Good Bye September, Hello October

Can you believe September is already gone? Today is the last day! With the kids going back to school. . . and the schedule once again back on track with after school activities, sports and church groups meeting again. . . September flew by.

I'm looking forward to October though. Our oldest turns 20 and I have a "Hafta Birthday" the day after hers. I say "Hafta" because I "Hafta" have one - nothing "Happy" about it anymore. I do look forward to just my husband and I going out together to celebrate, however. He told me he made reservation for dinner already. . . . I wonder what he's planned?

October. Within the next few weeks I will begin to cut down my perennials, plant my fall bulbs and put the garden to rest for the winter. I do love working in my flower gardens. It's very relaxing for me and the rewards are great.

But, my favorite thing about October is this. . . the fall color in Michigan.

. . . Well, I'm off to the garage to continue to work on a few projects I have going. I'll post pictures when they are completed.

Blessings!

. . . While the Paint Dries

Nothing like waiting for paint to dry. . .

While I'm waiting between coats of paint for my secretary project. . . I decided to finish up a garage sale find.

I found this unfinished topiary (in a very plain planter) at a garage sale for $1. I found the planter to the left of the topiary (2nd picture) at a thrift store for $1.50, I bought the greenery for $.05 a spray at a wholesale flower store - $2 for greens. Total price for this project $4.50. The topiary was a Styrofoam ball covered with Spanish Moss. I took a pumpkin carver (you know. . . the kind we give the kids to carve pumpkin, but not hurt themselves - well they work perfect for cutting Styrofoam too and for this project.) I carved into the ball, trimmed the greenery sprays with wire cutters, applied hot glue to secure the greenery sprays into the Styrofoam and there ya go. It must have been my lucky day because the topiary, in its original planter, fit perfectly into the new planter . Like it was supposed to be like this. I think it turned out great. What do you think?

Blessings,

Just You Watch!!

Thrifting, junktiquing, garage and estate saleing. My passions. I love to take people's cast-offs, no longer needed or loved items and transform them into something beautiful and useful. Some people would call this simply "recycling!" Good for the earth. I call it being a good steward with the money. . . the Lord's money : >) !!

One of my favorite things to do is to take something that was once very loved, very cared for and appreciated by someone and give it a new home. You know what I mean. Someone has died and their family is clearing out all their "junk!" "Junk" to their family, but not to the deceased person. I love pieces of antiques. Not my entire house, but a few accent pieces. Well, I came across such a "special" piece just recently. . .

I was cruising http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/mi just looking to see what was out there, when up popped this most beautiful antique secretary. $50, yes, only $50. It was from the 1940's had been painted, needed to be re-painted, or stripped. I immediately responded stating that "I wanted the secretary" and to "let me know when I could come and pick-it up!" I left my contact phone numbers . . . just in case they wanted to call me as opposed to e-mailing. I was delighted when I received a call back within the hour. The seller stated that this was in her parent's house, which they had just sold. Her dad liked to refinish, paint and antique furniture. It was his hobby. Both parents were now deceased and her brother placed some ads on http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/mi. They were trying to get rid of all her dad's junk! Junk! Junk!?! She told me when I could come out and look at it. I stated that "I didn't need to come out and look at it, I wanted it. I wanted to come out and pay for it and bring it home!" Home, my home, its new home, my loving vintage treasures home, my new treasure to love and cherish!

I didn't even pick it up. I didn't need to see it before loading it up. I asked my daughter and her boyfriend to pick it up for me (he has a pick-up truck and I give him money for his time and gas. Everyone wins!)

The pictures posted on http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/mi showed the antiquing a lighter stain color. Actually, it's an off-white with darker olive green antiquing. . . . Remember that color from the 60's? Everyone antiqued everything olive green? At least my mother did. Well, it's going. The color that is, not the piece. I'm working on it now. I've removed the hardware, separated the top from the bottom, sanded the piece down, primed and started applying the first coat of paint (you'll need to wait to see what color I selected). For all of you wood purist out there, I'm not into stripping furniture, I like to paint it. Sorry. Stripping furniture leaves me with a terrible sinus infection (yes, I wear a mask). I like the look of painted wood (and it was painted over to begin with when I got it, remember? So please don't e-mail me and scold me about painting furniture. . . it's a matter of preference. . . mine, yours. . . whomever).

It is a treasure, just waiting to be released. . . . Just you wait and see!!



Blessings!

My "Deer" Story

I had a wonderful weekend. I took our youngest to the cottage with two of her friends. . . that's correct. . . I had three 13 year olds for the weekend and I enjoyed every single minute of it too!! We had a blast. I find this age the absolute best. They are mini adults, but too young for boys and too old for toys. One minute they are putting on make-up and doing their hair and the next minute they are watching cartoons and a Barbie movie on TV. I can't believe how much they eat. I asked the girls where they put all this food and they replied "On our butt and around the corner." I'll have to remember that line. . . so I guess I'm putting my food on my butt, around the corner, around the block (a couple of times) and back again???!!???

Anyways, the girls were very upset on our drive home. . . . You see, it's fall and the beginning of "Deer Hunting Season" in Michigan. It's a very big thing up north. . . even the schools close down for opening day so everyone can go out into the field. I believe we are in bow season now. On the drive home we saw so many deer that were laid out across vehicles like a trophy displayed. Some of the deer had their tongues hanging out. . . some had their heads and antlers chopped off and all had been gutted. I wish the hunters would cover the deer. Everyone is not as thrilled to look at dead deer as they are. It's upsetting to some people and children. The girls were sickened by the sight. Please understand, I'm not against hunting at all. Actually, I think it's fine, humane really since we have too many deer in Michigan. The deer run out onto the roads and cause traffic accidents and deaths. . . and there are so many that they would starve to death anyways if not thinned out by hunters . . it's just yucky to see them all gutted and thrown across vehicles like tarps. I don't know . . . maybe there is a reason they can't be covered. . . like rot or something. Well, we made it home without anyone throwing up in the car as they all claimed they were going to do. Thank you Jesus!!

. . . So now, I must tell you my "Deer" story. You see we have this little cottage up north that we built ourselves 8 years ago and love very much. Well, the name of our street is "Whitetail", like in Whitetail Deer. So, I wanted a Whitetail Deer head, rack, or whatever you call them for the wall. . . . I just thought it was fitting for the cottage/cabin and location/decor. My husband is not a hunter; he just doesn't have the time, or the desire. He always told me he would go hunting next year when he had more time, then it was the next year and so on and so on. Never happened. He loves fishing. Fishing is his passion his relaxation. So a few years ago I got myself a deer on Ebay. Yup, the things you can get on Ebay these days is amazing. Of course, I did have many, many girlfriends who said they would have LOVED to give me their husband's deer and get it off their wall. I paid around $85 or so. I don't remember the exact amount. Now, when we have guests at the cottage and they say, "Wow, who got the deer?" I smile and can honestly, truthfully and sincerely say "I did!"

The cost of the deer? $85. The cost of having to go into the woods to hunt for one? $0. The cost of having a great White -"tale" Deer story?". . . priceless!!!

Blessings!

About Says It All, Doesn't It?

It's Sunday; and I'm at the cottage. This is for everyone who is with me. . . please take note : )

Blessings!

C O F F E E - I Need Some Today!!!

Short post today. . . I have a million things to do, but I can't seem to get the lead out and "get going!!" So, this is what I need. . . gallons and gallons of it. . . . I'm off to brew me a big pot of it right now.

Blessings!

Ever Just Have "One of Those Days?"

Today started out wonderful. I got my youngest off to Junior High, had a cup of coffee, read the paper, then got ready and hit some garage sales. I love going to them this time of the year. It's not so hot out, the kids are all in school, I just have more time and can take my time. I found some cool treasures. I'll share them with you later. Then I came home and put a second coat of bronze hammered metal paint on my powder room bath accessories. I'm trying to get rid of that old polished brass stuff. So far, I'm really happy with how things are turning out, so I may be painting the pendant lights (brass) that hang over my island with the same paint. I'll keep you posted.


