Old Glory Cottage

REDNESDAY-Valentine Reds

2012-01-31T14:18:00.010-06:00

Don't you just love the graphics that Sue makes for her Rednesday party each week? That one above is one of my all-time favorites!
Well, after much procrastination, I finally decided that the safest place for my Valentine's Day collection is on top of the green cabinet. Surely Cupcake can't jump up there!

Our little valentine tree.
I bought these chenille girls a few years ago from Ebay, but I added their little heart wands.
Awwww, lookie who's sitting under the valentine tree! I just had to have this pair, because Mr. Old Glory is a musician and he plays guitar in his band.

Mr. & Mrs. Old Glory
Sittin' Under A Tree......

One of my favorite valentines from my collection. Sue, this one always makes me think of you!
LISTEN FELLER.....!
I think this one is my absolute favorite. Maybe!
This is a cabinet in the kitchen. I would have loved to show more than just the cabinet, but there are groceries all over the kitchen table next to it. The sun came out, so I dropped what I was doing in order to get a decent shot. I've got my priorities straight! That doily decoration that our daughter made in grade school always gets hung on the glass, along with that heart that I made several years ago hanging from the handle, and a new addition is that polka dotty garland that Holly at Cutie Pie Cottage made. It's there ALL the time now!
If you would like to see more reds, please visit Sue at It's A Very Cherry World!

My Sewing Machine Is Finally Fixed!!!

2012-01-26T19:16:00.030-06:00

A long long time ago, my husband gifted me with a sewing machine. It was so long ago that I don't remember if it was for Christmas, my birthday or just because! And it feels like it's been broken forever. I was quite stunned at how expensive it is to repair a sewing machine. How expensive? Let's just say that I could have had the oil changed in both of our cars for the same price!
So I was finally able to make this valentine bunting.

You would probably think that sewing hearts is easy. Well, you would be very WRONG! In my excitement at having a working machine again, I accidentally sewed a couple of the hearts shut, so I couldn't turn them right sides out.
And they're like snowflakes......
No two are alike! But that's OK. It still turned out cute, and no one will know except for those of you that are reading this right now!
I even whipped up a little cupcake blankie for Cupcake!
I think she likes it. Nighty night, Cuppy!
Yes, I'm quite thrilled to have my sewing machine working again. Why, the possibilities are endless! Even though I made myself give up quilting because I was horrendous at it, I just might take it up again. Maybe it wasn't ME that was so bad at it, maybe it was THE MACHINE! More projects to come.......

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2012-01-22T21:30:00.025-06:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!
I found that piece of pottery on the right a week or two ago, but I can't remember where I got it! I used to be able to remember where I got every single thing! Some might say that it's a sign of getting old. I say, I've got way too much junk!
I've been trying to go antiquing once a week, and it's so nice when you see new things in the booths, like these Lefton S&P shakers. I only wish that they changed their merchandise at the same time that we bloggers start decorating for each holiday. There should not still be Christmas stuff on the shelves! Am I right?
After going to three antique malls in one day, these are the only valentine-y things I came home with. Love them, but where is all the valentine stuff???
I saw these bunnies while I was Christmas shopping, and it just didn't feel right to be buying something for myself at the time. What a relief to see that they were still there when I returned for them!
So what's the situation at your antique stores? Did you find anything exciting over the weekend?!

REDNESDAY

2012-01-17T14:16:00.027-06:00

Time for REDnesday over at It's A Very Cherry World! AND, it's time to start decorating for Valentine's Day!

I finally finished the first of three Valentine buntings that I plan on making.
A close-up of the fabrics that I used. All handsewn, but the good news is that I'm going to set my sewing machine by the door, so that I'll remember to take it to Hancock Fabrics and get it fixed this Friday. YAY!
Christmas has mistletoe, and Valentine's Day has the kissing ball! I made this one several years ago, using a styrofoam ball, moss and silk roses. All "ingredients" found at the dollar store. SO easy!
I had a vintage Lefton girl just like this one on my Watch List on Ebay, and when it reached $16, I can't tell you how thrilled I was to spot this one at my favorite thrift store for 50 cents!
Let's head outside for just a second to check out the cherub blow mold hanging beside the back door.
And since it's still Winter, I've left out the sled and our daughter Liz's old skates and made it a little bit Valentine-y.

And here's the start of another project. I sure hope it turns out the way I'm envisioning it. Wish me luck!
If you would like to see more reds, hop over to It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue hosts REDnesday every week!

SPRING-Y

2012-01-13T17:33:00.039-06:00

Once Christmas is over and but a distant memory, I find myself yearning for Spring and my gardens!And it doesn't help when these start arriving in the mail! Unfortunately here in Illinois, there won't be any flowers to look at outside until April.
So instead, I surround myself with flowers inside the house. I try to have some fresh flowers in that vase at all times. Do you have an Aldi store near you? Their bouquets are only $3.99! You've probably noticed by now that I didn't iron that beautiful vintage tablecloth before I put it on the table.
Why bother, when I know that a certain kitty will be all over it! I've tried to keep Cupcake off the table, but......she's a cat and cats do whatever they please, don't they?

The floral curtains and rugs and pillows are all back out, after a short winter's nap.
I made the pillow in the middle this week, with scraps from those other two pillows that I made a while back. That couch is old. My Mom remembers it from when she was little, and she's going to be 87 next month! It's extremely uncomfortable, but I'll never part with it!

Well I thought I had made a cute little pillow.......
but it's really a big, soft CAT TOY. Check out that action shot!
OK, so it's positively Spring-y inside the house......
but it's definitely Winter outside! We finally got some long overdue snow, and Smokey the Bear thinks we're in store for many more weeks of Winter.
Mr. Squirrel agrees!

So while it's Winter in the gardens, I'll just sit back and enjoy my little Spring-y house, and wait for Mother Nature to catch up!

MY WEEKEND FINDS-Fire King And Jadeite, Oh My!

2012-01-08T20:10:00.027-06:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!
When I stop in at our local Goodwill, I always try to have very low expectations. That way, on the rare occasion that I actually do find something good, I am pleasantly surprised!
Case in point: The other day I stopped in, and it was as if a beam of light was emanating from these Fire King mugs. I could have spotted them a mile away!
I also found TWO of these old mug holders.
I ask you: Who doesn't need extra cupboard space?!
I couldn't resist these little bowls, which are just perfect for a little fruity snack. I remember my Mom had coffee cups with those same pink flowers on them, but she assures me that those cups are long gone. Darn!
I now have two of these jadeite reamers, and I'm that much closer to having an actual collection. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Not really though, because you know that if you touch your daughter's lemons that she bought with her very own money, there will be trouble....
And last, these four Fire King plates, all taped together with a $2.99 price tag on them. Don't they know that I would have paid much more for them?!
Oh Fire King, I've been so misguided and sold many pieces of you, but you always come back and give me another chance. Fire King, this time you're for keeps!

REDNESDAY--A Silly Impulse Purchase!

2012-01-03T14:38:00.041-06:00

Happy New Year to you, and I hope 2012 is filled with lots of great RED goodies! Thanks to Sue at It's A Very Cherry World for creating and hosting this great party!
About two weeks before Christmas, I found myself in an antique store, shopping for gifts, when something red caught my eye! I was pretty sure I knew what was inside the box, and although I certainly didn't need one, I opened it up anyway, to take a look.
It was an old record player! I don't know about you, but when I was little, I loved listening to records, and when I got a bit older, I spent ALL of my allowance on 45s. The O'Jays, Three Dog Night, The Spinners. David Cassidy......swooon!
But these red 78s are what I remember from when I was little, so now a collection has been born. All because of an impulse buy! Have you ever surprised yourself by buying something totally unexpected?
I stopped at Hancock Fabrics last night and picked up some material for a Valentine bunting. My sewing machine has gone kablooey again, so this bunting will be sewn by hand, using needles from these vintage packs.
And last is a beautiful crocheted scarf, modeled by our daughter Liz, that I was lucky to win from Twyla at Two Crazy Crafters. If you've never visited her before, Twyla crochets really gorgeous afghans too!
If you'd like to see more reds, head over to It's A Very Cherry World!

Lookie What I Found Under The Christmas Tree!

2011-12-28T19:07:00.032-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Me, I was sick on Christmas day, but I did have enough strength to open my presents!I love to decorate for Valentine's Day, and my collection just got a little bit bigger with the addition of this pair of Lefton Valentine girls!
These two will make a great addition to the patriotic decor. They're also vintage Lefton.
Another old radio for the Old Radio Collection! I think my objective is to have one in every color, because I've got one in just about every color!
I've never seen a blue picnic basket like this one. Another great addition to the.....well, I think you get the idea!

I am SO IN LOVE with this little picnic basket/lunch box. Look at those adorable children playing!
At this point, you must be thinking that Mr. Old Glory is pretty darn great, to find all of these amazing things for me.

Pssssst! I'll tell you a little secret. He IS pretty terrific, because he lets me buy whatever I want on Ebay or in antique shops, he doesn't ask me "Do you really need ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE?", he just wraps them up for me and puts them under the tree! And I do the same for him. After a gazillion years of marriage, we've finally figured out the easiest, stress-free way to do Christmas! Can't wait to go blog-hopping and see what everyone else got!

REDNESDAY-The Last Of The Christmas Reds...I Think!

2011-12-20T14:02:00.022-06:00

Still decorating, even though Christmas is only a few days away! It's OK though, because most of the outside stuff stays up until about the middle of January.

Since I wasn't going to be doing my usual, over-the-top Christmas decorating this year, due to the new kitten, I decided to just decorate with some of the things that I've found throughout the year, which had been waiting in the holding area (picnic basket), ready to be packed up with all of the other decorations after Christmas.

I did find some nice things this year at estate sales.

And the flea market.

It was a pretty good year for kneehugger elves!

