BACK FROM VACATION...

Hi Prim Pals! Seems like it's been an eternity since I've been near a computer - even though it's only been 8 days. I've spent the last few hours catching up on everyone else's posts. This is a long one, but I've got lots to share.
We spent the last week up at our cottage (The Little House) for some much needed R&R. Dick and I did some exploring, spent time on the boat, putzed around the cottage and just had fun. We had some bad news while we were there, my cousin's wife passed away and we came home during the middle of the week to go to the funeral home. So very sad, only 62 years old. That darn cancer is a horrible thing. Also, my dear friend Connie lost her mom to the battle of Alzheimer's. I can't wait until I see her in a few weeks, we need some "girlfriend" time!
On Friday evening, daughter Amanda and her family came up for the weekend to try out the "new" camper. Gannon wasn't with them on this trip, but the little ones had a ball - and I think the big ones did too. We got some heavy rain and the camper held up just as snug as a bug. The above picture was taken just before they loaded up to go home.
Grandpa and Grandma hated to see them go!
There is a beautiful fountain in East Tawas near the pier of Lake Huron.
We had to walk out on the pier and see the big boats docked there.
Poor little Caroline slept through her ice cream!
Harley (the neighbor dog) always has to come over for a visit and this time he got to meet Jack and Ellie.
I found a couple old "sit and spins" at a garage sale and they were a hit.
Dick and I took a boat trip up the Au Sable River on Wednesday and it was just beautiful! The old boat held up great and we had a ball.
This was the old cook shack at the bottom of Lumberman's Monument.
There are high banks along the river where people swim and climb.
It took us most of the day and it was well worth the trip. All in all, we had a great time and can't wait to go back to our cozy little house.
Last Saturday, I had the good fortune to meet two blog gals. Janet (left) from Old Crow Primitives and Haley, both from London, Ontario. They were so much fun and it was so great to have a chance to meet them. Janet is a horse judge and I'd love to have more time to talk horses! It was a "blog friend" day. Janet and Haley had just met that morning! We visited and they stayed for a little dessert at Zanie Janie's coffee shop. I can't wait until they come back again!
On the Friday evening before, we had "An Evening In The Country" shop hop with Wren In The Willow. It was SOOOO much fun! We had lots of specials in the shop, food that lasted two days, great times with old and new customers, and I think everyone would agree. Tomorrow I'm meeting with Peggy from Wren In The Willow to plan our next outing - so stay tuned.
Daughter Ashley was beat! She made most of the food and baked our wonderful cake. Abbey came down to help out and Sharon was there to work too.
Our cakes were adorable. The one on the left is Wren In The Willow and the one on the right is Holly Hills Primitives and Zanie Janie's. There were four different flavors of cakes. It had a wire going from one shop to the other with a crow in the middle - AS THE CROW FLIES!
Abbey is showing off Baker Barb's cheesecake bite samples - they didn't last long.
Janie had taste tests for all of her delicious coffee.
Our food table was a hit!
We set up a tent outside for everyone to gather under while they munched their summer yummies. One group stayed for about 1 1/2 hours!
The shoppers were busy picking out their favorite goodie to take with them.
Sharon was busy checking out customers.
Janie was pretty "pooped" after a busy night...
...so husband Steve helped with the clean-up.
I think our next outing might have something to do with witches!
Glad to be home and I'm ready to start sewing, sewing, sewing.
Until next time...

AND THE EXCITEMENT GROWS...

WOW! Only one more day until "An Evening In the Country" and the goodies keep rolling in! We got some great antique pieces in today that I couldn't wait to share with you! Above is a fabulous old blanket chest that would look great in any country home.
I love, love, love this old prim drop-leaf table. It is a gateleg and just out of this world.
This graphics on this old lard tin are great!
And how about a prim wooden stool?
We got some very unique red metal folding chairs too that would be perfect in any garden, just didn't get the pictures taken of them. Also beautiful gourds by Bonnie have arrived - you won't believe your eyes! More surprises will be going up in the shop tomorrow.
Daughter Ashley is busy cooking and baking for me tonight. She is our resident chef! Can't wait to see the creative cake she comes up with this time.
Well girls, hope you either start at Holly Hills Primitives or Wren In The Willow at 5 p.m. tomorrow for some of the best fun of the summer! See you then.
Until next time...

AN EVENING IN THE COUNTRY TEASE...

Grab a cup of coffee and get ready for a picture laden post! We are getting ready for "An Evening In The Country" on Friday night and have been adding lots of new goodies to the shop. I am so excited, we will have a tent set up to eat your summer yummies under and listen to live music by our own town's Gary - and he is good. You will have a chance at the door prize and there will be lots of specials and surprises throughout the shop. You won't want to miss seeing Wren In The Willow either! Wish I could shop hop too!
Above is our latest creation. It's a hall tree made from an old screen and bench. Just as prim as can be!
The seat is covered with an old feed sack and the valance is also made from feed sack.
This bench has old quilt pieces for the seat and valance.
Gatherings of garlands are here too.
One of my favorites are these chicken feeders filled with angel vine and lights.
A grubby star make-do could go anyplace.
This old crow on a spring is precious.
But I love this crow make-do with the sunflower hat.
Now about a little crow pillow tuck?
And then we have Mother Goose.
Our wreath is for your very own Kindred Spirit.
Who doesn't love black stockings?
These little benches are cute as can be.
I love this wool sampler!
Got a few new signs too.
What a great sign for a pantry!
Everyone loves to "welcome" their friends.
This old drying rack would be great in so many places.
Some new stitcheries are here too. Some sold before I could even get them out today!
I love this one on the old ironing board piece.
Doesn't this one say it all?
This would be great for fall.
Oh, oh! A few Halloween goodies have also snuck in for a little sneak peek at what's to come! This pumpkin man has a wool coat and real children's shoes.
Black Jack is done on an old bobbin.
Momma has her three "BOO" kitties close to her in the pouch.
Don't you just love hooked rugs?
These tin signs are perfect for your country home. So you see, we have lots of surprises arriving and more to come before Friday night. We have a gourd artist delivering her wares, more great jewelry and you'll just have to come see what else we have in store!
Tonight was our Wednesday night car cruise. You should come join in the fun any Wednesday evening starting at 5 p.m. Holly has done a great job with this event! There are always LOTS of great old cars, a d.j. playing oldies and you can shop with us and have some great treats with Zanie Janie.
Speaking of Zanie Janie, she was dancing in the street and this guy came along and decided she needed a partner!
At the end of the day, I went to pick up Gannon. We went to visit Dad and came home for a relaxing boat ride and he got to do a little fishing - favorite thing in the whole world!
Did you see enough of a tease to join us Friday evening? Sure hope so!
Until next time...