Flea Market Finds

I finally got everything cleaned up and photographed so you can see what treasures I found.

As you can see, I found all kinds of goodies.

 I found several cool clocks for my collection. The frame is pretty awesome---it has a vintage pin at the center of the bow. I also picked up a couple of old cameras. One will go to Morgan for her birthday. I'll keep the other for myself.

 I couldn't pass up this old coffee percolator. Very 1950's with the turquoise flowers.
 I love bargains. It was $4.50.

 The little date book is from the 1940's. The pages will turn up in an AYM kit soon. The vintage flash cards will too.

 The girls like vintage jewelry. The white beads are vintage---they look like something my grandmother would have worn. The other two necklaces aren't that old, but they're still nice. I loved the frame with the little girl in her school uniform.

 This is the vintage frame I found for Connie. It's an 8x10 opening. I was really tempted to keep if for myself, but I don't need any more as my wall is complete.

 This is my new latest obsession (thanks to one of my blog friends). It's Staffordshire Liberty Blue china. This dessert plate has Monticello on it. The color is perfect for my kitchen!

I don't know what it is about old stuff. I didn't really start to appreciate it until about 15 or 20 years ago. I don't have many family heirlooms, but I treasure the ones I do. I always wonder about what the stories are behind all this stuff. Who owned it? Did they love it? I wish I knew more about the family things that I have. I guess that's why I'm so passionate about telling the stories of our lives. I just know that there is going to come a time when someone will want to know about my stuff. Of course, I can't document everything, but I can make sure to leave behind the stories of the important things. At least I'm trying.

A Few Things and a Recipe

Besides the gnocchi's I made for the weekend, I tried a new recipe and it was good. So here it is:

Honey Ham Biscuit Sliders
1 can Grands Jr. Butter Tasting Biscuits (10 count)
1/2 lb. deli ham, shaved
1/2 lb. swiss cheese
1/4 cup honey mustard dressing (I just used honey mustard and squirted it on---no measuring)
1 tbsp. butter, melted
2 tbsp. honey (I didn't use this)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a 9-inch pan with cooking spray. Separate each biscuit into two layers. Spread bottom layer with honey mustard, top with ham and cheese and another squirt of the honey mustard. Top with the other half of the biscuit. Brush biscuits with butter.

Bake 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Heat honey in microwave and brush on warm biscuits. Serve immediately. Note: I did not put the honey on top because I thought they would be too sticky. Also, they cooked fast---more like 11 minutes for me, so keep and eye on them.

 These are a few of the things I found at Bella Rustica this year. It was during our golf weekend and was about an hour away, so we went for it. The earrings are actually magnets. I thought this tiny little muffin pan was adorable.

 The glass vials are full of buttons and decorated very cute. The little bottles contain glitter. Then there are those cute, old wooden spools wound with bits of lace, and topped with buttons.

 I believe that these little wooden, paper wrapped "signs" are actually from the Jenga game. I couldn't resist the alarm clock. I fell in love with the blue numbers.

 This is the latest project that Karolyn, Connie and I are working on. We've all changed up the colors to suit our own preference. I'll photograph them when they are finished. It's a fun project because you get to do a lot of different stitches. It never gets boring. It is going fast too.

 Another antique style necklace that I picked up. This one I've kept for myself. It's not a rosary--that would be sacriligeus.

 This is the bulb that came out of my ott light. I've looked all over for a replacement---including online. I've put Butch on it. That's right up his alley---hunting for something. I put the pen in the picture so you could get a feel for how big it is.

 Archivers has a couple of new sketchbooks. They look pretty interesting.

Aren't these the most gorgeous WEEDS you've ever seen? Karolyn cut them at the farm and sent me a photo---knowing my love of flowers.

One last thing. Morgan called crying this afternoon. She was rear-ended on the way home from school. Her grandpa ran to her rescue. She was okay, just shaken. And her car just has some scratches on the bumper. Not bad at all. I love that the girls call their grandpa when they need him! I never would have called my grandpas---it wouldn't even have entered my mind.

Tomorrow I'll be posting the layouts that I did this weekend and on our golf weekend. I'll also be posting the layouts from AYM on the AYM blog.

