Barcelona

The end of my journey to the beautiful country of Italy.  Arriving at Barcelona, Spain on Friday August 6, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. was exciting.  The beautiful voyage during the day was very refreshing.  I played bingo and went to afternoon tea and then dressed for a panoramic drive-through.  An ideal overview of Barcelona.  Our motor coach headed to the scenic viewpoint of Montjuic Mountain for photos, then continued through the city, along Passeig de Garcia-the wide boulevard that connects the Gothic Quarter to the district of Garcia.  Looking for the Spanish Village, the Olympic Stadium, the Columbus Monument and last the modernist church of La Sagrada Familia.  The church was designed by architect Antoni Gaudi.  The time was dusk when the photos were taken, but you will certainly get the impact of the vision the architect had in his mind a 100 years ago. 

 
We extended our stay on the cruise ship for one extra night and debarked in the morning of August 7, 2010 to started the trip back to the United States.  Oh!!!!! I cannot express wonderful time I experienced on the trip of a life time.  Fabulous, incredible, amazing and spectacular.

Thank you so much for visiting, while I enjoyed my trip again by sharing it with my followers and friends in blogland. 

I'm joining A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.  Please link back to visit the most incredible outdoors.

xoxo
Betty

Pisa

The cruise ship docked at 7:00 a.m. on August 5, 2010  in a beautiful seaport called Livorno.   We boarded our motorcoach  to visit the town of Pisa.  As we  walked to Miracle Square in Old Town, Pisa.  We could see the massive cathedral  and around the outside was the justifiably famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the stunning Baptistery.  Within this square, a lifetime would be spent.  Baptised in the Baptistery as an infant. Attend church during a lifetime and a cemetery in the back of the cathedral for the faithful to be buried.  What a fabulous experience to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa up close and personal. I was in Awe.

Wednesday's post is the last stop on our Mediterranean cruise to celebrate 50 years of Marriage. And, also thank you for visiting today.

xoxo

Betty

I am joining Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House. Link back for more Mosaics.

   

Cupcake Sunday

I'm EXICITED again.  You know when I get Excited I have been inspired.  Thanks to Vanessa @ Southern in My Heart and Inspiration Friday I thought I would start a "Cupcake Sunday" party and you all can join in with your wonderful creations.

I would bake cupcakes once a month, decorate them (learn something new) and take the cupcakes to church for our Sunday coffee hour.  I know the kids (young and old) would love them.

Starting on October 24, 2010 I will have a Linky and button ready. We all can have fun baking cupcakes for our blog and then a family dessert. YUM...... A win win.

I love cupcakes.  They are small and delicious to eat with ice cream.  Just the right portion size. LOL.

I baked the cupcakes today. Took them to our church dinner tonight and photographed the cupcakes on the dessert table.  The white material behind the cupcakes is covering a black chalk board.  We had so many desserts the cupcakes and other desserts are going to be rerun tomorrow at the Sunday coffee hour.

I hope you will join me on October 24th for some fun.  It is a great time of the year to start baking.  With all the holidays and company we are going to have in the coming months, I am sure there are going to be some wonderful cupcakes to share with our loved ones.

My first Cupcake Sunday introduction.  'Falling Leaves' fall decorated cupcake papers.  Spice cake mix. Canned White vanilla frosting.  Fall sprinkle decorations from Michael's craft store.  Very basic.  No frills. 20 minutes baking time and 30 minutes frosting time.

OK.  Now this is where it gets tricky.  I bought some pre-made fondant, gel dye and  I bought three small leaf decorative cutters.  I colored the fondant the color of autumn leaves and cut the shapes.  I left the leaves out over night and then put them on top of the cupcakes just before I took them to the church. I have never worked with fondant before, but I want to learn more. It is like playing with play dough. Maybe some creative things might be on top of the cupcakes.  I'm Excited

 

Cute fall leaves.

So I'm Excited.  Something new to learn and share.  I'm also Excited about sharing my home.  My garden.  My travels and of course My Cozy Corner goodies in the next few months.

Thanks for visiting today. I'm having an amazing time blogging. 

