Workin' Away.... at The N.W. Cedar Rapids, Iowa... Estate Sale!! {June 5 thru 8!! }

Been working, mainly... on the lower level.

There's a Contractor remolding the upstairs bathroom, the entire main floor, is pretty 'Busy'.

The lower level, is finished, it's like an apartment.

Has a full kitchen, and bath.

When Jo Ann, and Bill entertained,  we all gathered in the lower level.

<3

{Above are Jo Ann's Clothespin Bags. Handmade. I'm certain... Jo Ann most likely made them.

<3

I always smile... when I run across Clothespin Bags, like these.

: )

Simpler Times.

Some, still do hang clothes on a line. There's NOTHING that smells 

Sweeter, than Sun-dried Linens... and Laundry.}

<3

LOVE the little Vintage Vac!!

It works like a CHARM!!

So Cute!!

Even has extra bags, and filters!! It appears Bill was getting them at a local Vac Store!!

; )

Spent yesterday sorting... and organizing.

I remember enjoying Homemade Ice Cream... at Summer Gatherings.

<3

Dad, had his own special Ice Cream recipe.

It was So Good!!

Wish I could remember everything he put in it.

Remember... it having Lot's of Peaches and Berries!!!

When I was little, we had a hand crank... Ice Cream Freezer. 

That.... was a Job.

: )

then...

we Upgraded to an Electric one, like Jo Ann, and Bill.

; )

Jo Ann was Quite a Seamstress.

: )

Mom, Sister's Chery, and Merry Jo, were too.

<3

Don't know... if Sister, Joyce... liked to sew, but... know, I didn't inherit that Gene.

: )

When I 'sew'... it's with a Needle and Thread.

: )

No Machines... for me!!

; )

<3

Love That Rooster!

Bill is just starting to organize the garage.

The Contractor has much of his equipment stored there... until Tomorrow.

We'll be able to make Strides, when The Contractor is finished.

; )

There's some nice Tools, and Fishing gear... I've noticed.

: )

Stay Tuned!! More Images, and Details... Coming Soon!!

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

So True.

; )

Attended the Fairfax, Iowa...  'Special' City Council Meeting, last night.

It was a mess.

As my Gut... was warning it might be, a couple of weeks ago, concerning the new city administrator...

The first... and last one, lasted under 6 months. 

He resigned... in early May.

 Fairfax gave him a 25,000. severance package, with a confidentiality clause. 

: (

Made me wonder... 

a bunch.

Others...

Too.

: (

???

The clerk, made some comments, last meeting... to the council... about changing the educational guidelines,

for the next 'city administrator'.

???

that...

 really, made me wonder.

Said so... at that meeting.

???

The city clerk... has done a lot of 'guiding' our council... 

over the years....

in my opinion.

That...

 isn't her job...

 in my opinion.

Like Mr. Krabs, from SpongeBob SquarePants... would say, 

the last meeting...

 my 

nose started twitchin'...

got a

 Whiff... 

of,

'That Smelly Smell... that Smells...

Smelly."

{I know that 'Scent' Well...

from dealing with

 Fairfax, and IDOT... 

all of these years. : ( 

Mr. Krabs... smelled 

'Anchovies'. 

: )

somehow, 

I have a 'nose'... for something else. }

: (

It was pretty 'Putrid' smelling, at City Hall... in my opinion... last night.

I, gave the Mayor, and Council... my thoughts.

The clerk, as well.

{my hands were trembling... at the podium. : (}

Ya know... many of us would like to know... if the former administrator was 'Bullied' out of his job,

 and by whom.

They won't answer.

A simple 'No'... he wasn't... would set many of our minds at ease.

I've seen first hand, as have many others.... our Mayor Beer, be Bullied, at City Hall.

: (

Don't like it.

: (

I certainly Hope, as I shared with the council...

when they take applications for a city administrator...

they'll choose someone with No Ties to Fairfax, or Fairfax, Iowa... City Hall.

No Pals... No Family... No Friends of the Current City Government.

No current employees.

Told them, in my opinion...

Fairfax needs an administrator....

that's Honest, Free Thinking... Well Educated, Non Bias, 

and...

not

connected.

Just... my humble thoughts.

