CLASS REUNION, ANNIVERSARY, ETC.

I'm taking a three-week blogging break. First up on our agenda is our 55th high school class reunion in our hometown. The picture below of us was on the front page of the local newspaper the day we graduated - June 1, 1956. I guess we were chosen to be photographed because Bob was the Senior Class President.
Doesn't Bob just look like he is poised and ready to tackle whatever the future might hold? At the time, I wasn't sure I would be part of that future; but things clicked and I've been a part of it all along the way through his three college degrees, his career, our children and our grandchildren.

Then, we have a road trip scheduled to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary this month. We're headed to Marburger/Round Top, Texas for the antique extravaganza. We hope to come home the very long way through Kansas City to visit friends.
September 7, 1958

I've been working on a couple of large projects for the class reunion, so my house has suffered terribly. I need to find time during this next three weeks to do some deep cleaning and prepare for the autumnal holidays and our family's birthday season. Also, I keep thinking we need to make a day trip to Denver to visit the new IKEA store. That's a lot going on for us old folks!

We thank God for all of the blessings that have been bestowed on us over the years. And, we celebrate with Him each new day that we receive.

As we used to say in the 1950s, "See you later, alligator. After awhile, crocodile!"

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

We've had fun this week checking out the new Restoration Hardware 615-page source book/magalog/catalog (their words!) and being under their influence. Of course, we could never lead the complete Restoration Hardware lifestyle. In the first place, the price point is way ABOVE our budget; and second, where is the color? I admit I'm smitten with a neutral background, but need my touches of red, blue, etc. And, finally our 1980s small ranch-style house just doesn't accommodate the grand architectural style of RH. But, that being said, we have enjoyed checking out the vignettes and accessories showcased in the catalog.

We've had several discussions about all of the accessories they show that appeal to us. Evidently, the appeal has always been there since we were able to shop our house, garage, shed and back porch to come up with similar items to stage some new vignettes around the house. Starting with the tractor wheel that we found recently at the farm salvage yard. Paired with some old books and a sewing machine part chest that belonged to my grandfather; it is now on our entry table.

Sitting on my Dad's tool chest, which we use as a coffee table, is an old milk crate containing bundles of books and a disc spacer from the farm salvage yard.

In the background on the couch is my mother's old beaver cape. The throws in the RH catalog are faux, of course; but mine is the real stuff. Don't hate me - the cape has been in my family for over 70 years, and conjures up nice memories of snuggling up to my mother on cold days when she was wearing the cape!

I've had a love affair with brown apothecary bottles for a while now -- all purchased for pennies or were free.

This vignette sparked a conversation between Bob and I about a lot of the trappings of our lives. We saw the iron barbells in the catalog; and I asked if we didn't have one of those around. Bob then told me about finding his barbell in a garage when he was 8 or 9 years old, and thinking it was so neat. I then had to ask about where it has been all of these years? Did he bring it with him when we got married 53 years ago? You mean to tell me we have moved it to 14 different houses over the years? Etc., etc., etc.

I've always enjoyed these deed or document boxes. They belonged to various family members who really kept their documents in them.

Of course, I have fond memories of the Eiffel Tower in Paris from our 50th wedding anniversary trip. I don't have RH's study model, but this iron one from Hobby Lobby serves the purpose of bringing up memories.

It's been fun recreating these vignettes from Restoration Hardware. I do have a question, however -- how can they fiscally continue to mail me (a non-consumer of their goods) their 615-page sourcebook/magalog/catalog? But, I enjoy it so much; please don't tell Mr. Friedman, CEO, that I never buy anything. I thought the least that I could do would be to include the catalog in a vignette.

Here's a breakdown of the price points of some of the items included:

Eiffel Tour Study Model: RH-$1745.00 Ours-$4.00

Tractor Wheel: RH-$189.00 Ours-$5.00

Cast iron Dumbbell: RH-$40.00 Ours-Free

Deed Boxes: RH-$45-$85 Ours-Inherited for free

Pharmacy Bottles: RH-3/$48 Ours-Inherited or less than $1.00 each

Fur Throw: RH-$99 Ours-Free, but priceless!

I'm joining the following parties -- please check these inspirational blogs out!!

Southern Hospitality for Thrifty Treasure Monday

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

YARD SALE FIND

I haven't been going to yard sales very much lately. Frankly, I'm just too lazy and hate to get around in the early morning. But, Bob still reads the ads, gets around and goes always searching for furniture in bad condition that he can restore and sell. The other morning he came home without furniture but with these two seltzer bottles.
The guy at the yard sale said they were from Czechoslovakia. Both the metal and glass parts have markings on them, but we can't make anything out.
The spouts are interesting - they look like birds of prey!


The glass is very heavy and thick; one is amber in color, the other green.


For now, I just enjoy having them around.




Do you suppose this is a start of a another new collection?
Be sure to check out the following parties this week for a plethora of inspiration!



A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday


Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays


No Minimalist Here for Open House Party on Thursday


Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday