Demolition...

Received  a call...from some folks, I had dealt with, several years ago... their old house, had been bought, for a parking lot...{this is....always...a heart breaker, for me...} and is scheduled for demolition... in the next two weeks...They asked me, to come over...and make an offer, on what ever I wanted...

The Old House...has been a rental...the last few years.... and I have to say... my heart...ached...for all... who lived here...the people...and critters.... as well...as the Wonderful...Old House....

The owners...kept apologising...for the house's condition... {I have seen much worse.... they wouldn't believe that, if I told them.... I don't judge...ever... who ever lived there, last...were very, broken people...

Bless Their Hearts...}

A Doctor, was the Proud Owner...back in the day... {1890's}...and it was Beautiful...inside... I fell in Love....with the Amazing Old Bath Tub! It's over sized...Oval... and is fitted for faucets, on the side...oh my...{ I am a 'Bath' girl.... I could Soak...for Hours...and this Tub...is...To Die For! {I nearly did!}Unfortunately...it was on a second floor... and...I was underneath it... coming down the staircase...but...no worries... the Old Tub was kind...and didn't crush me! {one step...at a time... letting the fragile, cast, claw and ball foot...gently...walk down...one...step at a time....{lift...pull...rest...{yet...pushing it...ever so gently...upwards...so it wouldn't drop, too fast...I gotta tell ya...it did cross my mind...the thought...of me...and the Beautiful Old Tub...breaking through the Old Staircase...falling to my Death...15 feet below...and the Headlines reading..."Old Woman...Crushed by Beautiful Old Bath Tub".... } Oh...My!

{I wasn't going to mention this... but...it really was quite scarry...the guy...holding the tub....at the top...had already had a few beers...{ it was noon...and...he also said...he had a really bad back...oh my... and yet...I stood...under it... {sigh...} I am...an Idiot...}

The Gigantic Pocket Doors...and Over Sized French Doors......well they had to be rescued...as well... Then...I saw...the Cherry Fireplace Mantle... it's Lovely, Old.... Intricate Columns... ahhh...yes...it needed to be saved....

The Family was concerned about it surviving...as well...

Finding new Homes...

I assured them...all of it would....

The Ford was Squatting...when I pulled off of the curb...

{the guys helping, didn't think the Ford, could handle this load...{oh my... these poor Chevy owners...what can I say....Bless Their Hearts...! they simply don't understand...the concept of a 'REAL'...load..... : ) }

{ahhh...they didn't think I could handle the Tub...either... {I heard one guy say..." Obviously..this isn't her first rodeo..."}...{oh...dear... that's an understatement!}

Oh My...They don't make things...like they used to....

Beautiful.... Heavy.... Craftsmanship!

I'm working on finding new homes...for everything...sure wish I had a place...for that Tub! I could sure use it Right Now!

{I can hear Lawrence Welk...and see all of those Bubbles!}

Love, to Ya!

Barb C.

{the song 'Tijuana Taxi'......is my day...in a nutshell...oh my... : )   it's all...good...}

The Alter...

This piece...has had  me scratching my head... on what  to do with it...for Christmas... In a store setting...it's a 'no brainer'...an Amazing Store display....can be used in separate pieces...the base, for a counter...the top...for display...for anything...from soaps and lotions... to Garden Pieces....

But....this...is my house...

I bought this Alter, this Fall...from a friend, who simply had to rescue it...but had no home for it... so...it landed here....

I attempted to sell it...to no avail... the top portion, is almost, exactly 10 feet tall...the base... nearly 4....I could have....maybe, got them in the shop...separately {I have 10 foot ceilings there} but...it could have been ugly.... sooooo the only place with tall enough ceilings....was our house.... 

I Love it... If..it doesn't sell, before... It's going to Heart of Country....in February...

But...for today...it needs to blend in...with our home....

I think... it has...

I used all fresh greenery...and, a few vintage ornaments...and bottle brush trees....

The Old Motto, print, I used... in the Gothic center... says "Remember Me"...

I think...at Christmas...it's easy to forget...... what it's all about... 

I kept things...pretty simple...this year.... I'm sure...I'll keep picking at it.... when the Spirit moves me...

It was Great having lunch with Peg, and Mike... they headed home to MO., to gather some things...and rest... before the next treatment...

I want to Thank Everyone...for their Prayers...and Positive Thoughts... I KNOW...{ I can see it...Feel it...and so can Peg...}they are making a difference.... Thank You...Thank You...Please...Continue....

and...Thanks...for the kind...e-mail...and calls...I even ran into a man today...who knew Peg, through the blog... and was wishing her the Very Best.... as we parted...I told him...I Loved him.... Bless his Heart...

Love to You...and My Prayers...go to All..who are Suffering...

Barb C.

{ I just thought....seems as we built this addition...many years ago...99% of it was directly...or, indirectly...from a Church...seems fitting...this Old Alter, would seek Shelter, here...}

oh my...

of course...we have taken in teenagers... wounded Doves...Robins...and Many.. stray Critters..too...

What's an Alter... : )

Finishing Up... The Tree...

My Heart....simply has not been in this...this year....
I have moments... of The Holiday Spirit...but then, hours of Melancholy...
Very...very....difficult...to get it all done... but...I keep moving forward...tho, it may be at a snails pace...I really have stayed down The Rabbit Hole... my quiet...safe...place...
I'll have lots of images...tonight...
I'm cleaning up all the boxes... and debris, this morning.... trying to find places for everything that has to be moved, for 'Christmas'...to Make a Grand Entrance...
Peg and Mike are stopping by, this morn... It will be so good....to see them...
I just opened my 'Streams'...to see this...once again...perfect...

God sometimes shuts the door and shuts us in...
That He may speak, perhaps through our grief or pain,
And softly, heart to heart, above the din...
May tell some precious thought to us again....

I have been feeling guilty...for not getting more done...and sitting in a world, of chaos...but... I'm letting that guilt go...It Is....What It Is... and, for today...this truly is...the very best, I can do....What Will Be...Will Be....

Hope You...have a Most...Enlightening Day!

this is a little, vintage tree I put up, last night....no lights...just old beaded garland...and some of my favorite old ornaments.... a happy little tree....

Barb C.

Open Today... 12 - 4....!

Still working on the Tree...I'm, kind of...taking my time... The Old Tree... holds...lots of ornaments... Rudy, is loving his place in the sun!

I was showing John....some of the ornaments, that had a story...with them...as I was hanging them... the ones, we bought, when we got this tree...so many years ago.. The ones, Liz, always loved best.... The ones... that came from friends...the ones...I tied ribbons on, the year, Chery passed... {funny...how a mind works...} the ones...that seem so weird...to look at...but sing Beautifully, on the tree....

I'll work on it, when I am done at the Shop...this Evening...

I'll be taking some Gatherings down, to the Shop... this morn...: )

Stop In!

Have a Most Lovely....Day!

Barb C.

The Tree Is Up!

Decorated....not so much.... It's a 12 footer... and takes a while to get up...and lit...
Rudolf has found his place...on the tree.... and the Giant Ornaments...
Lights are on....John didn't put near as many on, this year....maybe 1200...and...that's o.k..... it looks a little more old fashioned.... I stood back....and looked at the tree...and realized...I do it...like one of my 'Memory Trees'.... just...in Giant Form! All the Tree Toppers...strewn about the top... hundreds of Ornaments...Angels....and who knows...what I'll find...digging through the totes!
I do Love...decorating the Tree...
I don't know where that comes from.... I never really had, this kind of Christmas...growing up.... it wasn't until I moved out, on my own...I was 16 that Christmas...., that I bought my first tree...It was actually...already decorated...I had spied it at Target... {I was working there...I kept a close eye, on that little tree...it had little Horses on it...that looked like stained glass... I was so afraid it was going to sell....{after all...it was the Most Beautiful Little Tree...Ever!} but....I didn't have enough money, to pay full price.... so....when they discounted it... and...I got my Employee discount... I could scrape enough together...{16.00, I think...}to buy it...  my Dane, Dolsey, and I sat and looked at it every night....through New Years Day! I thought it was the Most Beautiful Tree... Ever!
I don't think...there were any gifts under the Tree, that year...but...it didn't matter...I felt so Blessed...I had a roof over my head....a furnace that worked.... pipes under the sink....that drained....hot water...and a real door, not a screen door, covered in plywood... all things, I didn't have the Winter, before....
Ahhh yes...and...The Most Beautiful Christmas Tree...Ever! {and...Dolsey...to sit by my side....enjoying it!} All was truly 'right'....with the World....
Hope You Have a Most...Wonderful Day...doing....what You Love...Best!


