The Saga of Muppet

Yes, the saga continues. Mr. Muppet the rooster, formerly known as the Duchess de Polignac, has returned to my home for a short time. The poor guy was badly injured by roosters on Thursday and I took him back in to nurse him back to health. I must say, it has been quite the experience having a rooster living in the house, but he’s so sweet and unobtrusive that it has been a bit of a blessing in disguise. He follows me around like a dog and sits on the couch, on a towel of course, while we hang out in the evenings. I almost thought about keeping him, except he, happily, is feeling better and has started crowing again. Unfortunately, I live in a part of town that does not allow roosters; so I have found him a new and permanent home at an animal sanctuary in Estacada called Out to Pasture. It is a sanctuary for abused farm animals as well as city chickens that turn out to be roosters. This place has been a huge God send, and I am so happy that my little Muppet will finally have a safe place to call home.  Apparently, they have a group of white silkie roosters, just like him, that only accept other white silkie roosters into their flock. I think he will fit right in, once he gets through  initial meeting phase. I have been assured that he will be kept in a pen where he can see and smell and talk to the new flock, but be safe from them, until they accept him.  To top it off, the farm is owned by vegans, so he won’t become dinner!  So thank you, Out to Pasture, for taking my little guy. Mr. Muppet, I will miss you and you have been such a joy in my life. I hope you finally get the home and space you deserve.

Muppet the day after he was attacked eating yogurt on my lap. He loves his yogurt, which I’m convinced is one of the things that has helped him heal so well and quickly. We’ve also been giving him organic “Gatorade” to help with his electrolytes.

Chillin’ with Max on the couch. You can see the scab on the back of his head where he was attacked.

Here he is this morning, watching documentaries with me as I catch up on emails and blogging

Hope you all are having a lovely start to your week!

Love Lauren

P.S. I am not allowed to do any sewing for at least three weeks, per doc’s orders. I have been having problems with my hands, and I am seeing a physical therapist for my issues. So,hopefully my physical therapist can help me out and I can get back to projects soon.

An Outing to the Menagerie

Yesterday, we decided to don our finest and head out to the Oregon Zoo. It down poured on and off most of the day, but it was nice to get out in costume again.

Mrs. Cartwright in her new gown.

Watching the ducks.

The King of the Jungle. He was posing for us.

That’s all for now!

Goodies from Ohio

Ok, at least one more post today :) I thought you would enjoy my spoils from the Fair at New Boston. I made off like a bandit and thoroughly enjoyed shopping in period clothing in a period setting. It was amazing!

Brass ink well and quill from Daniel Boone. I do a lot of writing and I am always trying to hone my 18th century handwriting, as well as have beautiful writing implements to use.

Cobalt inkwell. I actually purchased two of these. They are so pretty and handy.

Portable writing box from Daniel Boone.

It is an ingenious little box that folds away to reveal little storage compartments for pens, pencils, and an inkwell.

Another portable writing box. I originally purchased my antique box with hopes of taking it to events, until I discovered it is an original. So, I’ve been looking for a box I can travel with and not worry about destroying or losing my precious antique box. This one fit the bill.

This box is from Spencer’s Mercantile.

Painted silk fire screen/ fan. I can’t remember the name of the shop I purchased it from. I plan to paint Sir Thomas’s silhouette in the center.

Sewing box, also from Daniel Boone.

I love all of the compartments. I still need to “move” into it.

Block printed silk shawl from Regency Revisited.

Linen and velvet for Sir Thomas, from WM Booth Draper. Yes, my husband picked these out himself. I think a summer suit will be made out of the linen and a waistcoat out of the velvet.

Chintz, also from WM Booth Draper. I put my hand in the pic so you get an idea of scale. I have no idea what style this will become, but I’m excited to create it. I’m thinking another open robe will be in its future.

Block printed sheer cottons from Regency Revisited. I love these fabrics and I have nothing like them, so that makes it more exciting.

The End :)

Pics of the House

Dear Friends and Readers,

     I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the last few days of summer. Things have been quiet here and I have been enjoying decompressing after sewing so much in preparation for our trip. However, I do plan on starting some new sewing projects very soon.

   Many of you may recall my parents’ visit back in June. They came with a U-Haul full of pieces that I had inherited from my late grandparents. I finally have everything to my liking and I have received tons of requests for pictures… So, here you go! Enjoy!

The Victrola. It has a ton of records from the early 20th century and it works like a dream.

My late grandmother’s first piano. The mirror is late Victorian and the over the top candle sticks are Rococo reproductions.

The Dining Set. It is not antique, but it is beautifully built mahogany and is modeled after early American styles.

The china hutch that matches the dining set. It is filled to the brim with china, crystal, tea pots, coffee pots, silver and the like.

The Victorian Room. Every piece in here is a family heirloom and antique.

I love the Victorian dresser. It has always been one of my favorite pieces.

The Blue Room. This room is my little heaven. It looks into the chicken run; I know most people wouldn’t like this, but I love my girls. 

We are still working on making the chandelier plate stay put, so please excuse the exposed hardware.