. . . Anyways, it was my turn to car-pool for cheerleading. I have to pick up my daughter and a group of girls from the junior high and take them two towns over for cheerleading coaching (we pass at least 4 other gymnastic/cheerleading places along the way. . . I don't know why we must go all the way over there! But that's where the coaches have us go. Anyways, I did this last year too, so I know how long it takes. Or should take. I got to school at 2:45 to get a good parking spot so the girls can find me easily. My assigned cheerleaders came out at about 3:00. I normally have them to their training facility by 3:35. They are starving when they get out of school and I want them all to have something healthy not the machine junk, so I bring yogurt, cheese and peanut butter cracker, etc. Normally, it's an OK drive. They eat, and clean up their mess. They are loud because they are all excited, geeked and . . . well, they are cheerleaders! But today, today was horrible. I was in the worst traffic!! No matter what I did I could not get around that darn traffic!!! Road construction, bridge construction, freeways closed, accidents, you name it, was happening today. My daughter gets car sick from being in the car too long and especially in the stop and go stuff . . . so she was complaining that she thought she was going to toss her cookies!! We didn't get to the gymnastic place until over an hour later!! An hour in stop, go, stop, go traffic. . . with 4 hyper, excited cheerleaders in the car.

Then. . . after dropping the girls off, I . . . got. . . to. . . drive. . . home, and . . .do. . .it. . .all. . . over. . . again. . . in that traffic. . .again!! Oh my gggggooooooosssssshhhhhh!!! I was gone for over, over 2 hours. I don't mind driving, but stop, go, stop go is something entirely different. Thankfully, I don't have to pick them up tonight too.


It makes me want to do what the guy in my picture is doing. We have a little joke in our house. When I first bought him (at a garage sale for 5 bucks) I placed him on the wet bar. We don't drink much. Maybe occasionally a glass of wine, but we have this new house which the builder put a wet bar in. So, I needed some things to put on it. When we had first moved in, and our youngest was in the second grade, she had a friend over and as they walked by this wet bar guy, she said, "Man, he must have had a hard day!" Well that's been the joke ever since. Today, I felt like joining him : )

. . . so when I got home, I poured myself a tall one! A big tall glass, filled it up with ice and DIET COKE and slammed it down!!!! And . . . I. . . felt. . . better!! Thank . . .you. . .very. . .much!!!!

Blessings!

Ever Have This Happen?

War. I've declared War at my house.

These beautiful flowers, given to my oldest daughter at a bridal shower this past weekend, were infested with these little "no see-um" bugs. . . or the actual official name is. . . "fungus gnats!" Yuck!! I think a generation or so came in the house with these flowers. By the time we figured out where the buggers were coming from, it was too late. . . they were already in the house! Uninvited house guests, not welcomed, not asked to enter. Now how to get them to leave? The flowers "went out of the house," but the little buggers are still in it.

I'm using the old remedy I got from a friend. It works every time. . . place a little apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. . . cover the bowl with plastic wrap. . . rubberband to secure the plastic wrap to the top of the bowl. . . puncture a few little holes on top of the plastic wrap. The cider vinegar attracts the little buggers and they dive in, but they can't get out (that why the wrap is rubbberbanded on tightly so they can't sneak out the sides). . . so they drown!!! Better than letting off those bombs where you have to seal off your kitchen cupboards or wash EVERYTHING in the kitchen after letting them off. Yuck. I think maybe one more day of this "trap" and they will be gone.

These fungus gnats are on mums especially this time of year. I purchased a spray from The Home Depot that you supposedly spray on the flowers to kill the bugs, but not the flowers. . . maybe we'll use that next time BEFORE the flowers make it into the house (and the bugs).

Next time you see mums at my house, they will not be inside my home. . . only outside to greet welcomed guests.

Blessings!

Welcome Fall!!

Enjoy this beautiful fall day!

Isn't this adorable?

I stopped at a few garage/moving sales this past week. Isn't this just adorable?

My husband always asks when I buy something at a "sale" and bring it home, "Where are you going to put that?" My response is always the same. . . "If something speaks to me, I'll find a place for it!"

I think I've found the perfect spot for it, don't you? For 2 bucks, and it's silver-plate. . . not bad.

. . . And besides, a little birdie told me to buy "it!"

Blessings!

A Rescued Treasure

I enjoy needle crafts. ALL needle crafts; knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitch, sewing. . . I am the "master" of none, but a tinkerer of all. I'm also self taught. My mom, her mom and her 3 sisters had no desire to do such things. Luckily for me, my dad had a few sisters who did knit - so - when it was mandatory in the 6th grade that I knit or crochet a 6" square for a Christian Girls club I belonged to - I at least had someone to ask. The idea was for all of us girls to knit or crochet 6" squares to be pieced together to donate to a senior home.

