Them...

I read this last week. It spoke to me. So, I share it with you :o)

Deuteronomy 31: 1-6

"So Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. And he said to them, "I am a hundred and twenty years old today [imagine the Facebook messages this birthday would receive!]; I am no longer able to come and go [this makes me giggle, out loud], and the LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross this Jordan.'

"It is the LORD your God who will cross ahead of you; He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua is the one who will cross ahead of you, just as the LORD has spoken."

And, the LORD will do to them just as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when He destroyed them.

And the LORD will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you.

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (italics and bold added)

What's the them in your life this very day?

I know what the them is in my life, today.

Let's be strong and courageous together.

Let's not be afraid.

God goes with us.

He will not fail us.

He will not forsake us.

So, take that, them!


Lisa

Here, or there...

You've been here before - at the place where your mind races faster than your fingers can type, or your hands can pack, or your feet can dance. We've all been there at some point in time.

I'm there now.

It feels like my mind is going one thousand miles a minute.

It isn't, you understand. Just feels that way.

I have lists everywhere. My lists have lists.

HOW did I get here - or is it there, again?

If I'm completely honest with myself, during these "mind races faster than fingers" times what has actually happened is that I've allowed myself to get caught up in my own agenda, my own abilities, my own schedule. This leaves very little room for God's agenda, God's abilities (which are far above any ability He has given me) and God's schedule.

No matter the number of times I promise myself that I'm going to begin living in the moment - starting riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight NOW! - I end up flying into the future, forgetting about today and inevitably expect tomorrows results, yesterday. Hence, mind racing, hands packing, feet dancing, lists on top of lists.

Then I read, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) and "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6).

Exhale.


Lisa

DIY Flagholder

Good Friday morning everyone! The wonderful weekend is here again! This morning I wanted to share a quick DIY project with you all. A few years ago my hubby and I made these flag holders. All you need is a deck post cap, a drill, paint, and of course your flags.



This project will not take any more than 15 minutes. Hubby drilled three holes at a slant so the flags did not stand straight up. I put a coat of black paint on it, and when dry I stuck the flags in. (Could someone please press the "Easy Button"!)



There it is, your new flag holder to celebrate the 1st or 4th, depending on the side of the border that you live on!!!

I'm joining the party at:

Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
The Block Party @ At the Picket Fence
Show & Tell Day @ Just A Girl
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Harley Davidson Tablescape

The week before Father's Day, my hubby was away all week on a motorcycle trip. He and a friend, along with two of his brothers pulled out early on the Saturday morning. They weren't much more than around the first bend, when I started planning part of his Father's Day gift for the next weekend.



The first step was to spread out the black tablecloth. Then I went to my box of fabric. I knew I had something that would be perfect for the center of the table. In grade 7, our son had to make an apron in Family Studies when they were learning to sew. He choose a fabric with orange and red flames!! I was so glad I saved the leftover piece. It was big enough to allow me to cut out a large rectangle for the center of the table.





The 'Orange Cream Soda' Jones Soda was perfect, with it's black label and cap. You can order custom labels as well. Check it out here.









I grabbed the helmet right off the bike the morning he got back. I perhaps should have wiped a few 'splats' off of it?? Gloves, and glasses are two of the necessities, and they complete the centerpiece.




The silver chargers imitate the chrome parts on the bike. Then I added the orange melamine plates that I found at Home Hardware. Black handled cutlery, and orange paper napkins complete the place setting. All tied up with a black shoestring licorice!







This was the appetizer plate!! :0)








We had a great day! We went to church that morning, and enjoyed a quick take out lunch together as a family. Then hubby had a snooze while I got salads ready for a BBQ with my father-in-law for supper that night.

MENU:

Appetizers (well you saw a picture of those earlier ;0)
BBQ steak and burgers
Potato Salad
Anna Olson's Cole Slaw
Greek Quinoa Salad
Grocery Store Pound Cake



All photos courtesy of Nicole Payzant Photography. Nicole launched her website last week. Check it out HERE.