I am joining  The Tablescaper  for Seasonal Sunday

Please link back and visit the wonderful Seasonal favorites on Sunday.

Please leave a comment and become a follower

xoxo

Betty

Rome

Oh my goodness!!!  The beautiful Eternal City of Rome and Vatican Museums. On August 4, 2010, the ship docked in Civitavecchia a busy commercial port for the region.  And, at 7:00 a. m. we departed on the most amazing tour I have ever experienced. A motor coach drove our group into the heart of Rome, passing St. Paul's Basilica, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Circus Maximus and stopping at the Trevi Fountain to toss in a coin to ensure our return to Rome someday.

We walked to Piazza Venezia (Venice Square), along Imperial Forum Avenue and then stopped for a view of the Roman Forum.  On the far side we saw the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine.   After lunch we crossed the River Tiber to the Vatican State and stepped through the embrace of Bernini's spectacular colonnades to the vast expanse of St. Peter's Square. As we entered Christendom's largest church - St. Peter's Basilica we realized its enormity.  We looked at the metal markers on the floor inside showing the comparative lengths of other churches and cathedrals.  Suspended over the altar, where the Pope celebrates mass, is the gilded papal canopy, called Baldacchino, created by Bernini in the 17th century.  After visiting St. Peter's Basilica, we explored the richest storehouse of art in the world.. The magnificent Vatican Museums, included the Pine Cone Courtyard, the Belvedere Courtyard with its famous statues, the Candelabra Gallery, the Tapestry and Geographical Map Galleries, and finally, the glorious Sistine Chapel which holds an invaluable collection of masterpieces including Genesis and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. We walked approximately two miles over uneven surfaces with extended periods of standing and about 50 steps. Audio headsets were used to enhance our tour experience.
What a perfect day.  The weather was wonderful.  We had a delicious lunch in a very comfortable restaurant and the trip back to the ship was about a two hour drive in an air conditioned coach which was very nice after a long day walking ROME.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to My Cozy Corner today. I enjoyed sharing the experience with you.

I'm linking to:

A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

and

Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Please leave a comment and become a follower too.

xoxo
Betty

Naples

We are in the beautiful city of Naples, Italy.  The cruise ship docked at the pier on August 3, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. and we left the pier at 8:45 a.m. to see the Ruins of Pompeii. 

Naples, Italy is the boisterous birthplace of marinara boasts churches, palazzi and museums galore.  Nearby is Pompeii where meticulous excavation has bared the soul of a city frozen in time since AD 79.  

From the pier, it was a 45-minute ride by motor coach to the remarkable ruins of Pompeii, perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in AD 79.  Vesuvius is best known for the eruption of AD 79 that led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the deaths of up to 25,000 people.  It has erupted many times since and is today regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the population of 3,000,000 people living nearby.  During our tour of Pompeii we learned about the excavation technique and what the residents were doing at the time of the eruption, and we gained an insight into the lives of the ancient Romans as we discover baths, theatres, temples, markets and the huge forum.  We stopped at a local cameo factory before returning to the ship and back to the present-day.  What an amazing sight to see.  The Ruins of Pompeii

I hope you have enjoyed your visit. And, I am joining  Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. Please link back to A Little Red House to see some amazing Mosaics.

Please leave a comment and become a follower too.
xoxo
Betty

Fall Cloche Party

Hot Diggity Dog!!!! My second cloche party. This time I came to the party prepared. The first party I joined in the Spring of 2010 was a new experience for me.  I had started to blog and I didn't own ONE cloche, but I looked around the house and I found Cloches...... I love cloche parties.

Marty is having a Fall Cloche Party.  Please stroll over to A Stroll thru Life  to see the amazing cloches.  And, stroll over to Cindy's My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.  There are wonderful things to see.

Since we are in the fall spirit.  How about one turkey sitting under a vase in some coffee beans and a piece of raffia tied to the bottom of the vase.  Mr. turkey is sitting on my coffee table in the living room on a gold charger and a gold doily leftover from my 50th Wedding Anniversary party. One sweet very inexpensive cloche.

