Collecting Antiques and Collectibles is FUN! The hunt, the amazing stories, the finds, and the Memories.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Finding that Antique Memory
Collecting is fun! The hunt for that special item or that one thing that just speaks to you when you walk in the door of an antique shop, a thrift shop, or the online store like my own, Five4us is the Vintage Antique and Collectible Shop. I have those moments. Those moments when I see something and it is like a beacon light is shining down upon the treasure of my desire and I know it is something special, something that will be a memory ~~ a remembrance ~~ for myself or one of my customers. I bet you have had those revelations yourself. You take that special piece up to the counter and watch as this memory is wrapped in paper and placed in a bag for you to take home. That moment when you grab that package and your face splits into a silly smile. That silly smile that stays on your face because you are taking that memory home with you to be remembered over and over again.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
A New Store. How Fun ! Treasures of the Past Lake Havasu
This is a friend of mine that has a store on Rubylane. Please check it out! He has Antiques Boutique- - Primitives- Handcrafted items- Collectables.
And don't forget to check out my new items too on my store Five4us Is The Vintage Antique & Collectible Shop
Joe's Store is the best kept secret of Lake Havasu and I can believe it after seeing all those wonderful collectibles.
And don't forget to check out my new items too on my store Five4us Is The Vintage Antique & Collectible Shop
Joe's Store is the best kept secret of Lake Havasu and I can believe it after seeing all those wonderful collectibles.
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Charming Charm Bracelet
Charm Bracelets! I've read that they have gone back thousands of years, but back then they wore them for religious purpose or to help ward off evil spirits. I would love to see one of those ancient artifacts, wouldn't it be amazing. As time passed, people didn't believe in the power of these bracelets anymore and so it wasn't until the late 1800's when Queen Victoria or England wore one of her family and started a new trend.
Many times the Charm Bracelet collector started as a young girl. Her first one might have been a doll or a ballerina, or maybe a cross for confirmation. What started as a young girl likely carried on to womanhood.
Women who wear charm bracelets, wear them for a number of reasons. It shows a woman's personality or her beliefs. She might wear a baby bootie, to show she is a mother, or a bottle. Maybe it is one of the popular Ten Commandment charm bracelets
to show that she is a religious person, or a dancer charm, a charm of car, or zodiac sign, golf clubs, artist palate, a four leaf clover for luck or a pair of dice. This list goes on and on.
When WWII started, the soldiers stationed overseas and across the countries, would send their sweethearts and mothers charms of the Eiffel Tower in France as a souvenir, or Big Ben the Clock in England or whatever the historical spot they were at at the time.
Just a few years ago a new and different type of charm came into the world market, with photos of people, State Colleges such as the Nebraska Cornhuskers, or K-State Power Cats, The Texas Longhorns - anything for the university fan. These charm bracelets were more flat instead of the dangling ones of yore.
Charm bracelets tell a story of the wearer. It is like a timeline of the woman's life. Some started when they were children and have carried on to motherhood and grandmother hood. The charms made great gifts and great memories. You can still find these wonderful collectibles online
Some are old antiques, some are from the 60's and 70's and you can even find brand new ones. They still make a beautiful gift for a girl -- of any age.
Many times the Charm Bracelet collector started as a young girl. Her first one might have been a doll or a ballerina, or maybe a cross for confirmation. What started as a young girl likely carried on to womanhood.
Women who wear charm bracelets, wear them for a number of reasons. It shows a woman's personality or her beliefs. She might wear a baby bootie, to show she is a mother, or a bottle. Maybe it is one of the popular Ten Commandment charm bracelets
to show that she is a religious person, or a dancer charm, a charm of car, or zodiac sign, golf clubs, artist palate, a four leaf clover for luck or a pair of dice. This list goes on and on.
When WWII started, the soldiers stationed overseas and across the countries, would send their sweethearts and mothers charms of the Eiffel Tower in France as a souvenir, or Big Ben the Clock in England or whatever the historical spot they were at at the time.
Just a few years ago a new and different type of charm came into the world market, with photos of people, State Colleges such as the Nebraska Cornhuskers, or K-State Power Cats, The Texas Longhorns - anything for the university fan. These charm bracelets were more flat instead of the dangling ones of yore.
