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Some long time friends have flown in for our art opening tomorrow. Amongst the friends are D now 30 years of age and B 28 years old. We have known D....and B....since they were babies. They spent many New Years with us at our former country farm farmhouse, cross country skiing, downhill skiing and skating. We had wrought iron beds in each room of the farmhouse. The century old farmhouse was drafty, with floor to ceiling windows and lacked central heating. Each bed was equipped with two hot water bottles, with knitted covers. On the boys first visit, I tucked them into their separate bedrooms. I spent time with each boy and told D to slide the hot water bottles around the bed and soon the bed would be warm and toasty. I returned to the kitchen and some five minutes later heard B padding down the stairs and in his 4 yr. old voice said "Auntie Helen, tell me again how the hot water bottle works"
Last evening they were guests at dinner and the first time the boys had visited this house.
Memories came flooding back to them and they remembered the hot water bottles. Then went around identifying and remembering paintings and photos. Some great stories were told.
The art show is hung and opens tomorrow evening. I am looking to the evening.
Have you used a hot water bottle?
All the time....my daughter and I use them during the long winters....I pack mine when I go away because often I am cold in bed...there's nothing like it.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in the southern most part of drafty, damp England we never went to bed in the winter without slipping a hot water bottle between the icy sheets. It was also a great comfort for those times when a tummy-ache just wouldn't go away.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it runs in my blood now, but I just cannot sleep in a heated bedroom. I keep the window open a crack most nights, even through our Canadian winters, and was just thinking that it might be kind of me to put a hot water bottle on hubby's side of the bed so the poor man doesn't freeze to death in the night!
My feet are resting on a hot water bottle as I write this comment in bed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely picture of you all having fun together. I am sure the art opening will be a wonderful occasion and hope that the evening goes well for you.
Abby xx
I wonder if you reminded him what his 4 year old self said? It looks like a great get-together! I love the look of the bedroom - nothing like an old wrought iron bed. Good luck with the show!
ReplyDeletex
Hi Helen,
ReplyDeleteA very healthy and good 2012! It's great to read this post, because yes, I have and still do sometimes. When I was younger I had the monthly pains so badly, a hot waterbottle is great to ease some of the pain and now I use is when my feet are really cold. Actually, I think I will take one with me to Holland next time, my in-laws have a drafty house, so thanks for the reminder, hugs, Maureen
A lovely story. The farmhouse sounds wonderful and I love the iron beds and that you were able to bring out the memories for D & B. I have never used a hot water bottle. Hope the opening is a smashing success and that you have much fun.
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing you recall such sweet memories!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to know how to use a hot water bottle too! I saw them everywhere this Christmas season and was so tempted to buy one but hadn't a clue as how to use them.
Thanks so much for enlightening me dear Helen!
Your pictures say it all. What a beautiful evening you all had!
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend and your art show.
Lots of Love,
Terri
Oh, what a sweet farmhouse! Love those beds...had one of those for my daughter. My dearest friend is from England, and she got me hooked on hot water bottles years ago. One of my best gifts ever from her was a HWB cozy, [ like a teapot cozy] patchworked out of all the fabrics of clothes I'd sewn for her!
ReplyDeleteOh, break-a-leg at your art opening!! Aren't they the best parties ever??
xx
dawne
What a wonderful story Helen so lovely of you to share with us!
ReplyDeleteAlthough it gets very cold during winter in Melbourne, I rely on my very thick doona & a pair of snuggly socks to keep me warm.
Best wishes for the art opening.
x Kerry
Most definitely, I've used a hot water bottle...but never one with such a clever, knitted cozy!
ReplyDeleteYes! And I made a lovely cover for it out of an old cashmere cardigan. Luxury upon luxury.
ReplyDeleteLovely story Helen...I have used a hot water bottle on many an occasion and have determend that a hot water bottle wrapped in cashmere, is the only way to go!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Helen...
Jeanne xx
Isn't it amazing what will trigger a flood of memories? Am so thrilled that you are surrounded by loved ones for your opening tomorrow--my fingers are crossed!
ReplyDeleteHelen, what a lovely post. The idea of these boys now as men as recounted by this story is quite warming! As always, I am enamored of your photos and descriptions of the living spaces.
ReplyDeleteI have never used a hot water bottle but, come winter, my husband, daughter and I get a lot of use out of what we call our 'warmies' or 'nummies.' They are pillows filled with buckwheat which we heat in the microwave for a minute and a half.
Toasty!
How strange, just a few hours ago, as we had tea around the table, we talked about the hot water bottle we once had, some 30 years ago!
ReplyDeleteHot water bottles are definitely common in Finland, but I somehow managed to find one. At the time, we lived in northern Finland, in an old house, a drafty one, and the bottle sure was needed.
Best wishes for your art opening!!
