Go Rest High...on That Mountain.....

Aunt Helen passed away...yesterday....I just got the call...from Judy....her lovely daughter....this afternoon...
Helen has been on my heart... Knowing...that her Journey is almost through...here on Earth....
Thinking back on the Long Winded conversations...we have had....We both stood firmly together...on Politics....oh my...
She was very Sharp...and really kept up with everything....I admired her...She was always 'Put Together'....{I guess I Missed that Gene!} I remember going to visit....and Helen was always perfect.....She and Mom would always Laugh and Carry On!!!! They would sing...Czech songs... and dance....{I got that gene...oh dear!} I remember always loving to go visit her... her home was lovely....also...always...perfect....
She and Mom were very close in age.... just a year or so apart... They were often mistaken as twins....I haven't made the announcement, to mother...yet....I am searching my heart....trying to find a way...that will be the easiest, on her heart....I don't know if that's possible....
I've been working on stuff...for the show....scraping...and scrubbing....It was Hot...here today...but I found some shade...and a breeze...and all was right with the world...
A nice Gal stopped by...and found some neat old treasures.... as she was leaving...a White Hearse...made it's way up the hill....to the Fairfax Cemetery....where my Dad is...Liz had called yesterday...and told me she would be coming out, to this internment....a friend of hers...Jenny.....had passed away....30 years old....beautiful....beautiful....young woman....two children....A Lost Soul....Liz sent me her obituary....by her picture...you would think...she was soooo happy....and had the World on a String...
The young visitor, and I just stood there.....in silence...what do you say...
Usually...my mouth is in high gear.....always a thought...or opinion....not these days....I find....I am more and more...at a loss...for words....
Love...to you....
Barb C.

No Time to Kill....

My Head is Spinnin'....
Had a Great Day...but....much lifting...loading...unloading...and...re-loading....visiting... driving...and ....Living....
Funny...I put Clint Black on...with his Amazingly Written, "No Time to Kill"... song....not knowing I'd be receiving a call, from my Cousin, Judy...concerning her Mother...My Aunt....my Mother's 'as close as you can get to a Twin, without being born together'...Sister...Helen...
sounds like...Helen may not be with us...much longer...She has had another stroke... and...is refusing any kind of nourishment...
Seems like much...has been running through my brain....Seems so many...are at a crossroads...these days...
There truly is...no time to kill...between the cradle, and the grave.... Life is such a blink....We Must... learn to Love...Forgive... Enjoy...every moment... like it is our last...after all...it may, very well be...

With all of the twisting and turning...today... I have enjoyed the Most Amazing Folks...{Steph, {stephanie brandenberg studios}....Barb H. {sisters garden} Deb...Brandon {house things} Sharon {sweet repose} Nancy {and her darling Daughter} {rug cottage} Carolyn A.,... Mark....{his Birthday is Tomorrow...} Justin...John...not to mention....the Many...who strolled through my mind...as I was driving down the road....and...a Woman...who walked up to me...out of the blue...as I was grocery shopping... she is Mennonite...and shared her favorite things...with me....her favorite cookies...she likes to buy...Ya Know... I'll never forget the look in her eyes...as she was talking to me....hmmmm......
 I got a lot done, today... not everything that was on my list...but...a lot...
and today...that's good enough for me...
My Prayers are with Helen..... Judy....and Don....their Family....
I haven't said anything to Mom, yet... I'm not quite sure...how...or what to say...
Love, to ya...
Barb C.
{the above image is of Mom...Rose...{left}...and Helen... this was their Graduation Photo....in 1938...Grandma held Mom back...so she and Helen could go through school together....{I think they were less than a year apart...}they were both born on the Farm...near Garner, Iowa.... They made their own clothes...went to Beauty School together....Loved to Sing together... and were quite the Girls...oh my...}

ahhh...Gatherings...Story...tomorrow.....

Crazy...Busy...Day....

I have a Crazy, Busy Day...coming down the pipeline! and...I OVERSLEPT!!! Always a Wonderful way to start the Day....!

I have Folks Coming....Going...Treasures to Gather...Folks to Call...and Deals to Make....{banking...doctor...and groceries...} And...I have got to get the Huge tables ready for the show...Oh Dear...TIC TOC!!!
Have a Lovely Day!
Barb C.
{I bought this Old Ansonia...{1870's or so...}Many years ago...the base is a little rough...and I have to shim it....the glass is cracked, in a couple of places...but it is the little Clock's original glass...and it runs like a top! It's just a little 30 hour...{I have to wind it everyday...} but when it strikes...it is absolutely Beautiful...as if it is saying thanks, for winding me...}

Deleted Blog...in a Nutshell....

Well...It appears to be working....

I can't rewrite the last blog...so...in a nutshell...it was a busy weekend...I looked like Larry the Cable Guy, by the end of it...{except...he wears shoes...}Got some cool stuff in...Am loading for the Fourth...
Weekend Gatherings...in a Nut Shell...
Teired Concrete Birdbath....4 matching White Metal Lawn Chairs...Mourning Bead Work and Buttons...Big...Beautiful Vintage Oil Painting...Metal Urns...Gold and Green Vintage Glass Strung Beads...{several pounds of them!}Civil War era Bed...Large, Heavy Glass Domes...
Interesting Stuff...
in a Nutshell

Blog Issues....

I am having an issue with this post...I just want to see if it will aliign to the left..

Old Soul...

Teresa, Jacob, Kristen {15}, and Nicole {13}
They had visited the shop, night before last...then went to the Titanic Expo, in Davenport, yesterday...then stopped back, last night, made purchases...then headed home...{another hour drive....} We were all so tired...I had had a long couple of days...and so had they! They live an hour or so from here...We unloaded, and reloaded their little Subaru...with treasures...then they headed for home...I headed for the house...and fell asleep in the recliner...but...what a Great Day!

This is what I work for...To bring Happiness...and Excitement to Folks...With this Old Soulful Stuff! And when they happen to be Younger Folks...it's even Better! Kristen was hunting for a 4 H project...and I could hear her excitement...as she wondered through the 'Rabbit Hole' maze...:"I can't wait 'til I have my own house...and can decorate it"...she whispered to her Mom, Teresa, and Sister, Nicole..."Look at this"... as she fell hopelessly in Love, with a Darling little Folk Art Stand...with oil cloth on it's top...but underneath, was layers of 1930's newspaper...I pulled the cloth off, and we stood there and read through the print....and advertisements...I bought the little stand from Tom V., he will be delighted when I tell him where the little stand went ...Tom is a retired Principal...and is always so encouraging to the younger Folk...I told Kristen about Tom...and all of the wonderful treasures he brings to Shows...and how he, and his Sweet Wife, Paula, have the Best Eye...for Cool...Gnarly... Old Stuff! Just like Kristen....and....Nicole, and...Jacob...They all were having a fun time Gathering... and Scouting...and...They All Went Home....with Treasures! Even Teresa...{who is a bit more refined.... had a bit of a raised eyebrow...to the Folk Art...{Daughter, Liz and I went through the same thing...Liz loves the Old Stuff...just...a little different 'Old Stuff'...than I do...and it's all good..{I have raised an eyebrow, occasionally...myself...}

Kristen has great plans for the old window...and is redoing her room....I asked her to send images...After visiting with the girls, Friday evening....I got the impression...they really want to be themselves...and have their furnishings represent who they are....and...not have things, that are mass produced, that you could find in every house...in every store....EXACTLY!!! It's so Great to visit with people...that think, the same way you do....age...has no bearing...You Simply CLICK!!!

 Nicole loved the little drawered piece...{so did her brother, Jacob...} Jacob liked an old Funky lamp I had just brought in...and the late 1800's horns, mounted on a worn velvet backboard...he opted for the horns...

It was wonderful working with them...and I can't wait to see them again...

Love to ya!

Barb C.

{These are the days, I hold dear...

When I have folks be a little cutting...the ones that try and trip me up..and..look down on the old Soulful stuff...and the Dark and Dusty Rabbit Hole..{Bless Their Hearts!} I pull this...from my spinning brain...and remember...the Old Souls...the ones...that 'click'...}

{Nicole even made it through...over and over...the Rabbit Hole..on Crutches!!! She broke her foot jumping into water, that she was told, was much deeper, than it was....She is very fortunate, she didn't dive...we know a man that dove into water... hit a rock...and is paralyzed from the neck down....very...very important to check out the water first... and diving into a river... lake or pond...is not a good idea...nature changes things...daily...what may be good today.... may be very bad, tomorrow...

Love to Ya...}

Homestead, Iowa...Farmer's Market...LOVE IT!!!! Steph told me to go...Ya Hoo....It Was Great Fun! The Angel...Goddess...and...the 1940's Chair...all agreed! GRAND! {be sure and Visit Henry's...while driving thru the Amana Colonies... it's Grrrreat!!}

Red Currants... they remind me of Gooseberries...ahhh...another long...long story.... for now...I'll just say...I intend to do something 'Good' with 'em...{I planted them...a couple of years ago...they are thanking me...this year...}

I spent the day... making deliveries... having a Fab....late Lunch...at Augusta's...in Oxford, Iowa....{Joe...the Amazing Waiter...waiting on us!}....with...Pattie, {Fern Hill}...and Steph...{Stepanie Brandenerg Studios}...They had just finished up...with a Photo Shoot...and invited me to join them....{thanks for supper, Steph....Love You...} I don't think, most folks understand...how much sweat and blood...go into All Of This...Trust me..if we didn't Love This...there is no frickin WAY...we could work so hard....
And...if you think...it's all about the Money...well... Think....again...We Love The Stuff...and...we Love...The People...
Ahhh...Really....
and...
Love...
to You...
Barb C.

Civil War era Rocker...it's not for sale...I don't know why...

This Old Rocker has resided in the Hen House...for years...it's not for sale....don't know why...it's just one of those things...that simply isn't for sale...?

One of it's rockers is much shorter than the other...it has rips...and tares...in the upholstery...the stuffing in the seat is protruding...along with one of it's springs...During the Spring Sale...we had sold several chairs, from the shop...and I was in a pinch...to fill a hole...{God Forbid...there be an Empty Space...in the Rabbit Hole!} A bulb went off.... and we dragged the Old Rocker, from the Hen House...in...I stuffed the hole in the seat with shredded coconut...and poked the spring back...inside the seat... found a darling cushion...that was just meant for it...then took some early woven runners...and fed them through the tares. in the back, of the Old Rocker... It seems to Smile...as it sits there...nestled in closely...with all the tarnished Silver...

It's still...not for sale...

I don't know why...

Love, to ya...

Barb C.

{and...believe it...or not... Many Folks have inquired... about the Old Rocker... but...it's not for sale...

I don't know why....}

A Few Gatherings...

Gnarly Old Wheelbarrow...it came in handy...hauling the Concrete Birdbath across the yard....

The Old Ladder is Wonderful...Love...Love ....Love The Red!

These heavy string rolls...are just cool....

Found a nice selection of lace...and the tablecloth is wonderful.... Large...and all hand done...very sweet...very old...

Fine, Vintage, Handmade Bonnets...Darling....

The Table is Cleared...

Seems Mine...and Harold's Table....{Harold is the Man I bought the Gnarly Old Table from....Many....Moons ago...now....passed away....}It's  always...always.... mounded with stuff....I had to get it back... I lit the candles, on the Wonderful...Old Ironstone Platter...John got me, for my Birthday...from Colleen....I'm sitting at my favorite....coffee sippin...early in the morning...spot...at the end...of the Old Table....writing...to you....Something I could not have done....for the last several  weeks...and...by candlelight....Lovely...

I hit a few sales today...Top Drawer was having one...and it was fun....Got a Vintage Bird Bath...a cute Old Workbench.... a neat Old Wheelbarrow...A Very Cool...Old Red Ladder...Love it...it's wide on the bottom...and can be cut into many sections...perfect for quilts...or pot racks....It's a Sweetie...Loads of vintage lace... gnarly old brooms...just all sorts of fun treasures! Great for the Fourth!
I've had enough....it's late...
Love to ya...
Barb C.

Hittin' The Road!

Just got a call...on a couple of Sales.... Think I'll check 'em out!
I'll share images of the Gatherings... Later!
Love to Ya!
Barb C.

Visiting Angels....

{Click on the Music...if you wish...I can't write...without it...come visit 'simply iowa', on facebook...{I write in detail, here...and ad more, here... but now have a presence there, along with my personal facebook...}

This is an Angel, I picked up, last week... or...was it two weeks ago... I have had several ask, about her... but...I think...she may just have to Hover around...here...for awhile... {thanks Steph....}

Another 'Cross Roads'...has been laid before me....along with so many 'God Winks'...{thanks...Amy...} Life is Truly about the 'Journey'....and recognizing the 'winks'...is 'the key'...There is no right, or wrong... well...there is... but the 'rights'...and 'wrongs'... are mandatory..on this Journey...without both of them...the other..is worthless....and....ultimately...we will figure out...what 'is' right....and....what 'is' wrong...from inside....and...it's only for each of us, to decide...about ourselves.... and NOT to decide...about others...{trust me...when you start paying attention...to your own path... you won't have time..to worry about what others say, or do...and....the Biggest Mistake in Life...Is Not Learning From It!!!} With one exception....When people say, or do things... that are hurtful...recognize it...for what it truly is.... a 'Wink'.... Some of the Most Valuable Lessons I have learned...and the Most Bountiful Blessings...I have received ....have come from situations that Have Dropped Me to My Knees....{it's the Angels...wielding 2x4's...that leave the most lasting impressions...oh my...}

I have been touched twice, today...by Visiting Angels....One... didn't think I would remember her... and...by name...I didn't... ahh... but... all she would have had to say is..."You are so blessed..... to have all of the trials in your life... God must Love You...very Much... to work through you..." I was stunned... a few years ago...when, this woman...I barely knew... said these words to me....as she could see.... the load on my shoulders...through my eyes....

I have quoted her...over and over....as I have seen others...with the same...parched...weariness...in their being...

That woman...was Stunned...that I remembered...and held on to that moment...

She was sent to me... I have no doubt...an Angel...and I..have shared That Promise...over and over...with those who suffer....

Without walking through the fire... I could not recognize it..in others...

I connect with the Angel...in the image above.... and...that's why I will keep her Hovering...From the Mould, she was cast, from... her elbow's are skinned... Just Like Mine...{my knees, too...} We all will stumble and fall... even...Angels...

God Bless....

Barb C.

{strange...how it's the scars...that attract me...to someone...or...something...much more than their beauty....I once read...when we reach the Pearly Gates... God will Look upon His Soldiers, for Their Battle Scars...not Their Beauty...hmmmm....}

Cleanin' Out the Ford....

These are Calligraphy Samples, from an 1860's book.... Very...Very...Cool.... They need be framed up.... Love'em....

I have been running so hard...and gathering...and delivering....The Ford is Full of stuff...that has been riding all over the Midwest....and needs to be unpacked...I did some of it...this evening....a friend, once said to me....about a shop she had visited..."Barb...You and I have more 'Antiques' rolling around in our trucks, than that entire shop did".... I don't remember who she was referring to...it was 15 years ago...or better... but, I often think about that...when my truck gets so full....

These old Bisque Flower Pots...are Great...an old friend of mine...got me started on them...I always have some setting around...and really don't care if they sell...but...they do...

I fell in love withe this Big, Old Centerpiece.... Very Cool...

The two glass pieces...are Czech....they hold tiny Liqueur glasses.... Love 'em! The ornament, is Czech...beaded....and the topper, is German....Very...very....Old...

I just scratched the surface.... in the Ford....I have got to get on it...

Next Show....

July 4th....On  Main Street... Mt.Vernon....Iowa!

I'll See Ya There...With Lots of Cool Stuff!

Barb C.

Visiting Old Friends...

I delivered a Folk Art Weather Vane, to my Pal, Allyson....last night...she prepared an amazing supper for us, and her Darling Sis, Bethany.... We sat at the Awesome Table, that I had sold her, several years back....I had found the base, in La Porte City, Iowa, from friend, Dave....It was a Pool Table Base...old...dry.... sea foam green....paint.... It's from the last quarter of the 19th century...{1870's or so...} I knew if John worked on it...he could make an amazing Harvest type Table...I also knew Allyson had been looking.... she had dibs...Several folks, were in line, behind her, if she passed...as each of them saw it, in progress....But...Allyson Loved it....we found some wonderful Old Pressed Back Chairs...in Original Finish....miss matched... It all looks like it has been there forever...

I strolled through her home... and visited the many...many wonderful Cupboards...that once were in my hands... it was Grand...

 tho... I see...Those Old Darlings...don't 'come again'....as I so thought they would.... Amazing...Amazing...some could be Museum Pieces....so Original...so, very Old...

Why is it...I never see how amazing something is...until it's gone.... ? and am always so sure...there will be another...as I walk away, from a most amazing treasure...?

Maybe...I just keep telling myself that... because.... I can't keep them all...and..there are always so many obligations... and to dwell on the loss...well...

no wonder I drink Martinis...

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

{I will say...These Old Friends...couldn't have found a Better Home....Allyson Loves Them! She saw the Beauty in Them...Years before Everyone was Clamoring to Own Them...I told her that...when she bought the first one...so many years ago...{that is still my favorite...} We Both have...a True Love... for Iowa Farmhouse Style... {Sigh....}

Gussied Up...

The phone is dead...and buried.... I have a new one... and...thankfully...the old one didn't take all of my info...to the grave....I chose a phone that suits me better... it's little...and pink... and...I think we are friends...the other...well...I hate to speak ill...of the dead... but we never really connected... {I still have the old one....the old...old one...the NOKIA.... sitting here...next to me.... WE.... Connected.... and it was my Pal...the last one...ahhh...not so much.....}
My Wonderful Neighbor....May.... and I went to the Lighthouse Supper Club...last night...we were supposed to, last week.... but... she had issues... We had a most Amazing Time.... Catching up....I so Love Her... she is so...Honest...and pure.... I am Blessed, to have her as a Neighbor....
We talked about Ireland.... and how Beautiful it is....I told her...if I ever get there...{it's on my 'bucket list'...}I'm Sure...I'll see Iowa....I always do...wherever I roam....in this Country....Where it is the Most Beautiful...I See...Some Part of this State.... Well....The Movie said it all...when asked.."Is this Heaven?"....answer.."no...this is Iowa..." Enough said....
It was Great Hearing Eddie, and his Band.... he played Danny Boy...for May.... and I sipped Martinis...all evening...Life is Good! { I think those may be my last... I'm ready for a change....we'll see...}
I left the old blue flannel, at home...it was all Long... Black...and Stilettos...
We Gussied up.... Fun...I Love Getting Dressed Up...once...in awhile....}
Love to Ya!
Barb C.
I'm headed to Allyson's....for supper, tonight...and delivering a cool old folkart weathervane...it'll look cool in her house...

Kalona Shopping....

I took these images a week ago.... a friend had told me about Magdalena's....and she was right...it was Darling! The Lawn was incredible.... wow....Allyson, and I had so little time...we couldn't get everywhere....gee... guess we'll have to go back!!!!!

Plan on spending the day, in and around Kalona.... There is Great Food....and the Cheese Factory, is just minutes from Sisters' Garden...Rug Cottage...Old Man's Creek.... {closer to Frytown, on, and near Hiway 1}...It's an Amish Area... so there is all sorts of goodies, for the eyes...and for the appetite! I love driving down the gravel roads...taking in the Beauty.... It's Lovely! Click on the images to enlarge!

Magdalena's phone is...319-656-2168...
when I clicked to enlarge... it was pretty blurry....Just go....The shops are all different, and fun! Once you get there...they will all send you to the next...they are a Great Group of Shop Owners!!!!

One Shouldn't Wash the Cell Phone...with the dishes...

I guess Polly must have put her paws, on the counter... when I went outside, this morning...to look out the window....so...if you are trying to call me....ahhh...call the house....319-846-8173...
I was wondering why it wasn't ringing....I was quite surprised...when I saw it, laying at the bottom of the sink....as I was doing dishes....I Pulled it out....it lit up...showed, sweet Polly's picture... on the screen...almost...as if, it tattled, on who pushed it...over the edge.... then...the screen went black....I tried to resuscitate....took the back off....it was Full of water... then...pulled the battery...got out the hair dryer...and now...have it buried in rice.... I hope I can save the info, from it....oh dear...

It Is....What It Is....

It's a little after midnight.... I was getting ready for bed... took off the old flannel shirt...that I wore today....I found it, inside an old Amana Wardrobe I bought... in January... I tried it on, ... it is torn, on the side...and the one pocket is loose... but...it felt so good on...I washed it...and Love to wear it....
I have to wonder....what folks think.... when they see me wear this tattered old shirt...? Especially... at a Very Nice Restaurant.... I never realized...until...this very moment... what it 'looks' like...all I know...is how it 'feels'...and how it makes me 'feel'...when I wear it...and...that would be...'Good'...
It Is...What It Is....
{here's to you...Ed....}

The Illinois Run....

Well...it started off...a bit dicey.... I was hurrying....and scurrying....{did manage to wash that gray out of my hair...while taking a quick shower....this morn....man...was that over due...or what...} I was flyin'....had Scout to tend... deliveries to make.... and two pick ups...one...nearly to Chicago... So....as I was Runnin' Hard....taking care of Scout....I noticed the Ford was gone...so...got Scout done... then....ran to the Bank...in Sally...by then...I was running later than I should be.... but....figured John must have needed the Ford for something....then...I waited and waited....finally....I could wait no more...nearly two hours...so... I started unloading the little Ford...it had some heavy stuff on it....then...I loaded it back up....with the deliveries.... I gotta tell ya...by then... I was not in a good frame of mind.... I was going to have to take the Ford with nearly 200,000 miles on it....hasn't been serviced....since...who knows....years....with a Big Load... to Chicago....I was just tieing down the load....and getting into the Ford....when John comes rolling in....We unloaded....and reloaded....and...I left...I wasn't sure I was going to make it home tonight....If I didn't make it to the last stop...before 5:30....I would have been sleeping in the truck.... I beat feet....and somehow....made all of my stops....Picked up some cool stuff... and....for not totally blowing my cool....this morning...{I did blow...a little... poor Steph got the brunt...I vented on her...when she called...oh dear...{funny...she understood everything I said.... hmmm...}I treated myself, to a Lovely Supper...in Davenport, Iowa... at The Lodge...{The Castle Lodge... on Hiway 74, and Kimberly...}
They Have Amazing Food....and the Atmosphere....is Wonderful....They were playing Mozart... I strolled in...in my Gnarliest Flannel... and....all was right with the world....The Chef came out...and visited with me... and my Server was delightful! I don't know why....folks insist on going to a chain.... when for the same money....you can have the best...of the best....
I went to Peru Antique Mall...today...in Illinois....as I was paying...I told them how much I Love their Mall...The nice Man said..."It's Bright....and Clean!"... I'm sure I got one of those looks on my face.... like I do....when my gears are turning... knowing I had better choose my words....very...very carefully...{Peg loves it...and bursts out laughing...when this happens....it's a Mad Hatter Thing...I'm kind of like a Mood Ring....I can't help it...}

These are a few treasures I gathered.... at my first stop.... it actually turned out to be a Very...Good Day!{Love The Buggy! I have All Sorts of Things in Mind...for that Darling.... Christmas....Linens....Vintage Quilts....oh...my/....