Incredibly Grateful...

the council... listened to their Attorney's direction... 

 to hand the reins back to The Mayor, instead of taking the clerk's....

seemingly very thoroughly... extremely... well thought through, ongoing... 'direction', 

and... filling that position in another direction.

oh my.

If the camera didn't 'malfunction', I'll post the May 27, 2025 Fairfax Special Council Meeting's

YouTube

video when it's up.

oh... dear.

{needles in my eyes}

By Golly!!! The May 27, 2025 YouTube Video... made it.

; )

If Ya have a bit of time, at about 1:15.00 is where The City Administrator... 

'discussion'... began.

my...

 my. 

For the record... I've always thought, and... recommended...

 Fairfax's hired Attorney should have a Place, a 'Seat'... at Every Meeting.

I, believe... in the long run, 

A Lawyer... 

Watching Over These 'Meetings'...

 Would've Saved our Community,

 'Fairfax'...

Big

Time.

BIG TIME.

Look at Fairfax's Engineering Budget.

then, think about how a Lawyer, maybe...

could've...

maybe, 

; )

{in my opinion}

Saved our Community, 

'Fairfax'...

a 

Big 

Bunch.

again...

my, humble opinion.

Back to Work!!

Back to Work!!

; )

Literally... 

my

'Back'...

is

Workin'!!

Yippee!!

<3

Amazing what a Day of Rest...

Hot... Bubble Baths,

and some old... extremely outdated, muscle relaxer's can DO!!

; )

Hahahahahaha!!!

: )

Workin' on The Cedar Rapids, Iowa...

Estate Sale

Today!!

; )

{Feb. 6th thru 9th!! Stay Tuned!!}

Received a call... yesterday, that... uh, made me Smile.

: )

Made me, somehow... think back to when I was about two. 

{???}

Sammy... The Spider Monkey, and a Mean...

One Eyed Rooster.

Long Story.

; )

Love to Ya...

Prayers for All.

Barb C.

Updated 1/28 Settin' The Bones... at The Anamosa Antique & Vintage Market.

Updated 1/28 Morning.

Runnin' around... Gathering a Few Last Goodies, to take to The Anamosa Market!!

Mark is in Anamosa, helping Vendors get moved inside the Building!

Things are Click...Click... Clickin'!!

; )

Decided at the last minute to take the Old Rooster Directional, among the other little Treasures.

: )

He's not in the best shape. Missin' his feet... but, he's still pretty Cute.

I've always propped him on the little old Truck. 

He...seems Happy, There!!

Gotta Fly!!

{no Pun...intended. : ) }

Will have Images of Anamosa tonight!

Hopefully...a video, as well.

: )

Updated 1/27

Havin' issues posting all of the images I captured this Evening...

at Anamosa.

{See 'Simply Iowa' on FB. Posted Many...there, of Early Set Up. : ) }

Those... are Just... a Snippet.

; )

Many... More, will be Rollin' in, tomorrow.

; )

It's Always Fun.... to compare Friday's 'Set Up' Images...with Saturday Night's.

; )

Stay....Tuned.

Had someone call today, and ask if 'The Show'...was still 'On', as we're gonna get a little snow, tomorrow.

; )

 Sunday...'Show Day', looks Good.

: )

In 28 years, Cecilia, and Jon's...

 Anamosa Event... has only been cancelled once.

; )

Wasn't because of a little snow, or...A LOT.... of snow.

: )

It was because of covid.

I'll try to capture a Video...of The Anamosa Show, tomorrow Evening.

; )

We're Iowans.

We...

Git 'er Done.

: )

<3

Priceless.

<3

The Old...Souls.

Got The Ford...pretty much Loaded, for The Midwest Show, yesterday!!

So Grateful...The Boys got his brakes fixed.

; )

<3

The Trailer...is loaded.

Picked up a 6 inch drop hitch, and ball...for The Truckasaurus, yesterday.

Started cleaning things up...a bit, for the event.

{No worries...there will Still be Plenty of Dust, and a few...Cobwebs. : ) }

Several of my Favorite Old Soul's are heading there.

They all date from the mid, to last quarter of the 1800's.

To most...they'd seem incredibly rough.

; )

They ought to. They've been through Hell.

As I was cleaning them up...after being stored in the Gazebo...for years, for the recent Sales, told Pal, Mark...

that They...were my Most Favorite Pieces, most Soulful...Pieces, on the property.

