Februari 2013

by ACLU-PA Executive Director Reggie Shuford

Last Sunday, I attended a 50^th anniversary celebration of the landmark Supreme Court case, Abington v. Schempp, which established that students cannot be required to read the Bible in public schools. Schempp was brought by the Philadelphia Chapter of the ACLU, what would eventually become the ACLU of Pennsylvania.

The ACLU is well known for its work to protect First Amendment rights like the religious liberty principles at issue in Schempp. It’s likewise known for protecting the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. Last week, for example, the ACLU-PA was in court arguing on behalf of middle school students’ right to wear a bracelet supporting breast cancer awareness, which reads: “I [Heart] Boobies. Keep A Breast.”

Back in the mid-1990s, when I announced that I had accepted a job with the national ACLU and was moving from North Carolina to New York City, a few good friends jokingly said: “Don't get up there and start defending the Ku Klux Klan!” Their reaction is not unique. People are quite familiar with the ACLU’s history of taking controversial First Amendment cases.

Perhaps less well known is that, since its founding in 1920, the ACLU has been engaged in the fight for civil rights and racial equality. In 1931, it took up the case of the Scottsboro Boys – nine African-American teenagers wrongly accused of raping two white women. That same year, the ACLU published “Black Justice,” a comprehensive survey outlining institutionalized racism in America. In 1942, Roger Baldwin, a founder of the ACLU, established the national Committee Against Racial Discrimination.

Over the course of the next few decades, the ACLU became involved in some of the most important racial justices cases ever to reach the Supreme Court, including cases that: invalidated white-only primaries (1944); outlawed racially restrictive covenants requiring white homeowners to sell their homes to other whites (1947); established the “one person, one vote” rule (1964); found it unconstitutional to exclude women and African-Americans from juries (1966, 1967); and declared illegal racial segregation in state prisons and jails (1968). The ACLU also was involved in Brown v. Board Education, the 1954 case that famously struck down the “separate but equal” doctrine, and Loving v. Virginia, which ended bans on interracial marriage in 1967.

In 1964, the ACLU established a Southern Regional Office, which launched a number of lawsuits challenging racial discrimination and institutionalized segregation in the South. The Southern Regional Office eventually became the ACLU Voting Rights Project, which played an integral role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Since then, the ACLU has been involved in every effort to reauthorize and protect the gains resulting from the Voting Rights Act. Just yesterday, the ACLU and allies from the Legal Defense Fund were back before the Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder, in an effort to preserve Section 5 of the VRA. Roger Baldwin was right when he said, “No fight for civil liberties ever stays won.”

In recent years, the ACLU has led the fight against racial profiling, to preserve affirmative action, and to end the school-to-prison pipeline. In Pennsylvania, we recently sued the Pittsburgh Police Department for its racially discriminatory hiring practices. A few years ago, we sued the Philadelphia Police Department for targeting African-Americans and Latinos with its stop-and-frisk practices and continue to monitor those activities.

A current priority of the ACLU is criminal justice reform. The criminal justice system disproportionately targets and imprisons African-Americans. One in every nine black men between the ages of 20 and 34 is incarcerated, and one in three black men will spend some part of his life in prison. Today, there are more African-Americans under correctional control (3.5 million) than were enslaved (3.2 million) in 1850. Mass incarceration, also known as the New Jim Crow, is largely the result of the War on Drugs and the growth of the prison industrial complex. It’s had a devastating impact on the lives of those convicted of crime, their families and communities.

Last fall, in Adkins et al. v. Morgan Stanley, the ACLU, on behalf of black homeowners, sued Morgan Stanley for its predatory lending practices. While many families lost their homes in the recent foreclosure crisis, black and Latino families were especially hard hit. The case, the first of its kind, has been called perhaps the most important civil rights case in a generation.

Every year, during Black History Month, I am especially proud of the recognition of African-Americans, both famous and nameless, who dedicated or gave their lives to ensure that America live up to its founding ideals. I am also proud to be a part of an organization that continues to be engaged in the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

In America, black history is American history, and the ACLU is an important part of that history.

