Unpolished...

As I walked from The Rabbit Hole...

I glanced down... to see this pile..of Old...

 Unpolished Silverware....

What is it... about...things...

that have...'Surface'...

I polish...little...

I enjoy...and marvel..at the surface...

of old...things...

Wonder... what made them that way...

was it...neglect...

or...simply...years...of existence...

the impact..of their surroundings...

Some...things...have major...Battle Scars...

that no amount of polishing...can correct...

I call that...Character...

others... given...a gentle hand...

will make them...Shine...like new...

guess...Old Things...

are a lot...like people...

Maybe...that's why...I Love them so...

Love to Ya...

I'll be Open...tomorrow...

11 - 5

Barb C.

Late Summer... Simply... Iowa...



 Made my way Down the Rabbit Hole...this Sunny August...afternoon.... My Sweet Friend...Val...was popping out... I do...Love her so!

She had some of her Heirloom Tomatoes...in tow.... Oh My!...and her...Home Made... Pesto Sauce!!! What a Feast...John and I had...this Evening... with our Pasta!

While I waited for her... I went through some of the Auction Gatherings.... and sized up...what was needed to be worked on...in the Shop...

A LOT!!!!

Holy Smokes....

With The Fall Harvest Sale.... rapidly approaching...{October 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th!!!}and the Staging...of a house... this month...and mid October... It's going to get...Crazy!

What am I saying...it already is... : )

But...for today...

It's All Good...

Got to see Pal...Val...

and play with a few 'toys'.... Eat...some Amazing Food...

and...Dream...

Hope...You...had a Lovely Day... filled... with...

Wonder...

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

I'll be Open...Saturday...11 - 5...

Hope to see ya...

One...can never have...too many Ironstone Pitchers... : )

It's beginning to look a little...like...Fall...

Ahhh...Heirloom...Tomatoes... YUM!

Beautiful... Pesto Sauce... as Only...Val can Create it...oh...my... : )

A Perfect...Late Summer... Supper... oh...man... : )

Staging....a Lifetime...what a 'Journey'...

Whew... Spent the day...staging a Home...

an...Amazing....Home...

I sit tonight... thinking about...the Journey...my friend... is going through...

Selling her...Beautiful...Home....

She...and her late husband...shared....for so many years...

It weighs...Heavy...on my Heart...

I always...spin... a Happy...and Positive... Side... to these...situations....

for Them...

There is Always...Light....Always...a Silver Lining...

Yet...

There...is always...darkness....

a Necessity... I guess...to find...the light.... 

I have done my best... in Council...

and know...

For...Everything...there is...a Season...

I hope... and...know...in my Heart...

There are...Better Days... ahead...

just....getting through... the...'Journey'....

well...is a 'Journey'...

within...itself....

Love...to ya...

Barb C.



Be Not...Too Late...

I Love...this Old Cookie Jar... There is something...about her... She's so old...and has turned...that wonderful...mellowed...brownish...color...that Ironstone does...from years...and years...of exposure.. to food....and the oils...within it.... She always...always...makes me smile...

Those are Strong Words...{and...hard to live by...at times...}

I ran across this Old Clipping... from the late 1800's... while going through...one of the old Cupboards...this Morn...where I have some of my most...favorite...treasures...

{I rarely have time...to play with my toys...and...it had been a Long...time...since... I had even opened the doors... on that Old Darling...}

I pulled it out...wondering...why I had put a tiny scrap of paper...in such a prominent place....

I realized... it was because... it deserved...to be there...

Something...I need to reflect upon...more often...

I thought I would share it...with you...today...

Words...to live by....

Love to ya...

Barb C.

Garner, Iowa... I found this...Old Yard Stick...years ago... Garner...is a Tiny Town... in Northern Iowa... Where my Mother...was born...on the Farm...ahhh.....Treasures... : )

Another Day...Another Dollar..!

Spent the day, Sunday...at an Auction... in Monticello, Iowa...

Sweet...Friend, Pam...was selling the contents of her Antique Business...{The Box and Bucket } and Event Business... so there was a wonderful mix... of new...and old...lots of restaurant supplies... 

But...I was there for one reason...and one reason, only...

A Big Store Cupboard... that I had known...for over 15 years.... even before Pam owned it....

It was from an Old Store... in Clarence, Iowa....

I had admired it... when it lived there...and another Antique Dealer... used it as a Work Horse...

That man....had an Auction...way back...that I didn't know about.... Pam, and her Sweet Husband, Bill... bought it...

When I saw the Old Darling...in her shop... years back...I knew it..right off....

I asked her...if she would sell it...

but...no...

She, also...needed it...for display purposes...

However...that never stopped me...at every visit...from asking her... if...she was ready to sell it!

Pam and Bill...had Much More...than I thought.... Holy Smokes!

and..I think..the sale went very well for them...

I tried to buy...a lot...but...got blown out of the water...

but...the Cupboard... I was determined....

and it's smiling at me..this morn...through the kitchen window... : )

I bought...some new stuff...as well...

Another...big Coffee Urn... like I have...for my Open Houses...

I have wanted another...so I could serve Coffee...and Cider.... in the Fall...

They are so expensive...new...

and a Beautiful.... Large...Glass...Iced Tea Server... Love That!!!

{It looks like a Massive Apothecary Jar! Very Cool!!!}

I also bought...64 crystal Goblets! Perfect...for the Garden Party...and other Open Houses...

I harvested...some neat Ironstone...and a Darling Concrete Angel...and all sorts of Dibby Dabbies!

It was a good day!

and.. a Fun Day...

It was Great visiting...with Friends...

It was so....kind...of Bill...Pam...Dee...and the Auctioneer's Lovely Wife... for helping me load the Ford...

It had rained....during the first part of the auction...then...it got Hot...and Muggy...

That wears on ya...after a while...

Bill was sad...to see the Old Cupboard go... he said...it was the most asked about piece..in the Shop...over the years...

I said..."I Know!!! I asked Every Single Time...I visited!!!!"

Pam...is still selling Antiques...

{like I have always said... The Antiques Business...is like The Mafia... once you get in it...There Ain't No Getting Out!.... I've seen Folks try... but...they always...always...find their way back to it...: )

Ahhhh...The Love...of Old...: ) }

Pam...has a Darling Space...at Plaza Antique Mall...in Dyersville, Iowa... {so does Dee...}

Our Sweet Friend...Kathy...Manages it... A Great Mall!

I Love going there...and then grabbing a Piece of Pie...at Country Junction.... {oh my}...as I head home...

Be sure...and check them Both Out! It's a Wonderful...Experience...

{I mean...really... what could be better... Great Antiquing....and...Home Made...Mile High...PIE!!!}

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

{When I got home...last night....after getting Supper... it was around 11:00... I was whipped... I poured myself...a Stout...Ice Cold... Long Island...Iced Tea... and did my computer work... I posted...on Face book... as I was reflecting...about 'Life'...

The Waylon Jennings song...'Amanda'... came to mind...

"Amanda...Light of my Life...Fate Should have made you...a Gentleman's Wife...I look in the mirror...in total surprise...at the hair on my shoulders...and the age in my eyes..."

I looked at the messy house....my 2 pair...of flip flops...strewn...on the kitchen floor...Wafts...of Hound Hair..... on the floor...Cob Webs... hanging like Garland... throughout...the house...

and thought...

An Antiquer's Partner... deserves...better than this...

at least...this ones...

I'm sure...not all Antiquers...or Self Employed Folks... live like this...

But...this one...does....

I am Blessed..to have a partner...in life... that seems...to take it all in stride...

What it must be like... living with an Old Gypsy...that is always...always...

Dancing..on the Sharp...Glistening... Edge...of a Razor Blade...

Bless His Heart... : ) }

I want to Thank...Jack...for the wonderful call...last night... on my ride home... from..the Long Day...

I had helped their Family...with an Estate... last week...

I guess...I take...my job... for granted... It comes...easy...to me...

 He kept singing my praises... for the help...and suggestions...and told me...It was a Huge Success!!!

 It really was nothing...for me...

and...I was so Glad...to Help...them...

But...to them... it...was...'Something'....and...appears..to have meant a great deal...

I don't like...to blow my own horn...

but...I will...have to say...

I sure Appreciated...the Big 'Thank You'...

It put Wind...in my Sails...

Thanks...again...Jack... : )

Love..to You...and Your Family... : )

 

 

 

 

The Old Store Cupboard...
I already...had a call on it...this morn...
A friend..was driving by....and saw it...on the back of the Ford...
It's for sale...it has to be....
{dang...}
Thought...I might be able...to keep it...for a while...
We'll see...

Cheers!

Spent the day...at an Auction.... a Long...Long...Day...
I'll have images...in the morn....Tired... : )

It was a Long...ride home...a Big...Load... and Slow...Travels...{I even had to dig out...my 'red flag'... the load stuck...Waaaay out the back end...of the Ford....: ) }
 I just....sat down...after getting Supper...and poured myself...a Wonderful...Long Island Iced Tea... Whew....It Was Hot...and Sooooo Sultry...today.... I have had...enough...
But...it was a Lovely....Lovely...Day....filled...with... wonderful Folk....
I have a nice load on....including... an Old....Store Cupboard...I have tried to buy...for 10 years...
 a Good...Day.... : )
Another...Day...Another...Dollar... : )
Cheers!

As I held her...in my arms....

This is...Miss. Scarlett's Favorite Clock...in the house...

I always wind him up for her... and watch her eyes...light up....

A lot...like mine did...I am sure...the first time...I got him goin'...

Liz brought Scarlett out...for me to be with...last night....

We had a Lovely time...

She is such...a Good Child...

and...so...beyond...her year...and a half...in so many ways...

When we laid down...at bed time... she snuggled tight...with me...

and as I held her...in my arms...

I wished...with all of my Heart...

until...tears..were streaming down my face....

That...she would not have to endure... the Trials...of this Life...

If...somehow...my arms...could always..be there...to shield her...from all the sadness...

sorrow...and grief... of this World...

So...she may Always...always.... be the Happy....Loving Child... she is...today...

But... I know...this Life...is a Journey...and with it's opportunity...we are confronted...by trials...

and...I know...with God's Pruning Shears...He will form us...into the best we can be...

Painful...as it may be...

Guess...all I can do...is be here...waiting...with...Open Arms...

When her Little...Tender Heart...gets broken...

and let her know...

no matter....how cruel....Life can be....

There are Always...Angels...

with an outstretched...hand...

to pull her...back on her little feet....

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

 

 

Meet Miss. Gabby.... : )

Meet Miss. Gabby.... What a Darling...Little Soul!

