Happy Hippie Presents: Look What They've Done to My Song Ma (Performed b...

Look... what They've done... to my 'Song'.

: )............

As I stumbled to the kitchen....this morning, and...started to put the 'Coffee'...makin's...together,

I looked out the window...over the sink, and thought...

as, I stared...at what will soon, not be ours, anymore...

{Thanks, to The City of Fairfax. : ) They are taking so Much, of our land...in front of our Home, for a 'walking trail'...
{that, I Pray...No One, will ever use.
 I, didn't discover the Total Impact, of our property losses, until Monday. }

Should our Home, burn down...we couldn't rebuild...here.

and...

Much...Much....More. 

Our Big...Beautiful...Trees, 

{most...All...of them }

Buildings...

my

 'Song'. 

{I started humming, the tune, to the above....song. }

This, all....

reminds me... of getting hit, in the face....with a Baseball Bat.

Have you...ever been hit in the face, with a Baseball Bat?

I, have.

It, surprisingly.... isn't painful, at first.

Your Mind...is so Stunned, after The Bat.... Impacts your Face, 

it...Scrambles, to make Sense....
out of what just....happened....
and frantically....tries to assess the Damages.

"Am I going to stay..on my feet? 

Are...my Knees, going to buckle...

Have I lost any Teeth?

 Can I 'See'...

{for what seems like,  forever...all you can 'see'...are 'stars' }"

You, try...with everything you have, to... keep Standing.

you can't...go down. 

If you go Down... 

They'll keep Beating...You.

I've been Hit in Face, with a Ball Bat...Once, literally.

I was young.

It prepared me...for,

'These'...

kind of Beatings.

'These'...kind of 'Beatings'...are, so Much...more...Painful, 

I can tell you, from much...experience.

: ).........
but, you see...
It's not just...'me', This Time,
 I'm takin' the 'Hit'...for.

I know...I Can't go Down.

I'm so.....dizzy, from being...Blindsided, by...so Many...Beatings.

One...after another....after...another.

I've tried...and tried...to make sense, out of all of this.

I, can find...None, for any of it.

I'm sure...there's Money, behind...this 'Bat'.

and...

maybe...

a little more.

: )

I, was talking...to a Woman, the other day...that's taken care....of mine and John's....business, for years.

I, shared...a little of what's going on, with her.

She listened, took a deep breath... and said, 

"Barb... This, sounds...a Lot...like 'Harassment'...to me."

I, never...would have thought of that...Truly, until she said it.

I, work all of the time, and...don't have the time, to 'think'...that way.

but....

when I sit still...and 'Look'...at 'This'.

Who...would take, the majority....of the land, in front of someone's Home....and Business, to put walking trail...that, is going to put people's Lives...at Risk, that Hopefully...Folks, will Never...set foot on?

The Mayor...says, The City, may Never put this Trail in, in our Lifetime.

but...

They...are Taking, Everything...from Us, now.
It doesn't seem to bother them, that people, are going to die, it's not 'if', like I told...them....
It's When.
They, say it won't be 'This'...Council, that'll have to deal with it.
{Hmmm... Our Great Grandchildren, instead of our Grandchildren, will be at risk. }
I don't think...it's gonna be long.
Unless The City, pays for this Trail, themselves.
{They won't tell me how much the 'Projected Costs' will be. I've asked, over...and over.
They say, they don't have any idea. : ) }
The IDOT, says it must...be completed, in 5 years.
{If they get Federal funding, for it...of any kind. }

Hmmmm.

Like 'The Song'...Goes.

"If People...are Buying Tears...

I'm Gonna Be a Rich Girl...someday."

: )

I'm posting the opening letter, to the Packet...I presented, to The Mayor, and Council, back in November.

It's based on a Safety Audit, that the IDOT put together.

Facts.

I, don't think...they read it.

I, read this portion to them.

I asked them to make it 'Public Record'...

I, doubt they did that...either.

I asked The Mayor, to Please...

Rescind the Plans...for This Trail.

in the Interest...of Public Safety.

Without blinking...he said... 

" No "

For nearly...a year, they had me spinning, in circles.

They told me, during the Council Meetings, that They Wanted No Part...of this Trail.

The IDOT, was Forcing...them.
I...Believed....them.

so...

I spent Hours....Weeks...Months... making phone calls, to Dozens of People...with the IDOT...from Cedar Rapids, to Des Moines, and Ames....then,
waiting...
for the IDOT....to respond.

Working Every Other Job...I have to do, to Survive....in between.