Until then....

A Little of This and a Little of That

In this politically incorrect world, I'm so happy that our pastor has some sense. Today is our Church family picnic. Although we don't intend to go, one of our priests showed from the altar, the huge, battery operated super soakers that he and Father Dexter would be sporting. He encouraged all the kids to bring their squirt guns.

Guns of any kind are a real "no no" these days. Mindy had a friend that got expelled from his exclusive boy's school for having a squirt gun. I even made the comment recently that Butch is so happy to have the next generation enjoying our old Nintendo (that would be because we don't own any other gaming system). But I wonder if they even sell "duck hunt" now-a-days. I remember the first time I saw Elizabeth with the "gun" I worried that her parents might be upset. Then I thought, "what the heck---it's just fun." I think kids know the difference between a real gun and a plastic one---or a super soaker, for that matter.

Bought myself a new pair of running shoes although I don't intend to run. They're actually cross trainers. Besides Curves, I'm getting back to the dreaded tread mill. I'm doing that at 5 a.m. before meeting the girls at Curves at 6. It can only be good for me. Getting it out of the way in the early morning is the only way to go for me.

St. Dominic's courtyard at St. Cecilia Academy makes me happy every time I see it.

This is the view once you enter the courtyard. I designed this by myself. It was such a large project that I was nervous. So, I called the director of our botanical gardens at Cheekwood and asked him if he would meet with me and look over my plan. I wasn't a professional (and am still not), just an eager master gardener graduate at the time. When I met with Bob Brackmann, he said my plan was "really good---did I want a job?" Of course, when ever I get offered a job, my standard response is, "no thanks, I don't want to work that hard."

When Butch and I chaired the capital campaign for the new wing, I knew we would designate our dollars  for the naming rights to the garden.

When it came time to buy the plants and trees, I drug Sister Mary Elizabeth with me to Home Depot. I was told that they didn't donate to anyone. I'm not afraid to ask anyone for anything, but wanted sister there because no one can turn down a nun---especially in full habit (sorry, I couldn't find a picture of her). She was the principal at the time. I told her I would do all the talking. I asked to speak to the store manager. He didn't hesitate when I asked for a dozen trees and plants. Sister said, "oh bless you sir." I knew it was in the bag then. I drove it home with, "and can you throw in the delivery?" It was my finest moment---after the planting, of course. I enlisted the help of a few SCA alumns that were in my garden club. Everything is so big now compared to when we first started out. Satisfying indeed.

Our family juggler. Mindy taught herself to juggle in 2010---it was her New Year's resolution. Strange but true.

 

Mindy's fascinator we made for Steeplechase. I guess that's about the third one I've made for her. She has a whole shelf in her closet for them. I just told her that from now on, if she wants my help, it has to be in the morning. I'm just not a night person. The thought of tackling a project at 7 p.m. just makes me tired. She always waits until the last minute.

My recent antique store finds---just the little potty and the pin. The "big" potty I already had. How many potties do you need? The "big" one is going to someone else I know with a pink scrapbook room. I put the penny there so you could get an idea of the size.

Our new "made in America" Whirlpool refrigerator. Butch did the research. This one had the highest consumer rating. One thing I didn't like right off is that if you only open the left side, when you close it, the right side pops open just a little. When I told Butch about it, he said that's why there's an alarm on it. If it's open for too long, it signals you to shut the door. Actually, I'm already in the habit of making sure it's shut. I was worried about other people not shutting it. Hence the alarm. Good idea Whirlpool!

 This is about all we'll keep in the freezer since we have a big freezer in the mud room: ice cream, extra ice, coffee, frozen mugs and our ice packs. Butch put a loaf of bread in also, but that's not such a good idea. Cool Whip is okay, it's not "real" anything anyway.

 I wanted this style for more interior refrigerator space. As it turns out, I think it's about the same as our old side by side. Habitat for Humanity was happy to get the old one.

If you are an oatmeal lover, you have to try steel cut oats. They are the best. We're all hooked on them.

