Friday, July 13, 2012

my morning went like this...

I woke up bright and early, got the coffee started and waited for the hubs to get ready for work.  Every other Friday he's either off or goes in an hour later.  I was looking forward to sharing a cup of Joe with him on our porch.  The weather has been so mild these past few days, so getting to do this, on a cool morning at 6:30, was a lovely thought.

view towards town
We live in the middle of 400 acres of crop, pasture and CRP ground.  Not all of it is ours, but it did belong to Steve's family at one time.  Literally, the house was built right in the middle.  With no homes or buildings to cloud our view for 1/2 miles in any direction, it's just us and the wildlife.  And, we savor that...a whole lot.

This morning, our dog, Callie was digging in and under our porch...for what, who knows.  But something was keeping her attention.  It wasn't long and a bunny hopped past.  It brought a smile to our faces.  Callie could care less about the rabbits that roam here, but, the rabbit doesn't know that.  It was cautious, would hop, hop, hop.  Stop. Look over it's shoulder then start the process again.

Out of the corner of Steve's eye he saw the bunny playing in the grass at the spot where our yard joins the hay field.  It was joined by another one. I turned to watch.  They were so cute.  I've never seen bunnies play like they were.  They literally were 'playing'.  I can't even begin to describe what they were doing, but it consisted of hops, side jumps, one over the other.  It made for a pleasant chuckle.

Steve left and I continued my morning on the porch, my 'just right' coffee on the table beside me,  magazine in my hand.  Callie continued her pursuit of whatever, and a movement near the corn field caught my eye.  A coyote.  It visits quite often.  A lone 'wolf' so to speak.  Callie had not caught site or scent of it.  Again, the coyote didn't know this and was very apprehensive.  A few quiet steps, a look, a few steps more.  Finally, he was far enough away to be safe and trotted off.

the winning hummer
One of the most joyous of joys are the birds the flit here and there around the house.  We have three hummingbirds that keep us entertained.  This morning was no exception.  They are quite territorial I've decided and fight over the sweetened water at the feeder we provide.  Now, there are six spigots for these little darlings, but they just don't get along.  Did you know they make a noise?  Not the buzz of their wings, another sound.  News to me!


and rain came down...flowers danced
In the distance, the thunder clapped, the clouds rolled in and the scent of rain filled the air.  THAT~is a great scent.  Believe me, we need the rain.  Then the wind picked up and I came inside.  The rains came down and it was beautiful...and my morning went like this!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

even the wildflowers...

Even the weeds, or wildflowers, if you prefer, seem
to be breathing a sigh of relief today.

 The weeds grow in the dead of the heat.

 Queen Anne's Lace is just that...regal and delicate.  So pretty billowing in the breeze.

In the midwest, we are enthralled with muchmilder temps today.  We need rain badly.   Things seem to be drying up in front of our eyes.  But, the flowers, weeds or wild, are delightful and are thriving.  Giving us a pleasant view to while away the hours.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

taking some much needed time away


We left home early Thursday morning.  Destination:  St. Joe, Mo.  
A wedding on Saturday in Maryville, Mo., gave us an opportunity to take a couple days ahead of the event to take some time off.  I have met some of the most delightful, creative and energetic women through  
Burlap & Roses, as well as, Junk Bonanza, Junk Jubilee and FACEBOOK.  Several of them have shops/studios in the St. Joe area, so we headed that direction to camp and get away.  First stop, Kum & Go for gas and a diet Pepsi...of course!

 On the road again, we headed down I-35 to Hwy. 2.  Mt. Ayr and Peggy Sue's diner was planned for brunch.  It did not disappoint.  The town itself is pretty darn nice and the preservation of it's architectural and historical attributes is awesome.  Enjoy these photos of just a few of the stand-outs.


On the road again, we traveled south commenting on the crops (they're looking poorly) the heat and cattle in the ponds, the kids, the grands and various other topics.  I usually read, read and read some more on our travels, but not this time.  I guess we needed this.  Steve told me later he wanted to tell me to be quiet for awhile...but, he, being himself, did not and just let me talk.  

We stayed at a pretty nice little camp ground on the outskirts of St. Joe.  AOK Campground.  Just a simple little place, with a nice pond...catch -n- release only and a super nice pool.  It was sooo terribly hot, that we didn't enjoy the 'camping' like we enjoy (fires in the evening, relaxing outdoors, etc).

Thursday evening took us to Claudia G's home...one of the most gracious and kind people I've met in a long time, Claudia G. of Just Claudia Vintage Design. 
and her hubs Rick, treated to an awesome meal and tour of their lovely home and Claudia's inspiring studio.  She lives and decorates in her artistic style...she once told me she describes it as 'barn glam'.  Enjoy these photos.

 
Friday took us to Leavenworth, Kansas and Weston, Mo., where we visited in the shops of a few more of my junkin' gal pals, Stacy McGowen of Candle Queen Candles, Artistic Works by Lu (she's orig. from Iowa) and Fancy with Cactus Creek.  Lots of energy, excitement and enthusiasm for their own success, as well as, others.  Enjoy these photos.

 

If you find yourself in the area, please check these shops out.  Claudia sets up at a monthly market in K.C.  Follow her on FB for dates and times.  

Thanks, to my hubs who lets me indulge in all of this.  He enjoyed his time at a couple of farm stores, bought a couple of cigars in a cool smoke shop and just did his thing...he's great that way!  Love him!

Oh, and if you're hungry, Luigi's in Leavenworth is a real treat.

 
The weekend ended on a high note with a beautiful bride and the pleasure of being with family at the hotel...it was great!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

A cup is worth a thousand memories and more.

it's just a simply striped cup, but the memories it holds will be cherished for a lifetime.  it's funny what a little cup can do for the memory.  

my hubs and i enjoy sipping our coffee from a variety of cups we've picked up on our travels.  when picking one out, i first look for the one that 'strikes my fancy' because of color, the artwork or a saying.  then, it has to feel 'just right' in my hand.  the feel good weight and grip.  the hubs, well, he doesn't really care about all of that and just goes with whatever i've picked out for him.  but, we have reminisced about a special time or place that a particular cup has evoked...much like a song would do, many times.


today, over coffee and readying my mind for the day, i'm enjoying my cup of joe in the cup pictured above.  a gift from my aunt loretta.  she gave these out as party favors at a recent birthday lunch for her sis, and my aunt, mary.  the cup couldn't fit my hand and fulfill the just right 'good weight and grip' in my hand any better.  and, the memories it evokes, with each soothing sip, is worth a thousand memories and more...



 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Vintage Chair Decorating Contest



Back by popular demand, Vintage Chair Decorating Contest.  Saturday, July 28th during the Balloon Classic Open Air Market on The Square in Indianola.  
Prior year entry

Pre-registration required.  $20.00 entry fee, People's Choice, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place judged by local artists/personalities.

Call 515-238-7720 for more information.









Prior year entry

Thursday, May 17, 2012

the field was humming with bee song

The fields were humming with bee song

I wanted to take my book and read here

Hotel Melcher...oh what stories it could tell

spring and all it's glory...baby lambs not far from momma



Monday, May 14, 2012

Take the backroad...

 The road less traveled is the one I like the best

 Grazing beauties

left, but memories are not forgotten

Sunday, May 6, 2012

A Sunday Back Roads Kinda Day

We woke up early had a cup of coffee and took a little nap.  I woke up energized after 15 minutes...with one thing on my mind.  This was a Sunday Back Roads kinda day.

I asked the hubs if he was interested and he liked the idea, too.  Within a short time, we were ready to go.  Heading west, south, then southwest...it was gravel all the way~destination Creston, Iowa.  No map, just a general idea of where we needed to head to "get there".  

I love Sunday drives and taking the backroads is even better.  We hadn't done this for a long, long time.  I honestly was excited.  The following is our day in pictures.

Mt. Pisgah Monument & Park


Log Cabin Homestead at site

Monument to those who lost their life at this site

Creston School Library several weeks after the tornado hit...notice the books.

Unknown structure~two or three damaged, all around not a bit of damage


Sun Valley Lake...will our dream of owning a lake home come true?
A Llama sunbathing.  Steve was amazed at this site
We rounded out our drive with a stop to see our granddaughter before she went home.  She rode her new bike for us...first time!  Daddy, Abbie or mommy couldn't 
get her to do it.  Oh, the magic of Grammie and Grampie!

A gloriously delightful day ended with a glass of Moscato, a mozzarella, cherry 
tomato and avocado salad, good Italian bread and my hubs by my side~
ahhhhh, my day is complete.

Have a blessed week ahead!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

We're moving again...but just next door, on THE CORNER

Our new digs are coming together nicely.

We'll be opening the doors to our "new" location...right next door, exactly on the SE Corner of The Square-Indianola, Iowa.  

It's gardening time and you're gonna find some fun things to add to your garden, the garden shed, or a garden themed patio, deck or room.

We're gonna be adding to our gift lines, too.  Coffee, dips, spreads and drink mixes.

Hope you have a great day!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Burlap & Roses closed info

Burlap & Roses is open today and Friday, April 26th-27th, 10-5...THEN, we'll be closed Saturday (Beth will be at Junk Jubilee Fri-Sun) the 28th thru Friday, May 4th, while we make the move to The CORNER...right next door.  Bigger and better!  See you at the shop or at Junk Jubilee.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Vintage TV

I awoke early today and while catching up on Facebook and email, Family Affair
came on.  Took me right back to my childhood.
Then, My Three Sons, came on.  Another childhood fav.  

Was it a simpler time?
 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

toes in the sand...iowa...march 25th

little fingers and toes gettin' a feel for the sand

can you believe this was taken on march 25th...in iowa?

a beautiful day spent at the beach~pond with my grandbabies

daughter and son's girl.  purely delightful.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

A day of pickin'


Wow, what a fun day of pickin' with my mom.  We had one destination in mind, but, since we were heading "in that direction", I made a few more contacts and we made several shop stops.  Luckily, each owner was willing to open up special for us.

We plotted and planned the roads we'd take, doing a round robin.  Heading up the diagonal to Marshalltown, first stop, Kathy's Barn.  A large barn filled to overflowing.  We picked up, turned over, sorted through and added to an ever burgeoning pile. It was not looking too good.  The first stop and we were already "full".  But, one has not seen this gal pack and prod and push around...

On the road again, we headed north on Hwy. 14...destination, Antiques by Mona.  One of the nicest shops I've ever been to.  Nice and clean, bright and wonderfully laid out.  Super, 'true' antiques, it was a delight from start to finish.  A bit more pushing and proding, we got 'er packed in and away we went.

I "met" the gal from Little Prairie Girl on Facebook.  I just had to get there.  This was the one stop we were headed to, when we added the other locals to our list.  A huge barn, filled with antiques, prims and new, two floors of fun.  The Little Prairie Girl had just had their big sale over the weekend, so it had been pretty well picked over, but there were a few things for this gal, and just enough room to fit in "just a few more things".  A real swell gal, a quaint setting and made just for us hot coffee.  Happy!

Getting a bit hungry, we stopped at one of the BEST little spots ever.  We found out it had only been open a week.  Very gracious owners, we were treated to scrumptious food.  I chose a french dip made with homemade Italian bread and my mom had a reuben.  On the side we had the best broccoli salad we've ever tasted...we even brought some home with us.  The Mr. of the team kept coming out with samples of some of their other menu items.  Delicious one and all.  May I suggest, The Whispering Moose if you're anywhere near Grundy Center, Iowa.  

