Tic Tock from the old clock

Growing up we had this beautiful clock that hung in the kitchen. I always loved listing to it as the pendulum would swing back and forth and made the soothing tic tock sound. I also loved the loud bong it made on the hour and half an hour. You could tell it was old because most clocks that chime or bong at the hour how a smooth nice chime. This was made way before than and the sound is very unique. I have always loved this clock. My mom told me that it had been in our family for about a 100 yrs. When she moved in to her home in Ocean pines Maryland she didn't have the space for this clock and it was put away in her closet left to collect dust. I missed hearing the clock and seeing it on the wall, but she said it needed to be taken in to get tuned before it could be used. So you can only imagine how excited I was a little over 2 years ago when she told me I could have it and take it home with me. Well of course what did I do but put it in my closet to collect dust. I kept staring at it wanting to get it cleaned up and restored. I called multiple places and a few I was not comfortable. Once place was over an hour a way and I was set on taking it there b/c the gentleman that was fixing the clocks worked in a museum in New york for 10 years. Well he never returned my calls so after having this clock for so long and really wanting to get it to work, I finally decided to call this clock repair place in Fort Collins. I felt pretty comfortable with him b/c he had over 20 yrs experience and he was certified by the American clock association for antique clocks. So this fall I took my clock in and asked him if he could clean it up and get it running again. After looking at it for a few minutes he told me that whom ever repaired it before did an awful job but it was still workable and he would have to rebuild it. It was very informative for me. He told me that they would use all the original pieces they just needed to be shaped and polished. So after 3 months we got the clock back and it sounds just the way I remember it sounding as a child and it brings back so many good memories. Since taking the clock in I have learned that it is a parlor clock. It was a clock that was used in a room of the well to do homes where upon entering the home you would be sent to the parlor when the entertained. I also learned that it dates back to the 1800's and that is so exciting!! Here are some pictures below. You will see that currently we have it on our mantle. We are not sure if that is where its going to stay but I love it!!




When we picked up the clock we had a 20 min lesson on how to use the clock. This is to prevent you from breaking the clock and having to bring it back in after you have already spent a ton of money. A few things we learned and I want to share are some myths about clocks. The first one is you can not over wind you clock. The more you wind it the better it is for the clock and it will keep the clock running. The clock will only wind so far and it will stop. If you try to turn the key you will not break the clock you will however break the key. Second the pendulum does not run the clock the clock runs the pendulum. There were a few more and I can't remember them all but those two are the main ones. Well that is all for now, I am going to sick back listen to the clock and enjoy the memories!!!

WIP update

Well its been a little bit since I have updated you on my knitting so I figured now would be a great time. Especially since I am trying to keep up with posting once a week. As in the previous knitted post I had started a sweater for my niece Olivia for a Christmas present!! I was able to finish that up and even complete a matching hat. I am really excited how it turned out, I think its adorable.


You really can't see the buttons all that well because the pink color blends in with the edging of the sweater, in the photograph, but they are cute flower buttons. Since I have finished Olivia's Christmas present I did not want to leave Jack out so of course I have started and I am more than half way finished his sweater. However, if I want it to get there in time for Christmas I need to work late tonight to finish and get it in the mail tomorrow. Its turning out quite nicely.

Of course I bought them gifts too. I didn't want to be know as the aunt and uncle who only give homemade gifts and nothing fun. We all know how much children loving getting cloths for presents.

Christmas Time at the Sours House

Our house if full of Christmas Joy and cheer and I wanted to share some pictures of our house all decorated. This year I had lots of help from Mom Sours which was wonderful. I did add some lights to the front bushes this year and I love it. The only picture I did not take is the garage door lights with greenery and bows. So for outside I have decorated the front with candles, lights, wreath, bows, and garland. I think it looks just right for our quaint home.

As most of you know we back up to a park and you can see the back of our house from the street so I like to decorate the back as well. Like the front their is a wreath, garland, lights, bows, and candles. I love how it looks. I can't take the credit though b/c Mom Sours came up with the idea a few years ago to do the lighted wreath with a bow and the draping garland. I just added the garland coming down the railing.

As you can see I need to get some candles for the second floor and maybe for the basement window. I will look after the holidays and see if I can get a few for cheap. Now for the inside my fave. I love Christmas in my house b/c it adds to the house so much and makes it more cozy and warm. When you come in the front door I have my Rudolph village my mom gave me 4 yrs ago for Christmas. It looks much better when its all in one place but I don't have a place to put it all together, maybe next year.


Also upon entering the house their is garland with lights, pine cones, and berries draped up the stair way.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St Nick soon will be there. On the mantle in the living room I take the trimmings from the tree and decorate the mantle with greenery, berries, pine cones, and candles. You will also notice 2 stocking hung over the fire place one for Kevin and one for me. Some day when ever we are blessed with children there will be more.

Last but not least I have saved the best until the end the Christmas tree. I love our tree this year. Its so tight and perfect. I have actually had a few people ask me if it was fake. Its so beautiful. There isn't any thing else I can say about it. See for yourself!!!! Please excuse the other items in the picture.

Well I don't know about you but I am going to sit back, relax with a cup of tea, and enjoy the beauty. Merry Christmas to everyone!!!! I hope you have a blessed Holiday!!! Happy Hanukkah as well!!!!