Country Cottage Hearts

The weekend flew by so rapidly.  We were very busy every minute.

Saturday night we went to a friend's home for a Mardi Gras party.

All the guests were in the spirit of the holiday.  We all live just a

few hours drive from New Orleans and we have such a love for the

Big Easy and it's rich culture, beautiful architecture, and the most

delicious food so we Texans celebrate Mardi Gras in a big way too!

Our hosts Dolly and Jim spent several years living in New Orleans

before returning to Victoria, so they are the perfect couple to host this

party.  Everyone wore lots of beads and most of us wore our masks

for at least part of the evening.  

The dining room table was loaded with the most delicious variety of 

Cajun favorites.  Jumbo Gulf shrimp shooters, glorious shrimp etoufee,

red beans and rice, a variety of gumbos, crusty French bread and more.  Of

course there was the King Cake.  In case you don't know the story of the

King Cake, it's a pull apart kind of confection iced in the Mardi Gras

colors of purple, green and gold.  Hidden somewhere inside the cake is

a tiny plastic baby.  Whoever gets the piece of cake with the baby inside

must make the cake the following year and should host the party too.

Our friend and neighbor Jim (another Jim) who lives down the street

was the recipient of this year's baby.  Jim is a chef so I trust that the party

next year will be complete with delicious cuisine too.  

If you want to read more about the King Cake and Mardi Gras history,

read more here.

Yesterday morning David was in a golf tournament.  His partner

was another neighbor and good friend.  The weather yesterday

was absolutely picture perfect.  I had a few hours alone to enjoy

the garden with Bentley.  Then David came home, showered and

we took off for our friend's Myra and Clayton's home for a big

Super Bowl party.  The evening was so lovely and we were all 

cozy on their beautiful covered patio with a big fire in the outdoor

fireplace and watching the game on a big screen outdoor TV.  

Myra's chili and her red beans and rice were so yummy.  

Baby Tucker arrived with his proud parents.  Tucker is the tiny

little one we all prayed for last weekend.  He has completely

recovered from the flu and RSV he suffered.  Myra, Clayton and

Tucker's parents are so appreciative for all your prayers.  Thank

you so much once again!  By the way, Tucker just turned one

week old this weekend.  

I am sure many of you were disappointed when the Panthers

lost, but we are all Broncos fans so we were thrilled.  I am a big

Bruno Mars fan, so I enjoyed half time.  However, I did not 

enjoy the commercials as must as in the past.  I did remember to

TiVo Downton Abbey.  I have watched it already today!  Perhaps

I'll talk about that tomorrow.  

Hope you enjoyed seeing my country cottage hearts in my

vintage wooden bowl.  I will be sharing them at these 

parties today:

Metamorphosis Monday

Tweak It Tuesday

Inspire Me

The Scoop

Thanks for stopping by!  Bentley and I really

appreciate your visits!!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Cottage Vignettes for Friday

I have been having the most wonderful day just being at home.  I have

been fluffing corners and primping vignettes.  

Sometimes just moving something from one spot to another is

so satisfying.  Not a big revamping, but rather a tiny little tweak

and we have a whole new perspective.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend full of all the things that make

you happy!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Staying Out of Trouble and Writing My Book

I decided to throw together a little country hearts vignette so you 

would not think I have fallen off the planet.  I have only been out of

touch for a couple of days, yet I have been so lost in my own little

world that it seems much longer.

I have been working on my novel.  I have characters running around 

in my head getting into all sorts of mischief.  In addition to that, I have

been listening to quite a bit of Country music.  You know the kind of

heart break, cheating, pick-up truck kind of tunes that my characters

have been calling for.

I tell you what ~ these characters have minds of their own and they

are just dying for me to tell their stories.  

So I have been busy jotting down every word they whisper.  

I can hardly wait to hear what they whisper next.  I better take

my boots off, pour myself a big old glass of sweet tea and

just listen!

While I am taking notes, y'all can visit some friends:

Tablescape Thursday

Home Sweet Home

Bentley, be a sweet boy and let me know when your Daddy

gets home from work or I will be so distracted I won't get

dinner on the table on time ;-)

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Prepping for Mardis Gras 2016

David and I have been invited to a Mardi Gras party, so this past Saturday we

went to our local party store to pick up some bling.  I bought a purple boa and some

more beads (to add to the many beads I already have), and a new mask.

And a fleur de lis of course.

Yesterday I was going through a trinket box where I knew I had more beads, and

found these doubloons.  David and I were at Mardi Gras in Galveston together

with some friends in 1987.  This was before we were married and still dating.

I remember jumping and fighting the crowds to get these.  Being the sentimental

sap that I am, I saved them along with the parking voucher for the night.

source

Here is a more recent picture of the Mardi Gras parade passing the historic

Tremont Hotel.

And here I am with my mask, and David is standing behind me.  The crowds

were enormous.  From a balcony above, Otis Day and the Knights were singing

Shout.  My friend Kathy and I were singing along at the top of our lungs and

Kathy snapped this pic.  It was so much fun!  I remember being so hoarse

the next day, but we didn't mind because we were young.

Here is a clip of Otis Day and the Knights performing

Shout in the movie Animal House.   I dare you to

sit still while he's signing this great oldie :-)

We don't fight the Mardi Gras crowds anymore, but will have

lots of fun celebrating at our friend's party.  By the way, 

Mardi Gras 2016 is a week from this Tuesday.  Even if you

don't attend an event, or go to a party, you can still celebrate

at home with a King Cake.  More about that later.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Thank You Prayer Warriors!

A big thank you to everyone who kept baby Tucker in their prayers.

I just heard from his grandmother this morning, and Tucker is much

better today and his loving parents may be able to take him home.

It was a big scare for one so young ~ just three weeks old and he

was very ill.  He is a fighter though and I believe that our prayers

helped him turn the corner.  

RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is common in children

and adults, but can be very serious for infants and premature

babies.  Here is a link you may read to learn more about

the virus, it's cause and treatment.  As you know, I have

been sick recently and just learned that two of my neighbors

have been as well.  It's not the flu, but a very nasty cold

that is quite debilitating.  Take care everyone and do what

your mamas always told you to do to prevent catching this

bug.  

Thanks again!  Y'all have helped to prove once again

that prayer is powerful!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley