More Memorial Day Bargains

Happy Memorial Day!

I wasn't sure if I was going to go out and traispe around today at yard sales but decided to go to a couple of them.   I didn't get as early start as I wanted but did get out a little before 9:00 and it was already a scorcher out there!  I live near the Perkiomen Sale and Auction - an antiques flea market and auction that is held every Monday.  Any holiday you can find yard sales up an down the roads around the "The Perk" - so i really didn't have to venture too far today.

Stopped at a few and nothing really knocked my socks off - I did see two old rug hooks but they were pricey (this is a downfall on a holiday yard sale near an antiques flea market - people think everything should be marked up - LOL) They looked like they were made from old tool handles and were cool but I wouldn't have liked to use them - the shanks on them were about 4" long and the handles about the same - so too big - I talked with the gentlemen selling them and he said his grandfather used to hook rugs - Well that explains the "tool like appearance" - Fun how everyone has a story.

Then I went off the beaten trail and saw a sign that didn't say "Garage Sale" or "Yard Sale" but "Used Crap" - I thought this was pretty original and just had to stop - So glad I did!  I found this old Deacon's Bench and just had to bring it home!  There is a rung missing (which is an easy fix) but other than that it's in great condition!   Must be the weekend of $5 deals - that's all I paid!  Found these old glass lid ball jars and agate pot with lid at another yard sale - so the total I spent for my deals today was $8!  

Oh and I don't have a clue where in the world I'm going to put it - Might have to get rid of my old wooden wash tub holder where I have the plants and put it under that window!   Oh well - something to decide another day - right now it's in the middle of the living room and Riley has decided to claim it as his - he's been stretched out on it all afternoon.   I'm already thinking of what type of hooked rug to make as a long chair pad runner!

I fogot to mention my other bargains from Saturday.  A local cross stitch store had a "stash" sale.  A few months prior in her newsletter she asked if anyone had anything to donate for the sale to bring it by.  Then on Saturday she had tables set up inside - all the donations and some of her old stock was placed there and you were handed a bag when you walked in.   Anything from those tables you put in your bag were yours and the only thing you had to do is make a donation to the donation jar (they were donating it to St. Jude's Hospital).  What a bargain.  The place opened at 10:00 - I didn't get there until 10:30 and the place was full (not that big of a place) Anyway - I managed to fill my bag - someone actually had a Fredericksburg Rug Hooking Kit of Betsy Ross' Flag with everything still there and a hook in there to boot! (This may be either sold or given away - at the time I didn't realize it was on burlap - it's a nice burlap but I'm allergic) , I got a couple of patterns and about 4 pieces of dirty linen (some of this is for Kathy - I was shopping for her too! LOL), and some floss.    I really could have probably could have gotten more but I get a little bit of the "claustrophobia" feeling in a small crowded area and just had to get out of there!  So I made my donation and left to go on to the yard sales. 

I know a few of you left comments about yard sales being mostly baby clothes - believe me it's like that around here too - All those yard sales with baby clothes and that big bright plastic furniture and playthings!  It's just this weekend (because of the Perk) there are more "antique" type sales.  Some of the dealers set up along the route.   I know if I could have gotten out earlier (they start at around 6:00 a.m. round these parts - and at the Perk - people actually go with flashlights to see what's on the tables!) then I may have found more treasures but I really can't complain!

We just had some severe thunderstorms and the kinda rain that is like a firehose being held to your house roll through here!  What weird weather!  Then it cleared and now it's "darkening" up again - just in time to send my husband out to the grill!  Hope it holds off until dinner is grilled!

Have a great day!

Catching Up - Cleaning - Yard Sale Bargains and More!

Time flies doesn't it! I didn't even realize it has been so long since I posted!   No excuses and nothing really too much going on.

I'm finally about 97% over that cold - it lasted way to long and drained too much of my energy - I hate just laying around and doing nothing but felt awful and that's all i did for over two weeks.  I did manage to read a bunch of books so that's something but it certainly doesn't get the chores done!

Without going into details, for the past couple months been dealing with some issues other than the cold and was really getting down about it.  Things however are looking up - finally had an appointment with a specialist and feel things are getting back on the right track.  I feel so much better about things  - actually feeling really good about it - nothing to complain about on my end (except dealing with the damn insurance companies - that's another story for another day!) and that being said, moving on...

