Willow's First Chrsitmas

Willow is my first great-niece. My first great, actually. By this time next year, our family will have another member. Maybe even my first great nephew. Whether Jess and Adrian have a girl or boy, we'll have fun spoiling the baby!!! Babies add so much to the family.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this picture of Wizzle Banizzle under her first Christmas tree.

Christmas Traditions Around the House

I have this thing for collecting vintage Christmas stuff. Don't

ask me why! I think maybe it has to do with reliving past Christmases. My brother, sister, and I were very lucky children. I have Christmas memories that still make my eyes shine. My brother, Paul, and I were just talking about how anxious we always were on Christmas Eve. Of course, we were supposed to be in bed, but who could sleep on a night like that? Unfortunately for us, our parents bedroom was at the bottom of the stairs...and my Mom was/is a very light sleeper. I told Paul that Sam says if he wakes up at midnight we're opening presents! I'm thinking 5:30 A.M. is plenty early enough. But as Paul and I continued our conversation it started coming back to me. There aren't many things that keep me up because I am so excited about the possibilities of the morning ahead. In fact, I can't think of any. Evidently that feeling has gone by the wayside, due to age. But I have been doing a lot of thinking about what this season means for my son and all children. To have that level of anticipation for Christmas morning is a precious treasure every child deserves. And the next best feeling is having Mom yell up the stairs "SNOW DAY!!!" Thanks Mom and Dad for the wonderful Christmas memories I hold dear to my heart.

See the Christmas kitties? My sister made those for me when we were in college. I'm now 51, so you do the real math. I'll just say it has been some time ago. They are actually ornaments, but I've always seemed to like them arranged in a basket. Some are missing ribbons, some bells due to jealousy on my real cats part. It doesn't matter. It just isn't Christmas if Shelli's kitties aren't displayed somewhere. I like simple traditions the best!!! Don't you?

I'd like to introduce you to Eve. She's a child mannequin I've had for quite a few years. She's just recently been brought out of the closet, not because she's gay, but because my son has always been afraid of her. Now it's the beagle. When she was dressed for Halloween, I thought the beagle was going to have a heart attack. He cowered and barked for 2 days (and nights)! Eve is looking lovely in her Santa's hat, don't you think? Or maybe she's cold. Maybe I'd better find her a dress...and some arms. Another thing I like to do at Christmas is put out the picture Christmas cards Mom and Dad sent out when Paul, Shelli, and I were kids. The pictures are hard to see but the card on the right is just me (cuz I'm the oldest)! Then there is one of just Paul and I and then finally several with all three of us once Shelli arrived. There is also one of Grandma and Grandpa Ferguson and all ten of us grand kids. I had this photo copied and mailed one to all the cousins a couple of Christmases ago. It was definitely worth the effort! The spouses had fun trying to figure out which one of us was which. I'm missing one card. It's the infamous staircase photo. I'm fuming in it because I DIDN'T WANT MY PICTURE TAKEN!!! If you look in the back of the photo, you'll see a Western Union telegram dated Dec.17th, 1962. It's addressed to my brother, sister, and I, sent from the North Pole via St. Louis (where my aunt lived). It reads: From the land of snow and ice with a pack of presents nice my trusty deer are bringing me down. Your house will be my first stop in town. Santa Claus

I bought myself a little present when I was out today. I went to the local Hallmark store and picked up Sheryl Crow's Home for Christmas CD that's only available with Hallmark. It was $7.95 and I had a $4.00 coupon so it only cost me $4.58. I've been listening to it while I've been blogging and I like it. Well worth the $4.58! Bossy will be proud of me! And so will my sister!

I'll be back soon with more of my Christmas junk. I drug it out and everybody is going to see it, dammit!!!

Paul Smith's Santas

I have known Paul Smith all my life. He and his family lived in the same little town that I grew up in. Paul was a mason by trade. When he chose to slow down a little, he took up the art of woodcarving. I'm not sure when I first saw his Santa carvings, but after that, every year when Mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I would say, "One of Paul's Santas." And so for several years I received one of Paul's creations. I've been looking on the bottoms of them. Not all are dated, but one is dated 1990 and another one says 1997.

One year Mom gave Paul some wooden thread spools that had belonged to her mother, Aileen Ferguson. Paul carved Santa faces in them. What a special use of Grandma's spools that probably would have ended up in the trash.

Paul's wife, Gertrude, played her own part in the making of the Santas. Gertrude was in charge of painting them.

Eventually, Paul's interest in carving gave way to other things. But it doesn't stop me from asking him when I run into him if he has anymore Santas! And I don't think I'll ever stop asking him! Paul's Santas are some of my most prized possessions. I'm not sure what attracts me to them so, but I treasure them and always will!