This post is part of a series honoring Black History Month.

The ACLU's Long Battle for Racial Justice

• Drink a glass of water prior to eating your meal. This will help to fill you up a bit before you begin eating.

• Use smaller plates, bowls, and silverware. The larger the utensils and dishes, the more you’ll eat.

• Ask yourself why you are eating. Are you hungry? Out with friends? Bored? Stressed? Etc. Depending on your answer, you will be more likely to watch what you eat and how much. At times you may see that it’s not necessary for you to eat at that time after all.

• Start with one serving. For example, even if you know that you will be going back for a second roll, waiting to do so will help you to stop and think about how much you have eaten and listen to your body.

• Take a larger serving of vegetables, and less of the main entre. This will help you to still get full, but with less calories.

• Chew your food slowly. This will help you to pay attention to the food that you are consuming, enjoy every bite, and acknowledge when you are full.

• Avoid eating with distractions. You will eat more if you are distracted by other activities while you eat such as watching TV. If your family likes to sit and talk after dinner, move into another room where you will not be tempted to pick off of your plate or get another serving.

• If you feel that you are still hungry after clearing your plate, wait 20 minutes. This will allow time for your body to process the food that you’ve already consumed; giving you time to assess whether or not you need a second serving.

• If you go out to eat, box half of your food before you begin eating. This will help you avoid leaving the restaurant stuffed due to overeating. If it is in front of you, you will continue to eat.

• Don’t beat yourself up, and take it one meal at a time. Being mindful of what you are eating and assessing your body’s needs is the key; however, this takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and remember that it’s to be done in baby steps.

Tips to Help You Watch What You Eat

Unsafe Sex Puts Black Youth at Risk

by Khalia Walters, Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Intern

In Philadelphia, there are not many teenagers who are well-educated on reproductive health. Things like pregnancy rates, STD rates or just STD’s period are a non-factor to a great number of Philadelphia teens. I know this because I am a teen living in Philadelphia, and from the things I’ve seen and heard from my peers, people don’t know that sexual intercourse can be really risky.

I came across a website suggested by one of my coworkers here at ACLU that gave the most straightforward yet very informational facts about STD’s. The website is called takecontrolphilly.org and it gives you all facts on every STD. It tells you the symptoms, whether they’re curable or not, and how you can catch them. It also says what you should do when you catch a curable STD and what you’re restricted from doing if you have an STD that isn’t curable. Some STD’s spread simply by the male privates and female privates touching each other, not only by full sexual intercourse. And pregnancy can happen before intercourse, too. But so many teens don’t know that.

At our age, we teens think we’re invincible and that things like STD’s are facts broadcast to us to make us refrain from sexual activity. With some STD’s, you won’t really able to tell if you have it or not. With HIV, most times you won’t even look or feel differently. Other times people get flu-like symptoms which can just be mistaken for the common flu. And so some infected people are running around freely thinking they’re STD-free when they’re actually infecting others. In 2010, of all the youth in Philadelphia diagnosed with HIV, 84% of them were African-American. Also, 70% of the adolescents diagnosed with HIV each year are African-American.

So what exactly do we do about these frightening facts? I say that the Philadelphia School District should place more health classes in middle schools and in all high schools. This can be a touchy subject with some parents and to officials this may seem unnecessary, but with the rate of HIV in African-American youth in Philadelphia as high as it is, something big needs to happen. Teens need to know the great risk they’re taking when they go out and “hook up” with someone. Anyone who thinks he’s too cool to use a condom is fooling himself. Using a condom is a way of looking out for yourself and your partner.