This is a Little Horse.... from my first Christmas...on my own.... Beautiful... : )

 Barb C.
{Funny... how, to this day...at this time of year.... I, sometimes still feel...a warm...and fuzzy feeling...walking into the Warm House....if you have never had to come home...to a cold house... knowing it would be cold...{see your breath, cold...} in December... and praying, you could get the old furnace going... for just one more night...but never knowing...for sure...til it kicked on... You have no idea...what a Blessing it is.... {we take Much...for granted...}
{after rereading this.... I also...felt, so very blessed...the year before....in that old trailer...with no pipes...hot water...and..the screen door...covered with plywood.... and...that old furnace...never let me down...after I got it going...everyday... Dolsey and I never spent one cold night there...it was all mine...all paid for...
Home...}

" The Resurrection of 'Old Yeller'....

Well....if you can't tell...this is a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass....Been laying in a field...for years... The Boys...are taking it on....Head On... {see...they don't run away...from a Challenge...}

 Oh my... John will be overseeing the work...but can't go near the chems.... So...Justin, will will be co-pilot...on this Journey...John calls it " The Resurrection of 'Old Yeller'...

 I have no doubt... 'Old Yeller' will be Howling...in No Time! I'll keep you posted...on their journey...  

Lot's to be Thankful For!

Spent Thanksgiving cookin', and hanging out....with the Family....It was Lovely...soaking in...how very much...we have to be Thankful, for! Most of all......The Moments..
'Time'....
a Most Precious gift...
Hope You All had a Lovely Day....and...Thank You...To all of those, who worked yesterday...taking care of others...
Love, to You...
Barb C.


Katie...and Miss Scarlett....Blessings...




Liz, and a Very Proud...Justin 'J'...feeding Miss Scarlett... Seems..it was only Yesterday...Justin was being a 'helpful' Big Brother...feeding Lizzy....{hmm... maybe...it was day before, yesterday....}



Platters...Go 'Round...

I decided to dig out all the platters...in the 'Big' Cupboard...in the Dining Room...tonight... I call it my 'Huge Trinket Box'....nestled behind, 4x8 feet, glass, sliding doors......are the kid's school projects... pictures...Chery's Obituary, and a loch of her hair...I clipped, before they took her away... along with many other Obituaries...of those... that I have loved dearly... a loch of Admiral's Mane, I clipped just before they buried him...and his picture...The Huge Ironstone Platter, the Boys gave me, in Texas.... { that I swear I heard the fuselage bow out, in the airplane...as I was trying desperately, to put in the overhead, in Chicago....the Steward said it wouldn't fit....and I'd have to check it....{I was blocking people in the isle....I was hurrying...hurrying...}I assured him...it would....it did... : )   } Bird's Nests... letters...or, envelopes...with the handwriting...of Loved ones...{sometimes..I love the envelopes...more than the card...}
Many...many, gifts from friends...over the years... From 'Make Do' Pincushions...to, lovely Christmas Pieces...
I thought it was time...I take stock...of the Old Platters... My friend, Rick and I...had been discussing...Old Staffordshire....and I knew I had quite a few...pieces... but...oh dear....
I kept piling them, on the Old Harvest Table.... They are from about 2 feet....{most of them, are in the 22 inch range...}down to the smallest...{ in the Big Cupboard...} 14 inches...
I wanted to choose three... I always lean to the Oldest... but...I picked three...that seemed fitting...for this year...Simple... The one on the far end, John gave me, for my Birthday this year......friend, Colleen, had sold it to him...last minute...made a special trip home..to get it... and wrapped it, for me....{ I took one look at it...with the Big Bow....and said...you got this from Colleen, didn't you!} Love it...
The center one, I found in McGregor, this Fall...for 8.00...it's amazing...huge... and was so happy...to be found...
The last...is an Old Tea Leaf...the Largest one, I have ever owned...I bought it, on a Hot Day...at a Flea Market... in Amana... about 15 years ago...it was on the ground...with dust all over it... in a row...with, all sorts of...other stuff....{car parts...kids toys...} it was priced with old, dried up masking tape... at 5.00...Yes...it has some chips...but they are Old...and Sound... I will be Proud to Serve on it...this Thanksgiving....

The Pie Plates... I gathered a few years back...on my way to Liz's.... I spotted an 'Estate Sale' sign...it was the last day... the family was conducting it.... I saw the old Laughlin Pie Plates...first thing...in the Garage... { I am a Pie Baker...but I use Old Pie Plates...{only} Big...Pie Plates....These are Huge! The ladies said, they remembered their Mother always baking pies in them...they were her Favorite Pie Plates....{ my Heart sank...I couldn't  imagine selling them....if they were my Mom's Favorite...{ I encouraged them to each keep one....} but...they didn't seem to care...and charged me 1.00, or little more, each.... oh my...

