Cousin Helen, a Table, and Family Keepsakes

a potholder made lovingly by a member of my mother's family

My mother attended the funeral of her cousin Helen in Moscow, Idaho yesterday. Helen had lived a very active life into her nineties. Helen had designated many of her keepsakes to family members before her death. Mom knew she would be receiving a table. After the services family members divided up some of her beautiful linens. When Mom arrived home we carried in the lovely table my cousin John had buckled into the backseat. As I lugged a big cardboard box into the house she was eager to share what she had acquired. The inherited table worked great for displaying the linens. Fortunately after we carefully went through the treasures, I was able to pick some for myself.
I could just picture my Grandma West, Aunt May, and cousin Helen sitting around embroidering pieces like this table runner I now get to enjoy.

I don't know if I will be able to use these dish towels. They are almost too pretty for use. I have always loved the doily designs my family members have crocheted. This is a lovely buffet scarf that may just work on my piano.
This runner was my favorite. The colors used for the flowers in the basket are lovely. I felt blessed that I got some pieces of remembrance from Mom's family today also. I think the gathering of the family while they went through her heirlooms made it a bit easier to deal with Helen's passing. She was a remarkable woman and will be remembered fondly by all.

A View from the Front Porch

The location of the house where I grew up in Kellogg, Idaho always provided a perfect view of spectacular sunsets. Where I live now the sun falls behind some trees before we ever see a sunset. I miss sunsets. Standing on the front porch of my childhood home last night I was able to capture these images of a sunset. When I look west at sundown it is still hard for me to get used to not seeing the Bunker Hill Smelter on the hill or the big smokestack with lights blinking every night. It is a much more peaceful view now. The air is much fresher. The colors seem more vivid in the western sky. As the evening began to cool the front porch had the best view in the house!