NEW GOODIES, ADVENTURE AND CRUISING...

It's been a long time since I've shown you anything new in the shop, guess I better get on the ball. I love the verse in this stitchery about "Grandma's Garden", it so reminds me of my own grandma of long ago. Done in an old window with a pocketful of posies.

A few "late summer" items are starting to sneak in. Love this old shovel head with the sunflower and crows for a door hanger.

A couple LONG girls dropped in for a visit. Miss Liberty has a crown, a flag and wire hair. She is all dressed up with her black Mary Jane shoes.

This old garden woman is my favorite. She has flax hair, is holding a rusty can full of flowers she picked, has garden gloves and old brown tennies.

She is sporting a flip-brim hat, and has a butterfly on her shoulder.

Her shoes got covered with moss during her walk in the woods. Either doll would be adorable hanging on your porch!

Last night Ashley, Abbey and Lucy went with me to visit Gannon. On our way back, we stopped at a market in Milford so Lucy could see the peacocks, turkeys, swans, cockatoos and parrots.

We've been telling her that parrots say "hello", so when we got there this guy came right up and said "Hello" to her! The peacocks were doing their "help, help" yell and she could hardly get enough.

Wish you could see the peacocks, they were beautiful!

Our Wednesday evening car cruises are back in full swing! I think there were way over 100 cars tonight - they were EVERYWHERE!!!

Parked double down Battle Alley, up and down Saginaw St., in a parking lot, and up and down Civic Dr. Fun to see so many people getting out to have some fun.

Remember the "Thing" by VW? This was a real cutie!

Ever been to the Woodward Dream Cruise? It should be coming up in August. If you get a chance, you should experience it at least once.

The tables, prizes and disc jockey were ready to rock! My friend Lisa (in the green shirt) has a booth at the Arcade Antiques Mall and is just a sweetie. These people work like crazy to make our car cruise nights a huge success for our little village.

My Abbey came down to the shop this evening to enjoy the festivities and music. After we left, we picked up Papa and did our own cruise with the top down on the "bug". FUN!!! Of course we had to have a sleepover when we were finished.

Got plans for the 4th? I can't wait! Dick and I are going up to the Little House from Sat night through Tues - Woo Hoo!!! I'm sure ready for a little R&R.

Until next time...

SMALL TOWN FUN!

There is just something about small towns that warm my heart. Summer is finally here and a couple times a month we are going to have free movies in our own Battle Alley. Things were getting set up Saturday evening and people were arriving. A blow-up screen and large speakers are used and there was fun for all.

The Historic Holly Hotel also had tables out in the street for Hawaiian night, complete with music and leis. If you've never been to the Hotel, it's time for a wonderful night out. They even have a comedy club in the downstairs.

While I'm at it, I wanted to tell you about the movie that was being filmed in our own little Holly. During the time of Dad's passing, a Hollywood crew (the producer of "The Patriot") was filming a movie called "The Wicked". LOTS of the stuff from my shop was used for props all up and down Battle Alley. I'm not a big spooky movie fan, but I can't wait to see it when it comes out. Not sure if it will be this fall or next.

I got some business taken care of this morning with Mom and I'm going to visit Gannon late this afternoon, but now it's time to get the creative juices flowing and start SEWING! We'll talk again real soon.

Until next time...

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL...

Just wanted to pop in and say good morning to blogland. No pictures this time, I've got to get it in gear and take some new ones. Holly Hills Primitives is back open for business and we had quite a bit the last couple of days. During these last couple of weeks, I've had lots of time to think about the shop. Yup, it's time for a total redo and update. My dream has always been a PRIMITIVE shop and slowly we have progressed towards more antiques (which, don't get me wrong, I LOVE), but it wasn't what I started out to do. In August, when we start putting out fall, I am also going to bring back all the prim goodies that I started out with, along with LOTS of handmades and some antiques. My focus is back. You won't want to miss what is in store for you!
Also, mark your calendars for our Second Annual Evening In The Country shop hop with Wren In The Willow (Goodrich, Michigan) on July 15 from 4-9 p.m. Come to both shops, there will be specials, surprises and lots of goodies to munch on. More on this to follow.
Well friends, hope your Sunday is filled with fun and peace. We're off to visit our Gannon and maybe cruise around a little with the top down.
Until next time...

AND THE HEALING BEGINS...

What a wonderful thing family is! We got up yesterday morning to 10 baby ducks in the backyard and the old Blue Heron across the canal standing guard.

Daughter Amanda invited our whole family over for a Father's Day cookout and swim, but our Ashley was unable to make it. Her mother-in-law was visiting and Tony wanted to spend time with her. As you can see above, as a life ends - a new one begins with our little Peyton.

How very lucky we are to have such a wonderful group of children. As much fun as they are as little ones, they are sometimes even more fun as adults.

Jack and Ellie had so much fun having everyone to their house!

It won't be long until Caroline can swim just like her brothers and sister.

Ellie was thrilled to have some Aunt Kim and Uncle Chad time. Aunt Kim took her skiing last winter and she couldn't wait to have her over swimming.

Oh boy! Yup, Uncle Chad was the life of the party with the little ones. As soon as Jack saw Ellie flying through the air, he had to run to get his swimsuit so he could have a turn!