While I was out antiquing over the weekend, several booths had their Christmas stuff 50% off. So these NOEL candleholders came home with me.

And so did this sweet little birdie, along with the tiniest bottle brush trees I've ever seen!

Although I'm not Swedish, I thought this tablecloth was so charming, and it's small enough that it will fit nicely on the coffee table.

There was no way I was leaving this angel behind either!

Here is my teeny tiny patriotic Christmas collection. The only reason I have one at all is thanks to Deb , for sending me that amazing vintage card, and to Renee for that ornament she made, using vintage materials. Thanks gals!

Back outside, my cherry bucket holds a spectacularly realistic poinsettia!

And on a sled that I found curbside, are my daughter's skates from when she was a little girl. Funny story about those skates. I decided a few years ago that it would be fun to spraypaint the skates silver, and then sprinkle glitter on them. Those skates did not dry for three years! Honestly, last year was the first time that they weren't tacky to the touch!

If you would like to see more reds, please visit It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue hosts this party every week!
Merry Christmas!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

2011-12-16T18:32:00.018-06:00

I was determined to not do any Christmas decorating in the house this year, because our kitten's naughtiness seems to know no bounds. I certainly wasn't going to put out any of my figurines! And I was pretty sure that a tree was a really bad idea. Can you imagine how a decorated tree would be like a playground for a little kitty?!

But I couldn't resist the urge! So here's our silver tree, decorated with vintage ornaments. I KNOW! I'm just tempting her, aren't I? But it sure is lovely, and we've got it pretty well secured there between the green cabinet and the bookcase.

And just look at this gorgeous tree topper! How could I pack this thing of beauty away, when my Flickr friend Stacie was so nice to send it to me?!?

Lots of vintage blow molds, waaaaay up there on the green cabinet. Surely kitty can't jump up there!

Some Santa mugs on the kitchen windowsill. Not really the safest spot, because Cupcake tries to drink out of the faucet when it gets turned on!

The Santa cookie jar and a kneehugger elf should be out of reach of little furry claws up there.

More blow molds, and wacky tacky plastic flowers. All kitty-proof!

And last but not least, more vintage blow molds, safe and sound......OUTSIDE! They were only 99 cents each at Goodwill, and thank goodness the person standing directly in front of them didn't seem to be at all interested in them. Because I might have resembled one of those lizards with the really long tongue that darts out and grabs it's prey in a split second! So I tried, I really really tried to resist the urge to decorate. Hopefully by this time next year, Cupcake will be slower and fatter and a bit more mature, so I can spend weeks decorating and more weeks packing it all away again. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!!!

REDNESDAY-Christmas Reds!

2011-12-06T14:13:00.012-06:00

Today for REDnesday, I'd like to share some reds from thrift stores/estate sales/antique stores. YES, I've been to them all, in search of some great vintage Christmas goodies! Alas, this year is proving to be a bad year for that sort of thing around here. But I persevere, and stop at every thrift store I happen to go past!

I found this Made In Japan planter, stuffed full of wacky tacky plastic greenery and such. I love it!

Three little reindeer, all with a bit of red on them. Only $2 at an antique store. Can you believe it?!

Old metal coasters and ashtrays, from the thrift store.

A Christmas card list box, and lots of vintage Christmas cards. Perfect!

A couple of wee angels, both found at an antique store, both very cheap. It always amazes me how the prices in antique stores really run the gamut. I saw another angel like the one on the right, in another booth, for ten times what I paid for mine!

Do you decorate your bathroom? I just love that little girl on the vase and bell, with her polka dot scarf! They're both Lefton, and I paid a little over $1 for both, at one of my favorite thrift stores. I don't always find something there, but the proceeds go to a shelter for battered women, and they put clothes on the backs of the less fortunate. I like that.

Mrs. Claus and her Christmas tree S&P shakers.

And the newest addition to my "Santa Light Up Nose Pin Collection"! Or at least I thought it was mine. Cupcake seems to have claimed it as hers. Honestly, I think we have adopted THE NAUGHTIEST KITTEN IN THE WORLD! She thinks everything, everything, is a toy. Truth be told, I haven't unpacked a single Christmas thing, and I think this might be it for my decorating this year.

An action shot of her playing with the pin. It's gotten so bad that if anyone wants to work on my laptop, we have to tag team her, because if we leave the computer open, she turns it on and does Google searches that would simply amaze you. She even pulled off the Backspace key, which took Mr. Old Glory half an hour to put back on. I don't remember our last kitten being so naughty!
If you would like to see more reds, and possible more naughty kittens, head over to It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue is our hostess!

REDNESDAY-Recycling By Thrifting!

2011-11-29T14:28:00.025-06:00

According to the Urban Dictionary, a THRIFTER is: Someone who religiously shops at thrift stores, looking for bargains and often scores amazing deals. Often dedicated to recycling and reuse of products to keep our planet "greener". HEY, that's me! Whenever I go past the three thrift stores in our area, I always stop. You just never know what you're going to find, it keeps things out of the landfill, and all three do very good work with their proceeds!

Someone put alot of work into this Christmas quilt, and although it's by no means vintage, it's really cute, and it was only $3!

It looks great with all of the other quilts too, and so does the little kneehugger elf, also found at the thrift.

I've been trying to decide which Christmas tablecloth to go with on the dining room table. I've got alot to choose from, but I was lazy and only grabbed the first few from the pile. Truth be told, if I wasn't careful, the pile would topple over!

In the end I chose this one, and I'm pretty sure it's the same one I used last year. Which makes a pretty good case for not having so many tablecloths when all you're going to do is just use the same one every year. But remember, I'm a THRIFTER, and I'm trying to save the planet, one tablecloth at a time!

I LOVE IT! That tree almost looks Dr. Seuss-ish, doesn't it?

I also found some really cheap vinyl tablecloths at the thrift, which I needed because........

I had to make some presents for my bicycle basket! It's terribly windy today, so all of the leaves from the vacant house next door have landed in my yard. AGAIN!
So remember, if you want to do your part to recycle and keep the economy going, make thrift stores your first stop!
And if you would like to see more reds, and hopefully some thrifted ones, head over to It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue is our hostess every week!

Thanksgiving At Old Glory Cottage!

2011-11-23T18:56:00.035-06:00

I'd like to wish one and all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's our decorations, which had to be packed away a couple of days later because a giant kitten thought batting around the turkeys was lots of fun!

We'll be going to my sister's for Thanksgiving dinner. She has the whole family over every year, and cooks everything herself and it's all so yummy!

Then I'll help her load up the dishwasher.........

and we'll all gather 'round the TV and cheer on The Green Bay Packers! Or at least my daughter and I will. Everyone else hates the Packers.

Then it's to bed nice and early, because.......

NO! I'm not joining the throng of shoppers at the malls and various stores for Black Friday.

I'm going to 2 estate sales! One advertises lots of mid-century stuff, and the other one opens at 7AM and claims to have tons of vintage glassware. The only problem is that both are in a town that has all of those malls and big stores, and most of my time will probably be spent in the car. But I hope to find some treasures!

And then it's time to trim the tree, the house, and every other bare surface! I can't wait to get started. To me, it's Red Friday!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

REDNESDAY!

2011-11-22T13:32:00.022-06:00

It's REDnesday over at It's A Very Cherry World! If you're new to my blog, and happen to love the color red, head over to Sue's, where this party happens every week!

I went antiquing last week, in search of some Christmas girl figurines to add to my collection. I didn't find a single one, but I did find this cute little red camera! After looking at this picture though, I think I'll take the flash off, because it's a wee bit humongous for such a small camera.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas around here! I think this is the earliest I've ever decorated, but I just couldn't contain myself a minute longer! I normally start the day after Thanksgiving, but what's a few days early?

This extremely large old toolbox sits by the back door, and when lit up, those lights flicker and it gives me such a feeling of contentment when I come home at night!
Well that's it for my reds this week. Be prepared to see lots of Christmas reds in the weeks to come!
HAPPY REDNESDAY!

Christmas Makeovers

2011-11-19T21:41:00.012-06:00

I don't consider myself a crafter by any means, but I do like to make things for each holiday.
When I found this Lefton girl at the flea market a couple of weeks ago, she didn't exactly thrill me, but I got her anyway. You see, I had a plan for her.....

So I went to the local Goodwill and found this jewelry box ............

And both the girl and the box got a coat of pink paint and became a shadowbox!

This summer, my friend Nancy found this vintage NOMA thingie at a garage sale and bought it for me. When she gave it to me, all I could think was: "Why Nancy? Why would you buy this for me?!". Ok, I'll admit that it's vintage, and it's Christmas. Two of my favorite things! But that plastic box was kinda moldy inside. It sat on the porch for about a month, and I was so close to throwing it away.......

Until I cut away all of the moldy-ness, found an old frame in the attic, painted it red, and now I love it. It's so kitschy!

And the lights still work!

I can only imagine the ten different ways our kitten Cupcake is going to desecrate this thing! We've had her for three weeks now, and just yesterday she finally discovered that jumping on the parakeets' cage is fun, and so is pulling the toilet paper across the bathroom and absolutely shredding it. Sadly, I think alot of our Christmas decorations will remain unpacked this year, until she outgrows her kittenhood. Exactly how long does that take? Does anyone know????

REDNESDAY!

2011-11-15T14:37:00.009-06:00

I'm so glad to be linking up with REDNESDAY once again, over at It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue is our red-lovin' hostess!

When Renee at My Vintage Mending showed this patriotic ornament that she had made, using vintage Christmas goodies, I knew I had to try and beg, borrow or steal it from her! Luckily, she so kindly offered to send it to me. Vintage patriotic Christmas decorations are hard to find, and very expensive, so I can't tell you how much I love this, and appreciate Renee's generosity and talent!

These vintage pixies came from an estate sale last week. It's so rare to find a set like this, so I was thrilled!