My 'Happy Place'...in Iowa.... it's just off of 80, on 74, in Davenport...turn east, on Kimberly...you can see the Big Turret, from the Hiway...it's sooo cool!

I really like the Man...and...he has never been to my store... so....I said..."Well... I have a Shop...that is Dark....and Dusty....and...I Love it...it's not the Bright...and Tidy..." I said..., "that makes me Love your Mall...It's the Cool Stuff In It!!!!"....I think that is what we have in common...cool stuff...and diversity! From Early Primitives...to Victorian....and Lovely...Lovely Glass.... I LOVE IT ALL!!! and...It All Sings in Perfect Harmony...when put together...If it's Old...and has Soul...it's Home....whether Bright and Tidy...or..Softly Lit....and Soulful.......it's all Good!
I stopped at Coal Valley...and saw the Girls there...it was Great seeing Eileen...I bought a Darling Primitive Toy Cupboard from her.... and look foreword to seeing her at the Bishop Hill Show!
You will be happy to know...as TORQUED OFF...as I was...when I left.... this Morn.... I thought of John...While I was eating my Unbelievable Supper....and ate 3 bites of the Amazing Prime Rib...{yes...it was as AMAZING...as I remember it to be...and yes...I still plan on eating my Boca Burgers...in the Morn...} 3 bites of the Garlic Mashed potatoes....{with butter...sour cream...and the potato skins....YUM...and beautifully garnished....}...most of the Asparagus....{what can I say....} and 2 bites of the KILLER....DROP... To Your Knees...{told John, as he was dishing up his nightly ice cream, with it...The BEST CAKE YOU WILL EVER EAT!!!!} CAKE!!! and took the rest home, for John...{he just buried the Cake...in a mountain of New York Vanilla...and went back to the t.v.} Man...
Oh Well....I soaked in...the Best of the Best....and...scratched a few more 'to do's'...off the List...
Love to Ya....
Barb C.

Wednesday....

Volunteer Strawberries...growing just outside the Greenhouse Door...it's like an Easter Egg Hunt..in June... they are hiding all around...I had fun, this morning...searching for them....
 This is what Strawberries are supposed to look like... We have grown so accustomed to those Huge...Monsters...we get all year 'round...at the store... these look like mini's... ahhh...but the taste....a little sweet...a little tart... and...somehow they capture... a  'green' Summer...taste... a bit, sweet grass....that's the only way I can describe them... except...Wonderful...No Hybrid, can even come Close...to capturing that... 

I am trying to get a bit of organization, flowing, back, into the shop...oh...dear...

This Big Pitcher...isn't perfect... but...it is...about a hundred and seventy years old... so...I make No Apologies...

Tea  Leaf...Ironstone... Love...It! It's from the last quarter, of the 19th century.... {1860's on up, to turn of the century..} It always touches my heart....It was made in England, for export to the United States.... It was a Huge Success... The Farm Women, were so tired of plain...when the Gold Tea Leaf came out....they all had to have it! It was also known as Farmer's China....Wonderful....

Love this Little Doll House...Think...I could just move right in...

Love the Old Milk Glass Cake Stand...It's been Forever...since I was able to find a Square one!
I'll be on the Road...tomorrow...Making Deliveries...and picking up.... A Very...Very Long Day....I am working on taking a trip, to New York...and... Vermont....in July....I have never been there...so...it would be a great opportunity...
Had a lovely...quiet...visit, with Pattie...from Fern Hill....inside The Little Shop...this early...afternoon...we discussed, the recent loss, of her Beloved Brother, John....I sat and listened....recalling...the same...emptiness....when I lost my Beloved, Sister....Chery... There is something about losing a sibling.... part of your circle...part of...your 'pack'...a huge void...whether....you were close...or saw them occasionally...... it's still... an indescribable loss...
I am Thankful...we both know...they are both waiting for us...In an Amazing Forever Home...
Then...we went out to lunch with Steph...{Pattie's Sweet Daughter...and my Dear Friend...} and Steph's Darling...youngest Daughter, Nichole...then...Linda...Pattie's Forever Friend, Joined us...it was Great! {Mary Ellyn called...I missed her..here, at Home! Dang!!! Next Week! Dubuque!!!!}
It was a Great...Afternoon....
A Lot...of Reflecting... and being So Thankful.. for...Today... Friends...Life...
No Matter...
Love, to Ya...
Barb C.
{be sure and scroll down...and click on the tunes... oh my...some will make ya think...others...well...will confirm.. I am...Crazy...I could play Fog Hat.... or...Kiss....or...ACDC...but...I choose...Emmylou...and...Waylon...oh ...yes...once a Country Girl....Always...
 and...yes...Save...the last Dance...for me....{I had to sneak in Roy....what would life be...without a 'Pretty Woman'...?}{like there were any doubts...really...?}{ I gotta tell ya..."Lovin' her was easier"... was one of my Very Favorite Songs....Like Emmylou said..."you don't know me"....love to ya.......

