Thursday Show and Tell

To give you some idea of the size of the 1903 souvenir toothpick holder, that is a cereal bowl behind it. The holder measures 2 1/4" high x 2" across.

There are several delicate designs in the the lower half, with gold flash on the top ribbed edge.

And, a sunburst pattern in the bottom design.

When I write a show and tell post, I like to search for any information I might think will be interesting to you. (Click on Show and Tell to read my very first post.)

Thanks to you, my dear readers, I now know this is called Custard Glass. I'm guessing there was a special event in Vincennes, Indiana, in 1903.

Custard Glass was first produced in England around 1880.

How do you know if you have a genuine piece of Custard Glass?

Held up to a lamp, looking through the open end

First, hold it to the light and check for opalescence....Wow, that is an interesting photo shot!

The link above suggests you buy a small black light to shine on it. So what is the magic ingredient that makes for the luminous glow?

Would you believe Uranium Salts?

But have no fear...according to the article I read, a complete set of dishes are no more harmful than what we are exposed to each day in our TV sets.

So, I guess that's comforting to know...

Meggie Mac

Monday's Country Back Roads

Follow me....across this wooden bridge.

Usually, when I drive the back roads, I don't have a particular subject in mind. But, today, I was looking for a a herd of Bison  (American Buffalo).

I did find them... even zooming in, they were too far away for my camera to get a good shot.

The story of the Bison will be left for another day...just as soon as I can find a way to get closer to them.

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What I did find on the single lane road, are these beautiful Longhorn Cattle.

Can a Longhorn be aloof ? He certainly appears that way, as he stood there ignoring me.

He looks innocent enough.

I noticed that not all horns grow the same. Some turn back towards the body.

I  believe the one on the right has spotted me.

I know there is a barbed wire fence between us. But, when the herd  started moving closer to me, I thought it was best I get back in my truck....

Meggie Mac

Friday's Fences

A typical barbed wire fence in rural Texas.......



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With an imposing white-faced red bull behind the fence.

Meggie Mac


I'm joining in with Jan 'n Jer's Friday's Fences.

A Simple Dress....

Oh no....it is much more.

Have you heard of Dress A Girl Around the World ?

I became acquainted with this program through following the blog, Sew Delightful. I hope you will click on both links...it will open your eyes to a wonderful idea of helping girls around the world.

Several months ago, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. But, the past six months have been very difficult with the loss of my mother, my children's father, the selling of my beloved farm, and ultimately moving to Das Kleine Haus.

My sewing room is finally set up, and, now it is time to get serious about all the waiting sewing projects.

At this point, the dresses do not have a destination. My daughter is looking towards Guatemala as a good place for them to go. The need is so great and so is the poverty.



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For now, I have a plan on what I would like for them to look like. I love the idea of using gingham check fabric as the pockets and ruffle. Gingham makes me think of the country. It also says "little girl" and "love".

For those of you who sew, I hope this post inspires you to join in by sewing a dress for a girl who may never know another "new" dress in her lifetime.....

Meggie Mac

A Short Drive to a Texas Vineyard

This is a post I had planned to write before Christmas. With all the holiday plans of family visits, I simply ran out of time to post.

The winery is an example of true entrepreneurship. The owner had an idea and pursued that dream of growing her own grapes and making wine.

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I thought I might show you what a Texas vineyard looks like during the winter months, with plans to return as the seasons change.

In talking with the owner, she let me know it is not as glamorous as one might think. It is hard work...and, she and her husband do most of the work.

The first big job of the season will be to prune the vines just before spring. Timing is everything. Isn't that the same in our own spring gardens...a late frost can take us by surprise!

The vineyard's Wine Tasting Room, where I bought several bottles of port to give as Christmas gifts.

Last years' grapes I grew at The Farm

I hope you will come back and visit with me, when the grape vines are in bloom....

Meggie Mac

Rise and Shine

It's Monday, again......

Meggie Mac

No, I'm Not on Vacation in Florida

Can you believe while out for a drive, to a nearby town, I came across an 18 foot tree loaded with large round yellow fruit?

Looking at the tree, from inside my truck, I thought they might be golden apples.

I had just rolled a little past the house, when I noticed someone sitting on the front porch.

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When I called out to her, she replied, "They're grapefruit...do you want some?"

Now, I wished I had photographed her, using a long pole gadget, that seemed to grab the grapefruit off the tree.

She told me it was a very old tree, planted by the previous owner. I had no idea a tropical tree could grow this tall in my part of Texas.










After all, we can have some very harsh winters with temperatures often below freezing.

I've since found a recipe for Grapefruit Marmalade. I plan to make some next week end from my fresh grapefruit....

Meggie Mac