Out and About

A lovely old house in Covington,TN

Antique store in Covington has a desk I like.



Antique mall in Bartlett, TN



The long bench out front on the sidewalk was another "Wish I Had" piece.

This stepladder on top of a table provided a nice display.

Another neat display idea for silverware...fill bucket with rice and forks and spoons stay put.

Another beautiful desk...had been a wedding gift according to old brass plate that gave names of giver and recipient

Friday I spent with my mother...regular hair appointment and a dental appointment in the small town of Covington, TN, where she used to live. Today I spent with my daughter-in-law. We added a few things to our booth and rearranged our items. Then we were off to another favorite antique mall to compare our prices to theirs...and to shop a little, too. One purchase was a bag of jumbo toy Easter eggs in pastel shades...a real bargain for twenty-five cents. I want to try the Easter craft project featured on

http://www.tracyporter.com/blog.php.

Handmade Cradles

Both cradles mean a lot to me...the fact that my dad made them. I have no real recollection of that long ago Christmas when I received the doll cradle. Today it has a special place on a closet shelf and holds some very old books and travel albums. The big cradle I asked him to make when I was expecting my first child. I didn't want anything elaborate...just a simple cradle that would blend with my then colonial house and furnishings. Both of my children slept in it as infants for a short time. Now it sits in one corner of the master bedroom of this house and holds family quilts.

Shelf Story

Here I am again in my art closet...had to clear away some clutter in order to see top of work table. Please notice the shelf I hung today. Here's the story. We are in the process of cleaning out a storage shed we've had for a long time. Well, that's where this shelf has been for several years. This shelf was made by my father, and I used it in my room during high school years to hold a paperback book collection. Later my daughter used it in her bedroom to display dance trophies. Now it's back in service. Of course, I cherish it because my dad made it just like he did other pieces...doll cradle, a child size ironing board, and a large cradle for his first grandchild, my son Ryan.

Weekend Project

Here's a relaxing way to take your mind off problems...

create an original mosaic pot. Although a bit messy, I really love the look this gives to plain, store bought terra cotta pots. The adhesive and grout are the main expenses(purchased at Lowe's), but the peace of mind and creative bliss the project provides are worth that initial cost.

A Utility Room Tour

Come on inside.

The two shelves above the washer and dryer hold school mementoes.

I started a collection of schoolhouses while I was teaching.

A few favorite titles...I probably read Ellen Tebbits orally to every class. Caddie Woodlawn was

another one I shared orally many times. Students loved hearing a chapter each day after lunch.

Old school bell, books, and game pieces are special keepsakes.

In this room are framed drawings by former students, my own children, and grandchildren.

Early in my teaching career my parents gave me these old school desks. Now the grandkids like to sit here and draw.

These 1976 crayon racks have seen a lot of use.

The grandkids usually spend a part of their visits inside the utility room. They write, color, play, and pretend. Well, that's the grand tour of a very important room here at our house. Thanks for stopping by.

Early Blooms

It has been refreshing to be outside.

I have more leaves to clear from the flowerbeds, but even right now it's thrilling to see new plants pushing forth from the soil.

Welcome, Spring!

Afternoon Stop

Located in Millington, Tennessee

It warmed up this afternoon so I got out of the house for a short while. I checked on my booth and noticed two more items had sold. Knowing those objects have a new home is a nice feeling.

Waiting

I guess you could say this was a quiet weekend...was able to rest emotionally and spiritually. Spring, please hurry up. These damp, cold days are dragging me down. Some sunshine is really needed. Gardening, flowers, warmth, and fresh air are on my mind. Warmer temperatures are in the forecast. Yeah!

Reminders

I have reminders here and there in my home that emphasize what I should know by now... life is to be treasured, memories are to be made, love is to be shared. To appreciate each day and be mindful of blessings...that's what I need to remember.

Celebration of Life

We mourn the death of our very dear friend Muril Deatherage. He touched so many lives with his goodness, laughter, and generosity. We were privileged to know him and call him friend. Wonderful memories are ours. Right now we are sad, but just the mention of your name will continue to make us smile. Thanks, Muril, for being such a meaningful part of our lives. Love is for always.

Small Creations

Today I took some small frames, added backgrounds, and used pressed leaves.

This background page is original writing from an old student notebook.


I used a rubber stamp for the message near the top.

latest tag set

Rest

A few images here at home that are comforting to me

Saturday in Memphis

Thankfully The Med is still open. At one time there was talk about closing this facility.

Interesting restaurant on Second Street in downtown Memphis

We were in Memphis to be with our friend Carla whose husband had the terrible fall.The report from the doctors is not good...too much damage...recovery not expected. Lunch at the Flying Fish offered a few minutes of normalcy. Our order of shrimp, oysters, and fish fillets was excellent.