Conversation in an Antique Shop

Back here  I shared the story of this children's ironing board which resides in my laundry room.  Despite the fact that I'm all grown up, these little vintage toys tug at my heartstrings.

You may or may not understand this attraction.  If you don't, you may want to mosey on out of here as continuing to read may make you wonder about me.  :D

Okay, now that you've been duly warned...

on with the story.

When my mom was still alive she would sometimes give me a monetary gift with a note included saying it was to be used for something I would enjoy (i.e:  not to buy groceries or pay bills).

Not one to disappoint my mom, this little gem was calling   screaming my name from the antique store shelf recently:

 

 Thinking I couldn't possible justify the price I remembered a monetary gift I'd received for Christmas.  Hmmm, what would mom say?  

As long as I'm on the subject of vintage toy love...

I've had these child sized clothespins for a long time.

The laundry tub in the first photo above was way too big for this little vignette.

When we were on our recent getaway, we stopped into the local antique mall where I was hunting for one thing...

a galvanized child's size laundry tub.

I searched carefully through every booth with no luck.

Truthfully I didn't even know if such a thing existed.

As I was about to leave one of the sales ladies asked me if I found what I was looking for.  After telling her what it was, she said she had one in her booth.  A conversation ensued.

She told me her parents had sold antiques together after their retirement.  Her mother's special interest was children's  items.

She shared with me that her mother had died unexpectedly last year.

When I told her about my interest in children's kitchen and laundry toys, she said she knew she had a box at home of  children's kitchen items that had been her mom's.

She offered to call me if she could locate them and I could come in before the shop opened the next morning to see if I was interested in any of them.  She told me she would be happy to know that they were going to a good home.

The next morning when I met her at the shop, she was on the phone for a while.  After hanging up she apologized and said that her dad had just fallen.  Since he lives in another state she was trying to assess what to do.  As the middle child she said the decisions seemed to fall to her.  As a fellow middle child, my ears perked up to this.  She went on to explain that he has been falling a lot recently, he has been lost without her mother,  though a very capable man he was nearly useless in the kitchen she said.  We laughed about how with that generation it was so common for men to stay out of the kitchen and laundry room.  

Though we needed to get on the road soon, I knew she could use a listening ear.

As she talked I felt her pain.

Emotions still very raw with the loss of her mother and now she said she felt it was probably time for her to find an assisted living home for her father to move into.

These decisions are never easy.

My heart went out to her as I was reminded of going through a similar scenario with my mom.

As we talked she showed me her mom's vintage kitchen toys.

She said she'd like to offer me a better price on anything I was interested in.  Along the way she told me bits and pieces of the history of some of these treasures.  

A little board to roll cookies on and an angel food cake pan for the little stove remind me of my mom's love for baking cookies and her special angel food cake dessert that we all loved.  They also remind me of the antique store owner's mother.  A lady I never met but feel that I would have enjoyed knowing had our paths ever crossed.

I'm also reminded of two middle child daughters doing their best to support and love their parents til the end of their days.

Happy Valentine's Day to You

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Looks like there won't be any outdoor picnics today.

 Our southern snowstorm brought lots and lots of the white stuff.

This was the scene outside the front door shortly after Brett shoveled.

The cardinals were grateful for a well filled bird feeder and we were thankful to be enjoying their beauty in that sea of white.

He looks like a little Valentine out there

 

XO, 

Hi from Hiawassee

 

Thinking their dad could use a little vacation, our boys gifted him with a weekend getaway.

A little bed & breakfast in the Georgia mountains was the destination and, lucky me, I got to join him.

Having driven through Georgia several times, it had never occurred to us that there were mountains in this state.  But, now we know up near the NC border there are many mountains and in Hiawassee, GA sits a charming destination that offered rest and relaxation for both of us.

We have enjoyed bed & breakfast travel throughout our marriage.

It all began with this show.  In fact that show inspired us to plan a fall trip to Vermont and several other New England states.  We stayed in bed & breakfasts all along the way.  That trip took place in 1984 and still stands out in my mind as one of my favorite trips ever.

I know that this type of travel isn't for everyone, but we enjoy it for a variety of reasons.

One of my personal favorites is the homemade breakfasts.  Waking up to the smells of breakfast cooking and then coming down to this is worth the price of admission in my book :).  Of course not having to clean up after breakfast is nice too.

On this morning we enjoyed a vegetable frittata, fresh fruit salad with Greek yogurt and warm from the oven biscuits with blueberry butter.

After eating this substantial breakfast we felt a bit of exercise was in order.

Which brings me to another reason I like staying at B&B's...

the host(s) are always very helpful in assisting you in making your plans for the day.

We said we'd like to take a hike and see some waterfalls too.

They provided us with a backroads map and told us what to expect as we drove to our destination.

We zigged and zagged up that mountain and even drove through a small stream.  Had we not known to expect this it could have been a bit daunting.  That mountain driving isn't for the faint of heart.  Good thing Brett was at the wheel.  Ha ha.

