“Japanese lanterns” were always a recognizable first sign of the end of Summer, and our neighbor would bring a brimming basket full for my Mother, who carefully kept them in water. They are also great dried, and remain very decorative. Mom, 99, remembers them perfectly, and her graceful black glass vase as well. Here, my florist had been away on a long holiday until yesterday, and I was one of the first to welcome her. Things are still at a slow pace on this street throughout August. After the purchase of this little bouquet, she offered me a rose, since the long stem was broken. In this picture I’m showing off the vase I bought 20 years ago in Nancy, for a pittance. The “Giverny” style was named after the dinnerware used at the table of Monet in his home there, famous for it’s colorful flower garden and graceful bridges. Yes, I have a very large collection of these original pieces, manufactured in those days by Creil-Montereau Cie. It does make a pretty table.