It's been...quite a Journey.

They, the IDOT, were actually, being straight with me, when they said...

"Your City....Wants This.
 It's Costing Us...a Lot of Money, to Do This, 'Portion'...of the Highway Bridges, and the Grading...for Fairfax's Requested Trail."

The Council...basically...called me a liar, when I kept telling them, what I was told.

The funny part is,...I don't know if...the council....knew, they were lying.

but...looking back,

There were People...at Every Meeting, who did....and said..nothing.

The Council...said nothing, to me...when I provided them, with the document...

where THEY REQUESTED This Trail, to the IDOT.

The only, 'defense' they had...., and said....was,

"This...is a 'Wish List"...we never expect to get it all."

Well... seems they got their 'Wish'.

{It's quite a leap...going from
 'Never Asking For This'....

to...

'Wish List'.}

oh dear.

This...has been a Nightmare. 

Constant...beatings.

If...somehow, my Beatings, will save one...Life.

I'll keep takin' 'em. 

If...these Beatings, will save an inch...of what John, has worked...so hard for.

I'll keep...takin' 'em.

Pray....for me. 

Love, to ya...

Barb C.
Click on the images, to make 'em bigger.
: )
I'm old school, don't have fancy...gadgets.
You might, call The City of Fairfax, Iowa.
They, are supposed to have all of this, on Public Record.
They have gadgets...: )
I, Truly...HATE, doing this. I, Never....complain, to The City, about anyone...or, anything. We, just...live, and let live. : )
This... has me...scared to death. None of it makes any sense. Anyone, who has lived here, for any length of time, knows...putting a trail, 'sidewalk'...whatever, along this highway, is insane. }
They pointed out, a couple of comparisons.
: )
One, is on Edgewood Road. in Cedar Rapids.
: )
One..is on Highway 1.
{You should see that trail, over the bridge. It's NOTHING, like what we'll have. }
Check the Speed Limits,Traffic Counts, Fatalities, Crashes with Major Injuries, Crashes with Property Damages....in Their... 'Comparisons'. : )
That's why... I asked The City, to do their own... 'Safety Audit', before....they put Children, on this.
"No"
: (
{I, lost my temper...at that meeting. : ( }
No one, in our area....seems to know about this 'Trail'.
I, wouldn't have....either, had I not went to the DOT Meeting, a year ago...and saw that our land, was being 'taken'.
It, took me weeks, to find out...it was for a Trail.
I, knew...it wasn't for the Highway.
The DOT, took so Much...of our land, 20 years ago..for that.
{I was hit in the face...with a Baseball Bat, then...too. It was a little...different, then. It was the DOT. These....people, who are doing This, are Fairfax People. Our...People.}
As I sit here....typing, all of this...today.
It's taken me...hours.
I, just...looked up.
See those Tree Branches, that are just...outside, our window.
The Old...Locust Trees.
{about...20 feet, from our Home.}
: )
They'll all.... be gone, along...with Many...Many....more.
This, would Break John's Heart.
: (
The First...time, since..he went away....that 'I'm thankful, John's not here'.
You, all...who, 'know'...me, know...out of All of the 'words'...on this post,
the above...five,
were the Most...difficult, for me to write.
Until all of 'This'...
I would have Bet My Life....
 I'd Never...begin to 'imagine'...
those words.

I don't want anyone else...to imagine, this kind of 'Loss'.
but... if this Trail...comes.
It won't be 'if'...
it'll be 'When'.

I, Hope...and Pray,
Others...will Stand Up....
and...Help me, Stop This.

The Old....Locust Trees. <3
Peekin' in the window...watchin' me write...and write....and...write.
: )
I'll be editing, long...after I post this.
It's gonna be a Long, Night. 

This, and the above document...was submitted by The City of Fairfax, asking....the DOT, to include a walking trail, on the Bridges, and Highway 151, back in 2012, for the DOT, to partner with them, when the DOT replaces this section of 151.

This document states, that we....would lose, very little land, if...the Trail, along the highway...and over the bridges, were taken off of the map. 

Yep...
We Need...
Sidewalks/Bike Trails/Walking Trails/Recreational Trails...
along
Federal Highways.
This is Highway 63, by Denver, Iowa.
I go by this, several times a year.
I've never seen a Soul....using it.
Thank God. 

