To my Trudie: the best grandmother in the world

I love my Trudie! She is my dad's mom, and I have her to thank for her top-secret chicken and dumpling recipe, my green eyes, and the beautiful things she has made me through the years.  She made the place mats on my table for me when I got married, and I still treasure them. 

The fruit motif is really nice because they match so many of my patterns. I think hand-made gifts are the best. I have large cross-stitched wall hangings that she made each of my children when they were born. I have numerous other knitted blankets that are put to frequent use. This year when Emma was so often in the hospital, I was so grateful to have them to bring a little something from home to keep family close when they were not allowed to visit. 

Today, I have used these lovingly cross-stitched place mats with some of my other favorite things. The vintage red Morgantown golf ball iced-teas and the Spode Cranberry Traditions plates are so pretty on a spring table. (These were from eBay, as always, though the Spode Traditions were actually from the Replacements eBay site. These were sold as an auction and were actually cheaper through eBay than on the Replacements site. They have more!)

There are six different patterns in this particular set.

The majolica fruit sculpture matches the place mats and is also a special item. It was a gift from "Mrs. Margie," whom Emma mentioned in her last blog. I grew up across the street from Mrs. Margie, and we still visit even now.

I added my favorite red salad plates from Dillard's, my Dollar Tree soup bowls, and my Target ramekins with bright green apples. My family enjoyed this table for an early spring supper, complete with chicken and dumplings! The only thing missing was my Trudie!


-Andrea

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Oh, to be in Augusta now that spring is here!

Living in Georgia certainly has its ups and downs. The summers are brutal with the heat and humidity. Oh, but the spring! It is too glorious in Georgia right now and the best place to be is in Augusta during Masters week.

Many of you may be golf widows, so I am sure that you have heard of the Augusta National golf course and the famous Masters golf tournament. Tickets to the tournament are the “Holy Grail” of golf and many Georgia residents never get to go. My family has been very fortunate to have been on many occasions, because my husband has a co-worker and friend who sometimes is able to get tickets for us to attend. Thanks, Keith!!

Did you know that the land where the golf course is now was once a plant nursery? That explains why the course is so beautiful and the holes are named for different plants and trees.

My husband is a golfer and, when we attend, we always bring home many souvenir items for us and our family.

Here are some of our caps and visors.

These are only a small number of my husband’s Masters’ golf shirts.

I have some, too.

I, also, have charms (one silver and one gold) for my charm bracelets…

And a wonderful Christmas tree ornament.

We have a collection of Masters plastic drinking cups. Some have “walked away” during the years!

The absolute highlight of my husband’s golfing life came, when he was able to play at Augusta National. A friend in Augusta arranged for my husband to play a round of golf there a few years ago and I think he is still on cloud “nine” (or, maybe, 18!).

For this year’s Masters tournament, I am thinking that I will prepare a light breakfast for my husband. He can fill up later on the famous pimento cheese sandwiches that are served during the tournament.

A Panera Bread bearclaw (a favorite of ours), scrambled eggs, orange juice and coffee should be just enough, before the trip to Augusta.

For the setting, I used a Sunflower yellow Fiestaware tablecloth and a Masters golf towel for a placemat.

Then, I added a Mikasa “Yardley” plate and chunky flatware from Steinmart.

A Masters cup (please excuse the plastic!!) holds the juice and a coffee cup bought at the Augusta National gift shop keeps the coffee nice and hot.

For a napkin ring, I used a golf club bag tag.

The centerpiece is made from azalea and dogwood blooms from our yard. These are to remind my husband of the beautiful flowers on the course.

Hole number two is “ Pink Dogwood” and “Azalea” is hole number 13, which is part of the very famous “Amen Corner”.

Yes, spring has definitely “sprung” in Georgia. I cannot show you the August National course in full bloom, but I can leave you with a couple of pictures of spring in our back yard. I will, also, leave you with a wish that all of you will have the chance, just once, to witness the glory of a Georgia spring day on the most famous golf course in the world!

Diane

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