The Old Cook Stove, I use...is from the early 1900's...as I am writing...I keep checking the thermometer, I have hanging inside the oven.... as the pies are baking... there are no settings on the oven... It's a Wood/Gas combination...we only use the gas side... It has no pilot lights, either...you light everything with a match...The kids all learned how to use it... Katie, Justin's Wife...wasn't fond of it...when she lived here with us...but...she learned pretty quick...{she Loves to Cook!} .... The Best Things... about this Old Beauty...is...It's Beautiful...and..There Is Nothing to go Wrong with It! SIMPLE!{and I bought it from a dear 'Lady Bug!'}

The Oven..is Small...so I cook the Turkey in a Roaster.... it frees up my stove...
I went and visited Peg, today.... She is Amazing...Her entire Family is.... I Love Her So....
and... Better than That...She Loves Me....!
Please...keep Peg...and her Family..in Your Most Positive Thoughts....and Prayers....
They are Working, You Know...


Sometimes...the Maker's Mark...is as Lovely...as the Piece...



Oh My... and...they All Needed a BATH!!!





Love these old Pie Plates...I have 2 huge Enamelware ones, I love, as well... those are for my Apple Pies!

 

That is my Favorite Bowl...sitting on the left side, of the old Stove..it has some chips...but...it's a hundred and fifty years old...or better...I have my Pumpkin Pie, mixed in it here...{bread crumbs are drying in it, now...with a towel over them...for stuffing...in the morn...} I don't use a mixer...just spoons...and whisks... With this recipe, I have to add sweet potaoes... {fresh, cooked} because the pie plates are so large... I add them...usually about 4,  and mash them with the Pumpkin...I always put way more spices..and sugar, and, an extra egg or two..depending on the egg size...than the recipe calls for, too...I gotta tell ya...My Pies ROCK!!!!

 I can see it... Peg's Beautiful Blue eyes just Twinkle...with Angel Dust!
We All Have Sooooo Much...to Be Thankful For!
Happy Thanksgiving...To You...and Yours...

Barb C.
{ I'll explain the sweater...later....} {oh...my...The March Hare!}

{As I finished last minute grocery shopping.... I grabbed some lunch...Three Highway Patrol Officers, sat at the table, next to me... I sat there...and thought...how much, they sacrifice...everyday...for us...and this Crazy World we live in...isn't Mayberry....what they must see...on their travels.... oh my.... I thought about saying something to them... but...went on my way.....
As I was leaving....the store...I saw, they were just finishing up....I walked up to them, and said..." I have to tell you guys something...that I know, you won't believe, when you have me pulled over...some day.... {and I...may not be in the mood to say....while getting a ticket...{or...'warning' : ) }
But...Thank You...Thank You...for Everything You Do For Us...Every Day..."
 The one Officer...Blushed...I think, sadly...it surprised them...., they all Beamed!... Bless their Hearts...}

Eight and a Half Foot....Arched Windows.... Lovely....

Lovely Pair of late 1800's Arched Windows...in Excellent Condition...Beautiful Original Finish, on the interior side...... They could be reused...on an interior wall...or, a Garden Structure...They have a nice, deep inset...

Sharp!

Priced to Sell...

Call for or e-mail with any questions!

Home....after...a Long...day...

Spent the day....on the road....only got 3 hours of sleep last night....{at best...don't ask...}
 I feel like a noodle...
Deliveries...and...pick ups... Still have a 7 inch knot, on my leg... but...it only hurts when I touch it....{or Polly rubs against it...oh my...to the moon!}
Made an Illinois run, today.... brought home some great stuff.... and...visited with some, lovely...lovely people...
I should have stayed home...and cleaned... for Thanksgiving....but...the hi way was calling me.... at first, I thought my gut steered me wrong...{silly me...} but then...I found some most wonderful treasures....and Great Folks.... It was a Good Day....
Busy, again, tomorrow... Photographers...coming to the shop....{seems I have one or two, weekly..wanting to take pictures...of the gnarliness...or do photo shoots...with children, or grads....I love it...and always welcome them...Creative Spirits...who appreciate...the Insanity...of the 'Rabbit Hole'...}
I'm going to see Pegadoo, tomorrow...oh my... I want to take her something...but...I don't know what.... she Loves Bread...so...maybe some Panera's....
Then...I have got to get busy...food to prepare...pit...to clean... Friday...the Tree goes UP!...


This is a Lovely...40 year old set, of Cast Iron Garden Furniture.... the surface is Great!!! All Mossy!...Pretty...Pretty!....