This was last Fall.
about a Football Field, away from our Home, in the right of way...on the same side of the road.
This car, had to cross over the center line....in the path of oncoming traffic, to land, where it did.
There could have been a Trail...right...There.
Most accidents, on this Highway, happen...{says the DOT} between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Same car, as above.
See all the Big Trees?
That's...where we live.
Most All Of Those...Trees, on our property, according to the Packet, I received on Monday...
will be Gone, along the Highway.
{Most of them. They, might....leave a couple. }
Had that car... come off the road, a little sooner, it would have been right where they want a 'Trail'....in front of our home.
When the DOT Graded, our ditches...20 years ago, they did it, in a way...they said....that if a car came off of the highway, it could drive out, and not roll.
That's what Ditches are For....along a Federal Highway.
The roads, were CLEAR, when This happened.
It rained, long...before, the car went in the ditch.

paragraph 5, and 8...should be enough.
That's Fairfax.
The DOT, wouldn't have done...this audit, if...there wasn't need, for Improvement.
I, won't ever say, who it was...from the DOT, and...you can believe me...or not,
'That' person said... they couldn't believe, Fairfax got this 'Trail'...through.
They must know 'The Powers that Be'.
: (.........
I've said it to the Mayor, and Council....
Living on this Highway, isn't like driving on it.
It's like living next to The Mighty Mississippi.
You, and your Family...learn to Respect it.
The City, plans on linking the existing, safe....walking trail...to this, Horribly...Unsafe, one.
The thing about that...is, People, will assume, since it's linked, it's also....safe.
After, all...they would assume, if it's been put there, by The City....it Must, be safe.
: (
Just like...as I told the Mayor, and Council....
"Ponds...in Nebraska....have Crappies in them.
Ponds, in Florida... have Gators.
A Small Child, from Nebraska.... a couple of years ago....was killed,
 while... just standing...next to a Pond,
 with his Parents...right there, beside him... by an Alligator.
Can, you Imagine...how Helpless...they felt???
{I, can. }
There were signs...at Disneyland, warning...about Alligators.
but....
you see, like I said...
when you Live...in Nebraska, there's just...Crappies.
Our Friends, and Neighbors...who live near 151, know..all too well, about the Dangers.
Folks, from the new developments....with their Children,simply...walking through, don't.
It will be...
Heart Breaking.

{After, re reading this post...
I thought about... what I read, on Monday...in 'The Packet'.
The part, that said.... "Because of All of the Property The City is Taking...for this 'Insane', 'trail'...
 {I put 'Insane' in : ) }
If our Home, should burn down... we couldn't re build, here."
We've built our Lives...
Here.
'Home Sweet Home'
<3
Our Youngest Children... have lived here, All...of Their Lives.
<3
Our, Beloved Pets, are...all buried, here. <3
This...was John's Sanctuary. He worked...his Life...away, for it.
So...have I. {35 years...}
The last thing, some...believe...John, ever saw...
was His Beloved...Old Oak Tree, just...outside the door. <3 <3 <3
and, then... there's the...rabbit hole. <3 <3 <3 : )
After, everything... I've been through, with The City of Fairfax....this, last year.
I wouldn't worry about any...of that.
None...of it.
Not, one bit.
Not...for a Blink.
I, would Never...choose to 'Live'... 're build'... here, now.
Not...the way....'things' are.
Not...the way, I...and others...have been treated, and...will be treated.

{Sorry, my pictures, of the documents, are so poor. Click on them, to enlarge.
I have copies. : )
The City...is supposed to have them, all...on Public Record. ; ) }

I would, miss our Neighbors. <3
I, would...miss...our Bank, and Everyone...who works there, and has. <3
Frankly.... 'They'...would never expect, me to stay, after....all...of this.
They 'See'. <3

Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer (with lyrics)

Help.

I received a packet...in the mail, today.

I've been waiting for it.

I, don't have the 'mind'....tonight, to tell you what it's all about.

I...will, very soon.

For now....

I'm asking for your Prayers.

Prayers...on how I can take this on...and win.

I'll be asking for a lot more, from you...soon.

I'm so weak.

Most days...since John...went away....it's difficult, for me to get out of bed.

but...I do, because...I have to. 

I have to...to hold on, to everything, He Worked So Hard For. 

Me...too. 

I, try...very hard...to not let anyone....see, what's really going on.

Seems, those days...are over.

I'm gonna have to lay it all...out.

I...don't want to. 

I, Know...Everyone...has so many Mountains...to Climb, every day.

I...don't know where else...to turn.

: (

I, don't talk...to anyone...anymore.

because...

 I know, Everyone...is fighting...their own...battles.

I, don't want anyone....to worry about me, too.