My aunt showed me how to cast on, knit and purl. This was the beginning of a beautiful hobby. The remainder, I taught myself by reading books. Literally, taught myself. This was hard to do sometimes. . . since I'm left handed. I remember wanting to crochet so badly. Being left handed the book examples were always backwards for me. So, I got an idea. I went to my local library, checked out a "Teach Yourself How to Crochet" type video - - came home - - took the large mirror off the wall - - placed the video into the video player and sat with my back to the TV - facing the mirror. Bingo. It then made perfect sense to me. I could understand the instructions. The rest is history. . . I've knitted or crochet sweaters, both adult and baby, lots of afghans, scarves, hats, mittens, slippers, vests, baby dresses, etc. Then I took up needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery, sewing, etc.

I appreciate seeing other's beautiful handcrafted things too - - knowing how much time is spent making each item. That's why when I go to Estate Sales I normally end up purchasing the embroidery, needlepoint, whatever. It's old, vintage and not done as much lately. I always feel sad seeing all the time and effort placed into these pieces and the family didn't care about the items enough to keep them.

My mom, knowing my love for needle crafts and vintage finds, found a most wonderful surprise for me. She went to an Estate Sale and purchased a lovely needlepoint piece for me. She paid $8 for it. I looked all summer for a chair to use it on. Finally, just last week, I found one. It was at a garage sale for $8. It was ugly and beat up, but had good bones. The chair needed refinishing, or painting and had the most awful fabric seat on it. I removed the seat, tore off the fabric and sat it aside. I painted the chair satin black. I attached the beautiful vintage needlepoint piece to the seat using my handy-dandy electric staple gun (great invention!!). . . .And, here it is. What do you think? I think it looks great in the foyer between the grandfather clock (sorry, it's not included in the picture - it's to the left of the chair) and the little table (I picked the table up at an estate sale about 6 years ago).

Thanks mom. You may not like to do needle crafts, but you sure are appreciated for keeping on the lookout for them for me :>).

Blessings!

Vintage Heaven

I promised a few days ago to share my vintage silverplate with you. Here it is:

Isn't this silverplate flatware simply wonderful? I love old things. I love vintage things. I love "simple elegance." They just don't make things like they used to.

How did this collection get started? I originally purchased several place settings at an Estate Sale. Love those Estate Sales! Then I brought them home, polished them up and put them in a drawer. . . to forget about for awhile. I got busy, life happened and a few years rolled around. Funny how that happens. Later when I came upon them. . . there they were. . . beautiful, shiny, vintage, heavy silver-plated flatware begging for more pieces. My quest began. Thank God for EBAY. I first had to investigate what pattern I even had. So, Amazon was a great source for purchasing books on identifying flatware patterns. I purchased a book by Tere Hagan, called Silverplated Flatware. It is an identification and value guide book.

My pattern is by Wm Rogers & Sons. The pattern name is Triumph - it was first introduced in 1925. 1925!! That's before my parents were even born. 82 years old and still stunning! (I only hope the same is said about me when I reach that age :>). There just seems to be such a better degree of quality (to me anyways) than from the patterns produced today.

I continued on my search through EBAY. I found many individual pieces, a few place settings together, etc. I even found an original magazine ad from 1925 introducing the Triumph pattern for Christmas. Of course, I purchased it all. Don't want to see any pieces without homes. I got place settings, serving pieces, even a sugar, creamer & tea pot of the same pattern.

Now, my beautiful set is complete. . . and I absolutely LOVE it. Was is worth waiting 26+ years for my silver-plated flatware? Oh yes!! It was worth it!!

Come on over sometime and we'll "share a meal."

Blessings!

Sher

9 - 11 - 01

Can you believe it's been 6 years since 9-11-01? That tragic day where so many lives were lost and other's lives were changed forever by their loss.

I think about that day so often. . . . Like every Monday when my husband boards a plane for his job and every Thursday when he boards another plane to come home. I especially think about that terrible day frequently now. . . while he's on a project in New York. . . so that's where he's flying into and out of weekly.