I'll bet Chad has some sore muscles today!

I was so tired, that it felt great to just sit and hold our little Peyton and spend some "down time" just visiting with everyone.

Can you tell that Ellie was just thrilled to have Aunt Kim there with her?

And maybe Uncle Chad too!

Sydney LOVED the big turtle and we made plans for a play date in the near future.

Mom and Greg got a chance to catch up and relax.

Daughter Tricia flew in from Oregon and was able to be with our family most of the weekend.

Daughter-in-law Valorie and Peyton spent some time under the umbrella relaxing.

Son Rich and Sydney spent a lot of time in the pool too. So, all in all, it was a great day for everyone to have a diversion from the sadness. There is nothing like a supportive family in times of sorrow.

I'd like to express a special thank-you to friend Connie for being there with me across the miles, Carol for all the support and help she provided, Bonnie for always being there, Jim and Sharon for the wonderful meal and support and many, many more...

Now it's time to take a couple days to regroup before opening the shop back up and getting back on the treadmill. Please send your prayers to our Gannon.

Until next time...

BITTERSWEET FATHER'S DAY...

Where do I begin? Words can't express the thanks to all of you that have left the most heart-felt comments about the passing of my dad. Today I have a hole in my heart that I know will heal in time. The very first Father's Day in 59 years that I haven't spent with him. I know he's in a better place and that's he's here in spirit. We celebrated his life yesterday with a beautiful funeral service. The pastor gave a beautiful sermon, my son Chad did an outstanding tribute to his grandpa and we had a full military honor guard at the cemetary. Dad would have been so proud. Dad was a medic in England during WWII and worked in the operating room with the surgeons. He and my mom had a wonderful marriage of 65 years. He was the very best dad anyone could ever hope for. As for Grandpa, all you had to do was look at the faces of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren yesterday.
As most of you know, my Gannon (oldest grandson) has been my heart of hearts for 13 years. He has loved hanging around the shop, being my Santa, and worshipped his great-grandpa. He was taken back to the hospital on Friday and couldn't be with us yesterday. My mom's contribution from the funeral was for donations for his future care and I would like to thank everyone that has so generously given of their hearts.
I'd like to make a tribute to Dad with this post. First and foremost, he was a patriot. He always loved our country and proudly flew the flag in front of their home.

For as long as I can remember, Mom and Dad have had this cast iron sign out front with the three of us.

A day never went by that he didn't get up and feed the birds. They would both sit in their dining room and watch the wildlife in their backyard. Now it's our turn to take over and make sure the birdfeeders are full.

Dad built one of these birdfeeders for all of us as we each moved into a new home. All of the grandchildren have one and many others as well.

And here is his old fishing boat. Many hours were spent with my children digging worms and fishing. I'm sure my husband will continue the tradition for years to come.

I'm asking that you all keep Mom in your prayers during this difficult time. I know I've talked a lot about Dad during the past few years, but we are lucky that she is here with us and we all have to "pick ourselves up by the boot straps" and move forward and be thankful for all the blessings that God has given us.

So, with that, I would like to say Happy Father's Day to my husband, my sons, and my sons-in-law for being the fathers that will follow in Dad's footsteps. Happy Father's Day.

Until next time...

THE PASSING OF A GREAT MAN...

Good evening sweet friends. It is with my deepest regret to have to tell you that I lost the long, two-year struggle with my dearest Dad last evening. Most of you know that he had a stroke two years ago and it has been a downward spiral since that time. Dad was 88 years old and the very sweetest man I have ever had the honor of knowing. My husband and I slept at the hospital the last four nights of his life and he passed in my arms. This is such a terrible loss for our whole family, but I am thankful that he has finally found peace. The nurses and aides that have been with us for so long were beyond wonderful and I thank them with my whole heart. I feel so blessed to have so many great children, grandchildren and friends. SO, with this, I am going to get some rest and I hope to have time to catch up with everyone after this weekend is over. His obituary is on-line under Dewayne Hallett.
Holly Hills Primitives will be closed until next Wednesday. Thank you for your support.
Until next time...

RESTFUL WEEKEND...

Oh what a glorious weekend! Dick and I went up north to the Little House (with no kids or grandchildren) and it was just perfect. The weather was in the mid 80's and the sun was shining. We enjoyed our morning coffee on the deck, relaxed, and got a FEW chores done. Sunday afternoon we put the old boat in the water for the first time this year and spent lots of time cruising the shoreline and just having fun.

Can you believe this HUGE muskrat house? It gets bigger every year. Sure was hard to pack up and come home last night, but maybe we can go again next weekend. I'm going to lock myself in today and sew, sew, sew. My creative juices are flowing and I better capture the moment while I can!

Last Thursday night our Ellie spent the night with us. Her and I went out to dinner, put the top down on the bug and had the best time. Friday morning she got to come to work with me for a little while and she is a great helper!

My friend Bonnie stopped in while we were sitting outside and it happened to be her birthday! Happy Birthday Bonnie and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do.

Okay pals, don't forget! This Saturday is the downtown Holly antique show. They street will be filled with vendors from all over and we will also have some great new pieces for the pickin'!

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