I'm going to ask...them, and you....to worry.

Pray.

Pray for me.

Pray...I find strength....and wisdom.

I'm in...for one Hell...of a Battle.

I, Plan...to Win It.

I've done...everything, I can...and...it's not enough.

'This'...has all....caught me, at the weakest...time of my life.

I, don't like to admit it...

but, I'm gonna need some 'Help'.

It breaks my heart....to even...ask.

Love...to ya.

Barb C.

I've been fighting....this Battle, for over a year.
The Adversary....has sent me in so many directions...
: )
They, know....how to Play the Game.
I, never...wanted to.
I, just....want to stay down the rabbit hole.
That's all.
but, I will...Fight, to the end...for what we've worked...so hard for.
for...
what's right.
You'll see.
You, in my place...would, too. <3
I've always...been 'The Boxer'...
for, as long...as I can remember, for my Family.
It's Crushing...for me, to ask for help.
Thank You, for 'Being'...here.
I Thank God... Every Day, for Those...
that Stand...
behind....
The Boxer.
John...was a 'Boxer'....too.
: )
<3 <3 <3

Simply Iowa... Gnarly Table, down the rabbit hole.

oh dear.... 'Rug, on The Table... Table Cloths, on the floor. 'Simply...Iowa'.

I can't post an image, tonight....

of The Awesome, Gnarly...Table, I bought in Des Moines, yesterday.

I left my usb cord...down the rabbit hole, and...Frankly, It's Too Wet Outside, and...I'm too Tired, to retrieve it. : )

I, posted a Video...above...of MY Day... playin', down the rabbit hole.

<3

I busted my Butt...getting that AMAZING Table, and Six Chairs....in a Spot, that would be like... putting a Whale, in a Fish Bowl. : )

but...

It's In!!!!

It's Perfect!

Somehow... I, knew....it would...be. : ) <3 

: )

The funny thing, is....

as I watched the video....

I, realized....

I, put a Beautiful...Vintage Rug, that had been on the floor, for Years...

on The Table.

: )

and....used, Beautiful...

Vintage...Table Cloths....on the floor. : )

yeah...

: )

Ya can't get more...

'Mad Hatter', than...that!!!!

 : )

'Simply....Iowa'.

: )

<3 

Love to ya...

{you, Really...Need, to See...This Table, and...

The Rabbit Hole, in Person.

: ) }

Barb C.

When you're down....to your last... match, Light...a Candle.

Indeed.

: )

Robert Plant & Allison Krauss - SISTER ROSETTA...

One...is the loneliest number. Especially...when you're trying to do several...jobs.

Worked down the rabbit hole, most...all day. 

Just...came up.

Had Folks here, before 11.

Sold....the Wonderful...Old, Old... Corner Cupboard.

and... lots of littles. : ) 

Very...nice Folks, came to visit. : ) 

I've got Total...Chaos, going on.

: ) : ) : ) 

Worked in the above...tiny area, for a long time, today.

: )

I was listening to Alison Krauss, and Robert Plant...as I worked.

'Raising Sand'...CD

It's... Insane. : )

Love It. 

<3

One tune, really stuck in my head, I let it repeat, as I worked, tonight.

<3

I'll post it, above. : )

Someone...told me about an Amazing Table and Chairs...

I, inquired...

HOLY SMOKES!!!

I'm gonna have to be in Des Moines... in the morning.

They are holding the set, for me... until Noon.

Sadly, they can't meet me, until 9.

: (

It's two hours, from here...to DM.

There...is No Way... I can be back to the rabbit hole...by 11.

{well...there Is, a Way. : )

 but...

 my Driving Record, is Spotless. : ) 

I, wanna keep it, that way. : ) 

{John, would say, and did... to a Deputy Sheriff...when we got pulled over, 

and I wasn't wearing my seat belt.

 {I, was the Passenger. }

 "Yeah, she says....she never get's a Ticket, she has a 'Clean'...Driving Record...

but...there were Many times...she Should Have!"....

{The Both...Belly Laughed. {ARRRRRG!}

I, don't Who....I was More...Angry With...

 John, or...The Deputy...who wrote me...a TICKET!!!!! 

Hahahahaha!!!}

Anyway...

I, simply...can Not... lose the Table and Chairs.

I, Hate it... that, I can't be Open... when I said.

: (

I, can't be two, or...three...people.

I try.

sometimes... it, simply...doesn't work.

: (

Livin' the Dream....

Livin'...the Dream.

The images, below... are of the Wonderful...