I could not believe...I found these trees...all on one shop... the largest is nearly 18 inches... the smaller...funky ones, are  'made in Taiwan Republic of China' stamped... oh my....new...old stock....{found a fun load of vintage Christmas...like I tell Peg..."but... I don't have one....Like That : )   "...when she scolds me for buying More of it...she'll be happy to know...I didn't duplicate anything....: )     }



Oh my...found 2 of these amazing...still in the box.... vintage wreaths...they are 12 inches...or better, in diameter.... I had to have them...simply...had to... Love...Them! {I don't have any...like these...... : )   }

 Christmas... at Home.... It's gonna be...over the top...if...I have the strength....ambition...and...creativity to pull it off.... I think...it's going to be...Grand....
But...for this moment...this noodle...has to find a bed... and collapse...I....have had...enough...
Love, to You...
Peace...
Barb C.
I'll have more images tomorrow...a heavy Load.... I'll be around... in and out...the rest of the week, and weekend....whew....

The Old School House Clock.....

There are so many things...that seem to be meeting...in the middle...in my life...these days... parallels...

When Peg and I talk about this...she insists...it's the 2012 thing...who knows...maybe...she's right...{Peg is privy...to a lot of the weird things...that happen in my life... sometimes...we simply have to go...'hmmmmm....' }

My brother in law, called the other day...we haven't been close, since Chery passed away... he's a good man... but.... he has his life...and I, have mine.... He said...there was something, he would like to get rid of, in the house... {my mind was racing...there was one thing, of Chery's I wanted...in the worst way... because....I Knew how much she loved it....}it was an Old Clock, I had sold her....nearly 20 years ago...she mentioned how much she loved it, when I got it....and...I was short on money....always...always....bills to pay.... so, it went to her Loving Home...it was so Chery....she painted everything white...long before it was the 'thing' to do....she was always a Trend Setter!{the late 1800's Clock had been painted, in the '30's...obviously....by another..Trend Setter!}

My heart skipped a beat when he said, "It's a white clock...think they call it a School House Clock..."...ahhh yes.... tho, money is tight...especially...'to keep'...something.... this will never be for sale.... it's Family...I sold a couple of things, out of the house....and  was so happy to buy it back!!!

 So Happy...to have a Remembrance, of Chery... always... 

Like...I needed one....

I think of Her Every Single Day....

I do...miss her so.....

oh my....

{ Chery...was truly...the Wind, beneath my Wings...My Hero...Just like ...John...Peg....Dad...Jeri...and a Few...others...who I'll not mention...by name...but they know.... From...here...to Heaven...who they are....and they are right here...in My Heart....My Hero's....}

I thought...as I took the key, into my hand...the last person, to wind this old Clock...was my Sister....

I...do miss her...so...

Yesterday's Gatherings...

Had a Crazy...Busy Day...Yesterday... so many 'had to get done's' The Horse Shoer was here, early.... and as Scout and I waited for him, in the pasture... I noticed Scout had pulled a huge iron track, from a frame machine, onto the ground...{ he gets board...and, like a pup...can be destructive!} I didn't want him to  get hurt on it...so...I picked it up....{ I'll bet all of 100 pounds} and hurled it... onto the frame machine... unfortunately...it 'hurled' back...it was caught on something...and kicked back....the end of it... hit my shin...and leg...I truly thought I had broken my leg...

I kept going...I could walk on it...and got all of my 'had to's'...done... but...by 5, when I got back home... I nearly had to cut my jeans away...from my calf... it was a long...long...day...

It looks much better, today the salve helped a lot...it hurts....but...not so bad...

On my Journey, yesterday...ran into some wonderful folk...Some, from New Orleans...they are from France, originally... Loved visiting with them... and gathered some very interesting treasures...Love the Staffordshire...in Red Transfer...soooo hard to find...and...of course...the Vintage Farm Animal Set... oh my...there must be 30, to 40 pieces...in such good shape... with detailed descriptions of each critter, on the back...{even mentioning Iowa, as one of the main Farm States... : )}

Ahhh...but the Velvet Heart Shaped Box.... that was my 'treasure'...for the day.... I can't afford to keep it...but...I'll enjoy it... for a while..and I know...it will find it's way..to the Perfect Hands...

The truck is loaded...with some heavy stuff... and a very sweet, Chimney Cupboard... {an Honest...Real Deal...Chimney Cupboard....also, hard to find...}

I'll be open Sunday, 12 -4 and have the New Arrivals, in!