Charm bracelets tell a story of the wearer. It is like a timeline of the woman's life. Some started when they were children and have carried on to motherhood and grandmother hood. The charms made great gifts and great memories. You can still find these wonderful collectibles online
Some are old antiques, some are from the 60's and 70's and you can even find brand new ones. They still make a beautiful gift for a girl -- of any age.
Labels:
Charm Bracelets,
Cornhuskers,
Costume Jewelry,
Jewelry,
K-State,
Queen Victoria,
Vintage Jewelry,
WWII
Friday, August 24, 2007
Butterflies on Cosmos Flowers in Mom and Dad's Garden
The picture is of a butterfly that I just happened to snap of picture of in Mom and Dad's Garden. I think it is spectacular (if I say so myself) and wanted to share it. The day was gorgeous, warm but beautiful. This butterfly flitted in and landed for just a brief moment in time, and then disappeared. Now, when I look at this picture, I think about that wonderful day at the folks'. It couldn't have been any better.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
To Flea or Not to Flea That is the Question! Lexington, Nebraska Flea Market
This year has been a hard year for me to get out and sell at flea markets. I got called in to work at the Post Office a couple flea market Friday and Saturdays, then the gas prices have been so high that you wonder whether to go at all. And now my husband's company that he works for is changing hands so that I wouldn't have his help at one of the biggest flea markets that I do at Lexington, Nebraska. BUMMER! But that is not all, my son's football game on "set-up friday" is about as far away from Lexington as you can get. Do I try and go, or just use that money to put more into my store on Rubylane? What to do, what to do?
I love the flea market atmosphere. The older folk that come up and spy something that triggers a memory or story from their youth, or the REALLY fun ones that just come up and say I have to have that! and just hand you the money without dickering at all! You have your tire kickers -- they're not much fun, you have all the vendors -- which even though you can't always remember their names , they are still your flea market family, and that is what you become. They do become a type of family. They'll help you out when you need it, blow smoke up your skirt when you don't, give you a drink or jump a dead battery (that has happened to me before.) They give you advice - good and bad-- Some will tell you it's the worst show they ever did and some are blow hards and will tell you they sold $XXXXX.XX! Just like family, most will go out of their way to help you, and when one of us doesn't show up at the next show, we miss them.
I hope they miss me!
I love the flea market atmosphere. The older folk that come up and spy something that triggers a memory or story from their youth, or the REALLY fun ones that just come up and say I have to have that! and just hand you the money without dickering at all! You have your tire kickers -- they're not much fun, you have all the vendors -- which even though you can't always remember their names , they are still your flea market family, and that is what you become. They do become a type of family. They'll help you out when you need it, blow smoke up your skirt when you don't, give you a drink or jump a dead battery (that has happened to me before.) They give you advice - good and bad-- Some will tell you it's the worst show they ever did and some are blow hards and will tell you they sold $XXXXX.XX! Just like family, most will go out of their way to help you, and when one of us doesn't show up at the next show, we miss them.
I hope they miss me!
Labels:
Antiques,
Collectibles,
Flea Markets,
Rubylane
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Willie and Millie Penguins - KOOL CigarettesSalt and Pepper Shakers come in so many shapes and sizes that they have become a fun and functional collectible!
They can be animals such as penguins as seen above in the famous Willie and Millie which were the mascot of KOOL cigarettes, or maybe cows, roosters, monkeys and whatever some artist of the Salinopeperophilia:(The love of salt and pepper shakers) decided to create. Here are some of the terms and types of Salt and Pepper shakers that are available.
- Anthropomorphic : Items like fruit that have human faces.
- Kissers: These are just what it says, shakers that appear to kiss.
- Huggers: Can be human or animal and they nest together in a hug.
- Go Togethers: They can be like a Car and a driver , a drunk and a jug, Stove and skillet.
- Stackers or Nesters: These are ones that fit atop each other, like the house shaker that I have online in my store.
- Long guys or longboys: they are very loooonnng shakers -- I had some dachsund dogs that were like that once.
- Hangers: they are the ones that have a solid base and then something hangs on it, like my monkeys on the tree.
- Souvenir Shakers: The ones that have the names of places or events on them.
- Figurals: Animals, houses, about anything that looks like something.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Sturgis Bike Rally
This is close to my old stomping ground. The Sturgis Bike rally was and still is an annual event. In fact, Mr. Hoel, from Sturgis, had the largest INDIAN Motorcycle store in the nation.
There are every type of motorcyle found, but mostly you find the Harley Motorcycle. I remember hundreds of these guys and gals in their leather chaps and boots, and their bandanas on their heads riding along through Rushville and Gordon on their way to South Dakota, through the Black Hills and the Indian Reservations to that famous site. And the stories that came back, whew, enough to make your toes curl.
Now I look at the blog by the Rapid City Journalist, Bill Harlan, Called the Sturgis Street Blog, and I think, "that looks like fun!" And the pictures of the Motorcycles - like they were straight off of California Choppers or like Bill here says - didn't I see this one on the Discovery Channel?
This time of year was always great to see a celebrity or two also. Kevin Costner made it one year, and I know the list is endless on that point.
It isn't like the old days though, now they actually rent out homes and apartments, some don't drive their "hogs" , they ride in their cars and pull their bikes behind on fancy enclosed trailers -- but then, most of the people I saw on the live street cam were my age and older and believe me, I like my creature comforts now.
I found this to be really awesome blog, with pictures of the Lynryd Skynrd band, and the motorcycles:
, and I wanted to share it with all of you.
While you're at my blog, check out my store!
There are every type of motorcyle found, but mostly you find the Harley Motorcycle. I remember hundreds of these guys and gals in their leather chaps and boots, and their bandanas on their heads riding along through Rushville and Gordon on their way to South Dakota, through the Black Hills and the Indian Reservations to that famous site. And the stories that came back, whew, enough to make your toes curl.
Now I look at the blog by the Rapid City Journalist, Bill Harlan, Called the Sturgis Street Blog, and I think, "that looks like fun!" And the pictures of the Motorcycles - like they were straight off of California Choppers or like Bill here says - didn't I see this one on the Discovery Channel?
This time of year was always great to see a celebrity or two also. Kevin Costner made it one year, and I know the list is endless on that point.
It isn't like the old days though, now they actually rent out homes and apartments, some don't drive their "hogs" , they ride in their cars and pull their bikes behind on fancy enclosed trailers -- but then, most of the people I saw on the live street cam were my age and older and believe me, I like my creature comforts now.
I found this to be really awesome blog, with pictures of the Lynryd Skynrd band, and the motorcycles:
While you're at my blog, check out my store!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Crackle Glass one of the Hottest Glass Collectibles Today!

Crackle Glass is a beautiful collectible glass. It is truly beautiful and so interesting. It has been made by a number of different glass companies and is highly collectible today.
The Venetian Glass Makers of the 16th Century created the process of making Crackle Glass. The process involved the blown glass being immersed in cold water while it was molten hot. This caused the glass to crack. After they did this the glass piece was reheated and the shape the glass blower wanted was either molded or hand blown. They controlled the shape they wanted this way. When the glass was reheated it sealed the cracks making the beautiful Crackle design we see today. If you run your hands over CRACKLE GLASS, you can feel the cracks, but the inside is smooth to touch.
This method was used by the glass makers of the 19th century and even is in being used today. CRACKLE GLASS companies are: Blenko Glass Company, Pilgrim Glass Company, Mt. Washington Glass Company, H.C. Fry Glass Company, Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, Hobbs, Bruckunier & Company, Rainbow Glass, Cambridge Glass Company, Kanawha Glass Company.
Crackle Glass is known by other names, such as Craquelle Glass, Ice Glass, and also Overshot Glass.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Hesston Belt Buckles
Hesston Belt Buckles have been around for years and years and have become such a wonderful collection for the Rodeo fans of yesterday and today. The Voice, a Wichita Kansas publication had a wonderful article about Hesston belt buckles back in the 90's that gave a great account of these buckles. I have taken some gleanings and information from this article to use here.
