Happy Valentine's Day from teaorwine

photo credit: decorativecountryliving.com

spinning wheel, got to go round....

I do not cook as much anymore as I used to. However, I love to make soups. Soup made from butternut squash and another one made from tomato and fresh basil are my favorites. In a large stock pot, these vegetables cook down with low-fat chicken stock to make a tasty soup. In the past, I have dragged out the blender to puree to a smooth texture. Messy. My most recent purchase is a Kitchen-aid immersion blender, red in color for Valentine's Day! With little effort and in less time, I have wonderfully creamy soups. Cleanup is minimal. Into recycled takeout and deli containers, I portion out the concoction and freeze. Wonderful and sooo much better than canned soup! I have plans to order the whisk attachment as well very soon.

a gracious couple

Regardless of how you feel about politics and its players, you must agree that an urbane Mitt Romney and his wife bowed out of the race cordially. What follows is the letter sent out to all supporters after he removed himself from the campaign:

Dear teaorwine,
If you have not heard by now, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president. This was not an easy decision for me, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support from the beginning to the point where we are today. We’ve come such a long way, and our hard work together will leave an imprint on the course of history.
As I addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) yesterday in Washington, D.C., I outlined what I know is the right course ahead for our nation – a course based on conservative principles such as individual responsibility, strong faith and values, economic strength with lower taxes and a national defense that will not retreat from the threat of evil extremism.
I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding surrender to terror.
This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and, you, our supporters, have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.
You can be sure I will continue to stand for conservative principles. I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in. And one of those things is that we cannot allow the next President of the United States to retreat in the face evil extremism.
It is the common task of each generation – and the burden of liberty – to preserve this country, expand its freedoms and renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future.
Please stand proud today that you fought for a cause greater than yourself, and please continue to fight to preserve our ideals.
Thank you again so very much.

I believe we have not seen the last of this candidate.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Mardi Gras!

The Colonel and I attended a fund-raiser this past weekend

with a Mardi Gras theme.

Grand fun!

a point of view

I am at last getting around to posting commentary after months of reading carefully Bunny Williams’ Point of View. At first look the book suggests another coffee table volume with lots of splendid and glossy photos. Not so. Not only are the photos rousing, the text is revealing as well. Ms. Williams makes known details of her early years in Virginia which include stories of family members who have impacted her “point of view” when it comes to design and goes on to describe her formal training with Mrs. Parish.

Ms. Williams divulges exactly how it is that she approaches design beginning with furniture placement based on traffic patterns, all the way to fabric and color selection, ceilings and lighting and to a great extent, much more. As well as affirming many of my thoughts, I captured a number of messages from the well-written, yet uncomplicated text.
Reflect on these:

The differences in the usage of the room: day versus night.

Bringing into play multi-seating for as many as eight persons including supplementary seating, such as benches and stools.

Color selection derived from objects one is drawn to in life: rugs, paintings, flowers, plants. Practice with samples in all degrees of light.

Use of wide taping on Venetian blinds. Classic.

Lining of drapes and window treatments may and probably will be seen from outdoors.

The use of lanterns both interior and exterior. I so agree with installation of dimmer switches everywhere.

Lastly, Ms. Williams presents her home which she shares with her husband, John Rosselli, to be found in the Dominican Republic as is pictured on the front cover, seemingly a home in paradise.

While her results are rather opulent and with a tad more gilding than I ever hope for, Ms. Williams, a long-established collector advocates eclectic style combined with personal taste. Bunny Williams' Point of View was a genuine delight to embrace.

Way up there!

The dau recently climbed aboard the Outback Steakhouse blimp ,

the Bloomin' Onion

for a journey above Tampa on a gorgeous and clear day.

Hi Mom!

Raymond James Stadium sans football players and crowds of spectators.

Warm and sunny Tampa!

Back to earth, once again.

Instant Karma

Over the holidays, I played lots of amazing golf in Florida. The weather was fabulously clear and cool; the courses in great shape. In my golf bag were the Karma balls by Nike. A 50-compression ball, it is easier to strike with a softer feel. No need to mark your balls on the first tee. The Karma ball features a unique green, sort of oriental marking making this ball easy to distinguish in the fairway. Good for the earth, the packaging features a 50% recycled content. Nike provides for golfers at all levels ,not just the Tiger Woods. And, besides, who doesn't need lots of good karma while out on the course?