Welcome be thou, faire, fresshe May. ~ Geoffrey Chaucervi
The african violets are in bloom ….. again.
African violet
May is the month we plant the garden – ‘ A Time to Keep ‘ ~ By Tasha Tudor
Tasha Tudor inspired patio herb garden.
Has the weather allowed you to start your garden? I have indeed started my patio, Tasha Tudor inspired, patio herb garden. My basil, rosemary and oregano that has loved a very pampered life succumbed to what – to hot then cold?? They were quite productive living about three years!
Happy May Day ~ Melissa
All content and photographs copyright 2017 By Melissa O’Connor
This Sundays Movie is the Five Little Peppers. We will start with the complete audio book and continue with links for the complete viewing of each movie.
But first let’s make some sandwiches to go with our movies and a vintage coconut cake recipe at the bottom of this post.
1940 Campbells soup sandwich – sauce recipes
When I saw this set of vintage recipes for open-faced sandwiches it reminded me of my grandmother, she loved open face Rubens, and turkey with gravy sandwiches.
My daughter’s used to find framed egg sandwiches to great fun as we would use different cookie cutters to cut out the shape!
I think the Pepper family would have found this sandwich affordable.
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
A book series that was originally published in an 1880 edition of Wide Awake, a children’s magazine. The publisher of the magazine, Daniel Lothrop, loved the Pepper stories so much that he published a hard-cover edition of the story — and married the author in 1881. In 1883 the couple moved to historic Concord, Massachusetts, and resided in a house called the Wayside, which had previously been home to Nathaniel Hawthorne and also to Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women.
The Five Little Peppers book series was created by Margaret Sidney from 1881 to 1916. It covers the lives of the five children of Mamsie and the late Mister Pepper who are born into poverty in a rural “little brown house”. The Pepper books were the inspiration for a brief series of feature films produced by Columbia Pictures in 1939-40. The four films were vehicles for Columbia’s juvenile star Edith Fellows, who played Polly. The rest of the kids were Charles Peck as Ben, Tommy Bond of “Our Gang” as Davie, Bobby Larson as Joey, and Dorothy Ann Seese as Phronsie.
FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS AND HOW THEY GREW (1939)
In this, the first entry in four-part series, children’s movie, Polly Pepper takes care of her siblings while her mother toils at a factory. Polly’s newest friend is Jasper, a rich kid who likes to play with the Pepper kids. Trouble ensues when the littlest Pepper comes down with the measles and infects Jasper and his grandfather, Mr. King. They all wind up stuck together in a quarantined house. After the devoted Polly collapses from working too hard, Mr. King moves the Pepper clan into his mansion. The plucky family finally garners a fortune when it is discovered that Polly has inherited the controlling shares in a mine that the grandfather wants to purchase.
FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS AT HOME (1940)
This time around, Polly and the kids try to figure out a way to save their mother (Dorothy Peterson) from bankruptcy, with the help of crusty-but-lovable Mr. King (Clarence Kolb). After a slow-moving hour or so, the film picks up tremendously in the final reel when the kids are trapped in a copper mine cave-in, sparking a tension-filled rescue effect. A bit too syrupy sweet for modern tastes, Five Little Peppers at Home is redeemed by the cynical performance of Rex Evans as a sneering butler.
OUT WEST WITH THE PEPPERS (1940)
Once again in dire financial straits, the Pepper family is forced to pull up stakes and head westward. Upon arrival in the Wide Frontiers, the Pepper kids get into mischief in a lumber camp. As usual, the plot is resolved by Edith Fellows as eldest Pepper child Polly, who manages to stumble upon a financial windfall which proves beneficial not only to her family but practically everyone else in the film.
FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS IN TROUBLE (1940)
Unable to watch over her kids and go to work at the same time, Mrs. Pepper bundles the little Peppers off to boarding school. The Five Little Peppers in Trouble is just so “cute”; you take it from there. The six are packed off to an elite boarding school. The other students, all rich kids led by queen bee June (Shirley Mills), won’t associate with these common public school intruders. Although all six are in the same boat, the focus is almost completely on Polly; Fellows gets to do some singing when they hold tryouts for the school’s musical.
May you have a peaceful Sunday watching vintage movies and eating sandwiches!