<3

Told Mark...how very much I enjoyed setting a display with them.

Helping them Shine.

: )

If I had a place for them in the house, like...so many other...Old Souls, here...they'd be there.

I only bring things Home, that I Love.

things... that I'd Happily put in our Home.

<3

Captured a couple images of the drawer, in one of the pieces.

All...hand dovetailed.

It has amazing turnings...on it's legs, and stretchers.

It's an old, old...Game Table.

<3

I'd knocked off some of the cobwebs, for the Sales, but...did a bit more cleaning on it, and the others...for The Midwest Show.

<3

Maybe...could've spent my time...more wisely.

; )

I'm probably the only one on the planet, that can see their Beauty, and Soulfulness.

appreciate...

their 'Soulfulness'...and, so called...'imperfections'.

{Battle Scars. <3}

In the 'market'...they have little monetary value.

to me...

they are Priceless.

<3

Someone...was quite an Amazing Artist, building....creating....such Soulfulness...

back, in The Day.

<3

When I work with these Old Souls, it's not work.

It's Therapy.

<3

Did a little gluing, here, and there...on the pieces.

Gave them a quick, warm....bath, with Murphy's Oil Soap, then...put a little furniture oil, on their dry...dry...surfaces.

They Soaked It All In!!

<3

: )

This morning, while headin' for the day old coffee, in the maker...

noticed the cupboard doors were open, on Dad's Old Cupboard.

I have to smile...when I see them open.

: )

There's NO Way....those doors should Ever...be able to open...on their own.

The latches are pictured above.

They latch tight.

When I see them open, every now, and then...I, know...it's a 'Wink'.

; )

This morning, for the first time Ever...

Both, the Top...and Bottom Doors were Unlatched...and slightly open.

<3

That... made me not only Smile, but...take a peek inside.

: )

Haven't taken a look inside that Old...Cupboard, forever.

Thought to myself...

There must be Something inside, I'm supposed to See.

<3

What I saw...besides dust, : ) were Old Friends.

<3

So Many....of the objects in Dad's Old Cupboard, are Gifts, from Dear Friends, past, and present.

<3

Was just talking to a Friend, the other day... about Running Away!!

'New Orleans'!!! 

Hahahahaha!!!

There It Is!!

: )

That Ironstone piece, probably dates from around The Civil War...era.

: )

oh...my.

{I sometimes threaten...to Run Away!!

 Hahahaha!!

but, anyone who truly knows me, knows...

I'm not much for Runnin' Away, from anyone, or...anything.

{I, uh...have been know to RUN From, a Rogue Rooster, or two... however.}

; ) 

If I were...inclined, to take a little trip, 

Yeah...Boy!!!

New Orleans would Be The Place!!!}

Have a few projects to get done, today...

Pack a few more smalls.

Load...a few more pieces.

The Simply Iowa Booth, at The Midwest Show...will be a little sample of The Rabbit Hole.

: )

It won't be like any of the others.

Never...is, at any Show.

<3

{Hahahahaha!!!}

Certainly...not everyone's 'Cup...of Tea'.

; )

but...

By God, It'll Be Soulful!!

<3

Grateful, to Thom, and Cathy...for the invite, and....for promoting such an Amazing...Event.

: )

It's Truly...a Gift, to our area.

Beautiful...Beautiful.

<3

Love to Ya...

Prayers, for All.

Barb C.

Insanity....

Trying to get the house...pulled together, for Visitors...on Monday.

Seems...I'm getting pulled from every direction.

From plumbing...to outside work.

And...Everything, in between.

oh my.

Yesterday, Marilyn, {The Queen of Hearts} and her Beautiful Daughter, Lauren, called out of the blue.

They wanted to bring a few things out.

Told them I'm chained to the house, but I'd meet them at The Rabbit Hole.

So Grateful...They thought of me...

however...

it turned into a long day, and into the night.

Destroyed the front end of The Rabbit Hole.

The Fainting Couch, nearly did me in.

I, was Shaking.

A Wardrobe made it's way inside the front greenhouse, but...had to move a pie safe...and so much more...to make it happen.

We PILED the other things...in the back greenhouse, it's a MESS.

Mess.

It's gonna Stay That Way.

