tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24545544728001246202024-03-26T23:38:22.213-07:00Chronica DomusReflections of home life with the occasional diversion elsewhereChronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-4873679013461319252019-03-10T11:17:00.001-07:002019-03-11T09:57:10.373-07:00Time Marches On and Instagram Beckons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CEJtVrrJuphRQb-6xMqqcMARUdBmCSASz9SwWyLUsdV9mQrQJHUVAZlQa3jQLYgyKk9WV_ZOzuQSWMRr9NHtxGmDrWa6CMVXpxgYS301W2EkGNNHRvaXyet6faNU73nQw0dN1YCIil8/s1600/narcissusThalia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CEJtVrrJuphRQb-6xMqqcMARUdBmCSASz9SwWyLUsdV9mQrQJHUVAZlQa3jQLYgyKk9WV_ZOzuQSWMRr9NHtxGmDrWa6CMVXpxgYS301W2EkGNNHRvaXyet6faNU73nQw0dN1YCIil8/s1640/narcissusThalia.jpg" title="Narcissus Thalia in the front garden" width="480" /></a></div>
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Drenched narcissus Thalia in the front garden this morning<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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It's been an age since I posted anything on this blog so I thought I'd stop by (in case anyone is still reading) to say hello. I suppose with the clocks going forward by an hour today, I am reminded that time marches on and this is my first post of 2019. <i>Egads!</i><br />
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The world of blogging is something I became familiar with when I wrote my first comment on a favorite blog many years ago. Back then, I enjoyed doing the daily rounds of blogs and reading the interesting, enlightening, funny, and sometimes touching things other bloggers wrote about. Bucking up the courage to begin my own blog <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2014/01/chronica-domus-introduction_27.html">in January 2014</a>, I had no idea how rewarding the experience would become. I've made many blogging friends over the past five years through the comments section of this blog, and have even had the privilege and pleasure of meeting several of them in real life. Along with being a rewarding pastime blogging is, of course, a time consuming one. Time, as you might already know, is a valuable commodity and over the past year or so, I've had a difficult time setting aside adequate amounts of it to dedicate to writing and photographing this blog.<br />
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So, today I'm here not to say "good bye" just yet, but to tell you all that the posts will continue, albeit at a slower than usual pace. I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel! Also, as I do enjoy the interaction that social media can provide, I've finally joined that merry bandwagon known as Instagram. I know Instagram may be old news to some of you who have been posting for years, but to me it's an exciting new world waiting to be discovered. I can no longer resist. If you'd care to join me there, please do so. Just search for chronicadomus and hopefully you'll find me there.<br />
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To use IG talk, #resistanceisfutile<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-28670031483254708362018-11-28T06:36:00.002-08:002018-11-28T09:08:03.259-08:00Revealed: The Wooden Mystery Object<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXCzbh8JfA524zvVUiV0tb6bcmxEDWfDR8xi9M86qoTxoOKedGHHCJJco4BzFS0ACYvzU4aW30dr_D-1uphGj4VPDpOTnY7mEdffw_jbBYWFcSiNV0UhwLFgRxU0J844t7jzwM61nTio/s1600/IMG_4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXCzbh8JfA524zvVUiV0tb6bcmxEDWfDR8xi9M86qoTxoOKedGHHCJJco4BzFS0ACYvzU4aW30dr_D-1uphGj4VPDpOTnY7mEdffw_jbBYWFcSiNV0UhwLFgRxU0J844t7jzwM61nTio/s1640/IMG_4261.JPG" title="Wooden butter curler" width="426" /></a></div>
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Did you correctly guess the purpose of this little wooden mystery object?<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Well, that was a fun little game! Thank you all for playing along and taking a stab at what you believed was the purpose of t<a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2018/11/a-wooden-mystery-object.html">he wooden mystery item</a>. I enjoyed reading all of the comments and the thought behind your suggestions. I must say, you are certainly an imaginative and clever bunch of Sherlocks. </div>
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Here are some of the incorrect answers put forward for what the mystery item might be: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnp3oGfoyygNbNR_s5T6Lh7telPi2FnZJOG0cuWQTIbzYStt04o31shDXpZ8edFLPcH7bsX0R_9cdjIHRybIebnIsNYcdQVbc2LuTpd7c2b2mdcnoWEzce56EGkdu1Vh88JBJPg05wWpc/s1600/CollarCrimper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnp3oGfoyygNbNR_s5T6Lh7telPi2FnZJOG0cuWQTIbzYStt04o31shDXpZ8edFLPcH7bsX0R_9cdjIHRybIebnIsNYcdQVbc2LuTpd7c2b2mdcnoWEzce56EGkdu1Vh88JBJPg05wWpc/s1400/CollarCrimper.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Nope! The mystery item is <i>not</i> a collar fluter<br />
(but this guess wins the most imaginative prize, thank you!)<br />
<a href="https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-victorian-fluter-cuff-collar-401447494">Source</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1jevVyccv0AoDM2nI5A_5EcR5_1TcNbvxBp9o_lf2sIFSPG1C_JFHmbjy4vLfq1i70kSvX8T91QeYDdXO47V2W8FCktuA3jxEyqtfjPMXaZ6Rr4qNBas5NRHKyBkMlOdRa3_mmjjvHQ/s1600/ButterPaddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1jevVyccv0AoDM2nI5A_5EcR5_1TcNbvxBp9o_lf2sIFSPG1C_JFHmbjy4vLfq1i70kSvX8T91QeYDdXO47V2W8FCktuA3jxEyqtfjPMXaZ6Rr4qNBas5NRHKyBkMlOdRa3_mmjjvHQ/s1320/ButterPaddle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Butter paddles, perhaps? Wrong again, but getting warmer!<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/354236326910783891/">Source</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeOaX4iGRcd04xx4uyI6Sw_HEChE6SkCJBFtltlChO49crMkjZVAcMR6vcgYBIKnvsXDcmubhRh9VxqDnduxn6F9M46E9sXF6ZLCQR1IAZV8HkhsxZ9-_UNfnGxknhw81x6VAbHXGcb4/s1600/Crimper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="540" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeOaX4iGRcd04xx4uyI6Sw_HEChE6SkCJBFtltlChO49crMkjZVAcMR6vcgYBIKnvsXDcmubhRh9VxqDnduxn6F9M46E9sXF6ZLCQR1IAZV8HkhsxZ9-_UNfnGxknhw81x6VAbHXGcb4/s1320/Crimper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A pie or pastry crimper? Wrong again!</div>
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<a href="https://kitchenalia.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/antique-pie-crimper.jpg">Source</a></div>
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Butter was a common theme that cropped up throughout the comments and on that score, yes, I can reveal the item is indeed used with butter. "It doesn't look quite right for fancy butter shapes" wrote Jim who inspired this particular round of the Mystery Object Game. Well, Jim, you were certainly on the right track so nice try! Other guesses included a butter paddle, a butter shaper, and a butter cutter.<br />
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Ultimately, it was Pipistrello who guessed correctly when she wrote "I'm going with butter curler". Caro's late entry of "Circa 1900 wooden butter curler" was spot on too but that guess was submitted after I published all the comments which might have guided Caro in the right direction. Either way, well done to you both! Please feel free to give yourselves a <strike>butter</strike> pat on the back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZHt-SjCLLbTCgPUjuP4W7asPYB7TNhzR8l0Es60mn8SwcT1Ej2FluWsj_-3BmXj9m9xRbD4URNHYzq52EzNZHm0jmWOkTcfEOMKXbLHwukKNFRGCTII-EHECzZOZuIFKaOeIhfFN0KA/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZHt-SjCLLbTCgPUjuP4W7asPYB7TNhzR8l0Es60mn8SwcT1Ej2FluWsj_-3BmXj9m9xRbD4URNHYzq52EzNZHm0jmWOkTcfEOMKXbLHwukKNFRGCTII-EHECzZOZuIFKaOeIhfFN0KA/s1640/IMG_4280.JPG" title="Butter curler" width="426" /></a></div>
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The wooden mystery item is indeed a butter curler likely made during the late-nineteenth </div>
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century or at the turn of the twentieth</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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In an effort to demonstrate how the tool works, I can safely report that dairy maids everywhere are in no danger of being displaced by the likes of me any time soon. Working with a block of my favorite creamy Irish butter, I soon discovered the reason why butter curlers have fallen from favor. They truly are <strike>a pain in the</strike> more trouble than they are worth!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfgnK6d4W4eF9qUYRgZcWySI_glJ7PAzQl34_K0uq6dwtcJ46c4qsbn_yvQ-8WX8i4Vq4fhuszTyguu435GldCPj6vem0MaNIeZc5-tZV_ghbjFOFhwGVs2N4T1-Bz9g4CWVeudFJlOM/s1600/IMG_4271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfgnK6d4W4eF9qUYRgZcWySI_glJ7PAzQl34_K0uq6dwtcJ46c4qsbn_yvQ-8WX8i4Vq4fhuszTyguu435GldCPj6vem0MaNIeZc5-tZV_ghbjFOFhwGVs2N4T1-Bz9g4CWVeudFJlOM/s1640/IMG_4271.JPG" title="Butter curler" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Oh bother! Clearly this tool is made for right-handed dairy maids</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(I'm left-handed!)</span></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Following a brief tussle with the butter curler while blurting out several unmentionable words in frustration, <i>success!</i> Somehow, I had eked out three perfectly formed butter curls, a proud moment indeed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs116zx4iqcPbQQDwiNPQgIBAyz-KfF6WvPApKuPShCk50b1E0JVsvGHZpg74PT8j1Co9MZmEz2ZbO9jypGxmUgIE4RbthYdPH5S65w-USW5ps2cn908k8V7NHP8uO2ZAyX0Yllt4g6e8/s1600/IMG_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs116zx4iqcPbQQDwiNPQgIBAyz-KfF6WvPApKuPShCk50b1E0JVsvGHZpg74PT8j1Co9MZmEz2ZbO9jypGxmUgIE4RbthYdPH5S65w-USW5ps2cn908k8V7NHP8uO2ZAyX0Yllt4g6e8/s1640/IMG_4293.JPG" title="Butter curls" width="426" /></a></div>
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Heavens! I got there in the end</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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In fact, I was so overjoyed by my accomplishment that I actually forgot to use one of butter curls atop my freshly toasted crumpet reaching instead for the usual slab of butter. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmkpNT3gF7hhBNdjs92NABgGpxzDYU8vE7fc-UWNzDpsSJJcgm3v-1ymj-RCzbRXT2yBV_rgsSxDEiS_xpTdM2Hz7e0_9vLp9IsUjEsD9KRbs7Uq1sOZCIBZc0FD9MFurmmdcjZd1iIs/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmkpNT3gF7hhBNdjs92NABgGpxzDYU8vE7fc-UWNzDpsSJJcgm3v-1ymj-RCzbRXT2yBV_rgsSxDEiS_xpTdM2Hz7e0_9vLp9IsUjEsD9KRbs7Uq1sOZCIBZc0FD9MFurmmdcjZd1iIs/s1640/IMG_4317.JPG" title="Butter curls" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I do hope you enjoyed this installment of the Mystery Object Game because I certainly had fun (sort of) learning how to curl butter. Thank you all once again for being such good sports and playing along with me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe-kJKQQ3Np7e6DNFF5PW8jW1agHnop9KNWJPps28ycAWW4X3K8fjx5tVrINGhCxAKq1PycFXqPzWMdkOsVEgHHUjUlxLeuZKbTKusQV2-NrxYy6sYqLjnOCw5q-8aNJ25GoOC-9Fb2M/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe-kJKQQ3Np7e6DNFF5PW8jW1agHnop9KNWJPps28ycAWW4X3K8fjx5tVrINGhCxAKq1PycFXqPzWMdkOsVEgHHUjUlxLeuZKbTKusQV2-NrxYy6sYqLjnOCw5q-8aNJ25GoOC-9Fb2M/s1640/IMG_4320.JPG" title="Butter curls" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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So, do please tell me, would you take the time to curl your butter if you had access to this antiquated kitchen gadget or like me, are you perfectly content to reach for the butter dish and dig the knife straight in?</div>
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-4734915327698028382018-11-22T15:37:00.000-08:002018-11-22T15:37:10.981-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the years we are fortunate enough to have the pleasure of hosting dear friends at our annual Thanksgiving celebratory 'dinner for waifs and strays', I derive much pleasure in not only the details of preparing the menu and cooking the food, but also in the decoration of the dining room.<br />
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I was up early today, in the garden clipping from the bountiful Pittosporum shrub that looks more like a tree nowadays. Somehow, it survived the punishing drought we've endured these past few years and has held on to give generously of its orange-hued berries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCBBvTYBKAECLLSmudd3XIWyUQu-e9nq5_bNPVNAYEET0k8q_YhOFwLOG2wJSDRe6ulWtANstT3jmJFz3J-YC3V3K-8DT9H3eh5jljSvqXRA8NznhdN7GbdsVdcSBVDMwKcRjww0dJBo/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCBBvTYBKAECLLSmudd3XIWyUQu-e9nq5_bNPVNAYEET0k8q_YhOFwLOG2wJSDRe6ulWtANstT3jmJFz3J-YC3V3K-8DT9H3eh5jljSvqXRA8NznhdN7GbdsVdcSBVDMwKcRjww0dJBo/s1640/IMG_4344.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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It was with some irony that as I stood beneath the Pittosporum canopy clipping away and filling my trug this morning - Thanksgiving day - the heavens opened and down came much needed rain, fast and heavy. For this I was thankful. Very thankful. We have not seen a drop of precipitation around these parts since the end of last winter.<br />
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Dashing back inside the house, I managed to fill four Regency-era syllabub glasses with the berries which I then used as a centerpiece on the Thanksgiving table. For this too I was thankful for I had made the fatal error of buying some natural plant material this past weekend in hopes it would last through today. Needless to say, it did not!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOtf63LUp1LRxxBI_tr-7IUyOFLKdWjn8INgnv5ovEJWfhmz3ZIBynghO3vj0WT9NIuSKaHRhHttvCYigdR52Cfk0W-XSGulFyPkd5HL7ZylK-0Ykom_KFTHbR5GtnEex59ujsOITnMg/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOtf63LUp1LRxxBI_tr-7IUyOFLKdWjn8INgnv5ovEJWfhmz3ZIBynghO3vj0WT9NIuSKaHRhHttvCYigdR52Cfk0W-XSGulFyPkd5HL7ZylK-0Ykom_KFTHbR5GtnEex59ujsOITnMg/s1640/IMG_4352.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Syllabub glasses make excellent vases in a pinch!<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv3tLuREjxST9Z1ldX0G7oy9TyjGZnfeXyNS6ArsOQRFXIj7thordce1q1jqhq3fwqpVVjxfiIsN_VacCv8HkKYM07zswbn4YBmPwI8VWOPqNtOXbeHh5l8EIm4LksKgDYKTaAXpAIlg/s1600/IMG_4396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIv3tLuREjxST9Z1ldX0G7oy9TyjGZnfeXyNS6ArsOQRFXIj7thordce1q1jqhq3fwqpVVjxfiIsN_VacCv8HkKYM07zswbn4YBmPwI8VWOPqNtOXbeHh5l8EIm4LksKgDYKTaAXpAIlg/s1640/IMG_4396.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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As I placed the little arrangements on the dining table, the sun broke through the rain clouds and just for a few minutes, the room glowed with sunlight. What joy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMs_mwDTCrzKcG5Vqh0hQRMK5T0dP9WqxoIIMvjGi24Q6G7jrz7XHkz1nIqPqZsQNZCqf_avFVmyHet6XNIm6fA-SecVXCuE7PCPWFVfsNE-2C067A7bpOWOadlP0t0tyYkk2LkvfO6Q/s1600/IMG_4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMs_mwDTCrzKcG5Vqh0hQRMK5T0dP9WqxoIIMvjGi24Q6G7jrz7XHkz1nIqPqZsQNZCqf_avFVmyHet6XNIm6fA-SecVXCuE7PCPWFVfsNE-2C067A7bpOWOadlP0t0tyYkk2LkvfO6Q/s1640/IMG_4355.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq6W8yrrcQOMYkOdxBTL_ZEbVkeIotximoVhwmRVyEtGCLuoNYwWz9dQFfDCBFXw7Dr27YZfN3uyE9Bka3tThyphenhyphenqtBUZxVDKmmOBUwCaSZ6Pi9DWmYr-hfW2JOr1SOS56CMDzbYqQVIHU/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq6W8yrrcQOMYkOdxBTL_ZEbVkeIotximoVhwmRVyEtGCLuoNYwWz9dQFfDCBFXw7Dr27YZfN3uyE9Bka3tThyphenhyphenqtBUZxVDKmmOBUwCaSZ6Pi9DWmYr-hfW2JOr1SOS56CMDzbYqQVIHU/s1640/IMG_4438.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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I am looking forward to giving thanks and gratitude for so much more throughout the day. Friends we have not seen in many years will be here within the hour and there is still so much to do in the kitchen.<br />
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What are your plans today? Will you be at home preparing a special meal to share with your family and friends, or are you one of the millions of Americans who have traveled far from home?<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-36363998717558578192018-11-18T08:58:00.000-08:002018-11-18T08:58:00.702-08:00A Wooden Mystery Object<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been quite some time since I published a mystery object post so today, for your quizzical pleasure, I present you with this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWsLxC-8ICITJNXfxikJrl-vjORGs1hCQAFhH29kAqXEZLyc_6LEy3UF6f9nKlIc-iF6nZOg5Au8xH2fZEL4RI7ghcHfMW3wISrIdUdRWjUyyQ90wnl9pZqVlCLefyeFS1AGLa_FvQCI/s1600/IMG_4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWsLxC-8ICITJNXfxikJrl-vjORGs1hCQAFhH29kAqXEZLyc_6LEy3UF6f9nKlIc-iF6nZOg5Au8xH2fZEL4RI7ghcHfMW3wISrIdUdRWjUyyQ90wnl9pZqVlCLefyeFS1AGLa_FvQCI/s1640/IMG_4261.JPG" title="Tiger Maple wood mystery object" width="426" /></a></div>
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What in the world is this mystery object?</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn1DGepnrCBmas3x30A0wFMFjyPw88W7KaB2IoYQxjJA5MC4_ocJDLXRRQdbDrNnfGC9EPNNZYRbUta3MczZ4xG7i8oiQjMEdP6KqIa7WNfqTwDguj0uDB3RvkEo0fnQnF_ieK5AZhxI/s1600/IMG_4258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn1DGepnrCBmas3x30A0wFMFjyPw88W7KaB2IoYQxjJA5MC4_ocJDLXRRQdbDrNnfGC9EPNNZYRbUta3MczZ4xG7i8oiQjMEdP6KqIa7WNfqTwDguj0uDB3RvkEo0fnQnF_ieK5AZhxI/s1640/IMG_4258.JPG" title="Tiger Maple wood mystery object" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Jim, who comments under the name Parnassus and writes the blog <a href="http://roadtoparnassus.blogspot.com/">Road To Parnassus</a>, was the inspiration for today's game. "I am sure that we could go many rounds of "mystery object" with the contents of that store" was his comment on my <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2018/11/exploring-new-orleans-part-iii-of-iii.html">previous post</a> referring, of course, to Lucullus Antiques. That was when the little light bulb that lives in my head began to glow and I realized it was high time we played another round of this fun game.<br />
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Today's item is about five and a half inches in length and is made of that most beautiful American wood, Tiger Maple (or would that be Flame Maple, Fiddleback, or even Curly Maple?). Whatever one chooses to call it, its distinctive striated pattern makes for a very attractive wood indeed.<br />
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I believe the mystery item was likely made at either the end of the nineteenth century or the beginning of the twentieth century when its use was a little more prevalent than it is today. My husband found this one about six months ago at a collective antiques mall. It was tossed atop a pile of random objects corralled in a basket. When he spotted it, he held it up and asked me if I knew what it was (evidently, he did!). It took me a few minutes to ponder the answer but I solved the mystery on my first attempt. His next question was, "Do you want it, it's only a couple of dollars?" Well, of course I wanted it! The object had all the hallmarks of an excellent mystery object post.<br />
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So, can you guess what the purpose of today's mystery item is? Please do leave me a comment with your best guess which I look forward to reading. Let the fun and games begin!<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-59115279441259704542018-11-11T13:09:00.002-08:002018-11-11T13:09:41.972-08:00Exploring New Orleans: Part III of III Lucullus Antiques<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For such a geographically compact area, the French Quarter of New Orleans offers much <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2018/10/exploring-new-orleans-part-i-of-iii.html">to delight its many visitors</a>. Beyond the obvious architectural, culinary, and musical experiences there is, of course, the shopping.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubc7vZLspAFq7xeQ1NKsEORFiHoKUICB5q7ZQ6hwRF5qoBy88bOvPTp7ryfuRTezLUbkgidLtJMa3YrQ-xu7I_5HIpD4qVjA4oOaCd-makwPWsoVI8bTrCbgOHUVD4tOkr6iy0fnaZv4/s1600/IMG_3358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubc7vZLspAFq7xeQ1NKsEORFiHoKUICB5q7ZQ6hwRF5qoBy88bOvPTp7ryfuRTezLUbkgidLtJMa3YrQ-xu7I_5HIpD4qVjA4oOaCd-makwPWsoVI8bTrCbgOHUVD4tOkr6iy0fnaZv4/s1640/IMG_3358.JPG" title="The shopfront of Lucullus antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lucullus Antiques</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I have known about <a href="http://lucullusantiques.com/">Lucullus Antiques</a> since reading Patrick Dunne's book The Epicurean Collector which I received as a Christmas present shortly after its publication in 2002. As you might have already guessed from its title, the book explores the world of culinary antiques. It focuses primarily on the accoutrements and traditions of the French and English kitchen and dining room. It is also sumptuously photographed and makes for a splendidly informative read. Put another way, it is a book right down one's alley.<br />
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As well as being the author of The Epicurean Collector, Mr. Dunne happens to be the proprietor of Lucullus Antiques. In fact, many of the props appearing in the book's photographs were items available for sale at Mr. Dunne's shop. Eager to visit, I made a beeline for Lucullus Antiques on the morning of my first full day in New Orleans.<br />
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As I stepped across the threshold of the wine red-painted store front, a magical world presented itself. Too lost in the moment to snap any worthy photograph that will do justice to this marvelous shop, I stumbled about from room to room in a stupor, absorbed in the dazzling displays of gleaming silver, sparkling glassware, fine porcelain, and polished copper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIDUJzkrLgnc6exEFKLRpLa6BUND4qpq84Q3TmxkaNTjuGpKC_uMCs_rkM3F9VrNpMtaArLEGDW9Icw2NL4ypAy6JfLNO7By1xljqj9ZEnrxpUZAm8zT8D2PBBoxOnpr2xQN6M_RQqg8/s1600/IMG_3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIDUJzkrLgnc6exEFKLRpLa6BUND4qpq84Q3TmxkaNTjuGpKC_uMCs_rkM3F9VrNpMtaArLEGDW9Icw2NL4ypAy6JfLNO7By1xljqj9ZEnrxpUZAm8zT8D2PBBoxOnpr2xQN6M_RQqg8/s1640/IMG_3368.JPG" title="Stacks of Paris porcelain dishes and dozens of early nineteenth century champagne flutes at Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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The stacks of Paris porcelain dishes and early nineteenth century<br />
champagne flutes reminded me of preparing for my own <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/10/an-autumn-dinner-party-at-home.html">dinner parties at home</a><br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk1CR9uby6JdqP01pnIm0j1HBQHNgxk9k3AgG34W2fspBvRjDlujyDkRfZxRIqKbP4H6LvOFQo_aJHWlF7qICr5mfK4Qpx1yMb0b44HOQf7gwIhv0N1gVc6XiAWkWX8Kvr-oo2CQ7ylE/s1600/IMG_3367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk1CR9uby6JdqP01pnIm0j1HBQHNgxk9k3AgG34W2fspBvRjDlujyDkRfZxRIqKbP4H6LvOFQo_aJHWlF7qICr5mfK4Qpx1yMb0b44HOQf7gwIhv0N1gVc6XiAWkWX8Kvr-oo2CQ7ylE/s1640/IMG_3367.JPG" title="English cut-glass sweetmeat dishes, silver candelabra, and more Paris porcelain inside Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Anglo-Irish cut-glass sweetmeat dishes, silver candelabra, and more Paris porcelain to<br />
tempt and delight Lucullus' patrons<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBFD0MXtYky_5J8txgbDQm2pLlhNqgjDrIFnmqhprSEThWkjj3BI13WMzBWAtPBENd92Ckr3MMLlljWNDHqFku146Yi4qAoyRXU8rwFbYq-Gps2uNQNTkv2MVwKW-ekDK4kOyko47F1c/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBFD0MXtYky_5J8txgbDQm2pLlhNqgjDrIFnmqhprSEThWkjj3BI13WMzBWAtPBENd92Ckr3MMLlljWNDHqFku146Yi4qAoyRXU8rwFbYq-Gps2uNQNTkv2MVwKW-ekDK4kOyko47F1c/s1640/IMG_3771.JPG" title="Copper pots and pans at Lucullus Antiques New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Polished copper pots and pans to satisfy the best of cooks<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68j34h8CcWywl_ELOgoWyW_JxcGQjhafvOmXVFN1Nueb_rZRk56JuLWz8hBFAKfaCqV0D0nngklCrH54mBrw9oTjM9RpClLC-0GPXjArZS7QTU6DsXv6TVMPZbVUQL7wt-ngxsFCK0ZY/s1600/IMG_3365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68j34h8CcWywl_ELOgoWyW_JxcGQjhafvOmXVFN1Nueb_rZRk56JuLWz8hBFAKfaCqV0D0nngklCrH54mBrw9oTjM9RpClLC-0GPXjArZS7QTU6DsXv6TVMPZbVUQL7wt-ngxsFCK0ZY/s1640/IMG_3365.JPG" title="An autumnal display of early-nineteenth century covered jars, or bonbonnieres as they are known at Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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An autumnal display of early-nineteenth century covered jars, or bonbonnieres as<br />
they are known at Lucullus Antiques<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Every conceivable kitchen and dining room convenience of yesteryear is artfully arranged and whimsically displayed within the various rooms of the nineteenth century building that Lucullus Antiques occupies. Walking from the formal dining room settings, found towards the the front of the shop, and into the more rustic atmosphere of the back end of the building, one finds a convincing interpretation of a working country kitchen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG-MKnNDKhJPStiX-ZRa87yfGALXChED9uujnVLDYMqdIhhVD7LsYmFk5txcMMSfcf1DoZd2OWcCQVvL4Mw8TIdF7RVb0zF5W95G1tBNtxXZ0cH88s8SLf7AEX-8PrPzSjNzZMoYmLaw/s1600/IMG_3363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG-MKnNDKhJPStiX-ZRa87yfGALXChED9uujnVLDYMqdIhhVD7LsYmFk5txcMMSfcf1DoZd2OWcCQVvL4Mw8TIdF7RVb0zF5W95G1tBNtxXZ0cH88s8SLf7AEX-8PrPzSjNzZMoYmLaw/s1640/IMG_3363.JPG" title="Everything in this rustic kitchen setting is for sale at Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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A charming and inviting rustic kitchen setting</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5qGVIRSp859zUEWUIsIoJunDWDpGdLmKk5ATIcNzKgVegkpozYuYLxP84nG9UzS0DfXpHvvyzc2Uhqr45aiYT3khGRiEs0plxFcisHy68QG6KM6p0gA-qaynW_-lH5ejWxUXUzff-Cg/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5qGVIRSp859zUEWUIsIoJunDWDpGdLmKk5ATIcNzKgVegkpozYuYLxP84nG9UzS0DfXpHvvyzc2Uhqr45aiYT3khGRiEs0plxFcisHy68QG6KM6p0gA-qaynW_-lH5ejWxUXUzff-Cg/s1640/IMG_3362.JPG" title="Beautiful and functional French kitchen antiques set up in the back kitchen space of Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Beautiful and functional French kitchen antiques, and even a stuffed hen, are found<br />
in the back kitchen space of Lucullus Antiques</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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If all the beautiful objects become a little too overwhelming, one can easily step outside into the welcoming courtyard where - you guessed it - even more antiques await, casually displayed within their lush setting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIp4U_IjHBQb4rPlGTyNOKRBjal_7hc8cMnVyAGpmnxiRWuuFAjEAKAwyHCsdO7QJJGfrQS8cIJydoopVuM_r0PIisDQIvuXaHr_VJcIzrICytyTScZu69P2MXOK1-gOzu35HucymTec/s1600/IMG_3360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIp4U_IjHBQb4rPlGTyNOKRBjal_7hc8cMnVyAGpmnxiRWuuFAjEAKAwyHCsdO7QJJGfrQS8cIJydoopVuM_r0PIisDQIvuXaHr_VJcIzrICytyTScZu69P2MXOK1-gOzu35HucymTec/s1640/IMG_3360.JPG" title="Cafe tables and chairs in the courtyard of Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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French caf<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">é </span>tables and chairs are set about the lush and tranquil courtyard<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifSAJkDF5XDF-5gjLXwji78J1LeMqrakvfKTMAigRV7Z5RCctvU_Vysv_FTL_6t6eG8YrG7hGncTHa3tZ6UTaEGcyRSxplSCsModDtPxEm_xY-B_2FKAT9Bpf-WMNObrPUt5052qT_Uk/s1600/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifSAJkDF5XDF-5gjLXwji78J1LeMqrakvfKTMAigRV7Z5RCctvU_Vysv_FTL_6t6eG8YrG7hGncTHa3tZ6UTaEGcyRSxplSCsModDtPxEm_xY-B_2FKAT9Bpf-WMNObrPUt5052qT_Uk/s1640/IMG_3361.JPG" title="The courtyard of Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Heading back inside, I could not help but to look around in disbelief that<br />
I was still in The United States of America and not in a village house in<br />
southernEurope or the West Indies<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Of course, a souvenir of my visit was most certainly in order and as Mr. Dunne was presently on a buying trip in France, his capable and gracious staff was on hand to assist. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnuTQ-O4TJYJ4Q__qNZGrKjvkaBpT2esYrckj4FYJdJ-5VQT1Dh08zM-AKoliWV1u3uOCxXYMynXXyCEeJzhMU7_zs8Umu2NdzdxWRmiv2gy2qgKIr-0GALrs1pKDC7jzjvQCyJ06yTM/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnuTQ-O4TJYJ4Q__qNZGrKjvkaBpT2esYrckj4FYJdJ-5VQT1Dh08zM-AKoliWV1u3uOCxXYMynXXyCEeJzhMU7_zs8Umu2NdzdxWRmiv2gy2qgKIr-0GALrs1pKDC7jzjvQCyJ06yTM/s1640/IMG_3370.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The playful Mr. Kerry Moody was all too happy to ham it up for the </div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Circling back to one of the silver cabinets piled with silver items, Ms. Michele was most helpful when it came time to make my purchase. Wouldn't you just know it, in a shop stocked primarily with French antiques, it was an English piece that had caught my eye. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfCs5x-45ohoWAdUEY5TwYN01dLhCBnS5gHrm6xoCZ72QZ7iTu4H_7_qnxVR9gvHS4sBJV5Ck0tOD9Zq9W7Ml0S4qgVPzfI-QnhMDtmWSyqePNrGYO4SC0OWK5PMuQ2m7ImLapkrfVJU/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfCs5x-45ohoWAdUEY5TwYN01dLhCBnS5gHrm6xoCZ72QZ7iTu4H_7_qnxVR9gvHS4sBJV5Ck0tOD9Zq9W7Ml0S4qgVPzfI-QnhMDtmWSyqePNrGYO4SC0OWK5PMuQ2m7ImLapkrfVJU/s1640/IMG_4008.JPG" title="A sterling silver ladle with crest by London silversmith Henry Sardet circa 1804 purchased at Lucullus Antiques in New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">A sterling silver ladle with crest by London </span><span style="text-align: left;">silversmith </span><span style="text-align: left;">Henry Sardet </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">circa 1804 was going home with me</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">Photo: Chronica Domus</span></div>
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I was leaving Lucullus Antiques not only a delighted customer, but one that will recall her visit with fondness whenever her new old ladle is pressed into service. And, just as Mr. Moody bid me adieu, I spied a copy of the very book that inspired my visit, The Epicurean Collector, perched upon a small writing desk waiting to be discovered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmeBPwdfW2qo1i01gcJraAS3D_TVR076If6P0_fKuDdJF5LUQJ1nzvUfT15PyFsmpDvShKKBo5AsT0kVYTS10YKXH0tDcMs041NOk9zL_8fT-SO0Y_Rr8ia9PmxXcjDjHgVtDciwWsZw/s1600/IMG_3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmeBPwdfW2qo1i01gcJraAS3D_TVR076If6P0_fKuDdJF5LUQJ1nzvUfT15PyFsmpDvShKKBo5AsT0kVYTS10YKXH0tDcMs041NOk9zL_8fT-SO0Y_Rr8ia9PmxXcjDjHgVtDciwWsZw/s1640/IMG_3369.JPG" title="A copy of Patrick Dunne's Epicurean Collector in Lucullus Antiques New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Please do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Lucullus Antiques the next time you are in the French Quarter of New Orleans. There's really no other place quite like it. And, if you can't get there in person any time soon, crack open the cover of Patrick Dunne's marvelous and informative book, The Epicurean Collector, for a fascinating read on food history and culinary traditions. <br />
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I do leave you with a few words of warning however: You may just be inspired to begin a new collection of something you had no idea ever existed before thumbing through the pages of this book. Absinthe spoons, anyone?<br />
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Lucullus Antiques<br />
610 Chartres Street<br />
New Orleans, LA 70130<br />
Tel: 1 (504) 528-9620<br />
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<b><i>Nota bene:</i></b><span style="font-style: italic;"> I am neither paid nor do I receive recompense in exchange for applauding products or services within my blog. I do so because I enjoy them. If you are a kindred spirit, you too enjoy recommending nice things to fellow good eggs.</span></div>
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-8775398434692970552018-11-02T15:27:00.002-07:002018-11-02T15:32:30.251-07:00A Son's Poignant Remembrance On All Souls' Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKJOslzoCvXmEINCC37FoungiRHyNXkgGsYxeAtTdAeCK5mTDHR8BmrrqY7fEFS5NV0iulOSBeu4IZkz07Pw4_YPcgogODguChfHktVhKn-8riJsaX02GYlvNI2-xWJ3KF65uaggKPvs/s1600/IMG_4023+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1393" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKJOslzoCvXmEINCC37FoungiRHyNXkgGsYxeAtTdAeCK5mTDHR8BmrrqY7fEFS5NV0iulOSBeu4IZkz07Pw4_YPcgogODguChfHktVhKn-8riJsaX02GYlvNI2-xWJ3KF65uaggKPvs/s1400/IMG_4023+-+Copy.JPG" title="Early-nineteenth century French mourning hair art in our collection" width="393" /></a></div>
