The title today–at least the first half–describes my day yesterday and this is very late as we didn’t get home till after 10 last night and up at about 9—late for me.

We visited the LBJ parks (one state, one federal and all entwined in the beautiful hill country of Texas).  We spent 5 hours touring the various homes, farm steads, seeing longhorns and wild deer.  Taking a guided tour of the  Texas White House and just generally enjoying ourselves.

We stopped in Johnson City Texas–LBJ’s home town–ate dinner at Pecan Street Brewing where I had the best fried mushrooms ever and a wonderful chicken fried steak—I was tired I needed comfort food.  A big thanks to our waitress Jennifer who made the whole the whole experience extra special.

Today it’s Friday Book Report time:  This week (yes I managed to get it worked in around trips, shopping and drinking wine at all kinds of Texas wineries) is THE SERPENT’S TALE ( http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1232140.The_Serpent_s_Tale ) by ARIANA FRANKLIN  (http://www.arianafranklin.com/franklin-bio.htm)

Henry II, the Plantagenet King who occupies the English throne is again (this is book 2 of the series) in need of the assistance of Aelia Aguilar, a woman brought up as a free-thinker and schooled in Italy to perform autopsies.  Seems that his mistress has died under suspicious circumstances and his queen Eleanor of Aquitaine (agile minded, strong willed and richer in her own right than Henry) is the prime suspect.  Set in 12 c  England most of the characters (we lost a few to murder and disease in the last book) return including her former lover (then a returning crusader and now appointed as a celebrate Bishop by King Henry) and father of her daughter out of wedlock which makes for a strained situation as they neither have gotten over each other.

“…bring medieval England to life, from the maze surrounding Rosamund’s tower to the royal court’s Christmas celebration…A color cast of characters, both good and evil, enhance a tale that will keep readers on the edge until the final page.”  Publisher’s Weekly.  It’s a great book I recommend it highly.

Historical England my travel agent Google

TOWER of LONDON TIN/ Bentley’s Confectionery  $12

 Medieval hand made linen fabric embroidered map … $52

1200s English Silver Penny Henry III $88 (Used!!!)

Tapestry Plush Large 51″ Muted Tones $733

The Sherborne  Missal early 15th-century manuscript lavishly decorated English medieval book sold at  £5,625,000 ($9,466,312)

See it:  http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/sacredtexts/sherborne.html

TAKE TIME  FOR YOU—JUST YOU.   Please.

Last day in Fredricksburg, Tx.  This is such as great little town.  We did some shopping yesterday and spent some time at the historical museum which is a group of homes and domestic buildings that were interesting and well set up.  Had lunch at Vaudeville—a NYC type bistro in the basement of a store by the same name–recommended by a lovely lady (Kara).  And we ended the evening at Lincoln Street, a wine, beer and light fare evening place with lots of locals and good music.  Even meet a nice visitor named Tom.

We all know that a lot of Americans are fixated on looking young so much so that its a million dollar industry. In Japan they’ve found something a bit more fundamental:  SAWDUST!  According to Conroe Coffee News the treatment involves reclining for 15-20 minutes in fermented cedar and cypress sawdust which is suppose to increase circulation and cleanse the skin among other benefits.

So of course decided to check on other methods to stay young:

Seems the rich and famous in LA use caviar containing  expensive  Prairies Skin Caviar Luxe Cream  on their faces. (Madonna uses   some thing made of human placenta and Victoria Beckam of bird poop)

Suzanne Summer reportedly injects estrogen into her nether regions daily (ouch)

Demi Moore goes to Australia for leech treatment.  Yes they apply leeches to her skin and it’s suppose to detoxify your blood.  (can I scream now?)

Kristie Brinkley is suppose to use kitty litter on her thighs for cellulite (no word if its with or without the poop).

Gwyneth Paltrow has snake venom facials (is the snake present?)

Shania Twain claims to use Bag Balm –  a cream used on inflamed cow udders.

So can you really buy youth—GOOGLE oh oracle????