This being Memorial weekend, there are always a lot of yard sales and flea markets in the area - so the past two days decided to get up early (courtesy of the "wet nose" Jonesy - better than an alarm clock) and go out and enjoy the sunshine and treasures to be found!  Thought I would share some of them....

An old child's blackboard - it does stand alone but i decided to hang it on the wall - just need to get some chalk to hang on the end of the string!  The front door is right there too so will be good to write things down to "remember"! This was a $5 find. (Oh and that's the shelf I got at the Cinnamon Stick (Spice Cupboard Blog) I think Judy said it was made from a tool box????  The items on the shelf are gifts from friends which I'm sure I shared previously).

I hardly ever find anything rug hooking related but found this old book for a whopping $0.50!  Most of the rugs in it are not my style but will be fun reading through it.

Love when I find stuff like this - found these two old quilts for $5 each!  The one on the left is bright and vibrant and all hand quilted - all those little squares to sew together (machine sewn however) It's a lightweight quilt with just a backing and in great shape.   The one on the right - the red one is more a "cutter quilt" some damage in some of the fabrics in the blocks and also some fading here and there - it has batting and a backing - it's all hand stitched and quilted but the binding is machine stitched! Probably will just fold it and stick it somewhere as it still has enough character not to cut apart in my opinion!   She had about 4 other quilts and quilt tops but they just didn't "sing" to me - The colors were unappealing (to me at least)  May have to stop back tomorrow - she said she had more to bring out!  These are hanging over my railing on the deck drying as I just washed them.

Just had to buy this small "machete" - My husband was joking he needed a machete to get thru the weeds and grass outside after all the rain - it was always too wet to mow - Anyway - got each of these for $0.25 a piece.  I bought the little saw for ME!  Everytime I need to saw something small my husband hands me this huge saw!   So I told him to keep this somewhere in the basement I have access to it!

This 'find" I was tickled pink with - A child's size table and chair. I asked the man how much the table and chair was and he responded he hadn't a clue as his Dad just dropped it off  and he said "Well it's really old" - so i'm thinking it's going to be way too expensive.   Don't you just love when they say "Well's it's really old"!  So he asked how much would I give him for it.  I'm thinking oh here it comes i'll say something and he'll say something higher.  So I told him I really don't know and continued to walk around - he comes over and says I can have it for $5! Woohoo! I said SOLD! (And secretly felt bad for thinking he wanted an arm and a leg and then felt guilty like I was getting away with something! hahahaha)   Love it - I actually have an old chair from  my grandparents house that is full size (without the brace) that looks like this chair.   Well I brought it in and put it in the living room.  On top is a gorgeous penny rug that my friend Debbie (Woolensails blog) gave me a few years ago and the hooked cat is from another friend Cathy (Hooked on Primitives).  I also picked up the basket underneath from another yard sale and the little mustard colored box for $0.25.  Those probably won't be staying there - just trying out different things until I get the look just right! 

I love to read and please remind me to never buy books for more than $0.25 a piece - just wait for Yard Sales!  I tell you - I went to this one community yard sale in Stonersville - and I swear it was like visiting the library - everyone and their neighbor had a ton of books for sale.  I could have saved myself a lot of money if I didn't already have or read some of them!   (normally I go to the paperback trader and it's half of the cover price) They had so many good books in this community and new ones too boot!  LOL   Anyway got a pile of books to add to the pile I already have to read!

I also found some different odds and ends, like spools of thread for my sewing machine (3 for $0.25 - you can't beat that),, a crock, a ginger beer bottle, a DVD for my husband, and more - I don't think i even spent $25 this weekend  on  treasures - I so love a bargain!

Lots of roadside stands with fresh veggies and fruit too which is nice - As they say - buy from your local farmer! 

Oh and did I mention I won the jackpot this week at Bingo! Yes I did!  I won $500 and also did I mention I won the jackpot last week too (but had to split it with someone so only won $250!)  It's funny whenever I win a bingo game one or two other people usually yell "BINGO" at the same time so it gets split - so last week when I won 1/2 the jackpot,. I was so happy even though I  had to share and then lightning did strike twice - I won ALONE this past Wednesday!  What are the odds two weeks in a row!  

