magic…….

….. ending day sky. I think about 20 minutes to darkness. So breathtaking. 7:25 pm.  It’s a frame capturing sun, cloudy air, high humidity and the bluish sky fading. Today had it all. Sun, rain, clouds and blue sky.  Once it decides…. it fades quickly. Thinking about my day. My “Reflection” in a photo. Amazing…..

 

Orchid – 2nd Bloom this year

Three full blooms today – appropriate on Mother’s Day

……and they will bloom for about 5 or 6 weeks…

Look closely at the center of this photo. You will see a tiny “knob” on the stem. This is most likely the beginning of another new stem that will produce blooms. Our first bloom was (six) 6 flowers. So we are hopeful it will bloom once again.

We have it placed on a tall fern stand right near direct light…..but no sun. We water it thoroughly through from the top with the sprayer attachment at the sink. Tepid water, not cold. Let it drain right through. Several minutes. Turn from side to side making sure no water has settled in the bottom. Place on a towel on the counter. Let stand 20 minutes so all water drains off. Place your orchid back in its Cachepot.

Orchids can be pricey but most flower bouquets last about five days in water. Your Orchid blooms a long time and your reward is it will bloom again and again. Three blooming cycles are normal each year. Fertilize once a month with a pitcher of water and commercial fertilizer especially for orchids. Use the pour straight through method just the same as before

We love them and they are so beautiful.
ENJOY!

painted ICE…….at 18 degrees

Today my cousin sent me this picture of the frozen ice on the family farm pond. Never seen the same any day or time or weather conditions. A wonder to be sure. Imagine to be this person, my cousin who notices all Gods glory in each sunset, each ice storm, each cloud building over the land, each bird and rodent and owl and bunny. My cousins eyes see things that only he can see. He has watched every blade of grass and every new prairie flower burst from the earth for 70 years. God is  with him on this land…..and he with God.

As it should be……

*********

by Carl Kurtz

A reflection of clouds at sunset across the rough icy surface of a small pond conveys the essence of an abstract painting. A change in our observation point can give a new perspective on a very ordinary subject. We must remember it won’t occur in exactly the same way ever again.

 

Third Sunday – Advent Prayer

 

Lord God, may we, your people,

who look forward to the birthday of Jesus

experience the joy of salvation

and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~AMEN

***********************************************************************
Hear me Dearest Lord,

In darkness, I look for your wisdom.
I want my heart to be fully open to you.
But sometimes in these times, it seems that
so many things come between us.

Help me to be awake and aware
of the “light” you bring to my life.
Help me to be grateful each and every day
for the blessings of my family and friends.
Help me to be a peacemaker
in my own life, and in the world.
I now pray especially for our troubled world
and for all those who are so in need of an end to violence.
My soul begs for this with my Advent prayer today.

AMEN

Our Christmas Tree Lighting

Our new tree is so little compared to the big spruce that adorned “Spruce Island” for so many years, but all the same it’s a lovely green and healthy Holly with many red berries. We are very happy to have it. The gathering of folks was lovely and we sang carols and greeted friends. We had a very warm December evening. Nice time.

Blessings and Happy Christmas to all!

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are your branches!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are your branches!
Not only green in summer’s heat,
But also winter’s snow and sleet.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
How lovely are your branches!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
Of all the trees most lovely;
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
Of all the trees most lovely.
Each year you bring to us delight
With brightly shining Christmas light!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
Of all the trees most lovely.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
We learn from all your beauty;
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
We learn from all your beauty.
Your bright green leaves with festive cheer,
Give hope and strength throughout the year.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree,
We learn from all your beauty.

 

ContessasHome “ETSY” site…..(Revised)

All ETSY Customers and ContessasHome viewers;

We have completed a process to reactivate and upgrade our current ETSY site. Administrative changes are required. We will announce our new launch date. Please stay tuned……..

Revised:  it will be a few business days before we are able to re-launch our ETSY site  This small snafu is now in process. Please be patient.
We Thank you!

“Contessa”

ContessasHome our virtual “selling” site will be reactivated and we will be launching it for browsing at 12 Noon on Monday, February 1, 2021.  We have preserved numerous items from our brick and mortar store in Delray, Contessa’s Garden and Gift, Alexandria, VA. Our items will be selling in best condition and priced according to the current market value. 

Shipping charges will be the responsibility of our buyers. This is standard policy on ETSY.

ETSY is an easy and fun way to purchase treasures without leaving the comfort of your home. We trust you will enjoy shopping our online store. Feedback and questions on our Etsy site are welcome. We are happy to engage your comments and suggestions. This has been a practice we enjoy. It’s always fun to know our customers virtually. Perfect for the life we are all leading during COVID isolation.  All of our items are purchased at local auctions. Our inventory will include, what is known in the business as “vintage smalls.”  And we will sell restored lamps/lighting, art, mirrors, “classic” hardcover books, silver, home decor and garden decor. We also have small/petite vintage furniture in our inventory.

CONTESSASHOME looks forward to serving you!

 

 

 

SOLD – Tiffany Style Turtle Accent Lamp

Sold today on Etsy.com to Nicole a Vermont customer. This little turtle lamp is a great accent lamp in a den, home library, or in a childs play room. Very popular at ContessasHome. Our supplier is headquartered in Ontario, CA. Selling price – $60 USD.

 

Schonbek Crystal Chandelier

We have recently relisted and placed  this beautiful completely restored Schonbek Crystal Chandelier for sale on Etsy.com. Our ContessasHome Etsy site is active and you can view it now. We now know that it is a Schonbek Chandelier. The relisting price for this lovely chandelier is now $650 USD.   We welcome inquiries.

SOLD – Vintage Hurricane Candlesticks

SOLD today on etsy.com at ContessasHome. Beautiful pressed glass swirl “heavy” candlestick base and pristine glass hurricanes. Each piece has ten crystal gorgeous prisms. One of our wonderful finds from Cape Cod. Selling price – $ 345/pair

SOLD TODAY – Chandelier, Gilt, French, Circa 1940

SOLD TODAY!!!

Chandelier, Gilt, French four arm with four candlelight bulbs. Twenty-eight hanging crystals total. Large center drop Crystal is two inches round and was $40 on its own. Each arm has five/two inch Crystal drops. The top and bottom four crystals are three inches each. The width of the chandelier is fifteen inches. The top to bottom measurement is twenty-three inches. The gilt gold patina is superb adding to the overall provenance of this piece.
It’s petite and very pretty. Strong French design. We have restored it with tiny copper wiring and a ceiling cap. It’s ready to install.
A lovely chandelier.