I can never pass up a vintage Christmas tablecloth......

And it's Kitty Tested, Kitty Approved!

After about 15 minutes of shots like this, with Cupcake batting around that ornament.......

I finally got a shot of this little Lefton girl. And it's made me realize that I definitely won't be able to decorate for Christmas the way I normally do. I'm pretty sure Cupcake is going to be a tree climber and an ornament-batter-arounder!
Thanks for looking at my reds this week, and please head over to Sue's to see lots more!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-11-13T19:01:00.015-06:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

I'm starting this week with the intent of getting back on track and blogging more than just once a week! We'll see how that goes, but I have the very best of intentions!

My finds last week include this recent Ebay win. I just love pixies/elves!

A vintage teabag holder set.

I've always wanted a vintage mermaid of some sort, and although she's not real old, she's over 30!

A Christmas angel, hangin' out with some kneehugger elves. Why is it that I'm ready to find Christmas things at the thrift stores the minute Halloween is over, but it takes them SO long to fill their shelves with Christmas goodness? Am I too eager?!

And last but not least, that vase on the top left-hand side is a nice addition to this little cabinet over the bed, which holds some of my vintage clocks and white pottery.
I can't believe how fast this month is flying by! I finally decorated for Thanksgiving, but it feels like it's only a matter of days before it all comes down and the Christmas decorations come out. Oh I'm sorry, did you think I was complaining? Actually, I can't wait! So, did you find anything interesting over the weekend?

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-11-07T06:34:00.008-06:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

Well, it was pretty slim pickings over the weekend for this junker. The garage sale season is over, so it was off to the flea market!

At the very first table, I saw these old Lefton St. Patty's girls, and I scooped them up right away! The seller only had one little piece of newspaper to wrap them up with, so I was glad that I now carry bubble wrap with me when I go to the flea!

I had just been drooling over this Lefton Easter planter on Ebay a week ago, and now I have one for much, much less.

Even though Halloween is but a memory, I was still thrilled to find these cooky cutters.

Love the graphics on the inside.

I also found this gorgeous hooked rug, and instead of bringing it back to the car like a smarter person would have, I lugged it through the rest of the flea. Which now explains my sore shoulder. But I was afraid to miss anything good, because there were tons of buyers and not so many sellers. It really is a lovely rug, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be coated with cat hair by week's end. It's Cupcake's new favorite spot!

A Little Cupcake!

2011-11-03T20:31:00.020-05:00

I've always felt that a house isn't truly a home unless there's a pet to share it with. I know that ever since we had to put our sweet cat Mimi Lucy to sleep, there's been a big furry hole in this home's heart. I tried to fill it with parakeets, but they won't let me cuddle them, and they try to sever my fingers when I try! And our daughter Liz is allergic to cats, so I was sure that there would be no more cats in this house.
Until we met Cupcake! She's a shelter cat, and was found in the shelter's dumpster. Doesn't that just break your heart? Why not at least put her in a cardboard box and leave her by the door, along with the other donations?

She's only three months old, and really needs to put on some weight, but already she's won our hearts!

In case you're wondering why I haven't been visiting your blogs, it's because every time I turn on the computer, this happens.

And when I tell her to get down, this is the look I get.

She's already a techie, opening all sorts of windows as she sprawls out across the keyboard. She even managed to turn off the wireless internet with a touch of a button!

And then she curls up in a ball and goes to sleep. You just can't get mad at all of that cuteness! We're so happy to be sharing our home with Cupcake, but I can't help but think: Can a wee little dog be far behind.........?

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-10-30T19:11:00.037-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

Let me start by wishing all of you ghouls and boys a Happy Halloween!

My first find is actually another Ebay win. What could be better than a vintage child's watering can with a cute doggie on it?

One that has a sweet kitty on the other side too!

This pair of reindeer came from a garage sale.

What could be better than this little blue clock bank from the flea market?

A red one to match!

The pink pottery piece also came from the flea market. The flea opens at 7AM, but it was still dark out, so I didn't see that pot until I went back to the very first row and walked it all over again!

Last but not least is a vintage lipstick holder with mirror (the thing with the blue rhinestones), and the old bottle of Tweedie Bubble Bath-Toiletries For Young Girls.
I was pretty excited to learn that the flea market will continue until Thanksgiving weekend. But will the weather hold out? One thing is for sure. I need to bring a flashlight next week!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-10-23T21:10:00.024-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

Over the weekend we went to The Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana. It's an annual event for us, and there are always tons of garage sales along the way. We try to stop at as many as we can, but I really only needed to stop at one, because all of my finds came from just one sale!

This picnic basket is in rough shape, but it's perfect for the back porch.

The vintage clock was only $1, probably because it doesn't work, but I'll pull all of the workings out and make it battery-operated. Love that aqua color!

I couldn't resist that little shoe house planter, or the little red sewing machine.

I also found that sparkly little number there on the right. It goes so well with the other clocks in my collection!

This sweet watering can is a recent Ebay win, not a garage sale find. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I kinda can't wait to pack up the Halloween decorations on top of the green cabinet, so that I can put the watering cans back up!

And I just wanted to share a couple of shots of the bridges we saw, and of our daughter Liz and her boyfriend Brandon, who made the trip with us.

They're so photogenic! So, did you find any treasures over the weekend, or perhaps take a road trip?

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS!

2011-10-20T20:14:00.035-05:00

You're invited!

To come see the Halloween decorations at Ye Olde GORY Cottage!

Let's start in the dining room.

These are the decorations on the big green cabinet.

And on one of the bookcases.

Now let's head into the living room, where I could have gotten a better shot of these kitties if not for The TV That's Too Big For The Space right next to them!

The BOO shelf!

Pumpkin World!

Ok, we're back in the dining room. I put off decorating the top of this bookcase as long as I could, because I still haven't found the missing Halloween Decorations box. There are some really cute figurines in that box, and I can't figure out where I put it!

Even the little cat girl is sad that I couldn't find that box, and frankly, Little Red Riding Hood looks devastated!

But hey, it's almost Halloween, so let's make some noise with vintage noisemakers!

Let's end this little tour by sitting a spell and having a cup of tea that I brewed especially for you. I won this teapot from Janelle at Sweet Bee Cottage a couple of years ago, and it's become one of my favorite things! I hope you enjoyed seeing my decorations, and next week I'll share some of the outdoor decor! And maybe by then I'll have found that missing box!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

REDNESDAY

2011-10-18T13:28:00.008-05:00

Calling all red lovers! Do you remember when I found these toy phones at the flea market a couple of weeks ago?

After finding out that they were missing a vital component in order to make them work, I decided to separate them, and this one found a home amongst the quilts and picnic baskets. Still looking for a spot for the other one!

The wheelbarrow that Mr. Old Glory made me has definitely seen better days, and in fact it looks like some critter is using the wheel as a chew toy! I love decorating it for the seasons, and although the pumpkins are fake, because the squirrels would turn them into a buffet.......

I love collecting Osage Oranges that have fallen alongside the road and using them in my Fall decorations. They look like brains, don't they?!

The flowers in the windowbox are still hanging on, despite my forgetting to water and feed them as regularly as I did in the summer. Any day now, we'll get a hard frost and they'll turn to mush!
Well, that's my reds for this week. If you would like to see more reds, visit our hostess Sue at It's A Very Cherry World!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-10-17T10:27:00.008-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

I usually post my finds early in the morning, but Mr. Old Glory is sick and so is our college girl, so everything is bajiggety over here!

I was surprised that there were so many garage sales this past weekend. I'm really not looking forward to the end of garage sale season. Because that means that I have to turn to Ebay and antique stores to find my treasures, but I won't start that whole tirade right now! I found lots of holiday cheer at the sales, including that HUGE Gurley snowman.

I got two big turkeys.........

and some smaller ones too.

An old Made In Japan St. Patty's planter.......

and a drum for the patriotic decorations.

I've always wanted one of these Shawnee cats, and this one surprisingly came from our Goodwill. I rarely ever find anything good there, but I do try to stop in around the holidays, especially Christmas. It seems like the second week in December, people are decorating and going through their stuff and donating alot of it, and that's when I find vintage Christmas things there. Is your Goodwill any good?

And last, a couple of lantern picks and the saddest little tree I've ever seen. Truly, the Charlie Brown tree of it's time!
Last week I was trying to decorate for Halloween, but I'm missing a box! Where did I put it??? I've been trying to figure out what I may have been thinking when I put the box away, and honestly I have no clue. I can't decorate the bookcase without it! Have you ever packed anything away so good that you can't find it?

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-10-09T18:04:00.031-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

Once again, alot of my collecting categories saw some new additions.

The Toy/Game category: A set of Dialmaster phones, and a Lotto game from 1937. Supposedly, kids could call each other from one room to another with those phones. Or call Mom to bring them something to eat!

The Holiday category: Halloween die cuts, an owl that will get a transformation, an Easter egg from West Germany and a musical Lefton Irish lad and lassie.

I love the little red-roofed cottage on the egg!

The Vintage Kitchen category got this vintage Jewel Tea canister, and I think the We Can Do It lunchbox will go in the Patriotic collection.

Vintage swallows. These get added to the Birds On The Bathroom Wall category. I'll be painting these aqua!

More additions to the Patriotic category. I love that those flag holders have star cutouts in them, and they were made by the STAR company.

The Vintage Pottery category is quite proud to accept that little pink Pacific Pottery vase into their little club, and the Etched Mirror category gets that snazzy little 5x7 beauty!

And last but certainly not least, a little green vintage flashlight, hanging by the back door. This definitely falls into the Why Did I Buy It category. Seriously, I think my Grandpa might have had one like this. I just know that when I saw it, it felt very familiar to me, and I knew I had to get it. Has that ever happened to you? Honestly, I think that's how most of my collections started!

