of spring. I miss you and all of my blogging buddies.

    Take good care and Happy St. Patrick's Day...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  44. Whoa! You have been one busy lady this past week with all the celebrating!!! Happy Birthday to your husband! I hope you guys had a chance to celebrate with gusto! You are SO ready for St. Patrick's Day!!! My goodness...it's still another 10 hours away, but I'm sure that's not soon enough for you! I have serious plans of savoring corned beef & cabbage (just a teensy bit...have to watch the old blood pressure!) and then downing several gallons of Bailey's. IF I'm still alive on Sunday morning, I will go to Mass and atone for my sin of gluttony! :-) Your teapot is the cutest thing ever! The little bunny on there is just a rascal!

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  45. HOLY COW...this is one loaded post, woman. Whew...you must have been tired by the time you finished this beauty. :)
    So much to look at here...First off, happiest birthday to Mr. Gazebo. He is a mighty handsome fella, by the way.
    Everything in your pretty home looks fabulous in green.
    I love your pretty bakers rack...it looks amazing.
    Happy St. Pat's Day

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  46. Rett, tell your beloved happy happy belated birthday from me! Picked up on the FSL motif right away.. so pretty.. and the embroidered shamrock! Too pretty. all of it. I love that you keep your table set with the freen and white and change our your baker's rack. Happy St. Patricks.. xo marlis

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  47. Wow! You went all out with this post, Rett, and it got better and better and better (I couldn't wait to see your mother's green Depression glass you'd told me about--was it the cups and saucers?), and you DID save the best for last--your sweetie's bday! Happy bday too him, and my wishes for many more years cozied up to the fire. ") ~Zuni

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  48. Hi Rett, Wow, so many beautiful Irish collectibles in your home. They are beautiful and you have a flair for display and arranging vignettes. I really love the green tea pot with the bunnies and your tablescape. I love how you did it early and had time to enjoy. I love your blog, it's full of great fun and beautiful images and great info. I look forward to taking the full tour and I will be your newest follower. Look forward to visiting you often, I'm so happy to meet you. I look forward to returning to Ireland again someday like you and I hope we will be able to take our grandson.
    Happy Spring Rett.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  49. Oh my goodness! You really do celebrate it! There are so many great pieces of china and glassware. I just found out that I have a wee bit of Irish in me so I can now celebrate with a little more feeling of being connected! Your doll is cute and the pitcher from your step-son and DIL is wonderful! Looks like they know what you like! Your food all looks so good and I want to jump in and grab that doughnut! Thanks for sharing!

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  50. Rett, I loved this post! I love the Belleek, the depression glass, the green stemware, the cute teapot and your tea cozy. The table looks great with the green placemats. Most of all, I enjoyed the tribute to your beloved, and I congratulate you on your recent 25th anniversary!
    blessings and hugs, Beth

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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~