In 1974 Hesston approached the Rodeo Cowboy Association about the possibilities of televising the National Finals Rodeo. The plan was to target Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. So in order to test its effectiveness, they asked each dealer to supply a list of 150 customers and prospects in his area. Hesston then made a direct mailing to the customer asking them to complete a questionaire stating whether they watched the NFR program and if they would watch it again. The customer then took the card to their dealer to be validated and the company mailed them a 1974 Hesston buckle. This allowed Hesston to disperse all of their 1st buckles.
In 1975 Gene Countryman, director of Communications at Hesston decided to try another buckle, the 1975, and sell it. the mold was made by Lewis Buckle Co. of Chicago and was cast in a rubber type mold, It took a long time for the order to be filled and 50,000 buckles were made. The buckle became a successful collector's item because of an imprint on the back. Limited edition, collectors buckle. Bill manley, the designer of this buckle made a total of 10 of the Hesston buckles.
The 1976 buckle was made by Mattel and the die was produced by an old German engraver who retired after finishing the die. You can see stars in the background if you use a magnifying glass. 125,000 of these buckles were produced.
The 1977 belt buckle was the first oval shaped one, 150,000 were made and in 1977 the first numbered silver buckles were made for dealer incentives and a Pro Rodeo belt was made.
1978 belt buckle - 4th edition of Rodeo series made by Cast Products of Chicago. From here on there is no record of how many buckles were made.
1979 belt buckle - produced by Cast Products of Chicago. Also the first NFR stick pin was made, and 6 leather coasters which included the 1974 buckle design for a set of 6.
1980 belt buckle-Sixth edition of Rodeo Series. Again the leather coasters were made.
1981 Heston Belt Buckle - 7th Rodeo Series.
No record of maker, 2nd stick pin was made.
1982 belt buckle- the 8th and Last or Final Cowboy Classic Edition buckle. Also made was the 2nd bronze sculptue - THE ALL AROUND COWBOY was made.
1983 belt buckle - 1st edition of the Anniversary Series. 1983 was the 25th anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo
held in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1983 Award Design Metal made the 1st Sterling Silver and 24 K gold plate buckle. In 1983 and 1984, Hesston cast the buckles and Award Design Metals finished them.
1984 through 1989 belt buckles were designed by Fred Fellow. 1989 Secial Edition BARREL RACING buckle. This was the only year that 2 buckles were produced with different designs. This also closed the Anniversary Series.
1990 belt buckle - 1st Edition of the Hesston National Finals Commemorative Series. Again made by Award Design Metal
1991 belt buckle - 2nd in the commemorative series. Again designed by Award Design Metal.
1992 belt buckle - 3rd in the Commemorative Series
1993 Belt Buckle - 4th in the series,
1994 - 5th in the series
That is all the article provided.
They have been produced still and are still collected by the Belt buckle collector and the Rodeo Fan. The collections that are complete sell for over a thousand dollars and sometimes more. It depends on if you are at the right place at the right time. The 1974 usually sells for a few hundred dollars in itself.
It is a wonderful Collection and a wonderful sport. I have included a link to the ESPN site of the national finals rodeo if you would like to go there and read on the leaderboard or maybe someday you would like to visit the NFR, you can surely find out more about it HERE.
I have a 1981 Hesston Belt buckle for sale, If you click here or in the title above, it will take you there.
In 1974 Hesston approached the Rodeo Cowboy Association about the possibilities of televising the National Finals Rodeo. The plan was to target Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. So in order to test its effectiveness, they asked each dealer to supply a list of 150 customers and prospects in his area. Hesston then made a direct mailing to the customer asking them to complete a questionaire stating whether they watched the NFR program and if they would watch it again. The customer then took the card to their dealer to be validated and the company mailed them a 1974 Hesston buckle. This allowed Hesston to disperse all of their 1st buckles.
In 1975 Gene Countryman, director of Communications at Hesston decided to try another buckle, the 1975, and sell it. the mold was made by Lewis Buckle Co. of Chicago and was cast in a rubber type mold, It took a long time for the order to be filled and 50,000 buckles were made. The buckle became a successful collector's item because of an imprint on the back. Limited edition, collectors buckle. Bill manley, the designer of this buckle made a total of 10 of the Hesston buckles.
The 1976 buckle was made by Mattel and the die was produced by an old German engraver who retired after finishing the die. You can see stars in the background if you use a magnifying glass. 125,000 of these buckles were produced.
