Monday, October 26, 2026

Thanks To All!!


Thanks So Much to All Who Attended Mark's Sale!! 
It was Over The Top!! 
Mark is So Happy!! 
Sounds like he's going to be having a Sale every month, through the Winter. Inside his Massive Old Grain Elevator. 
I'll be keeping everyone posted. 

{Above is a picture of Mark, taken last year at The Firecracker Antique Show, in Amana, Iowa. If the Angels look familiar, they live here with me, now. Mark gifted them to me, for The Shrine in the house. }
Love. 

Mark and I have been Pals for pushing 40 years. 
He's like a Brother, to me. Actually, I'm far closer to Mark, than either of my Brothers. Hahahahaha!! They both thought my Love of 'Old' was Crazy!! 
Hahahahaha!! 
In the Antique Family, well ... We All Understand one another. Yes, we know we're Crazy... but, we Also Know... All of The Best People Are. 
We're a Motley Crew, Indeed. 

So Grateful to Kathleen, and Marybeth, Mark's Sister's... for helping him So Much during his Sale. 
They Are Gems!!
Love 

I went to visit Mark's Sale, yesterday afternoon. 
Folk's were shopping nearly until 6 p.m.  
Busy!! 

Mark's First Love is Pool. He had a Tournament scheduled for last night at 6, at his 'Pool Hall', in the Old Norway Grain Elevator.
They Gather twice a week to Shoot Pool, there. 

Mark threw this Sale together so fast, last week, there was no time to reschedule. 
Mark had Everything Cleared Out, for the Tournament by the time the 'Hustlers' began to arrive. 
Hahahahaha!! 
With Mark, 'Pool' is Serious as Death!! 
Hahahahaha!! 
Junkin', is Second 'Serious'!! 
Hahahahaha!! 
Brought the above home, from Mark's Sale, yesterday. 
Mark had Many, of All Colors. 
I chose the Deep Purple... One!!
Oh.... Yeah!! 

Asked Grandson, Justin... this morning how he liked my new 'Winter Coat'.
??? 
Hahahahaha!! 
He said .. "Is That what 'That' Is??"
Hahahahaha!!!
Told him, "It 'Is'... now."
Hahahahaha!! 

It's actually a fairly heavy, Old.. Old,  Velvet Robe, from an Odd Fellows Lodge. 
Fits great, and I think a Vintage Fur Collar will be Perfect with it. 
Yeah... Boy!! 
In our Crazy Business... the 'Odd' fits Perfectly, As Well. 

Indeed. 


Oh...
Yes...
Indeed. 

Love to Ya...
Prayers for All. 

Barb C. 

Love.


Sunday, October 25, 2026

It's All... about 'The Journey'. oh dear.

Davina and The Vagabond's... Having FUN!!

Oh Boy!! 
Hahahahaha!!
Click on the link, above. 
So Love... Davina, and The Vagabonds. 
Gems... Indeed!! 

What a Night!! 

Last night was Nuts!! 
Hahahahaha!!


It took Allyson, and I Quite Some Time...
Getting to The Ideal.
Lord, Lord. 

As we approached the Cedar Rapids 'New-Bo' area, where the concert was being held, we couldn't get to it.
There were People EVERYWHERE for Blocks, surrounding New-Bo. 
Streets were Barricaded For Blocks, surrounding the area we Needed to get to.
Oh..... dear. 

We were absolutely Stunned. 
I told Allyson, it's a Damned Good Thing she was driving... I'd Seen Enough!! 
Barbara would've been Long Gone, in that Mess!!
I Love Davina, but... Enjoy my sanity More!!
GADS!!!

We FINALLY got kind of close, to where the Concert was to be, but... 'Parking'....
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Eeeeeek!!! 
Gads!! 

Thank God, for a Gal who Happened to be walking in front of us, she yelled... "If you're looking for a place to park, follow me, I'm leaving."
Praise God for  the ANGELS Among us!! 
Love. 

Where I Thought, 'The Ideal' was... 
Gads!!! 
We walked several blocks, in The Wrong Direction, before we figured THAT out!! 
GADS!!

I've NEVER Seen So Many People... In One Place, in my life. 
Insanity!!! 
GADS!!

Seems...
There was a Halloween Parade, in New-Bo last night. 
Seems... Everyone in Iowa Knew About It, but Us!!
Holy Smokes!!!
It was like, what I'd Imagine The Marti Gras Is Like!! 
Oh My Lord!!
CRAZY!!! 
Hahahahaha!!!

No need to ask 'Why'... after finally finding The Ideal, we found a seat, front row... at The Concert, where I enjoyed Three... Long Island Iced Teas. 
Yeah Boy!!! 

Great Concert!!!