Wishing everyone a nice, relaxing Memorial Weekend!

Down and Out...

Well I certainly didn't mean to not post for over a week but just been down and out ...with a bad cold!   Last week my husband was home from work ALL week with a bad sinus infection/cold - He had it for about 2 weeks and still does - he decided to share I guess - I did my best to not get it but it found me! 
I can generally tell - always starts out the same - runny nose and sore throat and then gradually gets worse and worse.  Well most of this week has been lost because of this and the only thing getting any activitiy is my tissue box (and i've been thru several boxes) and my cough!  I haven't picked up a hook or anything and I'm so itching to start on an order I got - to design and make chairpads - 10 of them!  I have the basics of what is wanted and since she likes my "style" - I have free reign pretty much - So i'm anxious to get started on  first getting them drawn up, wool dyed and then hooked!  But like I said haven't felt like doing much of anything!

Anyway - last Saturday I spent the afternoon with 5 other members of my guild demonstrating rug hooking at Mercer Museum in Doylestown, PA.  It was a great day - lots of people seemed interested and I brought in my frame and Cheryl had a piece of Monk's cloth so we let people try their hand at it - if you ever do demonstrations this is a great way to help - people just love to try it!  We were inside the museum and missed the wind storm outside that went through and knocked out the lights (ours just flickered!) Then it was just windy and sunny, but who knew being inside the "castle"!  (You can check out the museum at http://www.mercermuseum.org/)

Here are some random pics of the day - most didn't come out too clear...

Dee and Joyce taking a break from hooking and Carol sitting in front of the frame trying her hand at hooking (she works for the Museum).  Dee was working on a large rug that her hooking group is making as a friendship rug - wish my pic would have come out - it was really interesting - there is a large circle for all  members past and present of the group and then some working around the entire thing).  Joyce was working on a rug that was given to her by a family whose mother had passed and she was finishing this rug.   Again not all my pics came out so none of them.

Annie talking with a guest and Cheryl cutting some wool (check out our Guild's website http://www.hcrag.com/ and under Hooker of the Month you can read about Cheryl - she is this month's hooker!  She has some great rugs she brought to display and was working on a very interesting one for a chair cushion and back of rocker set.  Oh, and in case you are interested  I was October 2008 Hooker of the Month)

Here's Karl talking with someone - Karl does a lot for the guild and you can often find him demonstrating the craft and/or teaching.  People really enjoy talking with him and seeing a "man" hooking.  He's very versed on the history of rug hooking and always has a story with his rugs. 

After I came home I just knew I was coming down with this cold but Sunday I had given my word that I would help out at the store where I sell some rugs since the Village was having their "Spring Fling".  I spent a few hours passing out some "wine slushies" to the adults and talking with people.  And then came home and crashed.  Monday I didn't feel good at all  and to top it off I had an interview to go to - I drugged myself up and went - I mean really, how do you call in sick to a job intereview??? Truthfully I felt so bad but made myself go since jobs to apply to are so few and far between.  They did tell me that over the weekend they had over 700 applicants for this position come in via email - Things are really bad in Pennsylvania!  Can only image going thru that many resumes.

The other night I was tired of being cooped up in the house so armed with tissues, cough drops and dauber decided to go to bingo - It was worth it - I won $263 - LOL - I did have a minor coughing spell but the embarassment of that was over by the time I left that evening with more money than I came in with!  Plus it was good just getting out and seeing friends and laughing.

I did miss going out to Grant Street on Thursday - just didn't want to "spread" the joy of this cold that seems to think it's found it's permanent home (NOT!).

Today I had all these grand plans of getting out my linen and to start "designing" but just couldn't do it - still have that heavy headed clogged up head and coughing so just been reading and watching TV.  The weather got really muggy after some chilly weather (i keep hearing how people lost vegetable plants and spring plants in the frost the other night).  This weather is crazy. And once again - it's taking a toll on the kitties..

"Jonesy"...can't you please turn on the AC instead of that darn ceiling fan - it's just blowing the hot air around...

Well guess I will just nap the rest of the day...

And then the same thing from Riley...

Can't you see I'm melting here...

And of course it never seems to bother the Bean (Miles) - he was on the old bed which is higher and closer to the ceiling fan comfy as can be..

