MARIETTE'S BACK TO BASICS

Friday, January 17, 2014

{GIFT from Blogger Friend Hayu - White & Roses}

On December 21, 2013 I had to sign for a registered parcel from Rome, Italy. Blogger Friend Hayu from White & Roses did send me her Giveaway Gift that I'd won. You can see the announcement here: Welcome for Baby C where she mentions me for guessing it right that she would get a Baby Boy.

Poor Hayu, who by the way is from Bali, Indonesia, had severe sciatica problems around the delivery date. Hope she is doing fine now! She also has to abstain from blogging for a while. You still can visit her and leave her a note of course!

Look what she created with her 'GOLDEN' hands...

Lovely ribbon roses on a door knob pillow that hangs down from a linen twine.

This registered parcel needed 12 days for traveling from Rome across the Atlantic Ocean to Georgia... But Hayu and I were both happy that it did arrive in perfect condition!

Out came the GIFT that I won from her post on August 31, 2013: Love from Brazil and Give Away for You just scroll down to see the door knob pillows she offered to select from.

Look at her beautifully hand created gift card and tag... Hayu is quite an artist!

The door knob pillow with the ribbon roses and its hang tag.

My Unic Own Tag shows us that she does hand paint them in water color...

This Balinese girl is incredibly talented!

Closeup of her unique water color tag with roses...

With a lovely note card with roses and pink ribbon.

I used our French Rose Matelassé coverlet from Yves Delorme as back ground...

Hayu's hand writing is even 'ART'...

THANK YOU Ayu! - written in her third language

GRAZIE MILLE - written in her adopted language

BANYAK TERIMA KASIH - written in her native language

MAISON

A word that means a lot, especially to 1st immigrants like Hayu and myself.

Home is where the Heart is!

Hayu Maselli's signature label sewn onto the back of this lovely door knob pillow...

Here it proudly hangs from the bedroom door of our Rose Suite...

Don't you think this is a lovely dream of a pillow with artful ribbon rose embroidery?

Related link:
Hayu Maselli's online website: Hayu Maselli for browsing her many talents...

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

{Our 6 Vintage Tobacco Pipes and Cheroot Holder}

Guess most of you have had a husband, Dad or even Granddad who smoked a pipe at some time in his life. My husband Pieter did use several different pipes. Therefore we still have a collection of 6 such Vintage Pipes and also a Meerschaum Cheroot Holder. Do you know what that is? Look at the 2nd one from the right on this teak wood pipe rack below...

The Delft Polychrome TOEBACK (tobacco) jar is a gift from my Mother-in-law on our wedding day, together with the Delft Polychrome ashtray in which a Swiss horn pipe with stem chain and silver nickel windcap is laying. The mouth piece is probably made out of buffalo horn.

The windcap was used to avoid sparks when working in straw or hay.

Hand crocheted DMC doily is done by me... will show that later...

Here the teak wood pipe rack again, in front of our leather books.

The Swiss horn pipe with stem chain and silver nickel windcap is shown here opened up.

To the left you see Big Ben Pipo wtih Ebonite mouthpiece.

Here my husband Pieter is smoking that very Big Ben Pipo...

Those were his writing years when he published most of his books.

He quit smoking when he turned 50!

Big Ben Pipo nature with Ebonite mouthpiece (click links).

Big Ben is a brand of Gubbels The Pipe Manufacturer. The company also has a FB Fan Page under Gubbels Pipes. All the way to the bottom, below post you find a link about this company.

Big Ben Dutch pipes original Bruyere with accrylic mouthpiece.

Bruyere is French for Briar Burl from the white heath tree, Erica arborea L., a Mediterranean Lignotuber.

It also is used for pen making.

This is a Silver Inlaid Pipe that belonged to Pieter's Dad. Unfortunately its mouthpiece is broken...

This must be from the mid 19th Century and we no longer can ask questions about this family heirloom.

Incredible detail goes into such Silver Inlaid pipe. Wish I could observe them doing this intricate work of art!

Had to take this pipe out on the balcony in daylight...

Incredible detail all the way! No wonder that a FB Fan Page is called: Tobacco Pipe Artistory!

This is the Meerschaum Cheroot, sigar holder, also from husband Pieter's Dad.

