FINDERS KEEPERS

A few weeks ago at an antique mall, Bob found a great old crusty tool box -- one that had seen a lot of use!  After a short negotiation we brought the box home with us.

Some people like to keep things in their found condition; but, Bob sees everything as a project.

He likes to take everything apart to see how it was constructed; polish everything up; repair it; and return it to its original intent.

 Under the grime was unusual handmade copper hardware.  

He figured out that some of the hardware was designed to hold leather straps that were missing.  Also, that the tool box was designed to hold saws.

And to add to the story --- last Fall, Bob was walking down to get the mail one day when he spotted some antique saws in the neighbor's trash at the curb.  He asked him about them -- they belonged to his grandfather, and no one in the family wanted them.  Bob was happy to take them off his hands and out of the landfill!

Now the saws have a home.

Yes, finders keepers!

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WOOL HOARDING VERSUS WOOL GATHERING

I love sewing with wool, but it is very expensive to buy new.  So my best source are the thrift stores, where I find 100% wool garments for $2-$3 each.  Admittedly, it is very time consuming to then deconstruct (removing darts, pleats, seams, hems, etc.); and wash in very hot water; and dry in the dryer to felt the fabric.  But, it is that old thing with me --- more time than money!

I just completed the deconstruction process on this stack of skirts; which then necessitated the need to clean and organize the sewing room to make room for my 'new' supply of fabric.  I was positively giddy playing with all of this wool for several days.

I store my largest pieces in these two big drawers.

 The medium size pieces go into baskets along with my small supply of wool felt (purchased new at a quilt store).

  I store the smallest pieces according to color in plastic boxes then in baskets for easy access.

I don't throw away even the smallest of scraps - you never know when you might need a specific color for a tiny piece in a project.

 All this fun led me to think that maybe I am a wool hoarder.  I enjoyed it so much without even starting a project.

But, then again, having it all clean and organized has me thinking of all kinds of projects to make in the future.  So, maybe I could be considered a wool gatherer.

What do you think? --- wool hoarder or wool gatherer?

PS:  I can't help myself as it is in my DNA.  I come from several generations of sheep ranchers.

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IN A QUANDARY ---

I crave change -- After all of these years of collecting and changing out stuff, I still want something different to look at in our home.

The problem is that I really do like the things that we have inherited and accumulated over our 56 years of marriage, and hate to pack anything away.

I love my great-grandfather's lamp sitting on a textile I purchased on Portebello Road in London.

Everyone knows I'm crazy over brown transferware, and love looking at it every day.

I'm sold on wool, handwork, plaid, and texture.

And, I can't live without color plus wood that has lived a previous life.

So, I guess I don't really want change -- just would love to add a HUGE addition to the house so that I could look every day at MORE of the stuff I love.

In the meantime, I guess the least I could do is put the Valentines away for another year.And pull out part of another collection that hasn't seen the light of day for awhile --- antique silver.

A sugar bowl with a birdie on top with slots to hold teaspoons.

A spooner with a collection of sugar spoons.

A covered butter dish with a butter-knife holder.

And, a beautiful little creamer.

I remember now why they were hidden away --- they really need polished!!!  A project for another day.
At least, tarnish is something different to look at for awhile.

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VALENTINE READING PLUS MY SPECIAL HEART TUGGERS

My friend, Marsha, is my personal librarian.  She loans me books to read that she thinks I would enjoy; and she is always right about my literary preferences.  I love that she is my friend in more ways than one!!

Recently, she loaned me two books with locations in Paris.  The last time, 2011, that I was in Paris; Marsha was also there.  She was with her adult daughter, and I was with my adult son.  The 'youngsters' had us running all over with busy schedules, so we were unable to meet up at the time.  But, it is a fun thought that we were sharing so many of the same places at the same time --- just not together.

The first book, "Paris in Love" by Eloisa James is a memoir about her family's year-long sabbatical in Paris.  This book was pure delight.  I loved her take on the schools, sights, and food of Paris.

The second book, "Hidden in Paris" by Corine Gantz is a novel also about Americans living in Paris.  I would have enjoyed this book more without the cuss words and intimacy issues.  Marsha warned me, as I'm a self-professed prude.  The house in the story and the plot were interesting enough to keep me engrossed, however.
If you have ever experienced the magic and love
 of Paris, or wanted to; these two books are fun reads.

My two special heart tuggers --

Wyatt was born late in the day on February 13th, so we have always considered him our Valentine baby.  He has an 'over the top' personality.  So if anyone should turn 13 years old on Friday, the 13th; and have a middle-school Valentine dance on his birthday, this is the boy!!
His sister, Caitlin, hates that he has passed her in height just a little and is now a teenager --- he is still her little baby brother.

Happy Birthday, Wyatt and love to both of you on Valentine's Day.

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FROM WOOL GATHERING TO CARTIER

It was a beautiful weekend in Colorado.  Almost everyone heads to the hills to ski, hike and bike!  But in our usual reverse migration, we head to the city to explore our favorite V.A.T.S. 
(Vintage, Antique, Thrift Stores).