I use a hot water bottle every now and then, usually for aches. My Mom uses one all the time.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your art opening! :)
Helen,
ReplyDeleteAll the best on the art showing. Never used hot water bottle I bet it has a great history behind it too.
Great phots too where would we be without them they take us back...instantly!
Have a great day.
Bette
How cozy is it to have a hot water bottle. I grew up with them..mine has a lovely aqua blue fluffy cover.. It stays under the bedside bottom table.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story of the boys Helen, how wonderful that they found and saw so many memories.
Good luck for tomorrow night..
Your guest bedroom is absolutely lovely, Helen - it has such a timeless air of solid charm. Lucky guests! And a hot water bottle is a simple pleasure, but the height of luxury. I would not be without mine.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the art opening!
I love those beds..I love good memories that warm one's heart...and yes indeed, I have used hot water bottles. Growing up my parents did not heat our rooms except for half an hour before going to bed and just briefly when we woke up. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's a sweet story, Helen.
ReplyDeleteMy brother and I had a hot water bottle each, when we were little. I will never forget the sound the water made, as the bottles were being emptied and refilled by our mother.
My hot water bottle was a kind of reddy pinky sort of colour and had lovely patterns all over it, drawn by me, using a black biro.
Did we really need hot water bottles in Southern Italy? Well... ley's say we didn't have a choice. MAMMA RULED OK! Sometimes you have to suffer dor love!
HUGS
ANNA
XXX
PS: Not wearing my glasses again!
ReplyDeleteI meant to say:" Sometimes you have to suffer for love!" Silly me!
XX
ANNA
What a great story, thank you for sharing! We bought a hot water bottle a couple years ago when my daughter was a newborn - we used it to warm up the crib while we were trying to get her to fall asleep.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a very Happy New Year!!
all the best,
Louise
Nice beds Haven't seen them for a long time. Here in NZ they use water bottles a lot as we don't have central heating here. Many people still have wood fires.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am at home I don't use a water bottle because temeratures, here in Pisa, are not too low even in winter. When I go to my aunt's house which is in the north...ehm...I use two water bottles!!! It's so cold there :(
ReplyDeleteHave a fab week.
Elisa
Hi Helen
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoy my post on Heavenly Minded & Earthly Good. When I found Andy Andrews' presentation I just had to share with as many people as I could. My goal is to keep my posts along these lines. I joined your blog because Anita and I love art, particularly visual arts and the written word and we find friendship and inspiration among artists like yourselves. Your work is beautiful.
Have a wonderful day.
Ruben
That looks like a fantastic meal, and I love those iron beds. We have hot water bottles in France - and flannel pjs :) xxx
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how the most innocuous of items can create lasting memories.. such a sweet story dahhling!
ReplyDeleteand no, I have never! I won't know where to start.
Razmataz
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. Now there is a novel idea, to bring one along when going away.
Helen xx
Hello Jacqueline
ReplyDeleteOf course you would have used a hot water bottle in England and again in cold Canada. I am like you, I love to have the window every so slightly open even on a cold night.
Helen xx
My Spotty Pony
ReplyDeleteDear Abby
That is funny to hear you are presently nursing a hot water bottle in bed. There is such comfort and even better than an electric blanket.
Thank you for your good wishes - the show was a marvelous success and so much fun.
Helen xx
Hello Alix.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. I did indeed tell B about his comment. He blushed. I also reminded them that they used my antique tricycle and rode it off the porch which had quite a steep. This antique became the favourite toy for all visitors. Needless to say its days as an antique are over.
Fun
Helen xx
Daydream Living
ReplyDeleteHello Maureen,
That is a good idea to take your hot water bottle with you on your next trip to Holland. It will be so comforting on that first night's sleep, following an overnight flight.
Thanks for your kind wishes and wishing you my best for 2012
Helenxx
Hello Jen
ReplyDeleteI love antique wrought iron beds and purchased several at rural farm auctions for bargain prices but then again the time spend waiting for the particular item to be auctioned was often several hours. D and B have turned into beautiful young men and they have a special place in our hearts.
The Art Opening was boyond expectation and was so much fun.
Thanks for your visit
Helen xx
La Dolphina
ReplyDeleteHello Terri
When you use a hot water bottle - boil a kettle of water to almost boiling - then pour into hot water bottle carefully. When the bottle is 3/4 full hold the neck and release the hot steam, then put cap on tightly. Like some of our readers have said, wrap in cashmere or a know sweater.
Thanks for your kind wishes for the show. We had guests from various US states. Many overnighted at local hotels and we met for breakfast on Monday. So much fun.
Helen xx
Dawne Boynton Pollis
ReplyDeleteHello Dawne,
What a beautiful story about your friend gifting you with the HWB cover and it to have such meaning. I love this story, so endearing.
