Layered Table Runners

I created this tablescape in an attempt to bring some additional color to my blue and white décor scheme on the screened porch. The floral runner was a scrap of fabric leftover from a sewing project so I just hemmed the edges. Then  I decided it would look nice with a pink border but I didn’t want a permanent pink border so I stitched up another runner in pink that was slightly larger than the floral runner. My thought was if I could layer dishes, I could also layer runners. Next I added...

Removing Rust Stains from a Concrete Walkway

These annoying rust stains on the entry sidewalk at our summer cottage having been on my to-do list for a while. The stains were caused by a steel sleeve that is embedded in the concrete beneath the iron posts. Because the cap on the bottom of the post is not completely flat due to the slope, rain water runs underneath and the steel sleeve rusts. That problem has been solved by running a bead of clear caulk around the bottom of the cap. Now to clean the rust stain. I had read a post on another...

Travel Tips

Having just returned from an extended trip to China, I made a few notes to myself for future reference. 1. Check your departure gate until you have boarded the plane. We arrived at the Atlanta airport from our local airport with 4 hours to spare. As soon as we landed, my husband and I both received text messages to our phones from our airline giving us the departure gate and time for the next flight. After having a meal, we made our way to the gate.  Knowing that it would be 3 weeks before...

My Olympic Duet

Having returned from a three week teaching trip to China last week, I spent the week recovering from jet lag and watching the Olympics, non-stop. I never cease to be amazed at the athletes, their abilities, their dedication, their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their family members. My only irritation has been when American athletes stand in their medal ceremonies looking as if they have never heard the national anthem. I know that many are overcome with emotion but they could at least move their...

The Street Market in China

I just returned from a 3 week trip to China where I taught English to Chinese students at a summer English camp. I have been to China several times before but this trip was unlike the others. Usually we stay in luxury hotels which are VERY affordable there. This time we stayed in a dormitory for international students at the school which was located in a very typical Chinese neighborhood in Beijing. I was delighted to find a street market outside our window every morning at 6 AM. I am NOT a morning...