The dark red Santa on the right was not done by Paul. I bought it at a craft show here in Maryville several years ago. It is signed "Main" and I think the man was from around Corning, Iowa.

Sorry the pictures aren't any better. My camera doesn't do well on close-up shots.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like She Forgot She Has A Blog...I mean't Christmas!!!!

It's finally starting to look like Christmas around my house. I started in early and burned out quickly. Not good when you have a nine year old!

Here's my Christmas List of Accomplishments:
1. Observe 1st anniversary of my Dad's death to lung cancer hiding under covers
in bed all day.
2. Mom in Emergency Room-Acute bronchitis
3. Me in Emergency Room-Migraine (May I digress just one
moment here-Attention All Nurses!!! Please DO NOT wear perfume!!! My sense
of smell is heightened and so is my nausea!!!)
4. Mom still not well.
5. Computer has an STD. Must wait several days for Deryk, my computer
expert/John Deere farmer repairman. Hey, they don't call the area rural for
no reason!
6. Get phone call at work that a pipe has broken at home and water is
spewing everywhere.
7. Sam gets up in the middle of the night and pukes all over the bathroom floor
before finding the toilet.
8. I get Sam's flu bug. Only I'm 10 times worse than he ever thought about
being.
9. Mom is still sick.
10.My brother, Paul, who is a guest of the Federal Corrections System, is being
moved to Louisiana. Now tell me...how can that be good? Thank goodness they
like to keep them close to their families. It's only a 14 hour drive!!!

Okay, that behind me, I'll stop whining. I know that I truly do have a lot to be thankful for-my son Sam, my family, my friends, my job (even though I hate it!) the roof over our heads, the stars shining in the sky...my faith. So now I'm going to go watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas with my son and all will be right in the world!

Naomi's Soaps

Recently, Mom, Sam and I visted a new member of my hometown. Her name is Naomi and she is a soapmaker. She graciously agreed to show us her soap room and "talk soap" with us.

My interest in soapmaking is largely due to my friend, Becky. She has been collecting the knowledge, equipment, and ingredients to make her own soap for several months. And now that she has gotten the family settled into their new home, her soap making has begun. She and her daughter Emma have a couple of batches under their belts. So thanks to Becky I have a small knowledge of soapmaking. (Although, as yet, I have received no soap. Hint, Hint!)

Be patient, this is going to link together eventually!!!

So anyway, when I was at the Clarinda Craft Show a few weeks ago, Naomi was there selling her soap. I bought a bar and told her about my friend who is just learning the process. After using Naomi's soap for several days I was amazed at how much softer my face had become. I

called Becky to share my revelation with her. What? She cried! Naomi? Naomi's Soaps' Naomi??? You can't be serious!

It's because of Naomi I became interested in soapmaking! My sister gave me some of her soap and I loved it! My sister knows her!!! Yes, it was a six degrees of separation moment.

So, there's the connection!

Naomi has built a beautiful home outside of my beloved, little hometown. I could smell the soap as soon as I stepped out of the car. Her soap room was spacious and well-equipped. Bars of soap were lined up on racks, aging. Others were packaged for an upcoming show. She kindly answered our questions as we proceeded to smell everything. I told her how soft my skin was after using her soap. Interestly, she said she felt that most people buy her soap based on having the color of the soap match their bathroom. I totally could not relate to that. I've never been one of those people whose ensemble matched from earrings to socks! Let alone have soap that matches the color of my bathroom. Ok, get real, I'm lucky if my socks match!!! Naomi said the second criterion for buying soap was the scent and thirdly, because it was good for your skin. (It is, I'm telling ya!) Silly me, I'd have thought that would be the reason to buy handmade soap. Among other little details of making handmade soap I learned, the biggest shocker was how expensive emu oil is! Glad I'm not filling up the Jeep with that stuff!

After smelling everything I chose a bar of spearmint, one of lavender, and one called Winter Ice. I'd hoped to find a pumpkin soap, but she said she'd stopped making it as it wasn't a big seller. Neither was the coffee scented soap. Darn, two of my favorite scents in the world. She then told us that she uses the spearmint soap to brush her teeth. I haven't tried that yet, but I will.

After saying goodbye to Naomi we landed at the Methodist Church for the annual Lord's Acre Supper. My friend Brenda, who had been at the craft show with me, said that several others wanted to get together and visit Naomi's Soaps. I laughed and told her we had just come from there! Not to worry, though, I'd gladly go back again. There were several other scents I wanted and Naomi also makes a shaving soap I want to try. So look out Naomi, I'll be back with more people!!!

Try Naomi's soap yourself. You can find her at http://www.naomisoap.com/. Too bad you can't smell them over your computer!

Flags on Election Day

The times they are a-changin....