As we made our way back to Des Moines, we headed towards I-35 via the county highways and byways.  Such beautiful scenery Iowa has.  Farmers were in the field...and oddity for March 26th, but, so happy with the winter weather we've had.  Our final destination was Antiques Iowa at Story City.  A haven with everything under the sun offered. 

A great road trip with my mom.  A day of pickin', packed in goods, laughter and fun. 

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Takin' time for family

it was rather spontaneous...but, it worked out beautifully.  my sister and i were 
'talking' on facebook late last week and decided to have a sleep over at the farm.  spring break was looming and she wanted to make sure they had plenty to do...
that did NOT include hand-held anything.

sunday afternoon, they found their way down the highway, with their final destination down the half mile lane to our place.  they piled out, their bags found their resting spots and we were off to a great start.  the front pond was calling us, a fire started and primed for hot dogs over the open flames.  even callie, our dog, got in on the action.

monday morning started with granddaughter, makenna, and her older brother, my grandson-by-heart, Kobe, arrived for a day of fun.  breakfast...french toast or egg-in-the-nest was ordered up and fixed.  four hungry boys (older) and one petite little girl who kept up with them were full to overflowing and ready for 'chores'.  off we went


at least the four younger ones joined us...oldest nephew riley, stayed in the house, but we had fun.  cows, a walk to the pond and back.  we were just about back to the house, and makenna needed grammie beth to carry her the rest of the way, so, head on my shoulder, we made it back for a rest.

The afternoon found us back at the pond exploring, boating and then some kite flying.  early afternoon brought a down pour and we ran into the house for showers, lunch and some quiet time...we were tired.




 mostly, makenna just got to watch, but that was okay by her...she was getting pretty pooped trying to keep up with the older ones.  i must say, she does pretty good.

 

so lincoln, my grandson, could enjoy a bit of 'cousin' time, i went and picked him up from daycare after nap time.  he had fun playing, too, and it goes without saying, the kids couldn't get enough of him.


It was a grand day...for all of us.  new memories for the journals in our mind.
 

Monday, March 19, 2012

Burlap & Roses CLOSED Tuesday March 20th

In preparation for the Open House this weekend, 
Burlap & Roses will be closed on Tuesday, March 20th. 

Monday, March 12, 2012

Vintage Memories...Riverview Park

Riverview Amusement Park
Des Moines, Iowa

I had forgotten about this group page on Facebook, but just found it again this morning while catching up.  Such fond memories for me and so many.

Riverview, just as the name implies, was located on an island~like spot on the banks of the Des Moines River and was built in the early 1900's by business men in the area.  It was, in it's hey day, the HOT SPOT for young and old alike.  I knew it as a fun amusement park.  Others will remember it in a variety of ways; their first love, great dances, host to 'big band' era greats, and more.  No matter 'what' it was individually, most would have really fond memories of this middle of the state attraction.

As a young girl, my mom would take us to the State Fair, void of the Midway, because the rides there "were not safe", being put up and taken down so quickly.  In lieu of this, we'd get to spend a day at Riverview Park.  I don't remember a time we went, that my cousins, Debbie and Linda, weren't with us.  Their mom had the same philosophy!
I do remember fondly, the laughter and giggles, that ensued on the bumper cars,  the mirrors that would exaggerate your figure, snow cones, photo booths and... 
who didn't get sick from the unforgiving and seemingly unending spinning of the Cuddle Up?


and then...


The Scrambler
As with many things from yesteryear, all we have are our memories.  I have to ask "why" even now as an adult.  I do not believe bigger and newer is better.  But, my guess is, the younger generations will have memories of other amusement parks...I'd almost bet, they won't be the same, though.

These photos are not mine and were found on the following sites:

www.riverviewparkdsm.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/284251129029

specific ownership is unknown.