Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Easter displays and more …

Good evening! I had a wonderful day today with my dear friends Audrey and Laurie. We spent some time antiquing and for me, it was a much needed break from the stress of things going on with my folks and the ‘busy –ness’ of everyday life. I think it is pretty clear that my family means everything to me and they are the reason I get up every day, but also, the older I get, I cherish time with my friends more and more. I want as much time as I can get with all the important people in my life. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow so we need to make the best of today. I am even more acutely aware of that this week as a dear friend is mourning the very sudden unexpected death of her husband. He simply did not wake up one morning last week. His death left a huge void in so many lives. RIP Bill, you will be dearly missed by so many people!


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Before I get to my fun day, tonight I am joining Misi’s 1890 Gable House Musings Display Chain Tuesday and her theme is Easter. As my decorating style evolves and I am using more antiques and quality period accurate reproductions, I find I really enjoy having some fun with my seasonal décor. It’s a chance to add some fun and whimsy to our home. Growing up my mom always decorated for the holidays and seasons all year, and I have always done that as well. Now my seasonal décor is just a little more primitive than it was when I first started!


I’ll just let you scroll through the pictures…


003004008009017019025028038039053039048035Aprill spring touches 012054


To join in on the Tuesday Display Chain fun click ~HERE~. Thanks Misi for hosting us once again!


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Since I was here last, I made even more changes in the kitchen- no Mr. Red Door still loves his oak cabinets so I haven’t painted them the soft creamy taupe color I would like to… so instead, I painted the old bureau I used for the microwave and Keurig coffee maker. It was quite a process as I didn’t like the end results of the first attempt so I decided to try again. The second time I used Caramol Colours Pumpkin over black. I love the warm color.


When it was time to put things back in place, a funny thing happened – I didn’t move the microwave back. Having lived here for 25 years now, I decided I needed a change of pace and so I tweaked all the counters and the bureau! As usual, some additional tweaking will take place – when I have time and because of my shopping today. Here is a quick tour around the kitchen …


009 - Copy


007


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With the new table against the wall arrangement, the room looks more crowded but in actuality, we have more space in the center of the room when everyone is here – so I am enjoying that. 010


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This is where the Keurig is living now… it needs a cover I think! 050



Can you see the new needle punch mini rug I finished over the stove?? 029



Changed up my baking corner a bit… one of the best things I ever bought was my stand mixer cover from Noel and Verge at Circa Home Living formerly Circa 1820. Click ~here~ for LOTS of eye candy!


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Now you can see where the microwave is living.. not sure how it will work out when we have a crowd here – but we shall find out on Easter Sunday!! 059



And all the way back to the bureau again! Oops – don’t look at that crooked draw pull on the third drawer down….053You looked didn’t you?? LOL I knew you would!


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Okay back today’s shopping fun! Audrey and I met up with Laurie and we hit some wonderful old mill buildings with antique centers and we stopped at Laurie’s house for lunch. We always have such a nice time when we are together. They are such dear friends!


I had a list of several things I hoped to find today and I got all but one! And Laurie gave me a belated birthday present –she made a buttery pin keep for my new make do buttery on the wall in the kitchen and the cute Rockingham pottery custard cup. I had a yellowware custard cup on my list but this one is even better! I love them both Laurie – thank you! The rest of these treasures I found along the way today. I finally found a mortar and pestle and I am thrilled – it will probably go on the mustard bureau. I haven’t had time to put them in their homes yet, so I’ll try to get pics when I do.


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Update on Momma Duck…


She spends most of her day sitting on the 13 eggs and she is becoming more accustomed to Lili standing and looking at her. The first day she flew off and didn’t come back while we were outside. Day 2 she stayed most of the time – maybe it was Lili blowing her kisses or all the compliments Lili gave Momma Duck like “soooo cute”. Lili said that about 50 times. What woman doesn’t like a compliment?


026(Momma duck is behind the fence)


I put together a little slideshow of day 2 of Lili seeing Momma Duck. You can click ~HERE~ to see that. Make sure to read the captions below the pictures.


