I shared with you how we went away for a few days to visit some dear friends in Nevada.

Now, no trip to visit Debby would be complete with out a day of treasure hunting.

So while the men folk took our girls into Carson City to see the museums and the capital (and lots of snow!), we headed to Reno to some shops.

And no, we did not hit any casinos.

We figured out we were in the first shop for about two hours there was so much to look at – it was one of those places with booth after booth of vintage treasures.

I could not get over how many intersecting salt and pepper shakers we saw.

This was one of my personal favorites!

Mid century kitchen heaven, I could even get all of the stoves in the picture.

I do believe Debby thought I was crazy when I said I was bringing this home, but that’s okay, I do realize I am a little crazy.

Oh, if these two could have just fit into my carry on luggage!

After two hours in this shop, we stopped for lunch.

Anyone who knows me, knows you must feed me periodically or I get very cranky.

And feed me she did.

This was an amazing grilled cheese with turkey and avocado sandwich and chicken tortilla soup.

Um, so yummy!

Next door was this costume shop.  I was so sad it was closed.

It was probably for the best, my tummy was full and I probably would have done something to embarrass my poor friend.

Regardless, could the name of the shop be any better?

Then, she took me here.

Junker heaven.

One half was vintage clothes and the other was vintage everything else.

Even the music was fantastic – we had a blast!

This did not come home with me – but I regretted it later that night.

But not to worry, a few days later we were in a different town and we found this.

Now, if they were side by side choosing between Kermit and Snoopy would be a very hard choice, but I felt there was no choice but to buy Snoopy when given such an incredible second chance!

Now, I just have to wait for him to arrive in a box of treasures Debby is sending along.

I told her from now on I am only going to call her from my Snoopy phone.

Sunshine tested it out for me first.

Oh Snoopy, I do love you.

Okay, back to Junkee.

This lovely purse – mine now – woo hoo!

One side is sparkly, the other is just the embroidery.

Makes me happy!

This little corner was just too fun.

Don’t we all need a wall treatment of tutus – I see a new trend emerging – ha!

We actually took a picture of me in that fabulous red chair, the only problem?

You really can’t sit in a red velvet chair in front of a wall of tutus in regular clothes.

Now, if I had a costume from Polyesther’s I would have been good to go!

By the time we looped back this table made from a door (all hardware still attached) was gone.

When in the West, just couldn’t help myself.

Love the pairing of the graffiti type art, the crazy mannequin  and the embroidered daisies.

No idea what that pile of pink fuzzies and the bear were all about.

This one was pretty fab too with its pink frame.

Now this is a unique deer head.

So, I should have pictures of the other treasures I brought home that day.

I also should have all of my laundry put away and my house clean.

But I am going to feel good that the laundry is washed, dried and folded – just not put away, and that the first floor is clean.

Small successes.

So, when I get photos of the others – I will share.

Although I was lucky enough to find some fabulous treasures – it was so much more than that.

It was moving an equal pace with a great friend with no worries if they were enjoying themselves.

It was time alone to talk about what is really on our minds.

It was time to reconnect until we can again.

That was the true treasure we found.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks,

You don’t expect snow days in late May – but that is just what we got!

You see, we didn’t use all of our snow days because of a mild winter so the school gave us some extra days off.

We took advantage and hopped on a plane to see people we love.

It turned out to be a very stressful time at work for hubby and he almost was unable to come – that is him on his phone in the background.

In the foreground are my girls having their first Starbucks experience – decaf of course!

We arrived late to open arms and snacks and settled in for some sleep.

This is what we awoke to – the view from their backyard.

We were in the valley of Carson City, Nevada with views all around including the Sierra Nevada mountains – unbelievable!

Hubby did have to fly back out the first day to take care of some West Coast business, and the hubby we were visiting had some work to do as well – so the first morning was just for the girls.

We packed our water bottles and dressed to hike.

