Patience

Is it me? Or have you noticed more and more shoppers at thrift stores lately? I don't know if it is the economy, or the weather, but the thrift stores that I normally go to have been filled with people. FILLED. Like you can't find a parking space in the parking lot. Thrift stores have become BIG business. It used to be I could go to any thrift store in town during the week and there were very few people there. Now it is like the Blue Light Special on any given day.

But one thing I have learned is if you are patient, you might just run into that certain something you have been searching for. Case in point -

About six months ago, my sister in love and I were at an Antique Mall. We found these very cute little dishes. There were several of them, and if I remember right, priced around $6 or $7 a piece. I really liked them, but was not willing to drop that much on these "little" dishes. Add to the fact that one of them had a hairline crack...........so I let them pass.

So on one of my Goodwill trips I came across these little beauties -

They were bundled and taped together for $2.00!

I'm always on the look out in the book section too. At our Hospice Thrift store I've come across a couple of books that I've been searching for.

Adding Ruby McKim's "101 Patchwork Patterns" was a very nice addition to my quilting books collection.

And a very elusive book that I've not found in our area made a debut one day -

woo-hoo.....

And speaking of books, Becky over at Sweet Cottage Dreams drew my name for this wonderful book -

WOW, what a wonderful book by Dianne Zweig. I have not been able to put it down. Just looking at all of the pictures and the little wonderful stories behind the collectibles from the 30's, 40's, and 50's!

Here are those little refrigerator dishes that I recently found at the Goodwill! I LOVE this book. Thank you so much Becky. If you have never been to Becky's blog, you must go by and pay her a visit. She has a heart as big as the whole outdoors and the most charming blog.

Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Thriftin'!

Red VTT

Today is Vintage Thingies Thursday. I love to visit all the other blogs and see what great thingies are out there. So much fun. Be sure to stop by Colorado Lady's blog and check them all out.

One of my favorite things to do is check out the thrift stores. Some days there are treasures to be found, and other times the pickings are slim. On a recent visit to the Goodwill, I always head for the housewares aisle first thing. I like to see if there are any lovely dishes or teacups calling to come home with me. As I entered the aisle with the dishes, my eyes went immediately to these RED dishes! I don't often see RED dishes in ANY thrift store. I LOVED them at first sight. They went right into my buggy for closer examination. And to top it off, they are Syracuse China USA!!!

I believe these are called Strawberry Hill. There were five dinner plates, three dessert plates and one small bowl. I searched and searched to see if there were any more, but this is all I could find. I even went back the next day, just in case there were more put out. But no more to be found.

Now check out how lovely these plates look with the pink compotes that I bought several months ago at an antique shop.


Even though I did not find any other pieces, my Buffalo china cups do a very nice job of rounding out the table scape.

So today my VTT is RED! And I'm lovin' them :-)

Happy thriftin'!

Tea Party Tuesday

I am so delighted to be able to join Rhondi for her first Tea Party Tuesday. You must stop by her blog and visit the other lovely Tea Parties.

I've always enjoyed having tea with friends. A beautiful table is so inviting. So I would like to invite you to join me for Tea today.

May I get you a teacup?

The Service is ready -
Please enjoy the desserts -

Strawberry Shortcake served in petite demitasse cups.

Have a Tea-lightful day!

Oh Canada

Last night was an amazing night. We, along with most of the world, have been watching the Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver. There have been so many wonderful stories and also many tragedies. I am always amazed at the discipline and perseverance of these athletes. It feels like we all stand behind them, as though we were the ones actually taking part in the sport.

Last night was the Women's Figure Skating competition. Did you watch it? So many talented young women taking to the ice to perform their Free Skate. The beauty and grace of each skater surely captured their audiences. But I think the whole world held it's breath when Joannie Rochette took to the ice. Skating just four days after the sudden death of her mother, Joannie skated her heart out. Was it perfect? In the eyes of the world, Joannie skated the performance of her lifetime. She blew a kiss heavenward when she finished.

And those judges? Were they perfect?? For many years, past judging has been deeply criticized for being unfair with Soviet blocks giving high marks for skating performances that were lacking. But last night the judges made up for all injustices they have reckoned with in the past. Canada is proud to honor Joannie Rochette as the Bronze metal winner.

(picture courtesy Getty Images)

Canada is proud. And so is the world! Congratulations Joannie!

Looking for Spring!

Spring is coming!

Wow!

One of my favorite things to do when I have a few minutes, is visit blogs around cyberspace. There are some totally awesome blogs out there with so much creativity and talent, it sometimes blows me away. Carol from Old Glory Cottage has such a cute and cheerful blog and is one of my favorites to visit.

Recently I received this lovely award from Carol -

Boy, was I honored. Carol simply said she enjoys my blog. Wow! I can't tell you how much that means to me. I never thought when I started blogging that I would meet so many nice people like you all! I guess we write what comes out of our hearts, but when someone out there is reading what you have posted and lets you know they enjoy it, well, I'm very happy to hear it.

So now I am supposed to share 7 things about myself and then pass this award on.

1. I love Jane Austen. I have read all of her books several times, own two versions of the Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Emma movies.

2. I once caught a 325 lb Tarpon.

3. My High School graduation was held in the Auto Shop because the new school building was not completed. We never attended school in the new building, but were deemed the first graduating class :-(

4. I've done some kind of hand work since I was a teen. Started with embroidery, then sewed my own garments, moved into cross stitch, and finally into what I love, quilting.
5. I LOVE Chick-fil-a tea

6. I've been a homeschooling Mom for 24 years!

7. I never have liked cold weather or snow. Give me spring and summer and I am a happy bug.

Whew, that was harder then I thought it would be. So now I am to pass this award on to others. I know that many bloggers do not accept awards, and I understand that. But I would like to pass this one on, so you can visit these lovely creative blogs.

Deb

Vicki

Rhondi

Wendy

Have a wonderful weekend!

VTT Presidents

So many things have changed over the years. It seems that in February we used to celebrate George Washington's birthday, and then there was Lincoln's birthday. Over the years it was combined to celebrate Presidents Day. I am not really sure that school children now know the significance of honoring our Presidents. It is just a day off from school and more retail sales.

I came across these Look magazines that were packed away in the old suitcase. I guess my Mom had saved them.

I only have two of them, although the front page states there were three parts.


There really are no words.

Please be sure to visit Suzanne's Colorado Lady blog for the other Vintage Thingie Thursday posts.

Wishing you a peaceful week.