Dotty Hop Day and Rednesday!

2011-10-04T10:48:00.013-05:00

I'm so happy to be linking up to Dotty Hop Day over at Cutie Pie Cottage, where our hostess Holly shares her love of all things polka dotty..........

and REDnesday over at Sue's It's A Very Cherry World! I haven't linked up to REDnesday in ages, and I've missed all of you red lovers!

First I have to show you this dotty swag that I won from Holly's giveaway a few weeks ago.

I just love how it looks on the old white cabinet in the kitchen. Thank you Holly!

I also won this little lollipop that she made. She's been making the cutest things lately!

These vintage Christmas things are my latest red finds. I can never pass up an old elf kneehugger, and although I already have a Santa's Packages s&p set, I decided to get this one too. And that pretty angel is musical.

Since I haven't linked up to REDnesday in so long, there are probably alot of new red lovers that I haven't "met", so I thought I'd re-share these little dishes that I got at the flea market. Love them!
If you would like to see more reds or start seeing spots, visit Sue and Holly!

Halloween Craft With Tutorial

2011-09-30T19:55:00.024-05:00

I've been to a couple of craft shows recently, and I keep seeing Halloween noisemakers. I would have taken some pictures of the ones that I saw, but they frown upon that at craft shows! I really love them though, but I don't love the prices, so I decided to try and make my own.
And this is how they turned out.

They're pretty cute, and if you'd like to make some too, I'll show you how.

I started with paper mache boxes........

and paper mache balls, and some dowels, all from Michaels. I forgot to take pictures of some of the steps, so this won't be the best tutorial you've ever read, but I think you'll be able to figure it all out just fine.

The box that I bought is too tall, so I cut it down so that the back (or bottom of the box) would be flush with the lid, making the whole thing about 1/2" wide. DO NOT put the box inside the lid yet, because it will GET STUCK! Now go ahead and embellish the lid or ball the way you want, by painting, decoupaging, etc.

You don't have to paint your dowel, but I painted all of mine black.

Now put something inside your box or ball that will rattle when you shake it. I used split peas! Then close your box. Ok, here's where I should have taken more pictures! You need to make a hole that your dowel will fit through. I used a drill, going very slowly so that I didn't bend the box. Start with a small bit, and work your way up to the one that's the same size as your dowel. When I was ready to push my dowel in, I put a drop of hot glue on the tip of the dowel, so that when the dowel was all the way in, the dowel would adhere to the top of the box and not flop around inside. Does that make any sense at all? I had lots of fun making these, and I'm working on a couple more. If you have any questions, because you couldn't make heads or tails of this tutorial, feel free to email me. Now get shakin', and give these a try!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-09-25T19:20:00.024-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!
I went to lots of yard sales, but it was the estate sales where I really found alot of loot! And there were additions to lots of my collecting categories too.

The VINTAGE CHRISTMAS category saw alot of additions. None of this was priced, so I was pretty nervous when I brought it all up to the table to pay. The cashier asked if $6 was ok. That could possibly be the stupidest question I've ever been asked!

Oh, and little elf dudes? Yes, the rumors you've heard are true.

You WILL end up in this jar. just like every other elf!

The HALLOWEEN category saw lots of additions. These blow molds, vintage and new, were $1 each. I'm selling a couple of these, so check my sidebar to see what I'm UN-hoarding on Ebay.

These are some of the die cuts that I got at that same estate sale.

I've always wanted these two.

The best part is that they were 25 cents each!

The PATRIOTIC category got one addition. I've been seeing these hats all summer. They're vintage, and I love them, but they're made of styrofoam, and I've felt that they would break so easily. This one was so cheap that I decided I wouldn't feel too bad if it broke.

The McCOY POTTERY category got that big pink vase added to it.

And the VINTAGE AVON category received another parakeet bottle and that groovy Demistik, Hawaiian White Ginger scented. My favorite when I was a teenager!

And last we have three additions to the VINTAGE GARDENING TOOLS category. All in all, a very fine week for collecting. Again, don't forget to check out what I'm selling on Ebay each week, because you might have seen something here that you liked, and it just might be for sale!
So, did any of your collecting categories get some additions?

Halloween Crafts

2011-09-22T20:22:00.028-05:00

Happy Fall! Today is the first official day, but it's been feeling mighty autumnal around here for a while. I swore I wasn't going to turn the heat on until October, but I didn't want to freeze our little parakeets, so I had to break down and turn it on!

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter handed me this Lefton figurine, Miss November. She had decided that she was going to clean off her shelves and pack away things from her childhood. Right away I knew what I wanted to do with her.

I turned her into Miss Halloween!

Isn't she cute?!

I hate when you have an idea for something, and you can't find the necessary stuff to make it. I was looking for a paper mache moon at Hobby Lobby, but they didn't have any, so my daughter Liz made me one!

See? Isn't she amazing?

And once I had that moon, I was able to make this! The owl came from Michaels, and I made him a little party hat too.

I also made some flags.

I love making these, because they take no time at all, which is my kind of craft.

And lastly, we have a treat cone. I have a couple of other things that I'm working on, but honestly I don't know why I do it, because I have a teeny weeny house and I don't know where I'm going to put it all. But I can't stop!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-09-18T21:09:00.040-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!
My friend Nancy and I had a garage sale over the weekend. As each customer told us about how many sales there were in the area that day, all I could think was "I Wish I Was Garage Saling!!!". It was sheer torture knowing there were sales going on without me!

I did get to go to the flea market on Sunday, but all I got were these little tin plates. Cute, aren't they?

I bought this cat from Nancy at our sale. As hard as I try, I never seem to be able to have a garage sale without buying something!

This old light-up pumpkin came from a thrift store. It's always a thrill to find something vintage in amongst a ton of new stuff.

Ok, I confess, I did sneak in a sale or two......while I was out taking down the signs from our sale! I found a few additions for the Easter collection.

And a red, white & blue snowman. So that's it. That's all of my finds. At least I found some holiday stuff, which is my favorite thing, but I hate it when having a garage sale interferes with my garage saling! So, did YOU get to go garage saling over the weekend?

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-09-11T18:43:00.019-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

It was a glorious day at the flea market, and when I saw this pink phone, it was love at first sight! But where would I put it? I didn't have the answer, so I walked away. When I decided that I just had to have it, I had to walk back across the entire flea market, because it was in the very last aisle. Would it still be there? Well, obviously it was, and I was able to negotiate a lower price too! Pepto Bismol pink, wouldn't you say?

An old flamingo tray, now sitting on the toilet tank. Fancy, huh?

Lovely vintage tablecloths and a dish towel.

I was happy to find one of those vintage pins where you pull the string and Santa's nose lights up. I had one of these when I was little. Did you?

And I just have to say that I met the nicest woman at a thrift store the other day. We got to talking, and I admired the cat trick or treat bucket in her cart. She told me that I could have it! When I told her how nice she was to do that, she said that it was "just stuff". I think it was good karma coming my way, because I know that I've done the same thing in the past when someone liked what I had in my hand. I felt good the rest of the day, grinning like that pumpkin, because a total stranger had been so nice to me. Isn't it sad that these days, that's such a rare occurrence?
So, did you find anything over the weekend that put a smile on your face?

Patriot Day 2011

2011-09-11T05:19:00.018-05:00

Ever since September 11th was officially proclaimed to be Patriot Day, I've chosen to observe it by celebrating the love I have for my country. And by doing some All-American things.

I'm going to the flea market today. Gotta keep the economy strong!

The next town over is having a Patriot Parade. They'll also have a 1000 pound steel beam from the World Trade Center on display. I really want to see that.

We'll watch football. My Green Bay Packers won their season opener on Thursday, so I'll pretend to cheer on Mr. Old Glory's Chicago Bears today.

We'll do a little grilling. What's more American than grilling?!

Afterwards we'll enjoy some cake. I know, I know. That's a German chocolate cake. But I lost my recipe for Patriot Pie that I usually make!

And all day long, and into the night, we'll remember those that we lost on this day ten years ago.

Halloween Crafts-A New Project Every Week!

2011-09-08T21:15:00.023-05:00

Recently I got the brilliant idea that I would do a different Halloween project each week. Yikes! I know that doesn't sound like much, but to me it's a big deal, because I'm not really a crafter.
Well, here's my first creation. I love how this bunting looks against the green cabinet! My sewing machine is all bajiggety again, so I had to do this completely by hand.

You would think that it would be a very satisfying feeling to make this completely by hand. You would be wrong! In the time it took me to make this, I probably could have made two or three by machine. And I probably wouldn't have jammed that needle up under my thumb nail like I did. Still, I think it turned out well. I need to make two more, which will involve another trip to JoAnn Fabrics. They have alot of great Halloween fabric this year.

Next week, it will be time to make something with these. Can you guess what it will be?

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-09-04T19:44:00.036-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to a special holiday episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

First I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day! I hope you're all out there squeezing the last bits of fun out of summer! I'll be spending the day trying to finish a project so that Mr. Old Glory can once again park his car in the garage!

I went back on the second day of an estate sale and got these noisemakers to use in my New Year decorations.

Gobble Gobble! It's a herd of Gurley turkeys to go with my Thanksgiving decorations, and at this point I think that the pilgrims are officially outnumbered!

A retro pink aluminum pitcher. Did you grow up with aluminum stuff? I loved drinking out of the glasses in the summer, and eating ice cream out of the bowls. Super cold! If you like this pitcher, it's for sale in my Ebay shop. I'm finally selling again! Click on the Ebay icon on my sidebar to see what I'm un-hoarding each week!

Another flower frog to hold a picture of our daughter Liz sniffing a flower in Paris.

I'm really excited about this candelabra! I got it at a thrift store, and there was no hesitation on my part. I knew I had to have it! It weighs an absolute ton, so I don't think I have to worry about it blowing over when it goes on the porch. Yes, Mr. Old Glory, on the porch!