 

Well a storm blew through and it's still hot but the a/c isn't going on yet! I do believe it's supposed to cool off a bit tomorrow - at least we are hoping!

Wishing everyone a great weekend! Tomorrow my plans are to wake up "cold-free" and get things done for a change! (Hey, I'm trying to think positive here!)

Moving Things Around

I hate moving clothes around.  

We have three bedrooms and each has one closet - the master bedroom is a little larger than the others.  Still I need to keep clothes in tubs under the beds and change them around each season.   The one bedroom doesn't count as that's my craft room so no storage for clothes in there.  That makes the two closets to hold everything.  Not that I have a "ton" of clothes but there are "work clothes", things that need to be hung up, and the shelves and floors for storage of things like the luggage, shoes, filing cabinet, etc.!

Anyway - back to my tubs -  some of the things I don't change around - but why am I holding on to some of the stuff?  I don't know!  Wish I could just purge and get rid of the things I don't wear or things that just do not quite fit, or things that I just don't need right now - but I can't.  I have thinned it out quite a bit but I still have that tub filled with  the heavy sweaters (in case I ever work on a jobsite that it's way too cold again, or I go sledding again (haven't done that in over 20 years), or what?), that tub filled with t-shirts (favorites like concert t's I just can't get rid), a tub of pants that are just a tad too big (but what if I need them again, after all they are all still in good condition!), and on and on?     Why is it so hard to part with some things?  I have decided that I'm going to keep a bag or a box in the bedroom to dump those things in I wear and just am not comfortable in?  Anyone else have clothes like that - that everytime you wear them - you just don't feel right?  Well I've decided this year they are getting kicked to the curb!

Actually with "things" (household items, knicknacks, etc.) I have done really good and downsized a lot in the past few years and have donated a lot (tired of holding yard sales too - donation is the way to go!)  but just have a few tubs of things I can't get rid of!  Just can't!

Took most of the morning and afternoon - but the shorts and summery things are out, in the bureaus and hang up and the the heavy wintery stuff is put away and safely tucked under the bed in tubs -  So that job is DONE until the fall!

Before I started making this mess of pulling out clothes and tubs I went for my morning walk - it was an absolutely beautiful day, the neighborhood and woods were so quiet and when I started out it wasn't too hot and a nice breeze!  When I got home, I found Jonesy and Riley here (in a sunbeam of course)

and Miles here (had to check for a pulse - he was out!)

These boys certainly know how to find maximum breeze and beams!  Of course later they were ALL hard at work - afterall someone has to inspect the inside of the tubs, the underneath of the beds where the tubs came out of, the pile of clothese for softness,  etc.! 

Now they are all napping again before dinner!

Wishing everyone a good day filled with cool breezes and sunbeams!

When you are having a stressful day...

Breathe, Relax, Nap

Not a Scam or a Spam

Well after spending the day cleaning and this and that on Monday and doing some of those necessary evil chores I finally got to my email and the computer after 11:00 p.m.

Do you ever get emails you just delete thinking they are spam and scams or just plain rubbish?

Well I got one that said it wasn't a "scam" or a "spam" - so intrigued I opened it - after all there weren't any attachments that could open up and tentacle out and create a virus in my computer!

Well there was an offer I just couldn't refuse - I "Won" a vacation to beautiful Chambersburg and the best thing was it was only "minutes from Grant Street Woolworks".  It was an "all inclusive" offer and all my activities were planned out for me.  The offer also included coupons for future offers at the same rate - FREE - image that!  Some of the amenties I was to receive was my own apartment - fully stocked with every need you would need, time spent with my favorite people from Shippensburg and Chambersburg and surrounding communities, a full-day hook-in on Thursday, Bingo (and a free jackpot!) - Image all this for the price of $0!

Well it was late but I got up Tuesday morning (still giggling) and called to verify my prize.  I threw some stuff in a bag, did a few errands and chores, and off I went!  Oh and yes I did tell my husband I was going - via email and then a follow-up phone call! LOL! 

I arrived at Grant Street late afternoon and found Linda and Kathy and Barb hard at work.  Kathy went off to take care of some responsibilities and Linda & Rick took me to dinner.  After dinner I was taken to see my "accomodations for the week!  All I can say is Wow - I had my own apartment which was fully stocked to meet any and all needs!