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Today I am thankful for:


Clean drinking water


An abundance of food choice at the grocery store


Lili’s deep throaty chuckles


Green grass


Deep red pansies



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Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope spring is finally making herself know where you are!


Until next time~ warm hugs, Linda




42 sweet friends left a comment here!:

Pamela Gordon said...

Hi Linda, Your home looks lovely and all ready for spring and Easter. The snow is almost gone here and there are some green sprigs showing around the yard here and there. ;-) That's a sweet picture of dear Lili and the duck. Have you named the duck yet? Have a great week! Blessings, Pam

adsgram said...

Glad you ladies had a good time and that you found almost everything you were after---what couldn't you find, by the way? I love all you did find and I know you will find just the right spots for everything. I planted some mixed color pansies today myself. The day was lovely...Enjoy your goods!

♥♥,
Lynne

Kris ~ Simply Prim said...

Another wonderful post, Linda! I love all of your spring touches. So pretty!
Your kitchen looks fabulous! And, yes, I did look at your drawer pull, but only after you pointed it out! ;o) LOL
The picture of Lili checking on Momma duck is just priceless!! She is such a cutie pie!! I sure hope she gets to see the babies before Momma takes them to water. She would be so excited!!

Take care, my friend!
~Kris~

bayrayschild said...

Oh Gammee Linda, so many wonderful treasures!
I had a ball going from one picture to the next.
Thank You for sharing with us.
I sure love your style and I saw an abundance of things that made my heart skip a beat =)
Your li'l Lili is a darling.

Happy Spring!
Audrey

Beckyjean said...

Beautiful displays!! I love them all!!

Have a wonderful evening~Becky

Lisa@The Cutting Edge of Ordinary said...

Linda, I have a question. My husband is making me a stove cover similar to the one you have. Can you tell me...is there anything on the underside of yours? Padding or rubber feet or anything? I'm just wondering if the raw wood would scratch the stove? Thanks so much. Love your blog. I always find inspiration from you! Lisa

bettyj said...

your Easter decor looks so good. I really like it all and especially the framed rug/stitchery. It is do neat. I also thought your pin keep was so pretty. In dealing with the situation with your parents , as much as you love them,remember to love yourself too. A day with friends and having fun is needed.
betty

basketsnprims said...

Linda, your Easter decorating is lovely and I love your belated birthday gifts. How fun to have a day out shopping and lunch with the girls. You are so right, we must cherish our times with family and friends. I love the changes in your kitchen. Have a great week.
hugs,
pam

Audrey said...

It was a wonderful day. Thank you for being the driver and such a sweet friend. Looking forward to our next shop hop. xox

Robyn~Primlish said...

So glad you joined in the chain! I really love your Easter displays!
Your kitchen looks great! I love the warmness of it. Someday I want to change out my floor to one like yours...my hubby is sorta like yours...he likes his floor like yours likes the oak cabinets...sigh

Grammee Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Hi Lisa, there is nothing but smooth sanded wood on the underside of my board. I don't have a smooth top stove though - I have gas with iron grates so it wasn't a concern. I imagine there would be with a different stove top though!!

Carla said...

Everything looks great, Linda! I'm glad you were able to enjoy a nice day out with the girls and found some goodies! That always does the heart good. The picture of Lili is so cute! She's growing so fast.
Hugs!

Never So Simple said...

Linda I can't believe how much Lili has grown. I love all of her curls. I loved her slide show as well. The house looks great as usual. I love your new basket. I'm sorry about your friends loss. My heart goes out to her!

Donna

Janet - underthewillow said...

Hi Linda!...I love all of your spring touches!...the cabinet you painted came out very nice and the color seems to blend nicely!...that shelf you bought for above the table really is a stunner!

what a joy it must be to share the duck nesting with sweet Lili...so much fun seeing her intrigue!

and I wonder how many times you're going to walk towards the microwave in its old spot! LOL!

Janet

Jennifer said...

Love all the pictures!! thank you for sharing...

Grammy Staffy said...

