Dec 28, 2014

Special Moments



 One of my little helpers and sidekick

The holidays are so busy that sometimes it hits you to take it slow and capture what is really important.  Today I share a few of those times in photos.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with special moments to remember.

Dec 25, 2014

Merry Christmas


“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6

Dec 22, 2014

Update The Real St. Nicholas 2014 Reconstruction

 2014 Reconstruction
This image belongs to Face Lab Liverpool, John Moore's University
I found on St. Nicholas Center here

I had a post back in 2011 called The Real Face of St. Nicholas here.  Today I am posting an update found on St. Nicholas Center here Read the rest of the story to see how Caroline Wilkinson got this result which she says is the closest we are ever going to get to him...I've also shared four videos about St. Nicholas...

Facial anthropologist Caroline Wilkinson has updated the Real Face of St. Nicholas--using the newest forensic tools. credit  Much more inviting that the one ten years ago...read more about it

Dec 15, 2014

Hibiscus House Spotlight: "K"



Pretty Little K

She is my grand- niece and very precious to me.  I have been talking with her about doing the blogs for sometime now. This just seems to be the right time to feature her here on Hibiscus House and in the kitchen .  Today she is sharing her recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookies.


Dec 13, 2014

Fitz and Floyd St Nicholas China


I like Fitz & Floyd.  This particular fine china pattern is St. Nicholas.  It is very hard to capture the
beauty of this pattern in pictures but it is whimsical and beautiful.  This one place setting is signed by Robert Floyd so I don't use it too often to protect the signature.

Today I share this china but the table is not set yet that will come later.

Dec 3, 2014

A New Backyard Addition


Look what I found!  What a cute little doll to find on Thanksgiving.  I was busy cleaning and cooking when something stopped me in my tracks.  I had to run get the camera bad lighting and all to catch our newest addition to the Hibiscus House Backyard.  This little chick has two mothers.  They sat so long and hard to hatch this little one.  The Silkie Breed are so adorable and get along so well.  Just look at the way these two are looking at each other. I'm sharing more pictures so click and come on in the chicken pen.......

Nov 25, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving


Every year this Pilgrim Thanksgiving Nutcracker comes out of the china cabinet.  He has been fixture in our homes for many years.  A very old now clay figurine that I made so many years ago.  I must share with you the cutest turkey that my grandson made in kindergarten....

Nov 19, 2014

Nov 14, 2014

Cotton Pickin Friends and Wreath

I mentioned to my sister Gwen that I loved her cotton wreath.  She and her daughter Beth made it and it is very pretty.  They gave me the wreath for my birthday among other pretty gifts.  Cotton has been the theme of my posts here and at dolly's designs, so today I share the wreath and some childhood friends picking cotton..Yesterday I even picked a few pods myself for the first time.  Come on inside....

Nov 10, 2014

Jewelry In Candles Product Review

 Cotton Candy Jewelry in Candles
I was given a candle from Lisa McManus's Store
The following post is a description of the candles, her giveaway and my review......

Nov 7, 2014

Hibiscus House: Dot's Famous Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe


 Going through the archives to find recipes that friends are looking to find for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Today I am remembering my Mom and her wonderful cooking.  Today especially because on this day 61 years ago she gave me a birthday!  Missing her...Enjoy this recipe if you haven't cooked it yet do yourself a favor and cook one today.



Hibiscus House: Dot's Famous Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe: "Miss Dot" Mama Her Pound Cake has made it to a Nashville TV Talk Show It was sold for countless years at The ...

Oct 27, 2014

Mondays


Good Morning!  It's Monday!  Come on in and have a cup of coffee with me.  We'll have to wake up and talk about things....

Oct 23, 2014

Spotlight Series: Sandra Morris of Clearwater Farm


I've wanted to do a spotlight story on Sandra for a long time.  She has so many talents, one of which is photography.  I'm glad she decided to share her story with us.  She has beautiful sheep!  I love sheep and don't have any so I enjoy seeing hers.  Everyone has a story to tell.  Sandra's is very interesting and well, I'll let her tell you all about it.  Here is her story in beautiful photography and in her own words....read more.....