Ireland – Land Of Eternal Youth Travel Advertisement Poster …$8 (pillow with same poster $30)

The Picture of Dorian Gray [Book] $16  (Peter Pan is only $4)

Old Vintage Paper Movie Herald  Of Movie “eternal Youth” From USA 1933  $26

Vintage Late 1950s Long -Line Bra Best form Eternal Youth 34C $30

Master Eternity Youth & Beauty Oil! Norse … $40

Antique Necklace of Harmonia! Remain Young and Beautiful  …$15,000 (no pictures or description except it’s used)

Most expensive Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton  1% bee venom in mask/consists of lavender oil, Manuka honey and Shea butter. A bottle  cost over $ 55,200. (50 ml available $ 112)

Maybe the world would be a better place if we learned to age gracefully instead.

NEVER HAPPEN!

Soggy in Texas.  Am in Fredricksburg.  The rain is gone but it’s gonna be chilly till sometime tomorrow and I don’t have a coat and .we couldn’t even find a sweater in the stores yesterday…Burr.  But had a great day.  Road trip across Texas and then some window shopping in town.  We ate at the Fredricksburg Brewery and had some great German food and wine.  Everybody was nice–Hi Chelsea.

Ever wonder where your flowers come from, that great bouquet of roses from the hubby and kids for Mother’s Day for instance.  Chances are they’re from FloraHolland—yes your roses are probably from the Netherlands.  FloraHolland exports flowers and plants at the rate of 12 billion a year (20,000 varieties).  According to Coffee News (Lake Conroe edition) their warehouse is the size of 400 football fields and is open to visitors.

But these flowers don’t all come from the Netherlands.  The company imports from Kenya, Ethiopia, Israel, Belgium, Ecuador, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Zimbabwae, and Italy.

Of flowers grown in the US, 75% come from California.

Surprisingly Christmas/Hanukkah is the number one holiday for flower purchases.  Mother’s Day 2nd, then Valentine’s, Easter/Passover and finally Thanksgiving.  http://www.aboutflowers.com/holiday-statistics.html

Most are bought for home decorations or as a gift for others.

There’s an urban legend out there  that the reason why brides originally carried a bouquet was to hide their body odor.   But according to the sources I looked into flowers have been carried since Roman times (and they left ruins of baths all over Europe and Africa so I don’t think they had an issue with that).  More likely it was a sign of fertility and added to the whole look of the events.  But they probably weren’t imported from Holland.

Flowers have some weird names like the Sinking Corpse Lily which has the largest single flower in the world and smells like decaying flesh–luckily its very rare (eck).

So are there collectible flower related items?

Flower Fairies Plate Fairies fairy …$38

Antique  Flower Basket Cast Iron Door Stop Ribbon On Handle …$76

Sanrio Hello Kitty Wrist  Watch Flower 1976, 2003  $195

Japanese Beautiful Silk Obi  \ Maru OBI Obi Sash Wisteria Flowers $280

Vintage Grandmother’s FlowerGarden Quilt  $295

Hummel Meditation Hummel with Flowers TMK2 Hummel Large 7.25 …$695

The Kadupul Flower is one rarest and can’t be purchased as it doesn’t last that long.  2nd is £160,000 – Shenzhen Nongke Orchid ($268,448) a  completely man-developed flower.

Flower where you are and you could be imported to a better place.

Pouring (rain that is) in Texas.  Yesterday we went to see Mom’s Night Out with the girls and had lunch and did some coffee shopping.  The movie was OK but far from anything special—though I did like the tattoo parlor and Bones.

Did you know that once a year in the Philippines the government sponsors mass weddings in several cities to assist poor couples to have a big day.  The joint weddings includes a meal and even wedding cakes.  Already married couples can renew their vows at this time too.

That got me thinking about what other interesting wedding activities are going on out there.

In Tujia China a month before the wedding the bride starts crying for an hour each day, eventually the mother and all females of the family join her.  They don’t just cry, they cry in different tones–I never tried crying in tones–it’s suppose to be joyful.  Who knew?