I heard the young man say...to The Doc... "She's better than a Rooster!!! She sleeps in a building... close to the house...and knows Exactly...when it's time to get up! She won't let ya Sleep In!!!"

She licked my pantleg...and rubbed up against me...as if to say... "Feed Me!!! I'm Hungry!!!"

Gabby Trotted behind her Young Man... a Happy Little Soul... : )

When I arrived at the Vet's Office...to get more meds...for Polly... I heard a Calf...Bawling....in the Exam Room... {More about her...being hungry...than being in pain... : ) The young man...who brought her in...for a check up... hadn't fed her...to keep her from having an 'accident'...while visiting The Doc... : ) }

I asked him...what had happened to Gabby...

He said...when she was born...they think...the Mama...stepped on her... Thankfully...the break...was in a bone..that could be mended...

She is an Angus...and was small when she was born...40 pounds...the young man said...

Gabby is 3 weeks old...and is healing very well...

She follows her...Young Man... like a pooch...

She rides in the back seat...of his truck...on these visits...

{I remember those days.....I have hauled day old calves...and tiny colts...in the back seat of the car...}

I Love...Our Vet...

He is 40 miles away...60, at his surgical center...

but...soooo worth the drive...

He is a Large...and Small Animal Vet...

In my...opinion...They are...The Best....

{and...are few...and far between...}

It was a treat...playing with Gabby...this morn....

and...seeing our Vet...

He always...has such...a Kind...and Gentle... Reassuring...way...about him...

yep...another...Angel...

Love...to ya...

Barb C.



Wild Hogs!!!!

The Wild Hogs Saloon...and Eatery...is located just up the road...from us...

on Hiway 151 Walford, Iowa...

I have never been there... but..heard...they had Barbecue...

{or..'Bobacue'...as I call it...}

I, for the most part....eat Vegetarian... but...when at Michael's..or find... good BBQ...

I will eat meat...

Sometimes...I crave...Good BBQ...to the point...I'd drive to Memphis...to get it...

Crazy...I know... : )

I have been so disappointed in the local BBQ...

but...thought I'd give our neighbors...a try...

It was Awesome...!

Beef Ribs...are difficult to do right.... I was very impressed...!

The Sweet Server....said they are having Brisket...tonight...that they cook...there...for 12 hours...

John and I are going to give them a try...

It will be Awesome...to have Great BBQ {specials... not always on the menu} just down the road!

I am staying home...today...

I have to run to the vet's office...again... today...

My Polly is having issues... I took her in, yesterday...oh my...

She has allergies...{bad...and seems nothing is helping....: ( }but...seems to me...her hind quarters...are weak....

This has been bothering me...for the last week....

So...have been in contact with them...throughout....

The Vet...isn't too concerned...

ahhh....but I am...

It could be...from all the itching....and she...is tired...and worn out...

or...it could be...a disk.. in her back... {that....worries me...her Dad...had that happen...and had to have major surgery...}

I know...I go on and on...about Jethro...the Junkin'..and Fun...

I treasure...all of those times...

and...talk about them...mostly...

but...just like everyone...there is a lot...of time...in my life...that isn't...fun...at all...

I try not...to talk about that...

Love to ya...

Barb C.

My Girl...

a Mom is only..as happy...as her unhappiest Child... be they...2 or 4 legged...

Today... not too happy... : ( I was hoping...after the visit...with the Vet...yesterday... she would be better...and I could leave her...and do some running... but...I'll be home with her...and work around here...close...by.... I'll be Open...this afternoon...

 

 

Oh....My.... : )

Out Jethro's Window...went Aerosmith...Foghat...and  Skynyrd...

I made a Promise...

Hold 'er Down.... : )

Then...I heard This...Song...

Perrrrrrfect!

It played..as I was coming home...today...

Just as a Kid...in a Rocked Out....Red Mustang...pulled up...beside me...

and...was wanting...a Little...Action...

I looked at him... over my Shades...and...simply...Smiled...

: ) : ) : )

{any other day...I would have had 'Crazy'...Aerosmith....rattlin' the Windows!!! Grabbed Third Gear..
and Took Him On Home....oh my... : )}

{all within the speed limit...of course...: ) }

but...The Angels...were riding with...

and...this Little Tune...by Little Big Town...was Blowing...out of 'Ol Jethro's Booming Speakers....

oh my...

I had the Cruise...set...

and...let him...walk on by... : )

ahhhh....

Life...is....Good....

: )

Love to Ya...

Back to Antiquing...in the Morn...

Sales and Auctions...All Over The Place!

