Hidden Magnolias

When my cousin posted on Facebook a picture of her Russian Santa collecion, I was intrigued.    I have seen them before in passing, in various Christmas Shops ( or should I type Shoppes? ) but really didn’t give them more than a quick glance. But today, I did some research and fell in love. Each Santa is carved from solid wood and painted in stunning detail with rich designs and beautiful scenes. http://www.russiansantapurveyors.com/ The Russian Santa also called Father Frost, Ded Moroz, and Grandfather Frost, looks like our American Santa Claus… but take a closer look and you notice a few differences. Yes, they both wear boots, a coat, and they both have white beards. However, The Russian Santa wears a long heel-length coat and is seen walking with a magical staff and his hat is  round and fur lined. Just look at the detail. This one is paticularly pretty with a nativity on his gown. http://www.reasonstobelieve.com/ And...

I was inspired to write this blog entry because of a Facebook post I noticed from my cousin. It was a Ree Drummond receipe and all he said in the post was "Cake." "Cake" the nickname for his significant other. I knew immediately that he was dropping a hint. It made me chuckle. I am sure by now all of you foodies have heard about The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. She is one of my favorite cooks. I discovered her in 2006-07 when I was on a tear about reading blogs about ranch living. We had just been through Wyoming and I was fascinated--a quick google search and she pops up. I bookmarked her and have been following her for years. Her cookbooks read like novels. She has an interesting love story. So how did a self-proclaimed city girl wind up cooking for about 10+ people per day, three meals a day? She used to have the story on her blog, but she has written a new book Black Heals to Tractor Wheels  and now you have to buy it.  Howe...

We all have bucket lists. On my list is a nice visit to Mobile Bay. I want to see Mobile and Fairhope, and spend a little more time on Dauphin Island. I just love that part of the world. Lots of history and lots of things to do. So,  here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Mobile. From the blog: From Rome to Home: My Life in Mobile .  Even thought she doesn't blog much any more, reading her past entries is quite informative. #1 Take a walk Downtown on Dauphin Street.  There's a lot of great architecture and places to eat. Don't miss the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Bishop Portier House. Bienville Books is a favorite haunt and dinner at Wintzell's Oyster House is a must before leaving Mobile. Photo: Fred Drew #2 Tour Mobile's Greek Revival Public Buildings. Buildings of note include Barton Academy and the Presbyterian Church on Government Street and Christ Episcopal Church at the corner of St Emanuel and Church Stre...

I love it when my brother travels. He often gets to visit interesting places. This last trip, he visited the Sully Historical Site in Chantilly, VA. I thought I would share some of his pictures with you. From the website : An oasis of the past, Sully reflects the history of Fairfax County. Completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully combines aspects of Georgian and Federal architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as General Robert E. Lee's uncle. On the National Register for Historic Places, and accredited by the American Association of Museums, Sully also includes original outbuildings, representative slave quarter and gardens. Guided tours highlight the early 19th century life of the Richard Bland Lee family, tenant farmers and enslaved African Americans. Programs reflect the history of Fairfax County through the 20th century. All pictures taken by my brother unless otherwise noted. Not a lot...

A couple of years ago in a previous job, I met several wonderful young people from Ukraine. They are smart, educated, young and hard working. They have dreams and aspirations. They run, bike, enjoy music, fashion, computers and video games just like our kids. They barely remember when Ukraine was not a country; Ukraine becoming an independent state in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. Now their country is being torn apart and I do worry about these young adults. This is just a few of their faces.  I keep them all in my prayers. No names for privacy. Pat