The Making of The Magic of Ordinary Days

Great Movies should always be shared. This movie is exceptional, and I don't say that about many movies. The scenery, the storyline, the acting talent...all of it came together into a joyful experience. If you need a delightful escape, here it is. You might find it on You Tube or other streaming platforms. 

IF YOU'RE A FAN OF THE WALTONS

Every now and then I share fun things that I have discovered. I have always been a huge fan of The Waltons, so it was fun to discover that the gal who played Mary Ellen has a You Tube channel devoted entirely to the show. She interviews the cast and other actors who contributed to the show. And she shares some "behind the scenes" info that you couldn't see as you watched the show. 

My favorite character was John Boy. And Erin was my favorite of the sisters. One of our family vacations was to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where Earl Hamner, the creator of The Waltons grew up. We saw the Waltons Mountain museum and I spoke to someone in a gift shop who knew Earl Hamner. 

Judy talks about some of her favorite episodes of the show and gives us an inside look at what it was like to be part of it all. To me, her channel is fun to watch because I recall every single episode of the show and it's fun to learn all the extra things that went on behind the scenes of each show. 

I am fascinated with the early part of the 1900's and the simple lives of country folks back then. I secretly wish that I could have experienced that time, when life was less rushed and more peaceful, with more of a sense of community. I love old country stores and  antique cars and the way the women dressed back then, especially the hats. If you like my blog, you will most likely enjoy Judy's channel. She notices and appreciates many of the same things that I notice and appreciate about people, places and things. 

No More Cloudy Days

This underappreciated gem by the Eagles is my perfect theme song for this new year. I remember the first time I heard this song as a much younger person. I immediately loved it. It's about second chances and believing in the possibilities the future holds. 

If 2020 was not good to you, things are going to turn around.

Stay encouraged. I think of God singing this song to me and it becomes even more encouraging. I can't stop playing it. 

MOST ROMANTIC TRAVEL SPOTS

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/7a432k/:qLG2wc$+:Y..8fG8e/www.globalgrasshopper.com/travel/in-pictures-romantic-travel-destinations/

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia | Beautiful Places to Visit

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia | Beautiful Places to Visit

Curiosities: The Town With No Roads

Curiosities: The Town With No Roads

AMAZING PHOTOS FOR 2011

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2H7bcr/www.myrandomstuff.se/?page_id=4771/

SIDEWALK COMES TO LIFE

Check this out. You'll be amazed what sidewalk chalk artists are creating. Something I Stumbled Upon today.
 http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/5to66A/www.nickcannon.com/post/insane-sidewalk-chalk-art/

BETTER THAN PINTEREST

If you like Pinterest, you'll love Stumble Upon.  Check out the link below and start exploring. It's fun to see what pops up next.
 http://www.stumbleupon.com/about

VERY PINTERESTING!

I just discovered pinterest, the online pinboard, very interesting site to browse, except for the skin exposure, which is unnecessary.
http://pinterest.com/

NEW LOOK FOR YOUR WINTER SCARF

Here's a twist on the classic way to tie a winter scarf.  Looks great!
 http://www.womansday.com/style-beauty/fashion-style/tie-your-scarf-style#slide-1

Eat That Frog Movie

Eat That Frog Movie

17 Tips for December Magic

                                                                               

http://aliceinparislovesartandtea.blogspot.com/2011/12/17-tips-for-december-magic.html

IF YOU NEED A LAUGH

Sprite Christmas Commercial

Coca-Cola 70's Christmas Hilltop Commercial

American Life: Growing up in the Sixties

American Life: Growing up in the Sixties

FORT HUNTER VICTORIAN TEA

The tea room at Fort Hunter Mansion

Each year at Fort Hunter Mansion, the public is invited to a Victorian tea around Christmas time.  Many times I thought of attending this event because it sounded like such fun.  Today I finally went and I wasn't disappointed.  Fort Hunter is located along the Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg and it offers visitors a glimpse of 19th century Pennsylvania life.  The photo above is the tea room where guests were invited to feast on tea sandwiches and cookies with a warm cup of orange spice tea.  Notice the Victorian style dresses worn by the servers.  Candles added to the table's inviting warmth.  And not a paper plate or cup was in sight.  We ate on the good china and tea was served on a plate of silver, poured from silver teapots. 

After tea, we enjoyed a tour of the mansion then walked down to the Tavern House where a Festival of Trees were on display.  Area garden clubs decorate the trees each year and then they are raffled in a drawing for lucky winners to take home, decorations and lights included.  The tastiest part of the day was the Open Hearth Cooking demonstration (pictured below) where we received a sample of roasted butternut squash with apples and raisins.  It was delicious.

Flour was used sparingly during the civil war.  It sold for $500 a barrel.

          

The Tavern House and the oldest tree on the property.

                                                                        

My second favorite tree.

The Dolls and Teacups tree

This tree, decorated by the Halifax Garden Club was my favorite

Ladies hats, gloves, purses and handmade roses adorned my favorite tree.

Men opening doors for ladies is a rare and wonderful thing.

Inside the Fort Hunter Mansion

 A lady of the house greeted us inside the door.

A cozy corner of the Family Room

The children's bedroom

This baby carriage made many trips through downtown Harrisburg

A second floor window overlooking the Susquehanna River

A closet full of vintage hats, shoes, and accessories

An upstairs bedroom

Musicians filled the mansion with enchanting music

One last look at the mansion before I go.

                                                                               

TEA AT GRANDMA'S

Here''s a link to a lovely post by my sister, titled Tea at Grandma's.  I was planning to blog about our mother daughter tea party this past weekend, but I forgot my camera.  After seeing this post, I know why.  I couldn't have said it better and the photos are great.  Click on the link below and see that women still do have tea parties.  And they should do it more often.  I'm still waiting for the quilting parties to return.  I'll be there.
 http://deanna-wiseman.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html#8966260461507324612

HOME IS WHEREVER I'M WITH YOU