Can't you just picture some black candles and pumpkins and spiderwebs on it?!?!?!

This bust will get Halloween-ified!

And just for fun, a pair of blingy cat-eye glasses! Somehow someway I'm going to work these into the Halloween decorations. I know what you're thinking. Put them on that bust! Well I tried, and they're too big!
So tell me what you found over the weekend, and enjoy your Labor Day!

Halloween Shopping!

2011-09-01T21:59:00.019-05:00

For the last ten years, I have waited until after September 11th to take down my patriotic things and start decorating for Fall and Halloween, but these last couple of weeks I've been so itching to drag out all of the Halloween stuff! So far I've resisted the urge, but I've bought a few things in the meantime.
These trick-or-treaters are silly looking, but I had to have them! They're from Michaels.

Of course I had to have Martha Stewart's magazine, because she's the Queen of Halloween, and BH&G's Halloween magazine is usually pretty good too.

JoAnn's has some really nice fabrics this year. I can't wait to get started making some bunting.

Is that not adorable?!

I'm going to make a tablecloth for the dining room table out of this fabric. I haven't checked out Target's Halloween section yet, but they always have cute stuff, so I should probably just stay away from there, because goodness knows I've got enough things! The problem is that I really, really love Halloween. So if you've seen some cute Halloween stuff that you think I should know about.......

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-08-28T19:03:00.025-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!
Oh dear, it's been a full week since I've posted, and I've missed visiting all of your blogs, but now I'm back with some things that I found over the weekend.

This little table, straight out of the 50s, was found at a church rummage sale. It's alot like the one I had as a little girl, so for $2 I knew I had to get it. Otherwise I would never be able to get it out of my mind!

Isn't it fabulous?

I put it on my front porch, along with a vintage towel from a garage sale, and a McCoy pot that my sister recently gave me.

It now serves as a sort of end table for the porch swing, one of my favorite reading spots. Darn, I still need to paint that porch swing!

I was pretty excited to finally find some Burlap Ware cups. I grew up drinking out of cups like this. Did you? I know I've already shown the radio that I found a couple of weeks ago, but it's my new favorite, so you get to see it again!

I also found this little girl in her cat costume. She's definitely going to be part of my Halloween decorations this year!

Last but not least is this old bunny planter, which will go straight into the Easter decorations box.
I've got jury duty on Tuesday, which I hate doing but at the same time find very interesting. Who am I kidding? I thoroughly enjoy the sense of power that I wield for those few days! I'll be catching up with you all today, and then I'll see you In The Garden on Friday. So, did you find any treasures over the weekend?

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-08-21T18:06:00.026-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

The weather was fine, and my painful foot wasn't bothering me too much, so I headed to the flea market on Sunday, where I found this cute yet very rusty watering can.

I put it on the green cabinet, to keep the other children's watering can that I have company.

I had to have this vintage oven mitt, because I've never seen a pink one before.

I also found another Ohio Art world globe bank. It's official: I have three, no now it's a collection!

That big bluish-green USA pot came from a garage sale. I don't know if you remember this, but I said before that I don't have much more room for vintage pottery in the house, so now I'm decorating the porches with them.

This pink McCoy pot came from the same sale. I'm afraid I'm going to have to find some room inside for this one!

Last but not least, a cement cat to guard over all of the stuff that still needs to be planted.
I didn't get alot this week, but what I did get, I like alot! Did you find any goodies over the weekend that you like alot?

IN THE GARDEN-Already Dreaming Of Spring!

2011-08-18T19:21:00.039-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

Well, we're at the point in summer where I generally run out of steam in the garden. I get tired of watering the pots every day and keeping up with the feeding schedule. That cement squirrel looks nice and tame, but soon the real ones will be digging up all of those pots while burying all sorts of goodies for their Springtime eating pleasure.

I forgot to take lots of pictures around the garden this week. But I did get a shot of these seed heads from the clematis growing up the windmill.

They always remind me of Cousin It from The Addams Family!

But don't go thinking that I'm all done gardening for the year. I'm already dreaming about Spring! I want to plant tulips like these this Fall in front of my red bike.

I must have these lilies!

And these!

And I want to start more flowers from seed next year. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a pretty greenhouse like this to start them in?

Oh and before I forget, about a hundred years ago, on August 19th, Mr. Old Glory and I got married. Happy Anniversary honeybunch!

MY WEEKEND FINDS-Quilt Help, Please!

2011-08-14T19:23:00.033-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

I found this quilt at an estate sale, and I was really surprised to see it. There was a picture of it in the listing, and I thought for sure that it would be gone by the time I got there. When I asked the worker how much it was, she said that all blankets were $2. SOLD!

I know it's hand quilted.

But I don't know zip about quilts. Is the fabric vintage?

I just can't tell if it's old or not. I know that if the fabric is vintage, that doesn't necessarily make the quilt old. I guess in the end, it doesn't really matter, as long as I like it, right? I would just like to know.........

This cute little TV tray came from a garage sale. I guess there was a spattering candle incident, and I'm still trying to get all of the wax off. After explaining to the seller that this would involve alot of work on my part, he lowered his price from $3 to 50 cents!

I also found some McCoy and Shawnee pots. I've found that if you stand there and let the seller complain about their in-laws for several minutes, you get a reeeally good price!

This box of ornaments came from an estate sale. The cashier explained apologetically that they usually charge $1 for a whole box of ornaments. Fine by me! It gets me that much closer to making an ornament wreath like the ones that Sonya makes.

These are old railroad car keys. Didn't need them, just liked them!

And I can never pass up some good old Harlequin Romances! I love the graphics on the covers, and the titles crack me up.

Every couple of days, I change them out and feature a new title for my viewing pleasure!
So did you find anything exciting over the weekend? Perhaps something that you had to spend hours and hours cleaning, and make you question your sanity?

IN THE GARDEN

2011-08-11T18:29:00.028-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

I said I was going to do it, and by golly I did it.

I dug up the poison ivy, and it's in the yard waste can. Now I want to burn that can, and throw away my shoes because the tip of one leaf touched the tip of my shoe. Can you say paranoid?

The Morning Glories are blooming very sporadically, but they sure are pretty when they do. I love that star shape in the center!

A little corner of the Secret Garden, with Black-Eyed Susans, Phlox, and two kinds of Hydrangeas blooming. That armillary sundial is very special to me because it was my late father-in-law's. I kind of wish I had left it it's original gold color, but I think the blue looks good next to the pink shrooms.

The pink lilies are still blooming. I used to be very good about keeping the tags from every single thing that I planted, but I guess I stopped because the tags were taking over the potting shed! So I can't tell you what variety of lily this is. Only that it's pink!

Pink Monarda, or Bee Balm. I still think this stuff looks like fireworks.

And this Liatris looks like 4th of July sparklers!

We've finally, mercifully gotten a break from the heat. It's been positively beautiful the last few days, just perfect for a picnic in the garden! I can have my breakfast on the back porch every morning once again, which is my favorite way to start the day! Do you start your mornings in the garden?

IN THE GARDEN-Thrifty Finds For The Garden!

2011-08-04T21:39:00.026-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

But first, let's play a game. It's called Find The Goldfinch. Did you find it? I love listening to them "peep peep peep" as they eat the coneflower seeds.

Let's play another game. This one is called Find The Katydid. She was so shy that every time I got near her, she'd turn away. So I had to take this shot from a few feet away.

I found a few goodies for the garden at the flea market and garage sales last week. I just love this snail gazing ball.

And this blue gazing ball.

This birdcage and stand were green when I bought them, but a couple of coats of Heirloom White spray paint took care of that. In the fall I'll put some crows and little pumpkins in there.

This big teapot was a rusty black color, but it was spray paint to the rescue again. Now all it needs is a little pot of flowers inside.

The Balloon Flowers are finally blooming.

And so are the Black Eyed Susans, which are one of my favorite flowers. I have great memories of walking along the dirt road my grandparents' lived on, and picking a bouquet for the kitchen table. I had to use a knife to cut them, because Grandma wouldn't let me use her sewing scissors! Ok, one more game before me move on: Find The Bunny!

I have two patches of poison ivy that need digging up and disposing of. And I will do that next week. I will, I will, I will. I'm afraid to go anywhere near it, but I'm tired of working around it and being petrified. I've had many cases of poison ivy, but last year was especially dreadful, and I want to avoid another bout at all costs. Now that I've clicked the PUBLISH button, I really have to do it, because I don't want to have to confess here next week that I chickened out. Wish me luck.........

REDNESDAY

2011-08-02T13:25:00.013-05:00

Sue at It's A Very Cherry World is hosting her weekly party celebrating the color red!

These watering cans originally sat on the back porch steps, but while Mr. Old Glory was on vacation last week, he redid both the front and back steps. So they landed here, and I kind of think this is where they will stay!

The sedum that's growing on a pot on the red chair is really taking off. Soon it will be growing along the driveway. I love how you can barely see what's going on back there in the Secret Garden. The Sweet Autumn Clematis has totally taken over the old metal bed rail, and soon it will be covered in tiny white flowers.

The garage windowbox is doing well too, with red impatiens and red million bells. And red shutters!

I got a package in the mail a little while ago from Deb, aka Garage Sale Gal. In it was this adorable card that Deb made, and it fits in perfectly with my little garden decorations on the bookshelf.

This vintage postcard was in there too. Old Glory. How perfect is that?!

And this patriotic Christmas card. I'm trying to collect holiday cards and postcards that are also patriotic, and this is my first Christmas one. And she sent me these things for no other reason than that she is a sweetheart. Thank you SO much Deb!
Now if you would like to see more reds, head on over to Sue's!

MY WEEKEND FINDS-A Good Day At The Flea Market!