By the time we made it to the top the wind was unbelievable – we just kept laughing because no one could hear what the other was saying over the wind.

I was so struck by how amazingly different the terrain is.  We lived in AZ for a few years so I am familiar with the West, but here, everywhere you turned there is a view and you can see so far.

In my yard, once the leaves come in, we don’t even see our neighbors.

Deb was trying to show the girls where their house was from where we were.  It was ironic to me because they way we know them is that they used to live across the street from us.

Did you ever meet someone and just know they would be your friends instantly?  That is how it was with Mick and Deb.

Our realtor drove us around showing us different neighborhoods and we stopped at Mick and Deb’s.  They were in their yard raking rocks to plant grass (their house had just been built).  They were hot and sweaty and a mess – but something just clicked.

We spent months looking and in the end decided to build – across the street from them.

What a blessing.

NY was never a good fit for them, so they moved back to CA.  Last year, they made the move to Nevada.  They left NY when Peanut was 2 days old and Sunshine was 21 months old.

That was a hard day.

When Sunshine and I were still in the hospital after she was born, my mother was in a horrific car accident.  She was in the hospital and rehab for weeks.

I was emotional mess and didn’t have my Mom to come and help me with this new baby and my sister was taking care of my Mom.

Debby stepped in and took care of us, taught me the basics of motherhood and forever sealed our hearts.

When we returned from our hike, Mick joined us and we headed out to the river.

Oh how my Peanut loves to find (and bring home!) rocks.

Like I said, Sunshine was 21 months old when they left – but she always talked about them like they were still part of our everyday life – like she was still going in their snack cabinet everyday.

That is how her heart works – once you’re in, you’re in.

I love that about her.

And Peanut, never knew them here, but through Sunshine’s love for them – she loves them too like they were here her whole life as well.

It is just so special to have people in our lives where not only are we most at ease and totally ourselves – but our children are as well.

They were so truly themselves and unguarded.

This trip was a needed time to regroup as a family, to slow down, get outside and be together.

I took this picture the second night in their yard, there are no filters or Photoshop treatments – this is the real deal.  It captures her so truly.

It is a little hard to see – but there is a cross up on that hill.

Can you imagine seeing that everyday.

I did get a little bit of time with their girls who are grown (unfortunately I did not get any pictures of their other daughter).

And yes, my eyes are filled with tears.

I love this girl so much and I just could not believe she is now a 22 year old woman.  She was 12 when they moved.

And this was our view when we woke the next morning – when the clouds come in it is a whole different kind of beautiful.

The remaining days of the trip held even more, including one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

I kept just kept saying “This is the best day ever!”

Stay tuned…

Thanks so much for reading!

Thanks,

For all of our past, present and future veterans – thank you for all you have done in serving our Country.

source

Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.

Happy Memorial Day.

Thanks,

I am finding…

…that I am so happy there is a bird family living once again in our barn.  Mama was not happy about me taking this picture.

…that it doesn’t take much for my girl to feel like part of a team – it can be as simple as everyone wearing a unicorn hairstyle.

…that I am really enjoying starting to run at our track again – it keeps my knee from bothering me – but,

I really wish I had read this sign before they kicked me out the other day.  No worries, I went back AFTER 3:30.

… that I am really enjoying reading this book while waiting for my girls here and there – powerful story.

…that I am really glad I took the time for a pedicure the other morning.  I was having a tough morning and it was just the distraction I needed.  I am also glad I decided to pass on the conservative color I had chosen and go with this crazy purple blue the lady two stations down was trying.

…that I am really glad we made the decision to put in a pool at the end of last summer.  The girls and the hubby already have spent a lot of time in it.

This is however more my speed until it gets warmer.  Bailey may look innocent in the background here.  A few hours later she fell in.  We do not know if she can swim because my daughter scooped her right up and then my husband pulled her out.  Lets just say I am really glad she is getting groomed next week.

…that I am already in love with my new niece – Introducing Lucy Lu!