Holy Smokes...!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.
{and...there is somethin'...about...knowing...he didn't stand...a...chance...and...'Ol Jethro...and I knew...it wasn't worth...the effort... : ) We Were Partyin'...in....Slow...Motion....: ) }

 

Together...Again.... : )

The Hatter...and 'Ol Jethro...are Together....Again...
I haven't laid eyes on him... since a week ago...Monday....
I couldn't bare to...
I told John...if he wasn't Perfect....I didn't want to see him...
My Heart...was Broken...for 'Ol Jethro...and...all the work...I knew...John had put into him....
I would...do anything...to make him...right... again...
Even...if...I would never drive him...again...it didn't matter...
I wanted...him...better than Ever....for John...
He Looks...Incredible...
The Boys...did an Amazing Job....
I haven't got the bill...yet...and I don't care...what it is...
{I may be having a 'Fire Sale!!!'...oh dear... : ) }
Nothing Else matters...We're...Together..{ahhhhh....He's...Together..} Again...
( I went to get supper...tonight...and was going to have John move Jethro...so I could take...Sally...{he parked him...behind her...today...} John said... DRIVE JETHRO For Heaven's Sake!!!!
: ) : ) : )
so...I did... : )
 

Jethro....looks better...than he ever did.... New....Ram Air Hood....Pretty...Sassy!
Jethro....and I took a ride...this Eve... and had a Long...Long....chat... oh my... I was pretty shook...getting back in him...again...He asked me...very...sweetly...to be a bit....more respectful...I wholeheartedly...promised...I would... : )
 

oh...dear.... : (

Justin...and John...put 'Ol Jethro...all back Together...Again.... Bless Their Hearts....
They never said one word to me...about the carnage.... {I wish they would have...I think...I beat myself up...more than...they ever could... }

 

As Miss.Scarlett and I...sat in the shop...watching the Guys....put the finishing touches...on 'Ol Jethro... Brutie came over...and sat beside us... He looked up...at us...as if saying...
"No Worries....Mama... you are out of the Dog House... : )" {Oh...Brutie...you are such...a Good Boy! }

Thanks...to All...

I haven't taken...the time...to Thank...Everyone...for the Lovely...Gold Rush...

I would like to Thank....so very...very much...

My Peg...

 I don't know what I would have done without her....

She totally...Rocked...

After...All...She has been through...to be able...to drive...and work her Heart out....

Well....that Drops Me...to my knees...

Lynn and Lea...

What Blessings...they are...in my Life...

{I tear up...just thinking about...the three of them...}

The Amazing...Friends...who came to visit...

Janet...and the Girls...Rosie...and the Girls...

My Blog...Friends...

My Decade...and Longer...Gold Rush...Friends....Janet...and...my Sweet Canadian...and...my...Lily of the Valley...Girl... our prayers...are with you...
You...are an Inspiration...: )

{Mark...and Sarah... Bless your Hearts... soooo sorry...for Your Loss... Ivy...is waiting...for us...She was an amazing....Spirit...}

Mark's Daughters...

oh my....while I was having...a melt down...after receiving...some difficult news...Shannon...held my arm....and consoled me...

 a lot...for a 16 year old...

We all shed tears...as I shared stories...about my Dad....and told them...how very Blessed...they are...to have such an Amazing...Father...

Good...Young...Women....with...a Wonderful...Father...

The other...Vendors...

What Blessings...they all are...

Our Porters...

Without...them...especially...after my fall...I don't know what I would have done...

The Fairgrounds...Staff... What can I say...they are...such a Loving Group of People...and always take such good care of us all...

As my Light Girl...Julie says...I am in a Bubble....and surrounded by Angels...

I witnessed that...over...and over... last weekend...

Thanks... so Much...to Each and Everyone of Them....

and...to the Angels...that have kept watch...over my Peg...

with Continued...Prayers...

 Thank You...

She is Living Proof....Prayers..Work...

Thank You....

All of You...

and...

My Love...to You...

Barb C.

more...Black...and White...{ p.s.}

As I stumbled...my way out of bed...this morn...

trying to find my 'post show'...legs...

and, realizing...I hadn't posted anything...yesterday...

{yesterday...was busy...with 'life'..and helping folks...'}

My eyes...fell upon...the Civil War News Papers...I had gathered...a while back...

There is something...about... things...that are simply...'Black...and White'.. these days...

Whether...I am, as friend Judy, has commented.... tired of the 'background noise'...

or...simply...tired....

I am seeking... pure...and simple...

and cutting through...the layers...

In the back of my mind... at every turn... I hear...Political...Noise...

This Election...year... is filled with noise...

{as they always have been...since I can remember...}

It reminds me...of a Football Game... or...a Boxing Match...

Filled with...Hype...and Division...

oh...my...

I hope...Folks...will use their heads...cut through the noise...and do their own...Fact Seeking... and not rely...on commercials...other's 'oppinions'....... and t.v. to make up their minds...

The Truth Is...

Black...and White...

We are All on The Same Team...

and...if... we don't learn...to get along...and compromise....

well...

United we Stand....Divided...well....we are...'Divided'...and...we Fall....

As I read through...a snippet of these Civil War Papers...

and...knowing...what would be the outcome...unlike...the readers...of this day... back in August...1862...

I wonder... had this Country...been able to see...in Black...and White... what lay..in wait...if....maybe...just maybe...

things...would have been a bit...different...today...

Seems... like...Elections....are made to be... for Winners...and Losers...

Just like a Ball Game....
Your votes... are not...for 'you'...but...for...your friends...neighbors...parents...children...grand children...basically...Everyone... and....You...
Definitely...not... a one sided....game...
Worthy...of a little...thought...

The Fact is...

Until...we all get together...and work...as a Team...A Nation...

we are all Losers....

I Hope...we can all be Winners...

I Truly...do....

This...is all I will be giving in my blog...to politics...

I am Thankful... we all have the opportunity... and right... to use our own heads...and thoughts...and be independent..'thinkers'...and consider...what is best...for all....not just...ourselves...

We have to pay attention...to all of our elected officials...they...speak...for us...