Peter Casey has been with the New York City police department for 25 years. He’s totally surprised when he’s asked to retire on his 25th anniversary with the force. He’s even more unprepared for the romance that develops between his favorite daughter, Maureen, and the Scottish cop who takes over his beat.
A Great Day for the Irish with Little Nellie Kelly (Judy Garland)……and Irish Freckle Bread?
It’s a Great Day For The Irish…
In Ireland, Jerry Kelly marries his sweetheart, Nellie Noonan over the objections of her ne’er-do-well father, Michael Noonan , who swears never to speak to Jerry again, even though he reluctantly accompanies the newlyweds to America, where Jerry becomes a policeman, and all three become citizens. Michael continues to hold his grudge against Jerry, even when Nellie dies while giving birth to little Nellie.
And here is Judy Garlands only death scene …….
Years later, Jerry is now a captain on the police force, and little Nellie (also played by Judy Garland) has grown up as the spitting image of her mother. When Nellie becomes enamored of Dennis Fogarty, the son of Michael’s old friend Timothy Fogarty , the squabbling between Nellie’s father and grandfather intensifies, as Michael objects to the romance, and finally leaves home because of it.
Eventually, the three generations are reconciled, and Nellie and Dennis remain a couple.
Judy entertains us with her lovely voice singing ‘A GREAT DAY FOR THE IRISH’
Along with a traditional song ‘ A Girls Milking Her Cow’ sung partly in Irish – Gaelic
IN MY IRISH KITCHEN
Cead Mile Failte Romhat! ( A hundred thousand welcomes to you!)
For our tay time and movies snack let’s try a wee bit of freckles bread……
Hello, I am Melissa O’Connor (Maiden name), and there is more Irish about me than just my name it is indeed running strongly through my veins. O’Connor is from my father, and we are predominantly Irish with a very interesting family history that takes us on a long journey from a doctor in the United States in the 1840’s to his adopted family in England, then on to our family roots in Ireland. Also, with the last name Yates on my mom’s side, this adds even more Irish to my heritage.
WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING
When Irish Eyes are Smiling sure it’s like a morn in spring In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing when Irish hearts are happy all the world seems bright and gay but when Irish eyes are smiling sure they’ll steal your heart away
Dan & Melissa
There’s a tear in your eye and I’m wondering why that it ever should be there at all with such power in your smile sure a stone you’d beguile and there’s never a teardrop should fall when your sweet lilting laughter’s like some fairy song and your eyes sparkle bright as can be Oh then laugh all the while and all other times smile and then smile a smile for me
Chorus… For your smile is a part of the love in your heart, And it makes even sunshine more bright. Like the linnet’s sweet song, crooning all the day long, Comes your laughter and light for the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all There is ne’er a real care or regret; ad while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth’s hours, let us smile each chance we get.
~ let us smile each chance we get!
Rainbow over Dublin.
~Melissa & Dan
All content and photographs copyright 2017 By Melissa O’Connor
There are many Secrets Of Ireland she also has many folklore stories, a strong history…… beautiful landscapes and seashore. And let’s not forget the perfect “cuppha tae” and delicious foods such as buttermilk scones to go with todays movie.
THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH
Fiona is a young Irish girl with an unusual family history, including a long-missing baby brother. When she goes to live with her grandparents on the west coast of Ireland, Fiona hears stories about her ancestors, tales that involve mythical creatures called selkies who can shift from seal to human form. After Fiona ends up on the small island of Roan Inish, her family’s ancestral home, she believes she may have found her little brother living by the sea.
“The east is our future, and the west is our past,” Fiona’s God-fearing grandmother (Eileen Colgan) declares. But the old island draws Fiona to it, even though her inquiries make her elders nervous. Before long, the girl is poking around on Roan Inish, accompanied by a 13-year-old cousin, Eamon (Richard Sheridan). One day she spies a naked wild child in a field, picking flowers. But when she cries out her lost brother’s name, the little boy runs off to a tiny boat-shaped cradle and paddles out to sea.
Fiona’s grandfather tells her of a Conneelly ancestor who fought the British to defend the Irish language. Then her dark-haired cousin Tadhg tells her about the forebear who fell in love with a “selkie” . He fathered a brood with her before she returned to her marine-mammal form.
Selkies are said to live as seal in the sea but shed their skin to become human on land.
Here is a small clip of the beginning of the movie. I own this movie and enjoy it very much through out the year and well worth the small fee some are charging to watch the full length movie on-line.
“The Secret of Roan Inish” freely mixes Celtic myth and everyday reality. Its focus is not so much on the collision of modern life with traditional ways as on a private journey to discover roots – of family history, geography and ties to nature.
An Irish Sketchbook – of Ireland in photographs!
The Secret of Roan Inish was filmed on the rugged coast of Donegal in northwestern Ireland which boast some of the highest cliffs in Ireland and England. BEAUTIFUL
The highest sea cliffs in Ireland. The mountain on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal, Ireland. At 601 metres (1,972 ft) * Copyright 2017 By Melissa O’Connor
Donegal County Northern Ireland.
IN MY IRISH COTTAGE KITCHEN
Cead Mile Failte Romhat! ( A hundred thousand welcomes to you!)
Put the kettle on for a cup or two of tay (Irish for tea)
The Perfect Pot o tay ( AN Irish, “Cuppah Tae”)
Morning and afternoon tea in Ireland are often severed with scones, brown bread or soda bread topped with delicious Irish butter and jam.
BUTTERMILK SCONES
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup currant (or raisins)
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 cup of buttermilk
1 egg, slighty beaten
Grease a baking sheet and pre-heat the oven to 375 ~ F.
Blend the flours, sugar, salt,baking powder, baking soda and cream of tartar.
Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it is well-distributed. Mix in the currants (or raisins) and caraway seeds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add this liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until blended. Turn onto a floured board and knead for a minute or two.
Roll the dough flat to about 3/4 inch thick. Cut it into circles and place them on a greased baking sheet, spacing about 3 inches apart.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly on a wire rack, and serve warm with a pot of jam and a cup of tea. (cuppha Tae)
Where ever you go, whatever you do, May the Luck of the Irish be there with you!
Enjoy you Tae Time Movie. ~ Melissa
You can find my handmade Irish – St Patrick’s Day items in my etsy shop
Hand – knit Dishcloth – a Beautiful shade of green handknit of cotton yarn in Irish moss stitch with a lovely cherry wood (eco harvested) small spatula.
Three Wise Fools a 1946 film about a young Irish orphan Sheila who, with the help from leprechaun’s only she can see, softens the hearts three harden old bachelors who were once unsuccessful suitors of her grandmother many years before.
Three Wish Men
Here we start with a Lux Radio Theater 1947 presentation of the ‘Three Wise Fools’
Vintage Movie Sunday with Margaret O’Brien
And Here is a youtube videos to this lovely vintage Irish Movie starring Margret O’Brien, Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone and Edward Arnold.
Hope you have little help from leprechaun’s today!
Blessing
~ Melissa
Copyright 2017 By Melissa O’Connor
If you would like to add a bit of the stylish green to your Home Decor I think you would enjoy my hand – knit dish cloths and cherry wood spatula in my shop.
Hand – knit Dishcloth in a beautiful shade of green. Handknit in Irish moss stitch with addition of a lovely cherry wood (eco harvested) small spatula.
Erin The Island of Ireland is about the size of the state of Indiana. This is interesting to me as I am from Indiana!
Donegal Town Ireland.
HOW DID THEY COME UP WITH THESE NAMES?!?
Over the millennia, Gaelic and Viking names have become anglicized; later, when the tables turned, English names became Gaelicized. Spelling isn’t as important as pronunciation…….which is almost impossible anyway.
Dun: fortified area, castle, or fortress.
~ O For A Breath Of Irish Air And A Sight Of The Irish Green…..
AROUND IRELAND
Castle in Northern Ireland…
IN MY IRISH KITCHEN
Cead Mile Failte Romhat!
( A hundred thousand welcomes to you!)
A Taste Of The Irish Bill Of Fare From The Hands Of My Irish Coleen – or in this Kitchen ~ The Hands of Irish Melissa 😉
Do you like Parsnips ?? I love them!
Parsnip Mash
1 Pound of Potatoes, peeled or unpeeled if you like and chopped
1 Pound Parsnips, peeled and chopped. ( I buy organic so I do not peel)
2/3 cup mixture of cream milk and cream
2-3 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons chopped scallions
Salt and pepper to taste
Place the potatoes and parsnips in a large pot cover with cold water. Boil until fork tender.
Drain the potatoes and parsnips well, then mash with milk, cream and butter.