When I was in middle school, we had health classes that taught us about some of the STD’s out there and we were told to read these really old health books with scenarios that were so unrealistic that was it hard to believe that something called AIDS could bring so much destruction to one’s life. Running with this, I think that the Philadelphia School District has an obligation to its students. They should establish health classes at every Philadelphia high school with an updated, effective, and relevant curriculum. Teachers should teach about current statistics and make lessons more interesting. Websites like takecontrolphilly.orgare far more appealing to the eye than a normal website with blank facts typed all over. Their graphic designs and accurate information intrigues the reader and pulls them in, making them want to learn more about the risk of sex. Sex ed classes should be at least this interesting.

As we raise awareness during Black History Month of issues facing our community, teens in Philadelphia need to know the facts about reproductive health. They need to know that unsafe sex is a risk no one should take. STD’s are lurking around the city affecting the lives of many teens who may not even be aware of the danger. Health classes in Philadelphia high schools and middle schools could really benefit Philadelphia youth, especially African-Americans who are by far at the greatest risk.

Khalia Walters is a high school sophomore at the Mastery Charter School, Lenfest Campus. She is interning at the Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project this semester.

This post is part of a series honoring Black History Month.

Invincible Youth, Invisible Epidemic

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. 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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I think that Marlis @ CREATIVE JOURNEYS has started something with her post last week on tablescaping with blue and white. I've read comments all this week that lead me to think that we're going to see a boat load of tables in shades of blue. I've decided that I'll join the fun, too. Tonight I want to share a retrospective of my tablescapes in shades and hues of blue, my favorite color. If you wish to visit any of the posts, just click on the title below the picture. Warning: You may feel like you've read a text book if you make it all the way to the end. You may want to scroll quickly. Here we go...

I Have a Seat at My Table Reserved Just for You

Stop by for a Bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Red, White, & Blue Luncheon

Hot Chocolate & the Blues

Linens & Lace

Blue Quail Breakfast

Marie Antoinette Autumn Luncheon

Queen Sparkle's Tea Party

Round the Clock Shower/Luncheon

Garden Friends Fix

I read recently that blue is the new trend color for this year. For me, blue never goes out of favor or style. Blue is my lifetime trend color. Do you delve into adventures in blue? I'm always happy when I run across a one of your lovely blue tables...consistently makes me smile!

Come join me at Marty's TABLETOP TUESDAY...always a great place to visit!

I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for TUESDAY TO DO AND LIST MAKERS. So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!

Wednesday is the 50th edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". I'm excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for TUTORIALS, TIPS, & TIDBITS. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!

I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS. Don't miss it!

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 THURSDAYS." 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.

March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. 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!

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! Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions"" It 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!

A Blue Retrospective

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in the office of a state representative, and the topic of capital punishment came up in conversation. This particular representative, who is young and white, said that he turned into an abolitionist when he realized the impact of race on death sentencing, particularly the race of the victim.

As he said that, his office suitemate, another young state representative who is black, walked into the office. The first representative asked, “Do you know that if someone kills me they are more likely to get the death penalty than if they kill you?” His colleague replied, “Yeah, because you’re white. No one cares if a black guy gets shot.”

The statistics bear them out. Since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, after a four year national moratorium, 77 percent of the victims in cases that led to executions were white. But white people are the victims in 50 percent of homicides. (See the website of the Death Penalty Information Center. )

Juries’ penchant for using the death penalty disproportionately in response to the murder of white victims is an expression of America’s shadow side that has plagued us since the first settlers arrived on these shores. Too many Americans value the lives of the majority population far more than the lives of people of color.

When I got involved in anti-death penalty activism 13 years ago, I did it simply because I thought the idea of the government murdering people was wrong. But my opposition gained depth when I learned how dysfunctional the capital punishment system is.

Despite the attempts of supporters to explain away the problems, the death penalty is poor public policy. Since 2007, five states have repealed the death penalty, and Maryland may follow suit this year. It’s well past time for Pennsylvania to do the same.

---Andy Hoover, Legislative Director, ACLU of PA

Death race

by Ngani Ndimbie, ACLU-PA community organizer

I’m just going to come out and say it: As a young activist in my late teens, it was very hard for me to get behind any friend or representative of the American Civil Liberties Union who used “founders’ intent” jargon when discussing the rights of all. Or talking about the morality and wisdom of the men who wrote the Bill of Rights.