…that I am really excited for the holiday weekend!  Much planned – I can not wait!

What about you – what are you finding?

Thanks,

Yup, its official –I didn’t just endlessly pin – I did!

First, I made this recipe:

Zucchini Tots

They were super easy and quick and yummy, my kids even liked them.

I quadrupled the recipe and sent the leftovers home with a friend.

They will be perfect for when we end up with endless zucchini supplies in a few weeks (that’s pending any disasters in my garden!)

Next time, I might change it up a bit, maybe add some small diced red pepper, or garlic, maybe try feta cheese?

I got the sense they would freeze pretty well also.

And yes, I know a good blogger would have taken a picture of my own, but we gobbled them up so fast it never occurred to me.

And the second thing I did was clean…with vinegar and Dawn.

Have you seen this yet?

I am sorry I don’t have a better link – the pins just seem to be an endless link of pins.

There are also some pins out there that say to heat the vinegar in the microwave first.

I did it the first time just as described above.  When I came back from leaving it for the hour, I splashed water on it and scrubbed and rinsed.

I think I heard my shower say thank you.

The second time, I heated the vinegar and I didn’t have the hour to wait and it work just as well.  This time I also used it on my sinks and it worked great there as well.

When it is soaking – I will not lie your house smells like salad dressing.  My daughter evens said “Mom – your room smells bad!”, but once you rinse it off, all you smell is the dawn and it is shiny clean!

How about you, have you found any pins lately that you tried and really liked?

Thanks,

hy·dro·pon·ics/ˌhīdrəˈpäniks/

Noun: The process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.

When I stayed at my friend’s house the other week she took me to a new grocery store near her.

I was blown away when I saw this lettuce.

Have you ever seen more beautiful lettuce?

Then, she took me to the observation deck to show me where it grows.

I will admit, I know nothing of the pros and cons of hydroponic growing systems.

But I do know I was mesmerized by the beauty, symmetry, and precise nature of the process.

It never ceased to amaze me what people’s minds can create.

Have a great day!

Thanks,

We have had a raised bed vegetable garden for quite a while now.

This is what I know – they are a lot of work and there is one constant battle after another: drought, rain onslaught, bugs, rabbits, deer, groundhogs.

But every year, we keep doing it.

There is something special about growing your own food – knowing exactly where it came from.

For years we have gathered our kitchen compost and yard compost and put them in a big pile at the back of our property.

We don’t do anything much, except turning it from time to time so it hasn’t become usable very quickly.

It made us so happy this year to put usable nutrient rich compost in our beds.

Isn’t it pretty?

We have made a lot of changes to the garden over the years, adding more beds each year.  We currently have 8.

I am not sure why, but my girls are doing the Macarena in this picture.

I wish I could show you glorious pictures of beautiful beds surrounded by lovely pea gravel.

That was the plan, we had the ground cover in between the beds for sometime waiting for stone.

But, the reality is – we made the garden way too big to be able to afford to bring it that much stone.  Fighting the grass and weeds growing between the beds was a constant battle that became very discouraging.

Last year, we cried uncle!

We pulled up all the ground cover and put down grass seed.

Things are pretty scraggily right now, we are just getting started to get it cleaned up.

But all of the beds have weed block and either plants that we started in the house or seeds are in.

We have a push mower – the totally human energy kind – to use to keep things trimmed up.  We are hoping after this season the grass will fill in a bit better.

If we get tired of mowing, maybe we can just bring over our new neighbor for a bit.

Although I do not believe Duchess has the ability to distinguish between unwanted and wanted greenery.

Another change we made last year was to turn a section over to a cutting garden – something I have wanted for a long time.

There will hopefully be lavender, peonies, hydrangeas, daisies and lilacs.

I had to pull two plants that didn’t make it.

Any suggestions for replacements?

We also found four small snakes as we pulled back the weed cover.

I am not a fan.