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A son mourns the loss of his father<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Since the early days of this blog, I have published a post each year to coincide with All Souls' Day. These posts showcase a different item from a small group of mourning hair art that my husband and I have collected over the years. As I sit in front of the keyboard preparing to write these annual blog entries, a funny thing happens; my mind begins to drift. I contemplate how it is that we have become the stewards of these very personal mementos of other people's relatives. Then, I find myself reminiscing about my own dearly departed friends, relations, and animal companions with fondness and with gratitude for having known them. In an odd way, by writing about our collection, my cherished memories of the people and animals who helped create them remain aglow in my mind's eye.<br />
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Now, let's return to the subject at hand, this year's featured mourning item. As you can see from the preceding photograph, this art piece is yet another outstanding example that demonstrates the meticulous skill of the artist when composing a picture made entirely out of human hair. Every strand has been cut and laid out just so, or finely snipped and pounded into position on a thinly-sliced ivory disc. The masterly shading brings a wonderful sense of depth to the scene. I suspect the different color hair used is a blend from the mourner and the deceased. The whole forms a poignant mourning scene. And, as with <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-husbands-remembrance-on-all-souls-day.html">last year's example</a>, this one is quite a rarity too. The inclusion of a human figure carried a far higher price tag for the person commissioning the work than, for example, a <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-mourning-memento-for-all-souls-day.html">more typical mourning scene</a> depicting <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/11/an-artful-remembrance-on-all-souls-day.html">just a tomb</a>.<br />
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French in origin and likely dating to around 1830 to 1840, this piece includes several of the most common symbols of mourning. The weeping willow tree is there, the draped urn atop the tomb, and even a lone pansy to represent love and admiration of one person for another.<br />
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The mourner, a young dark-haired gentleman sporting a smart tailcoat, is kneeling by the tomb of his father. We learn of his relationship to the deceased because the gentleman is shown in the act of painting an inscription on the tomb. From what I am able to determine when <strike>squinting at</strike> studying the minuscule words, which are written in French, they read <i>O mon pere! un jour viendra ...</i> I take this to mean that father and son will one day be reunited.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjaHim3IDNYssIB8OSn4SDmXvGJE6bcYpsEyOWgGs7wV1zuw6CE4jD2Xb1Y01s1wmY8Z1P9pNhg4i4FS3jv4qraY9NQ4kfbyAhceD1GT5fKJxXJ66e4Xn-JiqROExm_qVUBfxFp4UkoI/s1600/IMG_4036+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1447" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjaHim3IDNYssIB8OSn4SDmXvGJE6bcYpsEyOWgGs7wV1zuw6CE4jD2Xb1Y01s1wmY8Z1P9pNhg4i4FS3jv4qraY9NQ4kfbyAhceD1GT5fKJxXJ66e4Xn-JiqROExm_qVUBfxFp4UkoI/s1400/IMG_4036+-+Copy.JPG" title="Early-nineteenth century mourning hair art in our collection " width="365" /></a></div>
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Housed within its original frame and stamped brass ring, this happens to be one of<br />
my favorite pieces in our collection<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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This particular mourning hair work hangs on the wall of our home's vestibule. It is grouped with two other examples of mourning hair art that I've written about <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/11/an-artful-remembrance-on-all-souls-day.html">here</a> and <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/04/mournful-remembrances.html">here</a>. I love how they are reflected in the small Regency era convex mirror, seen in the below photograph. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVckl5PAsUzb8pMBwwIk1bm3X-KXo179poGaf-HApsKR_Ss6MQ283EENcVONqgv-aT_jHxoSeW5teM0ta8vK4eGY87Fx8A7rbS9h2oo6AXJL5hTtTOHQ9JJ7-Bszms1JqzEDHod2AaEjw/s1600/IMG_4038+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVckl5PAsUzb8pMBwwIk1bm3X-KXo179poGaf-HApsKR_Ss6MQ283EENcVONqgv-aT_jHxoSeW5teM0ta8vK4eGY87Fx8A7rbS9h2oo6AXJL5hTtTOHQ9JJ7-Bszms1JqzEDHod2AaEjw/s1400/IMG_4038+-+Copy.JPG" title="Early-nineteenth century mourning hair artworks" width="381" /></a></div>
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Three early-nineteenth century mourning hair artworks<br />
grace the walls of our home's vestibule<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Other pieces in our collection hang on the walls of our bedroom. A few are even tucked away in drawers, waiting in the wings to be paired with future acquisitions. As you can well imagine, aside from a healthy dose of patience, a collection as unusual as this takes many years to cobble together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2k7vVeAa6Cgz5UmVeV_5aQl4S_vSCCztR5g0JLVTbkQSl7HYW8VgW2Q5tiufOx1ibDGoE4hHZaLJqY8mYjF9XuMobjQSRA3lJDxeAQ3JcYbiQ12Gc81eCCmo65WDhuh0tNQmkL8jj2Q/s1600/IMG_4126+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2k7vVeAa6Cgz5UmVeV_5aQl4S_vSCCztR5g0JLVTbkQSl7HYW8VgW2Q5tiufOx1ibDGoE4hHZaLJqY8mYjF9XuMobjQSRA3lJDxeAQ3JcYbiQ12Gc81eCCmo65WDhuh0tNQmkL8jj2Q/s1640/IMG_4126+-+Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a><br />
This grouping of two mourning hair artworks is found in our bedroom<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28DqYUwN6vu0fE82pg-b5pTgkKsk7M9B1AFO1XWlVBlVSKViKZYaDTyZ66VZGmiMwVTxaCsW7t7Pe9h_Qjulu0ZtLkxAvbH86W23M59NDCSMBuLDIeZepaUw61z3Rmn8nmy4OSDzMdLw/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28DqYUwN6vu0fE82pg-b5pTgkKsk7M9B1AFO1XWlVBlVSKViKZYaDTyZ66VZGmiMwVTxaCsW7t7Pe9h_Qjulu0ZtLkxAvbH86W23M59NDCSMBuLDIeZepaUw61z3Rmn8nmy4OSDzMdLw/s1640/IMG_4134.JPG" title="One of a pair of mouring hair artworks from our collection" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is one of a pair of mourning hair artworks believed to memorialize the<br />
lives of a husband and wife</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nbbSTRGX2H_jIXDOj97TMlSxXiqPfAHC_UmRRmDjp1Tpq-Sh1awZ985fr3MoBFkV5GzFNZEoUyeol_Q9YWYCinMVuyC0yCIbfLEdmxJujJMEkRiL9vgH4RBayM1M_ci8z8rTkvwy8q8/s1600/IMG_4178+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nbbSTRGX2H_jIXDOj97TMlSxXiqPfAHC_UmRRmDjp1Tpq-Sh1awZ985fr3MoBFkV5GzFNZEoUyeol_Q9YWYCinMVuyC0yCIbfLEdmxJujJMEkRiL9vgH4RBayM1M_ci8z8rTkvwy8q8/s1640/IMG_4178+-+Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here are the four mourning hair artworks in situ</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Tell me, is there something in your possession that holds sentimental value and reminds you fondly of a dearly departed friend or relative you may be thinking about today on All Souls' Day?<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-68660550616278381912018-10-28T19:53:00.002-07:002018-10-29T13:06:08.424-07:00Exploring New Orleans Part II of III: A Visit to Pitot House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GkeNbyC7gf_HdVykpCfE-F1meX9YSTrCHON2B1HTSiHt8YgGWj9wvG-9hnq6LhFaNs1aT2DOFd0CyaAMsLjYtN4A75pVYIwdf6sYJCmwnJdViJM2ujbigLPXNp5B5nfixwnhZxFU8ec/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GkeNbyC7gf_HdVykpCfE-F1meX9YSTrCHON2B1HTSiHt8YgGWj9wvG-9hnq6LhFaNs1aT2DOFd0CyaAMsLjYtN4A75pVYIwdf6sYJCmwnJdViJM2ujbigLPXNp5B5nfixwnhZxFU8ec/s1640/IMG_3663.JPG" title="Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Pitot House was designed by architect and builder Hilaire Boutt<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">é</span> in 1799<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Of all the historic house museums located in New Orleans, it was Pitot House that I was most looking forward to visiting. Perhaps not such an obvious choice for most visitors of this fair city - a streetcar up to City Park will take you there from the French Quarter - it was a house I had longed to see for myself. I first read about Pitot House in Vance Muse's 'Old New Orleans, Great American Homes', a book I discovered at a public library early in the 1990s when I first arrived on these shores from England. A copy of the book now sits on the shelves of my own library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB5AFXp0xs7zlzSNRBpIA7MKiuBGq82ymxnQO3pbCNh_gb9c48JQ6aPrEbdgvdaDPOH8pycWCBinhmEIx_r1Nx8Zjv3RzRiG1zswdfu2trR3EEn-4cJj2jCWhP9qS5TPeqTqRx5X1dH0/s1600/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB5AFXp0xs7zlzSNRBpIA7MKiuBGq82ymxnQO3pbCNh_gb9c48JQ6aPrEbdgvdaDPOH8pycWCBinhmEIx_r1Nx8Zjv3RzRiG1zswdfu2trR3EEn-4cJj2jCWhP9qS5TPeqTqRx5X1dH0/s1400/IMG_3561.JPG" title="Pitot House New Orleans" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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What drew me to Pitot House was the fact that it looks like no other dwelling I have stumbled across in my new country of residence. Certainly, one would expect to see such houses in the tropical climes of the West Indies, but here in America? With its stucco-covered brick and post construction, wide loggia, colonnettes, shutters, and cooling brick floors, this house happens to be perfectly suited to New Orleans' subtropical humid weather.<br />
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Although Pitot House is not a grand house, having been built as a family home - it's first resident, Madame Rillieux, was Edgar Degas' maternal great-grandmother - its intimate scale and architectural vernacular make it an endearing one. Sitting prettily within its lush gardens along the banks of picturesque Bayou St. John, one could happily spend hours sitting idly on the gallery, gazing out at the watery view, or passing the time downstairs picking grapefruits from the garden, or perhaps clipping flowers to bring indoors. <i>Someone, please, wake me up, I have a blog post to write!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrP8ssc-pKG2m3yIcM7IXodd7U-K4U8his2xkfL_i4aTVjZHdDZkAoVH5fm5bfHaw6NLQpk2gZVBZAtdTUVuVSCdgWhMFjoN1mWRGyTVMP8N4ETYNb5C6lmRL0pTF3ulkNEAITSFExUI/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrP8ssc-pKG2m3yIcM7IXodd7U-K4U8his2xkfL_i4aTVjZHdDZkAoVH5fm5bfHaw6NLQpk2gZVBZAtdTUVuVSCdgWhMFjoN1mWRGyTVMP8N4ETYNb5C6lmRL0pTF3ulkNEAITSFExUI/s1640/IMG_3568.JPG" title="Pitot House New Orleans" width="425" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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The garden is delineated from the street by rugged old cypress pieux fencing, seen in the first photograph of this post. Cypress wood is often referred to in these parts as 'eternal wood' because of its rot-resistant qualities. It does, after all, grow submerged within the <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2018/10/exploring-new-orleans-part-i-of-iii.html">swampy environs of the bayou</a>. Brick walkways, citrus trees, Amethyst beautyberry, as well as a host of other shrubs and trees (Cypress and Magnolia specimens) happily co-exist in the well-tended garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi1TpizayaYQnFxqkTehpRwGNPs8OVHtNn91jPeiJ8F94z-VD6u2iK8MRARIx7dh9of0mH0xupfeVqW1ssjUw5yp1lNf369M66tbyK7MMJSBciJBUXYw3LNnBWsgJQwejA0zTBKCAVw4/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi1TpizayaYQnFxqkTehpRwGNPs8OVHtNn91jPeiJ8F94z-VD6u2iK8MRARIx7dh9of0mH0xupfeVqW1ssjUw5yp1lNf369M66tbyK7MMJSBciJBUXYw3LNnBWsgJQwejA0zTBKCAVw4/s1640/IMG_3660.JPG" title="Brick-lined paths in the gardens of Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Brick paths beckon one to explore the lush gardens<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Built as a country retreat in 1799 on a thirty acre plot of land, Pitot House is the only Creole colonial country house open to the public in New Orleans. James Pitot and his family lived there from 1810 to 1819. He was the first mayor of the newly incorporated American city of New Orleans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSVM_0vphobzY5kUIIq4R4T66scudlp0BXArFXGff8lp2n3MUYpnX1qcGrOYfUGrISYGrrAjgWIk7ONm71zpMAD8mciPIYu9czs0RNRe1AB-XjQBQxwNiNpenhBmez2i_R8g8bNYmgx0/s1600/IMG_3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSVM_0vphobzY5kUIIq4R4T66scudlp0BXArFXGff8lp2n3MUYpnX1qcGrOYfUGrISYGrrAjgWIk7ONm71zpMAD8mciPIYu9czs0RNRe1AB-XjQBQxwNiNpenhBmez2i_R8g8bNYmgx0/s1400/IMG_3569.JPG" title="Ms. Hallie Borstel shows us around Pitot House New Orleans" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Our guide, Ms. Hallie Borstel, points out the position of Pitot House in relation </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">to </span><span style="text-align: left;">New Orleans on an old map of Louisiana above the fireplace in the dining room</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Photo: Chronica Domus</span></div>
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In 1963 Pitot House was moved two-hundred feet east to its present location in an effort to save it from demolition by the <a href="https://www.louisianalandmarks.org/about-louisiana-landmarks-society">Louisiana Landmarks Society</a>. Since then, the society has done an admirable job of restoring and preserving the house and its grounds for the visiting public to enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ_Pc8iNmZG7fIvp1mz8t1qYBeCUYkohka0QoPOz2IU_-Io-XGqTs7mf6PtuJdjgNtNH8WyrmbbGnzmqCHjZSXhoAIzDx7e_BTFPQhMXG1gz28ATh6qBRkKhHPykCZHFS28chVLiBDgA/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ_Pc8iNmZG7fIvp1mz8t1qYBeCUYkohka0QoPOz2IU_-Io-XGqTs7mf6PtuJdjgNtNH8WyrmbbGnzmqCHjZSXhoAIzDx7e_BTFPQhMXG1gz28ATh6qBRkKhHPykCZHFS28chVLiBDgA/s1640/IMG_3650.JPG" title="Pitot House restorations efforts New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here's an image of the house in 1965 in the midst of reconstruction<br />
(notice the dormer windows in the roof, now removed, features not original to the house)<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Throughout the house are dozens of french doors and windows that catch the cross-breezes when opened, helping to cool the house and its occupants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDGZm6MaQlaJR_v5ixNP4-6ehTpYLOBCGD3_FltnYhMvoYPbztzKTWLdUpC87YGGbC9RDTIjbJNbM-t1PKnweI0fw_ehesG4QkTz_uKSEo9uGARLUMlx_s_yD3i2rtjnmcdWFH6RzQdY/s1600/IMG_3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDGZm6MaQlaJR_v5ixNP4-6ehTpYLOBCGD3_FltnYhMvoYPbztzKTWLdUpC87YGGbC9RDTIjbJNbM-t1PKnweI0fw_ehesG4QkTz_uKSEo9uGARLUMlx_s_yD3i2rtjnmcdWFH6RzQdY/s1640/IMG_3577.JPG" title="Pitot House door knobs New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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The brick-floored rooms and 'cabinets' on the ground floor of Pitot House are multi-purpose rooms where furniture would be moved around according to the family's needs. The rooms were also used for storage. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3DDNIVV15b5h287MgplcCTQZCZYRQrtsKafGxBCntK9NFLiL46Io34lXZUzIrvjae6fu6hJ_13nTmJChbgbwzF2uWVjmhM6i2ca_tjUG2NGsI8pcTDoZhtEnLmrbie92w6DklsIB1QY/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3DDNIVV15b5h287MgplcCTQZCZYRQrtsKafGxBCntK9NFLiL46Io34lXZUzIrvjae6fu6hJ_13nTmJChbgbwzF2uWVjmhM6i2ca_tjUG2NGsI8pcTDoZhtEnLmrbie92w6DklsIB1QY/s1640/IMG_3645.JPG" title="Storage on the loggia of Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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There are no hallways in the house (upstairs one can come and go between rooms using the French doors on the gallery) and the only starcase in the house is located outside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgPWtft0XgZD6tkVihgs39Sl2YvqQPbCor4C2XkdVrdeaZqFVhOwR-PMJKUc1Uu1ukSKgF95sZzyDE43zlY2vJR721gHTMc7nBSdYCcEKPu7woJ_il42Ff1DeMRDnRujpqtPEW13QNVg/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgPWtft0XgZD6tkVihgs39Sl2YvqQPbCor4C2XkdVrdeaZqFVhOwR-PMJKUc1Uu1ukSKgF95sZzyDE43zlY2vJR721gHTMc7nBSdYCcEKPu7woJ_il42Ff1DeMRDnRujpqtPEW13QNVg/s1640/IMG_3646.JPG" title="Outside staircase of Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love how the handrail curves on this outdoor staircase<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfwqcmDXSbxlwyjxBV9eQdsQiQIpo8SP1_7y4x7gRZ-zVrTVgcCF9gyH2IbzVnMAKkFl7O_gZ76vnOwyeFg0B_YykzUBAB4-PY2eNPpfC1kRCfDj_A_qud_jWFkYceZfum6JMLZiKV94/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfwqcmDXSbxlwyjxBV9eQdsQiQIpo8SP1_7y4x7gRZ-zVrTVgcCF9gyH2IbzVnMAKkFl7O_gZ76vnOwyeFg0B_YykzUBAB4-PY2eNPpfC1kRCfDj_A_qud_jWFkYceZfum6JMLZiKV94/s1640/IMG_3648.JPG" title="The upstairs is accessible from the outside staircase of Pitot House" width="426" /></a></div>
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Let's look around upstairs<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Ascending the staircase one lands at the shuttered gallery. I loved the colonnettes between the shutters, a detail I don't recall seeing anywhere else prior to my visit to Pitot House.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNcTIaTYghs_nkc0ZRNWZQRzzRFwujJaHX7IoXKvI7gAY9d0nOyNHOin95Gn73SL6oy4NeMD7vavFApsFzBd1mBB3z9hlEEp6LS8eybmRHJ1g_wNF6dfT7sx9y88Bu4LbJco3NdXQLjM/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNcTIaTYghs_nkc0ZRNWZQRzzRFwujJaHX7IoXKvI7gAY9d0nOyNHOin95Gn73SL6oy4NeMD7vavFApsFzBd1mBB3z9hlEEp6LS8eybmRHJ1g_wNF6dfT7sx9y88Bu4LbJco3NdXQLjM/s1640/IMG_3581.JPG" title="Shutters help keep the gallery upstairs cool and the rains at bay" width="426" /></a></div>
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Shutters help keep the gallery upstairs cool and the rains at bay<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_QiNPP9BIO-lh9i6ix8M5OpiaeupyKlH5mbE9EYazwJaX7etLI2ddXDEIhlGMNcx5H9UqWiv3f-np1o5g7CgbnrB5TBgT1cyeOeAgZ0-4MjRKXT2Rq1kTAvG5eLbrv0BAsyPQX_5znc/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_QiNPP9BIO-lh9i6ix8M5OpiaeupyKlH5mbE9EYazwJaX7etLI2ddXDEIhlGMNcx5H9UqWiv3f-np1o5g7CgbnrB5TBgT1cyeOeAgZ0-4MjRKXT2Rq1kTAvG5eLbrv0BAsyPQX_5znc/s1640/IMG_3590.JPG" title="A detailed view of the colonnettes that are placed between the shutters of Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
A detailed view of the colonnettes that are placed between the shutters<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOax54Kb_fOujkXd_D-ivVoKpfw7quku5kJrZm-6licE2H2X-s7u1KD4-4jkFa3VOaNmVj7P2_cYSR0ZDD4bqLARjfkVMZPwwk0ZrSorcDXaTVBU_TycLvFbayMNeFqfwniJr9fs-hlE/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOax54Kb_fOujkXd_D-ivVoKpfw7quku5kJrZm-6licE2H2X-s7u1KD4-4jkFa3VOaNmVj7P2_cYSR0ZDD4bqLARjfkVMZPwwk0ZrSorcDXaTVBU_TycLvFbayMNeFqfwniJr9fs-hlE/s1640/IMG_3583.JPG" title="The upstairs gallery of the Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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The photograph above shows the French door that leads into a small bedroom. The room is modestly furnished with an armoire, a few chairs, and a bed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2_zXjHyemQHGK2KQUyBHkkoWgDAmtrivVhz3C54hzjaoXcdp4MYaxOGlNXxbMryWlwyHBaLzPrLeSucphaXVdQr8YYijZIkumKNudvGmuSYDs6eQrzJWhVHI6pvYhe3JV8_kaQJgOfQ/s1600/IMG_3589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2_zXjHyemQHGK2KQUyBHkkoWgDAmtrivVhz3C54hzjaoXcdp4MYaxOGlNXxbMryWlwyHBaLzPrLeSucphaXVdQr8YYijZIkumKNudvGmuSYDs6eQrzJWhVHI6pvYhe3JV8_kaQJgOfQ/s1640/IMG_3589.JPG" title="A small bedroom at the Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp_TEriGevPLiC1GTxc7mO21ta995LGZvPqdU5vZ1wvKqPW9MDbuV1u_dIrxb0KnFAaOLKSDwACUc2ww9hVeUWC8RQq6kxeKboYmYnnqw6_uaaJieek2Vha6C_UktTZvt0gNwsfmPlhQ/s1600/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp_TEriGevPLiC1GTxc7mO21ta995LGZvPqdU5vZ1wvKqPW9MDbuV1u_dIrxb0KnFAaOLKSDwACUc2ww9hVeUWC8RQq6kxeKboYmYnnqw6_uaaJieek2Vha6C_UktTZvt0gNwsfmPlhQ/s1640/IMG_3585.JPG" title="A rope bed in the Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Beneath the bedspread is a Spanish-moss stuffed mattress that rests upon a rope bed</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Another bedroom in the house is set up as the family had it during the hot summer months. The headboard has been removed and the bed sits forward of the wall to allow for air circulation. The gauzy canopy helps keep the insects at bay. Vetiver, a natural insect repellant, was also employed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbb4CBqbg61c_yszAlwSSjt0XTSt-645dMjtjxpfRCoqsaqgxeEGqDNKJrmpW7a41G1PHKrKYD0oMCE4x9KmUYnpANXeqyVgdWYArl6sopyUDcLnG4kPXfAKYb1stCo2g_NxNQ06nBxPg/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbb4CBqbg61c_yszAlwSSjt0XTSt-645dMjtjxpfRCoqsaqgxeEGqDNKJrmpW7a41G1PHKrKYD0oMCE4x9KmUYnpANXeqyVgdWYArl6sopyUDcLnG4kPXfAKYb1stCo2g_NxNQ06nBxPg/s1640/IMG_3617.JPG" title="A summer bedroom in Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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This bedroom is set up for the summer season where mosquitoes and insects are at their worst<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosRBMhofpO-booE5wk3P_gJ3AQa3JNm4Fp1izsgTNathytsSa90g3vGWjyI_bqLPd4mRrU5KqXJow8s4X1jlnQ6oyMganyMuaGGjMU97QKDV5VzC6UqquBaKkEXfZZyFqpemq1uCS1ro/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosRBMhofpO-booE5wk3P_gJ3AQa3JNm4Fp1izsgTNathytsSa90g3vGWjyI_bqLPd4mRrU5KqXJow8s4X1jlnQ6oyMganyMuaGGjMU97QKDV5VzC6UqquBaKkEXfZZyFqpemq1uCS1ro/s1640/IMG_3621.JPG" title="Cooling down in Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Evidence of the oft-present need to cool down was everywhere in the house<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FFH9IDgu4n96Mh5D2kdBB_u9i-WKFyTRnjAXcX9l2DmLsrBNgZLuG5s6myDKUeZWBxlFmRcIhOSVWdrNoNtx77g1diA_gqw0jkJNFlegDTQRahoZTVcOF4DK5MCApUHdR6Oyurh-6IQ/s1600/IMG_3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FFH9IDgu4n96Mh5D2kdBB_u9i-WKFyTRnjAXcX9l2DmLsrBNgZLuG5s6myDKUeZWBxlFmRcIhOSVWdrNoNtx77g1diA_gqw0jkJNFlegDTQRahoZTVcOF4DK5MCApUHdR6Oyurh-6IQ/s1640/IMG_3627.JPG" title="Picturesque Bayou St. John New Orleans from the upstairs of Pitot House" width="426" /></a></div>
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The view from the upstairs gallery which overlooks Bayou St. John<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2Pxm9QVDQEtc8iqtfaI8uMCDC_8j1KHKOJ4_gjHT2yZpd_afZC9KbsAE4oAo8HsyaDRUfBwJK-OSvUsTp0Xzz5Ok4SG5_ND82bNDjFhDnE1fAwWukgRqnu_9MftyuC7jd0BJh8mh8fk/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2Pxm9QVDQEtc8iqtfaI8uMCDC_8j1KHKOJ4_gjHT2yZpd_afZC9KbsAE4oAo8HsyaDRUfBwJK-OSvUsTp0Xzz5Ok4SG5_ND82bNDjFhDnE1fAwWukgRqnu_9MftyuC7jd0BJh8mh8fk/s1640/IMG_3638.JPG" title="The gallery upstairs at Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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The French doors on the gallery are used to gain access into and egress from the upstairs rooms<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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By far the most formal room in the house is the parlor where James Pitot and his family entertained visiting dignitaries, friends, writers, and polititians. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2HrScDQgSrJo14QTOJY-BrXJKr4coPjJtjAEpwcI-Xah2y9IJ4Xl9pknlg8DpsgTI-vjqq5QvuPGAjo6hjccQl-yEr3qBzcMgGnP4rLNShyphenhyphenbB3iqrHJd1OI6m1SDExEJmx1KvuEPbAQ/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2HrScDQgSrJo14QTOJY-BrXJKr4coPjJtjAEpwcI-Xah2y9IJ4Xl9pknlg8DpsgTI-vjqq5QvuPGAjo6hjccQl-yEr3qBzcMgGnP4rLNShyphenhyphenbB3iqrHJd1OI6m1SDExEJmx1KvuEPbAQ/s1640/IMG_3642.JPG" title="The parlor of Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
Pitot favored American Federal furniture when furnishing the rooms of Pitot House<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqEnlRGaXSw9CcnP3dmhcWDHddif5UduJOg9Buy3vzrIVW3z1-U4vF7M6u1QOOqTU-ZyfoRM7cQVj502_qQcAfJh00uOklH5nwPFCkldf5sEukVJtUAf-SWLeW6e4t0Sg6lPXl1VpidA/s1600/IMG_3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqEnlRGaXSw9CcnP3dmhcWDHddif5UduJOg9Buy3vzrIVW3z1-U4vF7M6u1QOOqTU-ZyfoRM7cQVj502_qQcAfJh00uOklH5nwPFCkldf5sEukVJtUAf-SWLeW6e4t0Sg6lPXl1VpidA/s1640/IMG_3600.JPG" title="The parlor of Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtMiOIC9HQRfixYgy2_IIfYOHmpWjRF-AKh3S3Z7B-wqfpdSiUFHXlxH5ZHo9X-3PgQ9Gr2zX5sqRMDgaUyKjTE6mu-PGRu_g4-0wtlaWNJVguoYOTScWxnCCu54h_TG36giG1hyphenhyphenO-aQ/s1600/IMG_3596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtMiOIC9HQRfixYgy2_IIfYOHmpWjRF-AKh3S3Z7B-wqfpdSiUFHXlxH5ZHo9X-3PgQ9Gr2zX5sqRMDgaUyKjTE6mu-PGRu_g4-0wtlaWNJVguoYOTScWxnCCu54h_TG36giG1hyphenhyphenO-aQ/s1640/IMG_3596.JPG" title="French piano at Pitot House New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
One of the few imported pieces in the house is this French pianoforte, a belated wedding<br />
present to Genevieve-Sophie, Mr. Pitot's second wife (the first, Marie-Jeanne, died during<br />
childbirth) - the portrait is of James Pitot<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggcynQ0VLRNziWvhCzqQ_dpuW9vayT-KNELdjZrArW3rnJ-Mc9A5fzNkvW6imS43_UzsimfC8EGyV6D4ThS-Af1LGiAGxD22_TmvrdyKg27y8BIHHnga2FHmYC7X3jL55N5HfyEov8m8/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggcynQ0VLRNziWvhCzqQ_dpuW9vayT-KNELdjZrArW3rnJ-Mc9A5fzNkvW6imS43_UzsimfC8EGyV6D4ThS-Af1LGiAGxD22_TmvrdyKg27y8BIHHnga2FHmYC7X3jL55N5HfyEov8m8/s1640/IMG_3606.JPG" title="The fireplace at Pitot House " width="426" /></a></div>
The elaborately carved fireplace lends an air of formality to the room<br />
(of interest to film buffs: the upper panel's floral decoration was done for the filming of<br />
Interview With A Vampire and has yet to be removed)<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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A final bedroom completes the tour of the upstairs of Pitot House. The portrait over the fireplace, which is not original to the house, is of <span style="text-align: center;">Genevieve-Sophie Pitot.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb_oLAsn7mFaRU6VwEaLTI7V4XfL6ALMbh6aUkMeNgFx9djMwJDxDfXHpchsbqHkWkPG5ADAE0KDzgMc0Kn55FYp84HphUAcNZOqtdj3v1z6Ef47Y3cYEhBW9SOz7h4ltT5kgu8NnZVs/s1600/IMG_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb_oLAsn7mFaRU6VwEaLTI7V4XfL6ALMbh6aUkMeNgFx9djMwJDxDfXHpchsbqHkWkPG5ADAE0KDzgMc0Kn55FYp84HphUAcNZOqtdj3v1z6Ef47Y3cYEhBW9SOz7h4ltT5kgu8NnZVs/s1640/IMG_3607.JPG" title="Bedroom at Pitot House" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauqFAc6UbXPWw9lGjT9foYjUK6CUcwlbGdNQ5UmOoKw3d71ofG2Vi0hUZOGZGJXfJM8SB_Viy727zkJbu0LEMnRnkSaoPlrGwvTQ0gquVSANDmdn5j_KMmArndkwjEUctfdS_yClsr7I/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauqFAc6UbXPWw9lGjT9foYjUK6CUcwlbGdNQ5UmOoKw3d71ofG2Vi0hUZOGZGJXfJM8SB_Viy727zkJbu0LEMnRnkSaoPlrGwvTQ0gquVSANDmdn5j_KMmArndkwjEUctfdS_yClsr7I/s1640/IMG_3608.JPG" title="A bedroom fireplace at Pitot House" width="426" /></a></div>
A portrait of Genevieve-Sophie Pitot hangs over the bedroom fireplace<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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In 1819 James Pitot's finances forced him to leave his West Indies inspired country retreat on the bayou and return to New Orleans. He lived there until his death in 1831. I am thankful to the Louisiana Landmarks Society for having the foresight to save this handsome house and James Pitot's legacy so that we fortunate visitors are able to enjoy it today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFpkQXZVQhXHT6cZd9q3Q4CjTMuSjQ8T7Y_1WUxEm5XV7XBl-vQ-98pcynqPtFIUJjaIbN7590eULSefT1KI6J8pSY-Q5rOcq267gXAmEgrab7X738CUeF2_erkgJiOvgVr40-xgqulQ/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFpkQXZVQhXHT6cZd9q3Q4CjTMuSjQ8T7Y_1WUxEm5XV7XBl-vQ-98pcynqPtFIUJjaIbN7590eULSefT1KI6J8pSY-Q5rOcq267gXAmEgrab7X738CUeF2_erkgJiOvgVr40-xgqulQ/s1640/IMG_3643.JPG" title="Ms. Hallie Borstal showed us around Pitot House" width="426" /></a></div>
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Thanks to Ms. Hallie Borstel's enthusiasm for architectural preservation, our visit to<br />
Pitot House was a fact-filled and enjoyable one<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I highly encourage visitors to New Orleans - too many of whom never explore much beyond the French Quarter - to ride the streetcar up to City Park and walk the few minutes it takes to reach Pitot House. A tour of this Creole country abode set upon the waters of picturesque Bayou St. John is a real treat indeed and could, possibly, be the highlight of their visit to New Orleans. It certainly was for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKctWi6tpOkp61EScbuu5MjZ7vikHh9hgMuY29TJ2dtKDad_Wit9RGD6kg91GohWdPqRX4VGdKdIJuim0efusLa5sYTpfr5ZKxls_hZY4MkEb0WWJ1FWkKrI6WjYxbLJzihVg7oJ6Uns4/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKctWi6tpOkp61EScbuu5MjZ7vikHh9hgMuY29TJ2dtKDad_Wit9RGD6kg91GohWdPqRX4VGdKdIJuim0efusLa5sYTpfr5ZKxls_hZY4MkEb0WWJ1FWkKrI6WjYxbLJzihVg7oJ6Uns4/s1400/IMG_3564.JPG" title="Pitot House" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Pitot House is located at 1440, Moss Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Please check <a href="https://www.louisianalandmarks.org/visit-pitot-house">the website</a> for opening hours.<br />
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<b><i>Nota bene:</i></b><span style="font-style: italic;"> I am neither paid nor do I receive recompense in exchange for applauding products or services within my blog. I do so because I enjoy them. If you are a kindred spirit, you too enjoy recommending nice things to fellow good eggs.</span><br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-40057943866056817552018-10-24T23:54:00.002-07:002018-10-24T23:54:47.735-07:00Exploring New Orleans: Part I of III<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMfDX7xM-6hjwBLpQ8atoN8X6HYozdiza3l7jIrAAQPF0ixALLryJTBxiOfBpFkxVSApGxZKXvOS0sC6Gvse3LaSvFcIWM6FMwLTcfOQhuAqDUfRqgph3zYDMS9t2Th4w8zE7dQkNjcg/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMfDX7xM-6hjwBLpQ8atoN8X6HYozdiza3l7jIrAAQPF0ixALLryJTBxiOfBpFkxVSApGxZKXvOS0sC6Gvse3LaSvFcIWM6FMwLTcfOQhuAqDUfRqgph3zYDMS9t2Th4w8zE7dQkNjcg/s1640/IMG_3712.JPG" title="Jazz music permeates the streets in New Orleans morning til night" width="426" /></a></div>
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It won't take long for visitors to hear the familiar sounds of New Orleans as they amble<br />
around the French Quarter on any given day or night</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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My husband and I have just returned from a very enjoyable visit to New Orleans, a city in the midst of celebrating its tercentennial anniversary. As you can well imagine, a place as historically rich and culturally diverse as New Orleans rightfully has plenty to celebrate. It is a city I have longed to visit but somehow didn't until last week. With a reputation for good food, interesting architecture, and a laid-back attitude, I was more than eager to discover the delights of the Big Easy.<br />
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After checking into a supremely comfortable room at the Windsor Court Hotel on a hot and humid afternoon, a refreshing drink was in order. A Ramos Gin Fizz, one of the city's most famous cocktails, was just the ticket. Luckily for us the <a href="http://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/dining/the-sazerac-bar.html">famed Sazerac Bar</a> was just a short walk away. I could not think of a better place to cool down, unwind, and enjoy a slice of old-world New Orleans.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXK4U8I5NigewyLam4lZcdYpMtkO3RuU0YuHrV_6uIt4eeTmQfmoRFiKNbFD16hTTLICLmFn6J08L8eJhvc4CtgJoM89RjlgE-o1cx5mwYvjL1EXugFqukbv5m_YQICFEb3JeHTR17Lo/s1600/IMG_3271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXK4U8I5NigewyLam4lZcdYpMtkO3RuU0YuHrV_6uIt4eeTmQfmoRFiKNbFD16hTTLICLmFn6J08L8eJhvc4CtgJoM89RjlgE-o1cx5mwYvjL1EXugFqukbv5m_YQICFEb3JeHTR17Lo/s1640/IMG_3271.JPG" title="Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails being shaken at The Sazerac Bar New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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The Paul Ninas murals and white jacketed bartenders lend an air of yesteryear to<br />
The Sazerac Bar's elegant ambiance</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Suitably refreshed and ready to explore, we sauntered towards the French Quarter, an experience I shall not soon forget. Looking around at our surroundings, we momentarily felt a sense of d<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">éjà vu. </span></span>Had we stumbled into a back street in Lyon France, or perhaps Spain, or even the West Indies? The French Quarter is all of these places thanks to the architectural influences of its early settlers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXo44Sa5i1TWuA-lLR2pdvjBO3cby5i6W-6LuCOrO2rwpdp_NTY3FC-1pkAG_chjPJjogvgYqzu3N5HVTmFYkbdrBNQlNiz50iO_kcZbRp4aLJHixIcwX-pbcWpe6WSgZX-CszKM-bufk/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXo44Sa5i1TWuA-lLR2pdvjBO3cby5i6W-6LuCOrO2rwpdp_NTY3FC-1pkAG_chjPJjogvgYqzu3N5HVTmFYkbdrBNQlNiz50iO_kcZbRp4aLJHixIcwX-pbcWpe6WSgZX-CszKM-bufk/s1400/IMG_3722.JPG" title="Bienville Place New Orleans" width="400" /></a></div>