2011-07-31T18:47:00.026-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!
Mr. Old Glory was on vacation last week, so I decided to take a vacation from the computer! It's been over a week since I've posted, so I think it's time to share some finds. I hadn't been to the flea market since May, because I've got a walloping case of Plantar Fasciitis in my right foot. If any of you suffer from it, I literally feel your pain! Recently I discovered some exercises that have really helped, so I was off to the flea market on Sunday!

I'm plum crazy about this old clock radio. I didn't even care whether it worked or not, and that's exactly what I told the man selling it. I told him I was buying it because it was cute. As soon as I got home, I was happy to see that the clock worked perfectly, but the radio did not. That is, until just a few minutes ago, when it started working and scared the you know what out of me! I can't decide whether to put it in the kitchen or living room....

I also found this old picnic basket, which has unfortunately been painted, but I think after I find the perfect decal on Ebay, it will look cute. Love the little pink clock and the pink recipe box.

Some vintage noisemakers for New Year's Eve.

She's kind of a wreck, but she was so cheap I had to get her. I used to have alot of lady head vases, but I sold all of the good ones, so now I'm just running a home for broken down (unsellable) ladies!

I also found another old globe bank. One more and it will be a collection! I actually found it at a garage sale, run by a couple of young girls who were donating all of their proceeds to a sick puppy in the neighborhood who needed an operation. How sweet is that?! They only wanted a quarter for it, but I gave them a nice donation and still got it for way less than Ebay. And I helped a sick puppy. So, did you help save lives with any of your finds???

IN THE GARDEN-We Need Rain!!!

2011-07-21T19:26:00.029-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

It's been so grossly hot and humid, just like everywhere else in the country, so I haven't taken a whole lot of pictures in the garden this week.

Betty Boop rosebush.

Stargazer Lilies. They smell heavenly, but there's a crazy mother wren raising her babies in the birdhouse nearby, so I haven't had a chance to really stop and take a whiff.

The Mandevilla Vine is growing like crazy, so that old trellis that I found last week is really coming in handy.

I can't remember the last time it rained. I have several birdbaths throughout the gardens, and every morning I fill them with fresh water.

This cicada tried to get a drink of water with it's last dying breath. It was stuck to the birdbath, poor little thing.

I fill other things with water too, like this little saucer. Butterflies and dragonflies need to drink too!

And apparently so do wasps. This one was sipping water out of a puddle on the driveway.

It's so hot and dry that the squirrels don't have the energy to dig up my pots right now. All they can do is sprawl out on a branch, like this.

We really REALLY need some rain. And cooler temperatures, because I'm tired of being trapped in the house. I miss outside!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-07-17T18:17:00.029-05:00

Well my friend Nancy and I went to that big 40+ houses subdivision sale. She was looking for baby stuff for a friend, and I was looking for vintage junk, as usual. This is important to remember towards the end of this post.

It was kind of a bust! These are some of the things that I came home with.

An old Playskool Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe toy. I guess kids were supposed to learn how to tie their shoes with this. I think I'll just use it in my craft area to hold my knitting needles!

An old tissue box holder. Please tell me that they still make kleenex boxes that will fit in there!

A little Valentine girl.

A cute book.

A vintage trellis.

An old etched mirror for 25 cents! I think it looks kind of interesting there, AND I can see what's going on behind me while I'm washing the dishes!

A big box of flashcards. Bouncing. Bug. Flower. Garden. I think I just found a name for that one part of the garden that's especially buggy!

I'm crazy about this vintage Fisher Price crib toy. Actually my friend found it first. I saw her pick it up, and I said, "No Nancy!", or "Nancy No!", or some variation like that. Remember she was looking for baby stuff? Well, I had to remind her that I collect bluebirds. So she gave it to me, and ever since, I've felt like I stole a toy right out of a baby's hands! Simply put, I AM........

And so, to feel better about myself, I made a little gardening vignette, using only garage sale finds. What? You thought I gave the bluebird back? Don't be silly!

IN THE GARDEN-It's A Jungle Over Here!

2011-07-14T22:27:00.029-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

I keep forgetting to show you something that I saw for the very first time, at our little local nursery. Black Velvet Petunias!

They really do look like velvet, don't they? Have you ever seen black petunias?

This patch of Pink Coneflowers is doing very nicely this year.

I can't tell what kind of bug that is, maybe a bee, but it looks like it's little legs are covered in pollen!

The Heliopsis is doing great here too.

Remember what my red bike looked like this Spring?

Who knew it was going to turn out like this?! Somebody needs to get in there next Spring and do some transplanting!
Well, it's about to get disgustingly hot here, in the 90s and humid for a week, so the gardens are basically on their own. That kind of weather just makes me nauseous and limp as a buttered noodle!

So early Saturday morning, my buddy Nancy and I will hit a few garage sales. Ok, more like 40! It's a subdivision sale, and it was a good one last year. We'll start at 7:30 AM, fill up the van with junk, and get home before the real heat of the day.

The rest of the week I'll just do a little light cleaning, maybe crank up the A/C to do some baking. Anything but go outside! I sure hope it's cooler in your little corner of the world!

Garage Sale Reds for REDnesday!

2011-07-12T12:52:00.014-05:00

I've got some reds that I saved from my weekend finds to share for Rednesday!

I thought I was going to have to knock over the lady that was standing in front of these, just gabbing away and blocking me from grabbing them! I stood there waiting as long as I could (about 10 seconds) before I firmly said Excuse Me! The girl on the right is a Napco lady head vase. I haven't packed her away yet, because I can't stop looking at her. She's so pretty!

A vintage noisemaker for New Year's Eve. I'll stay up 'til 12:01, give it a twirl, and then go to bed!

A vintage pillow cover from the 40s. I guess soldiers sent these back to their sweethearts.

The poem is so sweet. He's worried about HER safety!

Another vintage Westfield name mug. I remember my Mom having a couple of these when I saw little.

And it goes along with the others that I have. And when I'm asked who Donald and Wayne and Kevin are, I say........

Just turn it around and drink your coffee!
Linking to Rednesday, at It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue is our hostess!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-07-10T19:07:00.019-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

Thanks to lots of Ebay Bucks, I was finally able to win one of these yellow picnic baskets, after many times coming up short in the bidding wars! One day I WILL own every type of picnic basket out there, oh yes I will!

An old Made In Japan bunny (with a jaunty top hat) pushing a cart full of wacky tacky plastic crocuses. Just perfect for Easter!

An old USA planter and a McCoy pot.

Do you ever find something you're looking for, really cheap, shortly after you've spent good money on one? I got the one on the right from Ebay a few weeks ago, and now I find the one on the left, with a slight sunburn, for 50 cents. 50 CENTS! After I just paid xx for it, plus xxx for shipping. Does this happen to you? All the time?

I also found this old Snoopy pull toy, which I remember having when I was little, and "need" now. At least I waited to find it, instead of getting one on Ebay, which can cost a small fortune.
Our daughter was with me when I found him at a garage sale. She said "What are you gonna do with that?" I CANNOT WAIT until she's hunting down every single Polly Pocket she ever played with when she was little. Buying back her childhood, one toy at a time. Then she'll understand!
So, did you find anything over the weekend that you remember from your childhood?

IN THE GARDEN

2011-07-07T20:22:00.019-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

I can't believe I almost forgot to put the pink shroom in the garden! I got these at an estate sale a couple of years ago, and they're one of my favorite garden decorations.

I planted a bunch of Asclepias, or Milkweed in pots. It's food for the Monarch Butterflies, and the caterpillars.

The bane of my existence. Or Campanula Americana Tall Bellflower. It was here when we moved in, and it will be here long after human life ceases to exist. If I can help just one gardener today, let me tell you this: Do Not Plant Tall Bellflowers!!!!

The other bane of my existence. Gooseneck Loosestrife. It's such a cool flower, but again, it's got a mind of it's own and WILL take over!

This hydrangea has only a few blooms on it. Some years it doesn't bloom at all, so I guess I just need to be pleasantly surprised when it does bloom.

Monarda, or Bee Balm. They look like fireworks, don't they?

A bee diligently working away on the Monarda. I have to say, it's a good summer for bees. I've noticed what seems to be alot more than usual, so I guess I better be careful, because I'm allergic!

I think it's been about 2 weeks since we've had rain, so I've had to do alot of sprinkling and dragging around of the hoses. In my frilly two-piece, of course! So what's blooming in your garden this week?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! and More Patriotic Decor

2011-07-04T06:27:00.014-05:00

I thought I'd share the rest of my patriotic decor today. As I said in an earlier post, this all stays up until after 9/11, so really, if I wanted to, I could just continue to decorate, couldn't I?!

I was just able to finish this bunting before my sewing machine went haywire again.

Here's a close-up of the fabric I used.

One end of the porch swing.

The other end. I really want to paint the swing. But I don't know what color. A chippy white would just blend in with the house, wouldn't it? Any suggestions?

BIG SAM, which I made several years ago. He's as tall as I am!

Old Glory Cottage front porch, all decked out. I made the Sam & Libby up there too. And I see that the birds have been using Lady Liberty's hair again for their nests!

An old star quilt.

Some treat cups that I made last year.

The dining room table, with a vintage red, white and blue tablecloth.

I love all of these books, especially Long May She Wave. If you're crazy for Old Glory like I am, then it's a must-have!

A Mary Engelbreit garden flag. There's actually more red, white and blue that I never got around to taking a picture of, but you get the idea! Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July, as we celebrate our country's birthday today!

IN THE GARDEN

2011-06-30T20:19:00.021-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

Something BAD happened in the garden yesterday. I had Petunia Pearl and Viola Rose out there with me while I gardened. They love being out there, and they chirp up a storm! I don't know how it happened, but somehow they got out of the cage. Thankfully Viola's wings had been clipped, so she can't fly and I was able to get her back in the cage. Last time I saw Petunia, she flew up into a tree. Viola sat outside in her cage for hours, awaiting Petunia's return, but she never came home. I miss her!

