Head Cook, third in command: 
" Her first duty, in large establishments and where it is requisite, should be to set her dough for the breakfast rolls, provided this has not been done on the previous night, and then to engage herself with those numerous little preliminary occupations which may not inappropriately be termed laying out her duties for the day. This will bring breakfast hour of eight, after which, directions must be given, and preparations made, for the different dinners of the household and family."
~Mrs. Beeton (1861)
Speaking of Mrs. Beeton's handy book of household management, I'm glad some of you had a chance to watch the program about her life recently; thank you for pointing me to the biography that's out now too. I have added it to my reading list.
On another note, I'm nearing the end of Astrid and Veronika. Another tragic tear-jerker. It's books and stories like these that can make us thankful for so many things.
Fortunately, for balance sake, Ginger and I are reading Ida B: and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World. This book is beautifully written and light-hearted, even though life deals Ida and her family a few blows. But we are nearing the end now and things seem to be sorting themselves out. Whew!
One of the things I love about children's literature, is the inevitable conclusion and the happy ending. Eventually, we learn that real life is not always so neat and tidy. But without a happy ending, where is the hope?
Just knowing that certain things are possible is very encouraging somehow.
Like chicken servants.
Aren't these two cute? I'd hire them to do my cooking in a heartbeat. But for now I will just have to be content with them gracing my dishtowels.
Janet (Primrose Design) shared the patterns with me a few months ago and I finally got them done. You can find them here on her website.
I love chickens! Those are the most adorable dish towels ever! Cute, cute!
Posted by: Lisa D. | May 23, 2007 at 09:23 AM
Have you gotten to the part where she describes how to "clear" a soup by throwing eggshells in it? I've always wanted to try that--I just don't understand how it would work.
Posted by: Kat | May 23, 2007 at 10:42 AM
I think I'm going to have to get that book. It sounds like a hoot, even though she was really serious about all this.
The chickens are so cute!
Posted by: Anina | May 23, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Wow! You do such beautiful handwork. Thank you for posting info about this great book.
Posted by: gena | May 23, 2007 at 12:35 PM
cute chickies!
Posted by: cindy | May 23, 2007 at 04:16 PM
Those chickens are wonderful! I'm in love. I am going crazy with all the fun things I keep discovering... I don't think I will ever accomplish 1/100th of what I am inspired to try, but I sure love seeing all the clever and charming things you do. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Natalie | May 23, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Oh the Mrs. Beeton bio looks fantastic! I think I'll pick that one up for my best friends birthday!
Posted by: sara, the house of charm | May 23, 2007 at 09:29 PM
My husband is going to take away my computer if I keep adding new books to my shopping list. Astrid and Veronika sounds like one I would really like.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | May 23, 2007 at 10:20 PM
hey. ıf you give permission i wanna use your pıcture on my blog..thanks dear
Posted by: | May 23, 2007 at 11:48 PM
I love the chicken servants - and the idea of what duties Mrs. Beeton might have written out for them!I wonder if pecking up the crumbs might be one of them. :-)
Posted by: tinker | May 24, 2007 at 03:11 AM
Lovely Mrs. Hen.
I almost need to read Happy endings. I read a book the other day where it wasn't a happy ending and the lady was left mourning her husbands death and it only left you with a small thought that someday she would heal. That bothered me for days as silly as that sounds. I have a wonderful life but there is so much sadness around in the world. I hold on to every bit of happiness and joy I can find.
Posted by: Gina | May 24, 2007 at 05:49 AM
The chickens are just lovely! And perfect for the chicken apron I am making for a friend with a 5 year Chickenblog-a versary coming up! I love Grace's tiny cupcakes- they are just perfect! I must finish my Doll house- I am waiting for Super Fred to finish the trim for me so that I can paint it! It's almost like remodeling a real house..time, money, decisions! so much!!! But one day it will be done- cross your fingers! I am on my way to check out what's left of the Hancock's closing sale- only 9 days left! Thank goodness we have 8 quilt shops within 2 hours of us! have a great day! k.
Posted by: Kim Sherrod | May 24, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Love those chickens. I just posted photos of embroidered pillowcases that I bought at a garage sale on my blog. I don't think I'd have the patience to do that.
Posted by: ann | May 24, 2007 at 10:34 PM
They look great Vicki! It's always interesting to see other people's color choices—love how you did the apron in the first picture. I made my embroidered chicken into a pillow and I haven't done the rooster yet. Come to think of it, I should post a picture of that pillow.
Thanks for the link, too!
Posted by: janet | May 25, 2007 at 05:32 PM
Ooh, I am a Chicken person, so thank you so much for the link! I'm hurrying right over!
Always, always, love your stuff!
Posted by: Barbara | May 25, 2007 at 06:23 PM
love those adorable chickens!
Posted by: Felicia | May 29, 2007 at 06:09 AM