Jugtown Ware Pottery and Seagrove, N.C.

Look what I just received! This is a collection of very old Jugtown Pottery. It has been in my family for 50+ years and my family was under the impression it was from Mexico ~ WRONG! When it came into my eager hands (I am sort of an odd ball in that I tend to want things others don't) I was thrilled to see a potters mark clearly on the bottom of each piece. I was even more thrilled to find out information about the pottery and the potters that created these wonderful pieces of art. These pieces aren't from Mexico but are wonderful examples of the southern potters located in Seagrove, NC by Jugtown Pottery http://www.jugtownware.com/. Knowing how long they were tucked away in a cabinet in my family they must be from the late 30s/40s (possibly early 50s?). I can't wait to find out for sure. Don't you love treasure that comes with a hunt?

This is the mark on the bottom of each piece.
I would love to hear from anyone who might know more about my little treasure!

Happy, Happy Birthday

18

I have been melancholy the last few days, wondering where the time has gone. Today may be the last time she sits at my table for breakfast on her birthday. She is charting a course away from us and though we support her an are proud of her, I can't imagine her not being here. Just yesterday I sat at the mall eating lunch and watched a Mother with a small daughter riding the Merry Go Round. I wanted to catch her sleeve and say breathe it all in, grab every moment, because sooner than you can imagine you will be me.

We mothers are learning to mark our mothering success by our daughters' lengthening flight.
~ Letty Cottin Pogrebin

SALE-a-bration at Initials, Inc.!

This is such a good deal, and would make a fantastic Christmas gift or two!

To order: www.MyInitials-Inc.com/MichelleDensmore

Football and baking...

Yes, this week we finally got a dose of the allusive autumn! It has been in the high 40s/low 50s every morning and then will warm to a heavenly 75-80 humidity free day. It has been FABU (yes, that is my new word...FABU; pronounced FABOO...just to drive my DD crazy)!


Anyway in the spirit of Fall, (did you like that lead in?)... this week our Football Team has an away game that is really quite a hike, so the Cheer Squad (DD is a member) is doing little goodies bags for the ride for each of the players.



What does all this have to do with me, you ask? Well, that means this morning I am baking Chocolate Cookie Bars. You remember those, don't you - think Toll House Cookie Bars, with my fewer ingredient recipe twist:


Chocolate Cookie Bars (like Toll House Cookie Bars!)

2- 1/3 self rising flour
1 cup butter
¾ sugar
¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup walnut pieces

Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add flour; mix well. Stir in chocolate pieces and walnuts. Spread mixture in greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan. Cut into 2 inch squares. Makes about 35.

Guess where I will be on April 24, 2010?

http://www.BethMooreAtlanta.com

and I can't wait!

An Open Letter to Old Navy...

Dear Old Navy,

I am trying desperately to like you and your budget priced, fun and trendy clothing. Really, I am. My kids love you and I want to be part of the fun. See, a few weeks ago, I even blogged positively about you: http://southerness.blogspot.com/2009/08/good-deals-to-be-had-at-old-navy.html!

After my glowing experience with you, I signed up for your weekly emails which promised to include coupons for additional encouragement to part with my slim amount of cash. Coupons...now that got me excited! You tickled my thoughts with that one. I had visions of us sharing many hours together as I carefully chose items in which to trade you my hard earned cash. http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/ .

I envisioned our future to be about regular time spent together and me making sure to keep up with your teasingly great Deal of the Week. In return, I only expected that you would put out just a little love by giving me a coupon. But, no, Old Navy, you have taunted me - and challenged my limited early morning email reading/checking skills. Through blurry eyes I have scoured your weekly email ads and tried to play your evil, self esteem killing game "click around to find the coupon". Ha! I have clicked and reclicked, and spoken not favorably under my breath about you, and still NO coupon. I have given you my email address, freely at every turn - just in case, that might provide me with just a little coupon ecstasy. What a one sided relationship this has been. I feel used, lied to and tricked for your own fun and games. Is this really what we were supposed to be about?

Regards,

Couponless in the South

(BTW, The point is made better if read out loud in an emotion-filled Antonio Banderas voice or possibly as Jack Black in Nacho Libre!.)

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Hey, it is the 1st Day of Fall! Though, my calendar says it is officially fall, I am not seeing it. For the past week (plus a few days),we in North Georgia, aren't seeing signs of fall or feeling a few crisp breezes to get us excited about the upcoming season... We are trying to determine if we should just throw down the gauntlet and start building an Ark. For those who live in overcast and rainy climates, I don't know how you do it!!! Honestly, I think everyone I know is a bit testy due to lack of sunshine - and it is not in the least bit becoming. I know I am...grumble, grumble, grumble.