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

{Talked with Peg, yesterday... she is exhausted...I said,  "Good! Means those Chemo Soldiers are FIGHTING!!!"....Please continue, to keep her in your Positive Thoughts... and Prayers.... I can see that tumor SHRINKING to NOTHING!!!}

{I gotta tell ya... as I was doing dishes.... I saw a fly...struggling... in the dish water...{ I  love all creatures...Great...and small...but flies...I have an issue with... } {and...why is there a fly..hanging around...anyway???? it's mid November!...} but... I scooped him out...and put him on a tissue...by the sink... to dry off...he looked like a goner...I finished my dishes... then, opened my 'Streams, in the Desert'....and looked to see, what message I needed to see, today... this, is what I read...

"If anyone gives even a cup of cold water..., he will certainly not lose his reward." {Matthew 10:42}

What shall I do? I expect to pass through this world but once. Therefore any good work, kindness, or service I can render to any person or animal, let me do it now. Let me not neglect or delay to do it, for I will not pass this way again. {an old Quaker saying}

It isn't the thing you do, dear,

It's the thing you leave undone,

That gives you the bitter heartache

At the setting of the sun...

The tender word unspoken,

The letter you did not write...

The flower you might of sent, dear,

Are your Haunting Ghosts, at night..

The Stone you might have lifted

Out of your brother's way...

The bit of heartfelt counsel

You were hurried too much to say;

The Loving touch of the hand, dear,

The Gentle and winsome tone,

That you had no time or thought for,

With troubles enough of your own...

These little acts of kindness,

So easily out of mind,

These chances to be angels,

Which even mortals find...

They come in nights of silence,

To take away the grief,

When Hope is faint and feeble,

And Drought has stopped belief....

For life is all too short, dear,

And sorrow is all too great. To allow our slow compassion

That tarries until too late.

And, it's not the thing you do, dear,

It's the thing you leave undone,

That gives you bitter Heartache,

At the setting of the Sun....

{Adelaide Proctor}

Give what you have, for you never know...to someone else it may be better than you can even dare to think. {Henry Wadsworth Longfellow}

{The fly...has flown away... oh my... }

Sweet Annie Christmas! Bishop Hill, Illinois

I...for some reason thought this was next week! Not so... It's the 19th! 10 - 4.....

I hope you can go....it is such a Wonderful Experience...The Bakery will Drop You!!!! The Food...is Amazing...and Great Primitive Country Gatherings.... oh my... I would so love to go...but...don't think I'll be going anywhere....had a run in...with a huge steel track...for a Frame Machine... thought I broke my leg....Got done, what I had too... but...I think I'd better stay off of it...for a while...

So go...and have a Blast...!

Don't forget about Sisters' Garden.... tonight, and tomorrow {Rug Cottage and Barntiques}

 and Kalona Antique Co., Sunday...

{Old Mans Creek...and the other Fine Antique Shops, in and around Kalona, Iowa this weekend!}

Kalona Antique Co....and the Woodin Wheel...Open House...Sunday!

Hope I can get away...and go visiting... It sounds like a lot of Fun....The last time I had visited...lots of cool stuff had just come in.....at the Kalona Antique Co., I never leave empty handed...!

Sisters' Garden and Bloom,  is Having an Open House, this Weekend...check out the Blog...for all of the details...It is Always....Always...Over the Top....

Located on Hiway 1, 10 miles north of Kalona....319-683-2046

Be sure...and check out the Rug Cottage....and Barntiques....

{also, on Hiway 1, about 12 miles north of Kalona}

Old Mans Creek....{watch for signs...on Hiway 1}

There are several shops...in the Kalona area...

Happy Shopping...!

Barb C.

{be sure and check hours, for the other shops....some are closed on Sunday...Kalona Antique Co,'s

 Open House is Sunday... }

Father Time.......

Old...Novelty Clocks...Love them... This Rudolph is my very Favorite... the Blue Birds. are Sweet, too.... Miss Scarlett is so drawn to Rudy.... watching the little deer go back and forth...oh my...

 I started collecting Clocks...when the kids were little...My Sister, Chery always had old clocks, in her house....and it seemed so cozy...listening to them tic away...kind if like rain...on a tin roof...soothing....Over the years...many have come, and gone...some...I hope...we can always keep...then, give to the kids...It's amazing how these old clocks...just keep going... some...are close to 200 years old....and they keep on goin'.... I love hearing them....John winds them ...on Sunday mornings...they..all have their own voice...{tic...and chime} just as no two finger prints are alike... neither are they... sadly...you get so used to them, you don't hear them....Except...the Old Clock, in the Kitchen....where I do my Computer work...He whispers in my ear...and reminds me, he's behind me....especially, when I'm on the phone...and he strikes....people can hear him, too...and ask..."what was that?".... or...go silent...for a second...