I even was enticed by another Crazy Red Head to Get Up and Dance!!
Hahahahaha!! 
{somehow after a couple of Long Islands, my vision wasn't Nearly as bad!! Hahahahaha!! Yes, Allyson's Book, is gonna be Quite Interesting!! Hahahahaha!!}

However, it wasn't until nearly the end of the concert, I leaned over to Allyson, and asked her if the Lady Horn Player in the Band, was actually a Man.
???
Allyson said... "Yep. "
What??? 
I said... "How in the Hell didn't I Notice That Until Now!!??"
She laughed... hahahahaha, said...
"Because you're blind."
Hahahahahaha!!!! 
OMG!!
Ya Had to Be There!!

Always an Adventure!!
Hahahahaha!!
The FUN Never ENDS!!
Hahahahaha!!

It was a CRAZY, Crazy... Night. 

Something we'll discuss for Years to Come!! 
Hahahahaha!!

It's All About 'The Journey'... Baby. 
hahahahaha!!

Sweet Davina, and The Vagabond's performed 
'Lipstick and Chrome' for me, as their last tune. 
Priceless. 
Love...
Love...
Love. 

Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.

Barb C.

A Beautiful Day To Junk!!


It's a Beautiful Morning!! 
Gonna be a Beautiful DAY!!
Perfect... for Doin' a little Junkin'!! 

I'm heading over to Mark's Sale, after I get The Ford unloaded. 
Not moving too fast this Beautiful Morning!! 
Hahahahaha!!!
Pal, Allyson and I had Great Fun at The Davina and The Vagabond's Concert, last night!! 
oh.... dear. 
I'll be writing about That... later. 
hahahahaha!! 

Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.

Barb C. 

Friday, October 23, 2026

BIG SALE!!! Day Two!! Don't Miss It!!


Spoke with Mark, a few minutes ago. 
He had a Great Day One!! 
Yippee!!
He's Busy Diggin' More Out, for Tomorrow!!
Never Ending!! 
Hahahahaha!!
He Sounds Exhausted!! 
Oh dear.... 
Sale Time!! 
Yeah.... Boy!! 

He'll be Open at 9 a.m. in The Morn!! 
Yee Haw!!! 
Hahahahaha!!!!
Asked Mark to send a few images, in the morning, that I can share. 
Oh .. boy. 
He's Tired... Tonight!!


Allyson, and I traveled North, yesterday. 
Went through Manchester, Strawberry Point, Elkader... then McGregor, Iowa. 
Absolutely Beautiful. 
Love McGregor. 
Haven't been there since we brought the '49 Ford Home!! 
Love That Drive!! 

Allyson wanted to go back to one of her Favorite Book Stores, 'Paper Moon'.
I'd never been there. When I go North, I'm pretty much focused on Antiques. 
Hahahahaha!!
Oh My!! What a Treat!!!
Loved 'Paper Moon'!! 
So Cool!!
Had to laugh... when my eye caught THIS... little Display!!
Hahahahaha!!
Yep!!! My Kinda Place!!!!
Hahahahaha!!!
{ or Sippin' a little too much Tequila, thought... I.}
Oh my. 
{The two above images are from Paper Moon's website. }
So FUN!!

When we left Paper Moon, Allyson wanted to check another Cool Store out, up the street. 
Allyson was ahead of me, as I reached a storefront, of sorts, a Young Man was struggling with a bench, trying to get out the door. 
I hurried, and held it for him. 
Asked him if he'd just bought the cool old bench, he said No, it was his Mom's. Sadly, she'd recently passed away, and he, and a Friend were moving things out, that hadn't sold at her Estate Sale. 
Very... Sad. 

He went on, and said I was welcome to look around, see if there was anything I'd be interested in. 

We visited for awhile, I... looked around, a little. 
There really wasn't anything I needed, but... there were some Funky Lamps, that came Home. 


Kinda reminded me of Bourbon Street, in New Orleans... 
Another 'Lamp' episode, when Allyson helped me carry it down the Street!!
Hahahahaha!!
God Knows... There's Something About Gnarly Old Lamps... and River Towns!!!
Love...
Love...
Love.
Allyson was carrying the two Gnarly 1940's... Lady Lamps, I... was carrying the Lovely Old Floor Lamp. 
As we walked out the door, a Couple were asking their phone about restaurants in the area, I... stopped, set the lamp down, and listened. {Allyson had just mentioned she was Ready for Lunch}
I stood there, visiting with the Couple, then the Gentleman said... "Hey!! Someone Just Walked Off With Your Lamp!!"

Hahahahaha!!! 
I said, "That's my Friend, Allyson!! Hahahahaha!! See how This Works!! Ya Mess Around Long Enough, She'll Carry Everything to The Car for Me!!"
Hahahahaha!! 

God Love That Girl!! 
Hahahahaha!! 
Allyson Knows All About my Gift of Gab!!
{It's a 'Conner' Thing. Can't be helped!!}
Hahahahaha!! 
And She Loves me Anyway!!!
 Bless Her Heart!! 
We stopped at A Great Antique Shop, across from Paper Moon, on the main Street, also on the corner. 
We had Loads of Fun, visiting with the Owner, Marty. 
He's a Character!! 
He had some Very Cool Treasures in his Store!! 
Oh My!!
{I can't find Marty's Business Card, with his Store's Name!! Ya Can't Miss It!!}

We loaded a very Respectable Load, in Allyson's RAV. 
Hahahahaha!! 