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The area around Bienville Place on Decatur Street reminded me of Europe</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsTv50gyCHAAhbnKSffji0k6kHckDyJJH3SP3P3D3cDmSUg6ueEKoX97yfYpf8IZZTrBJxq0ecLuYH4tSgC5D5GVvlO8WxlyJUFcCp3mDyRtwobbVxs-aZ3sod1CqBSRqCEK66W0vp20/s1600/IMG_3281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsTv50gyCHAAhbnKSffji0k6kHckDyJJH3SP3P3D3cDmSUg6ueEKoX97yfYpf8IZZTrBJxq0ecLuYH4tSgC5D5GVvlO8WxlyJUFcCp3mDyRtwobbVxs-aZ3sod1CqBSRqCEK66W0vp20/s1640/IMG_3281.JPG" title="Place des Vosges in Paris or Jackson Square in New Orleans?" width="426" /></a></div>
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Place des Vosges in Paris or Jackson Square in New Orleans?</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIgLjvYMm2U5j6rh9Bwb-UFdfVarThKsqPfB3Vgqu5KXg_nXmZE5Tw98BCGrpU_vjsWiTr0UlkM17wHL4fxni_FKh5CM1JGer4GJEY3sWV7S1PWhvg61JUSsakNdWDSgOGwZOq7YR8U8/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIgLjvYMm2U5j6rh9Bwb-UFdfVarThKsqPfB3Vgqu5KXg_nXmZE5Tw98BCGrpU_vjsWiTr0UlkM17wHL4fxni_FKh5CM1JGer4GJEY3sWV7S1PWhvg61JUSsakNdWDSgOGwZOq7YR8U8/s1640/IMG_3521.JPG" title="The French Quarter is famous for the many intricately fashioned iron balconies, or galleries, found on many of its buildings" width="426" /></a></div>
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The French Quarter is famous for the many intricately fashioned iron balconies, or<br />
galleries, found on many of its buildings<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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New Orleans is surrounded by water. The steamboats that once navigated the mighty Mississippi river played an important part in why the area established itself as a world port. Today, one can still spot a steamboat or two paddling down the river; here's The Natchez underway taking passengers on a night cruise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzHgk7nvK1FLsr2pAYiXyNANKhKDhM39rjiFOrKID7TBm9u94XFyk0vv90gpNEbIinll5fA83ZmTpvAsPVf0kDo0v2b_3h8FBSBXX_wEx44StAU0-BNCSVfUkBTTgz3jVeSZ5RJBpCwc/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzHgk7nvK1FLsr2pAYiXyNANKhKDhM39rjiFOrKID7TBm9u94XFyk0vv90gpNEbIinll5fA83ZmTpvAsPVf0kDo0v2b_3h8FBSBXX_wEx44StAU0-BNCSVfUkBTTgz3jVeSZ5RJBpCwc/s1400/IMG_3738.JPG" title="The Natchez steamboat on the Mississippi River New Orleans" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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The city's outlying bayous and wetlands offer a fascinating glimpse at the natural landscape surrounding New Orleans. Built, in the main, at sea level, the city is keenly aware of the devastating consequences of floodwaters. Pumps and levees work overtime to keep the area dry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8SpUysqOIzh4sLvI2uqn06LmAuIuuPhJk4LgCSEQxY18lcPplE1g-XRygV4pEssYDj_txOqoZlECwhTC2sD2ztuktLmxaHo8bZ91GArMYG41NHU767_hyjulWcKeQ4isCDAO_-XDudE/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8SpUysqOIzh4sLvI2uqn06LmAuIuuPhJk4LgCSEQxY18lcPplE1g-XRygV4pEssYDj_txOqoZlECwhTC2sD2ztuktLmxaHo8bZ91GArMYG41NHU767_hyjulWcKeQ4isCDAO_-XDudE/s1640/IMG_3380.JPG" title="A decorative drainpipe New Orleans style!" width="426" /></a></div>
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A whimsical drainpipe New Orleans style!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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An excursion into nearby Cajun country and a tour of the swamps is a must for any curious visitor, especially so if one wishes to see the local wildlife up close and personal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkCZcvNC90SUDfqDXe_mNB4gOxVeVM0PyPNrDPFZCpbgIYyIB6Fx9qHYXkLMoqWzlQUlosBiz8DuFkhZZeHKiwNBvePQ0ASWz1unuzEJhFA1e9x041aB1phgO7lQrWsOB2oRzoEqt6Kc/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkCZcvNC90SUDfqDXe_mNB4gOxVeVM0PyPNrDPFZCpbgIYyIB6Fx9qHYXkLMoqWzlQUlosBiz8DuFkhZZeHKiwNBvePQ0ASWz1unuzEJhFA1e9x041aB1phgO7lQrWsOB2oRzoEqt6Kc/s1400/IMG_3439.JPG" title="The swamp surrounding New Orleans" width="400" /></a></div>
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Into the swamp we go perched upon a small airboat expertly steered by<br />
Captain Randy, a man who has spent his entire life around the bayou<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc9LNtL3OT0h8RVfyLNY4DbYYNwXNQr8pPmnGTilsRX411hhjcMIUWb6pFfWW3eGSwi9Uk3Ey-hn70k_fwgcStHjCEQNcJGjvn0MmUVncGi2pEVZkULsWd5zClRau_vaooe7SUNO_UK8/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc9LNtL3OT0h8RVfyLNY4DbYYNwXNQr8pPmnGTilsRX411hhjcMIUWb6pFfWW3eGSwi9Uk3Ey-hn70k_fwgcStHjCEQNcJGjvn0MmUVncGi2pEVZkULsWd5zClRau_vaooe7SUNO_UK8/s1640/IMG_3450.JPG" title="Spanish moss-covered Taxodium distichum, or Bald Cypress trees, grow in bayou surrounding New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Spanish moss-covered Taxodium distichum, or Bald Cypress trees, grow in brackish<br />
swamp water and are only able to survive because of their ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB14quppSvrRFPpwju6eL1629emR6sAED9ELSsKkIHYNpfDo0p4-fOZGt8Wg9Famp7qVTolFqv-9F_yWeFlBLezAegnNx6namHabMgzugBJyVjyW89rPYxroyF9V8fl-Vq0eBSbcH-isc/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB14quppSvrRFPpwju6eL1629emR6sAED9ELSsKkIHYNpfDo0p4-fOZGt8Wg9Famp7qVTolFqv-9F_yWeFlBLezAegnNx6namHabMgzugBJyVjyW89rPYxroyF9V8fl-Vq0eBSbcH-isc/s1640/IMG_3457.JPG" title="Bald cypress tree roots protruding from the swamp New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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... protruding roots which allow for an exchange of gases at the "knees" which keep the trees alive<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U-sLBz1B9YywdGABTVTdKvWDax1cDxrXh5DK3b6Xl_cnGHNmejRfp1aSm8XsktraWHmkEGqtRRhhAtlteUd7gcKcEENw4suYK3Pp-UDGXM5I0k-VQaf5pt_Ff9fPjO1mCne-_vsvRvg/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U-sLBz1B9YywdGABTVTdKvWDax1cDxrXh5DK3b6Xl_cnGHNmejRfp1aSm8XsktraWHmkEGqtRRhhAtlteUd7gcKcEENw4suYK3Pp-UDGXM5I0k-VQaf5pt_Ff9fPjO1mCne-_vsvRvg/s1640/IMG_3460.JPG" title="Captain Randy showed us around the swamp and bayou on a small airboat" width="426" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.neworleansairboattours.com/">Proud Cajun Captain Randy</a> tells us that he left school at the age of twelve to work on his<br />
family's bayou; exceedingly knowledgeable in matters relating to the fragile ecosystem,<br />
swamp management, and the local fauna and flora (just ask him about the Nutria invasion<br />
and the rapidly disappearing bayou), Captain Randy made our visit to the swamp not only educational but jolly good fun too (he is an excellent storyteller!)<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L3UhEjE5YdaCel9PEVVFKnY2673xKTnaa7wyc-LfZXVvRMvJXheDPL2j9SygFnKfw0M_g0Ey769J4SXK9imIrJdUlGBiYXD3v9mgjy_1zmYDOev91DI0J-t2Ps54oflhDBTuhmezSAw/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L3UhEjE5YdaCel9PEVVFKnY2673xKTnaa7wyc-LfZXVvRMvJXheDPL2j9SygFnKfw0M_g0Ey769J4SXK9imIrJdUlGBiYXD3v9mgjy_1zmYDOev91DI0J-t2Ps54oflhDBTuhmezSAw/s1400/IMG_3431.JPG" title="Alligator on the swamp bayou New Orleans" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, it's true, alligators really do live in the swampy environs of New Orleans and<br />
Captain Randy knows exactly where to find them<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Back in the city, the best way to get around is either on foot or by boarding one of the handsome streetcars that have been rolling by every few minutes for the past one-hundred and fifty years. We rode the streetcars twice during our stay in New Orleans; once up to City Park to tour a historic house that I'll be posting about next, and the other to the Garden District to view the many antebellum houses the area is famous for and the cemetery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtmK5ukwDVhFn6twQDTj6idoJXhdqSHVqBsD4UljEa8UQWywa1xrdfiRTsIozb8tRxAlCL0YzAocHVR88RKgfHXGUUK7Et6Uhacu_EHEsprGTUwA8dbrfpngUVlgiS2Vdr3QESvb2pj4/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtmK5ukwDVhFn6twQDTj6idoJXhdqSHVqBsD4UljEa8UQWywa1xrdfiRTsIozb8tRxAlCL0YzAocHVR88RKgfHXGUUK7Et6Uhacu_EHEsprGTUwA8dbrfpngUVlgiS2Vdr3QESvb2pj4/s1640/IMG_3667.JPG" title="Streetcar New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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All aboard the city's famous streetcars<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoLKS0iX_sQXSh_AlWNPHkqblZDZU3aKHxnFt_ZpQSmtZfdCbWrLkcsxflwcKRi1NSfwoGvRpdD_YfR6EY5KoM4d6OVejJodEov0vRP_UiS_eunWHT6cjIUZIKEYL0wBfc-NIIZRE_f8/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoLKS0iX_sQXSh_AlWNPHkqblZDZU3aKHxnFt_ZpQSmtZfdCbWrLkcsxflwcKRi1NSfwoGvRpdD_YfR6EY5KoM4d6OVejJodEov0vRP_UiS_eunWHT6cjIUZIKEYL0wBfc-NIIZRE_f8/s1640/IMG_3820.JPG" title="New Orleans cemetery with above ground tombs" width="426" /></a></div>
Because the water table is high in New Orleans, the deceased are interred in above-ground tombs</div>
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to avoid any unpleasant consequences of flooding</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbz-xoEvDN7xrQTqwpKkb6fInKAPVkaAS4q6M7VGgLtmEbeKMTd98r4DzfIWxooRlFQH0W-NVQmxXyUH35H08W_h97dhKngLS117bFYD_zO1Ytb01xI_nXxvZH_QaBYeEnUyBlVV-QY0/s1600/IMG_3856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbz-xoEvDN7xrQTqwpKkb6fInKAPVkaAS4q6M7VGgLtmEbeKMTd98r4DzfIWxooRlFQH0W-NVQmxXyUH35H08W_h97dhKngLS117bFYD_zO1Ytb01xI_nXxvZH_QaBYeEnUyBlVV-QY0/s1640/IMG_3856.JPG" title="Quercus virginiana, or Southern live oak trees, are as stately as the houses in the Garden District" width="426" /></a></div>
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Quercus virginiana, or Southern live oak trees, are as stately as the houses that line </div>
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the streets of the Garden District</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvuD5OscsOpS6MOMicq_l7e-nc-FqJ5eLqGjOhP-q2eDG3aRT6_KKlEF8H6THLzBvIuOpCmIRxpU1mJR3Q-8xAD7t3U3MKkK8hCifeGm3prnF-PKYGoUSrgdjsav6j1a1bdtgbzfnFZI/s1600/IMG_3865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvuD5OscsOpS6MOMicq_l7e-nc-FqJ5eLqGjOhP-q2eDG3aRT6_KKlEF8H6THLzBvIuOpCmIRxpU1mJR3Q-8xAD7t3U3MKkK8hCifeGm3prnF-PKYGoUSrgdjsav6j1a1bdtgbzfnFZI/s1640/IMG_3865.JPG" title="This incredible cast iron cornstalk and morning glory fence can be seen at Colonel Short's Villa in the Garden District" width="426" /></a></div>
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This incredible cast iron cornstalk fence can be seen</div>
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at Colonel Short's Villa in the Garden District</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Of course, I should not fail to mention some of the local food that citizens and visitors alike enjoy in New Orleans. The cuisines of the Creole and Cajun traditions dominate the restaurant scene. As we happened to be in New Orleans on Friday, there was only one place to lunch:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74UmNYypCaRU8iC59yuHaw_O6I8LPaartSN_BdHKuhpokGtPyAOJ6XzynR0nnqEyS6OoOqmsztdfcVB_PHha6wzEMGlwLitbR9zHPxwHwzZjginQk-w3q_3gXJMVNfhjWtz2etYSY3yo/s1600/IMG_3669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74UmNYypCaRU8iC59yuHaw_O6I8LPaartSN_BdHKuhpokGtPyAOJ6XzynR0nnqEyS6OoOqmsztdfcVB_PHha6wzEMGlwLitbR9zHPxwHwzZjginQk-w3q_3gXJMVNfhjWtz2etYSY3yo/s1640/IMG_3669.JPG" title="Galatoires Restaurant New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Galatoires on Bourbon Street looks rather civilized from the outside until, that is, ...<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLF7TOV69qCx9s7PtATiTxT1Y4W7eF-OgsxaCR8EnrrnX10pMajQUlru7OabEZGnnHJZ0WbitIqgn-D6I8q6lvsW2VdWNhdVUiNfh3yGoai6Jn2VZWRiuNYzyEjjFc30eI7tM4X4KgUg/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLF7TOV69qCx9s7PtATiTxT1Y4W7eF-OgsxaCR8EnrrnX10pMajQUlru7OabEZGnnHJZ0WbitIqgn-D6I8q6lvsW2VdWNhdVUiNfh3yGoai6Jn2VZWRiuNYzyEjjFc30eI7tM4X4KgUg/s1640/IMG_3685.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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... one steps into the rowdy dining room during the madness that is Friday lunch<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Lunching at <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.galatoires.com/history">Galatoires on Friday</a> is a beloved local tradition. The boisterous conviviality of the diners sitting cheek by jowl makes for a very entertaining but noisy environment. Admittedly, it was all a tad too much for us out-of-towners so we happily ate our lunch in the upstairs dining room alongside other less spirited locals.</span></div>
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And, because we both have a sweet tooth, and the beignets were outstanding, we visited <a href="http://www.cafedumonde.com/history">Caf<span style="background-color: white;">é</span> du Monde</a> more times than I care to admit during our time in New Orleans. There's good reason this place has been in business for the past century and a half.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjpGXfuMWAoOmWrwFVQiZkvFgwx62tB3s0viPyMasGQ61jsXegqUY84kpNqJM1takJdgQPgkgs0ehrT6O5Tw9U0h9XuBkImkfVd6Oe-_HO6un0218Q-BAAYQZ-lQkXbSkp1Rp03BvwDM/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjpGXfuMWAoOmWrwFVQiZkvFgwx62tB3s0viPyMasGQ61jsXegqUY84kpNqJM1takJdgQPgkgs0ehrT6O5Tw9U0h9XuBkImkfVd6Oe-_HO6un0218Q-BAAYQZ-lQkXbSkp1Rp03BvwDM/s1640/IMG_3509.JPG" title="Café au lait is the perfect accompanyment to delicious beignets at Café du Monde New Orleans" width="426" /></a></div>
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Caf<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">é</span> au lait is the perfect accompaniment to delicious beignets</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I shall miss beautiful New Orleans and its vibrant culture and friendly people. With so much to offer, the Crescent City is well worth a repeat visit. I look forward to that day not only with pleasure but with a little pep in my step (yes, I can still hear the sound of all those jazz bands playing in my head). <br />
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In the next installment of this three part series, I look forward to showing you around a historic house situated along the banks of Bayou St. John.<br />
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<b><i>Nota bene:</i></b><span style="font-style: italic;"> I am neither paid nor do I receive recompense in exchange for applauding products or services within my blog. I do so because I enjoy them. If you are a kindred spirit, you too enjoy recommending nice things to fellow good eggs.</span><br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-347100132456272772018-10-14T14:14:00.001-07:002018-10-14T14:14:02.946-07:00A Successful Day At Auction & A Connection To An Important Welsh Ceramics Collection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrpB1v2vYH31mEhgPdvdQLU4bDxKWy8rPJ94ypnD4lJAPMfLBhO7dAPpEPxDhmJ4obnBKI66p98JCKm6cOyC5Xo-LUeBuPVijdPPGAYMHqS5ECVK-EB6xZhqDRMJf97geLR0Sh6hi3hc/s1600/IMG_3143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrpB1v2vYH31mEhgPdvdQLU4bDxKWy8rPJ94ypnD4lJAPMfLBhO7dAPpEPxDhmJ4obnBKI66p98JCKm6cOyC5Xo-LUeBuPVijdPPGAYMHqS5ECVK-EB6xZhqDRMJf97geLR0Sh6hi3hc/s1640/IMG_3143.JPG" title="At the auction " width="426" /></a></div>
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Two auction attendees contemplate their bidding strategy<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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It has been an age since I was motivated enough to haul my caboose out of the house on a weekend morning to <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2014/04/an-auction-preview-to-excite.html">attend a live auction</a>. One bright and sunny day last month, my husband and I did just that, taking our ringside seats at the hottest event in town. Fellow ceramics collectors, clutch your paddles tight. I am about to show you what it was that had me so revved up. <br />
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While some attending the sale anticipated successful bids on the Picassos, Chagalls, or Dalis on offer, it was the numerous lots of English ceramics of the late-eighteenth to early-nineteenth century that lured me in like a fish to water. Now, let me preface my scribblings by stating that in my part of the world, stumbling across a piece of early porcelain or creamware on my travels is a rare thing indeed. These utilitarian (and fragile) articles were, after all, manufactured in potteries located on the other side of the world, on a small island over two centuries ago. Bearing all that in mind, you can well imagine my delight at being confronted by the glorious vision captured in the photograph below<i>:</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe8dBHNu_0Gz4at9EK-amWcHnDf23MuLWvjodQyebkiNLWQ5rPWX-CuU2mLyLI6ydfMhB7fecAWnKPBRI6xbcv17O8le4kREMDtWyu0dNLkBabMWogMEpcOVIC6Ia3gtmHhVaR8qY_d8/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1173" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe8dBHNu_0Gz4at9EK-amWcHnDf23MuLWvjodQyebkiNLWQ5rPWX-CuU2mLyLI6ydfMhB7fecAWnKPBRI6xbcv17O8le4kREMDtWyu0dNLkBabMWogMEpcOVIC6Ia3gtmHhVaR8qY_d8/s1640/IMG_3104.JPG" title="Early Spode and Wedgwood creamware dishes " width="467" /></a></div>
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A display case chock-full of early Wedgwood and Spode creamware table articles<br />
spells danger for this particular <strike>addict</strike> collector<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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And, for admirers of early drabware ceramics, feast your eyes on this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D-1ZNDt2OMJRvhZ9OMu7UsgB-FOZ4FgV04hDK8Ezgzob6PIXiBm6o2gmGNmSZ79L4OPLSQB4A9gRRC7ynFBRRQ83gNJmtls8mo0qfKfhX9TjN5djREPOXcL-wijP3mPnSwY9mPUGjyg/s1600/drabware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="637" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D-1ZNDt2OMJRvhZ9OMu7UsgB-FOZ4FgV04hDK8Ezgzob6PIXiBm6o2gmGNmSZ79L4OPLSQB4A9gRRC7ynFBRRQ83gNJmtls8mo0qfKfhX9TjN5djREPOXcL-wijP3mPnSwY9mPUGjyg/s1400/drabware.jpg" title="A jaw-dropping collection of early drabware for sale at auction" width="400" /></a></div>
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No, this is not a decorative arts museum's exhibit but the contents of a<br />
single lot for sale at auction</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Or, how about some neoclassically decorated English porcelain? There was plenty of that to go around too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXOX64Ban1_vMeUg-Pvv3YBGHIklC_jpvRP4UMEmPiBE3I16-wUk4SvAmNbRbg2635JGv_bPsuKmIEG-Enm-tki6S7DwuwY3Kv7q1m9GtuXQnjpt1W8Xd5tfsOpsthCjx09dhbxVDLVM/s1600/IMG_3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXOX64Ban1_vMeUg-Pvv3YBGHIklC_jpvRP4UMEmPiBE3I16-wUk4SvAmNbRbg2635JGv_bPsuKmIEG-Enm-tki6S7DwuwY3Kv7q1m9GtuXQnjpt1W8Xd5tfsOpsthCjx09dhbxVDLVM/s1400/IMG_3126.JPG" title="Neoclassically decorated early English dishes" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, please!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPq8v3Ho2WorBlE-Qi4JldDaAy_wjSXomthdAjnYRoIwbG39jAeXDa5YWMmaMHxj4HET8BArdUTjoe1GoNWnu-jYp9g4xhNRagM9bJVvR80Gm9CCjmKMnVUNLJ6eYBDUNA53QXctBEKs/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPq8v3Ho2WorBlE-Qi4JldDaAy_wjSXomthdAjnYRoIwbG39jAeXDa5YWMmaMHxj4HET8BArdUTjoe1GoNWnu-jYp9g4xhNRagM9bJVvR80Gm9CCjmKMnVUNLJ6eYBDUNA53QXctBEKs/s1400/IMG_3115.JPG" title="A tea set by Coalport circa 1820" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Coalport tea service in a pretty orange and gilt pattern, circa 1820<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Photo: Chronica Domus</span></div>
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After a brief confab with my husband, it was settled. One of the creamware lots would - fingers crossed - be going home with us. Spotting at least one other interested party circling the display cases and pacing between the creamware and the silver lots, we might be up against competition.<br />
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The lot that piqued our interest happened to be the final one of the early ceramics. First under the auctioneer's gavel was the drabware, sold to an Internet bidder at, astonishingly, less than the bottom end of estimate. Next, the first of two lots of Spode Greek pattern. That too sold at a very reasonable hammer price. The creamware was next ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuufs5_y_dS1F756MXbVB85lYACuh2Cv2YEbiwrpHv_deLcBaGlyB4oV_vqeL1h4uIHc54ZGfDD8QBtZ1Hn7-PEHcx5QIdY7BsLwHw_pQsETYIzxPwIsnQaQeXNvFetvvCvdBKcX8XKdc/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuufs5_y_dS1F756MXbVB85lYACuh2Cv2YEbiwrpHv_deLcBaGlyB4oV_vqeL1h4uIHc54ZGfDD8QBtZ1Hn7-PEHcx5QIdY7BsLwHw_pQsETYIzxPwIsnQaQeXNvFetvvCvdBKcX8XKdc/s1400/IMG_3110.JPG" title="A lot of Wedgwood's Flute and Wreath pattern creamware dishes" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Sold!</i> ... Nine pieces of Wedgwood's Flute and Wreath pattern</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbfhdVU0RQ5zln32F8zl31Mx1okwVm3O6fkhyphenhyphenpARUbgHcXd_jmes5ZDkucWi5Dw-mraiusHB9ML4Gau5joT7RHSK9Z6fDCBLVwH-DIkqCOJzul8VGNS9Tr_lmpXrhz7qWl7mJpoSAx9U/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbfhdVU0RQ5zln32F8zl31Mx1okwVm3O6fkhyphenhyphenpARUbgHcXd_jmes5ZDkucWi5Dw-mraiusHB9ML4Gau5joT7RHSK9Z6fDCBLVwH-DIkqCOJzul8VGNS9Tr_lmpXrhz7qWl7mJpoSAx9U/s1400/IMG_3107.JPG" title="Wedgwood's Etruscan Pattern 42 in red and black and Pattern 93 in yellow and black enamel, circa 1785 - 1790" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Sold!...</i> Wedgwood's Etruscan Pattern 42 in red and black and<br />
<a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/03/dining-table-inspiration-from-original.html">Pattern 93 in yellow </a><a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/03/dining-table-inspiration-from-original.html">and black enamel</a>, circa 1785 - 1790</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbGZ3OySVzbTwP_BCfwiizFKG8NnTGwNtJo68L5BZo-zh84NLNjJSSigOyiIfP3-4O1PiSjjmsSZjxwjbJ62JttjtQjZMMFgU_AFEtZPyZy09DeSl3v4FP_3KjfWUidzR3q2hFtSnz8o/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbGZ3OySVzbTwP_BCfwiizFKG8NnTGwNtJo68L5BZo-zh84NLNjJSSigOyiIfP3-4O1PiSjjmsSZjxwjbJ62JttjtQjZMMFgU_AFEtZPyZy09DeSl3v4FP_3KjfWUidzR3q2hFtSnz8o/s1400/IMG_3108.JPG" title="Wedgwood's Pattern 94 creamware dishes" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Sold!...</i> Five pieces (two out of range of this photograph) of <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/03/dining-table-inspiration-from-original.html">Wedgwood's Pattern 94</a><br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJV2K5fpv7R9aX71KCPZ8E-V_esmOiW0eo2BCW6p5EjxV3rY4OFOrpUJ1MZw71caEqDOT0uBtNkoJzixzniN-TzfKyOSW84pw2YSBnSY4vkg8Xe3lgzM2jrs3EifP3SIvACk_YLFS8CI/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJV2K5fpv7R9aX71KCPZ8E-V_esmOiW0eo2BCW6p5EjxV3rY4OFOrpUJ1MZw71caEqDOT0uBtNkoJzixzniN-TzfKyOSW84pw2YSBnSY4vkg8Xe3lgzM2jrs3EifP3SIvACk_YLFS8CI/s1400/IMG_3111.JPG" title="Large covered creamware serving dish and integral sauce tureen" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Sold!...</i> A large covered dish in brown and yellow enamel and an integral sauce tureen</div>
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Bidding was fast and furious and after several of the English porcelain lots came and went, it was time to take my paddle to hand and steel myself for the battle ahead. It helps, of course, to have the support of one's dear husband who is not such a bag of nerves when it <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2014/04/auction-day.html">comes to these matters.</a> He usually wields the paddle but on this occasion, I found the strength to raise my own. As luck would have it, the experience was not at all intimidating. It did help that I was the only interested bidder. <i>Sold!</i> to the lady who almost fainted from the rush of excitement when the gavel finally dropped. We were going home with not one but two shelves full of delicious creamware plates and serving dishes (seen in the second top photograph of this post).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhk6DAXFm6Y2EeaYRT9O-XTw3n0UiYwjbHzzptFQGjeH9gWb3lrNmEzte4_vk3m2QZpCLN7tVYfQNBtmQOh3JIx7t7xelY0PhUrZ8o6xwAIBRrMDdoLyxEsJS9T37gEWvcENSOgHkOPc/s1600/IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhk6DAXFm6Y2EeaYRT9O-XTw3n0UiYwjbHzzptFQGjeH9gWb3lrNmEzte4_vk3m2QZpCLN7tVYfQNBtmQOh3JIx7t7xelY0PhUrZ8o6xwAIBRrMDdoLyxEsJS9T37gEWvcENSOgHkOPc/s1640/IMG_3182.JPG" title="The winning lot of creamware dishes by Wedgwood and Spode" width="425" /></a></div>
The winning lot!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Accompanying the stack of ten plates is a large shapely serving dish in the same hand-painted geometric pattern. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1idfPsl5WksyNinMCi5pZMh6MUti-XGBLmYSySXNeIRgU3wOPPRjmfMBt8OAlM6YH9h_-d0i_h1NUe9KC-VlVY_FbWLAr_5dEvfXH75885Ks7Rc0c6lMboexvqZRt_b6vj0tevXsy4XQ/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1idfPsl5WksyNinMCi5pZMh6MUti-XGBLmYSySXNeIRgU3wOPPRjmfMBt8OAlM6YH9h_-d0i_h1NUe9KC-VlVY_FbWLAr_5dEvfXH75885Ks7Rc0c6lMboexvqZRt_b6vj0tevXsy4XQ/s1640/IMG_3183.JPG" title="A beautiful Wedgwood early creamware serving dish newly acquired at auction " width="425" /></a></div>
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It is hard to believe that this pristine Wedgwood serving dish is over 200 years old</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmyTKe6Gc7bFu10kfN19UhlyqHDCzr90wDkUNhDUhWhqkyiOoZPj6boC9YCnrPU5kOweWOHDr0D8MwJTfeW32NS9s8UfFn0DG8073n1uHRSqebmBzHwbWYYvtmFx7m9Ow0mOJ6UWjaWw/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmyTKe6Gc7bFu10kfN19UhlyqHDCzr90wDkUNhDUhWhqkyiOoZPj6boC9YCnrPU5kOweWOHDr0D8MwJTfeW32NS9s8UfFn0DG8073n1uHRSqebmBzHwbWYYvtmFx7m9Ow0mOJ6UWjaWw/s1640/IMG_3190.JPG" title="Spode Creamware supper dishes " width="426" /></a></div>
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A pair of Spode creamware supper dishes painted in a similar orange and black</div>
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enamel to the Wedgwood pieces are also included in the lot</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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The story of the winning ceramics doesn't quite end here. A further serving dish included in the lot yielded a clue as to the previous owner. It is always an exciting prospect to ponder where such humble household articles began their life, how they were used, and who cared for them along the way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv0PrOVvVJoTz8P6USwifmDXxANgnTea4wTHWSrGOZ3ukBIuCrr-UV0BJA6NrbqzgKMEJi8KSaPomsx7Nc2T2X5JYr3ECOCRX-Ljm_hwPVUrJCsY_d6Fnuk4IYRJFlA-wqn0mWlv5Ius/s1600/IMG_3170.JPG"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv0PrOVvVJoTz8P6USwifmDXxANgnTea4wTHWSrGOZ3ukBIuCrr-UV0BJA6NrbqzgKMEJi8KSaPomsx7Nc2T2X5JYr3ECOCRX-Ljm_hwPVUrJCsY_d6Fnuk4IYRJFlA-wqn0mWlv5Ius/s1640/IMG_3170.JPG" title="Mr. Grant-Davidson's collector's label affixed to the underside of my new creamware dishes" width="426" /></a></div>
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Aha! A clue to where these dishes once lurked</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAZZFQMuX19tKR3xHI93TV2OpNYY2bQin2gLqMqGusgdbyuZsKCLE0g9dFV4GZXoKT_aAYDjKgsMnuch8UcDd3ICRY8n44EIdrA71Bkb2CvBj0qAXj-tXb135d1VfzIC-8-u86eUwRBI/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAZZFQMuX19tKR3xHI93TV2OpNYY2bQin2gLqMqGusgdbyuZsKCLE0g9dFV4GZXoKT_aAYDjKgsMnuch8UcDd3ICRY8n44EIdrA71Bkb2CvBj0qAXj-tXb135d1VfzIC-8-u86eUwRBI/s1640/IMG_3155.JPG" title="Mr. Grant-Davidson's collector's label beneath one of my new dishes" width="426" /></a></div>
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Who might Grant-Davidson be I wonder?</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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A collector's label affixed to the underside of the dish prompted a little Internet sleuthing which soon revealed the identify of Grant-Davidson as the author of the following book:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSFQuseXlhyRnLPlTsoNLBiv4XpomNR89i63z9T-YHG0RtUkemdgS76uzHu9RjZQ0TjO_hv2EEWAfNdSttirH2apfK50lUaQZBqLUh-HTlf_9lqtED2wJ10mNv_2yQkFxsjBoj2Wwywc/s1600/Grant-Davidson+Book.jpg"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSFQuseXlhyRnLPlTsoNLBiv4XpomNR89i63z9T-YHG0RtUkemdgS76uzHu9RjZQ0TjO_hv2EEWAfNdSttirH2apfK50lUaQZBqLUh-HTlf_9lqtED2wJ10mNv_2yQkFxsjBoj2Wwywc/s1400/Grant-Davidson+Book.jpg" title="Cover of Mr. Grant-Davidson's book on Welsh Pottery" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pottery-South-Wales-Illustrated-Guide/dp/0956488803">Source</a></div>
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Yes, that's right, my new old creamware dishes once formed part of the private collection of internationally recognized ceramics expert Mr. Wallace James Grant-Davidson. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2UPCb56oM6dTGYCkzk76GhKXr9aIZgms4VXvxQgFD9O24_XqsTb-Z0RjT1QzMtSkcnNAz_Kchw7sFHbWOpcmpidls2yGRFqhSaJvpMgXULPTzKIHFN6zt3Gi9fs8ilxymZjJmlcyv9s/s1600/pottery-south-wales-grant-davidson.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2UPCb56oM6dTGYCkzk76GhKXr9aIZgms4VXvxQgFD9O24_XqsTb-Z0RjT1QzMtSkcnNAz_Kchw7sFHbWOpcmpidls2yGRFqhSaJvpMgXULPTzKIHFN6zt3Gi9fs8ilxymZjJmlcyv9s/s1600/pottery-south-wales-grant-davidson.jpg" /></a></div>
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Mr. Wallace James Grant-Davidson proudly showing off part of his ceramics collection</div>
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<a href="https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/pottery-south-wales-grant-davidson-j-308932351">Source</a></div>
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Mr. Grant-Davidson, a historian and authority on Welsh pottery, was also an extraordinary lifetime collector of eighteenth and nineteenth century British porcelain and ceramics. Following his death in 1999, Sotheby's was charged with dispensing the collection which included pieces of Whieldon, redware, stoneware, pratt-type wares, delftware, Staffordshire and Sunderland lustreware as well as creamware. The collection was broken up into 270 lots that raised a sum of <span style="text-align: center;">£110,975.</span></div>
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It is a rare privilege indeed to be privy to information on the provenance of newly acquired items at auction beyond, of course, what the seller provides the auction house. This is why I was so pleased to discover the collection label attached to the underside of one of my plates. The label led me to some fascinating information released by Sotheby's in the run up to the sale. It identifies exactly where these dishes last resided during their two-hundred year history:</div>
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"The whole house was decorated with the china", Mrs. Margaret Grant-Davidson said; "every room had pieces on the walls, it covered the walls in the study, the bedroom, the dining room and even up the stairs! My husband was a true collector, he brought what he liked. I was married to him for more than 60 years and he was so meticulous and kept everything. It is taking me a long time to sort things out and I am still finding things that I never knew we had. I have kept many items as the house would be bare otherwise". </div>
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It is pleasing to imagine that a humble Welsh house in Swansea was once home to such an extraordinary and well-loved collection of ceramics. And now, here in my own humble abode, half way across the world, Mr. Grant-Davidson's dishes have somehow found their way to me. I wonder where they'll end up next? Until that day dawns, I look forward to using and enjoying my creamware, and setting it atop my period appropriate English mahogany dining table, alongside period glassware and silver. Who knows, perhaps table and plate might have already met at a long-past luncheon or dinner party. <br />
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Now, if you'll please excuse me, I'm off to hatch a plan for my creamware's coming out party ...<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-31764851392435993582018-09-23T09:37:00.002-07:002018-09-23T09:50:13.683-07:00A Visit to Gore Place<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><i>Nota bene:</i></b><span style="font-style: italic;"> While poking around the back-of-house section of my blog recently, I was surprised to discover an unpublished post I wrote last summer following my visit to Boston and upstate New York. Here is that post today for your reading pleasure.</span><br />
