~ Trenda
I wrote the post below for Father’s Day 3 years ago, but somehow, it was not in my archives of published blogs, so I’m re-posting it today. Today is FATHER’S DAY! I was so fortunate and blessed to have a wonderful and loving father. I’ll always miss my father, especially on days like this, but oh, what a blessing it was to be his daughter! I remember … Saturday morning wagon rides he would take us on, telling us the names of the trees as we “rolled by” and how to identify them by their leaves. I remember … picnic’s Mom packed for the family to take to the Benbrook Lake and how strong my father’s hands looked when he whittled long sticks for us to roast our wieners on. Later, those same strong hands would throw a rope into the tall trees for us to swing on. I remember … Daddy pitching a tent for us in the backyard and frying bologna in a skillet over a small campfire. I remember … being scared the first time I held a Roman candle, my apprehension stilled when his large hand closed over mine and the golden fireworks shot out of the end and into the sky. I remember … that he taught me how to make and fly a kite, how to swim, how to fish (though he always baited my hook and took the fish off for me!) ❤ My father was a Pastor and I remember … watching his unwavering trust and faith in God. I remember … seeing him sitting in his recliner and reading his Bible. I remember … how he loved the Lord and worshiped HIM. My father’s love for us made it easy for me to understand the great love my heavenly Father has for me … and also taught me what I wanted and needed in my husband when it was time for me to marry.
My father and mother …
Richard, my husband, personifies all those same traits my father had. He is the loving father of our children; he is my best friend; he is my soul mate. I love his giving nature, “can-do” attitude, thoughtfulness, quiet strength, playfulness, spontaneity and faith. There is no sweeter feeling than him wrapping his arms around me and praying for me. He “makes me happy, when skies are gray.” When we married and we were “oh, so young” … he taught me how to write a check and how to add Downy to a wash load. He put up with dinners of pancakes and Swedish meatballs (the only 2 things I knew how to cook, besides homemade bread, fudge, and pumpkin pies!) He wordlessly cleaned up “spitup” when our children were sick … he made every meal for us when I broke my foot and ruptured a tendon that required surgery and I was in a cast for 3 months and had to keep my foot elevated … whenever it is raining and we are out, he thoughtfully drops me off at the front door, then he goes and parks … he brings me my coffee every morning … he makes me feel beautiful even when I’m just wearing (as Conway Twitty sang) my “faded cotton gown” and as my “auburn hair has faded and silver takes it’s place.” Waking up … and going to sleep next to him makes every day “a good day.”❤
Richard and Trenda …
Richard … “Dad” … “Daddy” … “PaPa”
Today, I want everything to be special … starting with the table! A woven runner decorated with pheasants and Mallard ducks “anchors” my collection of all things “masculine” for our special guest of honor.
Many of the items I gathered up to use on this tablescape are treasured gifts from our dear son and daughter, picked and chosen for “Dad” from Father’s Days, past. A stack of favorite books, sailing and basketball trophies, a special DAD plaque, antique dog figurines and a pair of binoculars are all part of the centerpiece.
A collection of crystal decanters and antique trophies add to the “Polo Club look” I wanted to achieve with this tablescape.
The dishes are a mixed collection of Hull and Pfaltzgraff that Richard bought for me in the “Brown Drip” pattern.
Sage green napkins are inserted into wooden napkin rings. The elegant DIY place cards from my “Hello June” blog … add a personal touch to each place setting.
Sparkle and glow … crystal stemware and handled mugs (ready for after- dinner coffee and blackberry cobbler!) and a ship’s decanter add sparkle … and a woven grass lamp, a gift from our daughter, shines cozily over the table and goldware adds more “glow.”
Now, all that’s left is to fill these seats with loved ones and these plates with a menu especially selected by the guest of honor! Hope you have a special day shared with dear ones you love! Happy Father’s Day!
From my cottage to yours ~ Trenda
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