Friday, September 28, 2012

for Missy

 A blogging "buddy" of many years suggested I get rid of the "white monster"
(see post below re. Monument to Patience"), remove tomatoes, and take another photo. 
That was easier said than done, but here it is, M., in its full morning glory.
Then, playing with my camera, I thought, why not embrace the whiteness?
So, here we are. Call this "Hydrangeas on white with two antique chairs."
Speaking of antiques, I'm feeling like one today. Yesterday I worked 14 1/2 hours
caring for wee ones from 34 weeks to 37 weeks to full-termers, whose moms
were tucked in spare rooms all over the maternity floor. 
We are so busy with new little lives,  and there isn't even a full moon.
After a day like that I am in recovery mode for the next 24 hours. Thus the camera play.
This marvelous, also antique, vase currently has the seat of honor on the dining room table. 
It was a 50th wedding anniversary gift from my grandparents to my grandmother's parents. 
I'm guessing it's at least 80 years old. It came to my parents when my grandmother 
"broke up housekeeping," and then to me when my mother "broke up housekeeping." 
Such a strange, old fashioned expression. Have you heard it before?

12 comments:

  1. So what does "broke up housekeeping" mean? It's a lovely vase. I am glad you had some energy to play with your camera, your pictures are beautiful!

    XO,
    Jane

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  2. Tomatoes? What tomatoes? I think all of the photos of the hydrangea are lovely. That vase is really special. And, yes, I've heard of "breaking up housekeeping". Elderly southern women have been doing it forever.

    Have a great weekend catching up on rest!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  3. Oh this is beautiful! I bet it was fun to play when you have worked for so many hours!!!

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  4. Yes, that's an expression common around here for anyone who will not be living on his or her own anymore. Hence a widow who sells her home to move into her daughter's home "breaks up housekeeping." Oh your story about a day on the maternity floor and in the nursery reminds me so much of listening to my sister, also a maternity nurse. She also talks about the unusual places where the poor mothers are housed and she has to work those long, long hours and she frets over the full moon. (It is awfully close to the full moon. I should start praying for her.)

    Photography play is a great thing to do to relieve stress and have some fun. Also going out for lunch with a friend or having tea. Lovely photos...

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  5. It is a lovely vase and though I've not heard the term "breaking up housekeeping", I recently heard a woman describe the process of "deconstructing her home" when she and her husband were moving from the family home to a condo. You must be tired after such a day but what a wonderful thing you do - helping care for those precious little lives !

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  6. Hello Dotsie
    I think I've heard the term but not thought too much about it. One day I guess we'll have to. :-)
    You sound like our eldest daughter who is a labour and delivery nurse - some days she can't even find the time to go to the washroom. At least she has youth on her side! She's also been teaching this topic at the university and finds this more to her liking, less stressful.
    Judith

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  7. The vase is so pretty. Yes, I've heard of the expression. I don't know if it's used much these days do you? How do you keep up with your busy working days caring for babies? I'm sure you must get great pleasure looking after infants and their moms though. Enjoy your spare moments.

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  8. I have a friend who works labour and delivery and she said it's just been crazy lately - and the full moon is not yet here! Praying for all you wonderful folk who help bring new life into the world.

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  9. You are a love. It looks wonderful...very old-fashioned. And while I know your house isn't old, you have a knack for getting that 'old house' sort of flavor.

    Thanks so much. I want to sit there. :)

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  10. Beautiful shots - beautiful vase, for it's style and for its history. I hope there is more time for self-care for you after such a time at work!
    Breaking up housekeeping is a term that is used here as well - it is a pretty good description and a word I like a whole lot better than the current 'down sizing'.

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  11. Sadly, I know that phrase. Really though, your post is about it all today...the cycle continues with the new life you care for...

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  12. I think I have heard that expression before "breaking up" is always a difficult thing and I'm sure that holds true for "breaking up" housekeeping, too.
    Your antique vase is very beautiful! What a wonderful little treasure to have.
    Your hydrangeas are very pretty.
    My oh my, you had a VERY long day, what a blessing to spend time with precious little babies!
    have a wonderful week, Cindy

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