But our overgrown rosebushes are blooming and that makes me happy.

And there is signs of life with the strawberries.

If all goes to plan – which it never does, we will have string beans, peas, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, basil, oregano, sunflowers, several types of peppers, pumpkins and gourds, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, three types of roses, and the above mentioned flowers.

That is of course, if our fortress holds up.

Our fencing system goes one foot into the ground to keep out the groundhogs and prevent the rabbits from going under.  It is also 7 ft high to keep the deer from jumping over.  There are two extra layers of mesh around the base to keep the rabbits from eating through the fence and there is an assortment of layers at the gate to keep all the riff raff out.

Gardening is not for people who give up easily.

Our garden will never be featured in a magazine – it is about function, not really about pretty.  But it works for us.

And, when we are all out there as a family working hard, or when we all sit around the table and shuck peas for freezing, I know we are doing right by our girls.

We are teaching them the traditions of my husband’s childhood and we are creating new traditions of our own.

We are teaching them about working hard and sticking to it.

And nothing beats their faces when they are eating fresh raspberries!

How about you, do you have a vegetable garden?

Thanks,

As I said I would, today I am sharing some of the items I picked up at Brimfield for myself.

The very first collection I started was Liberty Blue Transferware.

This is some of my collection in my kitchen hutch.

I was given three dishes in college, just for use, but then I started seeing pieces at vintage and antique shops and they were very affordable.

I began picking up pieces one by one for the last twenty years – I love how each piece depicts a scene from American history.

I am even lucky enough to have a teapot given to me by my Hubby’s Grandmother.

We use these plates and pieces everyday, they are not stashed away for special occasions (okay, I don’t use the ones that are propped because but I have a lot of plates and it would be a pain to get them down – I do use the platter).

But one piece always eluded me – I had never even seen one in person.

Last year, it was rumored to be an estate sale I was at but then no one could find it.

Within ten minutes of arriving at Brimfield I happened upon a booth that had not one, but two soup tureens!

One of them was in pristine condition and was $225…

and the other had two chips in the lid and cost $30.

Which one do you think I bought?

To be able to place it in my hutch for only $30 – you bet I bought the chipped one.

I figure we are all a little chipped and dented, why not our pottery!

If I were to spend $225 ( which by the way, I just never would) on a piece like this, I would never use it and would always be nervous about breaking it.

You can’t even see the chips when they are in my hutch.

I also figure someday I may find a lonely cover with no pot – you just never know!

I also found…

This fabulous brown transferware casserole.  I actually was mentioning to my friend that I was looking for brown transferware in a booth.  The owner of the booth heard me, went to the booth next door, negotiated a lower price and brought this lovely piece over to me.  I thought that was very sweet and gracious of her.

I was smitten with the shape and the little village scene on it.

I also bought this tray from a lovely woman ( I wish I had not lost her card).  I could have stayed in her booth all day and chatted with her.

She is also the person who declared to me that “the economy is back”.  She was leaving a day early because she had already restocked and her booth was sold out.

We heard several people talking about how well the show had been going for them, the best they had seen in years.

I also picked up some vintage silverware from the “imperfect” bins.  I was drawn to patterns that had little interesting work or the little boxes that could be filled with words.

I disciplined myself in only getting four Tole trays – there were quite a few at great prices.

I saw the one on the top left the first day as we drove away and went back for it the next day, I paid a little more than I would have liked, but the colors are just so pretty.

My girlfriend found the small ones that I love – I don’t have anything that size and the other large was just too good of a deal to pass up.

I can’t wait to get these hung in my dining room with the other I already have.

We actually ended up not going back to Brimfield on the final day but did hit some yard sales where I found this amazing blanket.  The lady was so pleased that I really liked it as it had been made my someone in their family and had been kept in an Adirondack home.

Speaking of broken things, I would like you to meet a friend my daughter picked out a few weeks ago at an estate sale.  I carefully wrapped him in some linens so nothing would happen to him.