TAKE SIX is now on Facebook!

We will be joining:
Tablescape Thursday @ BNOTP
Summer Entertaining Blog Party @ No Minimalist Here
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday @ Delightful Order
Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Show & Share Day @ Just A Girl
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming
On the Menu Monday @ StoneGable

One Rockin' Garden...

Back in May I did a post on container gardening, and mentioned my new/old wicker rocker that I had picked up "curbside", last fall. Well, I need you all to do some imagining with me. . . because, well. . . umm I forgot to take the "before" picture. Duh!!!

Imagine that in your town, it is "free yard sale" weekend. That means, if you have things that you do not want, you put them at the end of your driveway and someone can pick them up, for free! Imagine also that you and hubby happen to be driving down the road. You round a corner and there to your delight is a brown wicker rocker at the end of a driveway. But, you are concerned about the two other people standing there looking at it. Since you and hubby have been married 25 years at this point, he fully realizes that you really do want to stop and check it out. So out he gets, and walks over (you are still in the car, because you figure the other people are going to take the rocker about the time you reach for it) Hubby chats with the people, picks up the rocker and puts it in the back of your vehicle. He explains to you that they weren't interested in the rocker, but the big glass fish aquarium beside the rocker. Phewf!!!!

Fast forward to this spring. I took the chair out of the shed. It was is pretty rough shape, but would be perfect for the what I was thinking. You see, I think this chair has served some family very well. Probably spent many evenings rocking away on a porch. My plan was to offer it a relaxing retirement, for as many years as it had left. So, I wiped it down and sprayed several cans of white spray paint on it. This was about the time I thought of a "before" picture. . . too late! I then popped the seat out of it and stuck a plant pot with Purple Wave double petunias into the "seat".








I often look out and see birds perched on the back of the chair. They seem to really like it.

True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever." Isaiah 40:8 The Message

Joining:
Metamorphosis Monday @ BNOTP
Making the World Cuter Monday @ Making the World Cuter
This Week in My Garden @ The Little Round Table
Cottage Flora @ Fishtail Cottage
The Blog Party @ At the Picket Fence
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday @ Delightful Order
Show & Share Day @ Just A Girl

Happy Father's Day...

Alvin Sydney Frankland

That's my dad's name.
When he was the age of this picture, he called himself, "Abby Siddey".

My dad died on March 20, 1997.

And I can't say that I believe there has been one day, since that day, in which I haven't thought of him.
Even if it was just a thought about my awareness of him not being here anymore.

You know, sometimes we never really know what we have, until it is gone.

And, sometimes... we do.

Miss you, dad. Everyday.





Lisa


Joining "Seasonal Sunday" @ The Tablescaper

Turkey Tales

Our sister, along with her hubby and daughter, lives in the country. They have a beautiful colonial home that they have completely gutted and are in the process of renovating. They raise chickens and turkeys. At ten years of age, my niece has her own fresh egg business. We have affectionately nicknamed her “The Chicken Whisperer”. Once she steps into the yard, they follow her around like the pied piper. She feels that all these critters need names. So the male turkey is named Fernando. The females are: Lucy, Angel, Florence, Peach, Snow Angel, and Peace. These females “donated” eggs to the incubator this spring. So now there are ten baby turkeys flapping around in their designated area of the barn. They are four weeks old.

About a week ago, Peace disappeared. They were pretty sure she had a nest hidden away somewhere in the tall grasses, but were unable to find Peace, or her nest. On the weekend, my brother-in-law finally found her. She was standing in the middle of the brook. Most of her lower back and tail feathers were gone, she had many bad scratches, and she was soaked. She had done battle with something, and survived. It was certain her nest would have been lost in the skirmish. He picked her up and carried her home. Now, “home” to Peace had always been wherever she wanted to wander in the yard. However, my brother-in-law was not certain she was even going to survive, so he tucked her in with the four week old babies, so he could keep an eye on her.