Antiquing was kind of a bust -- maybe because we don't need a thing.  I saw a couple pieces of large, beautiful brown transferware, but they were way out of my budget.  On the other hand, it was a good day at the thrift stores.  I'm always on the lookout for wool garments to cut up, felt, and repurpose in needlework projects.  I found nine (yes, 9) 100% wool skirts for the average price of $3.50 each.

The top three are Pendletons, the fourth is Ralph Lauren, and the rest are other notable designers.  That's a whole lot of beautiful yardage for a cheap price.  Now I just need to come up with some new projects to make, in order to not become labeled as a wool hoarder.

On Sunday, we had tickets for the "Brilliant: Cartier in the 20th Century" exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.  Our son came into the city to meet us at the exhibit and for lunch, so that was an extra bonus.  

The exhibit is magnificent -- not just the jewels (I could look at diamond tiaras forever!!); but the whole presentation was wonderful.  It included the cultural aspect from kings and queens to Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelley.  Plus, there were many displays about the making of the jewels including original designs on paper to actual work benches and tools.
If you are in the area, it is well worth the price of admission; and will be on through March 15th.

So, from thrift-store skirts to million-dollar jewels, it was a great weekend.

P.S.: And yes -- one small purchase, a brown transferware bone dish in the same pattern as some other pieces I have!

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PURSE PROJECT - PART TWO

In my previous post (here), you can read about my purse issues and what led up to making a purse to test what I need for size and function.

 I have finished my 'test' purse, and it seems to function well.  Still not the prettiest purse, but that will come when I find the PERFECT purse to purchase.

The outside pocket works really well for the two main necessities in my life - chap stick and a cell phone.

Even though I rarely have cash on me, an inside zipper pocket will function when I do.

I made a small pouch to corral all of the little stuff that I do not need everyday.  It fits nicely in the bottom of the purse.

The purse ended up being 9" wide x 7' high x 2" deep, and holds all of this stuff with room to spare.  For aesthetic reasons, I probably should have inserted a 7" zipper instead of a 9" one, and then squared off the top corners of the purse.  Possibly that would have been too small an opening to function well, however.  Good thing I'm not going into purse production!

Now that I am sure of size and function, I'm ready to go out shopping again for that PERFECT purse.  I'm confident enough now that I may even raise my budget to get my forever purse!!

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A PURSE - THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE

I hate a purse.  I dislike even more having to carry one.

  I'm sure any psychologist would tell you that I can blame that one on my grandmother.  She loved her purse (she called it her 'pocketbook') -- she kept her secrets and her whole life in her 'pocketbook'.  And, under no uncertain terms, she said that no one was to go near it or touch it.  If there had been a fire or a tornado (she lived in SE Kansas), her first priority would have been to grab that purse, I'm sure!
 Later on, she was one of those little old ladies in the nursing home that had to carry her purse EVERYWHERE.

I'm beyond where I need to carry an extra diaper, Cheerios, a pacifier, Legos, etc. in my purse; so something small will work. 

 This ugly thing has carried all of my stuff for a lot of years -- it is just a little bigger than a passport, and worked great traveling all over Europe a couple of times plus in my daily local travels.

But now---- a larger smart phone has entered my life.  It fits (barely) in my pocket, but it sure isn't comfortable.  So, I decided that because of the decaying condition and the ugliness of the old purse, and the need to carry the phone somewhere outside my pocket; I would shop for a new cross-body purse.  I have spent the last three months looking -- I don't want a fashion statement; I want function in black leather at the perfect size and preferably under $100. So far, no luck.

In the interim until I find the PERFECT purse, I have decided to make one to test out just what I need for size and function.   As usual, I have more time than money; so my goal is to keep the project cheap.

For fabric, I'm using a 100% wool gray skirt from the thrift store that I'm deconstructing and felting in hot water and a hot dryer.  And, then maybe for just a little hidden fashion statement, I'm lining it with some red plaid.  In a day or two, I should have it finished and will post on how this experiment turns out.

There have been some good posts on purses recently -- check out this one on Margo's Junkin Journal.  She covers a lot of thoughts I have about the use of a purse.

Do you have purse issues, or am I the only one ruined by a grandmother's purse attachment?????

BAKED CHIMICHANGAS - A FAMILY FAVORITE

There was no school here on Martin Luther King day, so Wyatt came over to spend the day with his Papa Bob.  They went over to the church parking lot to try to get the bottle-rocket car they had built to travel for more than 10 feet by using vinegar and baking soda as fuel.  But, alas, no success again!  However, an engineer and an inquisitive kid are not deterred -- they are out in the garage again dreaming up something else.

My assignment ----- lunch!  Since Wyatt is growing outrageously fast and is always hungry, I try to fix something half-way healthy and filling when he is here.  On this day it is Baked Chimichangas.  I don't remember where I got the recipe originally, but it has been a family favorite for years.

