ANTIQUE SALES DAY...

Hooray, hooray, I finally had a good day! This was antique day at the shop. I sold several pieces of furniture and quite a few smalls. Wish I could have several days a week like this! I'm really hoping to get a chance to go pick up a load of furniture over the weekend, got some great things coming!
The UPS man delivered my textiles today and then the domino effect started. When I redo one area it just spills over to all areas of the store. (But it sure is fun to see it finished!) I just LOVE the new prim bathroom ensemble. It has a shower curtain, curtain topper, rug and handtowels that all say "Washroom". Dark khacki with black writing and black stars. I took these pictures a little premature - before I got everything added. Guess I was a little excited to share! I am just having one display and will take orders, I can have everything in about 3 days. I'm hoping to do the same thing with prim bedding soon.

My hubby even wondered when we were going to get this for our house!

These are some of the cute towels we got too. Again, took the picture before I get everything in order. At least you'll get the idea!

I'm trying to get lots of goodies in before next Saturday. It is our downtown antique show for Holly. The street is closed off and dealers come from lots of places to sell their wares. Hope lots of people wander in from the street! It's lots of fun and it's great to see what everybody else brings.

Went to visit Dad tonight and took him a McDonald's apple pie. We went cruising around the nursing home (he thinks it's a rehab center right now) and had quite a visit. I know he won't remember by tomorrow, but it's great to be able to visit and laugh while we can. I cherish every one of these days that we have to spend together. Tomorrow evening we are going to have birthday cake for my mom with him. (He told me to get her a card and cake and he will buy!) Still such a sweetie.

Well girls, I'm beat. Time to set and relax for a little while before I start all over tomorrow. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Until next time...

MORE ANTIQUES...

Good evening prim pals! Went to a new source for antiques the other day and you can't believe all the new things we will be getting in. Thought I'd share some of the smalls. The furniture will be delivered soon and I can't wait!!!

My absolute favorite is this large dough bowl with handles. It is very old and in perfect condition. I'm so tempted to take it home, but I probably won't. $135.95

I already had this stack of benches, but thought you might be interested. They range from $19.95 to $39.95

Got this big stack of suitcases that run from $12.95 to $19.95. The scrapbooks in the top suitcase are handmade from old vintage phonograph albums and are on sale for $20.00 each.

Wouldn't this old enamel bowl be great filled with red geraniums? $16.95

Got these reproductions from UPS today, a burgandy plate holder and redware plate. $12.95 each

This little vintage doll bed is adorable. It folds up flat and has rockers on the bottom. $29.95 The little vintage corderoy pants are an old salesman's sample. $19.95

Large vintage cross-stitch. $34.95

This OLD trencher is in beautiful shape. $69.95

Cute little flower cart for a porch or sunroom. $39.95

This croquet set is also an oldy. The cart is all made of metal and all the pieces are still there. $49.95

Large wooden bowl (has a hairline crack in the bottom). $29.95

This is a bundle of old swing-arm curtain rods that are also adjustable. Bundle is $29.95.

Old handmade Scottie dog corner shelf - adorable. $29.95 Also, Scottie dog key holder. $7.95

New reproduction hooked rug. Love the colors (got one for me too). $29.95

Very old soapstone foot warmer (I was told they used them in old buggies). $29.95

Big old sifter. Wouldn't this look great with a wreath inside? $39.95

Another oldy! This is a 3 tine wooden pitchfork. $49.95

LOVE these 8' long flags. Just in time for the 4th! $29.95

If you're in the neighborhood, stop in and see our new goodies. Another order should be coming this week, which will include a prim bath ensemble and lots of textiles.

I will also be getting two antique Hoosiers, a desk with cupboards above, vintage outdoor furniture, tables, chairs, and more!

Remember, if you ever see anything you're interested in, I will ship. Just give me a call or e-mail me anytime!

Again, I'd like to thank all of you for your wonderful comments this past week about my dad. Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life, we had to admit him to a nursing home and the doctors don't think he will ever be able to live at home again. His speech has improved and we can at least visit. He can remember some things from before the stroke, but his short-term memory only lasts about 5 minutes. His balance was also affected, so walking is a struggle. When I went to leave last night, he just broke down and sobbed. It felt like someone had stuck a knife in my heart. Tonight was a little better, we actually "played" checkers. What an adjustment we all have to make! I'm so proud of him though. Throughout this whole ordeal, he has tried very hard to hold on to his dignity. What a wonderful man! Please don't ever take your loved ones for granted, I'm so glad I never have!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and we'll talk again soon...

MEMORIAL DAY...

