There's a tradition on the Dalmatian Coast to gift little children with a baby chick or duckling for Easter, which we had planned to do, but then decided to wait until our neighbors' chicks became young hens. They just sent us home with two this weekend! Watching our kids' faces light up when we surprised them was so much fun. Each morning since, they hear them outside and immediately want to go out and see them, let them out of the coop and look for the fresh eggs. John Shea can't understand ... continue reading...

One of the most effective ways of making a table come alive is flowers. There is a 'togetherness' at the table which comes into focus when all eyes are drawn to the center. There is a tendency to talk about the beauty seen there and be affected by it. It's invaluable in drawing a table full of people together to share food, thoughts, ideas and problems... Interior decoration is not just one's artistic efforts, but it is that which your home (even if it is just a room) is. If you are ... continue reading...