Linda and I then left and met Kathy at the bingo hall and had a good time.   Here's Kathy counting her winnings!



I got to yell later also but had to split it a few ways - Still it's always fun when you get "bingo"!

Wednesday morning I got up early and went off to downtown Chambersburg to meet up with Kathy at the Salvation Army Fabric Sale - My goodness when I got there about 8:20 (it opens at 9:00) there was already a line.  Saw Sherri and her mother in line and talked to them a bit and then got in line.  Kathy showed up and we waited.  I'm telling you that place is crazy - while walking in, the lady behind me was pushing and pushing - she literally had her hands on my back pushing!   Amazing!

I managed to find a few things - no good wool - Kathy went out and tested some wool but it wasn't 100% (and do you know how hard it is to find someone with matches?  I carry a lighter just for this purpose but apparently it was dead - Sorry Kathy!)   So much to look at - you can see from the pictures how crowded it was (and this was the checkout lines)

You wait so long in line - you start dehyrating!

After the sale it was off to work at Grant Street for Kathy.  I sat and hooked on and off most of the day.  Didn't really accomplish too much that afternoon.

After work Kathy had to go and get some things done so she couldn't go out and play that night.  Linda and I went to another bingo!  Had a good time - this one was much larger and just fun to watch all the people spend so much money on their "rip-off" tickets - incredible how much people spend on these things.  One nice thing was Linda won one of the bingo games.  It's always good when you can at least make back what you spend!  Forgot to get my camera out there!

The next day was Thursday and the weekly Grant Street Hook-In.  Another day of laughter and fun and yes some hooking got done!  And of course I was harebrained and forgot to get shots of everyone and their rugs that were there that day.  I have my camera sitting there but often forget to use it (and often do not get that shot in time I could use for blackmail!)

Beth and Jill were there later in the day and managed to get some work done -

Beth hard at work - her rug is looking great - she's doing a great job -

Barb and Jill reading a magazine together -

Jenny came with a pile of wool and her and Kathy were doing "wool testing" in the back of the room - I believe I heard Kathy say it was all 100% wool!  Always a good thing!

What's Kathy doing?  Pretending to be Diana Ross?  "Stop! In the Name of Love..."  

A new karate move?

Reminding me I will be "50" next year?

At one point Linda and Nancy were in deep discussion...

Patty was there with her daughter and her daughter's friend - they were pretty quiet and working hard!

Patty's Chicken/Rooster rug...Great colors so far

I forgot to take pictures of the rugs I was working on - I'm still just trying to use up scraps and pieces of wool so I'm just hooking some smaller mats and using what I have - some of the colors just aren't "me" but like I said - using what I had with me (and i did bring a lot of that - took up a whole table myself!)


Another day and night of lots of laughs and fun and sharing.   I think we left there a little after 2:00 a.m. - A record for me!  Love how at hook-ins everyone is willing to help everyone else out and seems there is always someone there that can help or come up with a solution to something someone else is struggling with.   The whole day just takes you away from your own problems and reality in a way and just helps energize you for more creativity and dealing with your own issues.  If you are ever invited to a hook-in or a gathering like this - just go - just do it!  

This morning I left Linda's Bed and Breakfast and headed out - Figured it was time to head home!   I took the long way home by stopping in Lancaster and shopping about there - One of my favorite things is Fossil handbags -love the casual look to them and wish I could buy more but always look for a sale - While in the Fossil outlet was happy to find a wallet marked down and then 50% off - so that came home with me!  Hey a new wallet and 6 new yards of wool (oops forgot to mention that earlier!) - what's better than that for the week! LOL. Also stopped at a few yard sales and thrift stores - no great finds there - and then some grocery shopping - I didn't get home until after 5:30 - which was nice since my husband was home from work and could help me drag everything in!

I unpacked my bag (my new Vera Bradley I won a few weeks ago! Ha!) and guess who decided I wasn't going anywhere without them ever again!

Actually for the first few hours home I was getting the "ICE COLD" PAW from Riley again and this time even Jonesy was giving me an attitude - Oh no, not my baby Jonesy!   Miles was sound asleep and didn't even come to see me - My husband was hysterical laughing at how everytime i went near Riley he wouldn't make eye contact and run from me!  Then he said "What, are you going to cry"  I definitely was getting my feelings hurt!  Once I unloaded the bag and went to the hooking room - they both came in and hung out with me and let me give chin rubs and kisses! Whewwww thank goodness! 