My thought as a black American always was, “Um. It was also the founders’ intent to keep black Americans enslaved forever. Or at least that’s what they wrote into the Constitution and failed to correct in the first 12 Amendments. So let’s not pretend that these men were infallible geniuses...”

My relationship with the Constitution and the early history of this country is fraught with mixed emotions. I wish I could imagine time-traveling back to 1790 to chat with Ben Franklin about the Patriot Act, PA’s Wiretap Act, and pre-conviction DNA testing, knowing that he would be pissed as hell and commiserate. I wish I could imagine having a long and rewarding discussion.

But as a black person I knowthat I’d barely be given enough time to get out of the Back-to-the Future-Delorean before being whisked away into slavery with the other black Americans.

Today I work for the ACLU of Pennsylvania as a community organizer defending the Constitution every day. And I love it. I have come to terms with the fact that the founders did not have the whole picture--but they understood an important part of it. The founders also included freedom and justice in the Constitution. And that cannot be overlooked.

When talking to people who dislike the ACLU, our legal director, Vic Walczak, often references the “liberty and justice for all” part of the Pledge of Allegiance, saying that the ACLU exists to secure that promise. Vic then questions the ACLU detractor, asking, “Do you have a problem with liberty?” “No,” they say. “Justice?” is Vic’s follow up. “No. I don’t have a problem with justice...”

It’s the “for all” part. A portion of our country’s leaders and citizens have always had trouble with the “for all” part. It’s our fellow Pennsylvanians who have commented on the articles announcing our Davila lawsuit with terrible, ugly, and misguided thoughts. They aren’t bad people. In fact, I’d like to think that they are much like the founders.I trust that they really do believe in liberty and justice, but they’re still wrestling over that “for all” business (and are now thankfully required to by the 14th Amendment).

So while they work that out for themselves, the ACLU of Pennsylvania will continue to remind them of what America’s values really are.

We’ll nudge them with a lawsuit here, a petition there. We’ll block bills written by lawmakers who have chosen to ignore the Constitution. We’ll educate communities about their rights and mobilize people to take action.

So in the end, the founders’ shortcomings have given me purpose. I consider myself lucky be part of such a wonderful team of staff, board members, community members, volunteers, and supporters gladly, tirelessly working for all.

This post is part of a series honoring Black History Month.

The Founders’ Intent

Tips from the American Sleep Association:

Maintain a regular sleep routine.

• Go to bed at the same time. Wake up at the same time. Ideally, your schedule will remain the same (+/- 20 minutes) every night of the week.
Avoid naps if possible
• When we take naps, it decreases the amount of sleep that we need the next night – which may cause sleep fragmentation and difficulty initiating sleep

Don’t stay in bed awake for more than

5-10 minutes.

• If you find your mind racing, or worrying about not being able to sleep during the middle of the night, get out of bed, and sit in a chair in the dark. Do your mind racing in the chair until you are sleepy, and then return to bed. No TV or internet during these periods! That will just stimulate your mind, making it difficult to fall asleep.
• If this happens several times during the night, that is OK. Just maintain your regular wake time, and try to avoid naps.

Don’t watch TV or read in bed.

• When you watch TV or read in bed, you associate the bed with wakefulness.
Do not drink caffeine inappropriately
• The effects of caffeine may last for several hours after ingestion. Caffeine can fragment sleep, and cause difficulty initiating sleep. If you drink caffeine, use it only before noon.
• Remember that soda and tea contain caffeine as well.

Avoid inappropriate substances that interfere with sleep.

• Cigarettes, alcohol, and over-the-counter medications may cause fragmented sleep.
Exercise regularly
• Exercise before 2 pm every day. Exercise promotes continuous sleep.
• Avoid rigorous exercise before bedtime. Rigorous exercise circulates endorphins into the body which may cause difficulty initiating sleep.

Have a quiet, comfortable bedroom.