The 1977 belt buckle was the first oval shaped one, 150,000 were made and in 1977 the first numbered silver buckles were made for dealer incentives and a Pro Rodeo belt was made.
1978 belt buckle - 4th edition of Rodeo series made by Cast Products of Chicago. From here on there is no record of how many buckles were made.
1979 belt buckle - produced by Cast Products of Chicago. Also the first NFR stick pin was made, and 6 leather coasters which included the 1974 buckle design for a set of 6.
1980 belt buckle-Sixth edition of Rodeo Series. Again the leather coasters were made.
1981 Heston Belt Buckle - 7th Rodeo Series.
No record of maker, 2nd stick pin was made.
1982 belt buckle- the 8th and Last or Final Cowboy Classic Edition buckle. Also made was the 2nd bronze sculptue - THE ALL AROUND COWBOY was made.
1983 belt buckle - 1st edition of the Anniversary Series. 1983 was the 25th anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo
held in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1983 Award Design Metal made the 1st Sterling Silver and 24 K gold plate buckle. In 1983 and 1984, Hesston cast the buckles and Award Design Metals finished them.
1984 through 1989 belt buckles were designed by Fred Fellow. 1989 Secial Edition BARREL RACING buckle. This was the only year that 2 buckles were produced with different designs. This also closed the Anniversary Series.
1990 belt buckle - 1st Edition of the Hesston National Finals Commemorative Series. Again made by Award Design Metal
1991 belt buckle - 2nd in the commemorative series. Again designed by Award Design Metal.
1992 belt buckle - 3rd in the Commemorative Series
1993 Belt Buckle - 4th in the series,
1994 - 5th in the series
That is all the article provided.
They have been produced still and are still collected by the Belt buckle collector and the Rodeo Fan. The collections that are complete sell for over a thousand dollars and sometimes more. It depends on if you are at the right place at the right time. The 1974 usually sells for a few hundred dollars in itself.
It is a wonderful Collection and a wonderful sport. I have included a link to the ESPN site of the national finals rodeo if you would like to go there and read on the leaderboard or maybe someday you would like to visit the NFR, you can surely find out more about it HERE.
I have a 1981 Hesston Belt buckle for sale, If you click here or in the title above, it will take you there.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Christmas Candy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Christmas is about upon us and I wanted to share an easy home-made candy recipe called EASY FANTASY FUDGE. It is quick, it's delicious, and it is an easy gift to give friends, neighbors, bus drivers, sunday school teachers , whomever you need that little "Merry Christas" gift.
EASY FANTASY FUDGE
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) margarine or butter
12 oz can of evaporated milk
2 pkg. (12 oz. ea) semi sweet chocolate chips
1 jar (13 oz.) marshmallow creme
2 cups chopped nuts
2 tsp. vanilla
Lightly grease 2 9 x 13 pans. Mix butter, sugar and milk in heavy 5 quart pan. Bring to full rolling boil on medium heat stirring contantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes on medium heat or until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees F, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in chips until melted. Add remaining ingredients, mix well. Pour into prepared pans. Cool at room temperature, cut into squares.
makes about 6#.
This is a yummy recipe.
At my store you can find a great recipe book that will be sure to offer you more wonderful recipes. And if you want a beautiful dish to put your fudge into, try this gorgeous green glass piece.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Collectible Dolls and the Vintage Doll. Includes Collectible Teddy Bears and Barbie - AnythingGoes 08/12/05
Collectible Dolls and the Vintage Doll. Includes Collectible Teddy Bears and Barbie - AnythingGoes 08/12/05
Here it is, What I promised you. This site has some tremendous information for you about all those great old dolls of yours. Make sure you check them out!
Whether you like Madame Alexander, or Raggedy Ann, I'm sure you will find the information you are looking for here.
Here it is, What I promised you. This site has some tremendous information for you about all those great old dolls of yours. Make sure you check them out!
Whether you like Madame Alexander, or Raggedy Ann, I'm sure you will find the information you are looking for here.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
So it's Been Awhile
You know, I have been chasing my tail this past month. Hubby changed jobs and that meant a move. I guess you know what that means -- UGH! I mean I sell online and do flea markets--I have a whole garage, basement, trailer and more to move just for that! Heaven help us!