What a nice surprise I had at the shop! Another blogging gal!!! This is Robin and her blog is My Life's A Stitch. She was visiting Michigan from Maryland. I just love to get to see our friends in person! What a nice gal, just wish we could have had a little more time to get acquainted.

Yesterday was parade day in front of our house. My step-son Rich, Val and our little Sydney brought Buddy dog over to watch. Sydney wasn't quite sure what to think, but she sure had fun!

Here comes our VFW and American Legion. This year things were so different. Dad is always in the parade as a proud veteran. He was a surgical tech in England for 3 years during WWII. My husband had committed a truck to drive the guys that couldn't march anymore and, even though Dad couldn't be with us this year, he kept his promise and drove the veterans. Dick is also a proud Viet Nam veteran.

This is the truck he brought home for the VFW. Thank you Dick. Dad would be proud of you.

I had to run along side the truck to get a picture of my wonderful hubby.

There's also nothing like a marching band to stir up your emotions.

Here come the Brownies! Abbey was so excited to get to march in the parade!

Check out her snazzy bow!

At least part of our family was with me this year. Chad and Kim were at the hospital with Grandpa and we convinced Mom to just rest for the morning.

Abbey had fun playing with cousin Sydney for a few minutes after the parade.

There's nothing quite like grandchildren!

Dick and I spent the afternoon and evening with Dad and it was pretty uplifting. We visited about the old times, his speech has really improved. He still can't remember things from this past week, but seems to remember quite a few things from before the stroke. I wouldn't trade one minutes that I've had with him this week for the world. I'm just sure that all of your prayers have made a difference and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This morning I am going to look at a load of antiques. Sure hope they turn out to be goodies for the shop! (I'll let you know a little later.) A dealer friend of mine has lots to see! She told me she has lots of prims!

Guess I better get moving and see what I can find.

Have a great day and we'll talk again soon...

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE...

The circle of life truly does go on. At 2:30 yesterday afternoon, I got to see a 3-D ultrasound of our Lucianna. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen! We could see her little face so clear, it almost looked like she was blowing kisses. The tech pushed a button and told us that she weighs 6 lb. 14 oz. right now. Just can't hardly believe the technology! I'm so thankful that I was included in this miraculous event, it was the first miracle I needed this week.

Ashley, Abbey and Tony in the lobby of the hospital. We all celebrated with a pop and a cookie!

Isn't this waterfall pretty (and how about that little ham)? The lobby of the hospital is really spectacular.

I spent most of the day with Dad yesterday. He got to set up all day in a big lounge chair and we visited quite a bit. I worked with him doing hand exercises and he even fed himself a few bites. He can say the beginnings of a sentence before he gets confused, but at least it's a start. When I got him settled in for the night and got to the door, he said, "Dawn, I love you." So that was my second miracle for the day.

When I left the hospital, I went to my Mom's to help her do a few little chores. She wanted to rinse out the hummingbird feeders and refill them, put jelly out for the Orioles... It was good to do something unrelated. I admire her so much, she is such a strong women, but I think reality is starting to set in.

I'm going to spend the afternoon at the shop today to get some things done. Ashley is opening for me this morning and Sharon (Kim's mom) did a great job for the last two days.

Again, thank you for propping me up this week. For some reason, coming home, turning on the computer and reading all of your wonderful comments has been the best therapy.

We'll talk again soon...

BITTERSWEET DAY...

MY BITTERSWEET The family circle keeps on growing. Today is going to be a little bittersweet, but hopefully joyful too. I'm heading up to the hospital to set with my dad and then this afternoon I get to go with Ashley's family to see the 3-D ultrasound of our new Lucianna. I am so excited to see what she "looks" like and it will be such a new experience for me. On Easter Sunday we all watched the ultra-sound video from Linda (Behind My Red Door) and now I get so see my own little granddaughter!

Also, my sister-in-law Cyndy is on her way to the hospital on the other side of the state to await the birth of her first grandson. What a wonderful day in her life!
Some things are just astonishing! Last evening Abbey came to the hospital to see my dad. When she walked up to his bed, he just lit up. He held out his hand and said "I'll be home to play hide and seek with you soon. I love you." Nobody could believe it! Hope springs eternal. That little great-granddaughter means the world to him and she loves him so much too.
Again, thanks to all of you for your kind, wonderful comments. This blog seems to be my therapy when I get home from the hospital each night. It is just mind-boggling how a group of perfect strangers can become such great friends through their writings and sharings. One of these days I would love to meet each and every one of you!
Maybe today will be the day of miracles...

A MOST SINCERE THANK YOU...