Old...Old... Corner Cupboard.

It's a Heart Breaker.

I, hope... the Girl...who bought this, will keep it. 

<3

I, wish...I could have. <3

Love...to ya.

Barb C. 

that...little...door, on the inside.
oh... my. <3

A Sure Sign Of Spring Pt. 3 - Black-capped Chickadee Fee Bee Call

Springtime....in a Cup.

This was my Sunday Morning Coffee.

: )

February, in Iowa...can be so Frustrating!

: )

We So....Crave.... SPRING!

Mother Nature... teases us, now and then...with Beautiful, Warm...Sunny....Days,

then...

Takes it All Back...

with Freezing Rain, Wind...Snow...and Ice.

I put my Coffee Mugs, away....in February...and sip...from the Prettiest, Vintage... 

Floral Tea Cups, I can Find.

: )

Coffee, simply...tastes Better, when being sipped, from these. 

<3

We Need... Color.

We Need.... Flora.

<3

We Need... Spring.

<3

As I was unloading The Ford, the other morning, I paused....when I heard, what I call...

'The Spring Bird'.

{The Chickadee <3

I, always thought...it was the Red Winged Blackbird, but...Nope...it's The Adorable...

Little Chickadee. <3
I posted a video, of them...above. <3 }

When he Sings, 'Spring'...is not far away.

He Promises That. <3 

I had a very busy day....today.

Delivered Furniture, to Liz and Adam...from The Rabbit Hole.

Made...Huge...Messes, there, while doing so.

Oh Dear.

Just got home...a little while ago, and...I'm beat.

I wanted to post pictures...of the Wonderful...Old...Old... Corner Cupboard, that just came in, I got it situated in the shop...today.

but...

the usb cord, for my phone is upstairs, and...honestly...I'm too tired, to go up, and come back downstairs. : ) : ) : ) 

I'll share them, tomorrow, along with several others, I hope to have...of Improvements, down...the rabbit hole. : )

I'm gonna Hit The Hay.

Love, to You All.

Barb C.

How to Shift 13 speed Tractor Trailer Transmission

Trace Adkins Chrome

North...South...East, and...West. Long....Day.

Me and The Ford...were runnin' hard, at the crack of Dawn.

{Thanks, so much to Fairfax State Savings Bank, and Christine. <3 

I needed Cash, pulled in, very early...thought they'd be Open.

 They...were Not. but... Christine, saw me at the window...

and, helped me out. : ) <3 I, LOVE...that Bank. <3 }

Had to pick up the WONDERFUL...Old, Old... Country Store Counter, up...North.

It was raining so Hard... you couldn't hardly see.

The young Man, I bought it from, had a tarp... and, we covered 'er up...Tight.

I, posted a picture of it, on FB....

had it sold.....in no time.

: (

: )

I, went ahead...and delivered it, way down South.

Before I did...I gathered up some Fun Stuff, in between.

: )

LOVE....the Early, As Found... Salt Glazed 4 Gallon Jug.

The decoration, reminded me of Peg. <3 

I think... it's a Butterfly. <3

or, a Dragonfly.

<3

Either way, that's Peg. : ) <3 

The pile of Vintage Farm Animals...were Too Sweet, to leave behind.

<3

Then, I headed South, to deliver.

Wound up doing a partial trade, for an AWESOME....old Red Work Bench!

: )

Thought, Daughter, Liz...might like it for her Kitchen.

: )

Then...

me and the Ford....made Record Time, heading back North, then West...to Liz's house.

Son in Law, Adam...called, and asked if I'd watch Scarlett and Jack....so he and Liz, could pick up a 66 Ford Galaxie...West of Des Moines.

: ) 

I, just got Home.

LONG...Day. 

: )

I'll be workin' in the shop...tomorrow, trying to get things organized.

I'm going to be Open... Thursdays thru Sundays.

Lots coming in!

Love...the Victorian Fountain Piece, I picked up, today.

It's nearly 3 feet, in diameter.

WOW!!!

It'll be Fun, to Play With!

: )

Spring...is in the air.

Today, February 21st...is my Mom's Birthday.

She would have been 98. <3 

I, thought a Lot...about her, today. : )

Thought about...a lot of stuff.

<3

The Road...is Quite, The Therapist. 

so...is Music.

I, play it Loud...as I drive.

Today, I played Trace Adkins...Over and Over.

<3

The tune above, was my favorite, it kept me awake...coming Home tonight. 