They are lovely...and...some very whimsical...like the Little Frog Band...... Some are Beautiful...{well...they all are, to me....} some, a little ruff...but original...and they 'sing' beautifully...some...are beyond repair....but...simply needed a home...so...they found one....

There is something about Clocks...and time...how it waits, for no one.... Something....we must all respect....

Hope you have an Amazing Day...

and...Spend your Time....Wisely...

Love, to Ya...

Barb C.

A...Long Day...

But...a Good Day... Spent the day with Mom...{through everything...we Laughed.... a lot...}
She is totally blind...can't stand...or transfer, without at least 2 people...and a gate belt.... {they believed me, finally...at the Hospital....oh my...it was...a long day...} I don't write about my activities....other than antiquing...much.... but...I do live another...several lives... one...is being my Mother's Guardian....I work hard at it...but...feel...I fail, at being a good daughter....some times...but...this is...the Best I can do...I'm sure there are others...who do...much better than I....Bless their Hearts...
I will say...we Both...had a very Long day... Mom's surgery went without a hitch...a Great Surgeon...is a Plus!!! We started at the Nursing Home...at 11... the Special 'K' Bus...picked us up...at 11:15... {they are Great....I can't transfer Mom, into a car, from her wheelchair...anymore...so a Handicap Bus...is all we can do....} It's soooo hard on Mom, tho...I keep chatting...and reassuring her.... {think about taking a Loud...Roller Coaster Ride...Blind folded....and being 91 years old.......oh my...traumatic...for her...and me....}Stress, can bring on Grand Mall Seizers...{she has a brain tumor....that triggers Grand Mall Seizers....she has beaten my arm, bloody... into the pavement...while having one...as I cradled her head...from hitting the concrete...they are horrible...and...they have happened while grocery shopping...or just walking, into her house...they are a Horrible thing...} It took many hours...from start, to finish...but...she is in no pain... and....I brought her, her favorite supper...Fried Chicken...and Mashed Potatoes..with Beef Gravy...
 I feed Mom....she can't eat by herself, anymore... without her sight...and her left side...for some reason...just doesn't want to work, anymore...{it's the Meningioma...{brain tumor} I'm pretty sure...she says it's from a stroke... tho...there is no evidence of a stroke...}Think...that is the hardest part...Mom has dementia... I just...realized...how long...I would not...admit that.... I simply could not...let anyone think...Mom...didn't have her faculties....{I still...have a very hard time with that....something...about respect...you simply do not question, your elders...at any cost... } {that...will be in the book..someday... 'The Care Giver..."} most...don't know me...that way...that..is another life... oh my... when I say... "It's not the Years...it's the Miles"...trust me...
I visited with the staff, at the Nursing Home, and Mom's Doctor...before I left, tonight.... Think...everything..is on track... I am concerned about infection... Mom's 91 year old skin...wouldn't let the Surgeon close up, like he wanted to... so... it has to be watched closely... biopsy results...in...in 36 to 48 hours....
Visited with Peg...this eve...she was eating a steak...Bless her Heart.... I was looking up on line, what she should be eating....as we visited...and SHE YELLED AT ME!!! Told me to quit worrying...they had all sorts of directions...on the food to eat...during chemo... I said...well...it appears..it was what I had said...anyway... High Fat... High Protein!!! The Biggest Bang...for the smallest amount! { I Loved hearing her yell at me....Spunk!}
Then...visited with a friend, going through 'teenage daughter' issues...oh my...been there...{was one...{teenage daughter}..that is...and a Hand Full...I will Admit!} {what am I saying...I still am...a hand full...} oh my...All I can say...is ...Life is short...
Mom was singing...in the Hospital... "Wooden Heart"... ":Later than you Think"..."One Day at a Time"... and several other Oldies... the nurses got a Chuckle...I thought about asking her to quiet down... but...then thought...I don't think so.... she wasn't that loud......she is 91...and had just been through...so much...if it bothered anyone...they could ask... I wasn't about to....{plus...she sings in perfect key....amazing...}
Yep...it was a Long Day...{I even ran into my Dad's Oldest Daughter....at the Surgery Center, at  the Hospital...  {I should have played the lottery...I never see her... who would have thought!} Strange...she said, she's 75....I about fell over...she looks like she's in her 50's... good genes...I guess... {she doesn't have those 'miles' tho...oh dear...}
Oh Well...I have had enough...for today...I drove Old Sally...and we Listened to Chesney..."Alive and Well"... and, for today...that's good enough...for me...