I see a little bird peeking out of a cloche.

A group photo. I put some coffee beans in the cloche to stabilize the candle.

I love this bird.  I found him at a yard sale in a bag filled with thread.  The cloche is a cheese cover and the base is a small cake plate I found at an estate sale.  Of course a book about Greece sits on the coffee table, just in case I want to look back and dream about the beautiful blue-domed churches in Santorini.

This cloche was a gift I received for my 50th Wedding Anniversary in July.  The arrangement sits on a glass table in the living room next the west window.  We live in very hot weather so I keep the drapes closed all summer long  and the little lamp makes a great night light. 

  

The cornucopia I have had for years........ The cornucopia is a symbol of food and abundance dating back to the 5th century BC.

I found this very small anniversary clock at a yard sale. The little clock is sitting on top the bookcase in my living room.

I thought the bird cloche would add something nice to my end table in the living room. And the tassel is cut off a long cord that was to pull draperies back.  I think it  works well with my fall accessories.  The sachet is filled with cedar balm.  I just shake it and the whole room smells like a forest.

In the dining room I have a buffet table.  The cloche is a cake plate with two  hand carved ducks I bought in Mexico from a little Mexican boy standing outside a restaurant.  And, the floral arrangement is handmade by me in my craft room with some floral I used in My Cozy Corner last year as decoration. 

I tried some different light for this photograph, and the copper cup and ducks are not blurred by the reflection of light as in the previous photos. 

Hopefully you have enjoyed my Fall Cloche Party.  I was delighted to entertain you.

Don't forget to drop by Marty's house and Cindy's house too.

I would love to read your comments on this post and become a follower too.

xoxo

Betty   

Catania

Welcome to Italy.  We arrived in Catania on Monday August 2, 2010. We were at sea all day Sunday.  I had a very restful day enjoying afternoon tea and playing bingo. I just love to play bingo when I'm cruising.  I even win sometimes.

Catania, Italy is on the island of Sicily.  Sicily is separated from Italy by the sea and centuries of history.  On the island are Greek temples, Roman mosaics and Norman cathedrals.

Are you ready to see Sicily?  I would love to be your guide.

  We began our tour with a pleasant drive to the city that is the essence of Sicily - Taormina - built in the 3rd century by the Greeks, and later completely renovated by the Romans.  Perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, its medieval character  was a delightful sight.  We walked to the Piazza VittorioEmanuele and the bustling main street of Corso Umberto, which was lined with former mansions with enchanting architecture and balconies that were bimming with flowers.  We stopped briefly at the inner courtyard of the medieval Corvaja Palace for a look at a richly painted original Sicilian carretta or carriage. We followed our guide up to the narrow street that leads to Taormina's impressive Greco-Roman theatre, which dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, and still hosts performances today.  The theatre's dramatic location is nothing less than breathtaking, with an incredible view of the Bay of Naxos and Mt. Etna in the distance.  At the 15th century Palazzo Corvaja we saw an excellent example of the characteristic black and white lava and pumice-work of Taormina architecture.  We strolled Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina, bounded by the Porta Catania, Porta del Centro, Clock Tower and the Porta Messina.  The Piazza IX April terrace gave me a superb photo opportunity with its fine panoramic view over the Gulf of Taormina. It was a fabulous morning.  The weather was perfect for photos and the sights were outstanding. After our tour we drove back to the ship to spend a lovely afternoon in the beautiful Italian sun.
Our tour is over for today but, we will see beautiful sights as we explore the wonders of mainland Italy in the upcoming posts at My Cozy Corner.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit.  I have enjoyed sharing the beautiful island of Sicily with you.

I'm joining A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

and

I'm joining Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Please link back and visit more Outdoors and everything White.

xoxo

Betty

   

Santorini

Santorini.  The postcard island of the Greek islands.  We arrived in Santorini on Saturday, July 31, 2010.  The harbor on this island was created by a volcano in 1500 BC., and the effect is still explosive: steep cliffs rise from sea level, cubist white houses glow in the Aegean sun.

