I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:1-4
Yesterday I told you about the displays of my yellow depression glass at Historic Deepwood Estate and I promised to show you a bit more of the stately, old mansion. My time there was rather limited by my own schedule so I took photos of bits and pieces - here and there. As we walked through one of the side gardens on our way to the front door I couldn’t believe the size of these hydrangeas – they were huge!
This tiny yellow rosebud seemed so delicate as it wandered along the fence.
I loved this little tea tray that seemed to be set just for us. The beautiful yellow dishes caught my eye and wished I could sit down and enjoy the special treats that were waiting to be served.
A table was set in front of the fireplace. Three pieces of my yellow Florentine pattern depression glass were part of the setting. The yellow plates with yellow roses in the center are Spode. Would I ever love to find a set!
Some of you have commented on the gorgeous yellow quilt. I loved it the moment I saw it. Wouldn’t it be fun to make a reproduction and have one that looks just like it?
I loved the way the sun filled the bathroom. It seemed to highlight each special thing that had been placed there.
Vintage clothing is one of the things I enjoy. I spied this pretty, old gown in the shower!
And the rows of lace at the hemline on this gown caught my eye.
The bustle frame on this one intrigued me. My cousin and I decided we wouldn’t enjoy carrying it around with us. But we would because we would want to be in style!
Look at the lace hanging above the adjoining bedroom door. What a great idea!
Across the hall we loved seeing a display of old quilts and sewing machines.
Every time I visit Deepwood I am intrigued by this beautiful stained glass window above the upper landing on the staircase.
This exquisite window is just above the lower landing!
One peek into the butler’s pantry and I had to go inside to see more. (I couldn’t find the light switch to add enough light to photograph more.)
Fresh flowers added a touch of color on a sunny day.
I love to spend time in this old mansion – it’s one of my favorite places to visit. I know I will return again and each time there will be more to see. As we stepped outside and stood on the porch I was thankful that we had come on a sunny day. The leaves on the big, old Oak tree in the front yard had begun to turn yellow. It glistened in the sun!
On our way back to the car we stopped often to notice and enjoy more flowers in the garden. And I had a bit of time to talk to two of the gardeners. They were busy at work with Fall maintenance to assure that the gardens will stay beautiful all year long.
As I drove away I knew this would be a day that will stay in my heart for a long time to come. I will go back to visit again and when I do I know I will feel right at home. I can’t wait to return. I wonder what adventures are ahead in this great, old historic place. It’s a home with a story – a past, a present and a future. I would love to be part of that future – and maybe a bit more of the present. You will see the old mansion here again. Perhaps someday soon!
A few days ago my dear cousin and I went on an excursion. A much-anticipated day away together. Girls on a mission! We left fairly early in the morning and headed straight to Salem, a short distance from my home. Our first stop was at a big Goodwill store where we took our sweet time. I’m sure we must have looked at everything there. Our next stop was down the road a bit – it was the exciting focus of my day. Destination: Historic Deepwood Estate! In the past I’ve shared about this wonderful Victorian mansion here and here.
It was a gorgeous Fall day in our part of Oregon. We parked and walked through the side gardens, on our way to the front door. The tour guide greeted us at the door. ‘Oh, yes, we’ve been expecting you.’ Then we were cheerfully ushered inside and told to help ourselves – go ahead and wander wherever you want. Take your time.
We started upstairs. Oh, my! It nearly took my breath away! Not to complain – the bright sunshine made taking photos most difficult at times. Not to be discouraged - I forged ahead. Near the top of the stairs we found a china cabinet full of my collection. And I couldn’t believe what I saw!
(The beautiful, little set on the upper left does not belong to me. I would be very happy to have just like it!)
On top of the little cabinet – an upturned bowl, topped with my yellow hen-on-the-nest dish.
Around the corner – oh my! The yellow quilt was the inspiration for the ‘yellow’ display.
So many other things to see upstairs. I will show you some of them tomorrow. Then, down the stairs and into the dining room, we found more of my collection.
I saw my yellow glass collection through ‘new’ eyes – and I appreciate what I have more than ever before. You might be surprised to know that all of these pieces have been stored away, packed in boxes, in my garage. I didn’t take anything that is on display in my home. I don’t have room for it all in my little house. I know – how can that be? How can I pack it away where it can’t be seen? Something needs to change here! I have the perfect solution – a mansion. I need a mansion – a big, old, beautiful, Victorian mansion! Yes, I believe that’s what needs to happen. When it does, you will be the first to know! And you will be welcome to visit anytime.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7
A long time ago – when my children were quite young – we heard of a place that became a favorite vacation spot for our family. Loon Lake was more than we imagined. It's a beautiful lake, a few miles inland from the Southern Oregon Coast. It's protected from the winds and fog of the coast and it offers milder temperatures. There were many times when the weather on the coast was wet and windy but as we turned toward the lake the weather began to change. The lake is set among soaring Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Red Cedar trees and is a favorite for local deer and wildlife. It’s a peaceful escape from the hectic pace of everyday life.
The lake was formed over a thousand years ago when a major landslide in the coast range of western Oregon sent a mountainside of sandstone blocks into the valley below. The debris and house-size boulders came down into and across the deep, narrow river canyon. The resulting dam, combined with the annual rainfall, formed Loon Lake. Throughout the campground the huge boulders can be seen - in places they divide the area into section and form ‘walls’ between campsites – and they have provided a playground for generations of children. Mine included!
We had not been back to Loon Lake for many years. We always talked about having a family campout there with our children and grandchildren. Since that hasn't happened yet, we jumped at the chance for the two of us to go back when we had the opportunity to include it in our vacation last month. Our first morning at the lake, my sweetheart took me for a ride in his little boat. It was a quiet day on the water and there was much to see.
I was intrigued by the cabins and homes along the side of the lake. Some were big; some were small. I didn't remember any of them being there before. I tried to imagine what it would be like to own one of them and enjoy relaxing weekends and vacations at the water’s edge.
There would be room for my children and my grandchildren and my dear, little mother – and my friends. There wasn’t just one guesthouse. There were three!
We approached the other end of the lake and were ready to turn around. . .
