TEA and TUNES

Favorite things to do every day are to listen to tunes on my cute little retro-looking radio/CD player.  I love listening to KTLF Christian radio from Colorado Springs, or my CDs.  And, relaxing with tea which I enjoy making in my little one person tea set!  Relax! Breathe! Refresh! Renew!

but where are the HANDLES?

I'm sure you've figured out by now that I really like old rusty tools and farm equipment . . . I DO!!  I can't help myself.   These tools are all treasures I gleaned from our family farm as  is the tractor seat.  My dad liked Allis Chalmers tractors . . they were orange . . . and this is the seat from one of them.  This lovely . . and loved . . collection of tools are part of the rock border around my herb garden.  The handles?  Well, they were just plum worn out!

well, you could call it "CORNY"

Nope, it's not time to plant corn yet, but it is time to start, at least, thinking about planting whatever one is going to plant and getting some preparations done.   My dad was a farmer . . true, blue, gritty and as hard working as they come.   This is a very old corn planter that he used many "moons" ago, probably before I was born but at least when I was pretty darned little.   My parents are both gone to their heavenly home, my dad living on this earth longer than my mom.  When we were doing what we had to do with the farm and all the equipment and "stuff" on it, I told all my siblings I was loading up the corn planter and taking it home . . which was only about 1/2 mile up the road.  I put down weed barrier material and a lot of locally "harvested" rocks and here it sits . . in my yard.  A wonderful reminder of my heritage as a "farm kid" and of my dad . . the farmer. 

'Tis a MYSTERY"

What in the world is going on here with all these parts and pieces of license plates?   Well, a project is in the works and it's coming together but it will just have to remain a mystery until all the parts and pieces comes together . . . . hmmmmm?!?!?!?

the "FLOWER of SCOTLAND"

Yes, the thistle is the National Flower of Scotland. And, being of Scottish/Irish ancestry and having had the privilege of traveling to Scotland more than once, I have a "fondness" for the beauty of the thistle.  This is just one of several embroidered designs done for me by Farmgirl, Paula. Isn't it just beautiful!

first MOW of the SEASON

It was time!  So, yesterday my lawn got it's first mow of the season.  We had to buy a new lawnmower as our old one died mid-season last summer.  So, with just one pull the new one started right up and tackled the job in grand style.  Way in the background of this picture are the snowcapped LaPlata Mountains. The tree in the center of the picture is our pear tree and in the forefront right is a sour cherry tree, both in full bloom!   Ahhhh . . the beauty and fragrance of fruit trees in bloom.

REFLECTIONS and REFURBISHMENT

Take a train case that REALLY needs a new "inside job", line it with upholstery weight floral fabric with a removable/padded bottom piece, dress it up with lace and ribbon and a new mirror . . . and you have a lovely case ready for "glamping".  This is for my daughter, who is my best friend and "glamping" partner.

CASE for the LACE

 Started decoupaging a variety of lace pieces on this train case. I have finished the lid  . . for now.  And, put lace around the metal trim where the latches are.  The applique on top is an antique piece that was in some things from my mother-in-law.  I really like the result!

awww . . "LLAMA KISSES"

On their recent visit to my place, farmgirls Debbie and Marilyn had opportunity to meet our llama, Rocky.  He's a very friendly, curious fellow and loves to meet people and watch what they are doing.  He also gives what we call "butterfly" kisses.  So, before the girls left they paid him a visit and got their kisses!  He wants them to come back!

Farmgirl "APRON BRIGADE"

Farmgirls together again . . YAY!!  Marilyn, Debbie, Sharon and CJ were able to meet for lunch at "The Farm" a local farm-to-table restaurant. We had the BEST lunch, the MOST fun and a WONDERFUL time together.  After lunch we went "boutiquing" together at the local thrift stores. Marilyn and Debbie came over from the Colorado Springs area for a couple days. Sharon and I live right here not far from each other and are able to enjoy each other's company frequently. THANK YOU FARMGIRLS!!!

"Don't Look . . .Birds Bathing"

I couldn't resist this little garden sign!  So I put it by the bird bath I made from terra cotta pots and saucer.  They "grace" my flower bed smack dab in the middle of my day lilies and coneflowers.  Spring is springing!   Birds are bathing . . . don't look!!

SUH-WEET little SEWING MACHINE

This cute little Coronado sewing machine (from the 50s) has been sitting in a local thrift store for a long time.  It hadn't sold and I thought the asking price was too high considering the fact that there are some things about it that make it not "sewable".  I asked the manager if they'd take less money and she said "oh yes", and she did so rather enthusiastically.  It's in great condition, just needs some parts . . . I'll search for those sometime.  But I just wanted to put it in my house as something cute and pleasant to look at.  Surrounded it with some vintage notions and linens I have.  This "apronista" just wants to enjoy it and think about the hands that sewed on it. 

I love TULIPS!

What is there about tulips that make me just rejoice so much in spring?  I don't think I really know but I love tulips!  Of course, I love flowers . . . all the way around!  Tulips come in so many colors and shades and variegated colors  . .  just so wonderfully gorgeous!  Welcome Spring!  Thank you, Lord, for tulips!

a little "taste" for LATTE LOVERS

I love this "latte" print!  This is a "taste" of an apron I just made.  Just such fun with bright colored cups, polka dots , and rick-rack.  I'm also a fan of polka dots!
Another FARM FRESH APRON 

my own STREET SIGN

Isn't this just so fun!  I received this black & white photo of a street sign all beautifully framed and trimmed from Jennifer, a farmgirl in Arkansas.  She tells me it's "CEEJAY LANE" and she drives by it when she goes to see her mom.  It was a total surprise for me and an absolute delight!  Thank you Jennifer!!!