Our panoramic tour of Santorini started with the first stop at the Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) Mountain, offering the best views on the whole island.  Descending the mountain we stopped on the way to Oia Village to visit a winery.  We had the opportunity to see how the wine is made from the unique Santorini grapevines.  The drive to Oia definitely acquainted us the the inspiring volcanic nature of the island: and the views from various different angles were quite spectacular.  The picturesque town features blue-domed churches, old two-story mansions, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling hand made ceramics, paintings and semi precious jewelry.  The little town was an ideal location to capture the beauty of this remarkable island.  Transportation to the top of the mountain is cable car, riding a donkey up the hill or taking a motor coach as we did. Personally, I liked riding in the air-conditioned coach.

Santorini was our last port of call in the beautiful country of Greece.  What a wonderful experience to visit a beautiful place with blue water and white houses lining the top of the mountain.

I Hope you have enjoyed your visit to My Cozy Corner. 
I always enjoy sharing a my experiences with you.
Please leave a comment and I would love it if you would join as a follower.

I am joining Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.  Please link back to Mosaic Monday at Mary's house for more mosaic fun.

xoxo
Betty

Tablescape #7

A Barnyard Bash

Wow!! I love to Blog.

I'm joining Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Happier than a Pig in Mud for a Barnyard Bash.  My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.  And, Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum with a Cookie recipe 
I started baking in the early 70's.  And my granddaughters love them.

Since I only have Roosters and Chickens in my Barnyard.  

The hen house has invited us to have some Tea and Cookies.

Please join me at the Hen House

In a previous post, I shared my Kitchen Icon.  Mr. Rooster.  In any French kitchen the first thing you are likely to see is a brightly colored rooster.  Yes, My Rooster does have bright colors.

I would like to introduce you to Mr. Cream and Mrs. Sugar.  I think they are very cute.

This rooster looks like he owns the chicken coop.  How about his attitude?

Did you know roosters are on

tea pots?  And, of course 'Butterscotch Delight' cookies to delight you.

Each place setting has a White plate-my everyday, clear plate-church sale and a nice deep reddish purple plate-Bimore.  And a painted rooster on the top plate each representing a different breed of bird-gift from my dear sister.  

How about a little straw for the napkin rings?

Everyone is ready for Tea and Cookies. The tea cups are waiting- same everyday dinnerware.

My Sunflowers just started to bloom this week.  They are so tall and beautiful.

I was so excited to show their big yellow heads for Tablescape #7.

Please join me for some Butterscotch Delights.

Before zip lock bags, I would fill bread bags and freeze them.  I always had cookies on hand for a lunch box, tea party or after school snack.

Easy - Freeze beautifully

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 1/2 cups of brown sugar

2 1/2 cups of shortening

5 eggs

2 tablespoons vanilla

 1/4 cup milk

mix dry ingredients

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

5 cups flour

5 cups Old Fashion Oatmeal

Bake at 350 degrees on parchment paper for 15 minutes 

yields 4 dozen - 3inch cookies

ENJOY!!!!

 

Wow factor!!!!!

Another wonderful party at My Cozy Corner is over.  I love having  parties.  Thank you so much for visiting.

Please leave a comment and become a follower too.

xoxo

Betty

Argostoli

I love Greece.  On Friday July 30th. 2010, our cruise ship pulled into the port of Argostoli.  Greece's best-kept secret.

We visited the Monastery of St. Andrew famous for housing a bizarre relic, which is claimed to be the sole of St. Andrew's right foot. During the 1953 earthquake the whitewashed covering of the inside of the church was loosened and revealed frescoes dating back to the 13th and 17th centuries which are now considered to be the island's biggest artistic treasures. We were not allowed to take photos, because it will damage the frescoes.  Sorry.  Next we visited the Rombola winery to gain insight into the production methods of the famous Rombola Wine made from a local species of grape, which comes in red, white and sweet Muscat.  All wineries in this area are cooperative.  Small grape vineyards contribute to the production of this wine.  This is a great help to the over all economy of the region.  Next we visited the village of Kourkoumelata.  The village was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1953 by a wealthy local citizen reconstructing the whole village in the neoclassical style.  We wandered through the village and admired the sweeping views of the sea below.  A photo stop was made at the Castle of St. George before we returned to the cruise ship.  What a glorious morning we spent, visiting the sights for one of Greece's best-kept secrets.

