Friday, January 27, 2012

To My Valentine - Postcard Friendship Friday #100



Though Valentine's Day had been around a LONG time before, it was 498 AD, when Pope Gelasius officially declared February 14th to be St. Valentine's Day.

The oldest known Valentine still in existence today is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The greeting, written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.

Several years later, it is believed King Henry V actually hired a writer to compose a Valentine note to the lovely Catherine of Valois.  He eventually won her heart.

Today Valentine's Day is second only to Christmas in the flood of cards sent through snail mail to friends and loved ones!  An admirer of cards and postcards vintage, or otherwise, I am extremely grateful for this sweet tradition.

*  NOTE: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising and do not refer to any of the following; Postcard Friendship Friday, mailboxes, the Post office, postcards or the love of postcards, will be deleted.





Thursday, January 26, 2012

Silent Melody - Guest Heart Thursday



I love the style of this card--it reminds me of the Gibson girls one often sees from that time period.  Valentine's  Day is one of my favorite holidays -- these romantic cards and postcards are so lovely to my eyes.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!


Friday, January 20, 2012

Thomas Crapper Day - Postcard Friendship Friday #99



I apologize for getting this up so late.  Our town of Independence is in the process of being flooded by the Willamette River.  I don't believe it will reach our home, but some are saying there's a small possibility it might get into downtown on our waterfront--which is only about four blocks from our place.  Over the past few days, our immediate area has seen over eight inches of rain and the precipitation is still falling.  Hopefully the internet will remain on long enough for me to post this!

Now, about Mr. Crapper.  January 27 is Thomas Crapper Day.  Yes, the name is interesting, since he was indeed a plumber--and an inventor!  There is a bit of controversy as to whether or not he actually invented the flush toilet.  It is said that in the 1900's, or thereabouts, that Seattle had a terrible problem with local, er, powder rooms.  Along with the rising tides of the Puget Sound, the commodes of the city would burst pungent waters into the air.

It is rumored Thomas Crapper, a brilliant plummer and inventor, was the man who designed the flushing toilet.  Some believe this invention took care of Seattle's, um, problem.

Wikipedia does not agree with the rumor.  Mr. Crapper did, however, did much to increase the popularity of the toilet and developed some important related inventions, such as the ballcock.  He was noted for the high quality of his products.  Indeed, manholes with Crapper's company's name on them in Westminster Abbey are now one of London's minor tourist attractions.  It is on record that Thomas Crapper and Company owned the world's first bath, toilet and sink showroom on King's Road until 1966!

Have a lovely day everyone. Happy Thomas Crapper Day!

I thought you'd like to see a picture of our flooding town!  The Willamette should crest by four p.m.  Hopefully it won't flood downtown.


This shot is from the street level of our town.  The river is usually so far down you would not be able to see it from here.


This is the play structure in the middle of the park.  They say the water will be a great deal higher by the time the river crests.


The water is almost half way up the amphitheater area.  There is a pile of sand in the library parking lot, where folks are filling sand bags to take home to protect their properties.  Entire towns near here and parts of downtown Salem have been evacuated because of flood waters.  We have received nearly 10 inches of rain over the past month--most of it over the past several weeks.  I would appreciate your prayers for the safety of all the folks affected by the flooding in the Mid-Valley Willamette Valley, here in Oregon.

*  NOTE: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising and do not refer to any of the following; Postcard Friendship Friday, mailboxes, the Post office, postcards or the love of postcards, will be deleted.



Friday, January 13, 2012

The Happy Rose - Postcard Friendship Friday #98



Valentine's Day is just a little over a month away.  I adore this holiday.  It gives me another chance to celebrate the love of my dear husband.  I have been married to a wonderful man for over 28 years.  What a delightful adventure our life has been! 
The poem on this postcard is quite lovely.


I wish I were the happy rose,
That nestles near your cheek.
And breathes against its sister rose,
The love I dare not speak.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

*  NOTE: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.


*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising and do not refer to any of the following; Postcard Friendship Friday, mailboxes, the Post office, postcards or the love of postcards, will be deleted.


Friday, January 6, 2012

Clock's A'Tickin' - Postcard Friendship Friday #97



I love this time of year--a time of new beginnings.  But I think the actual turning of the year happens WAY too Quickly, hence my focus upon the new year this week.

Happy 2012, everyone!


*  NOTE: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising and do not refer to any of the following; Postcard Friendship Friday, mailboxes, the Post office, postcards or the love of postcards, will be deleted.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Pop Flop - Guest Heart Thursday

This is from my Valentine's Day Card collection.  I have a bunch of these very thick cardboard valentines,  made to fit onto the stick part of a "pop."  This one was extra cute!

I'm Humpty dumpty on a wall,
Heart and all about to fall
Now, if you don't accept this pop
My live will be in an awful flop.

Just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!