Simple Pleasures

"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. As you consider your own philanthropic opportunities, I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.

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Wasn't certain that I would find time to write my post this evening. Late this afternoon our city was hit with a violent storm that featured hail the size of baseballs, tennis balls, softballs, and grapefruits. For the second time in two years, there will be many thousands of homes in need of new roofs. At least this time, our home didn't sustain broken windows, but our giant tree in the back yard does look like it's been napalmed. We were blessed to have enough warning to pull all the potted plants and patio tables and chair underneath the porch before the storm hit. We have our electricity thanks to underground cables. That said, there are about 100,000 homes in the city without power. All in all, we came through the storm with minimal damage. So...

Once again, I'm preparing for a birthday luncheon this coming Friday. Last week, I set a small table for four for lunch. Take out, but of course.

It was windy outside today, so we shared lunch at the games table in the living room.

The flowers are left over from the ROUND THE CLOCK SHOWER/LUNCHEON that I hosted last weekend. The Haviland "Ranson" tureen, elevated on an oriental stand, served well as our centerpiece. Aside from wedding and inherited dishes, the Haviland, "Ranson" was the beginning of my china collection.

Blogland has proven to be such a delightful resource for all of us dishaholics. Just a week or so ago, Alycia Nichols, of TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE showed us this lavender charger from Michael's. I hot-footed it to Michael's, and was fortunate to find a large inventory waiting for me. Thank you, Alycia! They are going to be wonderful with so many of my dishes. Today I'm using them with the Royal Doulton, "Old Chelsea" dinner plate. The pink linen hemstitched luncheon napkin belonged to Nana. The Reed & Barton, "Francis I" flatware belonged to my mother-in-love, and it was still out after the shower/luncheon...made it an easy choice.

The tablecloth was a great get at the end of an estate sale, and I always enjoy using it. The covered butter dish is also Haviland, "Ranson". The Hydrangeas are still happy in the Lenox urns.

The color mix of the crystal reminded me of a childhood memory. Shortly after I was allowed to dress myself, I came out of my bedroom thrilled with the outfit that I had put together. I was wearing a yellow sweater and a pink corduroy circle skirt. Mama immediately sent me back to choose a more appropriate ensemble. The "Old Chelsea" plate features a wonderful pink design with an amber rim. I couldn't resist....

I pulled out the Waterford, "Simply Pink" and the Vietri, "Optic" amber goblets. Mama is either smiling or gently shaking her head.

Ready to roll...lunch would be coming through the door any time. For dessert, I had a batch of mama's Brandy Ice ready and waiting in the freezer. I'd love for the day to come when you would be walking through the door to share food, fun, and fellowship.

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, Tablescape Thursday. I'll be linking my post to "TABLESCAPE THURSDAY." Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays. You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

When I think of MAY, I think of easy going days and time to share a meal with friends. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!

Tonight is the eleventh edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". So excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube. I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen. You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site. The girl can really write! KC has just released her 5th studio CD project, "The Tag Hollow Sessions". The sold out CD release concert was this past weekend. "The Tag Hollow Sessions" is available on iTunes or through her website. I hope that you'll give her music a chance. I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!