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I can't recall which book it was that I first saw an interior photograph of <a href="http://goreplace.org/">Gore Place</a>, the 1806 Federal-era grand country estate in Waltham, Massachusetts. Since that first sighting, the house has been on my "must see" list. As luck would have it, Gore Place is just a stone's throw from Boston so I took the opportunity to visit with my family on our way to upstate New York back in late-June.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXbOdxLbUiUQ2f75qjkSTwWKsIdgafXlUxhd1eELnoQ0-ZyNc-AAOa84xAaECQXtHNVDld840OW04bidhrcVfisXM16GCWKNbiY1Zvl2U2ylla5DJi793ND_I5R2q1hos24RMPI-rQCoF/s1600/IMG_7348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXbOdxLbUiUQ2f75qjkSTwWKsIdgafXlUxhd1eELnoQ0-ZyNc-AAOa84xAaECQXtHNVDld840OW04bidhrcVfisXM16GCWKNbiY1Zvl2U2ylla5DJi793ND_I5R2q1hos24RMPI-rQCoF/s1640/IMG_7348.JPG" title="An exterior view of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Upon arrival, we were enthusiastically <strike>herded</strike> greeted by Rocket, the resident Border Collie dog. Rocket forms part of Gore Place's welcoming committee along with this gentleman:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi0TKJWihpY5mF1mSRUMlzfz-uHruGVzTrP-NGcUXoqqzD9LJnW0ix3AE4aQ-aYAMy9CjONDHbdV_Wb-cc-jvWD7uWMkUWXO0hoZpfBANaZ53tJGp1mSuN4VepC_S3bV2ad4t2Ac7UvdG/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi0TKJWihpY5mF1mSRUMlzfz-uHruGVzTrP-NGcUXoqqzD9LJnW0ix3AE4aQ-aYAMy9CjONDHbdV_Wb-cc-jvWD7uWMkUWXO0hoZpfBANaZ53tJGp1mSuN4VepC_S3bV2ad4t2Ac7UvdG/s1640/IMG_7343.JPG" title="Mr. Thom Roach Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Please meet Mr. Thom Roach</span></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Our tour of the house and sprawling grounds was patiently and knowledgeably orchestrated by Mr. Thom Roach who delighted in the fact that we were an eager bunch bursting with questions about the house and its contents. As the sole participants of his tour, we were fortunate indeed to have Mr. Roach's undivided attention. "For a historic house", he tells us "Gore Place happens to be a little under the radar". Perhaps by writing about it here on Chronica Domus, all that might one day change.<br />
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The bucolic fifty acre estate belonged to Christopher Gore, a prominent lawyer and politician, and his wife Rebecca. Mrs. Gore was very influential in the design of the house and worked with Jacques Guillaume Legrand, a Parisian architect, to realize her dream of creating a stylish and comfortable country retreat. Much of Gore Place's furniture was made locally and remains in the house today. Visitors can identify these pieces by the informational tags attached to them.<br />
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Entering the house through the east door, we step into an inviting entrance space complete with an elegant curved cantilevered staircase. Mr. Roach points out evidence of an early version of a central heating vent tucked beneath the staircase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdEfbpKfO0UtNs-XIcnhYhtepRrQtc0bynnbYolHdx98GKOG0UWScI2B-VB_I1yA60YmlM_DPGDVvpYiU90OFaypBMySM9MtlNi6nVsjCxRDdTGBjK4a3_YwNyG4OGCa1c9iC4caBgpjM/s1600/IMG_7260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdEfbpKfO0UtNs-XIcnhYhtepRrQtc0bynnbYolHdx98GKOG0UWScI2B-VB_I1yA60YmlM_DPGDVvpYiU90OFaypBMySM9MtlNi6nVsjCxRDdTGBjK4a3_YwNyG4OGCa1c9iC4caBgpjM/s1640/IMG_7260.JPG" title="Family portraits line the walls of the main staircase of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gore family portraits line the staircase walls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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We are then ushered into the Great Hall. This is the space I had seen photographed in a book long ago, and which had stirred my desire to one day make a pilgrimage to Gore Place. In that photograph, the hall was set up as a dining space, complete with a Chinese export porcelain laden table, klismos chairs, and French Empire candelabra atop twin pier tables positioned in front of mirrors to capture the glow of candlelight. Stepping into the Great Hall today, I was somewhat taken aback by its eye-popping transformation. Save for the distinctive floor pattern, I barely recognized the place! Here is the hall today ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF98PBhAQ-qz3VhR4H9eyrJ2dF93hkAor9x8MX35gdgJjxz-sPV4Pe2cWdUazGP1oIx7GKVPLYMoTzpjN4IJA45GVPegBBssGUpCCoNyz37d_6_FI1_lDP8HyCaqLdUwp5Xj4FX6L2PDV/s1600/IMG_7288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF98PBhAQ-qz3VhR4H9eyrJ2dF93hkAor9x8MX35gdgJjxz-sPV4Pe2cWdUazGP1oIx7GKVPLYMoTzpjN4IJA45GVPegBBssGUpCCoNyz37d_6_FI1_lDP8HyCaqLdUwp5Xj4FX6L2PDV/s1640/IMG_7288.JPG" title="One of two fireplaces in the Great Hall at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of two fireplaces that heats Gore Place's Great Hall during cooler weather<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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... and this is how it looked around the time I saw it photographed in a book many years earlier:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTRmkQS-n5ozoCXZuAEJoPJwMpoq8UWWZGhCExmz24i7vONQKY1pAboz9ZyqwSY1FNlXge8ulJ5yZB-EHR4VrF8cC45jeQvtMw7CNoBplGb-IaRIHztvAC0d3PZvM5W753w3yMlKkCaE/s1600/GP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTRmkQS-n5ozoCXZuAEJoPJwMpoq8UWWZGhCExmz24i7vONQKY1pAboz9ZyqwSY1FNlXge8ulJ5yZB-EHR4VrF8cC45jeQvtMw7CNoBplGb-IaRIHztvAC0d3PZvM5W753w3yMlKkCaE/s1640/GP.jpg" title="The Great Hall at Gore Place as it looked before the installation of the wallpaper" width="430" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo: Damie Stillman<br />
<a href="http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/MA-01-WT1">Source</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNCcTlUN5T0kAYb50DzAzGeuzBdFiiDE16xpqXVouWfaiN5TYFbNOk2SysL_XTkjcHroetOxSuST2YCyFQ7rCShiohAl6Wt6v5hRY28jQrG1qsDkO4MOJZ4Jojm_UXmbYjIaoEBSN8y0/s1600/GreatHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="936" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNCcTlUN5T0kAYb50DzAzGeuzBdFiiDE16xpqXVouWfaiN5TYFbNOk2SysL_XTkjcHroetOxSuST2YCyFQ7rCShiohAl6Wt6v5hRY28jQrG1qsDkO4MOJZ4Jojm_UXmbYjIaoEBSN8y0/s1400/GreatHall.jpg" title="The Great Hall at Gore Place set up as a dining space" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Great Hall set up as a dining space much as it looked when I first<br />
espied it in a book long ago<br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUw6m9FAqpv/?taken-by=goreplace">Source</a></div>
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The Great Hall has metamorphosed into a far more vibrant space due to the recent addition of the bold pink and blue block-printed French wallpaper and border, recreated from a document found in the house. The hall, I learned, now appears as it did shortly after the house was built in 1806.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6e9ad-esFqIYh-TPP2m6TX0Mvt0KvMDq2xKYFcpJXEg11CF2rOoH6AJqM08IWPypWxJYkzVD9Zp5sBowrS04CuOi-YlaM2p5g_CSDrsWfpr6N_yrHz-yZvm-F_GPoQF1X9jIJYS2USDdL/s1600/IMG_7291+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6e9ad-esFqIYh-TPP2m6TX0Mvt0KvMDq2xKYFcpJXEg11CF2rOoH6AJqM08IWPypWxJYkzVD9Zp5sBowrS04CuOi-YlaM2p5g_CSDrsWfpr6N_yrHz-yZvm-F_GPoQF1X9jIJYS2USDdL/s1640/IMG_7291+-+Copy.JPG" title="The Great Hall Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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The Great Hall's floor is made of cooling Pennsylvania King of Prussia marble</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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If I am perfectly honest, I much prefer the soothing tone of the painted walls, as historically inaccurate as that may be. Those Federal-era decorators were no shrinking violets, that's for sure!<br />
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Next, we enter the oval-shaped drawing room. The triple-hung windows, when not shuttered as on the day we visited, reveal south-facing views of verdant lawns beyond.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRtmQ12kqtCgkElgLK-5y_29ZFzNKpZrHSGlCwSVrKnqcXmtmSNdC3WIqnPfqscV08j8Zf3CySYb2plO4K_aX08iPlK2WlNkBOTHYSn6b97t8MEq7YvCiu8IkYWAP1raxJDj7m8MwCeh/s1600/IMG_7279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRtmQ12kqtCgkElgLK-5y_29ZFzNKpZrHSGlCwSVrKnqcXmtmSNdC3WIqnPfqscV08j8Zf3CySYb2plO4K_aX08iPlK2WlNkBOTHYSn6b97t8MEq7YvCiu8IkYWAP1raxJDj7m8MwCeh/s1640/IMG_7279.JPG" title="Federal sofa in the oval drawing room of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is one of two handsome Federal mahogany sofas gracing the oval drawing room</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Mr. Roach delighted in revealing to us Mrs. Gore's china closet, ingeniously situated between the oval walls shared by the Great Hall and the drawing room. If that's not an efficient use of an awkwardly-shaped space, I don't know what is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkXgwhJjLUYhyv7I_ke7Jr4XTjMbSPxXvZClxf9pRT1XDJoSos48bBfqhJPKqhu7_fFGtmGAJqEeO74gl2Ydr_CcPxXX10ERh7Kc-B8bKHqjKy3-Y5Sop3A5yQoPb3Tlm7GKgXQOEPjOG/s1600/IMG_7284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkXgwhJjLUYhyv7I_ke7Jr4XTjMbSPxXvZClxf9pRT1XDJoSos48bBfqhJPKqhu7_fFGtmGAJqEeO74gl2Ydr_CcPxXX10ERh7Kc-B8bKHqjKy3-Y5Sop3A5yQoPb3Tlm7GKgXQOEPjOG/s1640/IMG_7284.JPG" title="The china closet at Gore Place full of Paris Porcelain and Chinese Export pieces" width="426" /></a></div>
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Tucked between the drawing room and the Great Hall is a small china closet whose shelves groan with Chinese Export and Old Paris Porcelain - Mrs. Gore placed the closet there for efficiency and for its proximity to the basement kitchen</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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The library is located in the east wing of the mansion and is a particularly comfortable room in which to study. This is due to the plentiful natural light that streams in through four large windows. The handsome fireplace was carved by Samuel McIntire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cmIKGcV4hlQac8iJ0FBXFrCgnvSII2UQpFdNXbNU3DvAxsaJNI2hCbtO1tWlE2daLOM9kWLGGIC-THeFQc1eYL077FHmNi6mcb6aiMJ8nFR6-pXcxw8goj-xPrFonGcPpEWJHunTPg2j/s1600/IMG_7271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cmIKGcV4hlQac8iJ0FBXFrCgnvSII2UQpFdNXbNU3DvAxsaJNI2hCbtO1tWlE2daLOM9kWLGGIC-THeFQc1eYL077FHmNi6mcb6aiMJ8nFR6-pXcxw8goj-xPrFonGcPpEWJHunTPg2j/s1640/IMG_7271.JPG" title="The library with Samuel McIntire cared fireplace at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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The nine foot round mahogany library table dominates the room and provides<br />
ample space for studious pursuits</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI1s5j7-CJYssBlaNW0G6nI7DX9ynbFtelUvTpB5_6ryMrOl_IgXkuwvaEG_mhESq06Yq_j16Imp_GKE_IQEnhEGUv80WmNf4NNIkN_r7O_iHk6UfvA2m07aJRsT_XI58qbXLI9BlT67l/s1600/IMG_7272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI1s5j7-CJYssBlaNW0G6nI7DX9ynbFtelUvTpB5_6ryMrOl_IgXkuwvaEG_mhESq06Yq_j16Imp_GKE_IQEnhEGUv80WmNf4NNIkN_r7O_iHk6UfvA2m07aJRsT_XI58qbXLI9BlT67l/s1640/IMG_7272.JPG" title="Silhouettes hanging in the library at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A pair of silhouettes hang on the library's walls - might they </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
possibly be Mr. and Mrs. Gore?</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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In a nearby small parlor, a table is set with <span style="text-align: center;">seasonal ingredients available to the family in 1806. This is the salad course.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKbaj3fn30ZEzlsTEXJG5wLE1wLFQHWGH3UmLOMPlpFxwWbxD-_HuGjyy1YPZB0xdqcEAPLiDqDQMJBib6tlsAWsjdYrJ_rYuHzNdkQqm8CBf-0ZEXUQ2k0iij8UFwNpKNCdOZgkbV1IV/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKbaj3fn30ZEzlsTEXJG5wLE1wLFQHWGH3UmLOMPlpFxwWbxD-_HuGjyy1YPZB0xdqcEAPLiDqDQMJBib6tlsAWsjdYrJ_rYuHzNdkQqm8CBf-0ZEXUQ2k0iij8UFwNpKNCdOZgkbV1IV/s1640/IMG_7264.JPG" title="Table set for the salad course at Gore Place " width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0PCJchNOii6UAFrqwHbflK4r-IB9h3WwaQTkftdhX94qKm5uNDWGPOJI17b1d7AF-Lq1LyaEc0vdoj9tox4C2MpQL8M_qPSzrioeecP5uFlNmn9d5Pux0fZA85J7rBTwx-wSwS86IvSY/s1600/IMG_7266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0PCJchNOii6UAFrqwHbflK4r-IB9h3WwaQTkftdhX94qKm5uNDWGPOJI17b1d7AF-Lq1LyaEc0vdoj9tox4C2MpQL8M_qPSzrioeecP5uFlNmn9d5Pux0fZA85J7rBTwx-wSwS86IvSY/s1640/IMG_7266.JPG" title="Decorative butter atop a dining table at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If only every slab of fresh creamy butter was such a work of art!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Notice how the bread roll is tucked into the napkin, exactly as Mr. Gore's butler,<br />
Mr. Robert Roberts, would have placed it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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When we first arrived at Gore Place, Mr. Roach ushered us into the house through the east door. We now stand at the west entry of the house which was primarily used by Gore Place's visiting tradesmen. The room is sparsely but beautifully decorated with silver candle sconces, Windsor chairs, two clocks, and few other embellishments. I rather liked this unfussy space. The flooring is constructed of the same King of Prussia marble as is found in the Great Hall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35Vz-2uAL07zMZ7qlZcgOYe8Vg-h7ELFXxYP-QjgE2yDC3zc41ZIk6YVnvMo9VTVNdhz7jDff2coUPRd7QvS_xHqLRljh04TqSt2-52fhK-F-Gy3mn2roKr-iy8ErviiIbmBQjmbWyzP6/s1600/IMG_7300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35Vz-2uAL07zMZ7qlZcgOYe8Vg-h7ELFXxYP-QjgE2yDC3zc41ZIk6YVnvMo9VTVNdhz7jDff2coUPRd7QvS_xHqLRljh04TqSt2-52fhK-F-Gy3mn2roKr-iy8ErviiIbmBQjmbWyzP6/s1640/IMG_7300.JPG" title="The West entry of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihumRXRIfVV9w7sszVyh3hOz9NehjgjNUMyiHZ3cMXcTVrbRQKOuXglXBFiJxIYRV9fkAYuM_oBpaC9uNs6JqxIf3u-hNx-yCxyZI-OMscWzevFe1Wtpr1J2NvCYjx2x6_ZUjA7unE9DXB/s1600/IMG_7299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihumRXRIfVV9w7sszVyh3hOz9NehjgjNUMyiHZ3cMXcTVrbRQKOuXglXBFiJxIYRV9fkAYuM_oBpaC9uNs6JqxIf3u-hNx-yCxyZI-OMscWzevFe1Wtpr1J2NvCYjx2x6_ZUjA7unE9DXB/s1640/IMG_7299.JPG" title="Keys of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keys found around the property hang on what appears to be a decorative, and<br />
covetable, brass George Washington curtain tie back</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Below shows the small room that Mr. Gore utilized as his office. With its cheery apricot colored walls and the four windows filling the room with light, I can well understand Mr. Gore's desire to spend time here. Tackling the business of bill paying and other administrative tasks would certainly become a more pleasurable undertaking when conducted from the confines of this cozy and well appointed office. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71oUSPzYpx7AV89n5aA1mlwiKo50zit-d8y-5jt9bRn0J3tR1XR7OI9186GH0Hzz71ROwN3JUonUWWMpl6Jgne0JeIutjblsbsMKmdBQMxTH4VbbATPSGDQPjyCZ7IhXJ3dhsvMVetIU3/s1600/IMG_7270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71oUSPzYpx7AV89n5aA1mlwiKo50zit-d8y-5jt9bRn0J3tR1XR7OI9186GH0Hzz71ROwN3JUonUWWMpl6Jgne0JeIutjblsbsMKmdBQMxTH4VbbATPSGDQPjyCZ7IhXJ3dhsvMVetIU3/s1400/IMG_7270.JPG" title="Mr Gore's office at Gore Place" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mr. Gore's comfortably furnished office</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Below shows yet another dining table. This room is where the family ate their breakfasts. Boiled eggs are on this morning's menu. Interestingly, when the Gores lived in the house, eggs were a seasonal food item and unavailable during the winter months. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfY4ffV2-FV2tz3oQ5vtb2WudSWJf9kjmw0PDAC7T86LTpbGdAGsRucx6JWnhvJ6DAtUAuOF3lhqZNITh-xMbZQkFj7fr_1Sb9CH_w86h7-pbB7W81OfLQysQzaJHzal8cq6avZNkfoiL1/s1600/IMG_7301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfY4ffV2-FV2tz3oQ5vtb2WudSWJf9kjmw0PDAC7T86LTpbGdAGsRucx6JWnhvJ6DAtUAuOF3lhqZNITh-xMbZQkFj7fr_1Sb9CH_w86h7-pbB7W81OfLQysQzaJHzal8cq6avZNkfoiL1/s1640/IMG_7301.JPG" title="Breakfast table at Gore Place " width="426" /></a></div>
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A striking floorcloth is placed atop the gray painted floorboards in the breakfast room<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D0A2KRXjT1axUR941O5YnTTR5rdMHRrsHNhR0Nkl0Vn4ZgXdw6R6cJNBIBAdYyVo7V-cQ1ALOCq6hthKPHoZ3DieHPzeuxBaQCjhHgu-ITKN4jggEYF4VdePOZBo6ANiC24XCXcw6aU/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D0A2KRXjT1axUR941O5YnTTR5rdMHRrsHNhR0Nkl0Vn4ZgXdw6R6cJNBIBAdYyVo7V-cQ1ALOCq6hthKPHoZ3DieHPzeuxBaQCjhHgu-ITKN4jggEYF4VdePOZBo6ANiC24XCXcw6aU/s1640/IMG_7315.JPG" title="The back stairs of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Time to go upstairs</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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With all the setting of tables, stoking of fires, and running up and down flights of stairs, is it any wonder that the poor butler was so exhausted! Fear not, for he enjoyed his own special place to sooth his weary feet upstairs on the mezzanine level in the butler's chamber.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8Foh4WTgdzqUwBTBXLP5tzw_KP1fwcTv8Ddxyf9KYGJyIjqSLzGi3VC9YEbifGnPQzCkk78Y7SZ6AJB3PD2Aq3Hojj8WI7EisIhcNY7lWttzhLjbmKCgaUZlIJdP7BuQQZ0L8af2rtwn/s1600/IMG_7309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8Foh4WTgdzqUwBTBXLP5tzw_KP1fwcTv8Ddxyf9KYGJyIjqSLzGi3VC9YEbifGnPQzCkk78Y7SZ6AJB3PD2Aq3Hojj8WI7EisIhcNY7lWttzhLjbmKCgaUZlIJdP7BuQQZ0L8af2rtwn/s1640/IMG_7309.JPG" title="The butler's footbath Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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A foot bath at the ready to receive the aching feet of Mr. Robert Roberts, Mr. Gore's trusty butler</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Every butler's duty revolves around his master and attending to his wardrobe needs. Below is a corner of Mr. Gore's dressing room. It is here that Robert Roberts assisted Mr. Gore with his daily dress and with the care of his master's wardrobe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4kMSd5x5pSOVgY8wfl9D0DXp7qcZRAntfKbrEyJ6gWoQvICz4ezc_cWRYHlLNuhVZKrlHu3hXSkjuuXGb1jIDO9m-61KrLmll-C8vSq5cpax24nu2-F0neC_LHWvjWoWhEYHDS1d87Ni/s1600/IMG_7327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Dous" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4kMSd5x5pSOVgY8wfl9D0DXp7qcZRAntfKbrEyJ6gWoQvICz4ezc_cWRYHlLNuhVZKrlHu3hXSkjuuXGb1jIDO9m-61KrLmll-C8vSq5cpax24nu2-F0neC_LHWvjWoWhEYHDS1d87Ni/s1640/IMG_7327.JPG" title="The dressing room at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Mr. Gore's dressing room </div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ET1ZuV_5C4mdGCEGzYJr5darAw1QqpcPBn3jrI9IkeB0V8oKpEq8e6XTAQ9h6O6HQyESK-xsOhcahxZe1FP1WwTAmj_IGENXZjfmA6r4PG4J4aaQGK9Ej0XAe4j1vwYiip3JzyeobWX-/s1600/IMG_7323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ET1ZuV_5C4mdGCEGzYJr5darAw1QqpcPBn3jrI9IkeB0V8oKpEq8e6XTAQ9h6O6HQyESK-xsOhcahxZe1FP1WwTAmj_IGENXZjfmA6r4PG4J4aaQGK9Ej0XAe4j1vwYiip3JzyeobWX-/s1640/IMG_7323.JPG" title="An earlly popcorn maker in one of the upstairs rooms at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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An early-nineteenth century popcorn maker at the ready in one of the upstairs rooms</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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It's all fun and games as we walk into the oval billiards room, situated directly above the downstairs oval drawing room. The room happens to hold the second oldest surviving billiards table in the United States.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpdF1ardjA5LQXma-LJ97HsHPoRAA-7Mgr3L3sG5xmmdif7D7AfFalCsqjres3CvTmHl6BO9OnUmx4PVBalazPuU0q7xYHIxrGNXUQjemPtYeD_mzBSAvRJmnbvqwxTkD8k_4e1H3VK3G/s1600/IMG_7324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpdF1ardjA5LQXma-LJ97HsHPoRAA-7Mgr3L3sG5xmmdif7D7AfFalCsqjres3CvTmHl6BO9OnUmx4PVBalazPuU0q7xYHIxrGNXUQjemPtYeD_mzBSAvRJmnbvqwxTkD8k_4e1H3VK3G/s1640/IMG_7324.JPG" title="Second oldest billiards table in the United States at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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The billiards table fills almost the entire oval room and looks particularly smart<br />
with its epaulet-like pockets</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyWUkKTkhR3oTaWB6Osg7XGQrQyf-6bgiAMtqUxyAaGlndfVV4rivQgnER_J7g9mJjyuQMPV2y-YEr1tiPfU0oPZzeB5VcJ_kMs_7W1qvUdjAr66Ufe-Y-5wy2ZnmYYpYyA9amNHgcHfE/s1600/IMG_7326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyWUkKTkhR3oTaWB6Osg7XGQrQyf-6bgiAMtqUxyAaGlndfVV4rivQgnER_J7g9mJjyuQMPV2y-YEr1tiPfU0oPZzeB5VcJ_kMs_7W1qvUdjAr66Ufe-Y-5wy2ZnmYYpYyA9amNHgcHfE/s1640/IMG_7326.JPG" title="Oval billiards room at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Mr. Gore purchased the billiards table in 1805 and it remained in this room<br />
until 1910 when it was sold to a local family for $15 - it returned home in<br />
1935 when the house became a museum</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4O2KrEYh7w5P-6icJrqAJLd350ZO3uAyrk5PUGbLVtcC_jYsP2X02h_SoNIDKH4JXf2HuH1Pg8lCrRlxW-mNJne69sobSyUsslUV7B6OrI6xwZD0JuXxWyyDQXJtbv1XZk9EFjNtAJk/s1600/IMG_7335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4O2KrEYh7w5P-6icJrqAJLd350ZO3uAyrk5PUGbLVtcC_jYsP2X02h_SoNIDKH4JXf2HuH1Pg8lCrRlxW-mNJne69sobSyUsslUV7B6OrI6xwZD0JuXxWyyDQXJtbv1XZk9EFjNtAJk/s1640/IMG_7335.JPG" title="Gore Place guest chamber with painted wallpaper" width="426" /></a></div>
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A tranquil corner of the guest bed chamber with a beautiful painted wallpaper that<br />
would not look so out of place in a modern interior<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Making our way through the remainder of the upstairs bed chambers and sitting room, we again find our way downstairs via the main staircase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfa9A01UbjTE3in38pqukOJZAHVZDljKMa8Dq_sAx_Xe4PgGSNUb3bpYaXbcbfDyo6z0jqwldL4V3nLnLo1sDM7zibJ-3F1P6jAk2ehHS11uH7d426ZU5QY98EpIUq1KvXggc5wflQkV6/s1600/IMG_7336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfa9A01UbjTE3in38pqukOJZAHVZDljKMa8Dq_sAx_Xe4PgGSNUb3bpYaXbcbfDyo6z0jqwldL4V3nLnLo1sDM7zibJ-3F1P6jAk2ehHS11uH7d426ZU5QY98EpIUq1KvXggc5wflQkV6/s1640/IMG_7336.JPG" title="The staircase at Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Although not so obvious in this photograph, the stair treads are painted to resemble the gray </div>
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and white marble of the entrance hall's floor which was quarried in Pennsylvania</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Once outside the house, Mr. Roach walks us over to the immaculately restored carriage house. Built in 1793, the structure housed wagons and horse-drawn carriages.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWj0xVpnyt-68wdgF4oYtHMOC5XOUIXae18XFuIRLdJWJw9YoKuBDA3Rrc9pMvOUXdZmaN66RokrwXnbhlVwpD_9woqAmLjtwrP163OhU46hc1f1zYi5601y1xfK2o9qOyBtwzaXf4Oy_/s1600/IMG_7363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWj0xVpnyt-68wdgF4oYtHMOC5XOUIXae18XFuIRLdJWJw9YoKuBDA3Rrc9pMvOUXdZmaN66RokrwXnbhlVwpD_9woqAmLjtwrP163OhU46hc1f1zYi5601y1xfK2o9qOyBtwzaXf4Oy_/s1400/IMG_7363.JPG" title="The Carriage House at Gore Place" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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The carriage house is divided into four sections; a tack room, a harness room, the horse stalls, and a carriage room. Believe it or not, the structure has endured two moves in its long history and is now, thankfully, back in its original spot on the property.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLxqtgCpbieKrr5jdB66ZhZIBjOjcNJHmmCpoOxgfRZhUhT3ZG34Vv4N9aWFPLuacYWiTJ0kiwPWLYBF7wsfJRxZ41LZ-Fdf6Edaj-5jGSz0sy5e8bxLi0KZZWBjl8mr1KD9dbTV29cQ/s1600/IMG_7366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLxqtgCpbieKrr5jdB66ZhZIBjOjcNJHmmCpoOxgfRZhUhT3ZG34Vv4N9aWFPLuacYWiTJ0kiwPWLYBF7wsfJRxZ41LZ-Fdf6Edaj-5jGSz0sy5e8bxLi0KZZWBjl8mr1KD9dbTV29cQ/s1640/IMG_7366.JPG" title="The tack room Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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The tack room is as neat as a pin<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOiic_CExFuKTOLrIuy9WE_nWcyAEFyhRay8HDY3HvCP84_Gwe6-HtPBNMH8Z5mN-pNOf56tCH6RiHFaZ6MeCF6Fitp8HNrYcUYOx54bfTijCCs1cdjMJbx8wyyjX2hJgP2CgRZaJB6KT/s1600/IMG_7367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOiic_CExFuKTOLrIuy9WE_nWcyAEFyhRay8HDY3HvCP84_Gwe6-HtPBNMH8Z5mN-pNOf56tCH6RiHFaZ6MeCF6Fitp8HNrYcUYOx54bfTijCCs1cdjMJbx8wyyjX2hJgP2CgRZaJB6KT/s1640/IMG_7367.JPG" title="Horse stalls at the carriage house Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Any horse would be delighted to be put up in these stalls</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7AiImNt60kR2-a_oe9vh_Y7mtyrpjbgW-tpCNxQSekthYGdpXV1Vyhu6OW4U2iTYqxv__WV24T7NykfQSAvMsdveqGH21t-PNUoEaqvHtyU9gzcTZrbSdmsMk5p5r8l1og4PeARlDr1b/s1600/IMG_7373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7AiImNt60kR2-a_oe9vh_Y7mtyrpjbgW-tpCNxQSekthYGdpXV1Vyhu6OW4U2iTYqxv__WV24T7NykfQSAvMsdveqGH21t-PNUoEaqvHtyU9gzcTZrbSdmsMk5p5r8l1og4PeARlDr1b/s1640/IMG_7373.JPG" title="Horse stalls at the carriage house of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBAm46nC7EeSQtJ5ziYAefJURsFWiK8AUfUlQYSNRKc4gYrHayO2EPfAW5Rz9QGjYdf-8XPQJdZMtyeH-1gaw2xzR6eC1OjLr800jgOOIrUkXSv61E0UYgvdIv8sQ4lxHdpzK-dPvXAg/s1600/IMG_7372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBAm46nC7EeSQtJ5ziYAefJURsFWiK8AUfUlQYSNRKc4gYrHayO2EPfAW5Rz9QGjYdf-8XPQJdZMtyeH-1gaw2xzR6eC1OjLr800jgOOIrUkXSv61E0UYgvdIv8sQ4lxHdpzK-dPvXAg/s1640/IMG_7372.JPG" title="A country carriage found inside the carriage house of Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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A country carriage, along with the Gore's city carriage sit in the carriage house today<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Mr. Roach's pride in showing us around Gore Place was more than evident, and his enthusiasm was contagious. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit thanks to him and left with a better understanding of how life was lived in this marvelous Federal-era country estate. Our only regret was not setting aside enough time to explore the remainder of the property and farm. There is always next time I suppose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8fQsl1zpDGR2sPeM2DvV44lMXRCiYZcReY_-oVKEt0k7XYJrxnp9kP61ZQso_gncQ9wYRZiTGRJA61zT_le4Kh4Z8EtGjOCRu-hPT9bj94o5WgsU3F73fuUj2x5zUkM8Yfh-YEkJsig/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8fQsl1zpDGR2sPeM2DvV44lMXRCiYZcReY_-oVKEt0k7XYJrxnp9kP61ZQso_gncQ9wYRZiTGRJA61zT_le4Kh4Z8EtGjOCRu-hPT9bj94o5WgsU3F73fuUj2x5zUkM8Yfh-YEkJsig/s1640/IMG_7362.JPG" title="Gore Place" width="426" /></a></div>
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Borrowing ideas from the English landscape style of Humphry Repton, the Gore's<br />
planted broad lawns and many trees on the property<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Please do make it a point to visit <a href="http://goreplace.org/">Gore Place</a> when you next find yourself in nearby Boston. It is a mere thirty minute car ride from the bustle of the city and well-worth your time.<br />
<br />
Gore Place & Farm<br />
52 Gore Street<br />
Waltham, Massachusetts<br />
Tel: 1 781 894 2798<br />
<a href="https://goreplace.org/">https://goreplace.org/</a><br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-83048926041480926322018-09-16T11:00:00.001-07:002018-09-17T06:34:03.692-07:00Late Summer's Tomato Haul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlgixU0_gNSuJH3rC-02UjjVSB7Gqc9g6PPlqmQMd2DvZ1kB-Z7DVezGx3bmQydmVlmu3aSlfaAhfWE9V_Qgfto2eGHPeyIkKGfcXobL1mrzZY8LLGqQjGIin9ynj0fPoIzvMI6bZU_c/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlgixU0_gNSuJH3rC-02UjjVSB7Gqc9g6PPlqmQMd2DvZ1kB-Z7DVezGx3bmQydmVlmu3aSlfaAhfWE9V_Qgfto2eGHPeyIkKGfcXobL1mrzZY8LLGqQjGIin9ynj0fPoIzvMI6bZU_c/s1640/IMG_2986.JPG" title="Homegrown heirloom tomatoes" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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It's late summer and the tomatoes in my garden have been superb this year. Funny thing is, I've practically ignored the poor things believing I had picked the last plump and tasty fruit weeks ago. It turns out, I have been wonderfully mistaken.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu9YFZCm4pqIlSfgecKJtSisLt9CTGEi7C5c_cWIP8HzfGcqDYXsvx5q3069Kv7MGEnAhf9y_HHSbSAX7eyf5FWX2z13Nvcf1E-u51OoQRg7MztGl0waTQpglP7n_LBfB_nWwUe3fEhM/s1600/IMG_3061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu9YFZCm4pqIlSfgecKJtSisLt9CTGEi7C5c_cWIP8HzfGcqDYXsvx5q3069Kv7MGEnAhf9y_HHSbSAX7eyf5FWX2z13Nvcf1E-u51OoQRg7MztGl0waTQpglP7n_LBfB_nWwUe3fEhM/s1640/IMG_3061.JPG" title="Black Cherry Tomatoes" width="426" /></a></div>
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Surely, this must be the final clump of tomatoes of the growing season, right?<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Not counting on benign neglect to be such a growth booster, my family and I have been hauling in the (we think) last flush of tomatoes for the past two weeks. They just keep coming and coming. I stopped watering the plants weeks ago which has only served to sweeten the bounty would you believe. Perhaps that is what the pros call 'dry farming'. Whatever it is that is going on, this gentlewoman gardener is just glad for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTB2rDdtp62D03tSqx2byC0sMOKcFrgzUBDXKNd9-o188qPUJaMlqJRHVzG8u578q9FLKiNoIIz8Pn7ELha4JGyWpl1VXTu1KLVW8_Pj5_ckC9lL4bmekPeApeVis1Q8_ST2KhXj7UCk/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTB2rDdtp62D03tSqx2byC0sMOKcFrgzUBDXKNd9-o188qPUJaMlqJRHVzG8u578q9FLKiNoIIz8Pn7ELha4JGyWpl1VXTu1KLVW8_Pj5_ckC9lL4bmekPeApeVis1Q8_ST2KhXj7UCk/s1640/IMG_3032.JPG" title="large egg-shaped fruits are Japanese Black Trifele tomatoes, picked when their shoulders turn green" width="426" /></a></div>
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These large egg-shaped fruits are Japanese Black Trifele tomatoes, </div>
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picked when their shoulders turn green</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzl4JhB29tmAO0UB6SOjOT3sRK4T_Zdlx-WCOfX9vbq8Sh0-o74JWUTrEMO4e2xgMsvSBKy3N-WiV9oH9a1F9YWft1vPHf23wNkBH_5ynPVUXVmyTgBfFSIsQOfoqYymfQ9Ha2vuqYG0/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzl4JhB29tmAO0UB6SOjOT3sRK4T_Zdlx-WCOfX9vbq8Sh0-o74JWUTrEMO4e2xgMsvSBKy3N-WiV9oH9a1F9YWft1vPHf23wNkBH_5ynPVUXVmyTgBfFSIsQOfoqYymfQ9Ha2vuqYG0/s1640/IMG_2968.JPG" title="White Current and Japanes Black Trifele tomatoes homegrown of course" width="426" /></a></div>
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Do you remember <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/08/you-say-tomayto.html">last year's tomato post</a> and the White Current heirloom tomatoes I grew?<br />
Well, here they are again, all volunteers!<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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As you can well imagine, the kitchen has been abuzz with activity centered around our ongoing tomato harvest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVDtO4FTT6z8nQvUY7b3qO9Mj6eSx1gU-mCnd-GWK4_Cwui1MGRNmdQQTWXGX2ZBDywtcV7_Zpb7kMey8tieOjUz4oc_nplX6hk4FUCB6L3ipzLitVPeHD41ybFHoEfPAHxtfFdQU-go/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVDtO4FTT6z8nQvUY7b3qO9Mj6eSx1gU-mCnd-GWK4_Cwui1MGRNmdQQTWXGX2ZBDywtcV7_Zpb7kMey8tieOjUz4oc_nplX6hk4FUCB6L3ipzLitVPeHD41ybFHoEfPAHxtfFdQU-go/s1640/IMG_2996.JPG" title="Japanese Black Trifele tomatoes make for a good sauce" width="426" /></a></div>
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Tomato sauce made with a mixture of the Japanese Black Trifeles and the White Current tomatoes<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_prRz0ZWGm38S59TRyFrCbIRNxSIk77EpjYq9wCafZPe6GMZej2nxyxkfNjMaWmG6hnG2tTcj8ySLy9kLXBY5-zjqM92wrcILStv1jx9CjO93C1Df6csL40Z3dK1qkTs_NEjYlK5wFIk/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_prRz0ZWGm38S59TRyFrCbIRNxSIk77EpjYq9wCafZPe6GMZej2nxyxkfNjMaWmG6hnG2tTcj8ySLy9kLXBY5-zjqM92wrcILStv1jx9CjO93C1Df6csL40Z3dK1qkTs_NEjYlK5wFIk/s1640/IMG_3049.JPG" title="Tasty St. Pierre homegrown tomatoes and romano beans" width="426" /></a><br />
Romano beans purchased at the farmers' market cooked in ...yes, you guessed it<br />
(I used French heirloom tomatoes St. Pierre which did not yield as much fruit<br />
as the Japanese variety I grew this year)<br />