The next day as he checked on her, he was surprised to find her nestled in a corner, with all ten babies snuggled in under her. God given instinct, to me, is nothing short of miraculous. You have to remember, that those ten babies were born in an incubator, and have never had the assistance of a mama. Mama Peace has never had a brood. This was a new experience for all involved, but they instinctively knew God’s design for a mama turkey with no babies, and ten baby turkeys with no mama. Isn’t our creator so amazing!

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. Psalm 91:4

One of These Things. . .

...is not like the others.

My two sisters both enjoy devouring cook books. I mean - sit and read them like a good novel - devour.

What would it take for me to devour a cookbook? Ohhh, maybe a tall, dark and handsome man holding it for me - yeah, that would help!

What would it take for you to devour a cookbook?

I saw one at Walmart the other week which peaked my interest. But I left it there. However, I spotted it again at my favorite store - no, not Dollarama... that's Tanya's favorite. Mine is Atlantic Superstore. A Canadian grocery store chain. LooooooooooVE it.

Because it was at my favorite store, and because I felt like this particular cook book was haunting me, I bought it.

Now, don't laugh at me, because it's not a funky recipe book... it's of the more familiar variety. Are you ready?

Company's Coming: Meal Salads by Jean Pare.

I have to say that I enjoy the pictures in the Company's Coming cook books. And, I have been "looking" through this book.

Let me share one of the recipes with you.

Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad (pg 74)

Chinese dried mushrooms 4

Boiling water 1 cup

Water 8 cups

Fresh, thin Chinese-style egg noodles 8 oz

Shredded fresh spinach leaves, lightly packed 1 cup

Asian- style sesame dressing 1/2 cup

Grated carrot 1/2 cup

Slivered red pepper 1/2 cup

Sliced green onion 1/4 cup

Sesame oil (for flavor) 1 tsp.

Sesame (or olive) oil 1tsp.

Boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1/2 inch pieces 3/4 lb.

Dried crushed chilies 1/8 tsp.

Sesame seeds, toasted 1 Tbsp.

Combine mushrooms and boiling water in small heatproof bowl. Let stand for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain, remove and discard stems. Slice thinly.

Pour water into large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add noodles. Boil, uncovered, for about 30 seconds until tender but firm. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Drain well. Transfer to cutting board. Chop once or twice. Transfer to large bowl.

Add next 6 ingredients and mushrooms. Toss.

Heat large frying pan or wok on medium-high until very hot. Add second amount of sesame oil. Add chicken. Sprinkle with chilies. Stir fry for about 3 minutes until no longer pink inside. Add to noodle mixture. Toss.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Makes about 7 1/2 cups (1.9 l)

So there you have it. A recipe from my big cookbook purchase, in an attempt to be like my two sisters... :0)))

I haven't completely devoured the book yet. But this meal sure hit the spot after our antiquing adventure on Saturday. It is a definite "keeper"!!!!

Lisa

Take Six is now on Facebook. We would love to be your "friend"!!


Joining:
"Delicious Dishes" @ It's a Blog Party
"These Chicks Cooked" (Wed) @ This Chick Cooks
"Wow Us Wednesday" @ Savvy Southern Style
"Show & Tell Wednesday" @ Blue Cricket Design
"Foodie Friday" @ Designs by Gollum
"Home Sweet Home" @ The Charm of Home

Antiquing. . .

On Saturday morning, my daughter Nicole and I, along with Lisa and Mom, began our adventure in the gorgeous sunshine, along the coast of Nova Scotia. Our first stop was at the store I mentioned last time - Rural Roots. It is a thrift/2nd hand type store and we took our time browsing. There are lots of great things there.