If...they don't... ask yourself... why...

and...put yourself...in their shoes...

That...usually...cuts through..the 'noise'...and Truth will Shine....

Now...we have to look through...all the debris....and find...the Facts...

It's...Important...

So...very...important....

after all... this...isn't a Game....

Just like...it wasn't... 150 years...ago...

Those Folks....our..'People'... found out...the hard way...what division...can do...

Love...to ya...

Barb C.
{p.s. I have made a pledge... to myself... I will no longer...take sides... Whoever...my Team Mates... {The People} ultimately choose... I will stand behind...and support.... Whoever...No Party Lines... We are Americans...I will support..our leader... and have Zero...Tolerance...for any Elected Official...or...Reporter...or...Commentator...who...for their own, or...their...employers...Monetary Gain... Bash...or...  sit on their hands...and try and undermine...the work...of our Elected....By The People... Leaders...by trying to throw the Game...and divide Our Country...simply...by not playing ball...and working towards...our Causes... for...America... } {yep... I guess...it is...kind of a Ball Game... when ya come down to it....It's time...to Play...with Honesty...and Integrity...Keep it Black...and White... Leave the Monday Morning Quarterbacking... Behind...}{ahhh by the way...that...will never happen...so...be Smart enough...to Turn It Off...and use your Brain...and Heart....and...A Lot Of Gut!!!}
May the Best Man Win!!! and...God Bless Him...
I would not want His Job....

 

 



Simply....Black..and White

Though...Color...is a Beautiful...Gift...

The Honest Things....in Life...Truly are....

Simply...Black and White...

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

Gold Rush... August 2012... History...

Gold Rush...2012... History..

Oh My... What a Ride...

What a Frickin' Roller Coaster Ride!!!

When Laura....e-mailed...and said she was in the ER... that's when the the little Coaster Car....began.....on it's 'Journey'...

I was worried sick...for her... and...Thankfully....she is home...from the hospital...and sounds like is perking along...: )

{She was Missed by All...at Gold Rush!!!}

My head...always races... before a Show... anyway...

Thank God...For Peg....

I had to load another truck...fast...to fill Laura's space....and...as much as I Love to drive...

I knew...I couldn't drive two trucks...at the same time....

Thanks to John...and the Boys...for helping load! In a Hurry!!! oh my...

I was Leary about having Peg drive the Fusie...{driving the Ford...wasn't an option... it's a stick...Peg...doesn't 'do'..a stick}...

But...she assured me..she could handle it...

and...By Gosh... She Did!

She should get her CDL...and we'll go Over the Road....
Truck Drivin' Mama's!!!

When we arrived... to set up...it was all I could do...to get the Bigs off... Thankfully....I found Porters...later...{thanks Cindy B. } and...Peg did more than she should have...then....Lynn and Lea... arrived... That's when it all started coming together! Holy Smokes! Bless Their Hearts!!!

But...I gotta tell ya... I was whipped...Don't know what I would have done without all of them...

This was a Load... a Big...Big...Load!

We worked on it all day, Friday... and it was Wonderful...seeing everyone...the Customers....{friends : ) } who make it a point...to come see us First! What Angels....

That is why...out of all of the Shows... I do... 'Gold Rush'... has always been the one... I will keep...no matter... I have such a Loyal Following... Wonderful People...

and...the other Dealers... in our Building...Bruce...and Nancy... across from us... I Love those two...{Sorry, Bruce... I wouldn't Dance...on the table..at Michael's...for ya....: ) I have to try and behave...after last year's..."Incident"...it's too soon...for doing that...Last years...episode..is...well... a bit too fresh...in their minds...: ) ahhh...I'm...Walkin' The Line...at Michael's...for a while...oh...ya...: )}there are some Great Folks..in our building... who have been there...forever...

I had a Wonderful Surprise...when Nancy S. and her Darling Husband....Walt...came to visit us...I now have their Old Booths.... We were neighbors... for Years....

When they left Gold Rush...for good... it was a Huge Loss... Every time..I pull in...for the Show... I think of them....and miss them...so....it's not the same...without them....

The Show...was Very Good! Friday and Saturday...We Smoked...
Sunday...was quiet...

It was so nice outside...I think the Customers....shopped outside....in the Sunshine!

We spent two...Lovely...Evenings...at Michael's...

Folks always tell me about other places to go eat...when in Rochester...

My reply...

"there...is only...One Restaurant...in Rochester...and...that is Michael's...."

Love it!

Thanks..to Mary...Kevin...Lois..Chery...Sheryl...Terri...Sarah...Kelsy...Mark...
Lynn...Lea...Allison...Shannon...
and...Pegadoo

For making it Fun....Evenings...