How do "I" personally cope? I had a lot of anxiety at first after 9-11. My husband was stuck in one city for a month because his company didn't want employees to fly right away after the 9-11 incident. Employees were "grounded." That means the girls and I didn't see him for a month! You see, his company lost some key employees during that terrible day. On those terrible flights. They didn't want to take a chance of employees flying immediately afterwards. Heads were still shaking, people in shock and the country was in a fog. When my husband was given permission to start flying again, I would start stressing on Sunday afternoons knowing he was leaving the next day.

Anxiety. That's what it's called.

. . . and then while reading my bible I was led to this verse. . .my verse. I've claimed it for my own.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

I Peter 5:7

Anxiety. All of it. That's what scripture instructs us to do with it. Give it to Him. Now when my husband leaves for the airport, I pray over him, as I always have. I once again ask for God's hand of protection over my hub's vehicle to and from the airports and to once again place the plane in the palm of His hand and allow him to arrive safely to his destination.

. . . what else can we earthly beings do? I turn my hubs over to HIM and that's that. No more anxiety. I feel this peace. His peace. God's peace.

We only have today, actually we only have NOW. We don't know what tomorrow holds. A terrible tragedy like the one that happened 6 years ago can change so many lives. . . forever!

Please continue to pray for our country, our troops and for guidance and wisdom for our leaders.

Blessings!

It's like a "Miracle" to me!!

Silver. You either like it, or you don't. I do like it. I don't like cleaning it. Back when Hubs and I married (26 years ago) silver was a fortune! Therefore, I didn't register for silver-plate flatware because the price was out of this world. Today, I don't think brides register for such things. (They register at Home Depot for grills, sporting goods stores for hiking equipment, etc. Things have certainly changed, haven't they?) Entertaining is not what it used to be. Everyone is too busy. That's probably a better thing. Not so fussy. Just more casual. You can certainly get together more often and don't have as much work if you just order a pizza or throw burgers on the grill.

. . . But I still like silver and I use my silver. I use it for the "Ladies Advent Tea" at our church, I use it for ladies luncheons and brunches I host at my home, we use it on special occasions, birthdays, holidays and sometimes "just because day." Someday, I hope to use these fine things for my daughter's bridal showers. Oh yeah, I have my silverplate flatware now. It's a vintage pattern from 1925 and I love it. Simple elegance is what I call it. Someday I'll post about it and show you all a picture of this lovely set I've pieced together.

Anyways, back to what this post is about. I stated above I don't like cleaning silver. . . well I found the most wonderful product. Maybe those of you who like silver have already found this product. It's by Haggerty. It's a spray on cleaner that you use with special Haggerty gloves. You spray the cleaner on the gloves. . . then you actually "rub" off the tarnish. It's magic I tell you, pure magic. I had so much fun when I actually saw how fast this product works that I cleaned all the silver in no time and had fun doing it. . . . And it doesn't smell . . . . like, you know, that grandma's home Toni permanent wave kit either! You who have silver and clean it, know what I mean. Then the next bestest ever product is the Haggerty Silverware Dip. It's a tall plastic container with a little dipping basket inside. You place a few pieces of flatware into the basket, dip for no more than 10 seconds and out comes your flatware ready to rinse and dry. Amazing I tell you, simply amazing!

Just wanted to pass it on to those friends of mine who like silver. For those friends of mine who have all their silver in a box stored in the basement. . . oh well, never mind.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. . . after cleaning your silver, throw the gloves in the washing machine, wash and they are ready for the next time.

Happy polishing!

Blessings!

Isn't this too cute?

Our youngest is crazy in love with VW bugs/beetles. We saw this one last month at the Woodward Dream Cruise. She's only 13 and already talking about owning a "baby blue VW bug with a convertible top." The above VW is a "vintage" VW, but it inspired her to want a new baby blue VW . . . someday!!! I'd prefer her to have this type of a sunroof, but she wants a convertible. Of course, after checking out the crash damage/safety issues/and convertible car insurance. . . maybe. . . someday. . . she'll rethink about what to drive???!!!!!????? I, mom, would prefer my children driving around in an ARMY TANK for safety :>) !!!!

Blessings!!