I got carried away with wrought iron beds and I also had a cot and a crib which rocked in wrought iron. Such fond memories.
Helen xx
French & Sparrow
ReplyDeleteHello Kerry
Warm socks also work on a cold night and a good down filled quilt. I forgot that Melbourne has a mild climate. When I lived in Canberra we needed a hot water bottle on some winter nights. But then through the day it warmed up nicely.
Your good wishes worked and the art show was a great success. Thanks.
Helenxx
Hello Becky
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the HWB team. A cover also keeps the bottle warm for longer and I love the idea of an old cashmere sweater wrapped around it. Thanks for your good wishes
Helen xx
Lucille
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of the comfort such an old cashmere would bring to a hot water bottle. Perfect for a delicate day which I may just take tomorrow.
Helen xx
Jeanne @ Collage of Life
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like the Rolls Royce of HWB's, when wrapped in cashmere.
I was set to give away some old cashmere sweaters and retrieved one from the rag bag.
Thanks for your good wishes
Helen xx
Lost in Provence,
ReplyDeleteHello Heather,
There is nothing like long time friends visiting and the beautiful memories. D & B have grown into such beautiful young men and still have their joy for life.
It was wonderful being surrounded by long time friends and well wishers at our art show. Thanks.
Helen xx
Hello Suze
ReplyDeleteI love your bed warmers and the heated buckwheat must be so comforting too.
We did share lots of laughs and they used love peeling potatoes for me, as they would first carve images before peeling.
The art show went really well but now I am feeling exhausted so a slow day is in order.
Helen xx
Metscan
ReplyDeleteHello Mette
How coincidental that you would also be remembering a hot water bottle.
We did use them and in particular when living in Ireland. When the world seemed against one, there was nothing better than strutting off to bed with one's HWB.
My best
Helen xx
LR @ Magnificent and Egregious
ReplyDeleteHow comforting for your mother. I do believe they help one to fall asleep faster.
Hope your week is going well.
Helen x
Ideezine
ReplyDeleteHello Bette
Thanks for the good wishes. The Art Show went really well. The exhibition continues until mid February. One of the challenges is to keep re-stocking with new paintings.
Helenx
Val's alentejo blog
ReplyDeleteHello Val,
Somehow I felt you would have a HWB, as no doubt it gets chilly in Portugal.
Thank you for your good wishes and the show was packed and lots of familiar faces. I am a bit hoarse from talking. It was an incredible night
Helen xx
Hello Mise
ReplyDeleteI knew you would approve of my wrought iron beds. They are common in the West of Ireland - we had some when growing up.
Is your Hot Water Bottle Pink by any chance?
Helen xx
Mrs.Little Jeans
ReplyDeleteDid you grow up in Europe, heating the rooms for a short period late evening and early morning seems common there.
Do your beautiful cats have a HWB, or would they consider them a toy?
Helen xx
Hello Anna
ReplyDeleteI am giggling at the visual you have created of your HWB with the biro grafitti all over it. Ha Ha
What a fun memory and yes that distinct sound of the water gurgling from the bottle.
Ah memories are so beautiful
Helen xx
Cosmetic Bee
ReplyDeleteHello Louise
That would make your baby's crib comforting and warm and likely helped her sleep.
We did have fun with the boys and it is always heartening to re-tell old stories.
Thank you for your good wishes of 2012 and I wish you may happy returns.
Helen xx
Hello Marja
ReplyDeleteI love the crackling sound and scent from a wood fire.
It is nice that you live in a temperate climate that does not require central heating.
Helenxx
Country Nanny
ReplyDeleteHello Elisa,
I understand when you say you need a hot water bottle in Northern Italy in the winter. One winter we were in Venice and I remember being so cold and feeling the damp so much, I wore leggings beneath wool pants and 2 cashmere sweaters. A hot bath at the end of the day was also welcoming.
Thanks for bringing back this memory
Helenxx
A hot water bottle with a knitted cozy is an absolutely essential accessory that I never leave home without, along with a Spanish fan. When I lived on a sailboat and we were suffering the long hours of a tropical sun, you can fill a hot water bottle with cool water and it's instant AC! Even use it as a pillow! An extraordinarily clever invention...
ReplyDeleteRuben Rivera
ReplyDeleteHello Ruben, a warm welcome and thank you for following my blog.
I will look forward to knowing your blog and feel like I know you somewhat from Anita speaking of you in her blog Crowns, Castles and Cottages.
My best for a week and I love the Butterfly Affect
Helen
Mrs. Exeter
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting. Flannel PJ's are a welcome luxury at winter time.
As I write I am looking forward to an early night.
My best
Helen xx
HRH The Duchess of State
ReplyDeleteYou are missing out on a luxury dahling! The next time you have snow in Atlanta, may I invite you to consider procuring a HWB!