Seth and Brianna

Several weeks ago my nephew, Seth, moved in with us. And I must say I'm thrilled to have him. His girlfriend, Brianna, was moving to town to attend NWMSU and I knew Seth needed to be close by. I told him he was welcome to stay with us and we cleared out a room for him.

Seth got a job as a temp where I work and, luckily, got the same shift. So now we trudge back and forth to work together. We go to breaks together and complain about work together.

It has been really interesting to get to know him as a person, not just a nephew. It tickles me to no end that they hang out here and seem to be enjoying being with us. (Brianna has an apartment here so it isn't like they have nowhere else to go!) They both seem at ease here. And, for that, I'm thankful!

They go back home to Clarinda regularly. Brianna still has a job there every other weekend. And Seth loves to hunt. So we all have plenty of time apart as well as together.

They are both wonderful young adults. And Sam and I are very happy to be more involved in their lives. I can only hope I'm able to impart at least one little bit of wisdom that the perspective of age provides that will stick in their young minds and help them as they start their journey in adulthood. If I can do that, I will consider myself a successful Aunt! And if that was all I was put here on earth to do, I will be content!

A Potting Shed

No, this potting shed is not mine. But I want one. BADLY!!! REALLY, REALLY BADLY!!!

This adorable building belongs to my nephew's girlfriend's mother. (WHEW-that was a mouthful!) Her son built it for her.

I am hoping to build a shed someday. I've been collecting windows and stuff for awhile now. I even have a doorknocker for the door that is a trowel. I'm SERIOUS about wanting a potting shed! I went to look at this one just to get some ideas. There is a cut-out in the work bench with screen wire and below it is a wheelbarrow to catch the dirt.

I really like the angled roof and the sun was absolutely pouring in.

The owner is also a hosta lover and I'm looking forward to visiting this yard again next year when it is in season.

Hodge Podge

On Saturday, October 18th, Sonja Henggeler and Kristi Wolbert hosted their bi-annual Hodge Podge. I'd never been before and it was an awesome event! These women are very talented designers and I was very impressed with Hodge Podge!

At the antique festival on the square a few weeks ago, I ran into a woman I'd grown up with in our hometown of Clearmont. As we were talking about what treasures we'd seen, Susan mentioned Hodge Podge was coming up. She said she thought I'd like it and offered to forward the e-mail with the information to me. Oh yeah, this looked like it would be right up my alley!

My sister and I, along with her step-daughter arrived to a packed parking lot and people (okay,women!) everywhere. The building was so crowded we could barely get through. (It also made taking pictures difficult.) I quickly latched onto the bowling pins for $3.00 apiece and kept moving. Then I spied the zinc armillary and envisioned it in my yard. Lucky me, my generous sister decided it would be my birthday present!!!

Sonja and Kristi did a wonderful job with arranging the items they had to sell. Every display was eye candy! Everything was being quickly snatched up, the checkout lines backed up, and guests stood outside the door sipping coffee and enjoying the gorgeous blue October day. Since this is a small town, I think everyone found that they were surrounded by friends, co-workers, and family! It's always more fun when you have someone to share "Look at this!" with, not to mention "Where could I put this?". And as women, it's always nice to have someone with you helping to convince you that, not only do you NEED it, you DESERVE it!

I didn't get to go back later, but something tells me they were pretty much cleaned out very quickly!

The next Hodge Podge will be held on May 2, 2009. If interested in being added to their e-mail list, go to henhouse5@unitedsky.net!

From Hodge Podge, we rushed back home to the kids and the Northwest Missouri State University homecoming parade. I left Sam with my sister, Shelli, to watch the parade and headed for Clarinda, Iowa for the annual craft show. I helped my fellow cookbook queens sell the Clearmont Sesquicentennial Cookbooks at the show. The cookbook was a fundraiser for the Clearmont Community Club. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of cookbooks we sold. We ended the day back at Mom's for supper and a visit from my neices and my great-neice. It was a busy day, but a good one!

Antique Festival on the Square

The first annual Maryville, Mo Antique Festival was held on the town square on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4th and 5th.

I'd anxiously been waiting for this event as I had met the organizers early this summer. Michael Weston and Kindra Felver are the couple behind the scenes. They have been having garage sales for four years and I just happened across them for their last two sales. (This is so typical of my life!) Check my earlier blog on garage sale finds- that's where I got the stuff! Michael and Kindra are leaving Maryville to open a shop in Weston, Mo called Shabby Chic. Best of luck to them, they will be missed.

October blessed the festival with beautiful weather. I spent time visiting the vendors and checking everything out. Never one to buy on the first round, unless it really hits me hard, I strolled around again. There was a nice crowd and I visited with several people I knew. I also enjoyed visiting with Jill, a vendor from Leavenworth, Kansas. It was especially nice that, other than food vendors, it really was just antiques and collectibles.

