Friday, February 8, 2019

Sweater Days in February


February has been a lovely month so far in our little corner.  We've had some very cold temperatures that puts quite a chill in the air.  Then we have had a stretch of quite warm weather where we can go outdoors with just a light jacket on.  I remember years ago my Mama saying this was "pneumonia weather."  She always said we needed to have the cold to kill all the germs.  I'm not sure she was right, but it does make sense.  It's always nice to be able to get out into the garden, although very wet, and continue to rake the mountains of leaves we have in our mulch beds.  The roses have now all been pruned and should be happy to bring us blooms in May.  Being February I'm sure we will have many more winter days, so I try not to jump the gun too early as far as gardening goes.


I've had plenty of time to clean all the cabinets in the living room.  Sudsy water works wonders on all the Depression Glass.  This should happen at least once a year and I must confess it did not last year.





The sunsets have been quite pretty this time of year.  The sky seems to catch on fire with the final bow of the sun.

During the cold days I am blessed to have some lovely wool sweaters that our daughter made me.  It seems the older I get the more chilly the afternoons seem.  During a recent visit Noel was wearing a lovely shawl.  She asked if I would like one and it didn't take me long to say yes!  


If you haven't noticed I love red!  Soon this warm shawl came in the mail.  It's nice to put on my shoulders in the afternoon and evenings.


Here are the sweaters that Noel has made me over the years.  Whenever we visit cold climates I always take one along.  Wool is very warm and toasty.


Grayden's sweaters were made by Noel as well.  We are so fortunate to have a creative daughter and one that gifts her parents her creations. 


I failed to put this lovely lace shawl Noel made for me.  It's lightweight and was wonderful to take on our trip to Hawaii.  Notice the darling little lamb shawl pin that she gifted me as well.


I spied these cute little lambie salt and pepper shakers while in an antique shop.  When they looked at me, I had to bring them home to our kitchen.


The tea kettle is ready and soon the tea will be also.  I hope you will join me!  







  

40 comments:

  1. Oh your daughter is a very talented knitter...those sweaters and that shawl are gorgeous. I have heard that this is pneumonia weather as well. Even my corner has enjoyed a string of warmer than usual days. I would love to join you for tea...what kind are you serving?

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  2. Oops, meant to add that you have a very nice collection of pink depression glass.

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    1. Vee, there is a selection of teas I received at Christmas that you can choose from. I always have Earl Grey on hand as well as that is my favorite.
      The pink depression glass certainly looks better clean. Thanks for stopping by. It would be lovely to have you for tea. ♥

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  3. I especially love the red shawl your daughter knitted for you. We are enjoying the same sort of sunsets from our front windows. We can see the mountains in the distance when the leaves are off the trees and it's quite spectacular!

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    1. Cathy, I love the shawl hanging on my chair and draping it over my shoulders when needed.
      Seeing the mountains and the sunset must be a lovely way to end the day in your home in winter. ♥

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  4. The sweaters are very beautiful.

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  5. Oh Martha Ellen, what a charming post. I LOVE your tea pot, and have always wanted one just like it with the black and white checkered. Your brick reminds me of my dear mom's house, which she plastered the bricks herself. Such a talented woman. Speaking of talented....your daughter made these beautiful sweaters for you. They look so nice and warm with pretty designs. I didn't know you love to wear RED, me too! What a thoughtful gift this red shawl is. Your living room looks very nice, and those lamb figurines are sweet.

    Bundle up and stay warm, Martha Ellen. I was just thinking today that February may just be as cold as January - it's been really cold here as well. This really was a lovely post. : )

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, I remember you mentioning your mom's bricks in her kitchen. We had them put in when we built this house 45 years ago. I considered having them painted when we painted the kitchen a couple of years ago, but decided against it.
      Thank you so much for your kind comments. Hopefully you will have some warmer weather soon. ♥

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  6. How lovely, Martha Ellen! I'd love to join you for tea! This afternoon, though, we were out walking at what would have been a good tea time.:-) We had 77 degrees here, a record high for this date. Too warm, too soon, though it was good to be able to be outside without heavy jackets. I like to have a wrap in the evenings, sometimes even during the day! Your daughter has knitted some wonderful pieces for you to help keep off the chill! Enjoy your evening! - xoxo Nellie

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    1. Nellie, 77 degrees is quite warm for February! On our walk this morning I only had on a light weight jacket. Usually I'm bundled up with a hat and gloves. I hear next week could bring winter back to us!
      It would be lovely to have you for tea anytime. Have a lovely evening. xoxo ♥

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  7. What a lovely post, I love your depression glass(I collect green).I'm a knitter myself and I can see what a beautiful job your daughter has done.Just getting started on my spring cleaning but a cup of Earl Grey is calling me!!Always look forward to your blog!