My best
Helenxx
We don't use hot water bottles these days, rather a heat wheat warmed in the microwave. Our winters are very mild so the heat wheat only makes any occasional appearance.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post about your visitors Helen
xx
Red Roses and Crystal
ReplyDeleteI am sure the buckwheat warmers heal whatever needs healing. Do they have a scent too?
You are fortunate to live in a mild climate.
Long time friends are so special and there is so much joy in keeping family stories alive.
Thank you for visiting
Helen xx
I have and still make
ReplyDeleteone up when my
daughter is out baby-
sitting and will be
returning late....It
makes her smile to
slide into a warm bed.
Looking forward to
seeing more of your
art!
xx Suzanne
I love a good hot water bottle. I love your two wrought iron beds more. How lucky are your guests !! xx
ReplyDeleteSweet story. I always use a hot water bottle in winter - I far prefer it to an electric blanket. Love your guest bedroom - it looks very familiar - has it ever featured in a magazine?? x Sharon
ReplyDeletehello Helen thankyou for your visit Glad the opening went well I understand the significance of that! ( i represent an artist ) Florence is indeed a lovely place to live albeit rather HOT in the summer
ReplyDeletei wish you a year full of fun-looks like it started well with your chums .I too always keep a small HWB they are very comforting ! Fay x
Roses and Rust
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon
I agree with you that a HWB is infinitely more comforting to to an electric blanket. No we were not featured in a magazine to my knowledge.
We sold our farm to Mennonites (Amish) which is a post in itelself
Helen xx
Hello Fay
ReplyDeleteHope the sun is shining brightly in beautiful Firenze this morning.
It does get a little chilly in Winter.
Thank you for your kind good wishes on our art. The show continues. We are finding more new collectors who want original art. Homeowners are getting rid of the excessive possessions and now want to make their personal statement with original pieces of art. Exciting times.
Thank you and welcome as my new follower
Helen xx
Your hot water bubble is too pretty to store, Helen!
ReplyDeleteI do not use them..
Happy hAppY Thursday xxxx
I hope your opening went well. Your hot water bottle is really, really fabulous. Curtis
ReplyDeletenever had one... but you make me want to get one!
ReplyDeletei love my thermophore ... addicting!
happy new year helen..you are such a dear... truly...
xx
I love hot water bottles, but I have, wait for it...an electric blanket and keep it on all night.
ReplyDeleteMy fondest moment at the end of a long working day out at the bergerie is coming in, having some hot soup, a quick shower, and jumping in bed with my hot water bottle and book. Ahhhh a half hour (sometimes an hour!) to myself before the Sheepfarmer comes in to a warmed bed :) (He watches TV for a few moments)...
ReplyDeleteHot water bottles are heaven in these old farmhouses!
I am sure the opening will be a HUGE HIT enveloped in love :)
ReplyDeleteHope the opening went well!
ReplyDeleteHi Saskia
ReplyDeleteJust last evening, I used my HWB encased in a cashmere sweater as suggested by a reader. The bottle was still warm this morning.
Thanks for your kind wishes.
Helen xx
A Craven
ReplyDeleteHello Curtis and welcome to my blog.
I thank you for your kind compliments.
Our art show opening was excellent and continues to draw viewers and original paintings are in demand. Someone said to me at the opening, I want my home to be differenet, I want my collection of paintings, not prints, not giclees.
Thanks again for following
Helen xx
Red Ticking
ReplyDeleteA very Happy New Year to you my friend.
I must look up "thermophore" clearly, I do not own one!! he hee
I think you deserve a HWB wrapped in cashmere for one time in your life.
Fond wishes to you too
Helen xx
Hello Tabitha
ReplyDeleteHow decadent! Your electric bill must emormous!! They, too, are very comforting. Helenxx
Labergerebasque
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are happy once in your bed following a long day working on the farm. Sheer bliss.
Thank you for your kind wishes and we were thrilled with the turnout at our art opening. Many decided to return when it was quieter and they could get a better view.
My best wishes to you
Helen xx
Thombeau
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and following.
Yes, you good wishes and those of my followers certainly added to the success of our art show.
Hope you have a great weekend.
Helen xx
Helen,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed this post of yours about hot water bottles. Love the knitted cover and yes! I often use them when I'm not well. They give me such comfort... especially if someone I love prepares them for me!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your nice notes.
Monica.
For some reason, I was thinking you were based in Florida in the winters. Do you still have use for a hot water bottle there? I never used one until moving to England and now they are practically my best friends. Not just for keeping warm (Bill helps with that) but also for soothing sore muscles. I must admit I just wrap mine in a towel. Must knit or crochet one of those jazzy 'turtleneck sweaters' one day!
ReplyDeleteNice blog. I really appreciate your quality work. Keep continuing to write more like this. I shared the best hot water bottles on the market, Visit Once.
ReplyDelete