Early Mornings & A Second or Last Cuppa Coffee- Grab Yours & Come Along With Ruth Again~

My daily walk in the gardens today

Gives me cause to pause and thank God

 For the beauty all around me.

 It is the Roses' time to shine

And make my day one of joy

in my God.

 

[Ruth Walker]

 

 

Ruth and Charles' Garden~ Early Spring 2015

A huge thank you to friends Ruth and Charles
for sharing their personal gardens with
 'Like Gramma's House'

 

 

 Ruth and Charles' Garden has been an ongoing labor of love for decades and  like the changes God put in place for all of Creation-

Our Gardens

 Are a slide show of

The Seasons  

Our Creator made provision for the humans we are- who tire of sameness, look forward and long for Changes in the weather, the landscape and personal  gardens around us...our homes, woodlands, roadsides or designated tourist garden spots.

His plan was and continues to be perfect.  And just like the original Garden of Eden these spaces require the loving and never ending  care- we still know as work no matter how much we love it. 

A Spring ReRun ~ #2

Just In Case You Missed It Last Spring

March 2015

[All photos 2012 -2013- earlier dates mean I did not change dates on my camera settings]

Add Maintenance Planner and Landscaper to My Resume ~

After being a willing  helpmate for more than 54 years,

 I am claiming yet another title in this new life.

As I ponder this I remember my husband's last work title in industry management was "Maintenance Planner".  As I recall he was responsible  for anticipating, scheduling , overseeing, approving  [ an on and on and on] the maintenance in a specific area [ I THINK] of the Paper Mill. Sorry, that's the best I can do with that job description.

Today I recognize that I can now add the job of  

 "Maintenance Planner"  

to my life resume.

About The House-

About The House- Some Familiar-Some Seasonal 2015

 

 

 Spring Cleaning

Can Be As Simple As

A Fresh Coat of PAINT

 

It's easy to forget how long it's been since the last time  they were painted

and a can of good quality spray paint can give one such

A feeling of Accomplishment

And the W I N N E R is - ME

 http://jannolson.blogspot.com

SYC the party where you share the things that make you HAPPY

Jann's Blog Anniversary Giveaway

 

 

 

It's Here!!

A Garden Tour Anyone?

In the interest of FULL DISCLOSURE- Some of these are my photos- Some are from

The Harrison House Yardens

Others are contributions of family / friends

Let's Do This AGAIN~ While the Bridal Wreath is Blooming~

A scene as pretty as this should not be called a Spring Re-Run

Spring 2010

 

Decorator secrets- I never, never buy new table cloths, napkins etc.  I always keep an eye out for basic supplies that someone else has paid the new price for and usually only gently worn.  Flaws & imperfections- signs of use are not an issue for me.  My old and new Fiestaware is the most all purpose stash of supplies in my home.  They are not fragile and mix with literally any dishes I enjoy using.  I never have a real plan for coordinating dishes, pottery, linens- "I just make it up as I go."

-Home & Yarden 2015

Enjoy!





 

 

Some Things Just Make Me S M I L E ~

The birds singing-
butterflies flitting ~ Children Playing~


 



• Pretties- the icing -  the fluff -   the extras -

Source  Southern Living Magazine

Easter-Spring Tablescape

You Are Invited

To

 http://shoestringelagance.blogspot.com/

 

Sweet Seasonal Reminders

Spring 2013

 

These scenes from a season ago motivate me-

I hope it gives you a nudge and brings a smile to your face too!

 

 

We just don't always use these pretties often enough but I will say they are all meant to be used at the Harrison House-

Let's Share a CUPPA of Something G O O D -

 For Today Lord

www.troyfbc.org



Order

Purpose

Joy

Others

Rememberings~ About Milestones - Mile Markers [#19]

Milestones are specific points along the route you're traveling [life]. They got your attention-you recognize their importance continuing  on your journey...oftentimes in another direction.

Mile Markers are visual Markers along the way that tell you the distance you have come traveling from  a specific place...behind you, [in the past].

A New Season Indeed~

http://anewseason.net/widows-might/packing-up-your-sorrows/

A New Season



As I stood behind my Pastor's pulpit on August 21, 2013 with only the barest bit of written outline I had no idea what the first words to come out of my mouth would be.  I composed myself ever so briefly- maybe two seconds and just as if I had at that moment created the words in my own head this is what came forth:

"This is ANOTHER day which the Lord has made

and we will CONTINUE to rejoice

and be glad in it."

Amen -

Aiken House & Gardens: Shades of Aqua

Aiken House & Gardens: Shades of Aqua

To say that Carolyn always inspires and challenges with her style, photos and beautiful displays indoors and out...is an understatement!

Now go visit and tell her Gramma sent you

 

Could I interest You in Growing SUNFLOWERS?

copied

• Because they are such natural beauties
• Because they are easy to grow
• Feed the Birds
• Use in Both Fresh and Dried Floral Arrangements
• Potpourri

BRAGGING RIGHTS!!


Is there anything difficult about successfully growing to harvest Sunflowers?

My Personal Recommendation ~

For Your Reading Pleasure ~ And Much More!

When you weary of Vanilla Christianity

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/03/when-youre-weary-of-a-vanilla-christianity/

 

Personal Note:  I have no desire to use Like Gramma's House for selling  but I eagerly and without reservation will give up space to share GOOD THINGS from Great People

& promote what they do.

 

[ btw they don't ask for or need my promotion]

 

Jonell

 

 

 

Wishing You GOURD Friends ~

Do you not have gourd friends? 

I would definitely wish for you to have gourd friends.

That's okay, just allow me to bend your ear about my own creative, quirky, artistic, wonderful gourd friends.

I always remember and love to share about my GOURD FRIENDS during our Texas Years. My first unique and incredibly gifted friend [ gourd friend]  was Hattie.  I kinda, sorta think I recall that Hattie's life experience included teaching very young children-perhaps preschoolers.  That was another time of her life though.  When she came into my life I knew her as my artistic friend who did fabulous yard art with saved objects like old rusty garden tools.  That's just the beginning. Yes she turned unusual things about to be put out for pickup on first Mondays into amazing and often strange creations for your flower beds, wherever they spoke to her. 

In Time for E. A .S .T .E. R. ~If You Hurry

http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/4834/

Plant this NOW for Easter cuteness!

By Carrie Lamont (carrielamont) March 3, 2015

Read more: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/4834/#ixzz3TM9ET8Hx

The actual date of Easter varies from year to year.

In 2015, it will be April 5.

If you have time, start this project a few weeks before Easter to have plenty of time for germinating your seeds.

I Didn't Forget~

No, I did not forget the #18 mile marker but am just thinking you may be a little weary of my tracking every step along the way of this new and different life since August 18, 2013.

 

I'm trying to focus on life around me and be alert to things of interest  I can share with you.  I have not taken a month long nap and forgotten about Like Gramma's House and the readers. I'm just trying to find ways of breathing new life into this 6+ year long project I'm sharing with the world.

 

Someone reminded me in the past week that I have had many experiences and been involved with lots of interesting things...and as I look far back into all I have written I am reminded of many of those. 

 

Drop by regularly and perhaps you'll spot something to inspire, amuse or  encourage you.

Looking Forward....Again~

Jonell

 

 



It's Time To Talk About LOOFAS -It's MARCH

Get those seeds in the ground in March

  'After danger of frost' has passed. 






A picture from my first gourd crop in Alabama 2007

Dyl sings for Mr. Lincoln

Our oldest Grand Daughter Dylan singing for our one and only Great Grandson Lincoln-Priceless!

Stringtown Home: That Awkward Moment, When....

Yippee, Heather's BACK ya'll

at Stringtown Home

Stringtown Home: That Awkward Moment, When.......You return to your blog after 7 months.   I almost feel like I should introduce myself, again.  I'm not gonna lie though...

How about running over there to say

 Welcome Back !!

Just Too Good & Too E A S Y

No excuse for not making this ~

 This is a healthy version of ice cream! Four ingredients. This would also make a great dessert to serve up after dinner. Share with your friends - they will love it, too!

 

 

I Cannot Wait [for spring] But Wait I Must~

{ This is not the weather for successful  projects that involve PAINTING }

 

 

 

A last minute insert here- I don't think I mentioned

but just assumed you would know the ANTIQUE

BED is F I N A L L Y getting  a paint job-No kidding-

that has been my P L A N  since 2006. I chose and

bought the paint S E V E R A L years ago...for real!

Go ahead...you can LOL

 

Well, I need a project and my Spring project has been a while coming..meaning it's been on my to do list for several years..Here's my motivation.  I'm thinking if I get it out there, admit to you all that it's as good as a commitment .  You can call me on it and hold me accountable.  Well, that sounds good don't you think. Here Goes!

For several years I have wanted to put together an all white room. The most logical is the master bedroom. My linens are already there [all white] and three pieces of furniture are a shade of white. That looks like a good beginning.The initial must do is to paint the antique iron bed and it should be relatively easy from there on.

This is not a really large room, only adequate as far as size but I think I can make it work.  What I envision is not all white...but what I call 'shades of white"..Now how soon can I get down to Lowe's and start playing with paint samples?

Family Time at SAM'S-For Real~

A scene that would thrill many school teachers- perhaps reading coaches

 

 Okay, so I don't use that Sam's card or even go browsing their  isles often enough to justify having the membership.  But just in case I want that option  I'm renewing the thing.

 

You never know what you'll run into at Sam's.

 

 

 

I am really into familiarizing myself with all the book options at Sam's
making a sharp turnaround just so I don't miss anything
and a sudden "brake for families" ~
No kidding- Possibly a Gramma  with a couple of tweens so totally
engrossed in their book finds.

 They do not even notice me until I speak
Yes, they offered to move for me..just offered but did not move.
 My response was:
Remain where you are...just allow me to take a picture?

"As you were please?"

 

It did not matter if I took ten pictures they didn't skip a line &

 were not a bit distracted by a stranger taking their picture.



So why did I continue snapping photos?

Because I could

And yes I did warn them they might end up in one of my blog posts.

Names?  I don't have their's and they don't have mine...

A slight possibility they may find Like Gramma's House.

We are not likely to ever know!

Jonell

at

Like Gramma's House

 

 

Sunrises and Mile Markers ~

Way back when I was a fulltime  Mom  January would find me seriously analyzing myself, my goals, challenges and struggling to come up with plans and changes  to become more organized...structured as a wife but especially as the Mom of four- three boys, one daughter.

Now in this season of life I realize I was more organized and focused than I thought. Why do I think that?  In this season just yesterday passing the Mile Marker #17 [months] I am still awkwardly trying to figure out what to do with my days.  Oh, never fear, at this point I am more focused and stable, less insecure.

 The Challenges Were Real

From Winter to Valentine's to Spring ~

 

Okay folks can we move ahead into another season now? 

I know, I know it's 30+ days until the calendar reads

 

 "S P R I N G"

But let's just go with it, okay?

 

 

 We all know I live in the waay waay deep south of the U.S.A.? And we all know the grass in my yard is no shade of green this week...there's still 2014 growth that is yet to be trimmed or cut way back to politely make room for the 2015 garden show . Since we have that out in the open there's no excuse for any of you to even ask if these beautiful things are from my yard.  If you hurry right now You can find some at your local WM super store.  They will work for your house just like mine...just remove all the store packaging  before you display and they look like they just came from your back yard.

 

 

 

As "they say" -

 In the interest of full disclosure loosely translated to mean

 "let's be completely honest here"

We all know I did not grow these roses-

Not at this season in the deep south, but they certainly are

a welcome, happy addition to my environment.

I am not sure I have ever received this many roses

But then, who's counting, right?

 

I look forward to enjoying the dried form for months!

 

 

 

 

Now, about Spring 2015.... 

WE ARE READY...BRING IT ON!!

The Obligatory Valentine's Post

Oh well, so the post title leaves something to be desired. 

But you do realize I have to call it 'something' and the word SOMETHING as a title  I just don't think would hold you here to read, right?

Not to worry I have the pictures to prove I did recognize the February Season  and in my own self interest of holding your attention for a few minutes I will slip in a few more photos.