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    1. Lynn, we are kindred spirits in our love of depression glass and Earl Grey. It would be nice to share a cup of tea with you. Enjoy your weekend. ♥

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  8. Glass is always so spectacularly splendid and sparkling after a sudsy wash and rinse! I love burning candles in some of mine of an evening.

    What a beautiful shawl your talented daughter, Noel, knit for you!

    My Great Grandfather and his daughter always said if we didn't get a proper "killing frost" each winter we would pay for it the following spring and summer. They were correct, for it helps redress the balance of pests and disease in the garden.

    ~~~Waving~~~from Across the Pond~~~Very Windy Wales~~~Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. Deb, as lovely as the spring like temperatures have been, winter will be returning this afternoon. We always get killing frosts here and I can't imagine a winter without one! It sounds like a Winnie the Pooh day in Wales. Please hang on to your hat and be safe. xoxo ♥

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  9. You have such a beautiful home! I would love to 'hang out' with you in your kitchen! And I love red too and wear it a lot. The hand knitted sweaters are all gorgeous! I think another cold snap is coming so keep them handy! Enjoy your day!

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    1. Diane, it would be fun to have all of our blogging friends "hang out" together. We could even take a walk together. Thank you for visiting with me today and for your sweet comments. ♥

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  10. That Depression Glass really appeals to me. I had a pink doll tea-set when I was a child. Loved it! However, that has never been one of my collection manias so I just enjoy seeing it in someone else's china cabinet like yours.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. Mae, thank you for visiting today. I've written about my Depression Glass quite a bit here if you wish to see more. ♥ https://thejoyofhomewithmarthaellen.blogspot.com/2015/01/depression-glass.html

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  11. February is fickle! I can't see the ground so no garden chores yet! Love the knitted sweaters and shawls your daughter created. As a child I had an aunt that would make us a sweater that she gifted each of us at Christmas. Of course we didn't understand how much work they are to make but I know we always appreciated them. I find I don't regulate my body heat quite as well as I used to so putting on a sweater always helps take the chill off. I need to get at my china cabinet and clean everything. A good thing to do in the winter! Hope you've been feeling better. Big hugs, Liz

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    1. Liz, I am feeling much better, thank you. It's nice to feel like doing the things that I enjoy!
      I hope you are staying safe in all the bad weather that has come your way. You are so right that February is fickle! We are expecting a drop in temperatures tonight and a mixture of snow next week. Have a nice weekend and stay safe. ♥

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  12. Those knitted creations your daughter gave you are works of art, really beautiful! She is a very talented lady for sure. I love your home and your decorating style Martha Ellen. Your collectibles are very pretty, as are those darling lambs, and your daughter's pin. A beautiful sky photo too. After all the chilly weather it was a real pleasure to go out in just a sweater the other day, and even that was a bit too hot for me. Have a great weekend and not sure what the forecast is but hopefully it will be a good one for us.

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    1. Denise, our daughter is quite talented if I do say so myself! She loves knitting and crocheting and always can be seen with yarn and a project when she has the time. The weather is supposed to cool down again and I'm sure a sweater or shawl will feel good this weekend. Have a great one and thank you for visiting and leaving such a sweet comment. ♥

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  13. You are VERY lucky that your daughter is so talented, creative and generous! I think your home is beautiful.. I have a teapot from the company that made yours.. it's green and covered with flowers. I think we have very similar tastes in things! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Teresa, the tea kettle on the stove is by MacKenzie Childs and the teapot on the cart is Hearts and Flowers by Johnson Brothers. I'd love to see your's. I think kindred spirits find each other, don't you? Have a nice weekend. ♥

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  14. Now this is a drool-worthy post! I LOVED getting a peek into your cozy and beautiful living room. I think I could be quite happy there! And those sweaters . . . who would mind the cold with such a lovely collection of sweaters to wear?! Your daughter is very talented!

