Visiting Michigan's Capitol Building

My hubby and I left home at 7:00 a.m. this morning so we could meet our granddaughter's school bus when it arrived at the Capitol Building in Lansing, MI at 9:00 a.m.  We were happy to be a chaperon for Isabella's 5th grade class.

I went on a school field trip to the State Capitol when I was in the third grade, and this is the first time I've been back for a tour since that long-ago visit.

We arrived a few minutes early, so I took some photos outdoors while waiting, and saw Governor Rick Snyder and his two body guards as they were leaving the capitol building.  He said, "Good Morning," but I didn't take his picture.

The students receiving instructions by the capitol tour guide before the tour began.

~ Jerry and Izzy ~

The children were instructed to lay on the glass floor in the rotunda and look up at the spectacular dome.

~ The entrance corridor ~

~ Gallery of Governors on the Second Floor ~

The Governor's Office and Parlor.  Since he wasn't in the building we were able to look inside. 

~ The door hinges leading to the Governor's Office have Michigan's Coat of Arms engraved ~

This beautiful chandelier is one of 20 designed exclusively for the capitol, and are called "Michigan" chandeliers because they feature an elk and shield design that inspired the state's coat of arms.  They were originally lit by gas, but are electrified now.

Below, the capitol guide was telling us about the chandeliers in a corridor outside the Governor's office. A portrait of President Gerald Ford is hanging on the back wall, since he was a Michigan resident [Grand Rapids].

The House of Representatives Chamber.  We couldn't go inside, but the guide took us up to the third floor viewing gallery.

The capitol guide telling the students about the House of Representatives.

The coffered ceiling [which is identical in the Senate chamber] has glass panes bearing the coats of arms of all 50 states.  The skylights in the roof above let natural light into the chambers through the glass panes.

We went to the viewing gallery of the Senate, but they were in session so no photography was allowed.  The students and their school were acknowledged on the Senate floor.

From there we went to the old Supreme Court Chamber, now used as a meeting room for the Senate Appropriations Committee.

That concluded our fascinating capitol tour, and from there we walked a short distance to the Michigan Historical Museum. It too was very interesting, and surprisingly I photographed tea memorabilia there, but it will be a separate post.  

What a fun and educational day!

2015 Michigan Depression Glass Show

I recently received a postcard from the Michigan Depression Glass Society informing me of their upcoming Depression Glass Show, on November 7 & 8th.  

I had a baby shower to attend on Saturday, not too far from the location of the glass show, so I decided to attend the glass show first, then the baby shower.  This was my third consecutive year to attend the show, and it never disappoints.  It was the Michigan Depression Glass Society's 43rd show.

There were 25 dealer booths, and the theme this year was celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Pyrex Glass and Fostoria glass in the 'American' pattern.

Below is the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center where the show is held.

The doors opened at 10:00 a.m. and I got there shortly before 11:00 a.m.  The showroom was bustling with people.  

Fostoria display of American glass.  I only have two pieces in this pattern - a footed plate that my hubby and I received as a wedding present, and a domed butter dish that was my paternal grandmother's.  

~ Pyrex Displays ~

~ Dealer Booths ~

~ Fenton Glass ~

My plan was to look and admire, but not to buy anything until... I saw a pink depression glass pitcher with six footed [7 oz.] goblets in the Tea Room pattern.  It was in pristine condition, and long story short, it has now taken up residence at my house!

A new addition this year was a BBQ caterer set up outside the showroom.  I didn't get any BBQ because I knew I'd be eating at the baby shower, but what a great idea!

Among my Pyrex dishes are two items that I particularly like.  The covered casserole with accompanying cradle [pictured below] is almost 50 years old - a bridal shower gift. It's seen a lot of macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes, tuna noodle casseroles, and blue berry/peach cobblers over the years!  

I also like my Pyrex mixing bowl set.   I purchased it at an antique store a few years ago out of nostalgia - my mother had a set just like it.  But now that it's in my kitchen I use the bowls frequently.

Pyrex is very collectible.  What Pyrex pieces do you have?  

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Today I'm linking to Rose Chintz Cottage for No Place Like Home

Sunday Reflection...

In the Book of Psalms we're told God inhabits the praises of His people, and last Friday night about 2,500 people filled the sanctuary of Mt. Zion Church in Clarkston, MI to do just that!

The Gaither Vocal Band was in concert, and our daughter gifted us with tickets. Bill Gaither opened the concert by having the audience sing, "How Great Thou Art."  

It was awesome, but I also loved it when special guest, Gene McDonald, sang "How Big is God?"

               Refrain:

               How big is God?  How big and wide is His domain?

               To try to tell these lips can only start.

               He's big enough to rule His mighty universe,

               Yet small enough to live within my heart.

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with Thanksgiving."

Psalm 69:30

May God bless your week!

Christmas at La Belle Antiques

When I left The Rendezvous With Tea Wednesday afternoon, I was only three miles [seven minutes] from my favorite antique store La Belle Antiques in St. Clair Shores.  I didn't need anything, but I couldn't be that close and not stop.

The exterior of the store was decorated for Christmas.  With temperatures in the 70's the doors were opened for fresh air - rare for November in Michigan!

Once inside, Dawn, the owner, told me their Christmas Open House was held the day before. She gave me permission to take photos for this blog post. It was fun seeing all the Christmas decorations of yesteryear.

~ Lots of Christmas Trees ~

~ Garland with vintage ornaments. ~

I have a ceramic Christmas tree like the one below, and it's almost 40 years old.  I bring it out every year.  When my mother passed away, I kept her ivory ceramic Christmas tree too.

Notice the Charlie's Angels game, and Donny Osmond puzzle on the shelf below.

~ And lots of Santa's ~

I didn't make any Christmas purchases, but I bought a fall teacup that was on sale for $8.00.

A vintage, hand-embroidered table topper with teacups in three corners and a teapot in the other.

And a vintage, hand-embroidered tea towel.

For local readers, La Belle's is located at 24861 Harper Avenue, in St. Clair Shores.  Stop by to see them.  Their prices are great, and their merchandise has a quick turnover.