 They are grainier than regular oatmeal. If you like nuts and seeds in your breads, then you will like the texture of this oatmeal.

I am such an impulse buyer at the grocery store (anywhere, really). This week, on my way to check out, I chose the pet food aisle since I knew I wouldn't be tempted to get anything from there. Seems there is more on the pet food aisle than I realized. I found this cording there. I'm always on the lookout for things in bulk for my classes. 500 ft. sounds just about right!!

It may be a few days before I post again. I've said all I have to say for now....

Catching Up...

I need to go all the way back to last week. Pam, Nancy and I went to a new antique place in Bellvue. It was really nice---a little pricey---but set up so cute. And when it comes down to it, if you love it, you'll pay for it.

 They had the cutest tags on all of their stuff. The tags were punched with a scallop punch and attached with ribbons and pins. Makes me think these gals are scrapbookers. I didn't think to ask. Anyway, the tags were a little added bonus---I've added them to my stash.

Here's my haul---old casseroles---probably not microwave safe, blue linens, a vintage corner shelf that I plan to put in the sunroom.

 I had to have the pink tin and dresser scarf. The blue bowl is cool, not sure what I'm doing with that yet. And then that blue tablecloth embroidered in black---destined for my office. You'll see that later.

On to Washington.
When we arrived at the Mayflower Hotel (which is probably one of the nicest hotels I've ever been in---huge room), I immediately figured out where I would be setting up my "home-away-from-home" office. Knowing that I'd be up half the night, I needed a place to go.

That place is always the bathroom. We don't usually have suites or anything. I put the coffee/tea set-up in there. I was so happy that they had Twinings Tea---still riding high from that stop in London. Beverages, check.

I took the extra blanket, the decorative pillows from my bed and made a cozy little "nest" in the tub.

 I didn't have much in the way of food---a Butterfinger snack size and 2---actually, disgusting mints. But when you get up at "o-dark thirty" you do get hungry. By 7 a.m. it's really lunchtime for me these days. Better than nothing. I snagged a cookie one day and enjoyed that with my tea one night. I had everything I needed, tea, snack, computer, headphones to listen to Pandora, reading material and plenty of work that I wanted to do. Heaven! I can get along anywhere. I just can't be idle.

Always travel with a pashmina or scarf! This is why. Thank goodness, I took the scarf off before eating. I dribbled 1000 island dressing from my ruben sandwich. There was no time to change. Luckily, I covered it up with my scarf. Still, I tried to wash it out at the hotel---it didn't. I may have ruined one of my PINK tops---not like I don't have dozens more.

That reminds me---I alluded to another "health" related issue yesterday. Well, let's just suffice it to say that I experienced a problem that I do not ordinarily have. Putting it politely, I had to "bury" a Prep "H" wipe. I spent about $90.00 arming myself with every possible thing available. Ultimately, the situation got so bad I had to call my doctor, find a pharmacy and get a prescription in D.C. I know, TMI! It was not good. I may have been a little overzealous on those squat/thrust machines at Curves---but who knew I had "this" problem. Lesson learned---go a little easier.

One other thing I have to mention. I had the best time watching the Cards win the World Series. Those were the best games I've ever seen in baseball. I don't follow baseball unless the Cardinals make the Series. Janice and I had a bet going---I told her I'd only bet if I could have the Cards. She "hedged" her bet with others and actually had 3 bets going---2 for the Cards and the one with me. We had so much fun texting back and forth during the game. What an exciting game. She said it made her miss her "ball" days.

Arriving home Sunday, we went straight to the Titan's game. I've joked with my friends, that I've figured out a way to NOT have to go to the games. We tailgate, one of the girls uses my ticket, I leave and Butch "hitches" a ride home. The perfect plan. I just can't sit still for 4 hours and do nothing. What a waste of time. At least at home, I can watch the game, enjoy the commentary and STITCH at the same time. I actually can say I enjoy the game that way. The only thing I like about being at the stadium is tailgating with our friends. Otherwise, it's just long, boring, too hot (usually), or cold (sometimes). We have really good seats, but everyone stands just about the whole time. And then when you finally get to sit down, you have to get up about 50 times because people are going in and out. Just not fun. Anyway, my perfect plan is "flawed." It puts Butch in the position of being a "moocher" about the ride home. I get that. It's okay. I'm just glad that I have the girls to use my ticket. I always said that I only did the Titan's games for "love." Now I can still "love" the game from home.

