Think Antique Mall



As we traveled the highways of the Mid-West we stopped at a number of antique malls and here are a few of our finds...

Treasure No. 1- Notre Dame University Memorabilia
Limited edition Collectible Pop bottle
Anything "Fighting Irish" is a find for Hubby!



This cookie cutter was a dollar and will definitely be used for next Christmas.

I'm thinking cinnamon ornaments for gifts.

Not an antique but only $3.99 will add the wonderful scent of spearmint throughout the apartment.

Do you remember Edith Ann? Lily Tomlin's beloved character from the OLD show "Laugh-In"

offers thoughts on life. this was $1.00 and worth every penny. I'll share bits of her wisdom in a later post.

 Another book for $1.00 holds fixes for anything that ails you!

I'll share more on this later also.

This is a horrible picture but I was able to purchase two amber glass canisters that I paid $8.00 for and plan to use them in our bathroom.

I was really excited to find this piece of Polish pottery. Being a first generation Polish-American these

pieces are really special to me.

These were the find of the trip for me! Two Vintage Dooney and Burke all weather purses.

I purchased the two for $18.00. 

Hope you enjoyed the tour more treasures to come...

Adventures on the Road

Sometimes an idea can take on a life of it's own. That's just what happened! Hubby and I decided to take a road trip and it turned into an adventure in discovery. We started our trip on Monday and went to see my brother in Indiana. He had surgery recently and was home recuperating. I was happy to see he was taking good care of himself and that he seems to be healing well. I was relieved to see him in person phones calls just don't cut it at a time like this. As our visit came to a close we set out for Layfette. As we headed down the highway we took a detour and found this beautiful covered bridge and have made a note to self...come back for a visit this summer!



Back on the road we had the best time watching the scenery, having conversations, and listening and singing outloud to two CD's our Emily gave us at Christmas. The group is called, "Straight, No Chaser" and these guys are fabulous! (You can check them out on utube it's worth the time!)

 During one of our stops we happened into this wonderful pharmacy that had an old fashioned soda fountain. It was the best fountain soda I've ever had. Hubby was very busy reminiscing about his childhood experiences at a local soda fountain he visited as a young boy. Fun!

 Had to share this picture. It is the oldest billboard in the entire US. It can be found on the old route 66.

 As we toured along we visited dozens of small towns and enjoyed the many Christmas displays. This home got my "Best of Show" vote for it's old fashioned appeal.

 This photo is out of sink but is so pretty I had to add it. It is the view from the covered bridge.

Tomorrow I'll share more...Think Antique Malls!

Merry Christmas

"...And visions of sugar plums danced in their heads."

From Our Home to Yours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Diane

May you have a very Merry Christmas.

Happy Tuesday! John and I arrived home from our Christmas celebrations with all our girls and their guys. We had a wonderful time. I just wish it could have been a longer visit. I want to share a recipe I came across.

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Take a heap of child-like wonder

That opens up our eyes

To the unexpected gifts in life—

Each day a sweet surprise.

Mix in fond appreciation

For the people whom we know;

Like festive Christmas candles,

Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,

A dash of Christmas food,

(Amazing how a piece of pie

Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness;

Wrap it up in love and peace,

Decorate with optimism, and

Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,

We know we will remember

To be in the Christmas spirit,

Even when it's not December.

                                                          By Joanna Fuchs

I couldn't agree with Joan more. Merry Christmas to you and yours.



I am Back and Just in Time for a 100th Blog Anniversary!

Teddy bear Inspiration

Learn to Listen Like a Teddy Bear, with ears open and mouth closed tight.

Learn to forgive like a Teddy Bear, with Heart open not caring who is right,

Learn to love like a Teddy Bear with arms open.

As I think about 100 posts I can hardly believe how much time has passed.

It is an incredibly busy time for me and I am still pondering what direction to take with this blog so stay tuned as the ideas become reality!

Here's hoping the next 100 posts will bring enlightenment, simple pleasures, and many new friends!

God bless you during the preparation of your upcoming Christmas celebrations...

Diane

It's Sunday and I Haven't Undated Yet!

It's Sunday, well technically Monday at 12:20 pm! I was not able to get my new post finished so I'll try for later today! Please stop back and visit again.

I'll Be Back Soon...Very Soon!

It has been some time since I have posted. I am beginning to find balance and will be back to start a new on Saturday.

