Winter Desert, Cattle and Snow

Hello this beautiful Sunday. The desert is changing, meeting winter`s chill with grace and beauty. A lovely Barrel Cactus settling in for a winters rest.

Quite cold today. The temps did hit 60 yesterday, at dark there was a quick drop to 35. I saw light snow falling a mile or so in the distance in the Lost Basin mining area.

Two local bulls keeping the weeds down in our yard. They are Range Cattle, grazing where they please. Not aggressive if you keep your distance. This area is open range.



I love the West. There is no end to the diversity and every day is a special package to be opened.

Till later,
Cathy

Army Navy Tablecloths

I am posting again this information concerning Vintage Army/Navy Tablecloths. I get questions every week about these very special linens. You might also read the comments for answers to some frequent questions. Thank you.

Army Navy Tablecloth 1950s

I have sold several Army Navy tablecloths and they are gorgeous. Many were made in Hong Kong or the Philipines. The identifying pattern is alternating linen and lace blocks. The lace can be hand or machine made. Many times the linen blocks are beautifully embroidered. I have seen embroidery in white and colors. The newer pieces I have acquired have machine made lace.

There are several versions as to how that name was acquired. They have been popular gifts for years.
Mothers and girlfriends have received these beauties from their service member husbands and boyfriends overseas. A sailor spending some time on Guam in the 1950s sent the one pictured above home to his mother. It is 68" x 90" with twelve matching embroidered napkins.

The price range is usually $60.00 and up to $300.00, depending on size and decoration. Keep your eyes open and you may find a deal on Ebay.

This is a picture of a new tablecloth. It is easy care 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This particular cloth bears no resemblance to the vintage pieces. The "lace" is cheap and stiff. The fabric has no body, no handwork and zigzag stitching joins the squares. I have nothing against zigzag stitches, they are very useful. But it doesn`t equal the elegant look and quality you find in a true vintage Army/Navy Tablecloth.


Polyester Cotton Army Navy Tablecloth
The vintage cloths are hand washed and air dried. Many times they are sold with matching dinner napkins. Once you get your hands on a truly quality tablecloth you will not settle for second best.

The Day Before The Feast and Another Fabulous Giveaway

The turkey is thawing and the fixings are almost ready for our cornbread dressing (or stuffing) depending where you live. We use a mix of white bread and homemade cornbread that we let dry the day before we use it. We prefer a drier dressing. I still have to chill the cranberry sauce. Best of all I get to smell all that goodness cooking tomorrow.

I have limited Christmas decorations since the mice decided they were tasty. I still need to get the creative juices going on that. Glad I save old Christmas cards, they make great decorations. Then it`s off to a girlfriend`s house to try on dresses so that I might not have to buy a new dress for the wedding. She`s a sweetie, but smaller than me and wants to be helpful. The dresses won`t fit but the tea and company will be wonderful. I`ll be visiting the outlet stores next week. LOL

Take a minute to visit New York Vintage Linens Blog so you can take part in a divine vintage linen giveaway. Click the link above and see the picture below for what you can win! Carolyn also has a store just filled with all kinds of quality, scrumptious vintage linens.

Blessings to all of you,
Cathy

A Miracle and Much To Be Thankful For

I don`t usually do two posts a day, but my friends I had tell you that God has worked a miracle in our lives, healing DH. I also thank my sister, a Christian Pastor, for her intervention and prayers to God on my husband`s behalf.


Till later my friends,
Cathy

I learned Something New About 1930`s Tablecloths

I learn something new everyday and I think you will agree that learning about our vintage items never ends. Well, I went to Fabrics.net, a great resource about vintage, to see what info they had about the 1930`s tablecloths. I learned about "grinning". Have you noticed the white spaces, what I have always called halo`s, around the print on your tablecloth? Grinning separated the motifs and colors. Notice the white area around the red flowers in the picture below? The halo`s kept the colors and patterns from overlapping. Most of you probably already know that. I am always happy to learn something new and I like to share. When I see that white separation I know I have a 1930`s cloth. To learn more, go HERE.

Have a really great day,
Cathy

About Our Town and A Vintage Pansy Tablecloth

I guess most of us are getting ready for Thanksgiving. I`m putting the bird in the fridge to thaw today. It`s about 14 pounds, just right for us and leftovers. My husband did the last of the shopping last Monday and the aluminum roasting pans (the disposables) were sold out in the big city. We did find one in our little local grocery store. Because Meadview is so remote the owner stocks most of what we or the tourists might need. I hope you take a look at the Meadview link. This is a pretty little area. There is one way in and one way out. It all stops at Lake Mead which also borders Nevada. We are in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area.

I love vintage tablecloths! This beauty is medium weight textured cotton with a pansy print. There is one stubborn coffee stain on the edge I to have remove so I can sell it. Vinegar didn`t do it this time! I guess I don`t have all the answers. I have a hard time parting with tablecloths, just like aprons I want to keep them all. Not possible.

I`m buying my dress this week for my son`s upcoming December wedding. I`m looking for something I can wear again. Nothing like waiting till the last minute. It`s an afternoon wedding so I`m looking for something a little casual, not real fussy.

Not sure how much time I`ll have to post before the holiday. Blessings to all of you.

P.S. If you want to read a funny yet true post about a turkey dinner go to Elenka`s blog here! I am laughing so hard I am still crying!

Cathy

Lenox Teapot Christmas Giveaway

This was a lovely way to start my blog reading day. Mille Fiori Favoriti is having a Christmas Giveaway. The prize is a 2009 Lenox Christmas Tea Pot. It is LOVELY! Visit Pat, read about it and best of all enter.

Good luck,
Cathy