Vintage Junk Crazed

It seems I'm vintage/junk-crazed these days. Not that I haven't loved old stuff before now, but it appears to be growing....now including items from the 50's-60's and even the 70's. I'm a yard sale junkie and I find myself zeroing in on the vintage and broken/rusty/crusty stuff and turning my nose up at the new.

Good news is, I'm not alone. From websites like Etsy to The Junk Revolution, to the tons of blogs out there authored by those with the same addiction, there is a growing population who are enamored with old stuff. Some because they are old enough to be nostalgic, others because of the "green" element (reduce, reuse, recycle), and others just because they're getting caught up in the fun!

I've posted previously about aprons, bowls and plates and such. Now I'm caught up in cut glass, and crystal pieces, and milk glass. Love these! I changed out from a lot of darker, heavier pottery pieces for these lighter, brighter pieces for spring. Just need my flowers to start blooming so I can fill the vases!

Wander Through the Woods

We took a little time out over the weekend to go to the woods on the back of our property. I visited the pond and wandered around while DH searched for morel mushrooms.
This gorgeous plant looks like a giant bloom, planted at the base of one of the towering oaks. I'm not sure what it is called. The leaves are a very soft, fuzzy texture making me think of a plant I've seen called Lambs Ear.I captured the tracks of one of the many woods-creatures. I think likely a raccoon or skunk.I should have taken photos of the morels DH found - but those were supper tonight and are long gone! There were at least 40 of them - bountiful compared to most years. Dredged in flour, salt and pepper, then pan fried and served with bacon gravy - heaven on a plate!

Elm at Dusk

The title pretty well says it all. I saw it - I liked it - I shot it....and sometimes that is all you need.

Green and Growing

I've been away from my blog for a bit longer than usual, but have a good report to share now on the green, growing going on around here.

All 12 tulips I planted last fall are up now, though the 2 on the north-most side of the bed came up 3-4 weeks later than the rest for some reason. Two are at the bloom stage - one is a nice bright gold, but this one has a rosy tinge that I'm anxious to see more fully. (And yes, it's time to fire up the hateful weedeater - but the blooms on those weeds in the background are kind of pretty...don't you think?)


The raindrops glisten on the strawberries....and what is that peeking out? Blooms???? Yes! Blooms!!! These Red Wonder Wild Strawberries may have been a bit of a challenge to start from seed last year, but what a treat they have proved to be. I can hardly wait to enjoy the tiny but unbelievably delectable berries - if I can keep them from getting frozen! Forecasts call for another freeze this evening and unfortunately, this could keep happening for the next 4 weeks - ugh.

My indoor garden is filling out too. As the sweet peppers are leafing out, I've been transplanting so there is only one per cup. The tomatoes got started later, but they'll catch up soon. I've had a few minor disappointments - the Tam peppers never sprouted - but I only wanted one plant for salsa anyway. I may only end up with one or two of a few specific things because of poor germination, but I knew some of my seed was 2-3 years old. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the turnout so far. And knowing I have several things growing in the wintersown jugs and coldframe tubs outdoors is a bonus. Yeah spring!