A real piece of ART! This is made out of Meerschaum (German) or Sea Foam in English. Click on link for interesting info in English with photos about these most refined and skilful pieces of labor with exact details. After World War I, cigar holders were no longer used so that shows that this must be an antique piece as well.

The appearance of the Falcon pipe with its white aluminium stem, dark bowl and black mouthpiece was for the 1950's a most modern experience.

Read more about it here: The revolution of the system pipe

Falcon Algiers Bowl

Big Ben Leather covered pipe and Meerschaum lined.

In order to smoke a pipe, you of course do need special Tobacco.

Pieter still keeps two tins from 35 years ago!

One he received from his daughter Liz for Saint Nicholas...

Liz wrote in reverse: Van (from) Pint en (and) Siet instead of Sint en Piet...

Do you still own such vintage and antique Pipes or tobacco tins?

Lots of interest in this subject...

Related links:
A COLLECTION OF ASSORTED EUROPEAN CARVED WOOD AND OTHER PIPES | Christie's Auction showing a pipe with silver windcap
The Tobacco Pipe Artistory | FB Page about all sorts of Tobacco Pipe Artistory
Pfeifenkonsulat | Austrian Pipe Trader site
Amsterdam Pipe Museum | Very informative site with lots of photos about the worldwide culture of pipe smoking
Picture-Galleries of Beautiful Pipes | English language site with pictures from German, Danish, Swedish, Japanese Pipes
Ecume de Mer | YouTube video about the making of an Ecume de Mer - Meerschaum or Sea Foam Pipe
Meerschaum | The German word for Sea Foam or French Écume de Mer from which the Cheroot is carved
FIVE CASED MEERSCHAUM PIPES AND CHEROOT HOLDERS | Christie's showing two perfect Meerschaum Pipes
THREE AUSTRIAN MEERSCHAUM PIPES OR CHEROOT HOLDERS | 2nd half 19th Century pipes

The King of Pipes: The Meerschaum | The Art of MANLINESS info about Meerschaum Pipes
The house of E. Gubbels B.V. in the Netherlands, established in 1870, is a globally acclaimed and leading manufacturer of fully handmade briar-root tobacco pipes. | interesting link with short video at the top
Enjoy the craft of Gubbels | The Pipe Manufacturer | short video on YouTube about the company

Monday, January 13, 2014

{Our Camellias}

On December 8, 2013 my husband Pieter did rescue these lovely white Camellias. They are either Camellia Japonica Nuccio's Gem or Camellia Japonica White by the Gate. We both love white flowers but they are very sensitive to rain and wind as they bruise easily. Over the years I have come to admire all those professional growers that deliver perfect corsage Camellias without any blemishes.

Well, these Camellias still look lovely don't you think so?

It is very hard for displaying Camellias as they have NO stem...

So the best way is on a shallow bowl with water but they don't last that long.

Do you have Camellias and if so, what is your favorite color?

Related links:
{Our Camellia Japonica Pink Perfection} | previous post by me
{Our Camellia Japonica Nuccio's Gem} | previous post by me
{Our Camellia Japonica Debutante} | previous post by me
{Camellia Japonica White by the Gate} | previous post by me

{Camellia Debutante & Chocolate} | previous post by me

{Let It Be A Happy New Year} previous post by me, showing Camellia Japonica Debutante

{Our Camellia Sinensis Tea Plant and Japanese Magnolia} | previous post by me

{Our Camellia Nuccio's Gem & Christmas Angel Gift} | previous post by me

{Our Camellia Sinensis | Tea Plant} | previous post by me

Saturday, January 11, 2014

{ANGELS We Know By Name}

We all do know one or more ANGELS By Name... A LOVED ONE that has taken up residence in heaven and is no longer walking with us on earth. But those are the ANGELS that are still walking on our side; ANGELS We Know By Name.

Just like dear friend Celia M. High Heeled Life & Resilientista wrote about a special Angel: Tribute to an Angel in her post before...

Guess all of us have one or more special ANGELS that we know by name!

In my case it is my sister Mariet, the one that was still born on January 11, the year before I got born. Her life on earth did not even start, only in the womb she lived for 9 months.

Such a tragedy for my Parents, especially Mom for loosing her baby after all the pain and labor.

They took it away from her, without letting her cuddle it and all baby clothes were hidden.

Such was the advice at that time.

It makes me cringe when I think about it even now!

But the next baby that came into their lives was me, and I got my older sister's name Mariet.