Brown one pound of hamburger, drain and add:

2 tablespoons of salsa (homemade or purchased)

Salt and pepper to taste.

Cook and stir; then spoon some of the mixture on center of each flour tortilla.  Add grated cheese.

 Fold edge closest to you over filling; fold both sides toward center; roll tortilla.  Arrange on cookie sheet, seam side down.  Melt 1/4 cup butter and brush each tortilla with butter.

Wyatt came in to help with what he calls "Butter Painting".

 Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until hot, lightly browned, and slightly crisp.

Serve with more grated cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and black olives.

I may be fooling myself, but these have to be healthier than deep-fried chimichangas -- I do know it is easier and less mess to bake them.

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THIS, THAT, AND THE OTHER ----

A post of randomness --

Image from Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Facebook page

The weather geniuses on local TV and on my smart phone tell me that we will have dry, sunshiny, and balmy (in the 60s) weather for the next six days.  We have had a rather long snap of cold, icy, snowy weather; so sunshine will be appreciated.  I'm encouraged that winter will return next week, however.  Guess I better take this opportunity to take my heavy coat to the cleaners!

Bob reminds me that it is two months until he and Wyatt plant the peas in the garden on St. Pat's Day.  That's a good thing as I only have about one cup of peas from last year's garden left in my freezer.  I'm saving those for the perfect chicken and biscuit casserole on a future, snowy evening.

After dropping my coat off at the cleaners today, I have the fun of picking up my favorite granddaughter, Caitlin, at the high school.  I love it when she needs a ride, and thinks of me.  As a busy senior, it is hard to fit in school work, a boyfriend, etc., etc., etc., and Grammy-time!  We still manage, however ---- and there is nothing better than to encapsulate a talkative teenager in a car, go to Sonic for something to drink, and get caught up on the news!

I'm going to miss her next year so much!!!!

You would think that after all of the Christmas goodies, I would be tired of sweets.  But, oh no, I think I'll make Turtle Cookie Bars this afternoon.  

I spied the recipe on The Shabby Creek Cottage blog, and now I can't stop thinking about them.

What's another calorie (or two---) when the sun is shining?


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MOUNTAIN CAMPING

One of my goals in 2015 is to organize the 100-plus years of family pictures.  This seems to be my goal every year.  The problem is I get side-tracked, and never seem to accomplish completely the task.  I love finding the tie that binds our generations together, and get so involved that nothing gets really organized!  Here's an example of how my brain is all over the place when I am trying to organize those photos:

My great-grandparents loved to go camping in the mountains every chance they had.  

 I suppose camping in those days was not much different from living at home -- no indoor plumbing and cooking on a wood stove.  However, it was much cooler in the summer mountains than on the hot, arid Colorado plains.

My mother was raised by these grandparents, so she was well acquainted with camping.  She never complained about anything; but I don't think she was as enthused about it as my dad.  He was raised in a family of sheep and cattle ranchers, so he knew about camping-out as a part of rigorous labor.  But, he also enjoyed going camping as a social activity and showing off to friends and their families his considerable culinary skills on an open fire.

Fancy duds for social camping in the 1940s.  My mother on the left in both pictures; my dad on the right in first picture.

I reluctantly was taken along on these social excursions to the mountains.  On one particular trip, I must have been a really obnoxious 11-year-old complaining about the lack of comfort and facilities.  After a couple days of my complaining, Mother packed me up into the car and drove into Leadville, Colorado.  She secured me a room at the venerable Vendome Hotel; generously tipped the desk clerk; arranged for room service; gave me a sack of coins to play the pinball machine in the lobby; LEFT ME; and she went back to the camp site for the remaining two days.  I had a wonderful time alone and remember every detail of that corner room on the second floor.  Today she probably would be arrested for abandonment; but she taught me a very important survival skill ---- a nice hotel trumps a dirty camp site any day!!

  In 1967, Bob and I were planning a road trip to Saskatchewan, Canada.  He wanted to camp out in Prince Albert National Park.  I thought, "OK, I'm a married adult, I can compromise, I can do this."  Being the smart man that he is -- before we left home, he outfitted the back end of our Chevy Suburban with a mattress.  Since I was in the first trimester of a pregnancy, all I wanted to do was sleep anyway!  

Don't we look like we're having fun?  I hope I didn't complain too much, but that is the only time he has suggested we go camping out in the wild in the 56 years of our marriage.

BUT, we sure have stayed at a bunch of nice hotels over the years.  Have you ever stayed at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs or the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver?  Now, that's my idea of mountain camping!

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A PRESENT TO US FROM US

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US!

Years ago, we stopped buying each other gifts on special occasions.  We find more joy in buying together something special.  Our birthdays are in November and December, so in some years we splurge on a three-in-one gift.

This year we bought a new/old hand-knotted wool rug.

This year I suppose it was more of a present for me than Bob, as I have had my eye on it in a local antique store forever!    

We've lived with it for almost two months now, and are thrilled with the way it brightens up our living room.  The colors are luscious!

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