I am glad that you had a nice day with your good friends. You are right.... life is a fragile thing. I can't believe how close John and I came to being killed in the accident. We surely do need to make the most of every day.
I am so sorry for Bill's wife. Please convey my condolences to her. After the accident, when John was unconscious and bleeding all over the place I thought he was dead. It was the worst feeling of my life..... far worse than the pain I was feeling from my own injuries. How do you go on when your solemate is gone? I will pray for her to find support and peace that only God can give.
I love your comments and support you are giving me. Than you so much sweet friend. I've had a little set back today but I am back on IV antibiotics and I hope I will be better soon.

Have a great week. I love the picture of Lili with mama duck. So sweet. HUgs, Lura

Primsue said...

Hi Linda, your Spring/Easter displays are beautiful. I love what you have done with your kitchen. The photos of Lili with the duck are adorable.

Blessings,
Sue

Prim Patriot said...

Linda,
Your displays are beautiful! I love how your pumpkin cabinet turned out, isn't refreshing to move things around? Your kitchen turned out perfectly!

God Bless,
Kimberlee

Kaaren said...

Loved the slide show and of course the captions made it! I'm sure Lili will remember Mama duck and her eventual babies for a long, long time.

Yesterday was the first day where it felt like spring here in Nova Scotia. The sound of the birds while I was working in the gardens was music to my ears.

The subtlety of your Easter decor speaks volumes, Linda. And as always, thanks for sharing.

JenR65 said...

Wonderful post, everything looks lovely!

Picket said...

Morning girl...I just love looking at your pics...it is a magazine within itself....and of course I had to look at that 'crooked' drawer pull...since you 'painted' a red flag on it!!! lol Soooo loved that sweet baby squatting down like that to see mama duck...just precious....hope you are having a great week sweetie....Picket

Trace4J said...

Friend,
Your home is so beautiful! Aren't we so blessed with precious grandchildren!! Pictures are wonderful.
Hugs Granny Trace
www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

The Hoskins' Family said...

Hi Linda, your easter and spring decor is just beautiful. But I never have doubt when I see a new post by you that there isn't going to be any great decor in them.
Lili looks so cute and I am sure just loves seeing mama duck and I hope she gets the chance to see those babies as well.
Your cabinet re-do looks great and the changes to your kitchen are stunning once again. Everything always looks so great in your home and just has that homey feel to it.
Have a great week!

Hugs,
Lynnly

At Home With Amy said...

Another glorious post Linda.

First off though I must say I am sorry for the loss of your friends husband. I will keep that family in my prayers.

Everything you touch turns out wonderful lady. You have the ability to make the beauty of your pieces shine! I love the color you chose to paint your cupboard. It works nicely with the other colors in your kitchen.

Lili is getting so big. I bet she is a total joy to have around! Is she getting excited about the Easter Bunny coming to see her soon?

Have a joyous day Linda,
Hugs and prayers,
AMY

Deppen homestead 1862 said...

hi, Linda
Your home is so beautiful~the table & shelf I am still looking at!! the pumpkin color~ love it and the easter displays~ so inspiring~but I am telling you the Mamma duck video & Lili made my day~ so adorable!
My prayers for your friend the lose of her Husband~ so sudden~ really makes us appreciate the moments!

Smiles to you always a joy to visit you~
Teresa

•♦•The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

Wonderful Entry--Beautiful Photos!
I enjoyed all your pictures...I see you save the BEST [pic] for last! ;)

Kris said...

Hi Linda,
First, let me say how sorry I am for the loss of your friend. What a horrible shock.
And as always, I am thinking of you, as you continue to help your parents through the difficulties that come with living in the twilight of their lives. Your spring touches are so sweet. I especially loved the wool eggs and chick pillow. And Lili....awww....what a doll she is. That head of curls is so enchanting. And the photos of her with Mama Duck are precious! Love to you.
Kris

~Kathy~ said...

Hi Linda
Great post. Sounds like you had a nice day with friends. We need to enjoy every day we can. Life is so short and precious. Loved the side show. Lili is so sweet. Keep those memories forever close, those babies grow up so fast. Your kitchen looks great.

Hugs
Kathy

Sharon said...

