First Christmas Party 2009

This past Sunday was a great day at Haywood House. The house was all a buzz with stirring, mixing, decorating and food, friends and family. Thanks Mom and Dad, Mary, Feliet, Ben and all of the special friends that took time from busy schedules to stop in for a little holiday hospitality. The hit was the sausage dip and the White Christmas Punch.

A special thanks goes out to G. Capel for the most special and appropriate gift. It was an old photograph of the Haywood House from the fifties as well as an original artwork piece that was painted by Louise Haywood. She spoke fondly of where the painting used to hang and wanted it back in the house. Ms. Haywood loved children (very fitting for my parents as they do also) and this is a painting of a little girl drawing with chalk on the sidewalk. It will be returned to the walls of Haywood House in its original state. Hope everyone has a great holiday. Thanks also to the Capel Store gang for my gift of the edible birdhouse. It will provide many special days of enjoyment to the birds in the neighborhood.

Colors of the Holidays...

Holidays at Haywood House

Perfect night in "Candyland"......

Warmer than average temperatures and clear skies, allowed any child that wanted to brave the ghouls and goblins of Halloween the very best opportunity to go out and have a big time. All of the tip off about "Halloween on Russell Street" came true in more than fine fashion. Since this was our first official Halloween on Russell Street, I was not real clear on what was about to happen. I was asked repeated, "Are you sure you are ready?" Oh my! Guess I was not ready! The fun began at 4pm with the first Trick or Treaters! By 6:30, our 1,000 piece candy bin was down to nothing. After a quick trip to get more, and thank goodness we did, we proceeded to go through at least another 1,000 pieces. It was the most amazing experience I have ever observed in my life for Halloween. The street was a consistent stream of young children having fun and living carefree. This street has a long history of safe and productive Halloweens! It was actually alot of fun seeing the bright faces and smiles that followed the "drop in their buckets" as they moved from house to house on Russell Street. From the lavishly decorated "C" house on the corner, to the make shift "Haunted House" with orange lights and blow-up goblins, what we lacked as far as exterior decor, we hopefully made up with smiles and plenty of "Candy!" Just wait until next year! Thanks to all for providing a great evening of safe, clean and fun entertainment in "Candyland!" Hmmm, this was truly a "Southern Living" moment.

Uncle RJ's 80th Birthday at Russell Street

One of the goals for Russell Street was to provide a place for family and friends to gather no matter what the occasion. It is even more special when there is a milestone occasion. I would say an 80th birthday is one of those milestone occasions. All of the "Pearl" clan brothers and sisters were here for RJ's 80th. It was truly a great night to have everyone here. The hope is for many more to come.

New colors for Russell Street

The colors of FALL....

Well it has been a while since the last post. I wasn't sure I could remember what to do. Must be like riding a bike, cause it came right back to me. Fall in Troy is much like any other small town. Cool brisk nights, turning leaves, bright colors, and the talk of holidays. For me, it is the Furniture Market, in addition to entering our busy season. The store is packed with beautiful rugs in anticipation for the busier time and the spruce up modes. Russell Street is all done up for the fall as well. Thanks to Ben for his work this week-end at the house. We now have incredible window treatments and artwork that adorn the walls of Russell Street.

Well, not to drag this out, I know sometimes I use 100 words when two will do....(That was actually a quote I just heard on television) It fits me. All for now, until later, I should say....Bye!

It's been a while...

Wow! It is just now I have realized it has been a while since I posted anything new. That is certainly not for lack of things going but most likely the reason. It has been a very quick and busy summer. One relaxing trip to the beach, a high school reunion, work, work, and work pretty much sums up the summer. All good though. Last week, Russell Street was the setting for another birthday party. Mom and Dad, Feliet and Mary returned from the mountains on Mary's birthday. We had a small gathering dedicated to Mary. She is most deserving and hope she had a great birthday. Many Many more to follow! Love you, Aunt Mary.

The Color Purple...again!

The look of Summer...

The garden is still the focus at Russell Street. I love Summer. This week has been filled with festivities surrounding "Troyfest," the upcoming Fourth of July, friends and family in and around the house, summer dishes, summer smoothies, hot sun, breezy evenings, fireworks, etc,

The proof is in the pic...or maybe the garden!

Well here you go! For all of the doubting Thomases, (I forget the reference here) but as a City Slicker, I can't tell you how happy this garden makes me, Mom, and Dad! It is a "Family Affair" that everyday takes us there and brings us all together for a common bond! Anyone need cucumbers?

More from Haywood House...flowers.

"Fruits of our Harvest...." as quoted by Nanny!

For Mimi....

The latest and greatest "Farm Hand!"

It will certainly take off now....