In honor of {My Angel Sister & Mariette's Back to Basics Explained} I have added 'te' to my name as to try and live life for her as well.

My sweet ANGEL sister Mariet for sure is walking alongside and who knows when one of us will join her on the other side...?

Like ABBA sang: I Have A Dream, (click for video and the lyrics follow under post) I believe in Angels and so do I, our home is full of beautiful hand carved wooden angels from Italy as you can find from the links below. They always have been part of my life!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

{Our Fragrant Hoya Wax Plants in October}

It is brisk and bitterly cold in Dublin, Georgia so that made me long for something blooming and fragrant... Sharing here today with you our Hoya Wax Plants that hung in the gazebo and one resided in the greenhouse. Of course, both are now inside the greenhouse where the heater keeps them from freezing...

A beautiful Hoya Carnosa, full with sticky honeydew for the hummingbirds to feast on.

You can see our home in the back in its golden mist paint color...

This wasp trap still needs to be painted white...

Everything is looking lush and green here on October 13, 2013.

Looking to the other side where the bird houses hang...

We need to unwind them when they go inside the greenhouse, they weave through the Vintage Woodworks gingerbread of our gazebo.

One almost would want to be a hummingbird for feasting on that sweet and sticky honeydew!

This is the one hanging inside the greenhouse, a variegated species.

Hummingbirds can come inside here as well, the door is always open in the spring, summer and fall.

Longing to that time of the year when things are blooming again and lush and green...

It is cold here in Georgia, January 7 at 12:36 AM (past midnight) it is RealFeel®: -15°C or 5°F

Hope you stay warm those that live in the North of the USA or in Canada and are dealing with a lot worse cold!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

{2011 Pink Moscato delle Venezie - ONLY 5 percent of Alcohol}

Having worked and lived in the Venice, Italy area, of course we are very fond of anything from that region. For my health, controlling my blood sugar level, alcohol is of course not a good thing. In 2007 I got diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 and since than I have avoided most sugars. It is a joy for being able to toast around New Year with something in your glass. Already during our flights on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, back and forth to work in Indonesia, I came to appreciate Moscato d'Asti wine with its 5.5 percent of alcohol. That was a great bonus when being upgraded into business class. I would skip wine with the meal but enjoyed it after. So this 2011 Pink Moscato delle Venezie with only 5 percent of alcohol is another find.

Using my Japanese tray; gift from my host family in Osaki City, from my visit to Japan in July of 2007 as a chaperon.

This Pink Moscato has a fine “frizzante” effervescence as you can see in our French Baccarat crystal glasses.

At the top you just barely can read: Delle Venezie - 2011 Mochetto Delle Venezie Moscato Rosa

We found ours at Cost Plus World Market

Cheers to 2014 and to good health!

Sunday, January 5, 2014

{Papa is 93 today!}

Far away, some 7,083 km or 4,400 miles flying distance + several hours by car, my Daddy - Papa is having his 93rd Birthday. We have been only to one of his birthdays in 1987, in all 30 years as immigrants. That is the price one pays for being far, far away. But on the other hand, nobody ever came to my birthday here in Dublin, Georgia.

That's life!

Here is a Happy Dad, on the couch with me here in Dublin, Georgia in March of 1993 when he came to Georgia from The Netherlands, without Mom.

I'd given Dad a ticket to San Francisco where we both went together.

Some very fond memories!

Dad in his beautiful garden at a time when we visited them in The Netherlands, October 6, 1985.

His beautiful garden, where several Bridal pictures have been made, is no more as there is now half a village build and many homes surround their now small property...

Only the memories remain!

Here Dad is with me at the Okefenokee swamp in south Georgia on December 1, 1990

Dad at the Riverfront of Savannah Georgia on December 4, 1990

Dad came to the USA a total of 6 times and Mom joined him 4 times; so we do have lots of fond memories of their stay on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

In our 30 years as immigrants we visited them 63 times either from Georgia, USA; Italy or from Indonesia.

Related links: {Happy 92th Birthday Papa!} | previous post by me {Papa is 91 today!} previous post by me {Papa is 90 today!} previous post by me {My Daddy - Papa} previous post by me

Friday, January 3, 2014

{May 2014 be a Happy and above all a Healthy Year for YOU!}

Hoping you all enjoyed a very special New Year's Eve with your loved ones and that this year will fulfill many a dream. Be it a marriage, the birth of a child/grandchild, a graduation, an anniversary, a special long dreamed about trip, a long awaited visit with relatives or friends after several years... On and on the list goes. Each of us has different dreams, wishes and hopes. One of the ingredients for being Happy is to be Satisfied with what we ALREADY HAVE and for COUNTING OUR MANY BLESSINGS.