We kept driving and stopped at every place that peeked our interest. The next few stops were antique shops. Lisa and I are going to take turns showing you our treasures! Since I (Tanya) am typing the post, and since I'm the oldest, I get to go first. ;0)



I have started gathering a few double egg cups. I am collecting some different colors and plan to use them on my Easter table once I get enough for everyone in my family. So far I have three. The double egg cup became popular in the 1930's. I always thought that the smaller bowl was for a chicken egg, and the larger bowl for a larger egg. (turkey or duck, I guess) However, I have since learned that the larger bowl was used for a soft-boiled egg that was shelled. It was chopped, mixed with salt and pepper and eaten with a fork or spoon. A boiled egg still in its shell was placed in the smaller section. The tip was sliced off, and then the egg was eaten from the shell. As a child, I used to eat eggs this way at my maternal grandmothers!



Isn't she beautiful? I always think of teacups as "she". They are so pretty and dainty. I love pretty teacups. . . but I don't like tea!! Weird eh?


There is a story behind this dish pattern. . . but I'm saving it for another day. I have had some of this pattern for several years. In May, I got quite a bit more of it at "The Red Barn" antiques. Now THAT is a barn full of antiques!!! I found these two plates on Saturday. It is so much fun to hunt down the pieces you are looking for.



Red is my favorite color. So it would only make sense that red transfer ware was one of my favorite dishes. This pattern is called "Rose Bouquet", and it is my very first piece. It is an inexpensive pattern, and one that I could gather fairly quickly. However, I have been thinking that I might like to gather a table setting of several different patterns, for that mix and match look.

I hope you aren't all asleep, because it's Lisa's turn now!!



I'm a dish hound. This one was just too unique to leave on the shelf. Jam, sugar, candies, earrings, change... the list could go on. Most of all, though, seeing it will make me smile as I think it's so pretty. That's the thing about dishes - there is always another one that is just so pretty!




I absolutely love Mercury Glass. These ornaments will match garland strands of Mercury Glass beads that my maternal grandparents got as a wedding gift on June 23rd, 1929! (Sorry, I'd show you that as well, but it's all packed away)







Saw these on my way out the door of one antique store. I have Victorian looking ornaments for my Christmas tree that are of people skating... with skates that resemble these. But the real reason I bought this pair is because my dad had an old pair of ice skates. We gave them away YEARS ago, and I would give anything to have them back. I've looked for replacements for a long time now... to no avail. So, these skates were bought in memory of my dad's skates. I think I'll stop looking now.



Nope. . . we didn't pick up this treasure, but can't you just imagine it sitting in the kitchen of a cozy old Nova Scotia farmhouse? I bet it has cooked many meals for a hardworking family. Lots of holiday dinners as well, and then heated up the water for the dishes after that!!



Take Six is now on Facebook. We would love for you to add us as your friend!!

Joining "Making the World Cuter Monday!"

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Feathered Next Friday

Summer Sales @ Stuff & Nonsense

Everything Old is New Again

I'm so happy to see you today. Thank you for coming to visit. I thought we would visit outside today. Let's sit at the wrought iron table on the upper deck. This table has some history in my family. A family member brought it to Nova Scotia from New York. It was used on his outside patio in NY, and in his kitchen after he moved here. I love the fancy back of the chair, with the leaf and bow design.







I have used some of my vintage enamel collection today. Some pieces of my collection are new replicas. I like them because of their uniqueness. For instance the Pottery Barn dory boats, and the little covered pots. However, the majority of the pieces are old, as you will be able to tell from the chips. I love the chips and nicks. Oh, the stories that they could share with us!






The cutlery belonged to my grandmother. I wish I knew something about it. Is it familiar to anyone? My flowering crab was kind enough to explode with color just this week, so I filled my big enamel pitcher as my centerpiece. Some smaller pieces provide a dot of color against all the white dishes.





This wire pie rack jumped right into my hands at the neatest second hand store. So I took it home and spray painted it white. For you local readers, take a drive on a Saturday or Sunday, to "Rural Roots" near Hubbards. Oh my, she has the neatest store. She's merchandised it by color. The blue section, pink/purple section, red section, white etc. Lisa and I are going, Lord willing, this Saturday!! I'll let you know what treasures we find!