{Had it playing, when I pulled out of the drive, this morning...too. : ) <3 }

I don't know how many miles...I covered, today.

Probably...over 200.

Watching the Grandkids... was the Most Exhausting! Hahahaha!!!

Oh Dear.

<3 <3 <3 

They Do...Keep Me Hoppin'!!! : ) : ) : ) 

Hope You, had a Great Day.

Love, to ya...

Barb C. 

{Where I picked up...the Old Store Counter, this Morn...

they had a LIFTED...FORD TRUCK.

BIG LIFT!!!!

OH MY!

Gipsy, has an 10 or 11 inch...

The one, today... was All of That, with Air Shocks...so it could GROW Much Taller!!!!

YEE HAW!!!! 

: )

Reminded me...of The Old Gipsy. <3 <3 <3 

OH BOY!!!

They were Ford Folks!!!

We Talked, for a LONG...Time. <3 <3 <3 

The Young Man, was Surprised, when I told him, Son, Justin...had put Chrome Stacks, 

on The Old Gipsy.....for me.

and...

Put a Chip...in 'er, so That Awesome....7.3 can ROLL COAL!!! <3 <3 <3 

The First Time, I drove a Semi...I was 14. It was Freightliner, 13 Speed.

It's a Story...I Have to save...for 'The Book'. : ) 

It was one of those... 

"Hell No, I Wanta DRIVE"...times. : ) 

and...

I Did,

 too. : ) 

My Brother, Sonny... was the Best Truck Driver, I ever knew. : )

He could 'Double Clutch'...like, No Other. <3 <3 <3 I, think his Driving abilities... also, made him an Awesome, Card Player. : ) 'Pepper' was a Card Game, I never saw him lose. : ) <3 

Thinkin' ahead.... and Skippin' Those Gears. <3 

I, posted another video....above 'Chrome', on how to shift a 13 Speed. Watch it... Remember it, as you are cutting off...a Semi, on the Interstate. : )

They Can't Stop, QUICK....like a car. Give Them Plenty of Room. <3 

Those Drivers, have a Lot...Goin' On. <3 : ) }

Big Stuff. <3 

Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild (Easy Rider) (1969)

Run....Little Ford, RUN!!!!!

Been, kind of a Slug...all weekend.

I threw my back out, a few days ago...

so, I've been takin' it...kinda...easy.

: )

Miss. Scarlett, has been with me, for several days.

Not, intended...but, every time Liz, came to gather her up...

Scarlett, really...wanted to stay.

: )

I've been a 'Slug', so.... I was Happy, to have her Stay. <3

We've lounged...around. 

This, mid....afternoon, I was told about an Old...Old...

Corner Cupboard.

You would have Thought...a Fire Alarm, went Off...in our House.

HOLY SMOKES!!!!

{Time, was of the essence!!!! : )  }

We didn't brush our Hair...We didn't brush our Teeth....
We...didn't change our Clothes!!!
{for the last, couple...of days. : ) }

Thankfully, Miss. Scarlett, has 'slip on' boots!

Grandma...wore her Sandals!!!! : )

{My Boots, are Lace Up. NO TIME FOR THAT!!!! }

We Bailed...in The Ford, and said...

"Run Little Ford!!!! RUN!!!"

oh dear!

: )

80 Miles...we ran. : )

We had Much Fun!

Met...the Sweetest Gal!

: )

Dug through, Several...Barns, and Sheds.

Oh BOY!!!

Century Farm!

Oh Boy!!!

: ) 

The little...Old...Old...Corner Cupboard, is...so Wonderful.

It's lived on that Farm...for Six, Generations.

An Old...Ground Hog, did a little Chewin'...on the Old Cupboard's base, 

All...the Better.

<3

I, visited...for a long time, with the Gal...who owned the Old...Cupboard.

<3

We, had...much, in common. 

It's all...about The Journey.

<3

I, Thank God, for The Love...of this, Old....soulful.

<3

It...takes us...places, we couldn't imagine.

Love...to ya, 

Barb C.
{There are only a couple of things, that will make me Move, quicker....
than Runnin' to an Old Cupboard.
No Matter...What.
: )
The words...
"Cow's Out!!!!"
and...
"Horses are Out!!!!"
: ) <3 }
Simply....
Iowa.
<3
{Dear Lord.... I am... my Father's... Daughter. : ) <3 }
Miss. Scarlett, is her Grandfather's, and... Great Grandfather's Daughter. : ) <3

1 John 3:18

Aretha Franklin - A Change Is Gonna Come

Thanks, To Everyone...for Attending The Rock Island Antique Show!!!