Wishing all of you a Happy and above all a Healthy 2014!

This photo is from November 21, 2013 taken during the banquet of the Dublin Rotary Club's 75th anniversary.

Husband Pieter is wearing his Burberry Tuxedo in year 'round weight wool with silk cummerbund and bow tie.

Got him this Tuxedo from Bloomingdales in September of 1986, for use at the many Conferences for their formal banquets. My Pieter never changed in size so this will serve him for life!

We both continue being stable in size and love—a true blissful relationship.

May God grant us many more years together.

I am wearing my Escada silk brocade skirt with wool/cashmere/silk and sequin embroidered top with Escada pumps with Wolford panty hose. Of course all Outlet items for living frugal.

Both of us are happy and grateful for having recovered from major surgery.

Looking forward to a calmer and healthier 2014!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

{Our New Retainer Wall & Vinyl Picket Fence}

Our final mega project for 2013, did come along very well! Husband Pieter did finish placing the two new segments of vinyl fence panels on December 28. Photos have been taken yesterday. We already did have 6 Gothic Picket Vinyl Fence Panels in place. Pieter did dig them up and on the Internet I'd found and ordered 2 more of these 3-ft x 8-ft Vinly Fence Panels from Lowe's Home Improvement

Bandido-boy, is proudly showing off his new Gatehouse Arborley Gothic Picket Vinyl Fence that he helped his Papi build.

On December 16, I did drive this cute little trailer back home from Lowe's, Vidalia, Georgia where we picked up the 2 panels that I'd ordered on line. Here Pieter made another trip with our Toyota RAV4; our loyal work horse for 16 years!

Just enough space for passing by the huge Southern Magnolia.

On December 18, another load of concrete blocks and concrete mix for building that retainer wall after the 65 Year Old Pine Tree had been cut down on the 17th. This is part of our water control, for keeping the rain water behind this retainer wall and not again running towards our home.

Bandido-boy helping his Papi, day after day. And our felines thought that the mulched tree trunk + the dug up soil was their new HUGE litter box...

You can see the spot of the mulched trunk to the right.

Precision work for leveling it out neatly...

Pouring concrete and on top of that come those concrete blocks...

Some back breaking job for removing the old green metal post that was deep into the concrete. Hacking it clean from concrete again and also finding a huge surprise in the ground.

You can now clearly see where the 65 Year Old Pine Tree once stood!

No, the huge surprise he found in the ground was nothing valuable but these Saw greenbrier, Catbrier, Bullbrier or Smilax bona-nox L. roots!

It got tangled up into the huge oak tree, unseen with its mean thorns and very hard to kill.

That's where the 65 Year Old Pine Tree once stood...

All done! Retainer wall painted and the Vinyl Fence Panels all erected again! The old green metal post anew into the ground in the concrete for fastening the wire fencing.

Leaving an opening between the white vinyl post and the green metal post for Cat–Thresspassing.

That's where friend cats come to visit and our Tiggy–Tiger goes to see them...

Neat job or not?

And that for an eighty four year young man!

Guess that my Pieter does more physical work than many young men half his age...

Healthy living!

Our Tiggy–Tiger girl figured it out how to get to the other side again.

Notice that the first panel is NOT set on concrete blocks.

Husband Pieter didn't dare to dig there due to the wiring in the ground...

But do you see now how different the height levels are and why the water after tropical showers runs towards our home?

For the end of the year, I feel mighty proud of my dear husband Pieter's accomplishments.

Living frugal from one pension, with 3 adults, we also manage to be happy with our 6 felines.

Now, I'm off to scanning the FINAL100 slides and than I will have managed to make them all digital by the end of 2013 for archiving!

Have you also accomplished some major project this year?

Wishing you all a happy New Year's Eve and a Happy and Healthy 2014!

Thanks for reading here.

Related links:
{65 Year Old Pine Tree Cut Down} | previous post of Part I
Gatehouse Arborley 3-ft x 8-ft White Gothic Picket Vinyl Fence Panel | link from Lowe's