Mismatched vintage cotton hand towels make the perfect napkins for this enamelware setting.



Nova Scotia has a large apple industry. (But that's a story for another day.) I have used three old apple crates as a base for summer decorating on our upper deck. I finally relinquished my pansies, from the last table scape, to the outdoors and tucked them safely in my old kettle.



It's been about five years since I made these hanging, Mason jar, lanterns for the back deck. It seems they find "Home" in a different spot each summer. This year I tucked them in one of the apple crates.



This sweet angel has watched over our summer time activities ever since Nicole gave it to me for Mother's Day several years ago.



If the evening air turns chilly, you can always find a quilt close by to wrap up in. I have had so much fun visiting with you today. I hope you have enjoyed your time on my back deck!

"Everything old is new again!" - Peter Allen

All photos courtesy of Nicole Payzant Photography

Take Six is now on Facebook! We'd love for you to be our friend!

Please come back Thursday and Friday and click on the links for these blog parties I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Colorado Lady
Open House Party Thursday @ No Minimalist Here
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Home Sweet Home Friday @ The Charm of Home
Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence
Newby Party @ Debbiedoos

It's a Blog Block Party-Outdoor Cooking and Dining@ DIY by Design

Happy First Anniversary to TAKE SIX!

Think of all the little one year olds you know. They are toddling along, shy with those they don't know well, a little unsure of their steps, and learning so much each and every day. That pretty well describes the atmosphere at Take Six this past year. We dipped our toe out into the blog world on June 7, 2010. You opened your arms and welcomed us! Thank You!



It takes several things to have a blog. But the most important thing is YOU! Without readers, there is no blog. We are so grateful to you for reading, commenting, and following. You are the BEST!! We have had a fun year with Take Six, and learned lots! Please pull up a chair, grab a napkin, and have a cupcake with us.

Don't be shy, leave a comment. You know you want to!! ;0)
Your comments mean so very much to us!

Love, Lisa & Tanya

What amazes me is. . .

women's ability to multitask.

They can braid hair while talking on the phone and making lunches.
They plan birthday parties while doing dishes and helping with homework.
They chat on Facebook while writing the grocery list and paying bills.
They can wrap Christmas gifts while they make Christmas gifts and bake Christmas cookies.
They put on makeup while ironing and placing the final touch on a work report.
They make dentist appointments at the same time as they make prom dresses.

I have had, and do have, the privilege of knowing many amazing multitasking women. Women who have more energy and perseverance than myself. Women who rise to challenge and do what needs to be done with an ability that surpasses.

One woman, in particular, stands out to me at this time. She has mothered kiddies, single handedly. She has cooked meals, washed clothes, and cleaned house. All the while she has studied diligently at college. She has made it through a very stressful year - with absolute flying colors. She would never say that she did it, all, on her own. She is very quick to give thanks for how blessed she has been. Blessed by her Heavenly Father. The two of them make quite a team.

I am so proud of her. She inspires me.

Any special lady who inspires you?

Container Gardening - Georgene's Version

OK, this is confession time on "Take Six". I love to see a sweet idea for my home, yard, garden, etc. Most ideas of things I do in my home are ideas that I have seem somewhere, at some point in time, and just tucked the idea away until I am able to duplicate it with my own touch. I think that is why I just love, love, love, to see someone else do the same thing. A couple weeks ago, I posted some ideas on container gardening. My friend, Georgene, loved this idea.


Her children have long since outgrown little rubber boots, as have mine. She checked Frenchy's (our local 2nd hand store) and there were none to be seen. So she popped over to my favorite store. . . say it everyone. DOLLARAMA!!!! and found the perfect solution.


For $2 a pair she had the perfect containers for her flowers, and decoration for her fence. It makes my heart sing when someone takes an idea and runs with it, making it distinctly their own along the way. Thank you Georgene, for sharing your version with us! I LOVE it!!