Had a Great Time, at The Show!

I, just...Love It.

: )

It's not a very big Event...

but, it's...really Great. 

<3

Tammy Mendoza, and her Family...do such a Wonderful Job.

<3

I, always meet so many...Nice Folks!

: )

My Very Favorite Customer....

was Trevor.

{below.} 

He was Immediately Drawn...to an Old...Grinder, in the booth.

Trevor, drives a Hard Bargain.....but, We Made'er Happen!!!

: ) 

<3

: ) 

I went with a very light load.

The Massive Cupboard, sold...but, I had to deliver it, on Tuesday.

I always find...such Soulful...things, at this Event.

The Old...worn...Dolly, ...<3 and, the little Chest, were two.

The Massive Heart, Sterling and Shell...pendant, and sweet, Vintage.... Jewelry Casket, were also... Rock Island Finds. <3

<3

I, truly....Love...This...Event!

<3

Gathered a Bunch...of Darling, Vintage...'Bling', too. 

Oh My!

: )

I was so Beat, setting up...on Friday.

My Feet...were KILLING Me.

I took my old boots off, and worked...barefooted, in the booth. 

I'd traveled a Million Miles, it seemed.

Went outside, the show....late, Friday....to clean the snow water....from a little red wagon, then...saw a Guy, trying to Plow.

I jumped in the Ford,{tip toed} that was right by the door, and moved him...

: )

He plowed, 

I ran back, to the wagon... and, tried to go back inside.

The door, locked....behind me.

Me, and the little red wagon, were locked out.

: )

Hahahaha...

Had to walk...to the other end of the building, barefooted, to get in.

: )

My feet hurt, so bad....I honestly thought....with every step....

The Ice...is a Good Thing. <3

You should have seen The Promoter's Face.... {Tammy}

when she saw my feet, as I walked past her booth.

Hahahahahahaha!!!!!

: )

Livin' the Dream!

: ) 

When I finally, got the booth finished......and headed to the Ford, I saw my foot prints.

I Burst Out Laughing!!!

oh my.

Who Does This Stuff???

I, realized...then, and there...

I, am... my Father's...Daughter. : ) <3 

It's been a Long....Crazy....Week.

I've had some health issues, and have been....in Low Gear.

{When I haven't had to be in High Gear!!! : ) }

With Valentine's Day...that, is always...so hard.

{Lost Dad, on the 13th, 31 years ago.}

and...

Thinking about John, ......

and, Peg.....

Mom....

and...Polly.

then, seeing....what happened in Florida.

oh my.

: ( : ( : (

Sometimes....

you think...you can't get any lower.

then...

you do.

My Heart Breaks...for the People, in Florida.

The People...in Texas.

The People...in Vegas.

The People...at Sandy Hook.

The People...

The Children....

Everywhere.

I picked up, some Bright...Orange, Roses...on the 12th.

Thinking, of my Loved Ones, that I...so Miss.

I, don't know why, Orange...stood out, so much.

It was the Only...bunch, out of Many.

Maybe...Red, and White....are just, too pure.

This Crazy...world....worries me.

On the 14th... I found the Bright Orange....Rabbit.

I'd never seen one.

Yes, Orange... is 'The' Color.

Love, to ya....

Barb C.

Haulin' In.... for The 60th Rock Island Antique Show! This Saturday and Sunday!!!

Was up at 3...

on the road, by 7....

Picked up a BIG....Wonderful...1880's Pine....

Cupboard, North of Bellevue, Iowa. : )

Such...a Beautiful...part of our State.

: )

It's North East, Iowa...along the Mighty Mississippi!

The Old...Cupboard, has lived there, all of it's life.

It was originally in a Drug Store. 

It stands, a little over 8 feet tall...and is around 10 feet wide.

Thankfully, it's a Two Piece, Cupboard!

I was very Fortunate, that Tammy, the Promoter...of The Rock Island Show, allowed me to drop it off, at the Show, today.

Rock Island, is an hour and a half, South...of Bellevue, also...on The Mississippi!

I, didn't have to come home, and reload, for the Show.

I'll be setting up there, tomorrow.

: )

{Rock Island Antique Show

Located at The Plumber's and Pipefitter's Union Hall

Rock Island, Illinois. 61201

February 10th, 10 'til 6

February 11th, 10 'til 4!

4.00 adm. 

Great Stuff...!!!}

I set up there, for the first time, last year...and Really Enjoyed....It!

