~DID YOU KNOW? (and a EARTHQUAKE) ~

It sounded like a huge explosion, then a jerk..and quiet!  I hate them and they never fail to unnerve me.
I shouted for PH..he shouted back.."I'm here!"  Mele barked and came running to me.  Quiet.
It was centered about 20 or so miles from us in Rancho Cucamonga.
So...
Did you know that some of us out here don't have dishwashers?  Or garbage disposals?

Or trash compactors?  I don't even have a laundry room.  That's right.  I do my washing and ironing in the garage.  It's a darn good thing I don't live on the East Coast..isn't it?  :)

I KNOW!  I tell myself that every day when I go into the garage for something.

Not only that!  I have no granite counter tops or hardwood floors.  We did finally install a new stainless sink and faucets and I do have Italian tile floors in my kitchen!  My son in law is fantastic.  It's great having craftsmen in the family.  So..I'm doing alright..don't you think?  Of course I am.

We are such lucky women to have so much!  

I had all of the other once.  But my husband died and I returned home to be near my family and left my home and my rose garden that I worked so hard to plant.  Most of those roses were gifts from my daughter, Erin.

I eventually remarried and this little home didn't have all of those pretty perks, but it was so sweet.  A totally clean, 1950's slate to play with.  It had been well taken care of.

I think...

IF I could have just one thing..I would have a pretty laundry room.  One with an ironing board in it that folds out of the wall..and a nice little counter for my sewing machine.  

But when you compare those  things that I DO have... I have a lot.

A WHOLE LOT!  

I don't have a big stove..or enough counter room..or my white glassed in cabinets I used to have, but not minding one bit.  I seldom think of it even when I see big lovely homes.  I used to think I wanted those things when I was younger and for a time, I did.   Now?  I just want HOME.  That feeling of safety.  Being loved.  Cozy and comfortable. Near most of my children.  That's what counts.

I love my tiny 1950's Tappan oven in butter yellow.  It's perfect!

I've had it all..it was nice..but this is nicer.  

Having a cozy little home and someone who cares and being retired is..amazing!

I have time to play and it's wonderful.

(I need to do a little more staging before I take my pictures!) Mercy, but that silver needs polishing.  Tomorrow!  For sure.  :)  Well, maybe.

Did you know that I found the teapot..and two of the cups and saucers?  Of course you didn't...well, you knew about the teapot.  I shared that part.  What a search it was.  I've shown the teapot..rather a picture of it from the ebay site where I found it.  My search is still on for the other two cups and saucers.  The teapot and cups were even more adorable than the picture.  Another cup I found in an online store and finally, with a bit of difficulty, was able to order.   When I got the invoice for 24.00, I supposed it was for the cup and saucer, plus shipping.  Wrong!!

I finally found out that it was for THREE cups and saucers of Mary Engelbreit's Comfort and Joy series.  And I found out they were based in New Zeeland and that's how far my china cups were traveling.  

Finally another invoice arrived with the amount of the shipping and a note saying that when they received the shipping payment, the cups would be on their way.    Another 36.00 or so, which I then debated about going further with the sale, but because these items are so rare...I jumped in and paid through Paypal.  I wrote a note telling them that I had only ordered the one but that I would take the three.  Not a word in reply.

Once again I wrote..then posted on facebook where they have a site..still nothing.  I asked for confirmation of shipping.  Nothing.  They also told me it would take three to four weeks for my order to arrive from New Zeeland.  That message came when they sent the shipping invoice  So...I have the two cups and saucers...so far.  From all that I have read about them they appear to be very reputable folks.  Mercy, but I hope so!

:)  

So...I wait.  Hopefully I have Paypal behind me.  But what a hassle if I have to go through all of that.

 Penny @ My Vintage Home is where I first spotted this adorable set.  Thank you, Penny!  I will keep on hoping I get a full set.  It's a Christmas line but I don't even care.  They have flowers and hearts and my colors....and I love them..

See what happens to you when you visit one of your blogger friends adorable homes and see something too darned cute for words and you FIXATE on it??!  I'm terrible about that!  Don't be like me, ok? :)

Much love,

Mona

P.S.  Just a note.  Nothing is ever perfect.  Ever.  We seldom put ourselves out there on our blogs.  We show the pretty..tell the good..put our best face forward..but don't kid yourself...we all have our ups and downs.  All of us!  Some of you are going through tough times.  Believe me, we all understand!

Just wanted to say that!