Mix in the scallions and add salt and pepper to taste
Enjoy – Melissa
All Pictures and content are copyright 2017 By Melissa O’Connor
Photographs of Ireland belong to me! DO NOT PIN OR REMOVE!!
Some Information and sketches are from the book ‘ Ireland A Celebration’
February – Oh, February you have been a very busy month!
I was sitting in my rocker last night realizing that it was indeed the end of the month. So I started contemplating exactly where this month and this is what went to…….
First part of the Month my Dan came down with a cold….oh dear, his sister came for a visit. It was a very nice visit even though we did not really do anything special – due to sad cold.
February from the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, displayed with a few of my favorite things
The first part of the month of February brings several birthdays. The first one to arrive is my oldest gran – daughters, who turned eleven this year, oh my! She decided last year she was going to start collecting and wearing fashion scarves, so naturally, I knit her one. This year I knit her a neck kerchief. She likes to make list and schedules so I thought she might enjoy a felt note pad case along with a hair bow – she loves to wear hair adornments!!
Amellia’s Neck Kerchief.Hand knit in Sea Song yarn made of cotton and Kelp fiber. I like to try to use a unique yarn, last years scarf was knit of a yarn made of corn fiber!
February is also Amellia’s Daddy’s birthday…. and several more in the family.
Happy Eleventh Amellia! Felt note pad case along with the hand-made hair bows and necklace.
In the mean time ….
I was finishing up an order for one of my Hand-knit Tasha Tudor style Cottage Elegance cotton shawl. I enjoy including free gifts in my orders and have wanted to design a brooch / shawl pin to go with my shawls. Here are two I tried out.
Tasha Tudor style shawl safety-pin brooch / shawl pin. I hand wired this brooch with beautiful cranberry and gold czech glass beads.
We do see Tasha using a safety-pin to hold her shawl on……It always makes my kind of cinch when I see that the pin is just attached to just one stitch on each side, but I’m sure Tasha knew how to mend it if a stitch was to break. If you look close at the picture you can see that I catch two-rows of stitches on each side. Here is another style of brooch / shawl pin.
My Yo – yo brooch is made with a hand-dyed fabric (I purchased from another artesian) Encircled with czech glass beads accented with a shell button.
Happy Custmer = Make me happy!!
Received the beautifully made shoulder Shawl, I am late in saying thank you, Also thank you for the 2 pins And the two sachets.
I will email you Again as I would like one in grey And a little bigger I have wide shoulders and I am 5 feet 9.
Here you see a little bit longer version of my “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl”
“Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl”
Then came Valentines day and Dan shared his cold with me!!!
Tasha Tudor “Be Mine” Valentine Advent calendar in the lovely glow of bee wax candle. A beautiful relaxing scene I take in from my rocking chair.
Dan did make up for sharing his cold with some lovely Valentines Day gifts.
Gifts from my Valentine
A beautiful wooden tea try from Germany with water colored wild flowers. I think I’m going to hang this on my wall. Some yummy Chocolate Velvet and peppermint chocolate republic tea. Several years ago while visiting P.E.I – Robert Montgomery ( Lucy Maud Montgomery’s second cousin once removed) gave Dan a lesson in how to identify fine china and Dan was a very good student indeed, Here is yet another lovely tea-cup – Theodore Haviland Limoges fine china Tea up from France with a lovely violet print. I know you would like a closer look….
My violets in my new violet tea-cup.
A closer look
Then another exciting visit…….My oldest daughter, son-in-law and two of my gran- daughter’s. I was over my cold enough to meet them at the park. It was a lovely day.
A Visit….. a little conversation on gran’s shell phone 😉
A little help knitting my Tasha Tudor Style shawl!!
She has always tried to help me with my knitting so this year I gave her a basket with her own yarn and knitting needles.
Nature Notes:
The Pelicans, Sea gulls, cormorant love feasting on the fish in the canal this time of year.
Pelicans are interesting birds to watch. They are so big but glide so gracefully through the air and just above the water!
Gliding in search of the perfect fish.
Is it time yet? No we have until April this year!!
I hope you had a lovely February !
Take Joy ~ Melissa
You can find my shawls and PDF Pattern to knit your own shawl in My etsy shop. I also take custom orders for the brooches.