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    1. Cheryl, you are so kind. With the drop in temperature we'll be wearing those sweaters. Noel loves knitting and crocheting and even makes socks. She certainly didn't get that talent from her Mama. I hope you are staying warm and cozy. ♥

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  15. Doing my coffee this morn. Slow start to the day cause I normally have my coffee at 6am and its now 10. But if not for coffee a good warm cut of hot tea is great. Beautiful sweaters and shawls. I love....LOVE...the purple one for sure. They do such a great job on those. I am sure you are very proud. Mom had a mess of depression pink glass. We packed all that up over a yr ago in bins from the china cabinet so she could have the living room/dining area painted. We never got around to putting that stuff back up for her cause she could not decide what she wanted to display. Kitchen looks like a great place to sit and enjoy that tea! Enjoy.

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    1. Pam, thank you for stopping by today. I love pink depression glass and it sounds like your Mom did as well. Thinking of you during this difficult time. ♥

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  16. Your room looks so nice and cozy and I just love depression glass! Those sweaters and shawls are gorgeous! She should open a little shop to sell them :-) The salt and pepper shakers are so very dear! What a wonderful addition to your lovely kitchen! Thank you for sharing, I hope you are keeping warm!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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    1. Thank you, Jill. Our daughter enjoys knitting and makes beautiful things for those she loves. Today has been quite chilly and quite a change over the past few warm days, but it is winter I am trying to remember. Stay warm and well. ♥

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  17. I love the red shawl your daughter knitted for you. I hope that it is keeping you cozy and warm.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thank you so much, Amalia. I love the red one as well when it's time to rest and put the shawl around my shoulders. Have a lovely week. xo ♥

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  18. Dear Martha Ellen ..I would dearly love to cosy up in one of those beautiful shawls to enjoy a cup of tea with you. OMG ... what a beautiful knitter your daughter Noel is ... How very sweet that she culls her creativity caring for her mom ... It's a whole beautiful wardrobe of warmth . I believe that your mother was right about the pneumonia season ... because I get it every February.
    I'm so enjoying the glimpses into your lovely home... Your living room is so full of warmth and charm, not to mention comfort. The Champagne colored Depression glass is one of my favorites, although it's becoming very hard to find now-a-days. Washing glassware can be a chore, but oh what a joy to use and admire ... Some of us somehow belong to an older Edwardian or Victorian age( ha ha) Those lamykin shakers are perfect little harbingers for Spring... They give us ' HOPE' during the long winter months.... How exciting to be pruning the roses already...Thanks for sharing all the lovely pictures...
    Please do have a Happy Valentine's Day, Dear Friend...xoxoxox

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    1. Zaa, I do belong in the Edwardian or Victorian age! I'm sorry to hear you get pneumonia every February. Let's pray that won't be the case this year. Thank you so much for your kind words. I do hope you are enjoying visiting with your family and enjoying making Valentines. Take care and stay well, my friend. xoxo ♥

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  19. Oh my, how blessed you are to have a daughter who knits so beautifully! They're all beautiful! I can't wear wool, and what a shame, for I love it! I would like to have a sweater made from Yorkshire sheep, but that will never happen. I love the little sheep S&P. I wouldn't have been able to resist them either! Darling.

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    1. What a shame you can't wear wool, Judy! Living in your climate wool would feel so warm. Thank you for visiting, my friend. ♥

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  20. Mom always says the same thing about this being pneumonia weather. I felt like jumping the gun the other day when I purchased strawberry plant and something that looks like a poppy, not sure exactly what the root is now since it's not in front of me.
    Red is a color favorite of mine to along with purple. Beautiful sweaters your daughter made for you and the wool would be so good to wear on these chilly and some downright cold nights.
    I like the red walls in your room and that secretary is something I am looking for, for my living room..
    Stay warm as Wednesday we are supposed to get a mix in Ashland of rain and snow, it's what I last heard anyway.
    One day warm, the next cold or pneumonia weather as our Mothers called it.
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy, the forecast does seem like we are in for more snow tomorrow evening and into Wednesday--pneumonia weather for sure! I'll be wearing one of my warm sweaters for sure.
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving such nice comments. Stay safe. ♥

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  21. Loved the sunset photograph, such a beautiful sky.

    I do like the sweaters and shawl that your daughter made, so warm and cosy.

    All the best Jan

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