A Head Full of Clutter

The end of my summer vacation is coming to a close. And I am not letting go gracefully!  I have had a
summer break filled with so many experiences that are quickly becoming cherished memories. I have class tonight (Master's work) and will be giving a group presentation. I am as prepared as one can be I think so I have a couple hours to myself before leaving for class.  I have a head that has gone into committee! Thoughts by the thousands! Back to school, first day activities, classroom set up, unit plans, new reading programs, continued organizing around the apartment and garage, downsizing stuff, a baby shower to attend, a new exercise program, menus to create, and on and on! It may be time to look at my calendar, line up priorities and be sure to fit in some down time to think, meditate, and just breathe. I think I'll make some tea, kiss hubby, pet the dog, and just be!

Girl's Week-Emily's Graduation

The next leg of my journeyy through Girl's Week was my daughter Emily's.  We relaxed, had coffee, fabulous conversations, and shopped the local Goodwill store.  I love the time I am able to spend with the girls...cherished moments.  The pictures are actually from Emily's party celebrating her graduation.  Today she is officially a Paralegal and tomorrow maybe Law School!  John and I are so proud of her accomplishments.

Brian and Brandon relaxing and enjoying some conversation.

Baby Karli exploring the steps. She is the newest addition to friend's Jenna and Jeff's family.

Auntie, Uncle, and a very sweet cousin!

The grandma's...these ladies are both in their 80's can you believe that!

They are Beautiful!

Brian's niece and brother-in-law.

My sister Rosie and two of her darlings!

It was a wonderful day of visiting, stories, giggles, fabulous food, friends, and family.

God really is good to us!

Girl's Week goes to Chalkfest

Girl's Week took us to Chalkfest.  A wonderful creative adventure for all who participated whether artist or critic, visitor, or creative muse...

May your creative juices flow!

A Walk through the Flowers

          Our walk begins at the lake and the water lilies are in bloom.  

Enter through the arch and stroll slowly up the stairs.

Wildflowers and tiger lilies.

The colors are so rich and vibrant.

I love hollyhocks. They say home to me as we always had hollyhocks growing along the side of our home growing up.

Get a bowl there are ripe berries just waiting to be picked.

I love the randomness of this garden space.

Linger as long as you'd like...I spent hours enjoying it all.

Have a joyous, nature filled day...and join me for Day 2 of my Girl's Week journey at Amanda's New Digs.

Amanda's New Digs-Day Two of "Girl's Week"

    The next leg of my "Girl's Week" journey was to visit daughter Amanda and see her new digs.

She recently accepted a new position with the Marshfield Clinic and has had to make a quick move.

So she has moved into an efficiency apartment in town. It is on the second floor and is adorable.

A picture of the Marshfield clinic; Amanda's new employer.

We had a great time and did a lot in a few days.  We shopped the second hand stores,

had some wonderful meals together, played at the farmers market, and just explored the city she is now calling home.

These sculptures greet you when you enter the city.

These wonderful creatures are all made of recycled metals.

This last picture is of a mural dedicated to all our soldiers and veterans.

Our time together was fabulous and it put my fears to rest. You see when she told us about the apartment she had found I had visions of a dirty, disparaging downtown area and I feared she would not be comfortable or safe, God has been good to her. The new environment is clean, active, and safe. Amanda can walk to shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.  She is only minutes from work and now has time to shop for an apartment that will become a long term commitment. Our little girl has grown up and is doing what she always dreamed of doing.  She is a pediatric social worker being of service to infants in need and their families. We are so proud!

With that I am on my way to my next stop...daughter Emily's and Brian's.

Girl's Week in Wisconsin

     I had the best time traveling the country side of  Wisconsin and over the next few days I'll share my adventures.  My first stop was the "Girl's Only Weekend "with my younger sister Linda.  Her in-laws have this wonderful cottage on a small lake in the Kettle Moraine area.  The weather was beautiful, the wild flowers were in bloom and the lake was just waiting for us! We spent the weekend relaxing, sharing conversation, the water, and some wonderful meals. I am blessed to have a wonderful sister who is also a wonderful friend.

As we got unpacked I couldn't wait to take a walk down to the water.

The whole spot reminded me of lake side vacations we had taken with our parents as children,

The stairs ascend all the way down to the water.

At the bottom of the stairs is a second cabin that is adorable.

And the lake! I loved swimming, the row boats, and just communing with all the nature that surrounded us.

It just says RELAX! or PLAY!

We swam 3 miles on the second morning. There was a small sand bar at the other end of the lake and Linda wondered if we could make it? Just like kids we had to try!

This is the entrance to the property from the lake to the upper cottage. It is almost magical enough to be a the inspiration for a poem or short story. Note to self!

On Monday we visited an Antique Mall, had a fabulous lunch, and said our good-bys.  I miss her already! But she is only a phone call away.

Tomorrow we'll take a walk through the gardens...then onto daughter Amanda's new digs!