, 

I gotta tell ya, I...am exhausted.

Simply...

Exhausted.

still...

have a Million Miles to Go...in the house.

: (

Getting that Fainting Couch...in, having to move Mountains...to be able to get it inside....then, place everything that had been done, again...well....

yeah....

I was Shaking.

Now, not only had the House to get done...but the shop...too.

Too Much.

I'm Grateful.

<3

but...so, so....exhausted.

and angry.

'Visitors'...

are The Last Thing I Need, right now.

The Last Thing.

Seems I can't stay on a project without being pulled from it.

Daughter, Liz...calls this 'Shenanigans'.

Always Something.

She says... "Mom you're so good at Multi Tasking. You'll get this done"

Seriously.

Seriously.

This morning I feel like Rooster Cogburn, in True Grit.

{below}

The Gunfight scene.

Rooster put the bridle reins in his teeth...and charges into Battle, against 4 men, shooting with both hands.

"Fill Your Hands...You Son of a Bitch!!!'

If...I can just find my hundredth wind, and Charge...

One More Time.

Told the Kids...I can't celebrate Easter with them this year.

No way.

I'll be lucky to get much sleep, over the next 3 days.

Kept telling Marilyn, and Lauren...yesterday, how sorry I was...for my frustrations.

How...I Truly appreciated Them....but, The Heat Is On.

It's Overwhelming.

Seems, it always has been, since dealing with IDOT.

Exhausting.

That makes me angry, because...

It Shouldn't Be.

None of It.

Love to Ya.

Prayers...for All.

Barb C.

Thought of my Favorite scene in The Outlaw Josey Wales...movie, 

{above}

 this morning...too.

I've often leaned on that clip.

That's a Fact.

Sometimes ya gotta get 'Plumb...Mad Dog...Mean'....to git'er done.

oh my.

 

A Date....with Yukon Jack. {shoooooo... buddy}

 Holy....

Smokes.

Had a Date...last night, with Yukon Jack.

{Pal, Jodi...and Her Beautiful Family, and Friends, too}

Shooooo Buddy.

oh my.

Every Stupid Time...I 'Go Out'..with Yukon Jack, the next morning, I feel like Comedian, Ron White did, in his "Dr. Phil Story."

Shoooo...Buddy.

Wow.

!!

Jodi's Husband, John...like My John...doesn't partake.

That's a Real....Good Thing....right there.

; )

Jodi, and John...are also, living in Hell.

They had issues with IDOT, several year's ago...

 then/now....

 an Insurance Company, after Their 'Dream' Farm...was Destroyed by the Derecho.

They are battling major illnesses, both of them.

Jodi, and I...want to be there, for each other, but...we're so busy....Fighting For Our Lives, it's all we can do, to keep putting one foot in front of the other, for ourselves.

It's Heartbreaking.

Told Jodi...we're living parallel 'dreams'.

Nightmares.

Nightmares.

: ( : ( : (

So...on the Rare occasion we can sit down...and talk, well....

we....

 Turn It Frickin' Loose.

Loose...

Loose...

LOOSE!!!.

oh my.

She surprised me by stopping by The Rabbit Hole, yesterday.

<3

What a Blessing.

<3

until...

this morning.

oh my.

shooooo buddy.

Sold The Big Rooster, to some Dear, Dear...Folks, early...this morning.

{shoooo buddy}

; )

I...was in Rare...Form.

oh my.

Les, and Diane...

Understood.

; )

They Love me...anyway.

; )

They've visited here...for Ever.

<3

They are Sickened about what's 'happened' by IDOT here.

Diane is a Fighter! Oh My!

She repeatedly told me to Call Them, Anytime....for Anything, especially concerning this mess, here.

<3

{So Many...do. May God Bless Them All. <3 }

There may be a Day...when we'll do just that.

; )

<3 <3 <3 

Had to work with Helper, Eric...today.

Hard...work, outside.

{shoooo buddy}

Eric, just left...I'm gettin' back on that 'Tomb', of a bedroom.

Threw the drapes for the headboard...in the dryer yesterday, got the dust off of 'em.

They're so pretty.

<3

Much Brighter...dustless.

hahahahaha!!!

{shoooo...buddy}

Oh My Lord.

Why, do Jodi...and me, Poison ourselves....like we too often do these last few years??????