A Horse Smile....

What a Smile...Scout is such a Cool Cat! {ahhh...Horse...}
{look...he even has a space...between his teeth...just....like...Mine! Must be a Family Thing!}

Here he is...tasting the camera.... MMMMMmmmmm....

This is his third apple...{This Is Not...how you give a horse, an apple... always hold your hand pretty flat....}I make him work for it... and try and get him to bite the apple in half... I know how to do this without getting chomped! I can put an apple in my teeth...and he'll gently take it, from me...I used to feed my Beloved, White Cloud, doughnuts, from my teeth...{she LOVED Doughnuts!!!}.Horses are very smart..and won't intentionally hurt you...{unlike the human species...}

Scout has to have salve in his eye, three times a day... and pain meds, daily... He seems a bit better, today... He's such a Good Boy...

Well....The Old Store Cupboard is home... The Little Ford was Squatting... It took 3 of us to get it loaded.... We dragged an old Stock tank inside the garage...swung the Cupboard, to one side.... then, leaned it on it's back... on top of the tank... Then, lifted the end, that was going on the truck, first...took a board...and wedged it, under the end...as close to the tank, we could...to get it several inches higher, than the bed, of the Ford.... then...I backed the Ford, under it....{I've seen Dad load massive pieces of machinery, this way...}

I haven't decided if I'll have John cut the end off, where the drawer is missing...or...have him build a drawer...I'm leaning to trimming it...it would still be a little over 10 feet wide...The man told me it was blue, on the phone...it's old...dry....white... Perfect! I'll have John put an 'Over the Top', {Massive} Crown, on it...It will be Wonderful... It came from an 1870's, or '80's Women's Apparel Store, in Belle Plaine, Iowa... So I want it to look... very Sweet!!!!

Another Big Job...Crossed off the List...whew...

Love, to Ya...

Barb C.

{I got a hold of the vet....this morn...they were going to squeeze Scout in, around noon...so we flew to get the cupboard....but...they came, while I was gone... and got him all taken care of...out of pain... and left me with meds...I'll be talking directly, to her, sometime, today...I am just sooo thankful...he's feeling better....It breaks my heart...when I know an Animal is hurting...and I can't help...I Must Have Meds On Hand...ALWAYS....After reading up on this...it is chronic...and the longer the flare ups...the sooner, he may lose his eye....there is no cure...it breaks my heart...}

Trelliss'....Big...Trelliss'....

I bought these...for some friends...that have an Amazing Place for them....However...they live far away....and I needed to get them picked up....and stored at Dale's...til they can come get them....I was supposed to get them, earlier in the week... but with the truck being serviced...{a Much Needed...and Extremely Rare Occasion...poor little Ford...Thank Goodness...He's a Ford...nothing  else could take the  Beatings I Ask It To Endure!} I called the man I bought the trelliss' from... told him I'd be there... just before 5...that was fine, with him...{ I was actually busy....here...oh my...my customers got me...in stocking feet....no bra... no make up...and, a ripped  old flannel shirt...that I wore, yesterday......but...they all went home...with great stuff...I did get a shower in...just before heading to pick up the Massive trelliss'...}

As I approached the shop, where I had purchased them...around 4:30....the man called, and said he had to leave....something had come up...I understand....things...come up....."You can get those...yourself...can't you?"....Oh yeah...I thought....they are only HUGE....14 feet tall...the widest one...was 5 feet wide...or better...constructed...very well...of 1x1's..."Oh yeah......".... I said..".nothing new"..."I'm pretty used to loading...alone..."...

 I struggled with the largest one...

and...

 it took me down....

to the ground...

but....

I Got Back Up...

and got those Mothers Loaded...

drove all the back roads...

for nearly 40 miles....

Thankfully...Dale was there....and was kind enough to help me unload...

he was shocked...I got the big one loaded...alone...

I gotta tell ya...

when I'm Torqued...

 and something...or...someone... attempts...

 to Get the Best of Me...

I come up Swingin'...

I'm glad...there was no one there...to help...

 I may... have gotten a Bit...Ugly...

They May have Seen...

The Mad Hatter...

as Peg{the March Hare} would say....