 Hope you have enjoyed your visit to My Cozy Corner today.

I would love to read your comments and become a follower too.

I'm linking to:

A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

and

Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Thanks again for visiting and please come again

xoxo

Betty

  

Lavender Tea Cups

As you know from my past posts, I love Lavender and Tea.  I found two beautiful tea cups, saucers and dessert plates at the Antique Mall.  A very thrifty find.  Later this year I'm giving a tea for my dear friends celebrating 42 years of friendship.  I have been collecting three piece tea sets and the two lavender sets were the last to complete a place setting for twelve.  It's so nice to have a matching cup, saucer and dessert plate.  

   

The tea cup, saucer and dessert plate are 'Lavender' Archive Collectable Teas, Royal Albert, Bone China.

This vintage square table cloth is so lovely with my thrifty silver-plated tray on top.

The vintage tea napkin is on top of the thrifty silver-plated tray.

Lots of Lavender

Oh the sweet smell of lavender from my garden.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to My Cozy Corner.  I love sharing my treasures with such wonderful friends. 

I would appreciate a comment and become a follower too.

I'm linking to the some fabulous blogs, so please link back and enjoy more fun.

I'm linking to

Southern Hospitality for Thrifty Monday
A Stroll thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Coastal Charm for Thrifty Tuesday
Lady Katherine Tea Parlor for Tea Time Tuesday

Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday
Artful Afirmations for Tea Cup Tuesday
Silken Purse for Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Martha's Favorites for Tea Cup Tuesday

Thanks again for visiting and please come again

xoxo
Betty

Tablescape #6

You are Cordially Invited to Dessert

When I was a little girl I would listen to my dad play the violin in the evenings before I went to bed.  I loved listening to the music.    My daughter inherited the violin and the case.  In all  her wisdom she took the violin to a fellow who restores antique instruments.   He worked his magic and now  the violin plays beautifully.   But, the violin case was another story. According to the master repairman,  after years of storage the old case was not the best place for a beautiful instrument.  So I was lucky to receive the violin case and wanted to share the story of the violin case with you.

Don't you think we need some dessert to go along with our violin story?  I do.

I set the table. The dessert and cordials are waiting.

My dad started playing the violin about the age of 12.  He played in the high school orchestra and when he was 17 he would take his fiddle, meet two friends who played guitars and they would have a jam session.  They sure played some  jazzy tunes in 1934.

I thought you would love some Creme Brulee with your cordial.

And a musical napkin to dab your lips.

A beautiful glass for water.

And of course a small silver cordial.

I invited 'Sally Holmes' to the party.  The rose bush is over 8 feet high and blooms all spring and summer long.  It is amazing.

I thought I would change the setting a bit.  Which way do you like the napkin?

  Yum.......

And, that is the story of the violin case.

The old bow is still in the case.  The violin has a brand new bow.

I hope you enjoyed your dessert and cordial.  I have enjoyed sharing my story with you. 

White Dishes: World Market

Clear Dishes: Church Rummage Sale

Black Dishes: 99 cent store

Flatware: Flatware from my kitchen - everyday

Cordials: Estate Sale

Beautiful Glasses: Gift from my son and daughter-in-law

Napkins: Handmade on Monday - Sheet music material from  Jo-Ann Fabrics 

Black vase: Antique Mall - two dollars 

Place mats: Ross - four dollars

Creme Brulee ramekins: gift from son and daughter-in-law

Creme Brulee Dr Oetker mix from World Market. It is so delicious

I am sharing my post with:

Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Suzanne @ Coloradolady for Vintage Thingie Thursday

Cindy @ My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Michael @ Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday

and

Vanessa @ Southern in my Heart for Inspiration Friday

Thank you again for stopping by for a visit.  Please link back to the creative blogs and visit the wonderful  posts.

Thanks again

xoxo

Betty