Repurposing

Last summer we traded up from our queen-sized bed to a king--made up from (2) twin extra-long bed frames/mattresses. I pushed for the upgrade because CA can be a blanket hog, and with my sometimes erratic sleep habits I'd become extremely sensitive to bumps-in-the-night.

We've had a headboard dilemma, thinking we'd commission an upholstered headboard once we moved from the main parts of the house redecorating to the master bedroom. Somewhere between then and now I got the idea to re-purpose the antique iron twin bed frame that had been DM's growing up.

Our handy-dandy electrician with his handy-man crew took on the project of converting a headboard and foot board of different heights into the king-sized headboard we desired. I'd asked that they be wall-mounted to alleviate the rattle-rattle I associate with metallic headboards.

So, we're now in the process of choosing fabric for a bed skirt and a few fun pillows. And, the art above the bed is too small, so that requires some re-thinking and possible re-purposing, also.

As for the toss pillows--I'd found white linen napkins a couple of years ago which I've had embroidered with some significant numbers and French phrases. DV is having those made into pillows to use here. And, I'm guessing we'll repeat the bed skirt fabric in a couple of pillows, too.

Everywhere There are Limones...

Unpredictable

Isn't it really the twists and swerves of daily life that keeps it interesting? And, me on my toes.

Instead of entertaining friends on Sunday, I'm flying to Phoenix-Scottsdale with my sister PM. Dad's middle brother has passed away after a rather brief illness, and at the age of 88.

We're sadden, yet quite proud of all RFJ has accomplished in his long life. I remember the great pride my grandparents took in all of his interests and accomplishments. From humble, small town beginnings he served his country in WWII, attained advance degrees in mathematics, raised a fine family, and managed to publish more than a dozen textbooks with a pre-eminent scholastic publisher.

Both of my Dad's brothers have had chronic health issues, while he--the oldest at 90--stays remarkably healthy. (He hates it when we say he's healthy!)

So... JE's family's in Orlando this next week visiting her DM's family, and CA holds down the fort at home (coaching soccer this Spring Break week), while I fly off to AZ (Or, "the desert" as I explained to LE this morning. She's worried about sand storms...)

PB and J French Toast

Guessing we named French toast after the Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame typically served as a luncheon entree in cafes or bistros in France.

Yesterday morning I indulged in my first ever PB and J French toast. To-die-for! Truly.

I tiptoed in--making just half a sandwich to start--with Skippy Natural PB and some black raspberry preserves. Just dipped in the standard egg mixture--one egg, some milk and vanilla, all whisked together. Grilled that baby in a combination of vegetable oil and butter until it was perfectly golden.

Everything was all gooey and drippy, and crunchy, too. Double YUM!!

One comment. Fold do not cut bread in half to prevent excessive oozing and thus smoke while grilling.

Austria

I was photographing my small antiques for Shop My Basement this morning, and when I opened this purse to check the markings I discovered it is Vienna Handwork.

Who knew all those years ago when I spotted this in an antiques mall (and my friend NF kindly surprised me with it) that we would have such a strong connection to Vienna.

Almost every trip to Europe we've made has included a landing in Vienna. That's just an hour from Bratislava--the long-time home of our son and his family.

When NF gave me this purse, she included a gift card with the sentiment:

When things are bad and getting worse,

keep cookie in your purse.

This lovely I'm keeping. For a long time. Thanks, NF.