Oct 20, 2014

Loretta Lynn Field Day for Sister and Me

Loretta Lynn  photo Loretta Lynn Official page

My sister and I decided it was time to go and do something together.  What better time to do this than on our Mama "Dot's"birthday weekend?   Mama has been gone for a year and we wanted to do things she would have enjoyed.  We wanted to do them together, so we did! To see what a day we had click read more below ...

Oct 11, 2014

The Vendetta by Alston Purvis Book


by Alston Purvis son of Melvin Purvis

A Hibiscus House Melvin Purvis Series.  Our hometown hero.  Read more and watch the video included for more information.  Plus a book giveaway!

Sep 29, 2014

Beach: Arcade, Sam's Corner, Sara J's, Castano's and Kenny Rogers!

The smallest loved riding in the elevator and he made a beeping sound constantly.  He has excellent hearing and notices sounds we tend to ignore.  The oldest with board in hand excited to find a wave on the beach.  Dad with backpack full of necessities.

I've said it before but it bears saying again, we love the beach!  There are so many things to see and do even if the weather is bad.  The children always enjoy the most simple things and I'm glad because the weather was extremely bad.  What do you do when you're at the beach and the weather is bad?  I'll show you....

Sep 24, 2014

Peaceful Beach


It has been quite awhile since I got away from home; so when the family said "Mom let's go to the beach!"  I finally went!  I am not a photographer but must have taken hundreds of pictures.  


Sep 22, 2014

What I remember from Hurricane Hugo


Hurricane Hugo that was a big one!  Do you remember how it affected you and what you were doing?  This will be a story post about one of the worst storms I've ever lived to see.

Sep 13, 2014

It's National Peanut Day


photo credit

I didn't realize that today was peanut day.  Did you?  Well let's see, have any of you ever drank a bottle of Coke or Pepsi with peanuts in it?  You must try it but please find a glass bottle coke to do this with.  Guess it will have to be the small coke...That is the best for the sweet and salty tastes together.
I enjoyed this treat in high school especially.  We would go to canteen the highlight of the day.  Socialize eat and drink your snack because you were finally old enough to go to the Canteen!
I found out a few interesting facts about peanuts, so come on along with me.

Sep 9, 2014

Little Landscaping ~ Little Crapemyrtles

Does Summer keep you as busy as it does me?  There is always something to do.  This post was supposed to be done in July.  Well since I went to the trouble to take the pictures I might as well do it now.  

 The Little Crapemyrtles love the addition of pine straw 
picture taken 7/19/2014

Sep 5, 2014

Spotlight Story: Kim Scornavacco and Kathryn Broege These People Are Amazing!




You know there are people who stand out among others and I've been so blessed to get to know them.  People that are so interesting, caring, and outgoing.  The list goes on and on.  
These two ladies are prime examples of that.  Both are so fun loving and enjoy life to the fullest.  They have never, as we say in the south, "Let the dust settle around them!"  Active is one very big word to describe Kathryn and Kim.

Aug 31, 2014

Little Herb Garden That Could

 I have to admit that here at Hibiscus House herbs haven't thrived.  For years I've tried to grow them without any surviving.  This year I decided to put some in the porch rail boxes and line the back doorsteps with some.
Yes!  Finally I've had a kitchen herb garden within my reach for making all sorts of delicious dishes.  I didn't realize it would be a home to all of these ...

Aug 23, 2014

Spotlight Melvin Purvis Series: Ross Beard

Mr. Ross Beard and Chuck

Many of you know that in our hometown we have legends and we are very proud of them.  I started this quest some time ago to find out more about Melvin Purvis.  There have been many bumps along the way and I'm sure as I go forward there will be many more. Today I visited with...

Aug 17, 2014

20 key tips for growing yummy fruit



http://www.hometalk.com/b/2206203/fruit-orchard-tips



Hometalk.  Are you a follower?  You probably have heard about it by now.  It is a wonderful website full of home and gardening ideas!  It is a great place to have your questions answered by very knowledgeable professionals that can do that for you.  I love the site!
Please join me over at Hometalk.  When you get there be sure to click the individual pics for all of the fruit growing tips and problems.  I was glad when Liz asked me to be the curator of this clipboard and hope you enjoy it!

Aug 14, 2014

Spotlight Story: Mandy Maddocks of Muck Boots & Lipstick

Hibiscus House is proud to present Mandy Maddocks.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy this wonderful story!  She is an extremely talented writer as you will see.