Any of you that do the flea market or online selling thing, KNOW what I'm talking about! We have our treasures in any available nook and cranny we can find - and throw something away? -- NEVER! SACRILEGE!
So, needless to say it has been work! A Lot of Work! Remember, we had to move a household of 7 people's accumulation for 6 1/2 years too! WHEW! That is what we have been doing, and even I was sick of looking at all my stuff. But, it was fun to see some of the things I had bought that I had forgotten about. Wow, some really great things! I found the half dolls I had been looking for, and some McCoy pottery, and So many juicers and reamers I don't think I will ever need to restock those! Now I have to get busy and put it all on the store or tackle some more flea markets!! BUT -- THAT is FUN!
Any of you that do the flea market or online selling thing, KNOW what I'm talking about! We have our treasures in any available nook and cranny we can find - and throw something away? -- NEVER! SACRILEGE!
So, needless to say it has been work! A Lot of Work! Remember, we had to move a household of 7 people's accumulation for 6 1/2 years too! WHEW! That is what we have been doing, and even I was sick of looking at all my stuff. But, it was fun to see some of the things I had bought that I had forgotten about. Wow, some really great things! I found the half dolls I had been looking for, and some McCoy pottery, and So many juicers and reamers I don't think I will ever need to restock those! Now I have to get busy and put it all on the store or tackle some more flea markets!! BUT -- THAT is FUN!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
A Great Doll Site
I have discovered a wonderful new Doll information site. In the next few days, when they approve my site, I will link some information for you to find it.
Look at this cute renwal dollhouse baby doll with the green diaper in my store
Look at this cute renwal dollhouse baby doll with the green diaper in my store
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
200 Mile Junk Jaunt Flea Market and Garage Sales
The Junk Jaunt began as an idea, admittedly a borrowed one, but an idea none the less, of a member of Loup Basin Resource Conservation and Development's Tourism Committee in early 2004. That idea has taken hold and grown like a prairie wild fire. Encompassing the entire Loup Rivers Scenic Byway, and portions of the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, including twenty two towns, villages, and cities.
This is a new Flea Market just started last year in beautiful Nebraska the state I grew up in and Love. It is a great Flea Market. I stopped by on my way back from Valentine and my family thought I dropped off the edge of the world because I got home Very Late--every town I went through there were more and more Garage Sales!! It was so much fun I didn't want to stop, AND THIS WAS ON THE LAST DAY!
I will be doing this flea market this year and you can find me at St. Paul Nebraska, A small town by Grand Island. My Mom and Dad will be joining me and we will have some Wonderful Items like you can find in my ruby lane store and MORE!!
Visit the Junk Jaunt Official Site Or post a comment for information and I will get back to you.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Dating an Item by the Patent Number
There is a great resource out there for all of us who collect antiques or other collectible items. It is a page put out by the government that dates when an item was patented. click on the Title to go to the page. It usually has the plans that were drawn out and submitted too, although you need Adobe to view them. It has been a great help to me and I thought I would share that with all of you too!
Other pages that help with this too are: http://www.bottlebooks.com/patentdater.htm
and: http://www.mwtca.org/mwpat.htm
Check it out!
Other pages that help with this too are: http://www.bottlebooks.com/patentdater.htm
and: http://www.mwtca.org/mwpat.htm
Check it out!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
State Wrestling And Hitting Goodwill
Well last week was a week of getting ready for state kids wrestling in Topeka Kansas and I didn't get much done with my store or anywhere for that matter. It is always fun to go watch your kids do their sports or other activities but in the back of my mind is usually a little voice that says " Hey, I wonder if they have a great antique store or second hand store that I can slip off to between bouts.
I can always find someone who will know where there is a good store to visit. This time was no different. I found a great Salvation Army store just down from the expocenter where my son was wrestling and got a couple fun things there and then on the way home I found the Goodwill store that was just a couple of blocks from my exit to go home. There were a couple great Disney Lithographs I got there, now all I have to do is the research on them.
