Concert at Cantigny Park

We visited Cantigny Park on their French Connection weekend, and were treated to a lovely concert of music with a French flair, including greats like Edith Piaf "La vie en rose" and "Non, je ne regrette rien."  There was some Charles Aznavour songs, too, another favorite of mine.  Perfect music to enjoy with friends on a pique-nique under the stars.

And here we are.  We, too, non regrettons rien.

Staging a little romance

Would Robert and Cora ever indulge in such a simple ritual as a cozy tea in front of the fireplace . . . ?  And if they did, would Mr. Carson insist on hovering in the background . . . ?  No, this is something more likely to be enjoyed by Mr. Bates and his Anna in the comfort of their new little cottage . . .  Although Matthew might go for it, but not Mary . . . never Mary . . .

I found the chocolate cups at World Market . . .

. . . filled them with my vanilla custard (click here for the recipe), whipped cream and, fresh raspberries, then sprinkled them with the chocolate curls that came in the box . . .

The stage is set . . .

. . . to cuddle up on the sofa with my love and watch the latest episode of Downton Abbey . . .

I'm joining Let's Dish at Cuisine Kathleen and Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for the weekly dish parties.  Please stop by!

Romancing the home

Little touches of romance can be found everywhere around the house . . .

Turtle dove soaps in the Powder Room . . .  I'll have to remove the pretend straw . . . I was hoping for an egg . . .  What do you think . . . ?

My husband was very happy that I didn't wait for Easter to bring home some jelly beans . . .

For my son and his college buddies, red velvet cupcakes in these darling liners that stay bright even after baking . . .

Mama love . . .

I'm trying out the new heart dishes that I won in Linda's (More Fun Less Laundry) giveaway . . .

The guy I married has an insatiable sweet tooth.  He ate the chocolates Linda sent before I got home!  So I just had to go out and buy some more chocolate . . . Doesn't this bit of cake look just perfect on the new dishes?  Should I share . . . ?

I am so in love with these dishes!  Aren't they fun?

They remind me of a Picasso drawing, except it's done in red, not black . . . and it's not done by Picasso . . . mere details . . .

Linda also included this lovely glass heart ornament.  I tied the yellow ribbon that came with the chocolates as a reminder to my honey that there was a box of chocolates with the package that I didn't even get to see . . .   I rather like the contrast of the orangey-yellow with the red . . . I think I'll keep it like just like this . . .

A glass of cherry juice in honor of George Washington, who has a birthday in February . . .

And there's Oprah all decked out in red for February . . . Is she trying to tell me something . . . ?

The Swarovski swans have come out to play just in time . . .



. . . to remind me that they mate for life and don't let a box of chocolates get in the way of true love . . .

A letter to knock the socks off any woman.

Here are my parents on their wedding day, November 20, 1953. I just love the hat my mother is wearing - and she could carry it off with such panache!

This was my father's second marriage, so they were not able to marry in the Catholic Church, to my mother's everlasting sorrow. If there was ever a couple that ought to have been allowed the religious wedding of their choice, it was this one. To my mother, the sun rose and set with my father, and I think it was the same for him. They were married 32 years until her death in 1985.

Here is one of the letters he wrote to her while they were dating, I hope my translation does it justice. The letter was not dated but I think it was written in 1952:

"Dear Enriqueta:

'To tell you that I love you, that I adore you and all that you mean to me, I have sat down in front of the typewriter, hoping to be able to crystallize my feelings in words. You are the sweetest of brides, the most beloved and the one who has been able to understand me and give me ease. Aside from an immense love, I owe you a debt of gratitude, because you have returned to my spirit the tranquility that I so need."

"Sometimes, the shadow of doubt comes upon me, and then you, with your sweetness that touches me so deeply, with your beautiful words that caress me, with a look that penetrates the deepest recesses of my soul, you return my coveted calm."

"For this, and for all the good things you possess I adore you."

"I kiss your beautiful hands, "

"Alberto"