OUT AND ABOUT THIS WEEKEND

 We took the chance to get out of town for the weekend -- headed to northern Colorado.  Even though I was born and raised in southern Colorado where my heart lives; we did go to college in northern Colorado and actually lived there for 10 years.  So, we also do have a soft spot for that beautiful area of Colorado. 

This weekend, Bob met our son for a short trip to Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park.  They were hoping to see the aspen in all of their fall glory; but even though the park was full of people hoping to see the same, there were only spots of color.

 A little too early, I guess, but it was a good time for a father/son day.

They dropped me off in Longmont, Colorado so I could attend Quilt-A-Fair for the day.  The event has been sponsored by Colorado Quilting Council for many years as their prime fundraiser with vendors and lots of quilts to see.  

 I hadn't been for several years, so it was great fun to see old friends and to be inspired.

After meeting back up, Mike headed to his home; and Bob and I went to Denver to spend the night.  We have a favorite hotel with a steak place close by -- yum, yum -- we split a dinner of prime rib (and still had more than enough).

Sunday was spent antiquing and junk hunting.  

What did I buy?  Brown transferware, of course, -- a chamber pot and two soup bowls.  

  Brown transferware looks wonderful combined with Fall colors!

Fun weekend, but always nice to be home again.

I'm joining in with the following:
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm for Tuesday Show and Share
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

FLORENCE - THE ANTIQUE CAPITOL OF COLORADO

I thought it was time I did a post about Florence, Colorado.  It is a small town south-east of where we live -- less than 10 miles from our house. 

They claim to be "The Antique Capital of Colorado".  This weekend they celebrated 88 years of honoring their pioneers.

 Even though we hop over to Florence regularly to eat and antique; we make a point of going over during Pioneer Days as they sponsor an open air junk/antique market, a steampunk market, and bargains in the shops.

The two main blocks are full of antique stores on both sides of the street.  There are more shops scattered in other blocks, as well.

These are our favorite places to eat -- Quincy's (an evening steak and prime rib place); The Aspen Leaf (sandwiches, soup, salad and baked goods); and the Japanese place.  Our son who has traveled to Japan several times deemed it very good.

 But, let's do some shopping first!

 This is Colorado - the Wild, Wild West!

No, I didn't buy that brown transferware pitcher -- out of my price range at $79.

Some of the dealers and building owners live 'above the store'.  We toured the upstairs of this building at last year's Christmas home tour. The Wilson Block was a former hotel in its heyday.  The upstairs apartment is fabulous with about 4000 square feet, an atrium, beautiful stairway, and a newly-installed elevator.  I lost track of the number of bedrooms; and the owners have a wonderful art collection!

 If you are in the area, it is worth the stop to walk down main street to shop and eat.

I'm joining the following:

Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
Confessions of a Plate Addict for The Scoop Tuesday
A Southern Day Dreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

LET THERE BE LIGHT

I don't shop IKEA -- too many people, too much merchandise, too much confusion!

But, our son has mastered the art of running in, finding what he needs, and getting out of there.  He recently discovered a LED work lamp for $10 (Check IKEA here).  He bought two for himself and one for me.

It has a goose-neck adjustable arm and a very heavy-weighted base -- perfect beside my chair where I do handwork.

It's a big help for these olden eyes!  And, you can't beat the price.

Now, I can add to a million wonderful reasons why I had kids -- they can run your IKEA errands for you!!

I'm joining the following:

Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

LABOR OF LOVE

 On Labor Day September 7th, we are celebrating our 57th Wedding Anniversary. 

 Here is what I was thinking that day so many years ago.

Thought #1:  I remember waking up being thankful it was a beautiful day.  The reception after the ceremony was to be at my parent's house; which was big, but still couldn't accommodate 300 people.  The overflow was going to be in the backyard.  I knew I needed to talk to Bob first thing on the phone to see if he was as nervous as I was (he was!).  The rest of the morning and early afternoon was a blur.  Maybe a little too much celebrating the evening before at the rehearsal party!

Thought #2:  Arriving at the church, I couldn't believe how beautiful it looked -- and the smell with all of those fresh flowers was, indeed, heavenly.

Thought #3:  My mother (on my right) looked so beautiful in that emerald green peau-de-soie silk dress.  Our wedding was the day after her 39th birthday -- I thought she was pretty and young enough to be the bride.

September 7, 1958

Thought #4:  And there was Bob -- I couldn't believe he wanted to marry ME.  He was one of the 'popular' boys in our class - you know -- Senior Class President, jock, etc.  I was just one of the 'smart' kids.  But, I knew nothing about marriage and how to make it work.  I did know, however, he deserved my best efforts.   His family and mine lived on the same street, two doors down from each other.  All of the little old ladies on the block didn't think it would last -- we were so young.

And so, I learned to make meat loaf, bake a potato, and fix a salad!  
And, he kept all of his promises to me.

 The rest is history with a lot of meat loaf along the way.

It's been a "Labor of Love"!

I'm joining the following:
Coastal Charm for Show and Share Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday