Back to the House of Enchantment

 We wandered through an enchanted woodland today.  I've known about this place for more than eighteen months, but haven't managed to get to see it until this week.  Once was enough for my children.  Twice is not enough for me.  Who will win this battle?

A Second Scarborough Fair Skirt

My daughter and I stopped at Hobby Lobby after a doctor's appointment to buy a length of fabric for her second Scarborough Fair Skirt.  She'll be sewing it with her grandmother this week-end. Isn't it lovely fabric?

Sunshiny Day

I took the trio on a little outing to one of our beaches to play in the water a bit and hike to an old plantation house.  What a glorious day!

The First Day of Great Lent

One Sleeve Down

 I finally finished the first sleeve on my Ramona Sweater last night! 

Early February in the Garden

Valentine Views

Beatrice and Patience

My sweetheart bought me this gorgeous bouquet of David Austin roses for Saint Valentine's Day at our local flower shop.  I am absolutely swooning over their scent and the delicate color of these beauties.  I am thankful that the florist was able to tell me the names of these blooms (the peach is called Beatrice and the white is Patience)...  I'd love to order a few for our Paschal table.

A Rough Start

It has been quite a week. 

On Monday afternoon, a man broke into our church.  He pushed through the front doors of the church, breaking the lock on the door.  He ripped one of the Royal Doors off the hinge, and fumbled around in the Altar. Eventually, he knocked on the interior house door and Father John realized at once that something wasn't right with him.  Somehow, Father John had the presence of mind to have the intruder fill out a visitors card after speaking with him for about 15 minutes.  The man revealed that he believes that he is the Messiah and also called himself the Son of Man. Eventually, he left the church, and after playing basketball in the church parking lot for a few minutes, got in his car and left.  Father John called 911 and State Troopers caught up with the guy and came to take Father's statement.  Thank God everyone is okay!  We are hopeful that this man will get the help that he needs!

Then, tonight, our middle son had a basketball game.  In the last few minutes of the game, he was asked to remove his cross by the head of his basketball league.  He refused, saying that he could not for religious reasons, so she benched him for the remainder of the game.  Fortunately, my husband was the parent who brought him to the game and was able to discuss this with the coach, refs, and the head of the league.  They refused to allow our son this religious accommodation (wearing a breakaway chain to prevent injury to anyone playing), so my husband is handling it with the head of the park and recreation for our town.  We'll see what they decide.

Here's hoping for a peaceful and quiet remainder of the week!

Amber Horn Buttons

 

I'm in the midst of knitting the first sleeve on my Ramona Light Cardigan and it is taking f.o.r.e.v.e.r.  I was encouraged to keep plugging along today when the beautiful buttons that I ordered arrived.  I had envisioned chocolate brown buttons for this sweater, but I think these amber colored horn buttons will be a better match for the yarn and the accessories that I wear on a regular basis.

Hazel Genevieve

 

It was baptism day for my sweet baby goddaughter Hazel Genevieve today!  She did beautifully and was awake and taking everything in the whole service.  I assembled a candle for her using some velvet flowers, ribbon, and a beeswax candle and it came out pretty well.  I love how it looked with her heirloom baptismal gown, hand knit blanket, and the gold cross that her godfather chose.  May God bless this darling babe. 

Fare Thee Well

Today was the last bacon-y breakfast we will have until Pascha.  It was perfectly paired with homemade pancakes.

In the Gloaming

The Beach in February

Casting Off the Body

 I cast off the body of my Ramona Light Cardigan this afternoon.  I am happy to report that it fits well!  Now, onto the sleeves, button band, and collar.

Cousin Time

 Sweet Sampson and Darling Vivienne are here!

A Dozen Cakes in 2018: February

 February's choice for A Dozen Cakes in 2018 was Cherry Cheesecake.  The recipe was from Smitten Kitchen and was pretty easy to follow (though I had to increase baking time to an hour and a half).  The cherry topping was particularly easy to whip up and I think that I will be using that to spruce up some Lenten birthday cakes we have in March.  

Scarborough Fair Skirt

This sweet girl spent all of her free time on Saturday and Sunday sewing a Scarborough Fair Skirt with her grandmother.  The pattern is by Alicia Paulson and it was very easy to follow.  I purchased the fabric nearly ten years ago to use as a curtain in a house we were renting.  I'm so glad that it is getting a second chance as a part of our little girl's wardrobe.  Our daughter is already planning to make a second one!

Joyous Feast!

 

The Prayer of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver

Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace,

according to Thy Word,

for my eyes have seen Thy salvation,

Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples-

a Light to enlighten the Gentiles,

and the Glory of Thy people Israel.

Preparing

We made rolled beeswax candles today in preparation for the feast of The Meeting of the Lord tomorrow.  My husband will bless candles after Liturgy tomorrow, which is always an exciting event!  I bought this kit last year and divided it in two to use two years in a row.  We also used a modeling wax kit and pattern cutters to decorate the candles.