Goodbye January

Today has been a beautiful day here in East Tn. Yesterday was too and I have been so thankful.  I an so glad you have stopped by, welcome and  come on in Through My Back door and lets enjoy a little visit. Oh, I forgot, the coffee is on and I'll get you a cup. I always enjoy our time together and am so happy you've dropped by. I never knew there were so many nice people out there, and I just feel blessed to have gotten to know you.
I don't know about you but January has been a hard month here in the south. We have had cold temperatures and lots of snow. I like a little snow, but don't like to be snowed in for too long. I shouldn't complain, because when I was reading blogs today, oh my goodness I have never seen as much snow, as some of you have! Never the less, I am not feeling bad about January leaving. I hope February is kinder and much more gentle. But if not I will just have to grin and bear it!.
Today I thought we might talk about blanket chests. They are just so utilitarian. They not only look pretty but you can hide so much stuff in them. I am going to share a few with you that are special to me.

This is an East Tn walnut chest. It was made about 1880ish and is all pegged. It is full of childrens' Christmas books. Is that too much information? I have collected them for years and my grandchildren all have read them over and over. We are now starting on the greats. It sets in front of the couch and is a good foot stool.lol

This is my favorite one. There has been some controversy over whether it was made in upper ET or in Virginia. I don't know. It is 1800's too and is Walnut, cherry, and has maple panels, and is all pegged. It holds out of season clothes.

This is cherry under the paint and is dovetailed. One day I will get it stripped. It is one of my two New England chest and is about 1880.  I can't think of the name of the town it is from but they called it The Rocking Horse town. I love it and it is full of seasonal decor. The drawer holds napkins and place mats.

This is my other New England one and it is a little rougher than the others. It is also the oldest by around 20-25 years.(1860's) It is cherry. I have it full of holiday decorations.

This is a small one made of pine. Could have been for a child or could have been a tool  box, but there is no place for a tray or anything.I am almost embarassed to tell you what is in it. Old magazines! Early Country Living, Country Homes, Early American Life's, and Country Sampler. Also Colonial Homes and some other defunct magazines. I am NOT a hoarder, but there is so much prim eye candy in those I just can't throw them away. YES I do get them out and read them some times.

This is not really a blanket chest, but a meal bin.It is pegged too. I hide my computer paper, the printer, and the computer in there when I want my house  to look really prim!
 I have shared all my little hiding places with you today. If you don't have a blanket chest, you need to get one. They can hide a LOT of things and are nice to look at too.
I want to show you my heart bowl fillers before you leave.  I bought these from Dolly. she has a blog I think it is called Dreaming of a Primitive Life or something like that.
I am so sorry I don't know the right name.

 These are so pretty and smell so good too. Well I hope you enjoyed yourself today. Time sure passes fast when you are visiting with friends, so thanks for coming Through My Back Door where life is good.
betty