My family thinks I ought to just go to these events and relax and enjoy them. But for me, they are 10 times more fun if I can sneak away for a few moments and find a few collectible things to take home with me. Besides, it will be another whole year before I get to go to Topeka again, and I you can't miss the opportunity to scavenge the stores in someone elses home town!
I can always find someone who will know where there is a good store to visit. This time was no different. I found a great Salvation Army store just down from the expocenter where my son was wrestling and got a couple fun things there and then on the way home I found the Goodwill store that was just a couple of blocks from my exit to go home. There were a couple great Disney Lithographs I got there, now all I have to do is the research on them.
My family thinks I ought to just go to these events and relax and enjoy them. But for me, they are 10 times more fun if I can sneak away for a few moments and find a few collectible things to take home with me. Besides, it will be another whole year before I get to go to Topeka again, and I you can't miss the opportunity to scavenge the stores in someone elses home town!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
THE MOTHER OF ALL GARAGE SALES
And so it starts! It is that time of year I guess, but it does seem to be a bit early to me. This last weekend, March 5th my son and I traversed to Lincoln Nebraska and did what is called
Logan and I got in the pickup and hooked up the NEW Cargo trailer I just invested in, and drove the 3+ hour drive to the land of the Cornhuskers! (GO BIG RED). We got there about 11:00 am and set up for the big day & it took us ALL DAY. I can fit a lot in a 10 x 30 foot booth space. Logan kept telling me to quit, but you know, there was room for "ONE MORE ITEM" I just know it was the thing that was going to sell! It did take us all day and by 7:00 that evening we were bushed.
After shelling out the fee for the booth, I really didn't want to get a motel room too -- so, we decided we were just going sleep in the pickup and the trailer. MAN OH MAN OH MAN OH MAN!! IT was COLD!!! Logan slept in the trailer, I slept in the pickup and was just tolerating the chilliness when about 3:30 in the morning Logan knocked on the window of the pickup. He scared the bejeebies out of me!! The poor boy was freezing, shivering his tail off! He climbed inside, we started the pickup and warmed up, shared our blankets and made it through the night until 7:00 am when the we needed to go get our booth ready.
We had a great day. My 18 yr old son was a trooper! and we had fun. I met some great people, you just can't beat the flea market group. We help each other, and if we don't have what the customer is looking for, we usually can steer them to someone who does. It is a fun thing to do, and it helps fund our antique addiction that we all seem to have.
That night, Logan drove home(it was soooo nice) and I told him, that this was going to be a memory for me to cherish. A memory of time spent with my 18 year old who will be leaving in the fall for college and a new life.
THE MOTHER OF ALL GARAGE SALESIt is held every year around this time and you set up the day before and sell the next day.
Logan and I got in the pickup and hooked up the NEW Cargo trailer I just invested in, and drove the 3+ hour drive to the land of the Cornhuskers! (GO BIG RED). We got there about 11:00 am and set up for the big day & it took us ALL DAY. I can fit a lot in a 10 x 30 foot booth space. Logan kept telling me to quit, but you know, there was room for "ONE MORE ITEM" I just know it was the thing that was going to sell! It did take us all day and by 7:00 that evening we were bushed.
After shelling out the fee for the booth, I really didn't want to get a motel room too -- so, we decided we were just going sleep in the pickup and the trailer. MAN OH MAN OH MAN OH MAN!! IT was COLD!!! Logan slept in the trailer, I slept in the pickup and was just tolerating the chilliness when about 3:30 in the morning Logan knocked on the window of the pickup. He scared the bejeebies out of me!! The poor boy was freezing, shivering his tail off! He climbed inside, we started the pickup and warmed up, shared our blankets and made it through the night until 7:00 am when the we needed to go get our booth ready.
We had a great day. My 18 yr old son was a trooper! and we had fun. I met some great people, you just can't beat the flea market group. We help each other, and if we don't have what the customer is looking for, we usually can steer them to someone who does. It is a fun thing to do, and it helps fund our antique addiction that we all seem to have.
That night, Logan drove home(it was soooo nice) and I told him, that this was going to be a memory for me to cherish. A memory of time spent with my 18 year old who will be leaving in the fall for college and a new life.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Sister to Sister!