I just want to thank you Linda for opening up your home to me and being so generous, and thank you too Kathy - I know you had something to do with this too!   The "vacation" may have been free but having the friendship of both of you is "priceless" to me!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekened!

One Week Ends and Another Starts!

Well hoping this coming week is a good one - weather doesn't sound too good but that can change at a drop of a hat.

Last week got "stuff" done - the rugs, got the rugs delivered, and also some resolutions to some recent problems but by Wednesday I was just burnt out on dealing with incompetent people on the phone and unanswered questions and more crappy details that I went online - booked a free room - and jumped in the car and off I went to Atlantic City.   (Oh and I took my new Vera Bradley Rolling Duffel - was cool everything fit in it along with my cooler of snacks and water! LOL) 

While down in AC, I did so much walking and it felt so good.  On Thursday morning I got up early and hit the boards.   The day started out like this...

Dark clouds and threat of rain - but soon after the sun came out in full force and it went to the 70's (Of course I forgot to take more pictures!) - it was beautiful walking by the ocean - If I could live by the ocean I would be a very happy person I believe!  Shame though - AC isn't so "pretty" - nothing like photos you see of it from yesteryeary in its heyday.   Lots of people come up to you begging for change and even asking for a few dollars which is sad.  I pretty much stay to the boardwalk or the outlet area.  No way would I be walking on some of those streets.  One thing though it's always interesting to just sit and people watch - very interesting people in this world!  LOL

I came home on Friday feeling much better and more refreshed!

Saturday I went to the Peter Wentz Farmstead to demonstrate rug hooking at their Sheep Shearing Festival.  Lots of festivities going on and it was a beautiful day - not too hot but sunny.  I did manage to get a few pics - not of all the activities but a few...

Here is the first sheep of the day getting sheared...

Karl hard at work at his rug...

Ronnie was scheduled to do rug braiding but she had taken a class on penny rug making the previous week so was into finishing her project - which she did - Isn't her penny rug wonderful - love the colors...

One of the women spinning...

Some of the "naked" sheep - you always knew when they were in the pen to get the next one to shear - they make the funniest noises!

We were sitting between the summer kitchen and the kitchen garden so we had all the good smells of the day.  The summer kitchen volunteers cook all day and the volunteers get to eat - they were making chicken pot pie, scones, lemon bars, and I can't remember the name but it tastes just like cheesecake but no cheese - it's pretty yummy, and so much more.

Lots more events going on thru the farmstead - here's a little snippet from the local newspaper that pretty much sums it up: 

A visit to the Farmstead on this day will highlight many of the trades and crafts typical of the late 18 th through early 19 th centuries in a rural community. Watch the farmers as they skillfully use hand clippers to sheer the sheep during demonstrations in the morning and afternoon. We encourage you to try your hand at spinning, weaving, butter making, hooked rugs, and other crafts. Children can learn to make their own floral bouquets during a class held at 11am and 2pm. We invite everyone to gather for the "St George and the Dragon" puppet show at 1pm. In addition, you can learn about the culture of the native Lenni Lenape; the many tools and skills of the woodworker; and visit with the recently-born baby sheep. Tour the historic house to gain knowledge of the history of the Farmstead and to view some of the antique textiles located inside, while enjoying colonial era music performed by The Bakshi Studio Baroque Players . Your tour will finish in the summer kitchen where you will experience the sights and aromas of seasonal cooking on the open hearth.

I had nothing new to work on so I drew up a penny circle rug - still trying to use my scraps.  Here's a pic of what I was getting done - thought I would try the "beading" technique on the border.  I'm liking the results and I thought the "twisting" on the bottom would bother me but it doesn't really - still lays flat.

It's a grey day out there today so planning on sitting and getting some hooking done!
 
Hope everyone has a great weekend and a wonderful new week
 
p.s. The boys wouldn't let me take their pictures today - they are all snuggled under blankets, under beds etc. - they say it's Sunday - the day of rest and it's rainy - which means they will do a marathon nap!  No pictures allowed since they haven't had their baths yet!