It was another chilly, blustery day, rain clouds were brewing in the distance – indeed it was / is a “Perfect Day” to steep a pot of tea and indulge in The World of Peter Rabbit. This is one of my favorite version of Beatrix Potter’s stories! I was at first enjoying these whimsical little tales playing in the background on my computer while I went about some daily task – washing up some dishes, cleaning ceiling fan, dusting – this then called for some therapeutic – meditative style knitting ( you know the kind you get while knitting my Tasha Tudor style Cottage shawl – the pattern is available in my etsy shop 😉 ) and a nice cup of tea. While going about my task slowly, calmly taking in the words of these lovely little stories realizing once again that there is indeed some deeper meaning in these little tales of Beatrix Potter’s, I also took notice of the music – very mystic, celtic sounding, that was played at the beginning and end of each episode lending to that serene, calm atmosphere of my day. I just had to find out the name of that song – that voice! I did a little google search – as one does! I found the song to be “Perfect Day” by Miriam Stockley!
I thought you might enjoy listening to the song while you start some soup!
Perfect Day – With Beatrix Potter and Miriam Stockley.
Perfect Day
The rain has moved on And left a new day Nothing seems to move everything is still It’s just a perfect day
A perfect moody day!
The shadows and light That move with the wind Hidden violets grow splashed with summer spray Just another perfect day
On the wild and misty hillside Fear is nature’s warning Hunger here is never far away
i
On the wild and misty hillside Fear is nature’s warning Hunger here is never far away
And all of this world Is for children who play Days that never end always should remain Another perfect day
Another Perfect Day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A “Perfect Day” to enjoy watching / listening to The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends. It will keep playing all episodes – Enjoy another perfect day!
Here you can enjoy my post about Squirrel Nutkin and his friend scamper who stopped by to visit us while on one of our camping adventures. I also share some fun information about Beatrix Potter:
Yes Peter, these are just a few of the vegetable we all love.
Veggie,herbs and spices of choice. It’s your soup
I start by dicing:
1 leek or onion
4-6 ribs celery
4 – med carrot
1 red, yellow and /or orange bell peppers
4 med to large tomatoes
– diced potatoes
1/2 – Med head of cabbage cut into desired size chunks
1 Each of Yellow squash and zucchini squash, diced
Saute in olive oil. I then stir in
6 -10 fresh chopped tomatoes
I then put the lid on and let this simmer.
Another perfect day soup!
After you have simmered this briefly – 10 – 15 minutes. Add more of the same and more vegetables but chopped this time.
2- Potatoes 2- ribs – celery (optional, I like celery) 1 – Each yellow and zucchini squash, chopped cabbage if you like, and….. other vegetables that you enjoy……
Maybe you like turnips, parsnips. I do I enjoy that little surprise bite of tangy tartness.
I love Green Beans in my soup.
After you have added all the vegetables you like, fill the pot with water to cover the vegetables and boil adding more water as needed.
Seasoning:
1- 4 Tbsp Dried dill – chives and Tarragon are also a tasty addition but optional 2 – Tbsp onion flakes (yes, in addition to what you have already added) salt and Pepper ( I use celtic / grey salt)
I do not like to over season so as not to lose or over power the wonderful flavors that the vegetable seep into the broth, that is why we start with small diced vegetables most of these will cook down into the broth.
Mmm… something smells good in there.
“There is nothing like a plate or a bowl of hot soup, Its wisp of aromatic steam making the nostrils quiver with anticipation…..” ~ ‘The Soup Book’ 1949 ~ Louis P De Gouy
“Soup is the song of the (my) hearth……. and (my) home”.
Is the soup done yet!!!
When is it done ? Well how to you like your vegetables – real soft or a little more texture to them – it’s up to you!
When I turn the heat off I like to stir in:
2 – cups of spinach or mixed greens – just to wilt.
1/3 – cup Nutritional yeast optional
There are a few options / additions :
I enjoy zoodles (AKA zucchini noodles)
1 can of beans – garbonzos are good in here, drain or add with liquid
pre-cooked noodles or rice
As many of us are aware, Tasha also admired Beatrix Potter you can find recipes at her families site, to enjoy with todays soup. Tasha Tudor’s Corgi Cottage Soup can be found in her Cookbook not only does it contain delicious family recipes but is accompanied by family stories related to each recipe and Tasha’s excellent water colors. There is now available a new – up-dated version of the cook book by Tasha’s grandson Winslow.
Elegantly Handmade 