This hutch is not antique, but it makes for great storage.

Well, that’s all I have for now :) Have a lovely day!

Love Lauren

Fair at New Boston Day Three

Our third and final day in New Boston was greeted by the wonderful and beautiful rain. I awoke early and sat on the front porch just enjoying the thunderstorm and the pouring rain.

It instantly cooled the land and I was grateful for a reprieve from the previous day’s oppressive heat.

We arrived at the fair to find that not every appreciated the rain. The storm had been quite severe for many of the people who had camped there.

The oxen cart.

One of the oxen. I believe his name was Henry.

A few of the vendors were closing their shops and leaving. However, there still plenty of shops for us to peruse and items to purchase.

We once again met up with my dear cousin and the Doctor. It was a bittersweet day, for we knew it was our last day in the Ohio Territories.

Cousin Emily, in her lovely new riding habit, and I.

However, we did our best to enjoy the few moments we had remaining there. Much of our day was spent chatting, perusing the shops, purchasing beautiful fabrics and wares, and trying to keep our appearances from becoming too disheveled in the rain. I confess, my poor hair did not stand up to the extreme humidity and the hem of my gown was soaked in mud.

Captain Cartwright at the Tavern

The Doctor, Cousin Emily, and two of the Doctor’s dear daughters.

Later that afternoon we all decided that we needed to have our silhouettes taken. The artist who created them was extremely talented and only used scissors to capture our likenesses. It was amazing to watch her work so quickly and precisely.

Miss Lauren Muney cutting my silhouette.

Before we knew it, it was time for our goodbyes. Our time had gone by so quickly and neither Cousin Emily nor I were ready to part our ways. We nearly burst into tears as we bid adieu. We then proceeded to our carriage and returned, once again, to Eppley House.

The Parolor of Eppley House

Sir Thomas in the dining room after the Fair.

Despite the inclimate weather, the Fair at New Boston was magical. I fear we have been spoilt by the caliber and quality of this amazing event. The people were so kind and accommodating, their mannerisms were very kind, and their clothing far surpassed any event I have attended. It was truly sad to leave and I sincerely hope we will be returning in the years to come.

Fair at New Boston Day 2

We awoke early on Saturday morning, filled with excitement for our first day at the fair. Our servants prepared a hardy breakfast, and before long we made our way to the town of New Boston.

Arriving at the fair.

The fair was very crowded with all sorts of people. There were young and old, wealthy and poor, military regiments, and even a savage encampment. We slowly made our way through the throngs of people towards the coffee house at the center of the Fair. My dear Cousin Emily and her friend, the Doctor, were waiting for our arrival. It was so wonderful to finally see my dear cousin; we both nearly burst into tears as we embraced. My cousin’s friend, the Doctor, was a kind and well mannered gentleman, dressed as well as any country gentleman in England. Soon after our meeting, the opening ceremonies began, and the shops were open for the day.

Mr. Minnis, in the background, and the Doctor, in the foreground.

 

My dearest Cousin Emily and her young charge.

It was not long before the gentlemen began to play cards in the Tavern while the ladies chatted about the latest fashions and gossips from England. We learned that sometime during the game, the Doctor had been insulted, and a duel was to commence at five o’clock on the dot. We did not stay long at the Tavern for we wished to see the sights of the fair.

Captain Cartwright and Mr. Ramsey at the tavern card tables.

I fear, the heat and humidity was extreme that day. My appearance became more disheveled as the day wore on.

However, there were so many amusements and shops, that the weather did little to dampen our spirits. Mrs. Cartwright, Cousin Emily, and I spent much of our time perusing the shops and purchasing some lovely treasures.

As the afternoon marched on and the heat rose, we decided it was time to make our way into the forest to see the Indian encampments. I must admit, I was nervous to venture into their camp for fear of the unknown.

However, once we arrived, my fears melted away and we quietly chatted as we observed the natives. To my surprise, many of them spoke English and were very polite and kind.

Relaxing at the Indian Encampment

I would have liked to stay longer, but the five o’clock hour was quickly approaching and it was time for the Doctor’s duel.

We made our way back to the fair grounds and found a seat at a safe distance from the duel, yet close enough to see the event.

The Doctor’s shot, with Mr. Ramsey, his second.

The Doctor took his paces, and fired at his opponent, but the bullet missed the intended victim.

The Doctor’s opponent then took aim and attempted to fire, but the gun miss-fired leaving both men unscathed, although disappointed. I believe it was decided that honor had been served, and the duel was ended.

After the duel we made our way into the forest, led by the Doctor, for a nature hike.

It was still extremely hot, but we could see clouds building on the horizon and the smell of rain was in the air. We made our way through the forest to a small stream with a waterfall. The scenery was very lovely indeed. As we made our way back to the fair, the clouds finally broke and a beautiful cooling rain cooled the land. It was a perfect end to a lovely day.

That night, we crawled into bed, falling asleep to the sounds of a thunderstorm. We were happily exhausted from the day’s events and we anxiously await the next day of the fair.