Friday, February 12, 2010

~ Happy Valentine’s Day


Most of my “old” blog friends have heard the story of how I turned down this beautiful set of red transferware dishes that had belonged to my husband’s grandmother. Not once or twice, but a few more than that. It was quite a while ago. Then they were offered to Sweet Daughter, years before she had her own home, and she happily accepted them. A few years after that, I was sorry I had turned them down. They are so pretty, so vintage, and so charming.
Johnson Bros. England, English Chippendale

I kept them for safekeeping for a several years and used them just like I owned them. By now I had come to appreciate "old" things better. So I thought maybe Sweet Daughter would forget about them or decide she didn't want some "old lady" dishes from so long ago. But when she bought her first home, she was quick to take some of the dishes to their new home. I still got to keep some. When she recently had a party, she needed a lot of dishes and the red transferware was called into duty.
It was rather interesting how many of the ladies oohed and aahed over those dishes. A few of them had been collecting the same dishes as well. But what they all loved best was the fact that the dishes had traveled through time and family. They had belonged to Sweet Daughter’s great grandmother and that was special to others. It’s a treasure whether you knew the relative or not to have a continuation of your family in your home.
I was in labor on Valentine’s Day many years ago, and so this weekend is Sweet Daughter’s Birthday Weekend! I’ll make a couple of large heart shaped chocolate chip cookies and something yummy for dinner on Sunday. On Monday we are playing girls’ day out and going to have a nice pedicure and do a little shopping. And I think puppy is going for a bit of grooming, too. I treasure these days so much.
Usually I bring out these lovely old dishes because the red is so perfect on Valentine's Day. This year I'll miss them. Lesson learned.
Hope your weekend is a wonderful one.
Happy Valentine’s Day
~ See Y’all Soon ~

16 comments:

  1. Oh you are so right, the dishes are just gorgeous. What a treasure. Have fun this weekend for the girls time out and Happy Valentine's. Hugs, Marty

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  2. They are beautiful, Donna! I think it's great that your daughter now has them and has that family link to them.

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  3. Oh they are just beautiful! Thank goodness your daughter has them and they didn't go to a thrift store or sold in a garage sale to someone who doesn't know a hoot about your grandmother.

    When is your dd's birthday? Mine is Monday and I always share it with Valentine's day in some shape or form.

    Donna

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  4. I think we all have a few of those stories to tell. I guess you can be thankful that went to your daughter and not some stranger!!! You still get to enjoy them this way, and bet your daughter would lend them to you if you really needed them. Have a happy Valentine's Day!!

    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  5. I love your blog! It's one of my favorites. And, your art work is delightful!As a brand-new blogger (and computer-dummy!)when I try to copy your code to add to my side bar, it says it's copyrighted and I can't do it. Help? Thank you.

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  6. I've done this in the past and then later was lamenting that choice. The dishes are absolutely beautiful! At least they're still in the family and your daughter loves them. :-)

    Have fun with her and enjoy this Valentine's Day!

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  7. Gotta love those dishes! I have so much red and white and love to mix all the patterns.
    Happy Valentine's day!

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  8. Those dishes are really pretty! It's wonderful that the ladies at the party appreciated the history behind the dishes. Happy Valentines Day and Happy BDay to your daughter! I was hoping my daughter would be Valentine baby but she decided she'd rather not LOL (she's the 24th).

    Manuela

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  9. Awwww Donna, it sounds like you are going to have a WONDERFUL Valentine's weekend with your daughter. I would be sad if those dishes would have went to anyone else too but now they are with her, you'll still be able to enjoy them too. I'm happy to hear she is using them and sharing their beauty with others. Good girl!
    Happy Valentine's Day Weekend~
    everything vintage

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  10. Those dishes are absolutely gorgeous and I might add "quite" collectible. A full set at auction would run between $1000.00 and $1500.00. So, your daughter definitely has a wonderful family heirloom to be treasured and passed down.
    I love reading your blog.

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  11. The dishes are just beautiful...Kathy

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  12. Hi Donna,

    I remember that story...so glad your daughter loves them too.

    I almost had a Valentine's baby my daughter Jacqui was born on the 4th...she shared the day with her great-grandfather, my sweet grandfather, they were 82 years apart and he just adored her !!!

    Happy Birthday to your daughter and Happy Valentine's day.

    Kathy :)

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  13. beautiful dishes! Love the red & white pattern.

    Happy Valentines Day! hugs, Sherry

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  14. Those are beautiful dishes. You must be happy that your daughter has such great taste.

    ~elaine~

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  15. These are wonderful. I especially like the glasses.

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  16. Good Morning Donners...

    Beautiful post and dishes. Happy Birthday to your sweet girl.

    I could read your writing all day.


    Love,
    Kim

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Donna