
Winter is a time when the earth comes to a rest - becomes dormant - hibernates and gathers strength to burst forth with new growth come Spring. So it is with us. As the snow falls, we look towards our homes to provide warmth and comfort. There is no coincidence that Valentine's Day comes in the middle of Winter, just when our hearts look for joy. Immediately we are warmed by the magnificence of Winter's romance. Winter whites brighten up our rooms. White ironstone pitchers in various sizes hold pink roses and babies breath. Crisp white bedding and lace covered pillows beckon us to pick up a good book and snuggle up for a bit. Have a cup of tea. What is the rush?
We need all the visual eye candy we can muster up in our decor this time of year.. Rose covered lampshade casts a feminine hue over the room; distressed chippy furniture holds the collection of cottage birdhouses and vintage teapots. The dresser is strewn with a disarray of hankies, butterfly hairpins and broken china necklaces . As you look at it you realize it is a sweet vignette of a romantic evening out and you smile. It looks like a photo shoot. Now inspired, your thoughts go to Valentine's Day and you open the closet to take out all the heart decorations you can find. Simple joys. Winter romance is always in season!
Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt



Don't forget to plump up the pillows and add another quilt to the daybed as Uncle always loves to take a little 'cat nap' after dinner as much as he tries not to. All the youngsters can play with the tins filled with vintage old fashioned games of dominoes, cards, wooden blocks, marbles, buttons, paper dolls and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, to name but a few of the child