Here's the <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017588-stewed-romano-beans-with-tomatoes">recipe from the New York Times</a><br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ8sAsgjfkRRkcjh4y325iMhDBPPvJzsHAMC46ncsH6hyCrNhvPHNytEnPugWjiiz2ZWHr6U0143gCGMTxNaH7SDuj_sJIyvOBd7cEvaMk0mcsNCTWmzClHxtpKNl_z2GDQV_SwG_vlI/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ8sAsgjfkRRkcjh4y325iMhDBPPvJzsHAMC46ncsH6hyCrNhvPHNytEnPugWjiiz2ZWHr6U0143gCGMTxNaH7SDuj_sJIyvOBd7cEvaMk0mcsNCTWmzClHxtpKNl_z2GDQV_SwG_vlI/s1640/IMG_3072.JPG" title="Homegrown tomatoes" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">And what would summer be without setting aside some tomatoes for everyone's favorite salad?</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">Photo: Chronica Domus</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtQ-pJXh-h9C9jeeDY99pnbyRgTxjryB0_2v2bF6daLEHShABmVrxf8wmosEdu-Au9zuwBaZ5AQi7EKqQ0ITuxR26ijeZgKwIhRcE14d8R2WhOb8q-ZyynLYs-gOtMJTF107_0oGUEVE/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtQ-pJXh-h9C9jeeDY99pnbyRgTxjryB0_2v2bF6daLEHShABmVrxf8wmosEdu-Au9zuwBaZ5AQi7EKqQ0ITuxR26ijeZgKwIhRcE14d8R2WhOb8q-ZyynLYs-gOtMJTF107_0oGUEVE/s1640/IMG_3099.JPG" title="homegrown tomatoes make a tasty Caprese salad" width="426" /></a></div>
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A classic Caprese salad made with homegrown heirloom Black Cherry<br />
and White Current tomatoes, both varieties were, happily, harvested from volunteer plants this year<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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Aside from all the cooking, one of the greatest pleasures of having such a bountiful garden is sharing our crop with good neighbor friends. I hear reports that my friend Jeannette's young daughter is an avid consumer of tomatoes and she rates the White Currents as particularly sweet. Sweet for the sweet, isn't that what they say?</div>
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Do you have a favorite variety of tomato you look forward to eating during the summer months? How about any good recipes or ideas on how to use my excessive bounty? I'd be very pleased to hear about them if so.</div>
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-83458695785524912722018-08-14T16:05:00.001-07:002018-08-14T20:55:45.685-07:00What's Blooming Inside: In Praise of Heirloom Sweet Peas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been said many times over that a picture paints a thousand words. However, as I contentedly find myself captivated by Lathyrus odoratus, that most delicious of summer's blooms, I ask myself how it could possibly be fair to share a mere picture with you. Or, for that matter, few words.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NonbXUmUVQ0fsD1mSuZVIR2w7FPzRYgXgNRvPaLaL70rthH1SnntvmdOG4n6rXSTQCUfzBaau_FPaZEV-59_Ho53PrRf5inQeMziqqp1tsUFI-HAqHrCdmLX_4jS3qIBnMHaH7b96eA/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1465" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NonbXUmUVQ0fsD1mSuZVIR2w7FPzRYgXgNRvPaLaL70rthH1SnntvmdOG4n6rXSTQCUfzBaau_FPaZEV-59_Ho53PrRf5inQeMziqqp1tsUFI-HAqHrCdmLX_4jS3qIBnMHaH7b96eA/s1400/IMG_2799.JPG" title="A posy of heirloom fragrant sweet peas grown in my garden" width="365" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Photo: </span>Chronica<span style="text-align: left;"> </span>Domus</div>
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The humble <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/08/whats-blooming-inside-sweetest-of-sweet.html">sweet pea happens to be my favorite summer flower</a>. It helps, of course, that summers in the San Francisco Bay Area rarely ever sizzle; sweet peas <i>loathe</i> excessive heat. On most days, the thermometer hovers around the agreeable lower- to middle-70's range. All of this, of course, makes me a fortunate girl as I am able to enjoy a bountiful flower haul throughout the entire summer season and into early autumn.<br />
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I adore sweet peas so much that I would like to propose a new holiday in their honor, National Sweet Pea Day. On this day, the ephemeral and beguiling beauty of Lathyrus odoratus will be praised and celebrated throughout the land. Gardeners will clip the flowers from their tangled vines to bring indoors by the basketful. And, for those fellow admirers who lack either a garden or a green thumb, a trip to a local florist or market to procure a bunch to bring home will be the order of the day.<br />
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If you derive as much pleasure from this old-fashioned garden staple as I do, you'll be satisfied in the knowledge that the pretty undulating blooms should be clipped with regularity. I can think of no other plant that replenishes its flowers as swiftly as the sweet pea. It is nothing short of horticultural magic! Happily, one's garden shears are pressed into service on an almost daily basis during summer's flush.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwdcg9osYyS4hYp77MG7P0yllmzqsNVUChmPHccbF15IM6fwpm6DNZfWQ1hM5wufcobmFnddEgOWgF7SvF_7v_lrxwQK6VqLMgG6d7okPEAkM2X1Dat8_CeGqXFAWzYBuGMM4hJUbJdw/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwdcg9osYyS4hYp77MG7P0yllmzqsNVUChmPHccbF15IM6fwpm6DNZfWQ1hM5wufcobmFnddEgOWgF7SvF_7v_lrxwQK6VqLMgG6d7okPEAkM2X1Dat8_CeGqXFAWzYBuGMM4hJUbJdw/s1640/IMG_2110.JPG" title="Lathyrus odoratusCupani's Original heirloom sweet pea mix growing in my garden" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lathyrus odoratus Cupani's Original (circa 1699) basking in the June sun</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80XdrqzzUQuLUYd9DIndQJ83JxEZjXwRSeIx6FXzAUPU019WDULITPA55GgMqIpHz6JA-RjVtnBIfrXdRjpnysQi0PvZz7N1ciJ4xwL1GzkqvMbA-Ot_8QanFuZb9UnExamrx4FBKx18/s1600/IMG_2104+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80XdrqzzUQuLUYd9DIndQJ83JxEZjXwRSeIx6FXzAUPU019WDULITPA55GgMqIpHz6JA-RjVtnBIfrXdRjpnysQi0PvZz7N1ciJ4xwL1GzkqvMbA-Ot_8QanFuZb9UnExamrx4FBKx18/s1640/IMG_2104+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" title="The sweet pea patch in late June" width="426" /></a></div>
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The sweet pea vines as photographed on a foggy day back in late June ...</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn_8i-FZLXmdWHdmMQj3NsvWch3tBjCiGGqeQIAWoJGO9kL2KrVUeZHF2V8Iu6Pr5SUMMJNx1SHmMkNiZxn_lmBzBOdtlBrNIfzy4YKPOwZ_XJEMjlj1zVzB9Mlb7M1lPcz7NJezx5UI/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn_8i-FZLXmdWHdmMQj3NsvWch3tBjCiGGqeQIAWoJGO9kL2KrVUeZHF2V8Iu6Pr5SUMMJNx1SHmMkNiZxn_lmBzBOdtlBrNIfzy4YKPOwZ_XJEMjlj1zVzB9Mlb7M1lPcz7NJezx5UI/s1640/IMG_2801.JPG" title="Sweet pea vines as photographed in August " width="426" /></a></div>
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... and yesterday, mid-August, still going strong</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkVKnVHGC5HuUQq4uV8mujC9NRdq-ZLsFA6EODP2ZH0MyP41pd5JuckN6wzK6QTx6TFX3mT2mxFU2Ej2Cq8ZBEzbevR88nCmL1MoYW9EMF7fnqgkURW0-eW3W8fyF8312rHCPz96zROA/s1600/IMG_2412+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkVKnVHGC5HuUQq4uV8mujC9NRdq-ZLsFA6EODP2ZH0MyP41pd5JuckN6wzK6QTx6TFX3mT2mxFU2Ej2Cq8ZBEzbevR88nCmL1MoYW9EMF7fnqgkURW0-eW3W8fyF8312rHCPz96zROA/s1640/IMG_2412+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" title="The day's cuttings of heirloom Lathyrus odoratus Old Spice sweet pea mix" width="426" /></a></div>
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Daily cutting encourages a profusion of blooms</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Once indoors, sweet peas should be arranged in vessels and vases and the posies placed about the house. The simple act of doing so provides me with the greatest of pleasure. It is a rite of summer I look forward to undertaking <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/search/label/Sweet%20Peas">each and every year</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCz_fhyphenhyphen-OChj-k38Q7RugYTBDrA0Luhb2PWotKsSxQamzOm23KeE0EiuhwjX3maajIfLUJhzRNW7L_qxDj2L-9Yq3lpDMQoWON-twgWsSuCHC0hEl4asfevrI93KU-Xo5fiCy5sRK_k8/s1600/IMG_2578+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCz_fhyphenhyphen-OChj-k38Q7RugYTBDrA0Luhb2PWotKsSxQamzOm23KeE0EiuhwjX3maajIfLUJhzRNW7L_qxDj2L-9Yq3lpDMQoWON-twgWsSuCHC0hEl4asfevrI93KU-Xo5fiCy5sRK_k8/s1640/IMG_2578+-+Copy.JPG" title="Cupani's Original heirloom sweet pea arrangement" width="426" /></a></div>
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Ah heaven!... how I wish I could share the exquisite perfume wafting from these blooms with you</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus </div>
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Every room, no matter its size or decoration, will surely be enhanced by the delicate beauty and scent put forth by these posies. At least, that is, if you select wisely and cultivate the old-fashioned heirloom varieties. Some may argue that the daintier pink and white blooms of Painted Lady (circa 1730) for example, or those of Lathyrus odoratus America, a rich raspberry-red and white striped example dating back to 1896 are not as showy or as large as modern hybrids. On that score, I am in agreement. However, these are among the many older sweet pea strains I favor and believe to be far superior not only in their form and beauty, but in their scrumptious scent, an attribute so often lacking in modern sweet peas. Why deny yourself one of nature's most luscious and exuberant scents I say!</div>
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As I meandered through the house this past Sunday afternoon, while snapping away with my camera to bring you the images you see below, it was as though I was being carried away upon a fruit and spice scented cloud. Each room was saturated with that oh-so exquisitely delicious fragrance unique to older sweet peas. I won't even pretend to do justice to the scent with mere words. You'll just have to believe me when I tell you the agreeable air in those rooms could rival that of any fancy perfumery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzynbKSqpVE4CKX7Q5IEcco6GrFQeTdBvlg5OoB1JxjD_9a8zBKG1pUIXqNiZPxHXCM_4rkEi4lEts0p4s3qXUHL0i0Mf9tHY3b7mx-NWACPxA4Wiri8zr_XGShBbA2Kc5Ay5ptsGrAs/s1600/IMG_2564+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzynbKSqpVE4CKX7Q5IEcco6GrFQeTdBvlg5OoB1JxjD_9a8zBKG1pUIXqNiZPxHXCM_4rkEi4lEts0p4s3qXUHL0i0Mf9tHY3b7mx-NWACPxA4Wiri8zr_XGShBbA2Kc5Ay5ptsGrAs/s1640/IMG_2564+-+Copy.JPG" title="A bedside sweet pea arrangement in a neoclassical jug " width="426" /></a></div>
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A bedside posy to sweeten the air and delight the eye</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBcF7mt-mAjt-yK2fCCPeZFU0XIcVmSVrXFoD1uAPMHn7XYGXlWMw1cQOYDcXgOO3Ks75hxi2J1NKhmKua7_UGn_7FBNyS-CegjAAt-D9BaP2s1_u4m3kjyTHJmbtbQGk8HPVOFmCrac/s1600/IMG_2526+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBcF7mt-mAjt-yK2fCCPeZFU0XIcVmSVrXFoD1uAPMHn7XYGXlWMw1cQOYDcXgOO3Ks75hxi2J1NKhmKua7_UGn_7FBNyS-CegjAAt-D9BaP2s1_u4m3kjyTHJmbtbQGk8HPVOFmCrac/s1640/IMG_2526+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" title="Heirloom sweet peas on the kitchen counter" width="426" /></a></div>
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A vase on the kitchen counter brimming with resplendent purple and violet sweet peas<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8CbAtjPNpXdFMIBwuDtsp9amcPKgUqAdN8LVa9NvzsdV58aCPS-ik1UzfoybzvyCFAAYLh2_TdT5zmW2dw-4wWgaoxrL-ScsTeWwnPSKv-yoNY8xsBYgVuem-qxT5d2qI5RWTJz9L58/s1600/IMG_2371+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8CbAtjPNpXdFMIBwuDtsp9amcPKgUqAdN8LVa9NvzsdV58aCPS-ik1UzfoybzvyCFAAYLh2_TdT5zmW2dw-4wWgaoxrL-ScsTeWwnPSKv-yoNY8xsBYgVuem-qxT5d2qI5RWTJz9L58/s1640/IMG_2371+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" title="Heirloom sweet peas in the drawing room" width="426" /></a></div>
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A diminutive posy of pink and cream, and a lone striated Lathyrus odoratus America bloom, is placed upon a table in the corner of the drawing room ... </div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMD6b4wuhIKGod2TSPsdViybKiDC1DYmrHyv6-UoqZrTZdmocckSehDVwC_y5got66uRz6HmXFnhzYT9KOZ00Awz84qM8mwHCu3pNHt4biYObZTL1syCEvMJFEGo02Y2iQncZoT9dq4o/s1600/IMG_2394+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMD6b4wuhIKGod2TSPsdViybKiDC1DYmrHyv6-UoqZrTZdmocckSehDVwC_y5got66uRz6HmXFnhzYT9KOZ00Awz84qM8mwHCu3pNHt4biYObZTL1syCEvMJFEGo02Y2iQncZoT9dq4o/s1640/IMG_2394+-+Copy.JPG" title="Sweet peas in the drawing room" width="426" /></a></div>
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... and its twin posy is perched atop the secretary bookcase to enliven an </div>
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otherwise quiet corner</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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It is now midway through August and I've been clipping at the gangly sweet pea vines since late-June. The blooms, I am pleased to report, exhibit no sign of dwindling just yet. Over the coming weeks I anticipate the good fortune of filling my vases with many more splendid stalks of Cupani's Original, America, Painted Lady, and <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-surprise-in-sweet-pea-patch.html">other heirloom strains</a> I planted in the spring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKfS7oqIApBF7BJ_Pj8p9fpm3ut04CHWKXJrnfHQc4fWBS9ZtR9W9nS5hr5329XRg2Oqin-2M0eySxb3AxLcwPs2idvlOcXU0i5opTPk6mGCDvH02QPODZq5x7Yky5ew3bH0vkWLsutg/s1600/IMG_2256+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKfS7oqIApBF7BJ_Pj8p9fpm3ut04CHWKXJrnfHQc4fWBS9ZtR9W9nS5hr5329XRg2Oqin-2M0eySxb3AxLcwPs2idvlOcXU0i5opTPk6mGCDvH02QPODZq5x7Yky5ew3bH0vkWLsutg/s1640/IMG_2256+-+Copy.JPG" title="Late afternoon summer light rakes across a sweet pea arrangement" width="426" /></a></div>
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Late-afternoon summer light rakes across a sweet pea arrangement</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Won't you please join me in planting a packet or two of these older types of sweet peas in your garden over the coming year? I highly recommend an Old-Spice mix for heat resistance and, of course, for an abundant yield of colorful fragrant blooms. You will then be ready to celebrate that much longed-for future holiday, National Sweet Pea Day. Now, isn't that a day worthy of a celebration?<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-81370488032929780922018-04-26T10:42:00.001-07:002018-04-26T10:42:40.071-07:00A Bird-Themed Silver Lustre Creamware Jug To Mark National Audubon Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C7NwQBQFJC2fEDf-uJDdyQZMAp_svSqmMrZZpcYb5JjZ1mIP1UgjMwEHR-ih9Zj5sHLwVFnXbW-fzx1LLvWUo6vhVLjApcUCi2YIVOA4e-MQKResMIVuUEVBimJAqE7lpKuMqyaQN_M/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="1534" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C7NwQBQFJC2fEDf-uJDdyQZMAp_svSqmMrZZpcYb5JjZ1mIP1UgjMwEHR-ih9Zj5sHLwVFnXbW-fzx1LLvWUo6vhVLjApcUCi2YIVOA4e-MQKResMIVuUEVBimJAqE7lpKuMqyaQN_M/s1400/IMG_1870.JPG" title="A silver lustre or silver resist jug depicting a song bird in puce or purple enamel befitting National Audubon Day" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Today, April 26, is <a href="http://www.audubon.org/">National Audubon Day</a>. It is the day that Franco-American ornithologist John James Audubon (b. April 26, 1785 d. January 27, 1851) is commemorated. Audubon is best known for his color-plate publication The Birds of America (1827 - 1838). The multi-volume tome is still considered to be one of the finest ornithological works ever published and contains 435 hand-colored plates of North American birds placed within their natural habitats. The illustrations are a feast for the eyes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2b_8mNZV1s7dDdGjhZZP3WPk_ICOcjUZ2B671ZSxT8LRekeVZrcAV6_satMUpWV12VcISkWJHs0JPGi6_4mejG8jSatWHSaCISztrJC8rah1zRzxSU3C5bQkrlCdDOsgZ-GjJgVSjYsw/s1600/07733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="720" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2b_8mNZV1s7dDdGjhZZP3WPk_ICOcjUZ2B671ZSxT8LRekeVZrcAV6_satMUpWV12VcISkWJHs0JPGi6_4mejG8jSatWHSaCISztrJC8rah1zRzxSU3C5bQkrlCdDOsgZ-GjJgVSjYsw/s1400/07733.jpg" title="Audubon's Blue Crane or Heron from the book The Birds of America" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I'm sure many of you are familiar with Audubon's work, here is</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">"Blue Crane or Heron" from the book The Birds of America (1827 - 1838)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.audubongalleries.com/pages/books/7733/john-james-audubon/blue-crane-or-heron-from-the-birds-of-america-amsterdam-edition">Source</a></span></div>
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Early this morning, after replenishing the seed in the bird feeder which hangs from the pear tree in my garden, I thought I would mark the day by making a simple flower arrangement using an appropriately decorated vessel. Of course, as you can guess, the vessel is bird-themed.</div>
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The creamware pitcher I used was made in England during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. It is hand-painted using purple enamel (or would that be puce?), and silver lustre (or would that be silver resist?). There is some debate in the ceramics world as to when exactly it was that the silver decoration, commonly referred to as silver lustre, was first utilized by the English potteries and ceramics factories. In fact, it turns out that the metallic decoration is not derived from silver at all. While researching this post, I happily stumbled across an excellent and absorbing article published by Johnson Matthey Plc, found <a href="https://www.technology.matthey.com/article/22/4/138-148/">here</a>. It details how platinum came to be used to mimic the effect of silver on these early ceramic pieces. And, although the label I found adhered to the base of my jug identifies it as having been manufactured between 1790 - 1800, the Johnson Matthey article states the first use of "silver" decoration began slightly later in 1805. It was John Hancock of Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent who invented the lustrous decorative glaze while working at the Spode factory. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF1WTe7O5bEvUMVVLPcFXDnBC29H957CWf2DKkM32ApRqe8B41veMQqtMXDxccAMeeFfP6sTzzSNZ_XjslkBb5xUpH6Ar2OkLnh7zZwTvJKIEgkQaZWZ_bnpZHBE_qcHU7BXRUeNH6nI/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1257" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF1WTe7O5bEvUMVVLPcFXDnBC29H957CWf2DKkM32ApRqe8B41veMQqtMXDxccAMeeFfP6sTzzSNZ_XjslkBb5xUpH6Ar2OkLnh7zZwTvJKIEgkQaZWZ_bnpZHBE_qcHU7BXRUeNH6nI/s1400/IMG_1867.JPG" title="Identifying label on my Leeds silver resist or lustre jug 1790 - 1800" width="313" /></a></div>
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The label on the underside of my jug reads "Leeds: Resist Lustre Period 1790 - 1800"</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg7l5Zp6s5bGXdJ_safyWfgbhpt9U-umYWkOn0GkrOXuDJf43z2glRx3a3UZYOl-Jhxg-0_xK1B4nA7-pKdjelxUxzRfqRushMgns_U4ILguPmhU-FAERhiw6uyBszAr3cn8KGKPPisA/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg7l5Zp6s5bGXdJ_safyWfgbhpt9U-umYWkOn0GkrOXuDJf43z2glRx3a3UZYOl-Jhxg-0_xK1B4nA7-pKdjelxUxzRfqRushMgns_U4ILguPmhU-FAERhiw6uyBszAr3cn8KGKPPisA/s1640/IMG_1860.JPG" title="A close up view showing the silver resist decoration on my silver lustre jug" width="426" /></a></div>
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This type of decoration is known as silver lustre or more accurately as silver resist or steel resist lustre and is achieved by painting the design - in this case the foliage - with glue and a glycerin or honey mixture which is washed away after the jug has been dipped in the platinum lustre prior to firing</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0j6puRN8Xvr4WbtTVEWjwRzHPhuVtwaxT864aKoQr7Ar7tDYslKwSrBKkTJfdODlJH4q-eroTEKRPyxYfIlcyxWwUrG9JPpTO-R2p4nrB75RDFvstpLrfjfSUhkrInrlkkK4Dj0fDXBc/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0j6puRN8Xvr4WbtTVEWjwRzHPhuVtwaxT864aKoQr7Ar7tDYslKwSrBKkTJfdODlJH4q-eroTEKRPyxYfIlcyxWwUrG9JPpTO-R2p4nrB75RDFvstpLrfjfSUhkrInrlkkK4Dj0fDXBc/s1640/IMG_1859.JPG" title="A close up showing the silver resist decoration on my jug" width="426" /></a></div>
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Another view of the silver resist and purple (or puce) enamel decoration</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I purchased the jug from an antiques shop one day while visiting my husband's uncle and aunt. The shop is but a short distance by car from their house. I happened to spot the jug sitting in a locked glass case in the back of the shop. The dealer who opened the case for me made it impossible to walk away empty handed. "I've had this jug for ten years and I want it to go to a good home" he said. "If you like it, I will sell it to you for half the sticker price". What the dealer did not know was that I had every intention of buying his lavishly decorated jug as not only did I find the piece to be rather pretty, but it was also in excellent condition with not a crack, chip, or nibble to be found upon it. Frankly, I was astonished it had languished behind glass for an entire decade. The dealer's offer certainly sweetened the deal and I am thrilled to have added the pitcher to <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/03/dining-table-inspiration-from-original.html">my ever-increasing ceramics collection</a>. Below is an almost identical one sold at auction six years ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYO57CP7_Mn0UR_4Tw1RKdwq5kpyMImAGEX6oJnUCS6T_KQFxq2tDCNagh9PdiIkxGcsVu4TXeRgQY0P1GVfV3V3lMa8UjZQ_QwQvwS2Svmd5h1_lSNvLJeRRctIvaYIbt6WR-JbvtSY/s1600/LusterPitcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYO57CP7_Mn0UR_4Tw1RKdwq5kpyMImAGEX6oJnUCS6T_KQFxq2tDCNagh9PdiIkxGcsVu4TXeRgQY0P1GVfV3V3lMa8UjZQ_QwQvwS2Svmd5h1_lSNvLJeRRctIvaYIbt6WR-JbvtSY/s1400/LusterPitcher.jpg" title="Silver lustre or silver resist jug at auction " width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a mate to my jug, sold at auction in 2012 and described as a <i>silver resist lustre </i><br />
<i>Leeds "songbird on a fence" jug, </i>circa 1810 - 1815</div>
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<a href="http://northeastauctions.com/product/leeds-yorkshire-silver-resist-lustre-songbird-on-a-fence-jug-and-a-staffordshire-silver-resist-lustre-wine-goblet-both-1810-15/">Source</a></div>
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Before I get too carried away with the details of the vessel's decoration, here it is in situ, in our drawing room. It holds lusciously dense panicles of lilac, the color of which is almost indistinguishable to the painted song bird decoration. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog1KxiV9dIiyBx9yyjulO3NyiWOj3eIO9kuXRwXyk9zv4N7Jq2TRUGAT-WZNC9OPXrOR5zv4cxzuMeiqD41VuxFd3fTHWf529cswFfVuyGLPBIg-Ce8I0zNMVecEPMQJ06c7Cxd0RZws/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog1KxiV9dIiyBx9yyjulO3NyiWOj3eIO9kuXRwXyk9zv4N7Jq2TRUGAT-WZNC9OPXrOR5zv4cxzuMeiqD41VuxFd3fTHWf529cswFfVuyGLPBIg-Ce8I0zNMVecEPMQJ06c7Cxd0RZws/s1640/IMG_1824.JPG" title="An arrangement of lilacs in a silver lustre or silver resist jug in honor of National Audubon Day" width="426" /></a></div>
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An arrangement of lilacs in celebration of National Audubon Day</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Today, I encourage you all to venture outdoors and enjoy a little bird song, and to also appreciate the local variety of birds flying freely through the (hopefully) blue skies of your neighborhood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-spinqoaozU4Kaf9OdRTTKB_UQ9h26xcGqtMth6SjfWjz-z3V-5pSz7EtTqKCxCLqAbez9TXK5mcCn52LZDazLckpPXDt7SYaa4PmsUHa1rMP6jUVatz2IwOevuOVjWIl60-KUGZW7o/s1600/sfw_auduonold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-spinqoaozU4Kaf9OdRTTKB_UQ9h26xcGqtMth6SjfWjz-z3V-5pSz7EtTqKCxCLqAbez9TXK5mcCn52LZDazLckpPXDt7SYaa4PmsUHa1rMP6jUVatz2IwOevuOVjWIl60-KUGZW7o/s1400/sfw_auduonold.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">John James Audubon 1785 - 1851</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">by John Syme</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.audubon.org/content/john-james-audubon" style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman";">Source</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Within a few minutes of stepping into my own garden this morning, I have already heard the squawking of a Scrub Jay, the gentle cooing of a Mourning Dove, and the buoyant chirping of a multitude of Sparrows. What a joy and a privilege it is to experience such an agreeable nature-borne melody. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Do please tell me what birds you might happen to hear singing in your garden today.</span></div>
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-33504347941212591492018-03-31T20:35:00.000-07:002018-04-02T14:55:06.721-07:00Norton Helps Prepare Some Easter Flowers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Although we won't be home for Easter Sunday this year, I am still compelled to add a few festive touches to the house to mark the holiday. So, bright and early this morning, Norton and I trotted down to the garden to snip away at some of the narcissi I had planted in mid-February. Anticipating, with a bit of luck, that most of them would have bloomed for Easter, it turns out, most of them had.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMSlf0ikuvX1aTAANLL4zggudUpszY0lyZQ4Hii8UaYd0i32Mfouiln5eVQCTg44edqmYDZRDTmPpj6nbGwE9sVN0YX8qe5KJne6x-rwwNVp2TQPYGTJ9wuWOt8tOQsCuRiAjlio4-TM/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMSlf0ikuvX1aTAANLL4zggudUpszY0lyZQ4Hii8UaYd0i32Mfouiln5eVQCTg44edqmYDZRDTmPpj6nbGwE9sVN0YX8qe5KJne6x-rwwNVp2TQPYGTJ9wuWOt8tOQsCuRiAjlio4-TM/s1640/IMG_1506.JPG" title="Narcissus Cragford in the garden" width="426" /></a></div>
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Planted on February 19, narcissus Cragford, an award-winning heirloom, </div>
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is ready for picking</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gW8e4qm3j9l1F4k-w8PNSrIQLMT2esd1lilIZGVgrvKviuZkBv8zvy3llH28antG7HNAn-j3lxUS6dkQeV8fO5wUwOCLkxnP4g_7NnBGMDQC7B32_bmz9JdBG3NRlhSR2v7MTlksjlo/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gW8e4qm3j9l1F4k-w8PNSrIQLMT2esd1lilIZGVgrvKviuZkBv8zvy3llH28antG7HNAn-j3lxUS6dkQeV8fO5wUwOCLkxnP4g_7NnBGMDQC7B32_bmz9JdBG3NRlhSR2v7MTlksjlo/s1640/IMG_1469.JPG" title="Narcissus Cheerfulness in the garden" width="426" /></a></div>
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Another heirloom variety that bloomed vigorously this year is the aptly named </div>
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narcissus Cheerfulness </div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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It did not take long to fill my trug but I must admit, I did receive a little <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-hunt-for-christmas-greenery.html">help from Norton</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc6Na1rsf1MW1XqA1Hv1VydHkXhGmXYgYpdvJ0GzPB3HfOG-oRa8EQ8zSMQ6aSM7pv9s5Z-cZJxNi1cQdDmti9GNdOCBUO6cdGTd6Rkk4dGzGXKhmPvGTpnkdy5Bo5u1z3PVhzK8U00Q/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc6Na1rsf1MW1XqA1Hv1VydHkXhGmXYgYpdvJ0GzPB3HfOG-oRa8EQ8zSMQ6aSM7pv9s5Z-cZJxNi1cQdDmti9GNdOCBUO6cdGTd6Rkk4dGzGXKhmPvGTpnkdy5Bo5u1z3PVhzK8U00Q/s1640/IMG_1519.JPG" title="Norton supervising in the cutting garden" width="426" /></a></div>
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Norton supervising in the cutting garden</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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As you can see below, the effort of picking a few narcissi was all a tad too much for dear Norton. Declaring he'd had quite enough of it all, he proceeded to plonk himself smack dab in the middle of the vegetable patch, exhausted it seems.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6cD5YRTwmEpEaimT0Zyippm0BkxgVDOe_cKwTJRy1w5Uv89Amj_G_OJf2lTDPEN1mSgO0F8QR3HoKmCg468VCQhdgpJWYUXRrbDgWS-2BFhgMr0L9YkWgNn3yZG-Kv78DI4i2KbddVE/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6cD5YRTwmEpEaimT0Zyippm0BkxgVDOe_cKwTJRy1w5Uv89Amj_G_OJf2lTDPEN1mSgO0F8QR3HoKmCg468VCQhdgpJWYUXRrbDgWS-2BFhgMr0L9YkWgNn3yZG-Kv78DI4i2KbddVE/s1640/IMG_1473.JPG" title="An exhausted Norton has had enough of gardening" width="426" /></a></div>
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Gardening is <i>so </i>overrated!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Coming into the house via the back stairwell, Norton was obviously still very tired from his gardening escapades so I left him there, with the trug, while I nipped downstairs and around to the front garden <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/03/whats-blooming-inside-drifts-of-snowy.html">to clip a few more blooms</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzVL_VQsCqcrA3iSpmLgLJ40foOsYwju4LZx16U7_x63iJsVeWOns682myvnUp5BktbVEpG8B3dXYzt-29evwI8Uo5A32TN32zY83ClqNqYD-W1SGKzkBAUmvNMtf4TC5MvP7dWordpA/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzVL_VQsCqcrA3iSpmLgLJ40foOsYwju4LZx16U7_x63iJsVeWOns682myvnUp5BktbVEpG8B3dXYzt-29evwI8Uo5A32TN32zY83ClqNqYD-W1SGKzkBAUmvNMtf4TC5MvP7dWordpA/s1640/IMG_1527.JPG" title="Norton with the morning's pickings" width="426" /></a></div>
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Norton takes a well-earned break</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl6rH3DTOpIIqhyNlHs-sqJOML0LDO_w9T2d1spmL4hkdEZUzK55uu20uGaZp1fW9lN-TsE4i3xoecfEEk-njz0791s8qYhp9ALkXyFn7lVO4CtLmkA06egkf0k83cKIxj7QCWerztF0/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl6rH3DTOpIIqhyNlHs-sqJOML0LDO_w9T2d1spmL4hkdEZUzK55uu20uGaZp1fW9lN-TsE4i3xoecfEEk-njz0791s8qYhp9ALkXyFn7lVO4CtLmkA06egkf0k83cKIxj7QCWerztF0/s1640/IMG_1446.JPG" title="Narcissus Thalia in the front garden" width="426" /></a></div>
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Narcissus Thalia, my favorite of the whites, has been reliably blooming and multiplying in </div>
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my front garden for several years</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuKLeuEwAi7jwzDh9YhkUTFlMsYcsc3siS_RCUENGVRc1tPUpCPL5QEk5lhp-M_fox2V0NlGDDmC7YB9FJ4C3ydQMOXEfiV8enrk2Ebt8MChuOYFi_ug7Wgq1twFIlcQvBHWEB5N3OZQ/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuKLeuEwAi7jwzDh9YhkUTFlMsYcsc3siS_RCUENGVRc1tPUpCPL5QEk5lhp-M_fox2V0NlGDDmC7YB9FJ4C3ydQMOXEfiV8enrk2Ebt8MChuOYFi_ug7Wgq1twFIlcQvBHWEB5N3OZQ/s1640/IMG_1543.JPG" title="Narcissus Cragford, Thalia, and Cheerfulness" width="426" /></a></div>
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Just a few Thalia to complete the morning's pickings</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I had adequate blooms to make two cheery arrangements to place in the drawing room, with a handful left over for a third smaller arrangement that I placed in the kitchen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpLTaZqKaneHHWagbPoD-ubVNQYKSXkawufB_Sbs-wiFKh0vr0ZzqnxMr3CaSLMtPnDhl7Q3FZIYCePXIx2qH0_n9QJ3It2mPhkijJzYblpVXWGSpmGeuCFcvDQpzDfLwORtdBIGOcos/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpLTaZqKaneHHWagbPoD-ubVNQYKSXkawufB_Sbs-wiFKh0vr0ZzqnxMr3CaSLMtPnDhl7Q3FZIYCePXIx2qH0_n9QJ3It2mPhkijJzYblpVXWGSpmGeuCFcvDQpzDfLwORtdBIGOcos/s1640/IMG_1747.JPG" title="Narcissus Cragford, Thalia, and Cheerfulness" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7l72waHOy0HpKHGc9Q5cWdy7sr7-9YdSnOBd3kn-zqWM2sXpWZhoMclU3gpJkY0k7k1okTsqOCBHYI8KEXEeLFOrGRuBwoz5NKHncXew-bMuypIIhwlfdawNCZ36ISlej0BJnvR8hZo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7l72waHOy0HpKHGc9Q5cWdy7sr7-9YdSnOBd3kn-zqWM2sXpWZhoMclU3gpJkY0k7k1okTsqOCBHYI8KEXEeLFOrGRuBwoz5NKHncXew-bMuypIIhwlfdawNCZ36ISlej0BJnvR8hZo/s1640/1.jpg" title="Simple and natural Easter decorations of narcissus, real bird eggs and chocolate eggs" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here they are in situ</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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And, what would Easter be without a few chocolate treats to nibble upon? Here are some chocolate eggs corralled in a favorite English Regency era teapot stand painted in a pleasing shade of orange to match the centers of narcissus Cragford.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmtolpSS2Vz8wYYWcFnLqAFL3obxGW7XWXVZk0jAtOF6y3DHBW2ia4TJ25ZKcC_SrroBlrkCe3-CpV99WXLC7bbqP2uUMF_J_bvO9kP4G8vH2QiUtMcjsfnskNAQWd8ZOjMvH_RER08Q/s1600/IMG_1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmtolpSS2Vz8wYYWcFnLqAFL3obxGW7XWXVZk0jAtOF6y3DHBW2ia4TJ25ZKcC_SrroBlrkCe3-CpV99WXLC7bbqP2uUMF_J_bvO9kP4G8vH2QiUtMcjsfnskNAQWd8ZOjMvH_RER08Q/s1640/IMG_1624.JPG" title="Chocolate Easter eggs held within a Worcester Regency era teapot stand" width="426" /></a></div>