{sorry about my 'melt down'...Friday... I received...some bad news {heartbreaking...}...over dinner...and couldn't seem to pull out of it... a 'Mad Hatter'...thing.. wearing...my emotions... on the surface....}
Sunday...was a Tuff day....
I was carrying a Heavy...Heavy... Concrete Bunny... to a Sweet Girl's car...my foot twisted...on the Large...Lava Rock...beside the building... and I fell...I knew....I didn't dare drop the Rabbit....so...my legs...and feet... took the brunt...but...the Bunny...survived....
Then...an hour later...as I was sweeping the Fusie out... in preparation...for Load Out... I scooped up my pile of dust....and was going to step out of the truck.....and dived face first.... out of the back...
Poor Peg...{and  Customers...: ( }Just stood there in Shock... as they watched me dive....like I was jumping into an empty swimming pool....
oh my...
I got...pretty tore up...
and...am pretty sore today...
I kept loading...and moving... knew...if I didn't...oh my... I'd be frozen solid...today....
{ don't know why...someone...didn't have a camera... I'm sure it looked....Hysterical!!!!!! If not...taking an image of me....take one...of the expression...on Peg's Face....oh my Gosh!!! It was Priceless!!!! I thought she was going to Pass Out!!! {she said..."all I could do...is stand there...in Shock...and was thinking to myself..."Barbara...What The Hell..are YOU DOING!!!"... } {The others...that saw it...too... They were in  Total Shock!...stood there...frozen...jaws...dropped...when I picked myself up...off the ground....I think...they expected me to Stay There!!! What a Frickin' Ride!!!
{That's why...the 'Calamity Jane'...pin...is sooooo perfect!!!!}
just...call me.. " Grace"... : )
I think...I just get so...tired...and my mind...is miles ahead...of where my body is....I get myself...into trouble...oh dear...
We need someone..to follow us around...with a video camera.... what a Show.... : )
Thanks...to Everyone...who came by to see us!!! Blog Friends... {Kari...it was great meeting You!!}
and...for All of the Angels... Lynn...Lea..and of course...My Peg....
I have to get busy...
This Fall... is Going to be CRAZY... BUSY!!!!
Love...to Ya!
Barb C.

Walt...and Nancy...Lord...I Love These Two....and....Miss them So....as my Neighbors...at Gold Rush... Wonderful...Wonderful...Folks... : )

This is the Sweet Couple...that bought the Old Rolling Tool Chest!!! I told them about the Amazing Preston Auction...and the Sweet Family....It's going to a Lovely...Lovely...Home...Inside...and Showcased!!!

These Little Darlings...were a Joy!!! They were having a Great Time...at Gold Rush...They Cracked Me Up!!!! They hauled off...the Wonderful...Old Primitive Cupboard...they are posing in front of.... We Had So Much Fun!!!!
When their Sweet Friend...came to haul..it for them...She..Bought the Massive Amish Cupboard!!!! They already had a big cupboard...on their truck...but...thanks to some fancy strapping...we got 'em All On!!!!
Yeeeee Haw!!!

I always thought....skinned.. hands...knees....elbows...heels...and toes.... were for Children....oh...my..
Guess....some Kids...never Out Grow...this kind of stuff... oh dear...: ) {Guess...me, and 'Ol Jethro...have a lot in common...these days!!!}

Sunday....Last Day...

Come See Us!!!

Have a Great....Day....

Filled with... Insanity!!!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

A Smokin' Show!!!

My Angels!!!!

Peg...Lea...and Lynn!!!

We Have Rocked!

The booths...are lookin'....mighty...SPARSE!!!

YAY!!!

I can't Thank... these Darlings....Enough...

I was Whipped...after Unloading....These Sweeties... Carried...me...

I am...Blessed!

I'll have a Full Report...come...Monday!

Love to ya!

Barb C.

{We had some...Major...'Bigs'... go Rollin' Out The Door! YAY!!! and...met...some Darling Folks! What a Riiiide! Still Tons...of Great Stuff... Waiting For You!!! }

{ahhh....my new Theme Song... "I've Always...been Crazy...but.... It's kept me from Goin' Insane...." ahhhh...yep... : )

Hope to see ya...

We're....Baaaack! : )

We Made it to GOLD RUSH!!!!

Peg drove the Fusie!

and...me...the Ford... {it's a stick... Peg doesn't drive...a stick...}

We were loaded Heavy..

Made one stop...on the way...and gathered some Goodies!

{A Darling...Vintage Dress Form...and a couple Sweet Children's Dressers!}

{amongst other 'Treasures'}

I had most of the concrete out...Jelly Cupboard...and Tables...before the Porters arrived....

I was Glad to See Them! Whew!

Still had Three... Big Cupboards...to get off...{ One...is a Huge...Pine... Farm Cupboard... all square nailed... and... HEAVY!!! {it looks Amish...}

Peg wanted to help...more... but I told her to BACK OFF!!!!

I'll be needing her today... to get the totes...unpacked.... and decorate the Booth!

Lynn and Lea...helped out...a lot...as well...

Whew... it was so good...to have some helping hands!

{Heavy...Load... : ( }

My Little Friend...who couldn't come... was admitted to the Hospital... Our Prayers are with...her...

Peg looked at the Booth...as we were leaving the building...last night...

and shook her head...

What a Flippin' Mess!!!

Holy Smokes...

But...it will come together...

Hope to See Ya!

Love to Ya..

Barb C.

Holy...Monkeys....I'm....Walkin' The Line....

The night...before a show...

is always... a restless one...

Did I get everything....

What am I forgetting...
Do I have enough...
Did I pack enough supplies...

My mind is racing...