This is a great email I got from a gal that found some great jadite in my shop. This is what it is all about, it is the Joy in the find, the FUN, and how exciting it is to find that special "something" for that special person, Like a SISTER!
OH just a side note ~ you don't have to be a member to shop at my store! lol. Thanks for the GREAT email L!
Brenda,
Last night My sister and I got on Yahoo Messenger and as usual I was bossing her around and making her update her computer etc...
She is the mom of a 13 year old boy, works 12 hour shifts at a paper plant ( Half nights, half days). Has 4 beautiful Maltese dogs and is trying to get the courage up to divorce her husband. She is my only sister and my best friend. I tell you all this because after I bossed her around for an hour, she said this is the first time we have been online in almost 6 months and we can't even look at milk glass and jadeite.
So I typed in ruby lane, we looked till we about went to sleep. She kept saying I love those saucers, that can't mean 20 for all can it? So I had to convince her you had to be a member to get that price. So she wouldn't try to get them. God forgive me!!!
Then I wrote you.
I want you to know that your store made me and my sister really happy last night. We are 700 miles away from each other and haven't seen each other in over 2 years. This will make her screaming happy.
OH just a side note ~ you don't have to be a member to shop at my store! lol. Thanks for the GREAT email L!
Monday, February 07, 2005
What did Your Parents use the butter paddle for?
Remember when, years ago, that items weren't always used for what they were meant to be used for? Like the cream can I wrote about earlier, it was used many times for an extra chair for company, or in my home I have a 35 gallon redwing crock that doesn't make sauerkraut or dill pickles anymore, it is used instead to hold afghans in my living room for those chilly Kansas nights.
Lon, my husband, always tells the story of the butter paddle. Now a butter paddle should always be used to make butter, right? Raised in the sandhills of Nebraska, 23 miles from town, Lon, his sister and brother and of course the neighbor kids - who lived just down the road- could raise a little Cain ever once in awhile. One particular day, they must have raised more Cain than normal for Lon's Mom to get her dander up. It might have been the day they wove electrical wiring through the hammock, hooked it up to the battery and shocked his cousins and sister, or maybe it was safety pinning his little brother ( who was in those cute little footsie pajamas ) to the bed when saturday morning cartoons were on. Or maybe it was trying to fly off the barn with 2 pieces of tin attached to their arms -- they were sure that they could fly. Whatever the reason was, their Mom had had ENOUGH. OUT came the butter paddle, and their shiny rear-ends got a spanking with the working end of butter paddle & I'm sure that butter paddle stung a bit, don't you think??
The next day, they snuck that old ANTIQUE butter paddle out of their Mother's kitchen and dug a hole , I mean they dug a DEEP hole, and buried that Butter Paddle! It wasn't until the next time they were due a licking that she missed it, and then she was really upset, I think it was her Grandmas, by that time the kids couldn't remember where they had buried it.(So they Said!)
Antiques have had many different uses. -- What was your butter paddle used for?
Lon, my husband, always tells the story of the butter paddle. Now a butter paddle should always be used to make butter, right? Raised in the sandhills of Nebraska, 23 miles from town, Lon, his sister and brother and of course the neighbor kids - who lived just down the road- could raise a little Cain ever once in awhile. One particular day, they must have raised more Cain than normal for Lon's Mom to get her dander up. It might have been the day they wove electrical wiring through the hammock, hooked it up to the battery and shocked his cousins and sister, or maybe it was safety pinning his little brother ( who was in those cute little footsie pajamas ) to the bed when saturday morning cartoons were on. Or maybe it was trying to fly off the barn with 2 pieces of tin attached to their arms -- they were sure that they could fly. Whatever the reason was, their Mom had had ENOUGH. OUT came the butter paddle, and their shiny rear-ends got a spanking with the working end of butter paddle & I'm sure that butter paddle stung a bit, don't you think??
The next day, they snuck that old ANTIQUE butter paddle out of their Mother's kitchen and dug a hole , I mean they dug a DEEP hole, and buried that Butter Paddle! It wasn't until the next time they were due a licking that she missed it, and then she was really upset, I think it was her Grandmas, by that time the kids couldn't remember where they had buried it.(So they Said!)
Antiques have had many different uses. -- What was your butter paddle used for?
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