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Please, help yourself to a chocolate egg or two</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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My collection of various bird eggs round out the decorations in the drawing room. Eggs are, after all, symbols of rebirth and renewal at Easter time. A glass vessel below holds quail, araucana chicken, and partridge eggs ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4a0s5CbT6f1jqVvxbAQJEdJAX2-Ep4n3n8C63nv4xvW6aPDPxwXW2M2wArtTu9Wqm5ycA4NIDV3CzZhSINLPgtT4pVomg65NZAaS2Jlv7ZXedjk8jDlow6NvNxyJS4xpLfdVaKef-mU/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4a0s5CbT6f1jqVvxbAQJEdJAX2-Ep4n3n8C63nv4xvW6aPDPxwXW2M2wArtTu9Wqm5ycA4NIDV3CzZhSINLPgtT4pVomg65NZAaS2Jlv7ZXedjk8jDlow6NvNxyJS4xpLfdVaKef-mU/s1640/IMG_1709.JPG" title="Partridge, quail and araucana chicken eggs" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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... and another holds a turkey egg, the egg of a scrub jay, and more delicately-shaded araucana chicken eggs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllZjQDm43IQfTGn50VcUvYzxRymNM2b1iuUg4CdHVJhAQ4wHJq3MGBty7qC4Llb0VLG00NsByH68O8acvsLV9CuVFsqEbQGA3BPA_sRB0BdJDurQdipekffNXBSQ-wT9ST6PfSw4vTpI/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllZjQDm43IQfTGn50VcUvYzxRymNM2b1iuUg4CdHVJhAQ4wHJq3MGBty7qC4Llb0VLG00NsByH68O8acvsLV9CuVFsqEbQGA3BPA_sRB0BdJDurQdipekffNXBSQ-wT9ST6PfSw4vTpI/s1640/IMG_1661.JPG" title="Turkey, quail, and araucana chicken eggs" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ya4Fhh02MIVGIMtyKl-Q1ghKApT0J0MTfKJkNNqls0EladLwWssfkeSLx8gj7VkMenOxtsio8XCumJVQTxffH0Pc9f-lIua-sbI0Y2Ec_2aNcRa8dYSeRGLA3h5QhXkpjzzzRLJGpqI/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ya4Fhh02MIVGIMtyKl-Q1ghKApT0J0MTfKJkNNqls0EladLwWssfkeSLx8gj7VkMenOxtsio8XCumJVQTxffH0Pc9f-lIua-sbI0Y2Ec_2aNcRa8dYSeRGLA3h5QhXkpjzzzRLJGpqI/s1640/IMG_1682.JPG" title="A simple but pleasing Easter arrangement of birds eggs, chocolate eggs and home-gronw narcissus" width="426" /></a></div>
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A simple but pleasing Easter arrangement in the drawing room</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Oh, and I almost forgot the funnest, and smallest, decoration in the house, a charming vintage hen and her chicks. They grace a porcelain stand on the kitchen counter. Don't you think Mrs. Hen and her brood look quite at home surrounded by ... more eggs!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa5jAqKs_dwi0qhVo89Mw9-73grCvvxwvE2J0IIQUr-5H917MydY57oVz5Pq0PhNZN8T5XWwDvzUR4G9YUia6UGLaI5iOD5Dq3Ijr-Gtshk6MLve-dily8dy6mYhToJkW4eD8u9T-1lQ/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa5jAqKs_dwi0qhVo89Mw9-73grCvvxwvE2J0IIQUr-5H917MydY57oVz5Pq0PhNZN8T5XWwDvzUR4G9YUia6UGLaI5iOD5Dq3Ijr-Gtshk6MLve-dily8dy6mYhToJkW4eD8u9T-1lQ/s1640/IMG_1745.JPG" title="A vintage hen and her chicks held within a nest decorate my kitchen this Easter" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy Easter Everyone!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Norton and I wish you all a very Happy Easter!<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-33422082833969866692018-03-12T22:10:00.002-07:002018-03-13T13:14:17.400-07:00Bloomin' Lovely!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhnwUJHNIRcUaMcix2D_n7yZ4gpgqcjKoCHZkEJjD_-juLLklSA2ygnB0WSCzHa1A35aEKxmcxuNnpNg893OXRbJPv0vAJqme-wp5LHMR3MhTGGOopLMwfbNU9ztnG497R92T2C12uXA/s1600/IMG_1253+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhnwUJHNIRcUaMcix2D_n7yZ4gpgqcjKoCHZkEJjD_-juLLklSA2ygnB0WSCzHa1A35aEKxmcxuNnpNg893OXRbJPv0vAJqme-wp5LHMR3MhTGGOopLMwfbNU9ztnG497R92T2C12uXA/s1640/IMG_1253+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" title="White flowering peach branches add a touch of spring to our kitchen" width="426" /></a></div>
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Bringing flowering branches indoors is an annual and pleasurable rite of spring</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I know that spring has not officially begun but I have felt its impending arrival keenly these past few weeks. Refreshing downpours and even a rare pounding of hail has helped paint the Bay Area's open spaces green ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-PsLdVgC3z6RCCzL2BCej3ClWAdXiRT2ilYSTxE9P91Wh5qxoCIJ8CCoenmXc5Oc2nON-mpXC-i_GJxq7MrA9IyKzBNHbXo07dx2cwip5pMmc5XtW-eS77tRCLHZgqufs_1bp0xdt5o/s1600/IMG_1325+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-PsLdVgC3z6RCCzL2BCej3ClWAdXiRT2ilYSTxE9P91Wh5qxoCIJ8CCoenmXc5Oc2nON-mpXC-i_GJxq7MrA9IyKzBNHbXo07dx2cwip5pMmc5XtW-eS77tRCLHZgqufs_1bp0xdt5o/s1640/IMG_1325+-+Copy.JPG" title="Sonoma county's fertile farmland is once again turning green" width="426" /></a></div>
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Sonoma county's verdant farmland</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRCQRbJ1HFi-MZ01_3byPXRTPNgbUYeiyqnmXLhar4eJXNZXSlcIgo1JCyciqh32fNUYexO90GqTTA5EJPsjpf1eH1rwtguGlBfk3tmbQAa3mMws6j_ffBZVMvRI05Xh7ZMaiHDF9lOo/s1600/IMG_1318+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRCQRbJ1HFi-MZ01_3byPXRTPNgbUYeiyqnmXLhar4eJXNZXSlcIgo1JCyciqh32fNUYexO90GqTTA5EJPsjpf1eH1rwtguGlBfk3tmbQAa3mMws6j_ffBZVMvRI05Xh7ZMaiHDF9lOo/s1640/IMG_1318+-+Copy.JPG" title="Happy cows in pastures green" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy cows in pastures green<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus<br />
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... and awakened its gardens from their winter slumber ... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvDfyWSebeuHzCW7D85sqfGyBqp4woFeqDGO4QQw2BB-313fhFPwdDMsxAMYIazTERWHqJWf93hlO0BiYy6iizvhEx2r2n3mFzHlB1Ig68b6qnV_y8ytTJtJbcCwZrIrscaoY-2l4SnM/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvDfyWSebeuHzCW7D85sqfGyBqp4woFeqDGO4QQw2BB-313fhFPwdDMsxAMYIazTERWHqJWf93hlO0BiYy6iizvhEx2r2n3mFzHlB1Ig68b6qnV_y8ytTJtJbcCwZrIrscaoY-2l4SnM/s1640/IMG_1388.JPG" title="White wisteria is fully blooming in our garden by mid-March each year" width="426" /></a></div>
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Like clockwork, my garden's white wisteria is in full bloom by mid-March each year</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Even the birdsong has intensified with the arrival of March's lengthening days. Of course, with <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/02/with-rain-cometh-flowers.html">rain comes flowers</a> and although the majority of my own spring flowering bulbs have yet to put on their show this season (I was a wee bit late with the bulb planting I'm afraid), that does not prevent me from enjoying the store purchased varieties. My thoughtful husband presented me with several bunches of yellow daffodils a few weeks ago, just because he knows they <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-enduring-affair-with-humble-daffodil.html">are my favorite flowers</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQx-kjcgfDaI1IwWa_8QAz2Hvg6bBvS9ZOa-Tn2v0a6aXvB2SdO2Prezn1TQdisDMCIv08jyHGnAIz2__rkAmm50MwnRTlSwkTOYx3ylwQfXmATPLHmRYP1If6t-aJmEZuFXz6qMOWJo/s1600/IMG_1289+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1093" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQx-kjcgfDaI1IwWa_8QAz2Hvg6bBvS9ZOa-Tn2v0a6aXvB2SdO2Prezn1TQdisDMCIv08jyHGnAIz2__rkAmm50MwnRTlSwkTOYx3ylwQfXmATPLHmRYP1If6t-aJmEZuFXz6qMOWJo/s1640/IMG_1289+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Cheery daffodils gathered in a 19th century apothecary jar atop our kitchen counter" width="436" /></a></div>
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A cheery gift from my husband</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I always feel that bringing the outdoors inside helps usher in that feeling of renewal and helps to put a kick in one's step. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean. The plum tree in the garden is already in full burst but as I hesitate to hack away at its branches - springtime blossoms are summer's fruits remember - I instead seek out bundles of pre-cut branches to purchase from <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2014/04/what-is-was-blooming-inside.html">the San Francisco Flower Market</a>. This is what I brought home two weeks ago:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhd2G5-2VdPpxp5U9gz33sTXcMUiYHaWwmswpFAVV3e3sLt0HPB1zW8oKGf25Fax1alx8YBLewyFavpZZIF6nDvfkCBGB9PshnZ1vyCc9Gxj3LD0W4WxJ0bgThWU5acFQKeI4_HPcEAo/s1600/IMG_1311+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhd2G5-2VdPpxp5U9gz33sTXcMUiYHaWwmswpFAVV3e3sLt0HPB1zW8oKGf25Fax1alx8YBLewyFavpZZIF6nDvfkCBGB9PshnZ1vyCc9Gxj3LD0W4WxJ0bgThWU5acFQKeI4_HPcEAo/s1640/IMG_1311+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Flowering white peach branches and daffodils atop our kitchen counter" width="426" /></a></div>
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A lovely spring vision to behold!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I don't recall having seen such showy double blossoms before so I asked the vendor if he could identify them for me. I was taken aback when he replied they were peach. Yes, <i>peach</i>. It appears I had been under the mistaken impression that peach blossom was exclusively pink. As it turned out, the double blossom of this highly ornamental white flowering peach is particularly fetching and takes an age to unfurl from it's pompom-like buds. It is a joyous vision of spring to behold. The branch arrangement lasted a full two weeks, right up until I replaced it on Saturday morning.<br />
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After a fortnight of enjoying the muted tones of the lovely peach, I was now in the mood for something a little more colorful. These salmon-pink tulips fit the bill perfectly:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22v_MnjlGM9cxFFk8r477z3f-k8uW5O6tQag2mi3nv5sNY5N-9_cHBIErNoCnt3zfSDx-TVBS7-9suqO4nv_mYnT8_lrd0sbqKYbrpv0tWM9pE38hF9EDi90TvDIRzqCMJ-uz7lGdKL4/s1600/IMG_1372+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22v_MnjlGM9cxFFk8r477z3f-k8uW5O6tQag2mi3nv5sNY5N-9_cHBIErNoCnt3zfSDx-TVBS7-9suqO4nv_mYnT8_lrd0sbqKYbrpv0tWM9pE38hF9EDi90TvDIRzqCMJ-uz7lGdKL4/s1640/IMG_1372+-+Copy.JPG" title="Salmon pink colored tulips atop our kitchen counter" width="426" /></a></div>
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Mother Nature provides us with the most luminous color</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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The two dozen tulips happen to look marvelous alongside these quince branches:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV9vQ8w9iaZjf4yC_Ifbkwb1VpHybMQpvSTy3J8DbBAFaKa7qeknweFlu1lLWhXCwBMlwdvgO-0ZrEPpl-QBLVfOQn_PZiZ_zgrVZ5o94J2iuJSrbM3pCXCtL_PFbk_MIys9TmNlbOVk/s1600/IMG_1369+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV9vQ8w9iaZjf4yC_Ifbkwb1VpHybMQpvSTy3J8DbBAFaKa7qeknweFlu1lLWhXCwBMlwdvgO-0ZrEPpl-QBLVfOQn_PZiZ_zgrVZ5o94J2iuJSrbM3pCXCtL_PFbk_MIys9TmNlbOVk/s1640/IMG_1369+-+Copy.JPG" title="Quince flowering branches in our kitchen" width="426" /></a></div>
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Ornamental flowering quince is a particular favorite plant material of mine to bring<br />
indoors each spring</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Captured below in the cool light of Sunday morning, the kitchen was positively aglow with spring cheer. No wonder those chirpy little birds just beyond my window are singing a little louder these days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBgfKZf3OJE0hUoNns-NdTuj9H05rjsYUbN3kyjDzTFaZx8KXUo2c9Kvfqhtun4iWFroUXwWWt7RkbKJ32q-Ti6TTRQbbGibd9hBtZkUX_R8z9YhNlerXycTK6o0Wr1hRV59qXR6Jltw/s1600/IMG_1382+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBgfKZf3OJE0hUoNns-NdTuj9H05rjsYUbN3kyjDzTFaZx8KXUo2c9Kvfqhtun4iWFroUXwWWt7RkbKJ32q-Ti6TTRQbbGibd9hBtZkUX_R8z9YhNlerXycTK6o0Wr1hRV59qXR6Jltw/s1640/IMG_1382+-+Copy.JPG" title="Flowering quince branches and salmon colored tulips atop our kitchen counter" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3nIQ_Cz6_QrtS_O6mQQG1xx19chJZRcp76TRdx9zlEvRnmKJyFZZ5HpVeAI_kpKe0WdIQpDKsZ502bk5eKP4b6ISuYVk0kaE9poQqqadi4hzSU4xZqMtrxNzX_CkK-pEctKp4cCDmM4/s1600/IMG_1387+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3nIQ_Cz6_QrtS_O6mQQG1xx19chJZRcp76TRdx9zlEvRnmKJyFZZ5HpVeAI_kpKe0WdIQpDKsZ502bk5eKP4b6ISuYVk0kaE9poQqqadi4hzSU4xZqMtrxNzX_CkK-pEctKp4cCDmM4/s1640/IMG_1387+-+Copy.JPG" title="Flowering branches of quince and salmon colored tulips atop the kitchen counter" width="426" /></a></div>
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Flowering branches and tulips bring a welcome air of spring to the kitchen </div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Is there something you particularly look forward to bringing indoors to place in your vase each spring? Whatever it might be, I'm sure its bloomin' lovely.<br />
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Happy (almost) spring everyone!<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-82177984023623447562018-02-28T21:37:00.001-08:002018-02-28T21:37:06.806-08:00The Ivory & Sterling Mystery Thingamajig Revealed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7InB2uCuYXoudcnMrtvTYBz67J7x7TL1cvEMYs74xuyzGkio0Xcq0TLaM6-oAbxr2Pc0bLJHUOVYQ7pu-iT5F0F3D13m5Tu6q__HefPTDX-tKeiL1I2Dr0lTquhM4yaXCrlfXaW5zvY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1046" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7InB2uCuYXoudcnMrtvTYBz67J7x7TL1cvEMYs74xuyzGkio0Xcq0TLaM6-oAbxr2Pc0bLJHUOVYQ7pu-iT5F0F3D13m5Tu6q__HefPTDX-tKeiL1I2Dr0lTquhM4yaXCrlfXaW5zvY/s1640/3.jpg" title="A sterling and ivory apple corer" width="418" /></a></div>
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Did you correctly guess the purpose of the ivory and sterling thingamajig?</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I have had such fun reading through the slew of comments received in response to the <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2018/02/mystery-object-ivory-and-sterling.html">ivory and sterling thingamajig</a>. In fact, it has been <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-treen-mystery-object.html">one of the most popular mystery items</a> in the entire series, inspiring many of you to come out of the woodwork in an attempt to solve this confounding little implement's intended purpose. Without further ado, let's get to the answer.</div>
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The two most popular guesses were that it was either one of these ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7urS5J0yfp8jadgDbDjEwXWwTo67AOzbD9vogN6hZ41s4oVwIFYdXwtZZg0aG7q5ihPPuUovpfWutdBKPX-2DVgnhz0gSoiM9eNVaUokSCxu051jbzfYxITu3RFNGwHhDQAMzT6abSEc/s1600/Cape+Silver+Marrow+Scoop+-+William+Moore_Cape+silver+marrow+scoop+-+William+Moore.Jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7urS5J0yfp8jadgDbDjEwXWwTo67AOzbD9vogN6hZ41s4oVwIFYdXwtZZg0aG7q5ihPPuUovpfWutdBKPX-2DVgnhz0gSoiM9eNVaUokSCxu051jbzfYxITu3RFNGwHhDQAMzT6abSEc/s1400/Cape+Silver+Marrow+Scoop+-+William+Moore_Cape+silver+marrow+scoop+-+William+Moore.Jpg" title="A sterling Georgian bone marrow scoop or spoon" width="400" /></a></div>
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A marrow spoon or scoop</div>
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<a href="http://www.leopardantiques.com/object/stock/detail/666">Source</a></div>
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or one of these ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FojO0a773vffMXHO_T8JtxbFH3Q4By0YCC4NMHpEGVqhNsi3ycVCIR-1JGQ8WXVA4xMBsrpXRB8w-PalcI7FJt7fPSwHuKk5zhSpnmeGEQZ3yv_f1SgjDPiMYlndvGt__b9yRiDoQqM/s1600/silver-stilton-scoop-0-P1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="794" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FojO0a773vffMXHO_T8JtxbFH3Q4By0YCC4NMHpEGVqhNsi3ycVCIR-1JGQ8WXVA4xMBsrpXRB8w-PalcI7FJt7fPSwHuKk5zhSpnmeGEQZ3yv_f1SgjDPiMYlndvGt__b9yRiDoQqM/s1400/silver-stilton-scoop-0-P1.jpg" title="A sterling stilton scoop" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Stilton scoop</div>
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<a href="https://www.tudorroseantiques.co.uk/silver-glass-ceramics/silver/silver-stilton-scoop-5-33-refno-502/">Source</a></div>
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followed in hot pursuit by one of these ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkvarhgMqDOzt9T8ixv8qqKTBDnrwFC1ZKFpQPDv63NkEv-6Ab-NtzZZRXEDSdtjMcpoCTsy3GoGIYuRSqL8UwmAjpV1vGr6x6Yim_k3XEixbsJxVjvUaFGByyTMzFeRSdYZALLFI7mA/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkvarhgMqDOzt9T8ixv8qqKTBDnrwFC1ZKFpQPDv63NkEv-6Ab-NtzZZRXEDSdtjMcpoCTsy3GoGIYuRSqL8UwmAjpV1vGr6x6Yim_k3XEixbsJxVjvUaFGByyTMzFeRSdYZALLFI7mA/s1640/IMG_1228.JPG" title=" English nineteenth century oak, brass, and steel apple corer belonging to my husband" width="426" /></a></div>
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A cheese corer</div>
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(this one is an English nineteenth century oak, brass, and steel corer belonging to my husband)</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I had a sneaking suspicion that these would be the top guesses, all plausible to be certain but, surprisingly, all incorrect. </div>
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Now, I'll be honest and admit to you that I purchased the mystery thingamajig because I too thought it was a scoop to aid in the delivery of Stilton to one's plate. I have been on the hunt for such a scoop for some time but those I've come across have been rather large and unwieldy, and better suited for use with larger truckles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iGAhKq82Y34ZD8RkfF1uH7oGksfWhsfch0ZBH1hh4xjcDj700H7Oh4QUVgqO3039sNKY2CZQcWLa53Xhfz4msAdPJCpLB3mFtYdR1k8Fztkt37ozsxp2F0Qu7VogWGbywL7Xz7Fd2WU/s1600/Stilton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iGAhKq82Y34ZD8RkfF1uH7oGksfWhsfch0ZBH1hh4xjcDj700H7Oh4QUVgqO3039sNKY2CZQcWLa53Xhfz4msAdPJCpLB3mFtYdR1k8Fztkt37ozsxp2F0Qu7VogWGbywL7Xz7Fd2WU/s1640/Stilton.JPG" title="A truckle of stilton with scoop as served at Rules Restaurant in London" width="425" /></a></div>
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Plunged into a <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/01/back-from-london.html">truckle of crumbly Stilton cheese</a> the shovel-shaped scoop does an admirable job of delivering cheese to plate with minimal fuss and mess</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Which is why when I first set eyes upon the mystery thingamajig, I knew it was going home with me. At just shy of six inches, it was perfect for a smaller truckle. It could also, I supposed, be used to scoop out potted Stilton. As a bonus, the sterling shank was fashioned into an unusual hemispherical scoop rather than the typical shovel shape. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7InB2uCuYXoudcnMrtvTYBz67J7x7TL1cvEMYs74xuyzGkio0Xcq0TLaM6-oAbxr2Pc0bLJHUOVYQ7pu-iT5F0F3D13m5Tu6q__HefPTDX-tKeiL1I2Dr0lTquhM4yaXCrlfXaW5zvY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1046" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7InB2uCuYXoudcnMrtvTYBz67J7x7TL1cvEMYs74xuyzGkio0Xcq0TLaM6-oAbxr2Pc0bLJHUOVYQ7pu-iT5F0F3D13m5Tu6q__HefPTDX-tKeiL1I2Dr0lTquhM4yaXCrlfXaW5zvY/s1640/3.jpg" title="A sterling and ivory apple corer" width="418" /></a></div>
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The description on the dealer's tag read "English sterling Stilton scoop with bone handle" but my teenage daughter saw things differently</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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My observant and inquisitive teenage daughter took one look at my newly acquired prize and deemed it an apple corer. "An apple corer?" I repeated, "surely not". I was left somewhat slack-jawed by the suggestion but, suddenly, the shape of the scoop made perfect sense. Sure enough, a quick gander on the Internet confirmed her suspicions. Who'da thunk it?! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AF8PbaRcBqa_dZBZWMxXuBbAZNdhy2EKgm3VE0i4D-N_yHRnlG2xAn6hAWj76Msb-EaoMB5Oc03uZE4UeCuZUYY47kmGcC-QfiK6HVOEoNnFlimkuiycYiPszYSqbXv7OQS2GkFrFHk/s1600/GeorgianAppleCorer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="600" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AF8PbaRcBqa_dZBZWMxXuBbAZNdhy2EKgm3VE0i4D-N_yHRnlG2xAn6hAWj76Msb-EaoMB5Oc03uZE4UeCuZUYY47kmGcC-QfiK6HVOEoNnFlimkuiycYiPszYSqbXv7OQS2GkFrFHk/s1400/GeorgianAppleCorer2.jpg" title="A Thomas Hyde I Georgian sterling apple corer" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's one made by Thomas Hyde I of London, circa 1770 ...</div>
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<a href="http://www.petercameronantiquesilver.com/antique-silver/d/a-georgian-apple-corer/144617/">Source</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_1oXbQIlOgQCpJTIT5GoIcMxdC3c-CbmRi3aC2DZucC7odyJYAoefe7SVLn2ycUuN9xB_rOCJbXr4rTPyZKasLBLPbYtdcvXOOJhCEtzQi5tvu4Wp8j4av7uco51Zgj3BttUg3-3YaY/s1600/GeorgianAppleCorer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_1oXbQIlOgQCpJTIT5GoIcMxdC3c-CbmRi3aC2DZucC7odyJYAoefe7SVLn2ycUuN9xB_rOCJbXr4rTPyZKasLBLPbYtdcvXOOJhCEtzQi5tvu4Wp8j4av7uco51Zgj3BttUg3-3YaY/s1400/GeorgianAppleCorer.jpg" title="A Georgian ivory and sterling apple corer" width="400" /></a></div>
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... and another, a Georgian ivory and sterling apple corer, circa 1816</div>
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<a href="http://www.antiquesilverspoons.co.uk/georgian-period-apple-corer.html">Source</a></div>
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I marvel at the fact that I am now the proud owner of an apple corer for the first time in my life. And, its an elegant one at that. I had no idea such utilitarian kitchen objects could be elevated to the sublime. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAiNPSgZyPnnQhbpfSWSFjoCZ2nugjVOHYC82zdIwWixiX7P4-I1sfeMBtt4DMcQ5abWLF9slDJHSALcSWa-a6TL7M7dYRJBm9nK7yA-mgVC2-gkb2XvhtzQW-lpH8V_EtAyzd69i6eM/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAiNPSgZyPnnQhbpfSWSFjoCZ2nugjVOHYC82zdIwWixiX7P4-I1sfeMBtt4DMcQ5abWLF9slDJHSALcSWa-a6TL7M7dYRJBm9nK7yA-mgVC2-gkb2XvhtzQW-lpH8V_EtAyzd69i6eM/s1640/IMG_1044.JPG" title="A sterling and ivory English apple corer" width="426" /></a></div>
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My <strike>thingamajig</strike> apple corer was made in London by silversmith Henry Holland Sr. in 1853</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNinqf_byof72ZOfmjJFeHt7MRO7eWfa4f6OUMOdVEp0A97azqLP5cN9-zj76LM90MDdVW0e-Ipf-fBaZzimHoU3vqq4FyLcGANmDGmreXvBo3-SX5E7ymfufApJwXhL8CFKnIvafvvM/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNinqf_byof72ZOfmjJFeHt7MRO7eWfa4f6OUMOdVEp0A97azqLP5cN9-zj76LM90MDdVW0e-Ipf-fBaZzimHoU3vqq4FyLcGANmDGmreXvBo3-SX5E7ymfufApJwXhL8CFKnIvafvvM/s1640/IMG_1049.JPG" title="A sterling and ivory English apple corer" width="426" /></a></div>
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It does a masterly job of removing the core from the last of the winter farmers' market apples</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcbwW5s_ETrm0FfNZcpyjR8bahnTTlFGnPZk1FJcVOX_5vt1M-K2Ao805aIPGmujVsPqF7aKSi2aODe9dxERxcPZiPvlxTxuF5pm0ufbzRNOug2mGsd72t0q0y_7rCNsremNdhb2m1Iw/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcbwW5s_ETrm0FfNZcpyjR8bahnTTlFGnPZk1FJcVOX_5vt1M-K2Ao805aIPGmujVsPqF7aKSi2aODe9dxERxcPZiPvlxTxuF5pm0ufbzRNOug2mGsd72t0q0y_7rCNsremNdhb2m1Iw/s1640/IMG_1050.JPG" title="A sterling and ivory English apple corer" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUuiOLA04Q2uGELhYMoMzjHk_mich237yG0mduNyVI1q7YhDeGndCKP8Ju254NC0d0CUvirW3TOl6HwqNNDHXB8hvTlg8SldyBGRnTJSe-w6IVduCYHSmCrc58HQGucvtMxK4g3paWcw/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUuiOLA04Q2uGELhYMoMzjHk_mich237yG0mduNyVI1q7YhDeGndCKP8Ju254NC0d0CUvirW3TOl6HwqNNDHXB8hvTlg8SldyBGRnTJSe-w6IVduCYHSmCrc58HQGucvtMxK4g3paWcw/s1640/IMG_1063.JPG" title="A sterling and ivory English apple corer" width="426" /></a></div>
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What a satisfyingly elegant way of performing a basic kitchen task</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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As it turns out, my apple corer is far from being deemed one of the more elegant examples available for sale during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Those were made entirely of sterling silver, like the one pictured below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFa2zjZ_Xa-h7FwnrHtAM3NdS1rj9qnEHTtz4BjC0QgdXwUfnX9ZIqUfayf7hw6G5zYzRln8A5wNOp87Z7dKkSfaAYcDdMjJetfkEOuDelOxFs6w1if6HP3z281kfKq8Nip9aH9ixZk0/s1600/Applecorer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="700" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFa2zjZ_Xa-h7FwnrHtAM3NdS1rj9qnEHTtz4BjC0QgdXwUfnX9ZIqUfayf7hw6G5zYzRln8A5wNOp87Z7dKkSfaAYcDdMjJetfkEOuDelOxFs6w1if6HP3z281kfKq8Nip9aH9ixZk0/s1400/Applecorer2.jpg" title="A sterling Georgian apple corer" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source</div>
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Some apple corers were even designed to be portable and used during travel or for picnicking. The corer can be unscrewed from its handle and stored within it when not in use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2fdIr9Qaqm3o11xInkKN3P8mELHc6AI_XvuXcPAZYY5TzX40UZLIiBhdLbHBe_LKAMMPEfrCYgR5H00JHFPk7_Eor4VRNf3fzx-vCJdsPLdaRgHhAA_7RGRxBdkKFs5Vp86nk2rQVFs/s1600/Apple-Corer-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2fdIr9Qaqm3o11xInkKN3P8mELHc6AI_XvuXcPAZYY5TzX40UZLIiBhdLbHBe_LKAMMPEfrCYgR5H00JHFPk7_Eor4VRNf3fzx-vCJdsPLdaRgHhAA_7RGRxBdkKFs5Vp86nk2rQVFs/s1400/Apple-Corer-web.jpg" title="A sterling silver traveling apple corer" width="400" /></a></div>
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A Georgian sterling silver traveling apple corer, London circa 1803</div>
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<a href="https://shrubsole.com/products/a-george-iii-antique-english-silver-apple-corer-x5089">Source</a></div>
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If you are interested in learning more about these little-known utensils, I highly recommend you read Dorothea Burstyn's informative article found <a href="http://www.ascasonline.org/articoloMARZ78.html">here</a>.<br />
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Thank you all for participating in what I hope has been a fun and enlightening guessing game. I believe my daughter won this round and has earned her ranking, having been the only participant to have correctly solved the mystery of the ivory and sterling thingamajig. She was also the inspiration for this post, of course. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLkszQziRoOjaLDEsqNr6VGiOJC2XmJdcjeGoX8C3VBmmoreHCbQzOZwZuu6cV8rOmrUMubdoyIHmc0atnHbn-Ps58XgMp7TJBuodfvC1K3ElMkHkLuj3FXsrs_tAYmSyT1q-0kIHjuQ/s1600/clap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="500" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLkszQziRoOjaLDEsqNr6VGiOJC2XmJdcjeGoX8C3VBmmoreHCbQzOZwZuu6cV8rOmrUMubdoyIHmc0atnHbn-Ps58XgMp7TJBuodfvC1K3ElMkHkLuj3FXsrs_tAYmSyT1q-0kIHjuQ/s400/clap.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: Pinterest</div>
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Do please join me in giving her a well-deserved round of appl(e)ause.</div>
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-60480464239643703302018-02-25T11:24:00.002-08:002018-02-28T21:20:42.601-08:00Mystery Object: An Ivory and Sterling Thingamajig<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSlehhZTHEdTHTVhwxmM4xzfscN4eIOeD38SQZpYmKaSJUvZ99_AsTsMve0aTxXVDwQyxne9xcKYP6oiX1BqXEKMVFD8nXpzS4rdU3BDJllpircRkK4p_BeSdpIAindWjnpvqgrK3SpE/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSlehhZTHEdTHTVhwxmM4xzfscN4eIOeD38SQZpYmKaSJUvZ99_AsTsMve0aTxXVDwQyxne9xcKYP6oiX1BqXEKMVFD8nXpzS4rdU3BDJllpircRkK4p_BeSdpIAindWjnpvqgrK3SpE/s1640/2.jpg" title="A sterling and ivory mystery object" width="418" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I do so love the word <i>thingamajig.</i> It is a delightful word that, in my ever so humble opinion, is underappreciated and not used often enough. Today's post provides the perfect opportunity to change all that.<br />
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Thingamajig is defined as a thing whose name one has either forgotten or does not know. In the case of this particular object, or thingamajig, I <i>thought</i> I knew its name and its intended purpose until, that was, my very clever teenage daughter Patience entered the discussion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7InB2uCuYXoudcnMrtvTYBz67J7x7TL1cvEMYs74xuyzGkio0Xcq0TLaM6-oAbxr2Pc0bLJHUOVYQ7pu-iT5F0F3D13m5Tu6q__HefPTDX-tKeiL1I2Dr0lTquhM4yaXCrlfXaW5zvY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1046" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7InB2uCuYXoudcnMrtvTYBz67J7x7TL1cvEMYs74xuyzGkio0Xcq0TLaM6-oAbxr2Pc0bLJHUOVYQ7pu-iT5F0F3D13m5Tu6q__HefPTDX-tKeiL1I2Dr0lTquhM4yaXCrlfXaW5zvY/s1640/3.jpg" title="A sterling and ivory mystery object" width="418" /></a></div>
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Hmmm... I wonder what the purpose of this ivory and sterling silver thingamajig might be</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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She was with me the day I purchased it and saw how tickled pink I was to have finally stumbled across such an unusual example - or so I thought - of a longed-for item. Upon our return home, I excitedly removed said object from the layers of tissue paper within which the store clerk had wrapped it, and gave it a quick polish until it gleamed. It was then that my daughter casually put forth a suggestion. In that brief light bulb moment, Patience had me viewing the darn thing with fresh eyes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqePeFqUkGOTP0WTtv4kyjAJ_XE9JBw2uM3WT0T50qCacZjljwtSvMi2sO_gWB1mA8MADv8zQvyXq9T4NCdqWLHStkhX4cW0YsohNp-qRV7YalIPdjI4VVF-BO1a4C1PFPWO3zLvpXQkE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqePeFqUkGOTP0WTtv4kyjAJ_XE9JBw2uM3WT0T50qCacZjljwtSvMi2sO_gWB1mA8MADv8zQvyXq9T4NCdqWLHStkhX4cW0YsohNp-qRV7YalIPdjI4VVF-BO1a4C1PFPWO3zLvpXQkE/s1640/1.jpg" title="Ivory and sterling silver mystery object" width="426" /></a></div>
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The back of the mystery thingamajig's shank showing full British hallmarks</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Sure enough, a quick gander on the Internet only confirmed what she had already successfully sussed out. No longer relegated to thingamajig status, the object could finally be defined by its true name and purpose.</div>
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So, what do you think this almost six inch long, ivory and sterling silver item is, and what was it used for? All shall be revealed in my next post. In the meantime, I very much look forward to reading your supposals and contemplations with interest. And remember, no peeking on the Internet allowed!<br />
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<b><i>Nota bene</i></b>: Comment moderation will be enabled to give everyone a chance to offer their suggestions. </div>
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-19113308766707043032018-02-19T13:57:00.002-08:002018-04-02T14:49:35.077-07:00Life's Little (Long) Weekend Pleasures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Nota bene</i></b>: I was able to sneak the highly-fragrant posy you see below into the marital bedroom because my husband happened to be away on a business trip the day I snapped the photograph below; such a transgression would be unthinkable otherwise and near grounds for divorce - you can read why, <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2016/02/an-avalanche-of-joy-for-some.html">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5vqsUfnVqEr6Rsgi34mOVC1KI6PF8eHArOAxQnDxrIo_aQFdK0BzPVidsgACMc-w1ZVmsLW_bNspm74NR8hdzUiUGeJsls7qXXKiQNcz-3Uk5mk-lWXxv4sG8J-fM7c4jp_URxolpK8/s1600/IMG_1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5vqsUfnVqEr6Rsgi34mOVC1KI6PF8eHArOAxQnDxrIo_aQFdK0BzPVidsgACMc-w1ZVmsLW_bNspm74NR8hdzUiUGeJsls7qXXKiQNcz-3Uk5mk-lWXxv4sG8J-fM7c4jp_URxolpK8/s1640/IMG_1133.JPG" title="A bedside view complete with home-grown Narcissus Avalanche and a good book" width="426" /></a></div>
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An engaging book and a bedside posy of home-grown narcissus Avalanche helps to ease one comfortably into a relaxing Sunday morning</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Several days ago I received a nice comment from one of my loyal readers. "CD, CD, wherefore art thou? I miss you!". Reading it made me realize that I have not been particularly punctual with my posts here at Chronica Domus lately. Had it really been an entire month since I last published anything or, for that matter, have had the luxury of visiting my favorite blogs? I am afraid it really has been.<br />
