perfect marriage

Sometime I find a great piece when junking and know exactly what I'll do with it.  This marriage of a glass candle stick and a gazing ball were just meant to be together.  Keep your eyes open, you never know when you'll find the perfect marriage of pieces.

picture perfect

There aren't many days that can be called picture perfect, but last Saturday was definitely one of those days.  Our son Nate and family came for the weekend and we took them to the train museum in Monticello.  The kids had a blast looking at the train cars set up as a museum and loved riding the train through the country.  The weather was finally beautiful, warm and sunny so we sat outside on the observation car watching the country side go by.  We only traveled 16 miles but it was just enough to experience riding a real train.  Later that day we had a great cook out and went for ice cream at the state park.  Simple country life, no trauma, no drama, no computers, no phones just hanging out together enjoying each others company.
Look in and around your community for those hidden gems to experience with your family.

Chase, Jayden, Nate, Barb

I imagine my Grandpa worked at a desk just like this.  He worked for the railroad most of his life

The kids were fascinated by the tiny potty that folded into the wall

Since they barely know what mail service is the kids were interested in how the mail was sorted and delivered

Who are these old people?

kitty fun

I know I'm the crazy cat lady who posts way to many pictures of her furry children, but it's my blog so bear with me.  Above my microwave is a tiny shelf where I display one of my prize possessions.  The ear of corn was my grandparents candy dish that they always kept full of white or pink dinner mints.  We could have them every time we went to visit.  We didn't have much candy in the house so that was a big deal.  Our ornery, super curious kitten Dusty has decided it's a wonderful place to hide and reach out to grab the other kitties when they get on top of the upper cabinets.  They like to look down on the world when ever there is too much activity going on or strangers in the house.  For now the corn had to be shoved back to wall so it doesn't get knocked down and broken.  I guess you can tell who really runs this household.  My kitchen walls are a soft sage green, I don't know why they are showing up yellow.

rummage fun

This past weekend was our community yard sale.  I love the small town wide sales, so much fun without having to drive for miles.  I managed to fill my car twice for about $60, way more than I usually spend but I got some great buys.  Here are just a few.

wall shelf, just needs a clean up and new paint

heavy iron lamp.  I'll take out the wires and it will make a great place to hang a pot

I didn't count them but there are at least 25-30 little angels made of capiz shell and wire for $2

Service for eight dishes $15 with aqua.  No marks so if anyone knows what they are please contact me.

I didn't buy this, someone left it by my back door.  Great tin divided box.  When you have the junker rep, sometimes things just appear.

metal chandi. $4 I'll remove the wire and hang it outside with candles.  It's sitting on a fun bench $2 that will get a paint job.

5 spindles to be used for legs $1

I only showed you a tiny amount of goodies I got most of it is still in boxes and bags in my sun room waiting to be unwrapped.  Where else can you have this much fun for two days?

I find this in strange places

I think it's important to keep your eyes open to special finds everywhere you go.  This great buy proves it.  I was in an Amish bulk food shop when I  came across these great canisters.  They are tin with a place to write with chalk on them.  They were full of cookies that I ended up giving to our church youth group, because I sure didn't need them.  I bought one to start and my friend went back and got me four more later, so thanks Jeane.  Just an example of looking for great buys any where you might be.  What would you store in these great boxes?

New cushions

My cushions for the patio were getting in sad shape.  They were fading and had mildew on the seam lines.  I splurged and bought all new cushions.  If you know me, you know I rarely buy anything at full price and prefer used over new but this was one thing I was willing to bite the bullet and buy at the beginning of the season.  The shade cloth is up and the patio is open for business.  I see a book and a nap on that chaise very soon.

happy aniversary

It's May day and Andy and my anniversary.  Yep, 43 years without killing each other.  We've stuck it out and worked hard to last this long.  Definitely the best decision of my life.  I've had people ask me through the years how we've stayed married so long.  My answer is always the same, commitment.  We got married for the long haul and even through the good and bad times try to remember we are in this together forever.