I thought this was a great display of vintage dog stuff.




This booth had a lot of vintage sports memoribilia!










Here's a photo of Jill's booth.





I didn't come home with much, but I couldn't pass up these solid oak drying trays. Or at least that is what I think they are. I paid $3.oo for the big one and $2.oo for the smaller one. I wandered back up on Sunday, since the square is only a few blocks from home and found this little chicken feeder for $2.00. I think I'll try to grow moss in it next year, or if all else fail, maybe hen and chicks.


I treated myself to a breakfast burrito from The Enchilada Lady. It was so good I bought frozen enchiladas and breakfast burritos to take home. They didn't last long! Sounds like she'll be adding Maryville to her regular route. I'm definitely looking forward to that!




I really enjoyed the weekend and hopefully Michael and Kindra will continue to host the Antique Festival again next year.

I Love Coffee!!!

Yes, I am a coffee junkie.

I come by it honestly. Coffee is in my blood. My family owned a cafe in a small town and as soon as I could carry a coffee cup without spilling it, that became my job. Nothing smells better to me than the smell of coffee in the morning. Coffee started every day for my extended family. I swear my Dad surely had coffee flowing through his veins!!! He drank it morning, noon, and night!

My addiction to coffee started later in life. Now, no day starts without it. And I'm picky about my coffee. (Interject guffaws from family here. "What isn't she picky about? And don't buy her anything pink!" I can just hear them!). I digress. I order my coffee from NEW YORK CITY!!! And yes, I like getting packages in the mail. Especially ones that smell good! So there!

My favorite coffee is Kenya AA. It is hands down, The Best! Period! And I buy beans. No sleeping in at my house, because no one can sleep through the high pitched whrrr of the coffee grinder. And surely, heaven must smell like fresh ground coffee.

On days that I'm not working, I can waste away the entire morning drinking my coffee on the patio, staring at my hostas, figuring out where I can put more. And definitely some redbuds, oh yeah, and those limelight hydrangeas I saw at the garden store the other day. I also like to watch the butterflies and the bees flitting around my plants. When I tire of this, I move to the porch swing on the front porch and watch the world and the college students go by.

On work days, it's a different story. It's all about how much coffee I can consume before running out the door with a coffee cup in hand. Then I grab more coffee at work and start the day at a dead run to the bathroom! Hey, I'm entitled to one vice!!! And since tomorrow begins at 5:15 A.M. I've got to get my beans ground and in the coffee pot so they're ready to perk while I'm in the shower. AAAHHHH! Thank goodness for coffee!

(I've listed my coffee supplier's link over there in that box marked favorite stores. The family run business has been supplying coffee since 1907! This generation is led by Peter Longo. (Snicker, snicker, I can't help it. I know I'm bad!) Peter always has a sale in October because it's his birthday. And hell no, I'm not getting paid to pimp his store! I just like his coffee!)

I think I need to go to bed!

One more thing, the chocolate covered coffee beans are excellent. The best of two worlds!!!

And don't ever buy me anything pink. I hate pink!

Sliding into Fall....

I just thought I would share a few pictures of the yard before winter takes over. I'm already making plans for next year. I can't wait to go to Flying Frog Farms again. It's the best hosta place ever!!! I didn't manage to get everything on my list that I wanted this year, (say it ain't so)! I guess that just gives me a head start on next year's list!

Jan and I found these adorable snails at the downtown Des Moines' farmer's market. We both had to take one home to our garden. They are made out of rocks and metal. Check them out at http://www.rslawnfurniture.com/!

Here's a picture of an urn that I think must have belonged to my great-grandparents. It was broken into several pieces and I had to have it welded. They set the bowl on the
diagonal on the base. It bothers me. I think I'll have them re-do it. For some reason it just annoys me. Anybody else have an opinion on this? There is a label still attached on the base. It was made by Stewart Ironworks Co. of Cincinatti, Ohio around the turn of the century. The company is still in business although they have relocated. I keep it filled with a Boston fern. The hosta in the front is Paradigm, I believe. It's a gorgeous hosta!

Here's a picture with the fern. It almost covers up the urn! Hmmm....I'll have to think of something different for next year! Any suggestions?

My morning glories finally bloomed. They are climbing around an armillary that Mom got me for Christmas several years ago. It sits in the middle of a raised gardenbed, which I commonly refer to as the cat pan. One of these days I'm going to have to work on this!

Well, I'm not even sure how many hours it has taken me to get to this point. I'm no computer whiz as those who have gotten phone calls for advice well know! So with a glass of wine in hand and steaks on the grill I shall bid you adieu! Until next time....