Packing it Up

 
I forgot the name of the movie I got this picture from, maybe you've seen it. Thelma Ritter plays the hired housekeeper of a newlywed couple, but the wife (Gene Tierny) doesn't know she's her husband's mother and all sorts of comical mishaps and misunderstandings ensue.  I couldn't help noticing that stove, it's exactly like the one my mom had when I was growing up.  The kind with the pancake griddle right in the middle.  I wish they'd bring those back, don't you? 

Well, now.  The lovely sunshine didn't last long.  I'm back to hovering over the tomatoes again.  Ready to throw a blanket on them any moment, to stop them shivering.  September in the Rain drifted in over the air waves last night as we sat down to dinner.  The lyrics, composed by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, go like this:

"The leaves of brown came tumbling down

Remember, in September, in the rain

The sun went out just like a dying ember

That September, in the rain."

Even though it's meant as a love song it seemed perfect, under the circumstances, "as raindrops play our sweet refrain". Last night I heard the chorus of tree frogs mingled with the soft rain falling as I drifted off to sleep.  (Such a peaceful sound.)  Yet, while it may be the end of one season, it's also the beginning of another.  One filled with splashes of color, crackling fires, and often the scent of apples and cinnamon baking.  And PIE! 

Speaking of pie . . .OH My!

I really LOVE this wonderful little book, by Susan Dahlem, our blog pal behind Not Quite June Cleaver.  In it she has shared her most treasured family recipes and secrets for making great PIE.  There are "cutie pies" (you can't eat just one), tarts, tassies, pastries, hand pies, half-moons, tartlets, dream creams, custards, fruit-filled, amazing meringues, nut pies, and even some no-bake types, plus tips and trivia throughout.  Two of her daughters, (she is the mother of six), did the photos for the book, which are beautiful, and mouth-watering I might add.  I'm dying to try the Yogurt Pie with Granola Crust.  (She graciously gives us her recipe for granola too!)  Check it out on Amazon (click the photo it will take you there), and then click on that picture to look inside.  Today is her "Foodie Friday" FAQ, plus she's sharing her recipe for Upside-Down Caramelized Apple Cake.  Yum!  Perfect for a gray day like we are having today.

  
I've got some projects I'm finishing and a new one I'm starting, but I wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten the State Flower Quilt.  A new block will follow soon.  Right now, I'm still catching up on some neglected areas of my home, with a sewing project lined up for the weekend moving toward that end.

I also want to take a moment to say "Thank You" for the enthusiastic response I have received for my new book.  The whole time I was putting it together, it felt like I was making something for friends, and I'm SO happy you agree!  

Comments

[Susan]

AWWW Thank you so much for the sweet words! I hope you enjoy every pie you make!

Blessings to you and yours!

[LJ]

Its called The Mating Season and, woudn't you know, its Not on Netflix. I'm bummed.

I had that very same stove in one of the first rentals I had with my husband. It rocked!

[Wren]

About 10 years ago, we had this great old Arts and Crafts house in one of the historic districts in Fort Worth. It had a garage apartment. Zoning had changed over the decades, and it couldn't be rented out, so it had fallen into disrepair. When we moved in, we considered--and quickly discarded--the idea of fixing it up into a guest house for visitors.

Anyway, it had an old porcelain top table (with extensions that pull out from underneath!) with 4 chrome, curved leg chairs left from long, long ago. These are in my kitchen now. There was also a stove like this one, except it had folding lids that came down over the burners and folded back when you cooked.

When we left, we tried every way we could think of to get that stove out, and there was no way. Not only would it not fit through the kitchen door, but it wouldn't fit down the staircase. I have no idea how they got it in there. The only way I can imagine is that they hoisted it in before they put in the windows and built the kitchen wall. In the end, we had to leave it when we sold the house. I think I cried. ;-)

I envy you the cool weather. We are still in the mid-90's around here.

[Anne]

Love the old stove! We bought a new range last year (made by GE) and it's got an optional griddle for the middle. It's a shame were not pancake eaters...

[Sara]

OOH that pic and the movie that you referenced sounds interesting. I may have to search for it online and then see if Netflix has it. I love old movies!

Thank you for the June Cleaver cookbook idea too!!

You have lightened my day:)

[clarice]

It is very fall like here in the NW. The rain last night was crazy. Ohh the cookbook looks wonderful and I will check it out. Thank you for sharing. Clarice

[Lena]

We had so much rain last night, and it is raining hard again tonight, but the day was lovely for a few moments, long enough to go to the fair. When I came home, your new book was waiting for me. Vicki, I can't tell you how much I love it. The first book was very good, but this one....well, you have outdone yourself! I am so pleased that it has included some of my favorite designs, but all so small motifs are so perfect for little projects. Love those! Everything about this book is so well thought out, helpful, and inspiring.

I'm looking forward to exploring your friend's book as well. It sounds like a good one!

I used to have an old stove similar to that one. I loved it, but it was in a rental house. The first house my mister and I lived in together.

For some reason a song keeps going through my head....We got no tomatoes, to the tune of an old childrens' song, but I can't remember the title. LOL!

xo
Lena

[Rebekah]

That stove is a BEAUT! I have a smaller one than that, without the middle griddle. 'Tis in my farmhouse and makes me smile every time I use it. Though I know its days are numbered, I'll enjoy it while it I can!
Your blog is lovely!