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Since the beginning of January, my days have held an almost elastic quality to them. My real-world professional obligations have stretched too far into my waking hours which, sadly, has left little time to pursue the more pleasurable aspects of life, including the upkeep of this blog. I won't even mention the alarming state of my garden. Shudder. As you can imagine, the long President's Day weekend could not have arrived soon enough. Three entire days to revel in the little things in life that provide the greatest of pleasure. I consider one of those pleasures to be sleep.<br />
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I don't know about you but a few extra hours of sleep on a weekend morning has become a luxurious indulgance the older I get. If I can make it to 8 a.m. in the comfort of my bed, I just know it's going to be a good day. It pains me to admit that, try as I might, I am not a natural early riser. I admire those of you that are up and about enjoying the crepuscular light of dawn, catching sight of colorful skies painted by the first shafts of light. That said, on most weekday mornings I do tumble out of bed before dawn, heavy-eyed and yawning. This is done not out of choice, mind you, but to fulfill my familial and workday obligations. I am also charged with <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-hunt-for-christmas-greenery.html">serving breakfast to Norton</a> and the hungry clowder of neighborhood ferals. They have certainly trained me well. As I hurriedly dart about, I barely notice when daylight eventually does break. In another life, I would be found snoozing well into the morning which is why I do so enjoy the luxury of a slower start to a weekend morning. Those precious few restorative hours of slumber truly rejuvenate my body and soul. Only then am I able to focus on a full weekend of running errands, <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/05/to-market-to-market_11.html">visiting the farmers' market</a>, <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/08/whats-blooming-inside-sweetest-of-sweet.html">gardening</a>, social obligations, and <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/03/whiteout-at-lake-tahoe.html">general good old-fashioned fun</a>. </div>
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Sunday mornings are also when I am able to loll about in bed, enjoying a good read. I have only just cracked open a book that I purchased two years ago when I visited the charming collegiate city of Cambridge, England. Titled <i>Below Stairs In The Great Country Houses, </i>Adeline Hartcup's fascinating book recalls with delicious detail several real-life accounts of how many of Britain's most famous country houses were run. If you are a fellow devotee of the much-missed television series Downton Abbey, you too will enjoy reading about the strict hierarchy adhered to - and the minefield of social blunders to be avoided - by the many characters that lurked both above and below stairs. <br />
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How about you, which of life's little (long) weekend pleasures give you the most satisfaction?<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-29295602386316994782018-01-17T23:12:00.003-08:002018-02-28T21:21:23.514-08:00The Porcelain Mystery Object Revealed <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="Chronica Domus" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_wFSHPDzJr4MrGHG5oKoD_UAFVxLsgJoWTnzcm1Y5771B1PtcVYKHSMM1mQZKA00sYI_78Kzw0MdTcxPDih7Nf5O3LSXs_zhgv4C7Fh5lzvngBbpcazRdlhy4K3eZHxIviZl45YVb0s/s1640/IMG_0897.JPG" title="" width="426" /></div>
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This diminutive drummer boy has a very specific purpose - can you guess what it is?</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Well, I must say you are a clever bunch! Thank you all for playing along in the latest mystery object game. I can now reveal that the little drummer boy is indeed a vintage French féve.<br />
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For those of you that haven't a clue what in the world I'm rattling on about, a féve is a good luck charm or trinket that is baked into a celebratory cake called a Kings Cake, or to use its French name, a Galette de Rois.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYwFrL2PFsNl0m9Nu_UtT7T2pbo64R5w9M6ffBSQ567Meu3Tlt0Bs6fSS9hj_0S7XAblANvgERC41B4ACmIpvCuv3avZ9n8yD3xEOYaHSuZBvxHVktDu6PrXfhQZ68tP9IfxW_Dm4Erw/s1600/galette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="450" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYwFrL2PFsNl0m9Nu_UtT7T2pbo64R5w9M6ffBSQ567Meu3Tlt0Bs6fSS9hj_0S7XAblANvgERC41B4ACmIpvCuv3avZ9n8yD3xEOYaHSuZBvxHVktDu6PrXfhQZ68tP9IfxW_Dm4Erw/s1400/galette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Galette de Rois</div>
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<a href="http://specialitesculinaires.com/fetes-et-manifestations/epiphanie-4-janvier-2014/">Source</a></div>
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Kings Cake is traditionally served on Epiphany, January 6, to commemorate the day the Magi Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar bestowed gifts upon the infant Jesus. In fact, a figure of a baby is often used as a féve in a Galette de Rois. In New Orleans, Kings Cakes make an appearance in local bakeries anywhere from January 6 right up until Mardi Gras, which happens to fall on February 13 this year. It is said that he who finds the féve is crowned king for the day and reaps all the benefits of the good luck that comes along with the charm.<br />
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Other countries have their own traditions centered around finding lucky trinkets in sweet treats. Take the British, for example, and the long-held tradition of baking a silver six-penny piece into Christmas puddings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZXLyTjhjhDLflfECXqPbBkMjoivxCv3p7phyphenhyphen75pGKi6elgUUh2ahrT7KjazBt0BCcZEOmTa5rvlx36tcR2gj3EOgbEXRhcN5XadUYq03yrthhOjUmpH0vLiv8UkobSFx68igT0bfsv0/s1600/sixpence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="614" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZXLyTjhjhDLflfECXqPbBkMjoivxCv3p7phyphenhyphen75pGKi6elgUUh2ahrT7KjazBt0BCcZEOmTa5rvlx36tcR2gj3EOgbEXRhcN5XadUYq03yrthhOjUmpH0vLiv8UkobSFx68igT0bfsv0/s1400/sixpence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ah, there it is, the prized silver sixpence!</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/507557/stir-up-sunday">Source</a></div>
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Greece and some of the other Balkan countries bake coins into Vasilopita, a cake served at midnight on New Year's Day. Vasilopita is named in honor of Basil of Caesarea and his famous coin and jewelry cake, baked and distributed to local families. Here's a link <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasilopita#Origins">to that story</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODBLSwfOVhvMwyo4LK87GxPNpFBlnzdkjX_EOW-yPPALEvwvFUP2OJ-ZSxcTR7vIs6U_a-pP10OHP6YwiCTcJIkf8PBCJYmYiif7iiRcbbvpkWYpLzXJIjgi1ZWyiFcT-GsZBMIm84Xs/s1600/Vasilopita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODBLSwfOVhvMwyo4LK87GxPNpFBlnzdkjX_EOW-yPPALEvwvFUP2OJ-ZSxcTR7vIs6U_a-pP10OHP6YwiCTcJIkf8PBCJYmYiif7iiRcbbvpkWYpLzXJIjgi1ZWyiFcT-GsZBMIm84Xs/s1400/Vasilopita.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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No Vasilopita is complete without the addition of a <strike>Drachma</strike> Euro</div>
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<a href="http://katerinaskouzina.com/recipe-items/vasilopita-greek-new-years-cake/">Source</a></div>
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The féve I selected to feature in my mystery object post is one of six that have somehow found their way to me. I believe they were made during the first half of the twentieth century, or possibly earlier judging by their lovely muted colors and traditional forms. Modern féves tend to be garishly decorated in lurid colors, and many are fashioned after popular cartoon characters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm8phvIDBkGSk-i2vJWQI_QjijH_ZiYlu8AHSN3tT6n1Riydha8U2_RPEgD29VcrcLj9jqKgTDzu4dUHnEK4LrcXFtl1zATzsrR7wpf7eDHy7NptoScRjANH1zUjVCkRV-cf8_mcKxhY/s1600/feve1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="500" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfm8phvIDBkGSk-i2vJWQI_QjijH_ZiYlu8AHSN3tT6n1Riydha8U2_RPEgD29VcrcLj9jqKgTDzu4dUHnEK4LrcXFtl1zATzsrR7wpf7eDHy7NptoScRjANH1zUjVCkRV-cf8_mcKxhY/s1400/feve1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Apologies to Minion fans but these little googly-eyed <span style="text-align: left;">féves </span>would be enough to<br />
put me off my cake!</div>
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<a href="https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510kqiYElmL.jpgnSNjbV9lMYBMw2j&ust=1516313244854101">Source</a></div>
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Let me introduce you to my enchanting drummer boy's Lilliputian companions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq_jD8lyyyxJ5m7E9Izu2fDrSo4OKT4L7tGRvwhjql8K4eGAkR5jeoe9ankKPQIPducfYdOtaxjtFrMYiCpS33b7im-jyx6ymZzxQ6VntOLOgbCXsnt1agmIgrwt-ecWXIOUDTPJWxRk/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq_jD8lyyyxJ5m7E9Izu2fDrSo4OKT4L7tGRvwhjql8K4eGAkR5jeoe9ankKPQIPducfYdOtaxjtFrMYiCpS33b7im-jyx6ymZzxQ6VntOLOgbCXsnt1agmIgrwt-ecWXIOUDTPJWxRk/s1640/IMG_0889.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This lantern-carrying féve resembles a fisherman from a bygone era ...</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDv7fWCZACtWsq_BAJPierrpPlnbIlBGy6MnNjn_k1rOjGG18U2eP77ZDCh3cFF0-R8EG3dSWywztkQJuJniPa0ZEhyCWB0vDi2S0yzODctuRlNdOPQYk_u2grYNXZjX9BTH41lcHH-k/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDv7fWCZACtWsq_BAJPierrpPlnbIlBGy6MnNjn_k1rOjGG18U2eP77ZDCh3cFF0-R8EG3dSWywztkQJuJniPa0ZEhyCWB0vDi2S0yzODctuRlNdOPQYk_u2grYNXZjX9BTH41lcHH-k/s1640/IMG_0891.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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... and these peasant women must surely be his shore-side companions</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtaOWh-7W673ThjCFDj0QFdlCEjVeRcvzc9lbDcn-Cd3evjRcttBE2fvj9vw1LG-fXHp_2NqsG3urYLa3x4y4_V1WVjm1xQO92C1UJl5xFDFRTbv0dsLAlb4SZmgBMQlKnEEOe0-cSnk/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtaOWh-7W673ThjCFDj0QFdlCEjVeRcvzc9lbDcn-Cd3evjRcttBE2fvj9vw1LG-fXHp_2NqsG3urYLa3x4y4_V1WVjm1xQO92C1UJl5xFDFRTbv0dsLAlb4SZmgBMQlKnEEOe0-cSnk/s1640/IMG_0894.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here's the ship's captain and his young deckhand</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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How could one fail to be delighted at finding any of these charming fellows peeking from within a slice of cake?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumUif65tNdB86X1E0uPHWB_ua460fjwELUdcKZLxe5DigsSyU9z1xpGo1Pw5sPOcY2mqUN024gDakqwcTP2UVlZQhaJxel8okDZVoFJfjWlshbn-tGOxszdW4588cpJ42ecD79wXjHwc/s1600/IMG_0873+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1227" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumUif65tNdB86X1E0uPHWB_ua460fjwELUdcKZLxe5DigsSyU9z1xpGo1Pw5sPOcY2mqUN024gDakqwcTP2UVlZQhaJxel8okDZVoFJfjWlshbn-tGOxszdW4588cpJ42ecD79wXjHwc/s1640/IMG_0873+-+Copy.JPG" width="490" /></a></div>
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Half a dozen years of good luck</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Perhaps you too have had the good fortune of discovering a similar charm in a cake or a pudding. Do please tell me about it, or of any other similar holiday tradition revolving around the unearthing of such lucky trinkets. <br />
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Thank you once again for being such good sports. I look forward to sharing another mystery object with you in the not-too-distant future.<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-57312272733406863222018-01-13T11:21:00.001-08:002018-02-28T21:21:00.769-08:00A Porcelain Mystery Object<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_wFSHPDzJr4MrGHG5oKoD_UAFVxLsgJoWTnzcm1Y5771B1PtcVYKHSMM1mQZKA00sYI_78Kzw0MdTcxPDih7Nf5O3LSXs_zhgv4C7Fh5lzvngBbpcazRdlhy4K3eZHxIviZl45YVb0s/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_wFSHPDzJr4MrGHG5oKoD_UAFVxLsgJoWTnzcm1Y5771B1PtcVYKHSMM1mQZKA00sYI_78Kzw0MdTcxPDih7Nf5O3LSXs_zhgv4C7Fh5lzvngBbpcazRdlhy4K3eZHxIviZl45YVb0s/s1640/IMG_0897.JPG" title="A little porcelain drummer boy" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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It just dawned on me that the last time I published a post <a href="https://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-treen-mystery-object.html">on a mystery object</a> was last February. So, today I present you with another, a little porcelain drummer boy, for your consideration. <br />
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The object is a scant taller than an inch in height and is attractively decorated in pleasing muted tones. Although he requires no other companions, there are plenty more where he came from.<br />
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Do please tell me what you think his purpose is. I will reveal all in my next post.<br />
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Happy guessing!<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-16799649357549012172018-01-07T22:25:00.001-08:002018-01-18T09:34:13.119-08:00It's Been A Fun-Filled Couple of Weeks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy New Year to you all! Please forgive the paucity of posts over the last few weeks but as you might recall, I've been busy entertaining overseas house guests for the holidays. We've all had a marvelous, fun-filled time but all good things eventually come to an end. As such, we bid adieu to our guests at the airport this past Thursday with promises of a reunion over the next year.<br />
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Now that things have once again settled down at home, I've had an opportunity to fondly reflect upon the last few weeks. As with so many others, an awful lot of celebratory feasting took place (between bouts of playing tour guide). Perhaps that would explain my quickly expanding waistline. Anyway, the culinary indulgences kicked off on Christmas Eve and continued right up through New Year's Day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpImPqD-ccOkAra8V9j2RWabadT-HlaiqeS_UuNTFR-QtrT8ZSTUDDEuGuMgFpkaw3FRnGKtdSWjiuNT5nITB6XFGAi8zmriqnTBefHT8AGRYdoPLJpTOh4f8Yevpn-DBILnSDTySdP8/s1600/Christmas+Day+Sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpImPqD-ccOkAra8V9j2RWabadT-HlaiqeS_UuNTFR-QtrT8ZSTUDDEuGuMgFpkaw3FRnGKtdSWjiuNT5nITB6XFGAi8zmriqnTBefHT8AGRYdoPLJpTOh4f8Yevpn-DBILnSDTySdP8/s1640/Christmas+Day+Sunrise.JPG" title="Christmas Day sunrise" width="426" /></a></div>
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I was up early on Christmas morning and glimpsed the colorful sunrise from the balcony</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXeVx7_E1MGY-VfWqbkFIc7zvgBTHUmdv-5V8wdOUzRLIs9U186GiYk_Jc7TNhfrFKmHwxdiOo5lZixslzKeqBcqQle6JHIfRiihjygpnufJeYMSbp6gTp2Aae7LDWXo5R6-k_aUbbAU/s1600/Christmas+Day+Dinner+Table+Setting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXeVx7_E1MGY-VfWqbkFIc7zvgBTHUmdv-5V8wdOUzRLIs9U186GiYk_Jc7TNhfrFKmHwxdiOo5lZixslzKeqBcqQle6JHIfRiihjygpnufJeYMSbp6gTp2Aae7LDWXo5R6-k_aUbbAU/s1640/Christmas+Day+Dinner+Table+Setting.JPG" title="Christmas Day dining table crackers" width="426" /></a></div>
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No Christmas dinner table is complete in Britain without a novelty Christmas Cracker at each place setting to add to the merrymaking ...</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdlX7f-QI4a_4o27zqzbWQwj_ex6RkSBl-aJu0lBek_YYuf77Gsi87SoTmF3AatMzQ4KDSrOJ6MiNnQnheFkQ7Vd6nsjT42iNswgnB1Wmr6-bh_5dQY7HAMzM57DRhWINUhPOwPEJNeg/s1600/Christmas+Cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdlX7f-QI4a_4o27zqzbWQwj_ex6RkSBl-aJu0lBek_YYuf77Gsi87SoTmF3AatMzQ4KDSrOJ6MiNnQnheFkQ7Vd6nsjT42iNswgnB1Wmr6-bh_5dQY7HAMzM57DRhWINUhPOwPEJNeg/s1640/Christmas+Cake.JPG" title="Traditional English Christmas fruit cake" width="426" /></a></div>
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... and a scrumptiously dense, booze-soaked, fruit-filled traditional Christmas cake</div>
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(this one was lovingly made by my dear mother months in advance to allow the flavors sufficient time to mature)</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_H7AdeWPF7QAKMtH0oWxIOGQrJ8atOKO3Ip8qNh0ScIkuM2ipmmSvgjjXWTLTH4hCE4N6c-18um0h5Nepnd3pHSDjHncG4VZKVq7xKwMJXrt6Dpco5GMHCEpbSy5iFBhnINPKjLSVC0/s1600/ChristmasTable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_H7AdeWPF7QAKMtH0oWxIOGQrJ8atOKO3Ip8qNh0ScIkuM2ipmmSvgjjXWTLTH4hCE4N6c-18um0h5Nepnd3pHSDjHncG4VZKVq7xKwMJXrt6Dpco5GMHCEpbSy5iFBhnINPKjLSVC0/s1640/ChristmasTable.JPG" title="Christmas Day dining room table setting" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here's what the table looked like right before we sat down to tuck into our Christmas feast ...</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozOTvcUlMNV2Pp2KSPXB69BGsby0hD8fg2inFmnGL8ajUsQ_QOJxNLSt9EYci7HZQYPZgQ3KDYx-NGtUHEDugP4r7ireLCot8AX0-cFRicLbrW7eXzIrLHPv7f8PM3weLXGMWd6ZvClQ/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozOTvcUlMNV2Pp2KSPXB69BGsby0hD8fg2inFmnGL8ajUsQ_QOJxNLSt9EYci7HZQYPZgQ3KDYx-NGtUHEDugP4r7ireLCot8AX0-cFRicLbrW7eXzIrLHPv7f8PM3weLXGMWd6ZvClQ/s1640/IMG_0554.JPG" title="Christmas Pudding" width="426" /></a></div>
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... and here's the grand finale, a traditional Christmas Pudding, topped with holly ...</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTjCPY35iWa1XB5lmWUickSBVeBmziyyLV4XiP7wD14f-F9JRRe8TDLuQQhrri3PWPxDBQ37sHtdftz1r5aRI1pKf4fZr1q74QfslGchqhUyAO-0ZFSf26Z8uOXg8cWcy4nJXvgf71Zg/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTjCPY35iWa1XB5lmWUickSBVeBmziyyLV4XiP7wD14f-F9JRRe8TDLuQQhrri3PWPxDBQ37sHtdftz1r5aRI1pKf4fZr1q74QfslGchqhUyAO-0ZFSf26Z8uOXg8cWcy4nJXvgf71Zg/s1640/IMG_0555.JPG" title="Flaming Christmas Pudding" width="426" /></a></div>
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... and set ablaze with a liberal dousing of brandy</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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And, what's Christmas Day without some postprandial entertainment to shake one from one's torpor? Eschewing a time-honored game or two of charades, furniture was instead pushed towards the drawing room walls, the music cranked up, and <i>voila!</i> a makeshift dance floor revealed itself. Our guests and we managed to pull off all of our best moves, mastered long ago in some of Europe's finest discotheques during heady summer holidays. We had an absolute blast!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV4S-gUpC9hfZnRF_P2MQyeGG3odYPc20IPbepG0owwdDz5lVIP3vYDdEkfml8tDALPaCu0JnWHzMPh2dXYIt5KJjGnK51z5kndFcQ5rwmxYV730NJe4Bq83v11pCHXLjzKoI322duMk/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV4S-gUpC9hfZnRF_P2MQyeGG3odYPc20IPbepG0owwdDz5lVIP3vYDdEkfml8tDALPaCu0JnWHzMPh2dXYIt5KJjGnK51z5kndFcQ5rwmxYV730NJe4Bq83v11pCHXLjzKoI322duMk/s1640/IMG_0572.JPG" title="Christmas Day fireplace in the drawing room" width="426" /></a></div>
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The drawing room, after our spontaneous Christmas evening dance party had concluded - who needs extravagant disco lights when fairy lights will do!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Boxing Day and the days that followed were spent showing our guests some of the area's best places of interest. A day in wine country wound up in the quaint town of Sonoma with a lovely dinner at The Swiss Hotel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0MDwe6SGWur0aYATxDjfoXtkFZxetZtLNspA3LrAlcuBDgStNpjLYTVpqXRLki1nMbth08dX7nUqG_5zNXl1B0bk1CG7qrqCaoL4FaS0IakSghVqkF6CoM99P_WEXTalZ8TbB_kn7Ho/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0MDwe6SGWur0aYATxDjfoXtkFZxetZtLNspA3LrAlcuBDgStNpjLYTVpqXRLki1nMbth08dX7nUqG_5zNXl1B0bk1CG7qrqCaoL4FaS0IakSghVqkF6CoM99P_WEXTalZ8TbB_kn7Ho/s1400/IMG_0604.JPG" title="Sonoma Plaza" width="400" /></a></div>
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A corner view of Sonoma's charming town plaza</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNmSntb8hrLfmIuT3lt2MIv4cDm5hJZbfmR5wy6uLk0Mhq_aKKluYfWSPIuwCgFJfbvAwln2BVQswUwPQ65B9VDCkMKVZ-UbQC93n13lmZ25cBPoCYbNmm_RT-1svR88EQsnBSRKndbs/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNmSntb8hrLfmIuT3lt2MIv4cDm5hJZbfmR5wy6uLk0Mhq_aKKluYfWSPIuwCgFJfbvAwln2BVQswUwPQ65B9VDCkMKVZ-UbQC93n13lmZ25cBPoCYbNmm_RT-1svR88EQsnBSRKndbs/s1640/IMG_0635.JPG" title="Town Hall Sonoma lit up for Christmas" width="426" /></a></div>
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Sonoma's City Hall and surrounding trees aglow in festive lights</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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A little window shopping in San Francisco's Union Square is always a fun diversion for out-of-town visitors. On the evening we were there, the shops were buzzing with post-Christmas sales activity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkqChJuKL41pU6Mey6G_9ZZYNvp0y5DK35b980kGwFTlIhAZZr98v0wKlqqT_XnkCbCdzXLjUn2WlNIseLfnln9fy6ttnUAfztVQrO_HQwz2LJOOyyb-rQxHxe7Ya4LQybBFr3MbwIL0/s1600/IMG_0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkqChJuKL41pU6Mey6G_9ZZYNvp0y5DK35b980kGwFTlIhAZZr98v0wKlqqT_XnkCbCdzXLjUn2WlNIseLfnln9fy6ttnUAfztVQrO_HQwz2LJOOyyb-rQxHxe7Ya4LQybBFr3MbwIL0/s1640/IMG_0663.JPG" title="Union Square San Francisco post Christmas shopping" width="426" /></a></div>
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The madness that is Union Square during the post-Christmas sales</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiEmqyUhXpGrFzrW91XWI-ZuZU-FuAbzBGAbBX2Chs8r58fy-rxtV7Pu7y3Q7ePBJww-IJnbOrFJjdg2FBA2NZyx7aipk7hRQUJf4LbRPQ7mBWfuzYblcvADI9KBX0a7F4YLMymwV32A/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiEmqyUhXpGrFzrW91XWI-ZuZU-FuAbzBGAbBX2Chs8r58fy-rxtV7Pu7y3Q7ePBJww-IJnbOrFJjdg2FBA2NZyx7aipk7hRQUJf4LbRPQ7mBWfuzYblcvADI9KBX0a7F4YLMymwV32A/s1640/IMG_0669.JPG" title="St. Francis Hotel gingerbread castle Union Square San Francisco" width="426" /></a></div>
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An enchanting gingerbread concoction displayed in the St. Francis Hotel's lobby on Union Square</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpyuYWjx5aEmwyqeB6dJYN-WfbILaQ4FbhCuD_z-X6yOGlpbvXR6B2Cg8TrdYLEz1jSDJjrKNn7W5orpz0rQEKniGPJZV0m83_kY3ZPqJ8oEp2jIDq5dqrKnsev3_M2UhXaVzwHlTsK0/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpyuYWjx5aEmwyqeB6dJYN-WfbILaQ4FbhCuD_z-X6yOGlpbvXR6B2Cg8TrdYLEz1jSDJjrKNn7W5orpz0rQEKniGPJZV0m83_kY3ZPqJ8oEp2jIDq5dqrKnsev3_M2UhXaVzwHlTsK0/s1640/IMG_0670.JPG" title="St. Francis Hotel gingerbread castle Union Square San Francisco" width="426" /></a></div>
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Everything here is made of sugar including beribboned packages and elves that march up </div>
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and down the gingerbread castle's staircase</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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One of the last excursions of the year was spent pleasantly cruising down the coast to Santa Cruz and admiring the spectacular views.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqL7LgdQBiCuXzzQdnDJWBLSDtQ1wehFWLYggFPl9j2EKczOzQbO0Ct1eObOMq2mWF19NLXmsTCoZ4G7MpBT7x7S8bI5DJMDzNC3FTPNUbKRv7DU1A-yaetzBE3HwYcw-_XtcKaPrD7g/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqL7LgdQBiCuXzzQdnDJWBLSDtQ1wehFWLYggFPl9j2EKczOzQbO0Ct1eObOMq2mWF19NLXmsTCoZ4G7MpBT7x7S8bI5DJMDzNC3FTPNUbKRv7DU1A-yaetzBE3HwYcw-_XtcKaPrD7g/s1640/IMG_0693.JPG" title="Craggy rocks on California coast" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnInXpW-n7-cGt20EC7dvYjQBF4MsWC0Ko35yhFoQSzZryyZKsbYwhqMvgj27KfqXR5lkQBYtq_ZUcWKVKi8xmpEll_6N23ZRsrMqcdVxdJfLDWG1xJL4jjAKeaD5uAB2qJIHMLrspQI/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnInXpW-n7-cGt20EC7dvYjQBF4MsWC0Ko35yhFoQSzZryyZKsbYwhqMvgj27KfqXR5lkQBYtq_ZUcWKVKi8xmpEll_6N23ZRsrMqcdVxdJfLDWG1xJL4jjAKeaD5uAB2qJIHMLrspQI/s1640/IMG_0694.JPG" title="Coastal view" width="426" /></a></div>
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I adore walks along the beach, whichever coastline I am lucky to find myself upon</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Our last dinner of 2017 was enjoyed at home in our very own dining room. And, just to remind ourselves we were rapidly headed into a new year, I made sure to mark the occasion as follows:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZlKN5dN8herFS4JgwfqHaXRra78_4wM9Sdiz-gKKqGpMPV9Gc_Wj-FKyvFcCvVKj3o07aKuELLHBKuKuiyAPJd1eGgSzNsOgz6lem5Fzy3pVamTIpDXsTqKPVtKcX05EWv4bJezIEGc/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZlKN5dN8herFS4JgwfqHaXRra78_4wM9Sdiz-gKKqGpMPV9Gc_Wj-FKyvFcCvVKj3o07aKuELLHBKuKuiyAPJd1eGgSzNsOgz6lem5Fzy3pVamTIpDXsTqKPVtKcX05EWv4bJezIEGc/s1640/IMG_0716.JPG" title="Mushroom and leek pie to usher in 2018" width="426" /></a></div>
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A homemade mushroom and leek pie to herald in the new year</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Of course, there were sweet treats too, including a King's Cake, baked in a crown mold, complete with lucky charm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-pBrKHL0LB1vaXmwJzOhiSXXLZquEjk6d2EcVZllRx4UX3FRj3VNVQ8WWS9NVsmNPnAyNW44O_qomaAUg0Qvii0Y5Pbg7QV5X57ewsx-XN9OESoQ9nT7D1NQv-WNJWgQeMV0VbVGr5k/s1600/New+Year%2527s+Cakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-pBrKHL0LB1vaXmwJzOhiSXXLZquEjk6d2EcVZllRx4UX3FRj3VNVQ8WWS9NVsmNPnAyNW44O_qomaAUg0Qvii0Y5Pbg7QV5X57ewsx-XN9OESoQ9nT7D1NQv-WNJWgQeMV0VbVGr5k/s1640/New+Year%2527s+Cakes.JPG" title="Desserts at our New Year's Eve dinner celebration" width="426" /></a></div>
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New Year's Eve desserts included juicy tangerines, a Kings Cake with a hidden lucky charm, </div>
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and the Christmas fruit cake baked by my mother</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdEoLFSMr2FYCBvKeBHh6fW7w4dEfi9mBvmLb5jJdDPvsXDJfsyD7UEkbtzRgC9JPnoDDuJwTiTw8ofJLQXOdbE7Nv8HwTbKlWJlvPllmQJUySF-Rh8UAkQK2i3QmyWcvI6SwzJ5T8M8/s1600/Remains+of+the+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdEoLFSMr2FYCBvKeBHh6fW7w4dEfi9mBvmLb5jJdDPvsXDJfsyD7UEkbtzRgC9JPnoDDuJwTiTw8ofJLQXOdbE7Nv8HwTbKlWJlvPllmQJUySF-Rh8UAkQK2i3QmyWcvI6SwzJ5T8M8/s1640/Remains+of+the+cake.JPG" title="Remains of the Christmas cake" width="426" /></a></div>
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That was a tasty bit of cake!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBPMr2wKFn3O13G-7YfyN_I186qd6JnACrVQvAAHfPxtCeWbX6sIiUwgigm1y8ua_RPoH_6I4uR_-Ns2iyMUhhE4aK9ujhHU1_pCRRpgTDfGB20i7_UaIs23ax2X-nZAtj7qVxz1VChA/s1600/Roaring+Fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBPMr2wKFn3O13G-7YfyN_I186qd6JnACrVQvAAHfPxtCeWbX6sIiUwgigm1y8ua_RPoH_6I4uR_-Ns2iyMUhhE4aK9ujhHU1_pCRRpgTDfGB20i7_UaIs23ax2X-nZAtj7qVxz1VChA/s1640/Roaring+Fire.JPG" title="New Year's Eve fireplace in the drawing room" width="426" /></a></div>
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Another lit fire to keep us cozy until the midnight festivities began</div>
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Photo: Chronica Donmus</div>
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We barely made it to midnight and into 2018 without nodding off, a feat which becomes a little more challenging, I have observed, as one ages. The dawn of a new year is, however, such a thrilling moment especially when one begins to ponder the possibilities and opportunities which may lay ahead. I haven't missed one yet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zkIi_dNsjClPI0ZFRGjGzaIFkz8FEg_Y21Xq4iCnfRSfo6cp7gZVBd-fQbaVpMwTQCO9PQ61FumNtgn_oc6A3WYE0sovV6yQZkfnSkFzsg3ThSlDeiTCoK53QiEK9eT6PttWASJYhsg/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zkIi_dNsjClPI0ZFRGjGzaIFkz8FEg_Y21Xq4iCnfRSfo6cp7gZVBd-fQbaVpMwTQCO9PQ61FumNtgn_oc6A3WYE0sovV6yQZkfnSkFzsg3ThSlDeiTCoK53QiEK9eT6PttWASJYhsg/s1400/IMG_0799.JPG" title="New Year's Eve fireworks" width="400" /></a></div>
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The scene from our balcony, with the smokey remnants of distant fireworks ushering in 2018<br />
Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1b6LuJRlTiI_optEER0s_Lbe0dKXUFKG_nQECPoccPB8qFJ76waZhv60Cx0YGvjNrcXMZ1lgVqe8N-aV7SVHEpg9CXNwoPASJXY5iYBwST70qMc8ATf3-5AJIk55nzTgelQ-ZxBJYC0/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1b6LuJRlTiI_optEER0s_Lbe0dKXUFKG_nQECPoccPB8qFJ76waZhv60Cx0YGvjNrcXMZ1lgVqe8N-aV7SVHEpg9CXNwoPASJXY5iYBwST70qMc8ATf3-5AJIk55nzTgelQ-ZxBJYC0/s1640/IMG_0817.JPG" title="New Year's Day morning" width="426" /></a></div>
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The morning after the night before</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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With the understandably slow (and late) start to the first day of the year, we took things in our stride and hopped into the motor car for a gentle drive up to some of the Gold Country towns of Northern California. Most of the towns were deserted but it was nonetheless a lovely treat to wander around in relative tranquility. The highlight of our day was the year's first sunset which had us pulling off to the side of a country lane and enjoying a truly spectacular sky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAriZAoaAW6XXWsRtQNG4HQ4-dpLup_AMehQ8sWHVeV7jSkK96lcrwtyadQG0dDB6lnc8zvkiUdC6MufymSgZW13B9ERQxIx45meWhVwGS91H4KVgDZqZlZFfaOHox-SLUNy47fd037L8/s1600/New+Year%2527s+Day+2018+Sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAriZAoaAW6XXWsRtQNG4HQ4-dpLup_AMehQ8sWHVeV7jSkK96lcrwtyadQG0dDB6lnc8zvkiUdC6MufymSgZW13B9ERQxIx45meWhVwGS91H4KVgDZqZlZFfaOHox-SLUNy47fd037L8/s1400/New+Year%2527s+Day+2018+Sunset.JPG" title="First sunset of 2018" width="400" /></a></div>
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I could almost hear Vivien Leigh uttering those famous words "As God is my witness"</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Christmas in our household is well and truly over on January 6, the Twelfth Day of Christmas, or Epiphany. This is the day we dismantle the tree and <strike>attempt to</strike> pack away the ornaments. I counted two hundred and thirty-two of them on our evergreen tree this year, not including the topper. There are more on the goose feather tree. And, as I predicted, the ornaments are still laying about, cluttering up the dining room table. A beautiful mess if there ever was one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWpWk4DYdUQ1pz2clmmF9TQzEED1LLfDNgb3jmeiyuFdJDC6ijWuFAIsyCGQxLcTF1icFuhNQ7bcXW6z3SpjW6UfUwRMbSi70aLqo3d4uDSz46eyqYkJRNUquRmPkbgXum6e1LU0HzEU/s1600/IMG_1422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWpWk4DYdUQ1pz2clmmF9TQzEED1LLfDNgb3jmeiyuFdJDC6ijWuFAIsyCGQxLcTF1icFuhNQ7bcXW6z3SpjW6UfUwRMbSi70aLqo3d4uDSz46eyqYkJRNUquRmPkbgXum6e1LU0HzEU/s1640/IMG_1422.jpg" title="A beautiful pile of vintage glass Christmas ornaments" width="480" /></a></div>
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The prospect of packing all this away calls for a stiff drink!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I do hope that you too found plenty to celebrate during the festive season. Please do tell me what some of your highlights were.<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-89818961104737587782017-12-23T12:29:00.001-08:002017-12-23T23:03:15.126-08:00At Last The Christmas Decorations Are Up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPExyQ-psjXLEpjOe-6vzsPZEUP-hQIbUHRWEXRBxngf_fOrvDRzHlvYN-hNCf1OpsAkKtb-_h7jy_V4ZBCHOG51qLSAWx8F8j92gWjftJat2Wou8gEZiBCqJA_xVOrc8vme1EiQ9D5wQ/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPExyQ-psjXLEpjOe-6vzsPZEUP-hQIbUHRWEXRBxngf_fOrvDRzHlvYN-hNCf1OpsAkKtb-_h7jy_V4ZBCHOG51qLSAWx8F8j92gWjftJat2Wou8gEZiBCqJA_xVOrc8vme1EiQ9D5wQ/s1640/IMG_0167.JPG" title="Crushed glitter glass gives this pine cone a frosty appearance" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I really don't know where December has gone but the month has sped away faster than <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/03/biggest-jewel-heist-in-british-history">a Hatton Garden jewel thief</a>. This year we are staying home for Christmas and hosting overseas house guests who arrive this afternoon. I am very much looking forward to both enjoying their good company and celebrating Christmas for the first time in four years <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/01/back-from-london.html">in my own home</a>. <br />
