Lanier mansion

This past week while my parents were visiting, we all hopped in the car and headed south, hoping to find some spring. The farther we drove, the more green flora we came upon. Madison, Indiana (right on the Ohio River, and thus in a valley) was the most verdant place we visited. Green grass, budding branches, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, violets, magnolia blossoms -- all were a sight for winter-burdened eyes!


We toured the Lanier mansion while we were there. The house was built in 1844, in the Greek Revival style, and has been filled with all manner of period-appropriate antiques.


This beautiful tea set was in the dining room on the main floor. Anyone want to pause for a cup of Darjeeling and a few cucumber sandwiches?


A wash basin in one of the ladies' bedrooms. I love the wallpaper in this room.


This antique quilt was probably my favorite item in the entire house. I can just imagine all the work that went into it. My favorite types of quilts are the ones that obviously take a lot of skillful handwork (such as hexagonal piecing or appliqué, as seen here). The hand-quilting itself is also a work of art.


My dad (the astronomer of the family) was captivated by this celestial globe. It looks like just the thing for a study or library!