Oh...Dear...

Love to Ya...

{I am...stressed...from every angle...these days...don't screw with me....}{The 'Scout' thing...has me broken... just...broken... my Critters... are my weakness... I can't hardly think...of anything else...I took him some apples...this eve... I reached to touch his face...{his eye...now tearing...I have no way of getting ahold of the vet... } He Rolled back... I startled him... I just wept...the neighbors stopped...I totally Choked...Animals...can't understand...why they hurt... I just want to make it better... but can't....Helpless....} {I  shouldn't judge... I simply can't stand it...when an Animal suffers...for Any Reason...because...most of the time...it can be remedied...}

Disappointments...Sorrow...Sacrifice...and...Helplessness...Life...

Oh My...Life is such a roller coaster ride....all the ups...downs...{please...don't advise me....to take anything for the ups and downs...walk with me...there isn't a drug...that could make this journey, any easier...}
I have been tripped...three times this last week...and got my heart skinned...by people I considered...friends...watched a dear friend, lose her brother...very suddenly... and deal with a Huge Open House...with a Smile...as she is preparing for his Funeral...

I had to snap an image of this Wonderful Iowa Church...and Beautiful Cemetery... on my way, to my second to last stop....headed for home...last night...
It Touched me....

This is the only image that turned out, from my visit to Fern Hill's Amazing 25th Anniversary ....yesterday... It Was Packed!!!! I am so Happy For Them.... It Has Been an Very Hard Week...For All of Them....Bless Their Hearts...

This isn't the load, I had intended to have on the Ford...last night.... It was supposed to be An Amazing Sofa...as a Gift...to the Little Shop.... but...instead...the Sofa...was a Gift...to the Ford...2 new tires...and a new rim.... I picked up 2 Victorian Wire Plant Stands...a Very Gnarly Metal Lawn Chair...a Huge Ledger... 4 Old Hollow House Columns....and a variety of dibby dabbies...

I bought this 1870's, Belle Plaine, Iowa, Ladies Garment Cupboard.... out of a dilapidated garage... It will take me an hour or better, to get it cleaned off, and loaded...{it's 12 feet wide...and 6 feet, or so, tall...one piece...} I usually don't show, the Before images.... This Cupboard will be stunning Cleaned up...and displayed...beautifully...as it so deserves to be....I could see it's Beauty Shinning.... She Sings with a Lovely Voice.... no matter where she stands...{Thanks Shelley...I Do Love It!}

I Traded the Wonderful Sofa...that replaced Louie...on my way home, last night, with it....for a pair of  new tires......for the Ford...{I couldn't wait any longer....the belts were broken... in the right front tire...and it was a game of Russian Roulette...where it would finally give out...I just had no idea...it would cost so much....} and Scout's  eye is hurting him, again...It comes on so suddenly....I read up on that, last night....oh my...my heart breaks... the vet never told me...what to expect, with his disease... {tears...and more tears...}
 I have miles....and miles to go, this week...Stress...
Oh yea...I watched a PBS special...on stress...oh my... Very Scary...
I'm headed to pick up some things...this afternoon... I bought, when the Ford was Down...
This week....I have a trip to Illinois...and then... get the massive cupboard, I bought yesterday, dug out of a garage... And...who knows what else....I tried to reach the vet...for pain meds...for Scout...no answer....no machine.... dang...{I can't stand this...more than anything....} My Gut Twists....
John and I watched a Survivor, type show...with two guys...last night... John said he thought it would be fun, to do that...
I said...oh my...what they do is a piece of cake.... I do this everyday...hunt...gather...lift...push...pull...deal..with the elements....deal...deal....deal...wonder...who's your friend...who's your foe...sacrifice...stew...and stress...wonder...if...and what, tomorrow will bring...
Now you know...a tiny bit...of why old Sally, is so important to me...She's my Rescue...for a few hours...sometimes...only minutes...but...oh my...I savor those moments...
I guess...I am am incredibly blessed...to have my health...the true friends I do......my loved ones...critters...and have had...even it be, for moments...some of the most wonderful treasures...in my hands....I guess it's all about the journey....
Love to ya...
Barb C.
I feel blessed...no floods...or tornado's...fires...and the kids are all good...
Sometimes...tho...I feel like the young boy...in 'Once Upon a Time in the West"...He is standing....in the desert heat....with a harmonica..shoved in his teeth...being demanded to play...or...he will be shot....the boy...has his hands tied...behind his back....and his older...heavier.. brother...standing on his shoulders.... with a noose around his neck....The boy...plays....until...he can't....and drops to his knees... then...flat on his face...in the dirt...as his brother hangs....above him.....
I know...I need a little down time...but...I'm afraid...if I slow down...my knees will start to buckle....
What a place to be....