Vintage finds

Lately I have been pretty obsessed with finding old things. I spent several months putting together a special birthday present for my sister's fiftieth birthday. I found 50 vintage things. I am glad I thought of it in plenty of time to get it mailed to her. I should have taken pictures along the way but like usual I forgot until after I had mailed the boxes. I found dishes, kitchen gadgets, books, linens, and of course, Pyrex! I had so much fun gathering that when I was done it was such a let down. I decided to continue with my hunt and now that I have specific things that I look for it is even more enjoyable. I love old office stuff. I always played secretary when I was little. My mom had old sales pads and things like that and we would play store. I like the time it took to complete projects on these old tools of the trade. But I do have to say that in my life today the convenience of a computer is a great blessing in my life. Still, I like to keep some of the slower pace of life around me. It reminds me of my grandparents and I loved my grandparents! I miss them and their fun ways. Office stuff is just one of the things that I hunt for though - dishes and kitchen things are my favorite. Also old school books. Oh and linens and lace and sewing stuff - well, let's just say anything vintage I love!

Book Club retreat last May

The first weekend in May I went to Coos Bay with some friends. It has been at least 33 years since I have been to that part of the coast. We had read a book called "A Gathering of Finches" by Jane Kirkpatrick. It was all about the family that was at the heart of the settling of Coos Bay way back when. When Krista moved there we thought it would be an ideal place to go for our annual "book club" retreat. I had such a wonderful weekend. I had spent a lot of days working to unpack my mom and John into their new house and so it turned out to be a great break from all the hard work. We really lucked out and had amazing weather. We hiked all around the property of the Simpson estate which is now a state park. The gardens talked about in the book are still there and part of the gazebo which is now a look out over the ocean. We had such a great time eating, talking, and going to antique and junk stores. Krista was the best host ever! I love her little house and her decorating style. It was so nice to spend time without having the daily responsibilities that come with life. A few days is all I needed though before I missed my family and all that I always look forward to when I leave home and come back.

I did acquire some of my loved Pyrex from our shopping. I did get a few more pieces but for some reason this is the only photo I took. That little hobby is for another post later. It was fun to find it far from home and in new places that I got to explore. This little trip did me so much good! Even today as I look back and remember it I am filled with love for my friends and cherish the memories that we created together. I discovered new things about myself and hard things I have had to deal with have been lighter because of this memory I hold in my heart. I know it sounds sappy but whatever, I can hardly wait until next years little retreat!

Our 4th of July Celebration 2012

The 4th of July was so wonderful this year. Our little town did not do the annual firework display due to budget problems, so we did our own little firework show here at the house. We had a fun hot dog bar-b-que with all the sides. Andrew, Toshia and her kids and Andrew's sister Crystal and her family came out. Our little neighbor Samantha joined in the fun and had dinner with us. Then our little crew David, myself, Taylor, Hayden, Autumn and my mom were here.

After dinner we had smores and did sparklers. Toshia used plastic cups for the kids. Jonathan was freaked out at the first one. I wish I had a picture of his face it was priceless. But after he saw it was not going to hurt him he had a blast. Even Reagan loved it - if Andrew was helping her of course.

 She is just so cute!

All the kids could hardly wait until dark when Dad(Grandpa) and Andrew would begin the festivities. As you can see Little miss Reagan was all smiles - that is until the actual fireworks started - I think it was too loud for her. But about 15 or so minutes into it she fell fast asleep in her mother's arms. I have to say the guys purchased some really good fireworks this year. And of course there were some people not to far away that were lighting off ones that went way up in the sky and were pretty nice - but totally illegal!



I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th! I know for us it was the most relaxing 4th we've had in a long time. David read a little from the Declaration of Independence and it was nice to remember why we celebrate this special day. I know I am grateful for the wonderful country we live in and for all the men and women who fight to protect our freedoms!