We know why.

oh my.

We both are Warriors.

We both...have many, depending on us.

Counting...on us.

The Yukon...for me, and Vodka...for her, keep us from EXPLODING.

Kinda like the saying...

"She's not fragile like a flower.

She's Fragile...like a BOMB."

yes...indeed.

Love to Ya...

Prayers, for All.

Barb C.

You've gotta watch The Dr. Phil Story, by Ron White.

It's on YouTube. 

{Lot's of profanity...so, just...sayin'.}

but...my goodness.

I've Never Laughed So Hard...in My Life!!

It's So True!!

"Big Step...Ron!!"

Hahahaha...

and...

The 'Jolly Rancher'....in the armpit hair, frickin' Drops Me...

Every... Time.... I... Watch It!

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!

oh my.

{shoooo....buddy}

; )

Drink It...While The Mountain's are... Blue.

The Fairfax City Council Meeting...Totally....slipped my mind, tonight.

Dang.

; )

I'd already ordered a Pizza, from Casey's...when I remembered....

so,

 what.... to do?

: )

Since...Miss. Peanut, and I...so Rarely...splurge on Hot, Fresh...Pizza, decided, they'd simply have to get through The Meeting, without me, tonight.

I'm sure...I'll be missed.

; )

I'm not a beer drinker...

but, somehow...

Pizza and Beer, just sounded Good.

; )

I will say, if any of the Girls, reading this...are looking for a Man,

go to Casey's...

Carry out a Pizza, and a 12 Pack of Beer.

; )

Hahahahaha!!!

I had Four Men, offer to come Home with me...as I was Walking to The Ford!!!

Hahahaha!!!

Three, as I was waiting to pay...and One, in the parking lot...as I was climbin' in The Ford!

Hahahaha!

The Man in the parking lot, was wearing an Eye Patch.

; )

He'd just had surgery.

Told him that Patch...looked Good on Him!

that...

He looked like 'Rooster Cogburn!'

My Hero!!

<3 

Hahahahaha!!!

: )

Never a Dull...Moment.

; )

oh my.

Peanut, and I...will enjoy that Pizza, for Days.

{The Beer, for a Year, probably.}

So Much...More Enjoyable...than fairfax city hall.

; )

So....Much.

Better get the Beer down, while The Mountain's are still...

Blue.

; )

{Chose 'Coors Light'...because, I like The Tune...above.

; )

'Pontoon'.

; ) }

Love to Ya...

Prayers, for All.

Barb C.

{Holy Smokes!!!

The Phone just rang.

I recognized it, as The Sheriff's Department.

{892- numbers, are rarely...good.}

oh my.

The Gal, was from The Sheriff's Department.

She said..."We have three horses Out, on Ely Road...could they be yours???"

{My HEART Jumped Through My Chest}

Praise God. No.

{Horses, Ponies...Mules, Cows...'Livestock'...are a Surprise a Minute.

Much...like 'people'. oh...my. ; )}

I...Just got Home, Scout...is Secure.

<3

Asked her...if there was anything I could do...to help, being a 'Horse Woman'...

{Ely Road, is a long way...from Fairfax, but...I'd be there...in a Minute.}

She said.... no, and she'd update her information.

<3

Praying...for The Horse's on Ely Road. <3}

I sleep with my clothes on, to this day.

Ready To Run!!

oh my.

Those...Critters.

<3

; )

<3 <3 <3 

Somehow...I, have to laugh.

<3

Those...'Critters', are Pretty Smart.

oh my...

I've Seen Them...All, in Action.

<3

Human's...should be afraid.

: )

Really.

<3

Humans, in my opinion...have a LOT To Learn.

Great Time in Rock Island!!!

We had a Great Time...in Rock Island,

at Tammy Mendoza's Event!!!

Liz came...and helped, we had the booth set in 3 hours!

It was streamlined, from what we usually do, but....

it was a Fun...Sampling....from the rabbit hole.