Aug 8, 2014

Behind the Scenes Gardening

Bloggers seldom want to air their dirty laundry in public.  Well, actually nobody does.  There are good reasons for doing that.  People don't want to see a mess.  They want to believe that people can actually do it all!  
I confess and those that know me personally already know this.  I have so many interests that I have never narrowed them down to perfect just a few....therefore a mess in some areas at any given time.
Today I share my neglected flower bed.  Shameful really because now this particular bed is blooming in full.  It should be shown for all of it's glory but can't.  Why?  Grass! It is covering this bed.

Jul 27, 2014

What Is She Protecting?



I love taking walks in the morning when everything is fresh and new.  The dew covers everything and makes the flowers sparkle.  The roosters are crowing, the birds are singing, with one exception this Mockingbird.  She is angry at me.  I went to take this shot and she pretended not to see me.  Funny because before this she was very angry at me.  Join me as I get a little closer.

Jul 19, 2014

How Many Bees Do You See?



Bee Balm


 Do you like to take garden walks?  I love it and guess I inherited it from my mama.  Early morning when everything is waking up I enjoy.  The sun, birds, all animals, and the plants are so fresh and seem to say "Good Morning".  Truthfully anytime is a good time to walk and enjoy nature all around.  God's Beauty is there for all to enjoy.

Jul 14, 2014

Sara's Home Tour Last Room: The Den

Welcome to Sara's Den!

 Sara as a child
The artist has drawn many beautiful portraits.

Jul 1, 2014

Our Flag and What it Means


Click highlighted words in the post for even more historical information

 Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain (now officially known as the United Kingdom). Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States.   credit

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain.  After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.


 Originally entitled Yankee Doodle, this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of '76. Often imitated or parodied, it is a familiar symbol of American patriotism

Yankee Doodle click link below to play:

credit


History and Words to this song can be found HERE


Did You Know?

In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third President in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day.

 

Flag Etiquette STANDARDS of RESPECT can be found HERE


The Smithsonian: The Star Spangled Banner, The Flag That Inspired The National Anthem HERE  

and For More Interesting Facts HERE
The words to our national anthem have nothing to do with consumption of alcohol, but the melody that Francis Scott Key had in mind when he wrote those words did originate decades earlier as the melody for a song in praise of wine.  



When celebrating our National Holiday let's all keep in mind what others have done to make this day possible.  What does the flag mean to you?  Does it have any meaning?  I sure hope so!  I know this post is a history lesson but one that maybe we all need to be reminded of.  I know I needed it.  Respect this great country of ours.  Do nothing to harm her.  Be proud!  Be grateful to God because He has and continues to bless us even in our disrespect.  
We are truly blessed aren't we?
Pray for our leaders!  Really pray.  That is what we are supposed to do.
Join together as one great nation.  We are not two, three or many different countries!  We are ONE Country the UNITED STATES of AMERICA!  Remember that.
God Bless America
Kate Smith Singing  Happy 4th of July to you all!
Be safe and enjoy!

The Star Spangled Banner
The Gaither Vocal Band





Jun 26, 2014

Welcome to Sara's Kitchen



  Sara has such a bright and wonderful kitchen.  Just look at the windows in this great room!
There would be no shortage of light in here.  She is a marvelous cook too!

Jun 22, 2014

David Austin Teasing Georgia



I thought that this would be a good time to share from Hibiscus House our Teasing Georgia English Rose.
This was a recent flush of bloom that we enjoyed thoroughly.
I hope you enjoy this peaceful Sunday Rose Tour.









David Austin Roses

 



















 We have this rose indoors at dolly's designs for you to read all about it!
"Apron at Rest"
here




Important Notice
All photographs and content are property of Hibiscus House, and are copyrighted Public use is prohibited. Publication is forbidden without prior written consent from me © Hibiscus House

Jun 19, 2014

Watch Your Step!




Back in time that is!  Welcome back to the last part of our nostalgic visit to Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile.  I found out after our trip a few very interesting facts about the place.  Enjoy your tour and be sure to read about them.  I was surprised and now will have to watch one of my daughter's favorite movies again just to see!

Here We Go!

HOUSE AND GARDENS