 

It has been this love season since Sunday February 1st now and I always love seeing the  pink and red everywhere...after all I am a 'winter' which means my closet is 98%  filled with Red, black & white. No surprise to my real life friends/family !

 

Here I go again with the Red!

 

 

You will find splashes of the color around me

 

It's scattered everywhere ...I don't need February to validate the bold colorful spaces around me. If God had only chosen to create Red, Black & White with a dab of pink thrown in I would be happy!

 

To be totally truthful, at this time of year I am all into thoughts of Springtime! I'm ready to get past the dry brown grass and all the leftover yard work from the fall...I just bet you are too!

 

I could cheat and share from my stash of spring scenes but I do hope I won't need to do that...

 

 

 

 Looking forward...to S P R I N G   YA'LL

 

 

 

 

 

Jonell

 

Divine Detours and Puzzles

Here I am settled into the 8th decade of life and continuing to ask the same questions. 

[Warning:  I only know the beginning of this post- I don't have a clue where this little side trip is headed]

 

 

 

Have I not been listening the first or the 5th time I ask?  Am I not seeing clearly as I look about me for new direction, a road map, a divine detour?  I continue to ask "What now Lord?"

Have you ever been at this place..an adult still reaching out for a grown up hand to grab onto?  Trying to read all the road signs...majoring on what we call information signs along the roadways [of life]. 

You read the books, join in the studies to determine your  'custom made by the creator' gifts, Bible studies with  godly ladies all looking for some of the same things...answers, direction. 

 Looking back perhaps I was searching for the right things...but the timing, the place, the needs- the platform was not in place yet. 

I am more than comfortable speaking with an audience..usually have something to say and thrive on the sharing opportunity. This one statement may explain to you why I describe myself [in my online profile for LGH ] as a 'planner, producer, performer, promoter'. I have always been comfortable in that role.

On days like this as I am  so challenged, encouraged, and in still small ways puzzled if not defeated  I'm  still that young child walking alongside the grown up ...reaching and holding on tightly to the hand ..not sure which way to go without that security.

Today as a Grandparent, recently a Great Grandmother and a 'seventy something' I am learning to walk alone, adjusting to the phrase 'just one' & apologizing for the  'one' using a table for four.

I have an abundance of time to ponder, mull over or contemplate life, me and the passing of time. I seem to stumble upon most solutions, glimpses of wisdom...then what do I do with them?  Funny, this very thought reminds me of [ analogy ] a 1,000 piece puzzle laid out waiting for the puzzle geniuses  to magically make all the pieces fit...and me..well you can count me out of this activity.  That is not my gift.  I spot  the easy to decipher pieces that all fit together and that project is history!

Do you ever relegate certain problems or projects to what we often call "the back burner"? Do I ever!
There are often so many 'post it' notes filed away in my pathetic brain we could publish a book titled "Post it" notes.

As you and I share this blogging moment as writer & reader a few of those back burner post it notes pop up.  I am reminded that back in those days when I just dreamed of any opportunity to share with other ladies...[and I did have a few of those], the time was not right. 

The plain and simple truth is there were so many God things ahead  at that time...so many stories not yet written, lessons learned.  We were where God wanted us to be taught, molded and shaped for future use.  We were in place for trials, heartaches, testing & yes victories!

Did I mention the Church conflict, the forest fire, the unanswered prayers,  the sale of our home & farm, the move back close to our children and grand children, the Cancer and the Cancer ?

And the Goodbye.

Good grief [how appropriate] it seems so obvious now  our story was only barely begun ...Once upon a time.. the puzzle pieces, the 'rest of the story'  still ahead .

Our story was still being written & not  yet ready to be told.

Now  I am ready ...Holy Spirit I ask you to continue to remove Self  & in it's place fill me with so much of You that I can begin to see more clearly,  listen more intently and understand more completely  ...with the end goal to be Used ....by You perfectly because I am not a puzzle person...Your Will.

Only You!

Looking Forward

 

Jonell

 

Just Wondering....