Our booth. : )

See the Big....Velvet Heart!
I spotted this, next to my Friends, Colleen and Darrel's Booth.
The owner, wasn't there...so, I asked Colleen, if she would tell the owner, I wanted to buy it...when she returned.
She said she would. : )
Then...a bit later, Colleen brought it to my booth....and said,
"Happy Valentine's Day!!!"... and gave it, to me.
<3 <3 <3
{I put a sold tag on it...and displayed it...on the old, gate. : ) <3 }
I, am Truly...Blessed, by some Wonderful...Angels, in my life. : ) <3

: )

Our Booth. : )

After seeing the Show, during set up....
I called Mark Nutt, and told him... he needed to send some of his 'treasures' with....

The Show...was a perfect fit, for him.

He decided to bring a load...for the booth, Saturday morning, himself!

I was soooo Impressed, in so many ways...with this Event.

It's a very, 'tight'...event.

21 Vendors.

{The show started, 59 years ago...with 12, and stayed that size...for many years.

They never wanted it to become... 'Big'. }

My friend, Tammy, and her Mother...took it over...18 years ago...

and added a few more.

: )

It doesn't need, to be 'Big'.... in size.

Truly.

There are some Wonderful....Vendors... who bring....Amazing, Treasures.

I had little time, to visit....but....when I did, I Thoroughly.... Enjoyed Everyone!

Everyone, was so...Kind. <3

It was like a Family.

The Customers, were Fantastic....too!

They came, throughout both days...non stop.

As I visited with them, I realized, These folks....are devoted to this event.

Most, said....they haven't missed a year, no matter how young, or old...they were.

Everyone, was Friendly...and laid back. : )

I saw so many....Beautiful, and unusual....things.

The Dealers, were happy, to share their knowledge....as, I was stumped...by several things.

{You never, can learn it all....when it comes to the Old Souls. : )

That's what keeps Loving them....so Fresh! }

It was interesting, to me...to see the difference, that only a 100 miles, can make....

in the Style, of what people collect, and offer.

This is the only Event, I do... on The River. {Mississippi }

I Love, 'River Towns'.

They are always... diverse,

a melding pot.

This event... was a perfect example.

There were things there...from the 1700's...to the 1970's.

Yes....

just like, a River Town.

: )

Everything...and, Everyone...was 'Interesting'.

LOVED Being a Part...of it.!

The Rabbit Hole, fit right in!!!

I'm going back...next year. <3

One of my Favorite...Vendors, was from St. Louis.

He had his little hound, with him.

<3

{This event...is 'Animal Friendly'. <3

One of the customers, came in...with her Cat.

One eyed cat... like Liz's two. ; )

His name was Rooster Cogburn!

{from The One Eyed, John Wayne character ...in my Favorite Movie, True Grit!!! <3

We had a Lovely...visit!}

The man, from St. Louis, had Dozens...of French Jewelry Caskets...

I'd never seen so many....in my life.

{oh dear... }

His Booth...was layered.... with Amazing....French items, and Victorian Soulfulness.

The little....Black, inlaid...French Perfume...box, was what I REALLY....had my eye on.
<3
Inside, it had it's original, pink....silk....lining. <3
It, also...still had it's Original...had made....Perfume Bottles. <3
They both...had their original, fancy...tops, and...under those...their hand made, glass stoppers.
Oh My GOSH!!!
<3 <3 <3
It dates...from the 1860's.
and... the price....
was only...
125.00.
Oh My GOSH!!!
but, I had a Goal...for New Fuso Tires...
{waaaaaaay More....than 125. 00 : ( }
so, had to leave it... behind.
: (
{sigh......}
 {sniffle...}
{ boo...hoo... : ( }
{Next Year!!! }

Holy Smokes!

They had to follow me with a Mop...and Bucket, after every time I visited him.

I was Drooling....over Everything...he had!!! : )

Unfortunately... the Fuso....is in need, of Rear Dual tires...

He winces...every time we hit a pot hole....or pebble, on the road.

soooo....

couldn't bring home....any of The St. Louis....Soulfulness...this time.

{I'll be saving up...for next year. : ) <3 }

I did, however... run into a Darling....little Old....

Teddy Bear.

: )

The Vendor, gave me a wonderful price...on the Little, well Loved....Teddy.

I couldn't leave him. <3 <3 <3

We had a Lovely....time.

Hope to see You...there, Next Year!!!
Love, to ya...
Barb C.
{I forgot to mention...the Wonderful, Homemade... Mexican Food, and Bakery....
that was offered there. : )
Good Eats!!! }