Backstory:

Ann and Bob recently slightly downsized and moved back into town.  They had lived in the “north forty”  – Lavon, Texas – over thirty minutes one way from Richardson.  Living in Lavon was a challenge for these two active involved people.  Everyday was like a big logic problem.   Appointments had to be scheduled on the same day.  When going to church functions, they had to be sure to plan to do other errands at the same time.  It was a big deal to plan to get together with friends.  You get the idea.  It was a good thing that both Ann and Bob are so organized.

They have been in their new zero lot-line home for about four months now, and I have been waiting eagerly to see it.  I am here to tell you.  It is darling.  I like it.  I love it.  FYI:  Ann and Bob have already done many improvements to their new home.  The outside of the house has been completely repainted.

New landscaping by the front door looks fantastic.  The Japanese maple is beyond wonderful.

Inside the front door, is the dining room.  Ann is so talented.  She created all the flower arrangements.  So pretty.

The living room is filled with new furniture and family treasures.  It is heartwarming to see how much Ann treasures and cherishes family heirlooms.  See the area behind the secretary on the left? (Many years ago, I helped Ann and Bob find this darling secretary.)  At one time, that space was a wet bar.  Now it is a large closet that opens into the hall.  Also throughout the home the popcorn ceilings have been removed.  I can only imagine what this looked like before.

For years, Ann has collected tea cups and saucers. She can tell you the who, what, when, and where information about each set.  A tea party using these beautiful tea cups would be fantastic.

The vintage Mexican pottery turtle once belonged to her brother.  He was given this turtle when he was two or three years old.  Can you believe it survived?

Love, love, love this lamb.  It was bought in Carmel, California.  Bob and Ann were on a celebratory trip.  Ann had finished chemo treatments.  Perfect.

How true.  Wise Men Do Still Seek Him.  The large W is displayed all year.  Ann and Bob seem to have their lives centered upon the important things in life – God, family, friends, and doing for others.

The kitchen had been remodeled before they moved in.  I am here to tell you that Ann is a Mrs. Clean.  I do believe you could eat off her floors.  I am always so impressed.  Ann is looking for window treatments to complete this room.  The door leads out to one of two patios in the home.  Yes, they have two patios.

One of my favorite pieces in the kitchen (maybe in the entire home) is the white chicken pitcher.  This pitcher sat on Bob’s parents breakfast table every morning.  It was filled with milk for their cereal.  No bottles of milk on their table.  I love it because it was used regularly, and it is too cute.

Going down the hall is another door to the patio by the kitchen.  They have wonderful spaces for entertaining.  The cross collection above the door is like the tea cup collection.  Each cross has a story.  Looks good.

Ann is also an artist.  Be still my heart.  She painted bluebonnets.  Makes my heart go pitty-pat.

What a lovely and restful bedroom.  There is also a guest bedroom that Ann affectionally calls “the dungeon”.  (When she says this, it always makes me laugh.)  It needs some TLC – mainly floor coverings.  Knowing Ann and Bob, “the dungeon” will be updated soon.

This is Bob’s study.  I am sorry the picture is so dark.  Notice the picture frame molding above the window.  All of the walls in this room have the picture frame molding.  It is good looking.  But, do you see beyond the windows?  This is so fantastic.

You walk out onto a second patio, and there is a greenbelt.  How wonderful is that?

Sweet Mother of Pearl.  The walking trails and creeks are beautiful.  Ann and Bob are so lucky to have access to this space.

As we walked into the living room, Ann showed me treasures in her china cabinet.  The little baby was with a dozen pink roses that an aunt and uncle sent to Ann when Kim was born.  The wedding cake topper has been used in all the family weddings.

The crystal items in the cabinet were Ann’s mothers.  The white bowl was a wedding present to her great-grandmother.  So pretty.

Do you know what this is?  How unusual, and it is dainty.  (See the answer at the bottom of this post.)

Ann collects nativities, and she must have a bazillion.  This is nativity is special, and Ann keeps it on display.

By the front door is the cutest little table.  It just fits, and it is so handy.

Thank you Ann for letting us visit.  Your new home is lovely.  I like it.  I love it.  I also like that now you live closer to me.  Yea!

Blessings to you and yours,

Answer:  It is a cigarette holder.  At one time, cigarette holders were important, and would be fancy to impress guest.  Now you know.