But that’s a whole lot better than in certain areas of Scotland where the bride and groom are covered in syrup and various other sauces after which they are tied to a tree and the future wedding is announced to one and all.

In India before the wedding bride and female friends decorate their hands with intricate henna designs which last long after the big day.

In the Ukraine couples often burn an effigy of the matchmaker that brought them together.  Doesn’t sound like they’re too happy about the match!

In Indonesia the bride must wash her grooms feet (after he’s walked on eggs) before a crowd of friends and family prior to the big event.

Bride kidnapping has become a crime in some countries (ya think) but was once common in Romania.

So let’s see if any of your wedding keepsakes might bring you some needed cash—let’s ask that old match maker Google.

Silver plate heart jewelry box, silver heart, ring bearer   $22

Ivory Purse Wedding Great Gatsby Enamel Metal Mesh Whiting …$26

Capretto Lavabile Gloves Hand Embroidered Made in Italy …$45

Rose Pearl First Kiss Wedding Cake Topper  $65 (range for toppers from $22-$70)

Polychrome Navajo Wedding Bowl Basket circa 1970’s  $165-$200

1930s  Sewing Pattern Wedding Dress Evening Gown (once for a frugal bride)  $255

Did you ever wonder what the most expensive wedding ever was? 

Prince Charles and Dianna cost close to $70 million (with over 1/2 million for security).

Stay happy and never stop finding the different and enjoyable in your life.

Still in Texas and still having a great time.  Since my last input I’ve spent some time exploring the little town of Montgomery and taking some time to just lay back and enjoy my visit with my friends.  Found a great  wine bar. The week is busy so will do my best to keep my blog up to date–we’ll see.

Since yesterday was Mom’s big day I thought it wouldn’t hurt to dedicate this one to our Moms and her big day.

“Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Jarvis would later denounce the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar. While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day most commonly falls on the second Sunday in May and traditionally involves presenting mothers with flowers, cards and other gifts.”  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day

“Motherhood has changed a great deal over the last few millenniums — or has it?

Gaia. Also known as Mother Earth, Gaia was the first goddess in Greek mythology. She created herself out of the primordial chaos, and conjured Uranus (the starry sky) out of the nothing, proving that even thousands of years ago people believed mothers were capable of just about anything.”  http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/08/image/la-ig-moms-20110508

Moms aren’t always the best:  “Joan Crawford  won…Oscar for her performance in 1945’s Mildred Pierce, was fabulous opposite Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, …is perhaps best remembered for being a tyrannical mother, thanks to Faye Dunaway‘s portrayal of her in Mommie Dearest, the film based on adopted daughter …’s autobiography.”  Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/momsday2.html#ixzz31VtuYp3l

So what collectibles do we have for moms?

Old San Francisco Glasses,Mothers Day  $4

Mothers Day Hummel Souvenir Collector Spoon First Edition Collectible  $7

1970 W & R Berries “World’s Best Mother” Mom Figure $8

Lots of various Avon Mother’s Day themed places from $8 – $16 (for 5)  (Holly Hobbies start at $6 up to $10 for imported ones)

Mother’s Day  Tin Canister Mother Another Word For Love  $8 (up to $40 for similar themed 1900 tins)

Funny Jewelry Retro Kitchen 1950’s Mom Mother’s DayArt Pendant   $10

Most expensive  mother’s day gift:  Life-size ‘Saffire Slipper’  made finest Belgian chocolate   £700 ($1,182) BON APPETITE 

Make every day Mother’s Day for your mum–with all she’s done for you she probably deserves a lot more, but it’s a good start.

Back to my friend home north of Houston.  Love Galveston.  Saw the Bishop’s Mansion which was wonderful.  Also took a wonderful tour of the city–hop off and on–Our driver was Sue, a lovely lady just a tad over 70 who is fourth generation on the island and so full of information and stories it makes your head spin.  Had lunch at Olympia again on the water—fantastic Greek food and wonderful lentil soup.  It sprinkled a little and was gloomy but no real rain to spoil our fun.  Home by 8 and today we’re hanging near home but will be out and about before too long.