Fun Day!! 
Beautiful Day!!

Love... Those Crazy, Old... River Towns. 
Oh my. 

Another Crazy Day, tomorrow. 
Won't be as Crazy... as Mark's, I'm guessin'!!
BIG SALE!! 

Don't Miss It!! 

Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.

Barb C.


It's not funny, but... I gotta tell Ya, few Understand what It's Like Pulling A BIG SALE Together!! 
Hahahahaha!!
I ALWAYS Think of the Above 'Adventures in The Great Outdoors' Movie Clip, after A LONG Day at a HUGE SALE!!! 
LORD!!!! 
Prayers for Mark!! 
Wish I Could Help Him More!!! 
Damn It!! 
Lord!! 
Love. 

Let The JUNKIN' Begin!!!



Holy Smokes!!! 
Mark's Sale Looks INSANELY GREAT!!
Yippee!!

He'll be Digging More Out All Weekend!!
Oh Boy!! 

Note: The Pool Related Items are Fixtures!!
Not For Sale. 

Don't Miss This CRAZY Sale!! 



Thursday, October 22, 2026

Mark's Crazy Sale... Opens in The Morn!! Oh Boy!!


Mark's Sale Opens in The Morning...!!
He's been Working Like Crazy Getting Things Pulled Together!!
He's sending me pictures first light, that'll I'll share.
Sounds like he's Unearthed Some Amazing Things, Today!! 

Allyson, and I were on The Beautiful Road all day!!
I'll be posting That Fun, tomorrow, as well. 

Stay Tuned!! 



Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.

Barb C. 

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Don't Miss Mark's CRAZY Sale!!



Have no Clue why these images are so large. 
Not certain, they'll post. 
It is what it is. 
Hahahahaha! 

It's been a Long Day. 
Spent this early morning with Grandson, Justin. He got his Very First Checking Account, at Our Beloved Fairfax, Iowa State Savings Bank. 
Priceless. 

Then, met with Dear, Neighbor... May. 
We enjoyed a Lovely Lunch, and visit. 
Love.

Then, Pal... Allyson picked me up. 
Brought me some of her Homemade, George Washington Sweet Potato Pie!! 
Yippee!!

Then, went to Southern Iowa, picked up some Goodies...
Then, headed to Pal, Mark's, in Norway, to grab a few more Images. 

Wish I could help Mark, with his in a Hurry, Pop Up Sale. 
My eyes are so sensitive to the light, it's difficult to capture pictures.
There's Many on the Simply Iowa FB Page.
Still, kinda staggering around... Lord, Lord. 

Patience. 



Long Day... 
but, A Good One!! 

If the images don't load, take my word for it...
Mark's SALE is Gonna be FUN!!
VERY!!!
Hahahahaha!!!

Love to Ya...
Prayers for All. 

Barb C.


{Back on The Road, with Allyson, early tomorrow morning. We're headin' North. }
Yeah.... Boy!!!
Hahahahaha!

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

BIG SALE!!


This day has taken many turns, as usual. 
Hahahahaha!!

My 'Horse Fair' Gal, had to reschedule. 
Same time... Next Week!! 
Love.

Pal, Mark... called, this morning. 
He's got to clean out. 
The 'city' of Norway, Iowa... is on his back. 
Oh my. 

Mark, has collected for decades. 
He has an amazing eye. 
but, he knows... it's time, to let go... of some 'things'. 
Love. 

Grandson, Justin... and I, captured a Few, very few, images, this afternoon.
Lord, Lord...
Mark's Sale, is gonna be Good, and, ongoing. 

There's no way Mark's Sale could be completed in one weekend. 

This sale, is One, of many. 
Stay Tuned.


I've posted a few images, on my Simply Iowa FB page, this afternoon. 
I'll be capturing more, tomorrow, hopefully. 
A follower suggested I capture a video. 
Hahahahaha!!
I'll try, but... with this 'eye'... Hahahahaha!!
It'll be a Real Trick!! 
oh dear. 
Stay Tuned!!
That.. 'Adventure', could be REAL Funny!!
Hahahahaha!!
What the hell... We All Need a LAUGH, these days. 
hahahahaha!!!

As I was writing this post, guess who called.
Love.

May God Bless... Our Antique Family. 

Priceless.

Indeed.

Love to Ya...
Prayers for All.

Barb C.

{I'm not conducting Mark's Sale, just helping. I can't answer any questions. All I can say, is... Make Plans to Attend. Be Prepared to DIG... and Bring a Truck!! 
He'll be having more Sales, over the next, several months. Stay Tuned!! }

♥️
The Antique 'Family'... Is Quite a Motley Crew...
Indeed.
Priceless.