• Set your bedroom thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Generally, a little cooler is better than a little warmer.
• Turn off the TV and other extraneous noise that may disrupt sleep. Background ‘white noise’ like a fan is OK.
• If your pets awaken you, keep them outside the bedroom.
• Your bedroom should be dark. Turn off bright lights.
• Get rid of distractions that will keep you from falling asleep. For example, if you are a ‘clock watcher’ at night, hide the clock.

Have a comfortable pre-bedtime routine.

• A warm bath, shower
• Meditation, or quiet time

American Sleep Association

Sleep Hygiene

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"I got a dog, and his name is "Blue". Betcha five dollars he's a good dog, too."
--as sung by Peter Paul & Mary

When Sweet Mister and I were first married, I gave him a German Short Hair hunting dog for Christmas. Sweet Mister named him "Blue". Now Sweet Mister has 'working dogs' for hunting, so it became an issue when we realized that this marvelous dog that I had given him was gun shy. Sweet Mister would fire his shot gun, Blue would take off at a dead run, and Sweet Mister would yell, "Blue, come back, Blue...you *&#@**%&!!!" Blue ended up living out the rest of his very passive life with my dear Aunt Ida. Sweet Mister and Blue were both much happier with this solution, and Aunt Ida enjoyed Blue's company. So....that experience with Blue didn't work out so well...But when it comes to the color blue, Sweet Mister and I have always agreed that blue is a color with which we both live well. Now you know the source of my love affair with blue dishes...outdone only by my 44 year love affair with Sweet Mister. With the holidays all the way up through Valentine's Day, I've created an abundance of tablescapes in reds, pinks, and greens. Marlis @ CREATIVE JOURNEYS did a neat post on blue and white today. She started my wheels turning. I've been yearning to play with some of my blue dishes, and this turned out to be the perfect day. I set a table for four today, and my friend Kathy brought...my favorite...take-out for lunch.

We're in the living room at the games table. The crystal decanters are catching the bright sun on this winter day. The decanters were gifts many years ago. In addition to Nana's tall antique decanter, one of them is St. Louis, one is Waterford, and two are Baccarat. I can't remember which is which. I've never had liquor in them, but I have always loved the look of them...regal sun catchers.

This was one of my 30 minute tables. We're pretty spontaneous around here...First I grabbed the Williams-Sonoma white linen hemstitched tablecloth.

I selected the restaurant grade Steelite by Royal Doulton cobalt charger plate to anchor the stack...

...and topped it with the Spode Warwick Vase. Both plates were eBay finds. The Warwick Vase is part of the Spode Blue Room Collection, but I decided just to collect this one pattern from the group. Tip: That's one of the neat aspects of eBay. It's possible to acquire only what you want out of a collection because sellers often auction them one at a time. The flatware is L'Argent Sophia, found through Tuesday Morning and Horchow. Horchow still has it on their website.

I thought that my design was complete, but Kathy came through the door with a beautiful potato soup to go with our salads. I hot footed it to the kitchen cabinet and pulled the Furnivals Blue Quail Cream Soup and Underplate. The Blue Quail has been one of our everyday patterns for many years. Tip: The Quail comes in the blue and in a brown. The Furnivals can be a bit tricky to locate, but when the Furnival Factory closed its doors, Mason's bought the molds and continued to make this dear transferware pattern. They are exactly the same, so if you have an interest or need to replace some pieces of your own collection, be sure to check out the Mason's Quail. They are usually available and less expensive than the Furnivals.

Continuing with the blue and white commentary, I selected the AJKA Arabella wine with the Dollar Tree Cobalt goblet. The blue and white checked napkins are used nearly every day. We've had them for many years.

No time for fresh flowers today, but I had previously picked up a pair of the Blue and White Lidded Jardinieres at one of the regular half price sales at Hobby Lobby. Today one of them was perfect for our needs. The small blue and white votive holders continue the theme.