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When one expects house guests at this time of the year there is much to do in anticipation of their visit. On top of all that, there is a laundry list of tasks to be completed before Christmas day arrives including lots of specialty food shopping for Christmas day dinner, and a few last minute presents. One of the more pleasurable undertakings of the season is tarting up the house. As we like to keep things simple around here, we avidly adhere to <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/12/miss-poles-yuletide-decorating.html">Miss Pole's Yuletide Decorating Philosophy</a> so last weekend we made time to track down our evergreen tree and bring it home. Patience our teenage daughter was insistent that we select a "fuller" tree. What she really meant was she would like a species other than my preferred Silver Tip which is gappy by nature and provides ample room between branches to hang <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-christmas-ornament-collectors-fantasy.html">my collection of antique and vintage ornaments</a>. We settled on the Noble Fir you see below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7byUHBspDsMrCeoK8T-dRKkgKd3qlaGOrcL07oCPK0uUm2xKViyoLFLwyrNE4lpkqS9RJoOh2HZPaXBvorWnEptARlmEh1_p97nfszCkNpOg7ykMvm-b3w9wmwgenloQTjO0IYRFRjI/s1600/IMG_9898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7byUHBspDsMrCeoK8T-dRKkgKd3qlaGOrcL07oCPK0uUm2xKViyoLFLwyrNE4lpkqS9RJoOh2HZPaXBvorWnEptARlmEh1_p97nfszCkNpOg7ykMvm-b3w9wmwgenloQTjO0IYRFRjI/s1640/IMG_9898.JPG" title="Noble Fir tree awaits being taken into the house" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbecrREkHKVUbwZeVVJeuq-rJIYhZUPOCeW-_li0kpr7hLtm0G9fLIj1z72oHTrovgaacz3kqHTck0B-GdGcVXmRrOFMwitwhvIjOlJfnR2yULJYDwrMM-b7Agej-1RDM4-hc95nRoyo/s1600/IMG_9910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbecrREkHKVUbwZeVVJeuq-rJIYhZUPOCeW-_li0kpr7hLtm0G9fLIj1z72oHTrovgaacz3kqHTck0B-GdGcVXmRrOFMwitwhvIjOlJfnR2yULJYDwrMM-b7Agej-1RDM4-hc95nRoyo/s1640/IMG_9910.JPG" title="Norton the cat discovers the Christmas tree" width="426" /></a></div>
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Norton immediately approved of Patience's choice of tree</div>
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(let's hope the ornaments are of less interest to him)</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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After a battle installing the fairy lights (the upper-most strand decided to die in situ!), a trip to the store was in order to procure a further supply. This is the sort of tomfoolery that perfectly demonstrates why I have a love-hate relationship with fairy lights. I would much rather opt to <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-golden-glow-of-christmas.html">illuminate our tree with miniature candles</a>. As you can imagine, my husband is horrified by my pyrotechnic flight of fancy so the fairy lights remain. Ah well, one can always fantasize about such things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUlfJ2OZlMsQ29urf74zlFz9y9-_D1859Cb-4HgsuTv3THpOLsGzFYEloRYlSyyTZopusf13PoUumHDFRX4w2d84X1id2EnYWyRlfqi492RdRFbJK5aGAWaiTTsOMB66j78ClejDakHc/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUlfJ2OZlMsQ29urf74zlFz9y9-_D1859Cb-4HgsuTv3THpOLsGzFYEloRYlSyyTZopusf13PoUumHDFRX4w2d84X1id2EnYWyRlfqi492RdRFbJK5aGAWaiTTsOMB66j78ClejDakHc/s1640/IMG_9955.JPG" title="Vintage blown glass ornaments await being hung upon the Christmas tree" width="426" /></a></div>
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This year's exuberant color palette is a combination of silver, green, pale pink,<br />
raspberry, and orange</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Before finding the strength of will to get back to the tree decorating, I decided that adorning the mantelshelf would be a far less taxing experience. I used the pine cones that Patience and I collected and decorated with frosty glass glitter years earlier when she was still in elementary school, together with clippings from the tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6w6G5bdVPKZYCXEItq9TyCnCN_SsjV6QbSf7esCMeKLqX90q9Kb8qQpERP7Z221_sV1yUaJ7r62qrJA-8UkqqZfTZ-w8GwuzbzQiBmpqmHT3enkcaDEb0Eg34WvIXrae8-KrXTITuMHA/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6w6G5bdVPKZYCXEItq9TyCnCN_SsjV6QbSf7esCMeKLqX90q9Kb8qQpERP7Z221_sV1yUaJ7r62qrJA-8UkqqZfTZ-w8GwuzbzQiBmpqmHT3enkcaDEb0Eg34WvIXrae8-KrXTITuMHA/s1640/IMG_0033.JPG" title="Pine cones and greenery adorn the mantelshelf of the drawing room" width="426" /></a></div>
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Crushed glass glitter provides a seasonal frosty appearance to pine cones that perch </div>
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upon an English Regency slop bowl and cups</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKmQe-7bTmf3qHiKInR9lhOdUzaUeIPORjD9K3DAKiKdDFa569fVVPxeIHGUgVfaGJK6BmB5sIvZPJj4HKb4kiOi7gRMSrOusiWLa88Le1cxJh2cB9CJg_nyCK832GWBmPDTC4it8_Sk/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKmQe-7bTmf3qHiKInR9lhOdUzaUeIPORjD9K3DAKiKdDFa569fVVPxeIHGUgVfaGJK6BmB5sIvZPJj4HKb4kiOi7gRMSrOusiWLa88Le1cxJh2cB9CJg_nyCK832GWBmPDTC4it8_Sk/s1640/IMG_0017.JPG" title="The drawing room's fireplace and mantelshelf are decked out for Christmas" width="426" /></a></div>
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Of course there's always room atop the looking glasses and picture frames for a little<br />
seasonal greenery and a pine cone or two</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I thought it would be fun to continue the pine cone theme in the dining room. Below is the ivory colored goose feather tree decked out in ... you've guessed it, pine cones!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhv7j0wBAcvlFkwbnTpWKMrZRVLBsHRpCCuB1muegTW5blsa5JZ-jHhDJselUP9mnK5BfVIeb9o-3Jfyh-qvdEtN9v-kYITng-sLuj8S73cot7vaqjL6bGS2BUoIeoRGHX-HJRd-RpFQ/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhv7j0wBAcvlFkwbnTpWKMrZRVLBsHRpCCuB1muegTW5blsa5JZ-jHhDJselUP9mnK5BfVIeb9o-3Jfyh-qvdEtN9v-kYITng-sLuj8S73cot7vaqjL6bGS2BUoIeoRGHX-HJRd-RpFQ/s1640/IMG_0255.JPG" title="The ivory goose feather tree decked out in vintage glass pine cones " width="426" /></a></div>
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Vintage silver glass pine cones adorn the goose feather tree which is anchored in an<br />
old tole container topped off with yet more (green) vintage glass pine cone ornaments</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv7q-IBDWLT5KJwiXcUgwqjuB44N8XnR9DXWfX1JP0fOAto7-3DeHhMmlz-nKf2vFcKazBJzwpMjT0B5E0PkFtnDwdTfX5fWV2_v_0j1EVMPUCjSrmekPpEc5UrOixUFRQDEPBf2S5gQ/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv7q-IBDWLT5KJwiXcUgwqjuB44N8XnR9DXWfX1JP0fOAto7-3DeHhMmlz-nKf2vFcKazBJzwpMjT0B5E0PkFtnDwdTfX5fWV2_v_0j1EVMPUCjSrmekPpEc5UrOixUFRQDEPBf2S5gQ/s1640/IMG_0265.JPG" title="Vintage glass pine cones on our goose feather tree" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here's a close-up of the tole container anchoring the feather tree with help from a pile of</div>
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vintage glass pine cones in shades of green and gold</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Moving to the kitchen next, I simply could not stop myself. More pine cones and clippings from the Noble Fir tree found a resting spot upon the hanging wall shelf.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYcRF91FH8343ERIMl7j2sGJUZrFU56vbYxdNewDAgDj_xRGIqF7b0ZZa1n1CQwSqSjiwt1mB5F8Bc3ggyi_ulVL5LTlkBN36EOxtbFAxq498XB1eogM364ZRRY2bqCIIj0RwGfwaZwA/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYcRF91FH8343ERIMl7j2sGJUZrFU56vbYxdNewDAgDj_xRGIqF7b0ZZa1n1CQwSqSjiwt1mB5F8Bc3ggyi_ulVL5LTlkBN36EOxtbFAxq498XB1eogM364ZRRY2bqCIIj0RwGfwaZwA/s1640/IMG_0352.JPG" title="Pine cones and grenery deck the hanging kitchen shelf" width="426" /></a></div>
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Have I gone too far? What, I wonder, would Miss Pole make of all this pine cone frippery?</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Returning to the evergreen tree in the drawing room, Patience was eager to help me hang the hundreds of vintage glass ornaments in place. We used thin gauge wire instead of ornament hangers to secure each ornament to its bough by wrapping it around the needles. The extra effort, we hope, will insure the delicate ornaments stay put. At least that's the idea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAJ1-y6BcGNB9QElxfM0rRzg30va1igOxFd7brS3yzzWcGGQvvhor3fsEgbbOZJpuYMM-13W14WQ39_ufvfVcZiwfLRffCcjBBJYYiNu7zhdw-G6de6jZStPNIvfe7G8kONrJ7HokTRI/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAJ1-y6BcGNB9QElxfM0rRzg30va1igOxFd7brS3yzzWcGGQvvhor3fsEgbbOZJpuYMM-13W14WQ39_ufvfVcZiwfLRffCcjBBJYYiNu7zhdw-G6de6jZStPNIvfe7G8kONrJ7HokTRI/s1640/IMG_0296.JPG" title="Lots of vintage blown glass Christmas ornaments upon our tree" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczeYSSh6TC9BbGwh7Z2SOo3N5MwPZvzHQo9n9IPruDR4p8wkt9YA4zgb5uy9U67804dBKEbPl1I5_JqjQ90Il738EibCLOiHnm-5io-6uS89OSL17r2OJ3djsmqMYSbvXfQodwl_OSMA/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczeYSSh6TC9BbGwh7Z2SOo3N5MwPZvzHQo9n9IPruDR4p8wkt9YA4zgb5uy9U67804dBKEbPl1I5_JqjQ90Il738EibCLOiHnm-5io-6uS89OSL17r2OJ3djsmqMYSbvXfQodwl_OSMA/s1640/IMG_9984.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I think the newly acquired old ornaments from <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-christmas-ornament-collectors-fantasy.html">the recent sale I attended</a> look splendid upon this year's tree </div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmB8shqO-utmCmNl42cBPBucU6n-FT3sSzJdGbtxHSXPz1a9Feg1FMnt7HV5wQQtlI-J5uGf3qJ60uA-pTZrUxGVHOTjo7gROnUjdCfnRFBmKBurFA9tz5TigjeJ7RA-6pAuLZTEIkvA/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmB8shqO-utmCmNl42cBPBucU6n-FT3sSzJdGbtxHSXPz1a9Feg1FMnt7HV5wQQtlI-J5uGf3qJ60uA-pTZrUxGVHOTjo7gROnUjdCfnRFBmKBurFA9tz5TigjeJ7RA-6pAuLZTEIkvA/s1640/IMG_0194.JPG" title="Just a few more vintage blown glass ornaments on this year's Christmas tree" width="426" /></a></div>
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Thank goodness the fairy lights are still working now that the ornaments have been hung!</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivdQrwBLOh0GZWB9iZT8p_SaNNlVKYnBV-GGbHEf-171jSS-iWLaR6ghvpYT3fYuklwAH8qgpHtLT1jf0y3ARwdEG6E6vpBoPrp_zZNtjcmVkoKpjLVjNVTOw_9xCvrpGrJwLv5lunso/s1600/Fireplace+and+Ornaments+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivdQrwBLOh0GZWB9iZT8p_SaNNlVKYnBV-GGbHEf-171jSS-iWLaR6ghvpYT3fYuklwAH8qgpHtLT1jf0y3ARwdEG6E6vpBoPrp_zZNtjcmVkoKpjLVjNVTOw_9xCvrpGrJwLv5lunso/s1640/Fireplace+and+Ornaments+2.JPG" title="A view of the fireplace and decorated Christmas tree" width="426" /></a></div>
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Although it was sunny and bright this morning when I photographed the tree, it was sufficiently chilly that we plan on lighting a fire later today</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqcA7ttllgRcIKjs8BdgrhoA_WG9u53Rm1XBywjTtZ-egyTp6A6HIStmo8vIKZFAR3e36P2tNm1J5EcUMaULiEbbQKQ2ap0ZRanb4-UaBbsljdaivOiH4Q6q2BW3opWQY7FESf911s0s/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqcA7ttllgRcIKjs8BdgrhoA_WG9u53Rm1XBywjTtZ-egyTp6A6HIStmo8vIKZFAR3e36P2tNm1J5EcUMaULiEbbQKQ2ap0ZRanb4-UaBbsljdaivOiH4Q6q2BW3opWQY7FESf911s0s/s1640/IMG_0324.JPG" title="Our Noble Fir gree decked out with vintage ornaments" width="426" /></a></div>
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Patience was thrilled with her choice of evergreen tree, and the cheery colors</div>
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of the ornaments, and looks forward to plenty of presents being piled beneath it</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I had just a few more pine cones and bits of greenery to fiddle with so here they are, atop the chest of drawers and the looking glass in the drawing room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JLuGhbR7tue7HWzEgrDpo7Cb-K4wVNRcIplaBFbSLRTn-GCWLbLVXBGubNSKkjBXcFXXugJ8Zu9144v2PRUlZas-y8A9feX5T4rjmkxePq3oGnydp0RRYUQbGf-IoJ-FXRBlQWnycNw/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JLuGhbR7tue7HWzEgrDpo7Cb-K4wVNRcIplaBFbSLRTn-GCWLbLVXBGubNSKkjBXcFXXugJ8Zu9144v2PRUlZas-y8A9feX5T4rjmkxePq3oGnydp0RRYUQbGf-IoJ-FXRBlQWnycNw/s1640/IMG_0339.JPG" title="Yet more pine cones adorn the chest of drawers in the dining room" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Now that the house is dressed for Christmas, I look forward to a few hours of tranquility before driving to the airport to retrieve our house guests. Then, at last, the season's merry making can commence! </div>
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I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!</div>
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-90888575475262482232017-12-11T07:59:00.001-08:002017-12-11T07:59:15.829-08:00A Christmas Ornament Collector's Fantasy Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde0dsRtnxE3mH6W78ZxGlVVQan_necgBLAUGXdb7WXKEw9gnEd0QVjOCEFPjsDzKpj-fxmtWF6pEcjm6NsNpRvygS-XHcXAg8fmBkAnf_zRqyNmnToBBBEg0nefghKwj_KdhUYSgIb9iI/s1600/IMG_9921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde0dsRtnxE3mH6W78ZxGlVVQan_necgBLAUGXdb7WXKEw9gnEd0QVjOCEFPjsDzKpj-fxmtWF6pEcjm6NsNpRvygS-XHcXAg8fmBkAnf_zRqyNmnToBBBEg0nefghKwj_KdhUYSgIb9iI/s1640/IMG_9921.JPG" title="The latest additions to my old-fashioned blown glass Christmas ornament collection formerly in the Ron Morgan collection" width="426" /></a></div>
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Christmas arrived early in the Chronica Domus household this year thanks to the </div>
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ornament score of the century</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Old-fashioned, blown glass Christmas tree ornaments have held a special place in my heart since childhood. My mother had a selection of them to decorate the family's Christmas tree along with tinsel and, on occasion, something that to the eyes of a child resembled cotton cobwebs, a rather poor imitation of snow I believe. When I first started my own collection of vintage blown glass Christmas tree ornaments, way back when I landed on this side of the pond in the early 1990's, I was agog to discover the vast quantities available for the picking. Collective antiques shops and thrift stores proved to be fertile stomping grounds for the unusual geometric shapes which comprised my collection. Back then, over-stuffed plastic bags of ornaments could be purchased for a pittance.<br />
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Over the years, as more people have discovered the joys of decorating their trees with these beguiling baubles, hunting them down become a challenging sport for me. Nowadays, it is a happy and increasingly rare day when I score a handful of fragile 1920's German indents or a World War II era pine cone.<br />
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With this in mind, you can only imagine how ecstatic I was when my friend Jeannette, a fellow ornament devotee, and I recently attended a sale so extraordinary it was hard to believe we had not conjured it up from our wildest fantasies. Yes, we really <i>were</i> awake, and this really <i>was</i> the Sale of The Century as far as these things go. In fact, there were so many items up for grabs that the sale took place over multiple days. Jeannette and I found it difficult to keep away, and thus we attended not once, but twice. What lucky girls we were!<br />
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Alas, in my dizzy excitement, I failed to take along my camera but if you'd care to see a fraction of the thousands of exceptional and rare items that were on offer, do please visit the blog of Addison Studio Sale where the many photographs included in the links found <a href="http://addisonstudiosale.blogspot.com/2017/09/antique-christmas-estate-liquidation.html">here</a>, <a href="http://addisonstudiosale.blogspot.com/2017/09/ron-morgan-christmas-estate-friday.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://addisonstudiosale.blogspot.com/2017/10/for-those-who-couldnt-make-it-friday-we.html">here</a>, will give you a delicious taste of what we saw.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznqQHfbmTKLzwz6KEcguR9_uIlt49j5B1e3tjWCmc2Pw60rMaLFDAs-U6o5kfSkSgSdmDUd-AEJa-DCzJpH-v8UqKFr-o-LqUIH-_DawO1qU1xb4ZYsq2oPWOPucuwyNJNhyphenhyphenNdSZsUD3j/s1600/RonMorganCollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznqQHfbmTKLzwz6KEcguR9_uIlt49j5B1e3tjWCmc2Pw60rMaLFDAs-U6o5kfSkSgSdmDUd-AEJa-DCzJpH-v8UqKFr-o-LqUIH-_DawO1qU1xb4ZYsq2oPWOPucuwyNJNhyphenhyphenNdSZsUD3j/s1640/RonMorganCollection.jpg" title="Ron Morgan's Christmas ornament collection sale" width="480" /></a></div>
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Ron Morgan's fifty year-in-the-making Christmas collection was up for sale and proved to be an ornament collector's wildest fantasy come true</div>
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<a href="http://addisonstudiosale.blogspot.com/2017/09/antique-christmas-estate-liquidation.html">Source</a> </div>
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The collection was amassed over the span of fifty years by Ron Morgan, a well-known local floral designer who recently moved to Mexico. Mr. Morgan had an unerring eye when it came to the quality and rarity of items included in his collection. The blown glass German ornaments, Dresden cardboard figures, Putz animals and houses, strings of glass beads, goose feather trees, lametta tinsel, Belsnickel Father Christmas figures, candy containers, German glass kugels in all shapes, colors, and sizes, together with an assortment of other Christmas ephemera and novelties really should have landed in a museum, en masse. I doubt there's another collection quite like it anywhere else in the world. As it is, Mr. Morgan made many hundreds of keen enthusiasts of Christmas past extremely happy with their recent purchases of items rarely seen on the market. Below is the selection of the glass ornaments I was fortunate enough to have hauled away from the sale.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ca52j2kk1PwQB5BqPKSgGQpdnxAcmHtbxDFShovGNHKJa0x6p9HAGZRin0Vgt4h5GRGP0i1va4l6jNQ1rCkA-X1M_6XyYLqXNGCCfmZBBSPMQ4lq_E8hirrEA6Ep9idugoN0KOzwQ0_p/s1600/IMG_9916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ca52j2kk1PwQB5BqPKSgGQpdnxAcmHtbxDFShovGNHKJa0x6p9HAGZRin0Vgt4h5GRGP0i1va4l6jNQ1rCkA-X1M_6XyYLqXNGCCfmZBBSPMQ4lq_E8hirrEA6Ep9idugoN0KOzwQ0_p/s1640/IMG_9916.JPG" title="Early blown-glass German Christmas ornaments in my collection" width="426" /></a></div>
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Most of these fragile blown glass ornaments were made in Germany in the 1920's and 1930's</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflZJEL9dWylVbUAAWqeDFAUevremALvt2sPLVTU9P_D0BLYAbJ36dN_W3hYvr1ykrhD6r9vpAZ-r2RG1WpFz4b8rk3Hbcmsc-Ch9Xt3eFdKLUM2OOjuTGlQVMhs-Ab8BR2x3K4XkhqfCQ/s1600/IMG_9941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflZJEL9dWylVbUAAWqeDFAUevremALvt2sPLVTU9P_D0BLYAbJ36dN_W3hYvr1ykrhD6r9vpAZ-r2RG1WpFz4b8rk3Hbcmsc-Ch9Xt3eFdKLUM2OOjuTGlQVMhs-Ab8BR2x3K4XkhqfCQ/s1640/IMG_9941.JPG" title="Early German Christmas tree kugels" width="426" /></a></div>
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These are German kugels and were made in the mid to late-nineteenth century, constructed of heavier glass with stamped brass hangers they are extremely sought after and are a rarity</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAkN0z4XHwuqasdVFa39UnEdG-cF16GN-wIhxjFyx65zdYvlgCrE3dMxyTuuSO3BThPoF-jN-5A-KGkl0u2gFmosghF0VTTPRXZ5vsLnTMjUJpGDoFHKx5FAX3ibaKc0YUQnT_e7FBjRc/s1600/IMG_9930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAkN0z4XHwuqasdVFa39UnEdG-cF16GN-wIhxjFyx65zdYvlgCrE3dMxyTuuSO3BThPoF-jN-5A-KGkl0u2gFmosghF0VTTPRXZ5vsLnTMjUJpGDoFHKx5FAX3ibaKc0YUQnT_e7FBjRc/s1640/IMG_9930.JPG" title="Whimsical early blown-glass Christmas tree ornaments purchased from The Ron Morgan Christmas collection sale" width="426" /></a></div>
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I look forward to hanging these whimsical beauties from the boughs of our Christmas tree ...</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF19iOjNK2xq0ZxlnlERUi1RRx-_ncSllhBZt938dcGkstUtP4G-MGbGgw_ypHuKeAzL4y_XvKHrhTKLkD7AbzYVhqPNk-3A8n-WsK_bxcDk4HiiU5USnH764w9vqtuwQCjoYxl5q4ZF2/s1600/IMG_9932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyF19iOjNK2xq0ZxlnlERUi1RRx-_ncSllhBZt938dcGkstUtP4G-MGbGgw_ypHuKeAzL4y_XvKHrhTKLkD7AbzYVhqPNk-3A8n-WsK_bxcDk4HiiU5USnH764w9vqtuwQCjoYxl5q4ZF2/s1640/IMG_9932.JPG" title="Whimsical early blown-glass Christmas tree ornaments purchased from The Ron Morgan Christmas collection sale" width="426" /></a></div>
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... alongside these icy beauties</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I also had the chance of snapping up two early-nineteenth century blown glass vessels known as fairy lights or lanterns. I believe these might actually be leech bowls or jars that someone converted into fairy lights with the clever use of a bit of old tinsel. These cradled small wax candles and helped to cast light on the Christmas tree. Not particularly safe, I know, but lovely nonetheless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhy4Sza0j66Zo8W8007rJbnz-mnhMc4HDgVJQDGxKdU6zq0_1_IQJF7Ugz1OwSdvU8KTpvahAaDj6wMpVWz-W5Rx84TroN0jmdlCVjz4CW05YdhVUgcbrNBhKk-da-OIVE6r5I1QJ3IdR/s1600/IMG_9952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhy4Sza0j66Zo8W8007rJbnz-mnhMc4HDgVJQDGxKdU6zq0_1_IQJF7Ugz1OwSdvU8KTpvahAaDj6wMpVWz-W5Rx84TroN0jmdlCVjz4CW05YdhVUgcbrNBhKk-da-OIVE6r5I1QJ3IdR/s1640/IMG_9952.JPG" title="Fairy lights or lanterns or could these be leech jars or bowls purchased from The Ron Morgan Christmas collection sale" width="426" /></a></div>
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Hmmm... are these fairy lights or leech bowls or jars I wonder? </div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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Jeannette and I are so chuffed with our latest Christmas treasures that our thirst for such things has been quenched, at least we think, for now. On the drive home from the second of the two sales, we revisited the issue of how dire our storage issues have become. In one fell swoop, things just got a <i>lot </i>worse. We agreed, however, that at least they had worsened for the very best of reasons, an abundance of beautiful Christmas tree ornaments. Our latest haul is truly an embarrassment of riches.<br />
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What is it that you enjoy decorating your tree with, and do you have a favorite ornament you would like to tell me about? <br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-45289507597527035672017-11-26T16:19:00.001-08:002017-11-26T16:19:41.379-08:00In Support of Small Business Saturday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
About five years ago I began to notice posters going up in certain neighborhoods at this time of the year, encouraging shoppers to patronize small businesses. It only dawned on me recently that those posters were advertising something known as Small Business Saturday, the day directly following the dreaded Black Friday. I am sure you are already well versed in the concept of Black Friday shopping but in case you are not, it involves frantically racing around department stores and big box chains, often to the point of the ridiculous, even during the wee hours of the morning (aka midnight), in search of bargains. Surely, I am not alone when I say that the entire idea of Black Friday could not be more unpalatable. I suppose that is the reason why Small Business Saturday came into being. <br />
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Supporting small independent neighborhood businesses is nothing new to me. In fact, it is my preferred way of shopping when it comes to both food items and household goods and services. Last year on Small Business Saturday, for example, I took a pair of boots to the local cobbler to be re-heeled, and then walked to the dry cleaner to drop off my winter coat which was in need of a cleaning. I value the services of these small neighborhood businesses so make a point of patronizing them whenever possible. In today's throwaway culture and Internet shopping-obsessed world, these businesses need all the support they can get. Of course, I am only too happy to oblige.<br />
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Yesterday, finding ourselves with a day devoid of obligations, and a daughter busy with friends, my husband and I hopped into the motor car and headed north across the Golden Gate bridge to Petaluma, a favorite little town full of small, one-of-a-kind businesses. We could not think of a better place to be on Small Business Saturday. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my camera at home but just to give you an idea, we saw plenty of these on our adventure through the town:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8FpAGEe8lmIc1Hb-9H9pUKOMXSnINidGCYqh9omYxA_ivEtL_dYAHaKGG427bBiFT-fnbH6F3fuBqgd28Jp-AqixvE2svlGSe9rxyPYqGopx7Yy5mfynfzkLkoRupD6Sa8ZM1Kgc1C6Z/s1600/tote-bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="505" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8FpAGEe8lmIc1Hb-9H9pUKOMXSnINidGCYqh9omYxA_ivEtL_dYAHaKGG427bBiFT-fnbH6F3fuBqgd28Jp-AqixvE2svlGSe9rxyPYqGopx7Yy5mfynfzkLkoRupD6Sa8ZM1Kgc1C6Z/s1400/tote-bags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The shopkeepers of many small businesses in Petaluma were giving away these tote<br />
bags to their patrons</div>
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<a href="https://www.oldpasadena.org/visit/events/signature-events/shop-small/">Source</a></div>
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There were people everywhere enjoying the cooler weather outdoors between bouts of early Christmas shopping. Many of the merchants provided complimentary nibbles and beverages which only encouraged patrons to linger a little longer than perhaps is usual while they perused the merchandise on offer.<br />
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Of course, I did my bit in support of Small Business Saturday and visited all the antiques shops in town. I came away with a handful of vintage glass Christmas tree ornaments which will surely find their way <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-christmas-tree-in-celebration-of-our.html">onto our tree</a> later next month. I also found a delightful early-nineteenth century English creamware mug decorated with pleasing pink luster (or would that be lustre?) bands and a purple <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2015/08/382-slop-bowl-revelation.html">bat print scene</a> of a shepherdess and two shepherds. The mug stands three inches high and three and a half inches across. I was thrilled to bits with the newest addition to my ceramics collection especially as it had been discounted by 15% in honor of today's shopping event. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryL1zk3Buy4S7hbJWyMhwMgnyO2fY1ILKaB5v8WjLiHkmL92d9sOwlYc8dlzcfZHFvNia91B4XN19wtOtsD-29ZlmxXYDoljlim35EpZ_NqtVTvtDzs-htJ_drDjn27FyMgfa3FsJv5CF/s1600/IMG_9861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryL1zk3Buy4S7hbJWyMhwMgnyO2fY1ILKaB5v8WjLiHkmL92d9sOwlYc8dlzcfZHFvNia91B4XN19wtOtsD-29ZlmxXYDoljlim35EpZ_NqtVTvtDzs-htJ_drDjn27FyMgfa3FsJv5CF/s1640/IMG_9861.JPG" title="My new early-nineteenth century English creamware and lustre decorated mug" width="426" /></a></div>
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So pleased to have taken home a little treasure in support of Small Business Saturday yesterday</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtCjem7UZCUuO2TcMVbbNEWM0h_YgNpJlQhhjNoL54vKXwDCS-oQxj5SDgM5Q6NUNICc8ZPjsQ072-fDu-ym1hBLeDRyicE8Bs3CV_i1X70R-a6Q0YOcDXVoZMSyBUH6zoS33wQdEmNQU/s1600/IMG_9855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtCjem7UZCUuO2TcMVbbNEWM0h_YgNpJlQhhjNoL54vKXwDCS-oQxj5SDgM5Q6NUNICc8ZPjsQ072-fDu-ym1hBLeDRyicE8Bs3CV_i1X70R-a6Q0YOcDXVoZMSyBUH6zoS33wQdEmNQU/s1640/IMG_9855.JPG" title="My new early-nineteenth century creamware lustre mug as photographed from the back" width="426" /></a></div>
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My new old mug as photographed from the back</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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When we eventually made our way home during the early evening hours, we stopped off at our favorite local Italian eatery in search of a delicious and comforting dinner. Once again, there we were supporting yet another local small business. <br />
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What an enjoyable day, and evening, Small Business Saturday turned out to be for us this year. And, although our dinner is long-gone, at least I get to keep my mug as a pleasant reminder that supporting small independent businesses yields unique items not easily found at the mall or in big box chains. <br />
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Did you get out and about yesterday in support of your favorite small businesses?<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-27263161545875928462017-11-23T10:22:00.004-08:002017-11-23T10:22:36.380-08:00Giving Thanks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5YikJdW1IEdahrOgSnoGQvUTqnu7hX6m7HM8cCS7-iXZk1j5JJtsibOHazOcZjRmQ5zBAqr4YfBnlVyc9euMgdn_IZdrdVyFLzqNwL8CU5LfKj_d13Lj924KOFybn-_0Uq7Vg0s2F6eY/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5YikJdW1IEdahrOgSnoGQvUTqnu7hX6m7HM8cCS7-iXZk1j5JJtsibOHazOcZjRmQ5zBAqr4YfBnlVyc9euMgdn_IZdrdVyFLzqNwL8CU5LfKj_d13Lj924KOFybn-_0Uq7Vg0s2F6eY/s1640/IMG_9655.JPG" title="A Sheaf of wheat which decorates our dining room" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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It seems like it was just yesterday when I think back to who was sitting with us at our dining table last Thanksgiving, partaking in our annual celebratory <a href="http://chronicadomus.blogspot.com/2016/11/happy-thanksgiving.html">Dinner For Waifs and Strays</a>. Today, my family and I feel privileged that our merry little group has again reunited to give thanks and to count our blessings.<br />
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This year, a few of our strays have indeed strayed, to lands afar, and will be missed but not forgotten. Another is spending the day with an elderly friend who, due to a crippling illness, might have otherwise been alone. We shall miss his generous spirit but will make sure to raise a glass to him today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgUrIlWL2smbPW6oK9-FPGo4-ryW9JyOoeh26IE5uMeAwtrQtaSIzJSf7TFGwomdTd8tGvR8mU3rM2vuhgU6dOEcNN0OkTB_fDMCAAXqcCAQnNWCQ_oNbO6l2oEUvoto3I1pFyJXO0sNN/s1600/IMG_9730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgUrIlWL2smbPW6oK9-FPGo4-ryW9JyOoeh26IE5uMeAwtrQtaSIzJSf7TFGwomdTd8tGvR8mU3rM2vuhgU6dOEcNN0OkTB_fDMCAAXqcCAQnNWCQ_oNbO6l2oEUvoto3I1pFyJXO0sNN/s1640/IMG_9730.JPG" title="This year's Thanksgiving table is decorated with gourds and squashes" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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As my life ebbs and flows, either zipping by faster than I'd like it to, or plodding along at a snail's pace, I make a conscious effort to take the time and appreciate all that I am surrounded by; my family, my friends both near and far, my beloved formerly feral feline friend, Norton, my good health and sound mind. I suppose a day like today, Thanksgiving, is the culmination of it all. To have an opportunity of sharing in the good fellowship of our jolly dining companions is yet another reason to give thanks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFCuINTHJ8TeDU_9lH2xJkeiFU9cCReYDm2QgV1I4Keyr3NrK89yCrQNwAs7X2wyRn1Stl3XtcORiLVzkyAqU998HttvX1aZX7lxVPg3sIo0Xtr8ixNqsUGYeK_6Jerhsrz7p3rhn89Xf/s1600/IMG_9732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chronica Domus" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFCuINTHJ8TeDU_9lH2xJkeiFU9cCReYDm2QgV1I4Keyr3NrK89yCrQNwAs7X2wyRn1Stl3XtcORiLVzkyAqU998HttvX1aZX7lxVPg3sIo0Xtr8ixNqsUGYeK_6Jerhsrz7p3rhn89Xf/s1640/IMG_9732.JPG" title="This year's Thanksgiving table " width="426" /></a></div>
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Now that the table is set, I'm off to the kitchen to put the turkey in the oven</div>
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Photo: Chronica Domus</div>
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I hope that you too, no matter your circumstances and wherever you might find yourself today, have something to be thankful for.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.<br />
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CD<br />
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Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.com16