So here's what's blooming this week. Garden Loosestrife.

A lovely pink lacecap hydrangea.

Sizzlin' hot orange lilies!

And white lilies.

Several years ago I made a bunch of these cast cement leaf birdbaths. They aren't perfect like the ones you can buy, but the birds and squirrels and cats don't mind at all taking a sip of water from them!

I used big rhubarb leaves to make them.

A variety of sedum has even taken root inside one!

So that's what's blooming in the garden this week. I guess Viola and I will sit on the porch again tomorrow and wait some more......

4th of July Decorations For REDNESDAY!

2011-06-28T13:20:00.066-05:00

I just love this graphic that Sue made last year, don't you?!
Well, I thought that I'd share some of my 4th of July decorations. I've gotten a really late start, because of vacation and the gardens.

But wait. WHERE DID I PUT THE 4TH OF JULY DECORATIONS LAST YEAR?!?!?! That looked just like me, for about 20 minutes, while I looked high and low, trying to remember what I must have been thinking when I put everything away. I knew that I wanted to put them somewhere safe, and apart from all of the other decorations. After some hyperventilating and counting to 100, I was able to remember!

I haven't gotten very much done, but that's OK, because it all stays up until after 9/11, so I've got time. The garland was super duper easy. I used coasters from the $$$ section at Michaels and cupcake liners from Hobby Lobby! Also up there is my Statue of Liberty collection, a Lincoln bust and an old bank.

Here's the top of the bookcase that I always decorate.

July birthday angels.

An old lunchbox.

A vintage Uncle Sam bank.

An old S&P set. Betsy Ross and the Bill of Rights guy.

Old postcards. The Statue of Liberty one in the upper row is my favorite!

Some of you probably already saw this Old Glory print from my vacation finds, but.......it's OLD GLORY!!!!

I got these vintage corsage bows from Joan last year. They need to go in a frame, and I could say that I've been looking for one for a solid year, but that would be a lie! Do you do that too? Pack stuff away, knowing that something needs to be fixed or changed? I hate when I do that!

American flags, Made In Japan. I always have a problem with things that are so obviously American being made in other countries. But these are vintage, and like alot of my favorite things, they are also MIJ, so I can make an exception!
If you would like to see lots more reds, and I'm betting some white and blue too, go visit Sue, our hostess for REDnesday, over at It's A Very Cherry World. I need to get off the computer and go decorate some more!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-06-26T17:21:00.029-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!
I finally hit a pretty decent estate sale. I was #23 on the list, which didn't please me very much, but I got in with the first herd of people, so I was happy!
An old McCoy planter. For 50 Cents!

Two boxes of Santa mugs, $1 a box.

These ornaments are by no means old, but they're still pretty and I'm determined that THIS is the year that I will make an ornament wreath!

Lots of old Halloween and Thanksgiving diecuts.

I don't get along with real squirrels, but these diecuts are pretty darn cute.

50 cents for a bag full of these old valentines.

Lots and lots of vintage Dennison seals.

I think this sweet little witch diecut is my favorite find. When I found her in the Halloween box, I didn't even bother trying not to squeal with delight. I held her up for all to see and said, "Isn't she SO cute?!". All of the dudes checking out the fishing poles did not share my enthusiasm!

Some vintage Avon goodies that I remember from my childhood.

I've come to a conclusion that I know alot of you have also come to. That you can't possibly keep all of the great things that you find at sales, and have to start selling it. So starting very soon, I'm going to do some major decluttering, via Ebay. I'll put a link on my sidebar when I get started. It's going to feel so good to be unburdened by so much stuff!

My other favorite find. A Fortune Telling Birthday Book.

It was published in 1938, and if your birthday is June 27th, here is your fortune.
I hope fortune smiled on you over the weekend, and you found some treasures too!

IN THE GARDEN-PINK!

2011-06-23T21:39:00.024-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

I finally got the garage windowbox planted. It used to be red like the shutters, but I'm tired of so much red. REDnesday friends, please pick yourselves up off the floor! You know I do love red, but I like other colors too! So I painted it white and I hated it for a while but now it's starting to grow on me.

Pink Astilbe and some Hostas.

I dug up some suckers from my Grandma's rosebush many years ago, and it's just starting to bloom.

A Duchess of Albany Clematis. I have never known a Clematis to be invasive, but this thing comes up in places besides where I planted it every year.

It was my late father-in-law's, and it is pretty darn cute, so I guess it can stay.

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed, trying to keep up with the gardens. It's a never-ending battle with Mother Nature, and she kicks my butt every time! Some days I just want to drop my pruning shears and my Deep Woods OFF and head for the beach.

I sure could use a crew like this! They don't look like they would be paralyzed with fear by the little patch of poison ivy I spotted yesterday.....

REDNESDAY-Vacation Finds

2011-06-21T13:15:00.017-05:00

Happy First Day Of Summer! I don't know what it's like by you, but here it's a balmy 86. Definitely summer weather, although a perfect summer day to me is no hotter than 75!

I thought I'd share more finds from our vacation. At one garage sale, on every table there was a beautiful vintage tablecloth, underneath all of the things for sale. Unfortunately the seller wouldn't part with any of them, but as luck would have it, at the very next sale, I found this beauty with the red border and pink flowers for 75 cents!

My grandparents always had a can of hard candy sitting out at Christmastime, and this one was in the free box, so I figured it needed to come home with me. Love the sweet old Ten Commandments book too.

It was pretty obvious to me, if not to Mr. Old Glory, that this vintage print just had to make the trip back to Old Glory Cottage!

This canisters are in pretty sad shape, but they have RED GINGHAM BOWS on them! I'll probably just use them for storage. If you'd like to see a set in lots better shape, check out Mecky's!

And if you'd like to see more red things, head over to It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue hosts Rednesday every week. Oh, and have a great First Day Of Summer!

MY WEEKEND FINDS-VACATION EDITION!

2011-06-19T15:46:00.026-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

Well, after an extra-long blog break and a vacation, I think it's time to start blogging again! All of my finds this week are from Wisconsin, where we stayed at a little cottage on a lake. Love the old seed catalogs, which I really want to start collecting, and the decal on that watering can.

PINK. And lots of it! When we returned back home, I put the old electric can opener on the counter, and our 22 year old daughter had no clue what it was! Her generation will never know the fun they missed.......

When I'm out junking, I usually don't bring anything home unless it's at least 40 years old, but I couldn't resist this. Now to find the perfect bird to put inside!

Love these old plant stands. Even without plants on them, they're still pretty, and look cute on the porch.
Now I'd like to share a couple of my favorite shots from our vacation to the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

The view from the dock. Solberg Lake is beautiful, rain or shine.

Mr. Old Glory catches a big one.

Yours truly catching the biggest fish I've ever caught. Sorry, but I was "glistening" a little too much to be in this shot!

This deer just stood there and let us take tons of pictures of her.

Our favorite fishing hole. I'd love to tell you where it is, but then I'd have to kill you, and then who's gonna read my blog?!

I always have to take a fresh shot of my grandparents' barn every year. We could barely get the door open, but I was just able to fit my head in there to get a good whiff. I love the smell of that old barn!
It was a wonderful vacation, and I found alot more things, but they're red, so I'll save them for REDnesday. So, did you find anything this weekend?

DIRTY DISHES IN THE GARDEN!

2011-06-02T16:22:00.026-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

It was time to get the "Dirty Dishes" fountain out of the shed. This fountain was inspired by my Grandma, who would wash her dishes in one of those old enamel bowls with the red rim.

Here's a close-up. I pulled the tube way up so that you can see the stream of water. I love to hear the water tinkling as I work over there in the "secret garden".

There are all kinds of columbine blooming right now. I have no idea where this one came from, because I surely didn't plant it. I think a bird must have made a "deposit"!

These are also volunteers. I love it when this happens!

These blue columbines are from my sister, and they're doing really well.

I wasn't sure this white clematis was going to make it, but it's got a good hold of the windmill this year!

Beautiful, isn't it?

And after a hard day of gardening, this is a great spot to take a nap! This vintage chaise lounge, with the barkcloth cushion, was a garage sale find last year, for $5.

It's also a great spot to read some of my favorite gardening magazines. And then take another nap!

REDNESDAY

2011-05-31T15:56:00.005-05:00

Ok, seriously, I thought this was the week where I would not be able to find a single red thing to share, but as I'm finding out, there's always more!

I forgot about this little flour sifter that I planted up and put by the back door. How could I forget? I see it every day!

This old metal bowl holds my dish scrubbies. It's also a shameless excuse to show my Happy Apple again!

And last we have a vintage Christmas bell, with a little elf holding on for dear life. It was only 25 cents, and I got it........somewhere last week. I used to be able to remember where I got every single thing. I'm kind of frightened to think that maybe this means I have too many things. What do you think?!
Linking up to Rednesday, at It's A Very Cherry World.

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-05-30T07:45:00.009-05:00

Well hello there! It's so good to be able to comment on everyone's blog again, after the Blogger troubles of last week. I get more and more scared though, every time there's a problem with Blogger. I have a fear that they're going to lose all of our blogs! But I must admit, I actually got alot done around the house while not blogging! Admit it, you did too!
Before I show my pathetic finds, I'd like to honor those that have served our country. If not for them, we wouldn't enjoy the freedom that we do today.

Now, on to my sad little finds! I went to a block sale, which ended up being two blocks long. Sounds good, doesn't it? Welllll, not so much!

I do love this planter.

And I guess it's always a good yard saling day when you can add a kneehugger elf to your collection. I got these ornaments at the same house as the elf. Look at all the vintage BLING! I just can't figure out if these are vintage ornaments, or just ornaments made to look old with the use of the old jewelry. Either way, love the bling!