Traipsing through the forest on the way to the falls I spotted this mossy little abode.

I fully expected to see a little mouse in an apron with a broom in hand.

Can you tell I spend too much time with children's storybooks?

While the hike was only 1.2 miles each way, it was a good workout as it was mostly up hill (mountain) on the return trip.

The sights and sounds of a waterfall are something I always enjoy. 

In case you like them too, I made a little video.  However, I'll have to share it next time.

I loaded all the pictures for this post last night and forgot to add the video.

Now I'm at work and don't have my pictures on this computer.

Just so you know I don't normally blog while on the job.  I'm doing so today because it is s.l.o.w. here today as we are bracing for a BIG snowstorm.  They say we could get 6-12".  In fact I hope to leave for home soon as it's really starting to come down out there.

For some reason I didn't take any pictures of our room.  Interesting how I took several of the food though :-).  I guess you can see where my priorities are.

Anyways, the walls and floor in the room were knotty pine.  The ceiling was white bead board.  Very charming and perfect in a mountain setting.  The first photo above is the bathroom window.  I thought it was so pretty with the sun streaming in.

In case you're interested, breakfast #2 is a puff pancake filled with fresh berries, bacon and an egg (not pictured).  Interestingly the first time we ever had a puff pancake was at the very first B&B we stayed at in Vermont.  When we told this to our hosts they said that the puff pancake originated there and they call them "hootin anni's".  Have you ever had them and if so what do you call them?

I used to make them often, but it has been a long time ago now.

Maybe I'll give them another try as they do make a pretty presentation and are delicious too.

Speaking of pretty and delicious...

we found this in our room upon returning from the hike.

Just one more reason to love those B&B's.

Keeping The Home Fires Burning

 

Well, it started at about 2:00 and it's still coming down.

Yesterday I was enjoying our 60 degree temperatures.

Glad I took the time to fill the birdfeeders.

 

As you can see the front porch is already covered with a layer of sparkling white... snow white... beauty.

This is our first (and quite possibly last) snowfall of the season.

Always a camera worthy event for us here in the south.

 When Brett got home from work we started up the fireplace and sat down to talk before dinner.

Not long after we sat down he received an S.O.S. call from a co-worker who was stranded in the snow.  Seems his little sports car didn't want to do anything but spin it's wheels, so off Brett went to help him out.

I'm keeping the home fires burning until he returns.

Sometimes the northerners poke fun at the way things seem to come to a screeching halt here when the snow begins to fly.  That's not really fair because it is mainly due to the fact that there aren't the same amount of plows and other snow removing devices here.  With so little snowfall it isn't necessary.

To my way of thinking there's nothing more appealing on a cold snowy day than a nice hot bowl of homemade soup.

Tonight it will be white bean and ham.

 A nice piece of crusty bread to go with the soup.

When I began blogging I was constantly running across posts about the famous artisan bread made in a dutch oven.  So glad I finally tried it.  It's so easy and soooo scrumptious.  It does require some advanced planning, but is well worth it.  Do you make it?

If not, I highly recommend it.

Well, now all I need is Brett and we can warm our tummies and then get back to warming up in front of the fire.  Maybe a little hot chocolate for dessert?

I know so many of you are dealing with serious cold and snow.  I hope you are all managing to keep warm and cozy.

 

 

Miles and Miles From Perfect

 I think I would post more often if I carried my camera around and snapped pictures throughout the day.

My posts seem to come about when I'm home for the day and an idea pops into my head.  In my mind are perfectly composed photos.  Out comes the camera.  Snap.. snap.. snap.

With high expectations I upload the photos only to go yuck.. delete..delete..delete.  Rarely do they look anything like what I had in mind.  

Case in point (the above photo).

Yep, there's a glare on them there windows and the weight of the freshly filled feeder is making the shepherd's hook lean to the left.  Oh well, big deal.  I've got bigger fish to fry. 

I bought this flatbread at Aldi's the other day.

I used it to make a wrap and wasn't totally thrilled with the texture.

Today I decided to try a different approach.

Sharp cheddar and some sliced chicken leftover from dinner.

Warmed in the frying pan until cheese melted and the flatbread was crisp.

At that point I added sliced tomatoes, avocado and lettuce.

A little fresh pineapple on the side and it was a healthy and tasty lunch.  The flatbread tasted so much better being a bit crispy.

That pineapple was only 99 cents at Aldi and boy is it ever sweet.

Do you ever shop at Aldi?  We've had one nearby for years but I've only been there twice.  Recently I was reading a blog talking about all of the good deals she finds there so I decided to check it out.  There did seem to be a lot of good prices.  I mostly bought produce.

 Normally when I'm home for the day, I fill up a water bottle and sip it throughout the day.

Today I felt like kicking it up a notch at lunchtime.

I bought these glasses several years ago at an antique store.

For the most part they sit behind my glass cupboard doors looking pretty.

I like the way the sunlight reflects off of the blue glass.