This is Mom, Liz, and Miss Scarlett...at Mom's Sister, Helen's Funeral...in July...This was a Hard Day...for Mom....

I visited, throughout, the day...with Nurses...and Doctors...we all agree...all we truly have..is this very moment...better enjoy....
Love..to You...
Barb C.
{Yep...if this seems a little unlike me...I have been enjoying Spiked Egg Nog...and Loving it! Happy Holidays!}{Mom got Percocet....!}{It's been a Long..Day...} : )
{Mom kept Thanking me...for being there... I said..."No...Thank You...For being...my Mama"....} {for the record...my Mama...made all of my clothes...she was .... is,...amazing....}

Always...a Surprise...

Lovely Ironstone lid...some folks, like friends, Jean, and Renate S. have a Lovely Collection, of Ironstone Lids.... they are like pieces of Artwork...within themselves....

As with most everything, in life....if you look a little farther... oh, what Surprises await....

This Lovely Old Ironstone Lid...was someones...long ago....canvas... {late 1800's...early 1900's...} The artist even added something to the snow....so when the light hits it...it sparkles... I imagine, it was a Christmas Gift...for someone, very special...I treasure it....and have it in the Big Cupboard, in the dining room....where I can enjoy it, year around...I gaze at this image...and almost...find myself, there...at the Old Church...with the Snow all around...Sparkeling......{it reminds me of the Little Church, on the Hill... that is now, long gone...in Cedar Bluff, Iowa...}

Hope, you all have an Amazing Day...

Love to You...

Barb C.

{taking Mom in for surgery, this morning...It's going to be a long day... }

Home...

I took Polly for her morning jaunt around  Home....she so, looks forward to that... and snapped these images.....It's a Lovely morning... the Sun is shinning... and for that moment....it was good....

 Life is 'Good'....

It was Great seeing Mike, Peg's husband, for lunch...yesterday... He is such an Amazing Man....They are a Perfect Fit....

I asked John, if I could take Jethro...for a spin, yesterday...to get groceries...{he said you don't have to ask me, just take him.... I will ask...}

It was great, going down the hi way... he so wants to fly...and...I guess, there is a part of me, that wants to, as well....

I'll be working in the shop...putting things together...

I visited with Peg... yesterday...and her daughter, Mel.... they called while she was getting her first Powerful Treatment...

I had just gotten off the phone, with a dear friend, who had said, I need to reassure Peg...that I will be fine, and I can get along.... and not to worry...

I said...{to Peg and Mel, what I told my friend...}" Too frickin late for that!!!!! I already told Peg...I Miss her...Every Moment... and Folks Totally know, the Rabbit Hole, is looking pretty Shabby....and...I Need Her....She needs to Kick this Crap...and get her Little Fanny Back to Me....I Can't be Without The Mad March Hare...} Peg said....the day before....she and I are joined at the hip...and she is sorry, for that...Oh my gosh.... I wouldn't change that...for..Anything....anything...Peg looks at me... like I look at an Old, Broken Down Cupboard... She sees the good... and looks past..all of my imperfections....she knows me...Peg is....The Wind Beneath My Wings....there have been a precious few...in my lifetime... 

 God Bless Them...

Please continue to keep Peg, and all those who are suffering, today...in your prayers....

and, I thank you...for that...

love, to you....

Barb C.

{ Liz just called...and told me, Nick, her husband...was on the computer, last night...she leaned over his shoulder...to see what he was working on....Nick was adding Peg to an online, prayer list....

oh my... That... brought me, to my knees... Bless his Heart........}

Sunday...

It was a quiet day...Folks stopping by....some...I hadn't seen in so long... but...each...with a message...{and...Cup Cakes... : )   } it was very wonderful....yet .... It was a somber, day...I try...so hard...to 'shine'... but...The Mad Hatter...that I am...wear my emotions...very...close to the surface...and try as I will... I can't 'shine'...for very long...with everything...everything...

everything...

It's almost....too much....

Please...keep Peg in your Prayers...

this is going to be a tuff week...for her...and her Family...

Love, to you...

Barb C.

{Sweet, Amy...I am so sorry...I simply could not stay...at the shop...another moment....last night...it was time, for me to go.... Thank You...for Everything...and, I do love you so...}

Happy Birthday # 2!!! Justin!

I can't believe it! 2 YEARS OLD!!! { I guess we blinked!} I'm gonna try and sneak away, from the Open House... for the Party... if not... It's gonna have to be a Play Station Date!
Justin has become quite the Little Man...
He's a 'Melter'!
Happy Birthday Sweet Pea...
Love....Gram