I just wonder.....if 32 degrees were not called the freezing mark, and if lower than 32 NOT called "below freezing"...
Would it FEEL AS COLD?
[keep in mind I am southern lady]

Never mind the far north scene in the picture - that is just to remind us that many people north of us have it much worse tonight than we do with our artic breeze out there.

A New Beginning~

I didn't earn it. I didn't create it and I fear I will not even begin to measure up to the gift...another new beginning.


As I think about those words ever so briefly I realize I don't merit or measure up to all the other too amazing for words blessings of my lifetime...the God appointed guardians of my younger years, the provision of bounty throughout my life in the form of friendships, mentors, sweetheart for life, family and even earthly material blessings beyond what I could ever have imagined, even to ask, dream or pray about.

During all those years I never had an inkling of a notion to count the victories much less the new beginnings, like a new year. They just came regularly.

At this mile marker January 1, 2015 I am looking at a second calendar year alone [since 1959 ] with out the love of my life..and still am asking even silently "Lord what do I do with this?"

 Really, one would think a woman of my age and such a full rich lifetime looking back could begin to fill in the blanks .  Instead I continue to ask  "Lord, what now?"

I am not stopping. I am not giving up.  I am simply asking.
Talk about stumbling alone~ I don't get it when you suggest  you see  admirable strength in me.


I do pray something of Christ shows through in spite of the real me. I pray. Christ.

Looking Forward....I Surrender All

Jonell

~

Along the Way ~ Mile Marker #16



2009



Imagine a scrapbook filled with every moment, conversation, whisper, laughter, secrets, heartaches, trials, victories and celebration...every shared look, hugs & kisses, intimate moments, family gathering, road trip, flea market adventure, home redo project, gardening chores, walk through the woods, searching the roadsides for naturals used for decorating,

every quiet or desperate prayer time shared, early morning greeting while the coffee makes,

Oh, Christmas Tree ~

 

I am not doing an open house tour for you this year but I do think you might enjoy  my tree of choice since 2006[  http://christmastime-atgrammashouse.blogspot.com/ ]  I call this theme "Shades of White" ~ the only ornaments included are white, gold, silver and clear glass.  Each year I am alert to finding a surprise addition  usually in antique or flea market venues.  I just wait for something to catch my eye and know it's going home with me.

 

 

Come,  sit a while and enjoy

the Harrison House 2014 tree

[It won't likely come down until the first week of 2015]

 

...Short people like me often have recognizable

limits when it comes to lighting and decorating a 9 ft.

Christmas tree.

Little Christmas Things ~

 

This small tree is placed in the equally small breakfast room setting on my truly antique  scales

{There's another story- check it out on the page titled "Everything Has A Story" }

No I have not reached the mile marker in life where my only Christmas tree is an obligatory Table Topper....but I do  claim at least 3 or 4  that measure less than 36" tall.  It's a good excuse for pulling together a few theme  trees.....a kitchen theme could show off things like miniature kitchen utensils or cookie cutters and another in either a bathroom or bedroom might be used for things like a collection of vintage costume jewelry or in the right spot perhaps sports theme goodies like fishing lures would make an impression .{ Just use whatever you have and love to show off }

 

 

 

 

I Choose JOY~

 

 

This is the Season of Joy

 

So

 

I just think I shall

 

Choose Joy!

 

 

 

 

 Come Along and Share Your Cup Thursday at
Have A Cup Of Mrs Olson

 

 

 http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/12/share-your-cup-thursday-130.html



Being Thankful

Being Thankful

Just a a note:  Before you make that last list, before you fill the car with gas, before you pack that weekend bag, before you grab that bunch of flowers or the fruit basket for your hosts, before you run the vacuum cleaner one last time, before you make the bathroom company fresh, before you open the blinds & light the candles-

 

 "STOP! TAKE A LONG IN  & OUT BREATH-"

 

Look around You- (as I am) at the bounty, the blessings of the loved ones around you (or will be soon) Remember for a few moments the gifts of life, breath & (hopefully) Salvation ..the recent gifts of incredible people God has begun to cement into your life/my life to 'shore up' the precious ones already in place (family) and when you have done this I pray you will whisper along with me "what a wonderful God I serve! He can handle anything coming our way..just as He always has- I surrender all."