Not only that, but I like the way this glass fits in my hand.

The men in my family seem to think a glass is a glass.

Recently while at my son's house his girlfriend requested a glass of wine.  He brought it to her in an Oscar the Grouch mug.  I had to laugh when she quietly inquired as to whether there was a wine glass.  I guess it's more of a girl thing.

Okay, does anybody remember what this post is about??

Oh yes...

perfect photography... or the lack of it!

Sigh...

blurry birds.

slightly less blurry birds behind winter weary windows..

double sigh!!

I once visited a blog where the bird photos were clear and beautiful.

She even explained her tricks for obtaining such lovely shots.  I know it involved a tripod set up near the window.  I have one of those (somewhere).  I think I read this post a few years ago and still haven't bothered to find my tripod.  

I think the truth of the matter is that it would take a lot of time and effort to achieve perfection in my photographs.  More time and effort than I seem to want to devote to it.

For now I'm glad to know there are so many others who share their perfectly gorgeous photography.  

And now the vacuum is calling my name so I'm off to work on perfect vacuum lines in the carpet.

Hope you all are staying warm.

It's almost the weekend.  Anything fun planned?

For the Winter Weary

~ Pansies Blooming on the Patio ~

 Most mornings during breakfast Brett will read to me the expected weather forecast for Michigan.  Today the newspaper showed a high of 9 and a low of -5.  We looked at each other and said "how did we ever stand it?"

Having moved south 15 years ago, we are freezing when the temperatures dip into the 30s.  Ha!  Yes, we are officially wimps.

While I will admit to missing the beauty of a freshly fallen snow,

I remember how January, February and March could seem to drag on a bit too long for my liking.  Those gray days and cold temperatures began to take a toll.  Some years it seemed like Spring would never arrive.

I know many people love winter weather and I think that's great.

But, if you are looking through winter weary eyes about now, I'm here to tell you Spring is in the air.

After my walk today I went to fill the birdfeeder and check for early signs of Spring.

There amongst the pine needles and dead leaves were tender green daffodil shoots poking their heads up.

Right above the daffodils I noticed plump buds covering the branches of the dogwood trees.

At first glance it seemed like all members of the perennial bed were still fast asleep for their winter nap.

Upon closer inspection I found one early bird getting ready to rise and shine.  It won't be long now.

 

If you are a lover of long, snowy winters, then don't pay any attention to my ramblings today.  Carry on and enjoy the beauty of the season.

On the other hand, if winter is wearing on you about now...

hang in there.  

Spring is on the way.

Vintage Linen Love

 

Just when I seemed to be having trouble getting inspired to cozy up my nest after the holidays, along comes a sweet little library book to the rescue.

 

 Although the Christmas decor was finally put away, the weather had become rainy or gloomy or rainy & gloomy.  It seemed like one gray day after another.

When I started reading this little book, it was like the sun had just come out.  As I read about how EllynAnne Geisel inherited a collection of linens from her mother-in-law and went on to love and appreciate them I no longer cared what the weather was doing.  Inside that little book EllynAnne was sharing the most adorable pictures and stories of the way she and her friends use their linens.  She encouraged those of us who own vintage linens to bring them out of hiding and use them on a daily basis.

After finishing the book I could hardly wait to dig out some of my linens and start using them.

Inspired by a photo in the book I laid out a few of my pastel doilies and took a picture.  Outside it may be cold and damp, but inside I was busy creating springtime with my linens. :-).

 Sometimes the simple touches bring the most joy.

Cooking has just become more fun now that the oils are tucked into a vintage planter with a vintage hot pad peeking over the edge.

 As I look at these vintage linens I feel a kinship to the lady who embroidered these days of the week towels.  

I won them in a silent auction held by our local Habitat ReStore so I don't know who made them or when. But, on this Monday afternoon as my washer and dryer are humming away it makes me smile to see these little bluebirds happily tending to their own laundry chores.

I'm going to a baby shower on Saturday.  The gift is sitting on the dining room table waiting to be wrapped.  I haven't felt like doing it today and now I no longer feel guilty as I see that Thursday is the day for gifts.  Silly me.

I can hardly wait until Saturday when the work is behind us and we can dig into that cake.

This set of towels didn't include a Sunday.  I'm thinking it's because Sunday is the day of rest or maybe it was lost along the way.

I'm thinking one of my antique savvy readers will have an answer to that.  Feel free to fill us in if you do.

Through the years I've collected a lot of vintage linens.

Some of the smaller pieces are stored in here

and . . .

others are stored in here.

 Not to mention all of the others that are stored in drawers.

As much as I love the beauty of vintage linens, I've been a little hesitant to have too many of them gracing my decor.

Maybe I've been too concerned about having my house look like a little old lady lives here.

But, I'm here to say it's a new year and EllynAnne has empowered me to bring those linens out of the closet.

I feel so liberated!

Besides, now that I'm a grandma I fully qualify for "little old lady" status.  I might as well take advantage of the few perks to this stage of life.  :-D.