It's a small Event, 

Packed...with GREAT...Stuff!

: )

Big Storm, is coming through, tonight....

but, Saturday and Sunday....Look GOOD!

: )

It's been a Long....day.

I crossed The Mississippi, several times, today, and... enjoyed every mile. : )

I even saw a few Eagles. <3 <3 <3 

River Towns, are Sooooo Cool!

I took a picture, of an Angel, that's in Bellevue, this morning...

 then...as I was walking up to the House... after climbing out of the Ford....a little bit, ago...

I took a picture, of one...of my Favorites, here...at Home.

{Reminds me of Peg, and John.... {My 'Polly', too. <3 }

<3

I'm gonna put my feet up, for a while.

I'll load, in the morning.

They should have the roads, cleared off...by tomorrow afternoon, then...I'll head to Rock Island, and set up. : )

Can't Wait....to Fill That Old Cupboard Up!

<3

Hope to See Ya!

{They, have Great Food, at The Show, too. : ) <3 }

Barb C.

Why Me Lord Story - Told and Sung By kris kristofferson

Spring.... She's whispering....in my ear.

Miss. Scarlett spent the night with me, and Sweetie, last night.

: )

She's such a 'Little Old Lady'. : )

: )

The things she comes up with. 

She, reminds me, so Much...of my Mom. <3

The words, and phrases. I SWEAR, Mom...is whispering in her ear. : ) 

She drank a Big...Glass, of Chocolate Milk....the other day, then....set the glass down...Hard!

"Now....That!!!

 Hit the Spot!!!."

{That's Exactly, what Mom, would've said. : ) }

Sorry, about being absent. 

I've had a heck of a time, with a Naughty...Molar. 

oh dear.

Finally got it pulled, on Thursday, but...it had me twisted....for several days prior.

It, was quite, infected....: ( 

I, simply....put it off, too long.

I'm feeling better, today.

Still hurting, and swollen.... but, better. : )

Before the novocaine wore off, I made a run to pick up an old...cast iron urn, near the Mississippi.

Met some Lovely, Folks...who had to try to understand my garble....with a numb face, and gauze filled mouth!

Hahahaha!

Turned out, they were having an Estate Sale....and...had Much More, than the old Urn.

Holy...Smokes.

The Ford, and me...came Home, with a Load. 

: )

oh dear. 

Unfortunately.... I spent so much time, digging, and loading...and....'visiting'. 

{Wonderful....People. Wonderful...Dogs, in their 'Family', too! }

The novacaine....wore off, just....as I was cuttin' the check.

: )

It was a LONG...nearly....2 hour drive....Home.

The Ford, is still...loaded.

I'm feeling good enough, today....to head down the rabbit hole.

: )

Below, are a few images I found...this morning.

They, are from several years back.

2011, and 16. 

With this 'Down Time'... I've been doing a lot...of Thinking.

Usually, that's Not...a 'Good Thing'.

It, was...this time. : )

Thanks, to a Dear Friend, an... 'Angel', really.

<3

She just... Celebrated her 84th Birthday.

She...is so Wise. : ) <3 

She, is....such, an Inspiration.

She walks, so Closely....with The Lord. 

I am, So Humbled...every time, we visit. <3 

I, am Blessed.

<3

As I was making coffee, this morning, 'thinking'....and looking out the window....

I could 'Feel' 'Spring'.

: )

It's very cold... not, 'Spring'....temperatures, 

yet....

it 'Feels', like Spring.

There will be more Snow...and frigid cold, before 'Spring' makes Her Entrance, I know.

but...

I can 'Feel', 'Her'....

She's very Close.

just...

around the corner.

: )

Love, to ya...

Barb C.

{I don't check the mail, very often...these days. I'd lose my mind, if I did. 

Liz, brought it all...inside, yesterday. 

Oh Dear.

Thankfully, it wasn't bad. <3

It, was actually...Good. 

<3

There were Several...

Christmas Cards....from Friends!!! 

Thank You. 

<3 <3 <3 

I, am...Truly.....

Blessed. <3 }

I found the Wonderful Tune, above... as I was 'Thinkin'...again, this morning.

Kris Kristofferson is one, of my All Time....Favorite, Song Writers.

Many, of my most.... Favorite, tunes...were written by him.

Many, that...until a few years ago, I didn't realize...were written, by him.

: )

This, One... is Truly, all His.

What a Wonderful Story, Kris Kristofferson shares, in this video...about his Inspiration, for this tune.

Wonderful....wonderful.

<3 <3 <3