FRIDAY’S BOOK IS:  The Tudors  by G.J. Meyer  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7054185-the-tudors  This is described as “The complete story of England’s most notorious dynasty” and they aren’t kidding, not only does he do the main and supporting players in one of the most dramatic stories England has to offer but he goes into depth on the church and the people’s beliefs and multiple other topics which explain all the influences on Henry VIII and his three children.  I’m a Tudor addict and this is a really great book.   For more about author see http://www.shelfari.com/authors/a742292/G-J-Meyer/

If you think you might like to try the Tudors in other books:

Tudors: History of a Dynasty by David Loades

I, Elizabeth  by Rosalind Miles

The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir

or fiction

A Rose for Lancaster by Christine Elaine Black

To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (Ladies in Waiting, #1) by Sandra  Byrd

The Queen’s Fool (The Tudor Court, #4) by Philippa Gregory

Movies

Anne of the Thousand Days – 1969
Genevieve Bujold stars as Anne Boleyn in the story of her marriage to Henry VIII

Elizabeth – 1998
Cate Blanchett stars as Elizabeth, Joseph Fiennes as Robert Dudley, Geoffrey Rush as Sir Francis Walsingham. [more on this movie]

Elizabeth: The Golden Age – 2007
Cate Blanchett reprises her roles as Elizabeth I. Clive Owen stars as Sir Walter Raleigh.

TV SHOWS

Reign (TV series) – 2013
Adelaide Kane stars as a young Mary Queen of Scots, set during her time in France

Six Wives of Henry VIII, The (TV series) – 1971
Keith Michell stars as Henry VIII in this excellent 6-part BBC series. Was shown on PBS in USA.

Tudors, The – (2007 – 2009?)
Showtime series on Henry VIII, wives and family

Finally can’t forget it’s mother’s day

HAPPY DAYS TO MY MUM AND ALL THOSE OTHER MUMS OUT THERE

Greetings from Galveston.  It’s my first time here and we have had such a nice time.  Took a dolphin tour yesterday, had some great Buffalo chicken pieces at Willie T’s on the water.  Then over to the hotel–near the Pleasure Pier and eventually a great dinner at Fish Tales.  And we’re spending the day here —have to drive through Houston on way home which isn’t something you want to do until after rush hour.

Jean Lafitte         http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Galveston-TX-271971.html

The Island is about 27 miles long and 2 ½ miles at its widest. That’s about 46 square miles.  There are over 25 miles of beaches. They brighten the entire gulf side of the island. There are only a few interruptions in them.    http://www.galveston-travel-and-charm.com/GalvestonFacts.html

Much of Galveston’s modern economy is centered in the tourism, health care, shipping, and financial industries. The 84-acre (340,000 m²) University of Texas Medical Branch campus with an enrollment of more than 2,500 students is a major economic force of the city. Galveston is home to six historic districts containing one of the largest and historically significant collections of 19th-century buildings with over 60 structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places.     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston,_Texas

The deadliest natural disaster in the U.S. was the Galveston hurricane of 1900, which killed between 8,000-12,000 people.    http://facts.randomhistory.com/texas-facts.html

Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Barry White was born on the island and later moved to LA (California).

The Bishop’s Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in the area of architecture. Architectural historians list the Bishop’s Palace (Gresham House) as one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country.  http://www.galvestonhistory.org/attractions/architectural-heritage/bishops-palace

Collectible to look for:

There’s a strong interest in space collectibles of all kinds—Star Trek and Star Wars memorabilia, robots and space guns.

Do not wash or restyle hair on an old doll.  Dolls with original hair and hair-do bring the most money.

Pastel colored California pottery made since the 1940s and figurines like those by Kay Finch or Betty Lou Nichols are growing in popularity.