After the game I went up to my office and decided to clean out my closet. I uncovered a few problems---or I should say, my "multiples" problem is clearly visible. Notebooks---I have a few. But how could I EVER resist those pink ones---you don't see pink binders all the time.

Now having this many envelopes is actually funny. I have every size possible. But I never seem to have what I need. Case in point, I needed a regular legal size envelope---nada, not a one---nor or there any regular envelopes---I have boxes from old stationary, invitations, and several boxes of card size from my card making days, etc. Can't seem to throw them out.

Notebooks---lots of them. I can't live without spiral bound notebooks. When mom died last year, I asked Jeanne for one so that I could start handling everything. I couldn't believe it when she said she didn't have any! Most of these aren't even new. I've always kept the girls notebooks at the end of the school year, tore out their stuff and kept them. I shouldn't have to buy another one for the rest of my life---unless it's pink.

 Binder clips---a nice big box. I use them in place of "chip" clips too. They come in handy for just about anything. I have a few floating in my car and beside my chair in the family room. I want everything I need at my fingertips.

The pens. I'm particular about the feel of a pen in my hand. I write a LOT! I like how the ink glides across my spiral bound notebooks. This is my favorite type. They are hard to find. When I do, I buy at least 3 boxes. They used to come in blue, but I haven't seen them in years and am sad that I don't have any left. I don't use red much, but had to have box of them. I might have enough for the rest of my life.

Bubble wrap---I think I've identified another problem. I decided to keep only what would fit on the lower shelf. I have grand plans to sell stuff on Ebay, but never quite get around to it. When I do, I'll have the packing materials.

Here's the whole thing cleaned out. It took me about 3 hours. I got rid of tons of stuff. Well, not really, Butch saw what I was getting rid of and moved a lot of it down to his office. Sort of defeats the purpose of purging if you just move it to another part of the house.

Now, finally, the view of my newly re-painted office. It used to be "hot" pink. I wanted to go with something completely different---more calming. I went with the same blue paint color I used on the ceiling in the kitchen and sunroom. I love white woodwork. It really sets off any color.

Here's that blue tablecloth. Perfect in my blue and black office. The lamp in the rear is one of a pair that I got from my "adopted" grandma in the early 1990's.

 This view is from my desk. Those bunnies sitting in the chair on the left I plan to put on Ebay---sometime. The paintings we bought on a cruise with our friends about 15 years ago.

Aside from the new plantation shutters, I didn't want to spend a lot of money in this room. These are about the cheapest window treatments you can do. They match what I have in "mindy's" room except her room is pink. I wanted a uniform look from the outside. There is a transom window under them.

 But what you need to know is that they are totally fake. This is NOT fabric rolled up. The fabric is just wound around a cardboard tube. If I knew how to sew, I'd use a swimming noodle---that way you could have it as fat as you want. Then, it's just a scrap of fabric about an inch or two wide, rolled up and pinned in place on the end---giving the illusion that it's all fabric. Really cheap---well, except for the labor---they always get you there!

This is my most favorite piece of needlework I've ever done. It's called "kaleidescope." It was really hard---especially on that black. I thought I would lose my mind. It was so hard to see---especially since my robes are black---it was very hard to see a contrast to stitch. I need to have that tired, worn mat replaced. I'll put that on the list.

And there you are---all up-to-date. We only had 2 trick-or-treaters last night. I actually had almost all of the Halloween stuff put away last week. A month is enough for me. I did it before we went to England which was about September 10. Butch said, "you're taking it all down before Halloween?" I was "over it."

Hive update: not good. I have not been able to taper down yet. Trying today, say a prayer. My doctor called yesterday and is concerned about the level of Prednisone I'm on for so long this time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. When the doctor worries, I worry. I don't know what bad stuff it's doing to me, but I don't need anything else---with the "roids" and all.....