Ok, I don't know why I bought all of this vintage cake decorating stuff. Except for the fact that those elephants are so darn cute! And I bet we all grew up with those little flower candle holders, didn't we? The whole bag was 35 cents, so it wasn't a big investment in cuteness!

These girls were 15 cents, and they came with this humungous bottle of Coke. All of these cake decorations came from the same "little old lady" sale, and I'm thinking that back in the day, she baked some pretty fun cakes!

Two Wade cupids came out of the "Free Box".

And last we have some old Christmas gift tags. Also from the "little old lady" sale. Those are my favorite kind of sales, You just know that they've got all kinds of neat stuff in their house! So, did you find anything interesting while on YOUR blog break?

REDNESDAY-Thrifting In Chicago!

2011-05-24T13:11:00.012-05:00

Last week our daughter had to make a trip to Chicago, so I tagged along and made her check out some thrift stores while we were there. My finds were red!

But first we stopped at a cupcake shop, Sweet Mandy B's! Isn't it cute?

I almost picked one of those pink and red ones.....

But ended up with a Snickerdoodle cupcake.

Liz enjoyed a lemon cupcake. The shop is SO adorable!

Then we walked to this little shop, selling all things Parisienne. Liz bought a poster for her bedroom wall.

At Village Discount, I found this vintage tablecloth. It was only $1.80!

I also found this vintage Fisher Price Happy Apple Chime for 50 cents there! Ever since I saw Holly's, I've wanted one. They are crazy expensive at antique stores! Liz found a little Eiffel Tower lamp at Goodwill, which I forgot to take a picture of. We only went to a few thrift stores while we were there, and only the ones that didn't say "upscale", because I am not an upscale type of girl!

Liz gave me this cute little box for Mother's Day.

And she also gave me that double bucket garden thingy. It sits on the front porch, and holds gardening tools and garden gloves.
I'm pretty happy that Liz is embracing the whole thrifting thing. Finally! It makes a thrifty Mom like me proud!
Linking to Rednesday, at It's A Very Cherry World

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-05-22T19:36:00.023-05:00

This past weekend was our citywide garage sale. My buddy Nancy and I went to about 50 of them, and she filled my van up twice! I purchased only a few things, one of them being that chalkboard, above. I've been wanting one to have on the porch, to write clever things on!

I only had to walk across the street to get this old watering can. And I couldn't pass up that book. Friday To Monday Gardening. Oh, if only it were that easy! I think the author, Ms. Margaret O. Goldsmith, must have puttered around in the garden Friday-Monday, and had a hired gardener the rest of the week!

I couldn't believe someone hadn't snatched up this pink Pyrex bowl before I did!

I found a mate for the old frog planter on the left.

A Gigantor Gurley Santa candle. He's huge! I've never seen one so big!

Two boxes of Shiny Brites.

AT 10 CENTS A BOX!!! You read that right. A BOX!!!

This wee little picnic basket was an Ebay win a couple of weeks ago. Actually, it was made in Japan, and it held the batteries to a toy, way back when. I'd love to know what kind of toy it went with!

The picnic basket/lunch box collection is steadily growing! So, did you find any treasures over the weekend?

IN THE GARDEN

2011-05-19T20:29:00.020-05:00

Things are still really poppin' in the garden over here! Let's take a peek.......

One of the miniature azaleas is just starting to bloom.

Mini daffodils. Do you remember when I said that I would share my favorite plant in the garden, and that it was yellow? Well, it's not these daffodils.....

The buttercups are just starting to bloom. And they're yellow. But they aren't my favorite either.

This IS my favorite plant! Corydalis Lutea. It's a perennial, and it blooms from late April until frost. Isn't that crazy for a perennial?! So, although this is my favorite plant in the garden, it's not my favorite flower in the garden. But that will have to wait until later in the summer.....

I planted the bike basket, with red Million Bells (Calibrachoa), pink Diascia, and some Begonias. Can't wait 'til it all starts spilling out of the basket!

Mr. Old Glory made this shelf thingy for me several years ago, and it sits on the back porch. He also made that birdhouse at the top that's a replica of our house. Anyway, this is what the shelf thingy looked like last summer.

I have no room for any more pottery in the house, but I can't stop buying it, so now it's going on the porch! I hope to replace each birdhouse with a vintage piece of pottery this summer!
NEXT WEEK: I've started a makeover on the windowbox on the garage, and I'll show it when I'm finished. Hopefully it will turn out ok, because right now I'm kinda hating it......

REDNESDAY

2011-05-17T13:40:00.007-05:00

That little red vintage lunch box/picnic basket is a recent Ebay win. I guess the third time is the charm, because I got outbid on two others just like it. As soon as I saw the girl on the bike, I knew I had to have one!

And there is a different sports theme on each side. Are you ready for some football?!

Roller skating!

Good old baseball!

These flowers are waiting to be planted somewhere.

It's rather windy today, so I just couldn't get a shot of this Mary Engelbriet flag that hangs from the back porch. Our daughter Liz had to step in and hold it, and I purposely made her go put on her sweatpants from college, which also have red on them. Mean Mommy!
If you would like to see more reds, head over to It's A Very Cherry World, where Sue hosts this party each and every week!

IN THE GARDEN--MAKEOVER EDITION!

2011-05-13T13:47:00.009-05:00

Let's take a peek at what's happening in the garden this week!

Mr. Old Glory made this wheelbarrow for me several years ago for Christmas. Sadly, it's starting to really show it's age, and actually disintegrating in some spots.

Ever since I saw Barbara's little wheelbarrow, I knew I wanted to add some tulips to it. I just bought an unfinished wood plaque from Hobby Lobby, and found the unfinished tulips at a garage sale. Hopefully the wheelbarrow lasts a few more years before it all falls apart!

The sweet woodruff is blooming in the rock garden.

And the redbud really put on a grand show this year.

I planted some pink Million Bells with red centers, along with blue Lobelia, in the watering can hanging on the lamppost.

Mr. Old Glory helped me in the gardens alot this week while he was on vacation, which means so much to me. Now if only I could get him interested in antiques, but I guess then we'd probably have starring roles in the next episode of Hoarders!
NEXT WEEK: I will share one of my favorite plants in the garden. HINT: It's yellow.......

You Mean I Don't Have To Cook Today? Or Clean?!

2011-05-07T20:50:00.026-05:00

This is my favorite picture of my Mom. I forgot why she said she had her head in that old wagon wheel, but I think it was some tourist attraction in Chicago. She's 86 now, and has started slowing down only in the last couple of years.

This is the person who calls me Mom. Our daughter Liz. She's home from college, and we're going to spend the whole day together. I can't wait, because she's lots of fun! We're going to see a movie, and she's going to make a new blog banner for me. And since it's Mother's Day, I'm almost positive she'll be extra patient with me, as I change my mind time and time again.

I never did get around to making a Mother's Day display. Just kind of propped up my collection on the bookshelf and called it a day!

The poems on these old framed pieces are so lovely.

Isn't this cottage cute? I want to live there! So what will you be doing on Mother's Day?

I'm not doing any of this foolishness. NO cooking, and NO cleaning!

Which makes me feel positively giddy!
Happy Mother's Day!

IN THE GARDEN

2011-05-06T06:58:00.005-05:00

In the garden this week, I slapped a couple of coats of paint on the old bicycle and watering can in the Lamppost Garden. The foggy quality to this shot is me trying to make the van not such a focal point!

I've had this basket since I was a little girl. I would put our little doggie in it, and drive him around the neighborhood. I can't wait to plant up the basket and watering can. I'm going with a red and pink color palette with my annuals this year.

The pink hyacinths that I got so cheaply at Lowes.

Bleeding Heart, or Dicentra, in full bloom.

The garden out at the corner, chock full of tulips. A couple of years ago, a young couple would walk past there every day, and the man would pick a tulip or two for his girl. After about a week of that, I finally had to make a point of being out there one day, and telling him that although I thought that was very romantic, could he please STOP PICKING MY FLOWERS??? Or something to that effect. Surprisingly, he said OK, and he did stop.

More Virginia Bluebells.

Wood Poppies.

The Redbud, by the new, glorious 6' fence that my neighbor put up. It's just a shame that so much of the garden got trampled, by a man that so obviously does not garden, because he should have known not to step on anything GREEN!!! I'm ok. Really I am. I know those plants will come back next year.....right?

A close-up of the redbud. So, if you knock on my door, and I don't answer........

I'm in the garden. In my bra!
NEXT WEEK: Continuing to make every daylily in the gardens disappear, and planting up the bike basket!

REDNESDAY

2011-05-03T13:22:00.004-05:00

Just when I thought I was out of reds, I looked in the sink the other day, and found my entry for this week's Rednesday.

All of the clean dishes in the RED dish drainer were RED!

My very most favorite plates. I've been feeling even more patriotic than usual the last couple of days.

And this was my breakfast today. Kinda says it all, doesn't it?!
If you would like to see more REDS, visit Sue over at It's A Very Cherry World!

MY WEEKEND FINDS

2011-05-01T20:53:00.014-05:00

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of My Weekend Finds, the continuing saga of one girl's quest for more junk!

This May angel is missing a wing, but she still wants to wish you a Happy May Day and an early Happy Mother's Day!

A Josef Originals bell. She's got her arm stretched out, as if she's asking "Why oh why was I only 25 cents?".

A McCoy frog planter.

I found this birthday figurine a couple of weeks ago, but thrifting/garage saling has been awful, so I decided to save her for another time. Ok, actually I forgot I had her!

Isn't her little cake cute?

An October birthday angel.

I found this a couple of weeks ago too. She looks like she is either trying to climb into that birdbath or catch one of those birds!
Soooo, the junking action has picked up a little bit. And in two weeks, there is the citywide garage sales to look forward to. Last year, I think there were 300 participants. That's alot of junk! Did you find some good junk over the weekend?