My "Grown-Up" Daughter with the "Love of Her Life"

Yup, just got to thinking (and taking a trip down memory lane) this morning as I tore another page off the calendar. . . our oldest will be 20 years old one month from today. 20 years old!!!???!!! How'd that happen? Oh where, oh where, has ALL that time gone? THEN "I" look into the mirror and see it has certainly passed!!! "Time flies by once children come along," that's what my mom always said. But I wouldn't trade it for the world!! . . . Middle age really isn't that bad. It's kind of a comfortable place to be. . . like sliding your foot into a pair of old slippers. . . warm. . . cozy. . . broken in "just right" a little beat up and frayed maybe, but that's ok too .

Here's a picture of our beautiful oldest with her "honey." Aren't they just an adorable couple? We think so. This picture was taken at our friend's house during a party the day of the "Woodward Dream Cruise." Yes, we from the Detroit area love our cars . . . and any excuse to throw a party. (Thanks Teresa for throwing one!)

Our oldest is a sweet, sweet girl who has made us very proud. "Happy almost birthday sweetie" our little "Blessing from God." You truly are very special and we love you very, very much!! :>)

What a Difference a Shade Makes!!

I've been looking for new shades for my Dining Room buffet table lamps. The old ones were black (with gold fabric on the inside). I always like to place at least one thing black in my rooms. I personally believe this "anchors" the room. . . just my opinion. But, those old shades were just not doing it for me. Something just didn't seem quite right. So, look what I found at Walmart (can you believe it? . . . Walmart?) The price was right (under $8 each). So, here they are on my buffet table (which I painted a while back. I thought I needed something light up against that dark wall - so I painted and antiqued this buffet. Now I love it.) . . . And, now I love my lamp shades too!

I so love the fall. Michigan's falls are beautiful, but I love getting back to schedules, school, and back to sprucing up things that I just didn't get around to during the summer months : )

Blessings!

Look what I've done!!

I guess the concert we attended last week inspired our youngest!!! Looks like she's practicing performing for an audience. (If she's not climbing up on the Lumberman's Monument, she's climbing up on the counters in our kitchen)

Yesterday was her first day back to school. She was very excited to see her friends again. Tomorrow she has her sports physical and next week is "cheerleader tryouts!" Now the running starts. . . all over again. . . try-outs, practice, football games, competition practice.

What a Surprise!

Who Would Have Thought?????

This past Labor Day weekend, while at our cottage, we took a little trip to Huron National Forest. Our first stop was at Iargo Springs Interpretive Site. What a spectacular panoramic view of the Au Sable River!!! We climbed down many, many steps (like 300 +!!) and came upon the most beautiful scenery. I know Michigan has many beautiful sights, but this is the first time we've been to this particular spot. I must say it was breathtaking and the absolute highlight of our weekend. (. . . and then we had to climb back up those dang blasted 300+ steps huffing and puffing and swearing we need to diet!!)

Our next stop was to Canoers' Memorial. The Rifle and Au Sable Rivers are excellent canoeing rivers. We try to canoe or kayak the Rifle River (closer to our cottage) at least once a year. Of course, my favorite time to canoe or kayak is in the fall. The colors are so vibrant, the air crisp and the river not as crowded. There was a scenic lookout here and a monument to fallen canoers - so our youngest climbed the memorial : ) , what else is it for when you're 13?

Michigan, prior to being known for the automotive industry, was known for it's logging/lumber of the great white pines. The rivers near our cottage are the Rifle and Au Sable Rivers. These rivers, along with the many other rivers in Michigan, are all part of "logging history!!" We stopped at the Lumberman's Monument - - but of course, by then we had run out of batteries for our digital camera (those things sure do eat the batteries, don't they?). . . . . So now we have an excuse to go back again in a few weeks to see the color changes, now don't we? Fall. . . it's my favorite time of the year. We are planning on taking a Two-Hour fall color tour on the AuSable River aboard a two level Paddlewheel River Boat. Again, another first for us!! Oh, I can already feel it . . . hot apple cider, sweatshirts/sweaters and that beautiful, beautiful Michigan color!!

And to end today's blog, here's a terrible picture of me and a great picture of my wonderful hubby of 26+ years taken at the Iargo Springs Interpretive Site. Blessings!!