Linda I sure did like the tour of your beautiful kitchen. I still agree with Hubby I love the look of wood.
Your decorations are beautiful.
Your gd is so cute and I sure hope she gets to see the baby ducks.
Hugs

Jo Ann said...

o.k. Linda, you finally got me. I have been on a stitching frenzy trying to conquer the mighty queen stitch and have been putting off my Easter decorating. After seeing your post and all the lovely Easter decorating I am going to get busy. RIGHT NOW ! Thanks for the boost! Love your blog and can't wait until your new posts. Jo Ann

KC said...

Love your new treasures Linda! Thank you for the update on Mother Duck - Lili is just too cute chasing after her! I think moving your microwave to the kitchen counter looks to be more convenient for you because you have some space now to put the hot dish right out of the microwave.

Lorna/Live Oak Primitive Peddler said...

Hi Linda, I love all your Easter displays, lovely things!! So glad you joined in on the chain. I love your home and all the pics you share.
I use the Caromal Colours paint too, it is awesome!!
Blessings,
Lorna

Carmen at Primcats said...

Hi Linda! The kitchen looks fantastic! I like the microwave better where you moved it! And I like the table turned. Your new goodies are great to! I know what you mean about friends. THey are just sooooo important. I cherish the days when us girls get together to "shop". It's not even shopping anymore. It's just so that we can hang out. I just posted yesterday about one of our trips. Stop over and see the beautiful shop we went to . Primitive Blessings. I found some great deals! And I'm working on another post to North SHore. If you ever get to Ohio you just HAVE to hit up both of these shops!

Have a great day!

Carmen and the Primcats

Anonymous said...

Hi Linda, I love to read your blog and look at your pictures. Lovely home! You said you painted the little bureau in your kitchen, then painted it again. How do you make the edges look like you've sanded them to age them? If I do that, the previous color will show. Also, what do you have on your kitchen countertops? I love it!

Grammee Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Hi Anonymous -I'd love to know your first name so I could respond properly. That is the black you see on the edges where I sanded. If you go to my labels on the sidebar and click on Caromal Colours, there should be a link to their website with how to's etc.

I am not sure what you mean about my counters. They are not treated in any way. That is the design of them - Giallo Granite. I hope that helps!

Karen said...

Linda it's always a treat to stop by and see all of your eye candy. Your house is always so warm and welcoming and your new treasures will fit in great. Lili is so sweet keeping an eye on mama duck.

hugs - Karen

LibbiesHome said...

You kitchen looks beautiful, Linda!! I love the cabinet. I have been such a wimp about trying the painting thing except for my kitchen table and chairs, but I think I am ready to try a few small things now. (Every time I see a re-do like your cabinet I get more inspired and feel a little braver.)
Your Spring decorating is beautiful! I love the way everything is so subtle. I learn something/get ideas to try every time I visit your blog!
Lili with the duck is just precious! I can see why she is a joy in your life - she's so cute!

Lydia said...

Hi Linda - I always look forward to your posts, the pictures are alway wonderful. Love your pantry shelf.
Lili is getting so big - what a cutie!!

Lydia

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I LOVE your house, I always get good ideas when I visit here. Since we moved into a small house about six and a half years ago, I mixed my prim decorating items with my equal love of English country and I was surprised how nicely they work together.

Hehehe, my Keurig is the red model (which my daughter bought me because of the color) so it works nicely in my red and yellow kitchen. It would be black if I was truly just into prim decorating.

If you lived nearby, we could have tea and then visit my favorite local small business which is a primitive country store. Each year for Christmas, my hubby gives me a gift certificate there as he knows I'll love it. :)

Dan said...

Everything looks wonderful! I love the way the cabinet turned out. All of the tweaking you did is perfect. It sounds like you guys had a nice time on your shopping trip. It is so nice to get to spend time with friends with common interests. I hope you are having a great day!

~Dan~

Janice Boucher said...

Everything looks so wonderful Linda! I particularly am in love with that prim bunny in the 4th pic down. Could you tell me where he is from?
Keep your photos coming.... I am a "Behind My Red Door" fan from the get-go! Such an inspiration to all of us.

Grammee Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Hi Janice,

Thanks for your sweet comments! I have had that bunny for a few years and I honestly don't remember where I got him. So sorry! have a wonderful Easter!! Hugs!