Table's set...pictures are taken...Done! Time was now at hand to stop, take a deep breath, give praise to the Lord, and enjoy a delicious meal and time for dear friends. Let me know if you're passing my way, and I'll set a place for you, too!

Wednesday is the 49th edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". I'm excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

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 THURSDAYS." 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.

I always enjoy February as we begin to pass from winter and anticipate Spring. 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!

Blue, Come Back, Blue!

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Marlis @ CREATIVE JOURNEYS and I have long wanted to design a "Tables for Two" using the Schumann china that we both enjoy so much. It just seemed perfect for a Valentine's celebration, and I was also hosting a birthday luncheon for my dear friend today.

Early in my marriage, I always saved my good china, "the good stuff" for important occasions and usually for dinners only...not luncheons. With that in mind, Question: What can we do to make the "good stuff" suitable for use any time of the day?

Tidbit: This time I decided to pair a whimsical ticking striped tablecloth with my fou fou china. An extremely inexpensive eBay find, I love the tone that this cloth set. Do you have other ideas to make your "good stuff" more versatile?

Anchoring my place setting is the MARYLAND CHINA CO. Bernadotte Charger Plate. I have searched for affordable, good looking white chargers for a long time, and I happened across this company on line. They primarily manufacture a variety of white patterned blanks to market to china painters. Their prices are reasonable, and the quality of the plate is good. Click on the link and check them out for yourself.

Cast in the starring role as leading lading is the Schumann Empress Dresden Flower Dinner Plate. Several years ago, I scored a "deal of the century" on a service for 10 in this gorgeous vintage pattern, and I've added additional pieces here and there. I always imagine that Marie Antoinette might have enjoyed dining on this pattern...or not...Marie and I were never really that close.

Acting as an "extra" in the ensemble, I used the Haviland Ranson Schleiger #1 Luncheon Plate just to add an extra spark of white to the stack...to frame the...

...Empress Dresden Flower Accent Plate, a.k.a. salad plate. The accent plate would eventually...

...host our Nana's antique French crystal compote and under plate...

...the perfect prop for our first course...Strawberry Soup. Are you reading "whimsy", yet?

I had fun with a number of small details today...a supporting cast, if you will...

She she china screams for she she silver...Reed & Barton's Francis I. The individual salt cellar is also Dresden Flower. I found them in an antiques store.

Our Nana's given name was Minnie Adeline. I adore this antique linen napkin with its monogrammed organdy insert from her collection. Today they are held with the Coalport Countryware Napkin Ring.

The Empress Reticulated Ramekin was placed on the table to hold butter for each guest.

As long as I was playing with some of the "good stuff", I chose to use two of my wedding crystal goblets...

...The Lalique Treves Goblet was used for wine,...

...The Lalique Angel Flute held Mimosas, served as we took our seats.

The angel face carved at the base of the bowl is such a special touch for this goblet. If I had to choose all over again, I'd still choose this piece.

...And as always, the Waterford Simply Pink Goblet gives another strong performance in this ensemble cast.

Holding court in the centerpiece is the Rosenthal Sansoucci Tureen, an estate sale find, surrounded by a quartet of...

...classic Lenox Urns filled with a variety of blooms from my concierge florist...Sam's Warehouse, of course!

A single pink heart in each arrangement is the lone reference to Valentine's Day. Instead, I told my seasonal story with color. The lacy mercury glass votives added a spot of shine when lighted.

After our Strawberry Soup, I served Grilled Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto. It was accompanied by a Spinach Salad and Hot Bread. Dessert was my mama's Brandy Ice.

As snow flakes steadily fell outside, we dined and visited long into the afternoon. It was a marvelous winter day for fellowship with dear friends. I would dearly love to create a table for you if you happen to pass my way! Happy Valentine's Day!

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Wednesday is the 48th edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". I'm excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable forTUTORIALS, TIPS, & TIDBITS. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!

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 THURSDAYS." 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.

I always enjoy February as we begin to pass from winter and anticipate Spring. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts (even in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy), I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!