HAVE FUN

ENJOY YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

DON’T MAKE ENEMIES BUT DON’T TAKE CRAP FROM MEAN PEOPLE

DO WHAT YOU WANT AS LONG AS IT DOESN’T HURT OTHERS

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

LOVE THE DIVA (DRAGON)

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Greetings boys and girls you are getting my best on vacation.  It’s Texas time.  I flew in yesterday to Houston and of course the plane was late.  My friends picked me up and by the time we had dinner and arrived at their home north of the city (way north).  It was 10.  We have plans for the day so will give you a bit of info on Texas and collectible and be on my way for a vacation day—as well as marketing with people here and looking for some new treasurers for my LAIR.

“The recorded History of Texas begins with the arrival of the first Spanish conquistadors (conquerors) in the region now known as Texas in 1519, who found the region populated by numerous Native American tribes. Their ancestors had been there for thousands of years. During the period from 1519 to 1848, all or parts of Texas were claimed by six countries: France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America—as well as the Confederate States of America in 1861–65. ”

Spanish missionaries were the first European settlers in Texas, founding San Antonio in 1718. Hostile natives and isolation from other Spanish colonies kept Texas sparsely populated until following the Revolutionary War and the War of Mexican Independence, when the newly established Mexican government began to allow settlers from the U.S. to claim land there. This led to a population explosion, but dramatically reduced the percentage of the population with Mexican heritage, causing friction with the government in Mexico City. After several smaller insurrections, the Texas Revolution broke out, and the state became an independent nation in 1835. However, the newly formed Texas Republic was unable to defend itself from further incursions by Mexican troops, and eventually negotiated with the U.S. to join the union in 1845.  http://www.history.com/topics/us-states/texas  (check this history channel site out for several videos of historical Texas information)

BACK TO COLLECTIBLES:

If you have motorcycle memorabilia–posters, toys, patches and badges you may have some hot items there.   Let me know if you’d like some help researching same.

If you have cut glass (glass having a high lead content that has been hand blown and hand decorated with an abrasive wheel)  look for a signature (company logo or trademark etched on it), because signed pieces are worth 25% more.

Things increasing in value: radios (including transistor), oil cans, fishing equipment or licenses, board games, marbles, and corkscrews.

Happy trails

The M day is back.  How’s yours going?  I got my recycles out on time thanks to a little help from my roomie’s assistant—he’s got a back pain—so that’s a good thing–the recycles, not the pain.

Weekend was busy, with drinks with girls Friday–Nails and a late birthday dinner Sat and chilling Sunday.

Lots of holidays today–if you’re in Australia–It’s May Day or at least one of them (there’s several depending on what part of the country you’re in) as well as Labor day (also Aussie).  And in the UK it’s early May  Bank Holiday—they also have a late May Bank Holiday—WE DO NOT GET ENOUGH DAYS OFF IN THE USA!!!

But it is a holiday here–we don’t get off of work but it’s famous for drinking and partying:  Cinco de Mayo.

“It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War, and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.  In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army‘s…victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under…General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. 

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day—the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico—which is celebrated on September 16.”  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo

“The day is celebrated in Mexico…with parades and speeches. In some cities there are reenactments of the Battle…. Cinco de Mayo has also become a festive holiday in…United States…Celebrations in the United States often extend beyond the actual day to encompass an entire week, with parades and festivals that include music, dancing, and food.”        http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/118001/Cinco-de-Mayo

“in many USA cities … Traditional Mexican food is often served or sold…and a lot of Dos Equis and Corona beers are served. It’s a fun holiday, …It is sometimes referred to as a “Mexican St. Patrick’s Day.”  http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/thehistoryofmexico/p/10cincodemayobasics.htm  

So should you save your Cinco items for future collectibles?  Let’s ask Google

Large  Corona ExtraCinco De Mayo Beer Pin 1990s  $10 (similar pins same or other beers up to $20)

Cinco De Mayo  Embroidered Tablecloth  $15  

Various Mexican Sambrero  $15-$66

1940s 3 Record set 78’s FIESTA in MEXICO  $17

Mexican Rebozo Neon Shawl  Blanket  $30

Cinco De Mayo Silk Scarf South Of Border Beer Labels 42″  $149

Mexican Wool Serape Hand Woven Saltillo/ Rug / Blanket $225

mantenerse a salvo y bien (stay safe and well)