I had a call...yesterday..to do The Most..Amazing...Event...I have ever been Blessed to be asked to do...{and...a Huge...Undertaking!!!! I am Over The Top Excited!!!!}
We set the dates....for mid October...
I thought...
Great...after The Fall Harvest Sale...
Smooooth Sailin'!
then...about 3 a.m.
my eyes  popped open...
I remembered... I had agreed to do a Wedding Reception....in mid October...
Holy Smokes!!!!
There is No Changing the Wedding Reception...date...
{another....Huge...and So Very Important Undertaking!!!}
I'll figure it out....it's gonna be a Craaaaaazy October!!!!
But What FUN!!!!! {The Fall Harvest Sale...alone...is Huge....as Well!!!}
I couldn't sleep...so checked my e-mail...at 3:30....there was one...written...just moments before...from the ER... from a Sweet Pal...who is my neighbor...at Gold Rush....she is very ill...
and may not be able to fill my third booth.....
{Prayers...to her!!!! Bless Her Heart!!!!}
So....Peg is going to drive a second truck...and we'll keep loading...this morn....
It's pouring down rain....
and...I'm dancin' on a Razor Blade....
With help...from Gut Eating....Coffee... Strong...Stogies...and my Trusty Aleve...
I'm...Steadily...Walkin' the Line.... : )
oh dear....
The Fun Never Ends!!!!
See Ya At Gold Rush!!!!
With Frickin' Bells On!!!
Love...to Ya!!!!


Espresso Ground Sumatra...Stogies...and Aleve.... The Breakfast of Champions.... {and...Crazy Antiquers...: ) }

Barb C.



Cupboards...Farm Tables...Sofas...Oh My... : )

Spent the Day.... Running...and Loading...

and...

We Have...a Load...: )

Thanks...to The Boys...for helping so...

{and...another...Very...Sweet Friend...for helping me...pack...: ) }

We had many deliveries...early this morn...

then...turned our attention...to The Gold Rush Load...

I still have to try and cram more in....

Peg and I are going to try and fill...every nook...and cranny!!!

As I sit here...tonight...at the Old Farm Table... {only Harold and I could love....{ and...Ed}...}

glancing over...'treasures'...

It's so hard to decide...which to pull ....from the house....

I see... the kind faces...of friends...and Folks...I met along the way...

with each item....

There is a story...with everything...a fond...memory...or..it wouldn't be here...

Maybe...just the Auctioneer...and the day of the Auction...drifts through my mind....

a good...day....

and...a 'keepsake'... from...that day....

or...maybe...the memory...of the Friend...who was riding with...when I gathered a treasure...

The conversations...we had...

It's not...just the treasure...but....the fond memories...they each hold...

Even...as I sit here...running my hand...over the Old Table....I remember the day...I bought it...so vividly...

It was so...Decrepit...and Forlorn....

If....I would have laid a 2x4...over it's top....there would have been an 18 inch...space...between the board...and the top....it was soooo sway back....

The tin straps...were put on...decades ago...when they braced the table...again...and again... Harold said....someone had a Massive old printing press...atop...the Old darling....for years...

The poor old Harvest table...was never meant...for such things....it was built...around...1840, or so...from walnut....stout....but....very refined...not...made for industrial...uses....

I thought....'Why...do I Love that table so?'.... The prior owner, Harold...loved it too...an had it priced that way.....

I didn't know...who was more...insane... Harold...for asking so much for it...or me...for buying it....

oh my...

John....somehow...got the sway out....and...we put it in the house...

{When John first saw it...he about dropped....and said...

 "What the Heck...do you expect me to do with THAT ???!!!"

I roared... and said... not to worry...if he couldn't get the bow out... I'd use it for display...{I thought it would be Wonderful...layered with old wooden bowls...} and...I'd just Love It...As Found....}

I thanked...Harold...every time... we met....for this table....

I do...love it so...

I wish...he could have seen it....before he passed away....

I Loved...Harold.....

and sure do miss him...

I get...feeling so...melancholy...

Peg is meeting me....in the Morn....

We'll finish packing...and do some shopping...on the way to Gold Rush....

Tho....I don't know...how we'd ever squeeze...another thing on...

But....if we find something...Amazing....we will ....: )

we...always...do... : )

Hope to See Ya...There!

Love to ya...

Barb C.



Selling....my Treasures....

Due to my very own....stupidity...

{I have learned...'Ol Jethro...is not an ATV ....oh...he can perform like one...but...his body...doesn't look too hot...afterwards...}

I am going to have to part with some of my Personal Treasures....

I'm pulling some things...from the house.... for Gold Rush....

So...come visit me... {and Pegadoo...!}

I want them to go...to Loving Homes!

I'm not sure...what they will be... I'll know that...when I take my last walk through...

but... they are good...

well...they are...to me... : )

I have to get goin'!!!

So MUCH...to Do!!!

See ya...at Gold Rush!!!

We're in Gram Arena North

{on the back wall}

Opens Friday Morn...at 8 and runs through Sunday!!!

at The Fairgrounds in Rochester, MN.

on hiway 63

Hope to See Ya!

Love....to ya!

Barb C.



Loading for Gold Rush!

I had a Wonderful Surprise...This Morn!!!

My Peg is Riding Shotgun...to Gold Rush!!!!

She called and asked if I had room for her...

REALLY!!! REALLY!!!

I am Thrilled!

I haven't begun to load....

am running out the door...now!

I have soooo Much to do!!!

It was a Great Surprise...and one...I Truly Needed...

After all the Surprises...from Yesterday...

oh my...

My Friend, Linda...gave me these old ledgers... I Love 'em! They have Old Recipes...Scrap Booked...in them... Too Cool!

The Fun...Never Ends...

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

The Preston Auction!!!

I took off....EARLY...Saturday...as the Sun was shedding it's light...over the fields... I knew parking was going to be a Big Problem...I needed to get as close as I could....because...I usually buy...Heavy Stuff!!!

I had perked some....Gut Melting Coffee...{I was soooo tired....too many irons...too many fires...} and put it in my travel mug... which...immediately....on my first left turn....flipped...and spilled all over the floor of the Ford.... I could Smell....the Wonderful Aroma...the entire...40 minute ride.. but...that was all I could do... {One of the Daughters...at the Auction said...I should have had a straw! Dang!}

{I won't tell ya...where my pack of cigarettes landed...on my visit to the porta potty...EEEEWWWW!!!} {It almost ended my smoking days...EEEEWWWW}

The Family...was Wonderful... They brought me coffee...and kept bringing it...as I sucked it down....We all visited...throughout the day... My Heart...went out to All of them....I wanted to stay upbeat... and kept telling them..to 'Chin Up'... while...knowing...in my heart... I wasn't sure...I could...if I were in their shoes...

A Very...Difficult Day....for Family....

I assured them...I wouldn't bid..on anything they wanted... 

 Mark...got a mirror...that the Granddaughter...had wanted...he let her have it...when he found out...

Family...should always..have first chance....

{I wish...at Sales...whether it is an Auction....or Tag Sale... the Families..would have a private Sale...between themselves....The money...is usually divided...or is needed for the surviving spouse...so...'Giving'...it away..may not be an option...or...simply...drawing numbers....if two or more...want the same item...I know...it may bring more money...when the public is involved...but...money...isn't everything...and...things...could be appraised...first...}

Dwight and Junell Duwa, and their Staff... did an Amazing Job....This was a Huge Sale....and...The Family...{Daughters...and Granddaughters....worked their Tails off!!!}

This Auction...was in all of the papers.... Mr. Preston, had been on Johnny Carson... many years ago...talking about his collections.... Folks came from near and far.... it was Amazing!

Prices...were...HIGH!!! and it was a Battle...All Day!!!

But...it was a Fun Day! Filled with Great Folks!!!

I had agreed to haul Signs home...for Jerry...but..asked Mark...if he would...My Truck was so loaded....and Marks Van...was a Much...safer place...for Jerry's signs....

We all helped each other load...

and...at the end of the day... the entire Bunch of us...The Auction Family...Friends...and Staff... sat down...and visited...

It was Lovely...

I have got to work... and work fast...and furiously...to get the Gold Rush Load...together...

I received a call...from a friend...yesterday...who needs help...on the Mississippi.....NOW!!!

How in the World...am I going to get Everything....done...????

I have Major Deliveries... in the Morn...the weather...isn't cooperating...and...time...is Marching on...at a Very...Fast Pace...

oh my...This Week... is going to be....CRAAAAAZY!!!!

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

I hit this old Scalder....Hard... to no Avail... it sold for 1350.00.... It was Sure...Cool! ahhh and...Heavy!

The Wheels on the Bus...Go 'Round and 'Round...oh my....I didn't see any of the Machinery...Wagons... or Model A Trucks sell.... {I hate 2 rings...}

I didn't see this sign sell...but....it was one of my Faves....Toooo Coool!

The Preston Grand Daughters....
I took this image of them...when Liz and I previewed...the Auction...Thursday... The Girls...are about Liz's age....they were so much Fun... But...during the Auction...it hit them...so hard....seeing their Beloved Grandfather's...and Great Grandfather's....treasures....walking away... We visited...throughout the Auction.... I know...all too well... how this feels.... My Heart...went out to the Girls...

Mark and I both wanted this...so...we decided to join forces...and buy it...together... To No Avail... I hit it Hard....for us... but...not hard enough...to get it bought... Yowza!!! BIG MONEY!!!

These are Old Store Coffee Grinders.... They sold.... very good....

I captured this image...before the Auction...in hopes...I could get this Clock bought... It's a Miniature O.G.
Very....Old...I so Loved the Glass...with the Children... I got it bought...

Awww....Carole...and Jerry.... I Love These Two!!! Jerry had a Great Day...at the Auction....and was so kind...to help me load...after....

We all...were sooo attracted to this old Rolling Tool Chest! It was on my 'List'...I had to pay up...for it...but...oh my...It Rocks!!!!

These two pieces...they say...are for making Brooms.... I don't know...what it is...but...it's Funky....and Primitive! I could see the larger part...in a Kitchen...as an Island... and the other...as a sign holder.... They both have Wonderful Old...Paint!!! Never seen anything like it... Tooooo Coooool!

This is a Darling Piece...that would have set atop a Barrel...it's a Sifter of sorts... it looks Great...just sitting....as found...Love the great stenciling! I was happy to get it bought!

This Old Feeder...was something...I was really going to try  and get....and did.... I had to step up... but...I have never seen one like it....and...my Booth Plan...for Heart of Country...in February....will be...{at this point} "Iowa Farm Style"...if it makes it...that long... I could see it hanging...as a Chandelier! It's....Amazing! {ooooohhhh...maybe to hold...Wine Glasses!!!}

It was a Clock Day...for me...I bought...two...out of 4 or five... Love....Old Clocks!!! : )

Don't let the empty seats...fool ya... This was Early...before the Auction...I believe...there were around 500 Bidders.... It was Awesome!