You guessed it, I totally forgot, picked up said linens and the turtle came crashing to the floor broken in many pieces.

I may or may not have cursed loud enough for my children to hear.

I assumed it was a lost cause.

But my children gathered all pieces and showed me we could put him together.

It took us about an hour, all of the seams are not tight, and there is a hole in his neck – but he sits  proudly on our mantel holding flowers that my daughter gave me.

See, just as you read all over blogland, it doesn’t have to perfect…

And my daughter still loves it regardless.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Thanks,

I have been going to Brimfield, MA for their outdoor vintage and antique market for years.

For a while, it was just two of us.

Then, there were three and now the package is complete and it has been all four Betties.

My Betties and I have been together since 1989 when we are all housed in the same dorm at UNH.

They have been one of my greatest blessings since.

Day 1 was just two of us and I could not wait to get there.

One of my favorite parts is checking out what people already found and bought and are carrying around in their carts.

There are so many different styles of booths/tents.

Some are very formal and organized.  Some are not.

Some make you want to come right in and stay a while.

Don’t you love what that chalkboard says?

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.  Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

There were lots of treasures that almost went home with us…

But in the end, new options were found or the decision to hold off was made.

There is endless inspiration, ideas and visual stimulation.

On the second day the traffic getting into Brimfield was legendary and was even on the news.

It took us as long from 30 minutes away as it had for me from NY the day before – 3 hours.

It gave us plenty of time to reflect on the damage that was done by a tornado in this area last year.

My hubby was about 10 minutes behind this storm on the highway and was humbled when he came upon the damage.  That gets you thinking.

We moved from booth to booth, some at the same pace, others on their own – but always meeting up at the end of the aisle.

We called each other back when we saw something we thought the other might like (thanks for finding the trays Jack!).

It was all just easy, relaxed and comfortable.

Oh, and how they made me laugh.

After all these years, our decades old jokes are still funny.

At least we think so.

And we found plenty of new things to laugh about too.

We found some creativity that was, well creative…

But I wouldn’t want it in my house, creepy!

I feel like I would have to announce something really important to do this chalkboard justice.

Oh how fun that cart would be on a porch.

I did not expect to find much for my sales, but I actually did find some great treasures to be reworked and sold.

Boxes seemed to be the theme.

6 greenish, one large blue and four natural wood.

I also brought home a wire basket, several trays and some transferware for myself.

I will share photos of the other items when there is actually some sun around these parts.

It seems fitting that we all seek out items that have a story to tell and that have history.

I seek them out because we have stories to tell, we have history.

I love them fully for who they are and they do the same in return.

I feel renewed and thankful.

Thanks,

Mother’s Day for me wasn’t your typical relax and put your feet up kind of day, but that was okay by me.

We met up with my family for lunch.

I mean, all of us.

You see, my parents are divorced and both are remarried.

I spent a good part of my growing up years with parents who couldn’t be in the same room.

Look at us now.

Mom and Richard (who by the way is doing fabulous!)

Dad and Sue.

We have never all done Mother’s Day before, but I love this new normal.

It is not forced or done begrudgingly.

Everyone really does get along.

And for me to be able to give this type of family to my children is beyond words.

I hope this is all they ever know.

And although the day was about  Mothers, I could not help but think about this man.

I have always said the best decision I have ever or will ever make is to choose this man to be the father of my children.

All that he has taught me about fighting fair, not holding a grudge, treating people fairly – he has made me a better wife, mother and person.

And my Mom, of course I had to thank her for all that she has done for me and the Grandmother that she now is to my children.

I think a lot about doing right by my children, I take my job as a mother quite seriously and want so much to teach them well.

And then there are moments when I realize that they have so much to teach me.

I am 41 years old and don’t think I have ever sat on my Dad’s lap – I thought this picture was worth sharing.

I never would have seen this coming, but I am so thankful for our new normal.

Thanks,