I don't think I have ever had anything touch my heart quite as much as when I turned on the computer last night. After two days of heartbreak, I just couldn't believe how many beautiful, wonderful comments were left on my blog. You are the most amazing group of women I have ever "known". Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I'm going to pick up my mom this morning and heading back up to the hospital. We have so much to get done today. Checking nursing homes, meeting with the attorney, keeping my dad comfortable...
The message that I would like to convey this morning is to NEVER take anything for granted. My wonderful dad is 86 years old and I don't think he has ever had an enemy. He is kind, gentle, giving and the greatest dad and grandpa that anyone could ever have. We all went out to dinner Friday night, he wanted to have my Rosie dog on Saturday for the day (she helped him plant tomatoe plants), and Sunday Dick took him and Abbey fishing! He woke up Monday morning very ill, dizzy, couldn't set up... The ambulance was there at about 6:30 and we were at the hospital by 7:00. We spent all morning in ER. He was very coherant, kept telling me how much he loved me and they admitted him. When we got to his room, Dick and I watched him have a very bad stroke. In just a matter of minutes things can change. Don't ever put off things until tomorrow. Tomorrow may never come, at least not as you knew it.
On the positive side of all of this, I have the most amazing grown children. I don't have siblings, but these "children" and my husband have rallied and make me so very proud. Friends have all been there for us also. Our Kim's mom is running the shop for me, which is such a big relief not to have to worry about anything there.
I've got to go pick up my mom, but I send out my sincere thank you to all of you and the prayers you have give us. You are truly amazing!
Until a little later...

SAD, SAD DAY...

Hello prim friends. I just wanted to post a very quick post to let you know that I might be gone for a little while. We got a call at 6:30 this morning to get to my folk's house and call the ambulance. We have been at the hospital all day. My dear, wonderful dad has had a stroke. My worst nightmare. Dick is staying with him at the hospital tonight and I'm going over to stay with my mom. Please include this incredible, kind man in your prayers. Thank you so very much...

SHOP TWEEKING DAY...

Good evening prim gals. I promised that I would show you the new doll I got last night, but these pictures just don't do her justice. Closeup of her face and crazy hair.

Full doll. Haven't found her "home" yet, but wanted to get a picture of her for all of you. I just love her, but I wish the pictures would have come out better.

I spent most of the day "tweeking" the store. It was such a mess when I got there this morning! I moved the heavy stuff yesterday, but the smalls were EVERYWHERE! I love these long flags and it is perfect on the front of one of the "houses" in the shop.

It's so hard to get a good shot of our little "village", but these are the first two houses.

Then we have the other two houses. One is "Abbey's House" and the blue one is the potty.

Another view.

I moved around some of the summer-gardeny things and tried to get a little sitting area put together.

Wouldn't this be a good spot to have a cup of tea?

What you see when you walk in the front door.

My little fireplace is so much fun (thanks to Debbie). It can be moved anywhere and just makes things feel a little more cozy.

Harvest table with lots of goodies.

New "desk" area. I married this little farm table and book shelf.

This OLD black piesafe is one of my favorites. It is meant to put on a wall and it is an oldie! The handle is an old spool!

Not come on in to the "cabin". This is really just the back wall of the shop, but I just love it.

I put this old white Hoosier top on a white table and used lots of blues with it. I love the roll door on the bottom section.

Other Hoosier with my new BIG hanging towels.

Little black drop-leaf with two chairs. The old toolbox on the top is one of my latest goodies from Debbie.

These noodle boards are so nice and made so well. This one is black and we have one "natural".

So, that was my Friday. Things were really slow again - all through the town. I think everyone is holding their breath waiting to hear about GM. BUT, we will prevail and keep moving forward. So very many of the "country" stores in our area have closed their doors and it makes me so sad. We all need these stores, they are our happy place to go for so many reasons. Whether it be for inspiration, a quick "fix" of prims, ideas for our homes, a day out with our friends, or whatever the reason, we still need to support and keep our prim shops open. Just think about how many blogging friends talk about their day trips to find new shops! There really isn't anything much more fun. The next time you find a prim place that touches your heart, just buy one little towel or candle or SOMETHING that will help these shopowners keep their doors open so we can go back again and again. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now, but none of us want to see our favorite places become a thing of the past. Thanks for listening.

The highlight of my day was a phone call from Judy at The Cinnamon Stick. She is such a nice lady and it was so much fun to talk to her. One of these days I'd love to make a trip to PA and visit her and some of the other great places out there. I just know I would LOVE her store.

My creative slump has lingered far too long and now I've got a million ideas in my head and can't wait to start sewing again! I couldn't even sleep last night thinking of everything. I sure hope to have lots more things made during this next week - along with digging up the rest of the dreaded sod for my new garden. (Good excuse tonight - it's raining!)

Looking forward to Saturday and Sunday. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend - whatever you may be doing. Until next time...