eBay + Etsy = 2 Easy

I told myself I would not peruse eBay or Etsy in search of tin doll heads.  I didn't listen but after taking a little look-see, told myself I would not buy.  It is just too easy to succumb.  Well, I did not heed the voice within (what??? you say) and now it's an official collection.  

It was just such a good deal I could not say no.  Heck, the shipping was almost as much as the doll head.  This one is marked Minerva on the front and Germany 6 on the back.

Good looking family, no?

Do you listen to the voices from within?

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

The Moving Wall ~

The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Last weekend it was in Wellington, OH (home of Archibold Willard, painter of the Spirit of '76).  Though I came of age during the Vietnam War, I thankfully knew no one who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but there are 58k + names etched on the wall.  So sad.

~ May God Bless our Soldiers and 

may God Bless America ~

Lauren

One More ~

One more tin doll head marked Germany came home with me yesterday from my favorite antique show in Milan, Ohio, birthplace of Thomas A. Edison.  She is on the right.  One more is needed and it will be an official collection :)

They sit atop a Shaker sewing box purchased at the same antique show a few years ago.  The cross stitch heart was a gift from Melinda at Merry Wind Farm and the pincushion in the old shoe was made by Bobbie, The Evening Stitcher.  I have some very talented friends.

I also purchased a lightening rod minus the ball.  I know I have a ball or two . . . somewhere . . . I just need to figure out where.  I also bought three Christmas gifts and a birthday gift.  I was pretty happy about that.  I prefer to give gifts that a person would not normally buy and something that can't be found at Kohl's . . . lol.

Happy Monday.  A hot one here in northern Ohio.  After all the rain we had this spring, I knew when it stopped we would be in a world of hurt, and we are there.  The grass is already turning crunchy brown :(

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

A Quick Trip ~

We're home from our whirlwind trip to Chicago, about a 600 mile round trip.  We left Tuesday morning and got home late this afternoon.  It's an annual affair taking my grandson Jake to visit his cousins Sophia and Alexis.

Some random pictures in no particular order.

We took a trip to the lakefront north of town to pick up Alexis from Lacrosse camp.  Here's "Joliet" Jake (think Blues Brothers) in front of the Chicago flag.  That hat cracked me up. 

This picture was taken about 3 miles north of the city.

Being the redhead that he is, Jake does not tan so that is him looking all pale and white :)

My niece drove us to the area called the north loop (I think) to see her hubby's office and have lunch.  Sophia, DSO and I decided to take the El (elevated train) back to my niece's.  On the walk to the station, we wandered in to Union Station Railroad Station which opened in 1925.  What a gorgeous edifice.  They sure don't build them like this any longer.  This American flag greeted us as we entered.

 We walked past Willis Tower (aka the Big Willy).

DSO waiting . . . 

. . . and here it is.  A great way to catch glimpses of the city.

Cousins.  Age wise, Jake is between the two girls.

Saturday I have an applique class with Rebekah L. Smith.  Just what I need . . .  another project and this is a big one (at least for me).

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Back to School ~

I hope every one had a glorious 4th of July.  DSO had his annual party.  We dodged a few sprinkles early on, but overall a wonderful, albeit hot, humid day.  Ah, summertime.

I was shocked to see school supplies already in the store the other day.  Today the Kohls ad came with back to school sales.  I feel as though summer has just begun.

Still don't have a real hooking project planned, so I quickly hooked a little fall mat.  I will bind it on the way to Chicago Tuesday.  A great way to pass the time.

  

I also started this 1776 Patriotic Eagle cross stitch by Lori Rippey.  I prefer to stitch samplers but this is the perfect gift for a friend.  I am not off to a good start.  I've already had to frog (rip out) stitches twice and I've barely begun.  You can purchase the chart here.

Here are my goods from last Saturday's primitive antique show.  The two treen containers were priced right . . . not that I needed to add to that collection.  The Santa was also a great deal.  The little Staffordshire dog has some damage and was just sweet.  The doll's head is tin and marked Germany on the back and Minerva on the front.  I'm told it dates to the early 1900's.  The coverlet was my big purchase.  I bought it to cut up, but as always I am having second thoughts.  It does have wear/damage, but as you can see in the second picture, it is dated 1843.  I assume the ends had major damage because they are sewn down with the date folded in half.  A few other purchases may become gifts so are not shown.

Poison ivy ~ ugh.  I contracted it again for only the third time in my life but two summers in a row.  I really should have gone to the doctor but every day I thought it was getting better.  Mostly confined to one arm, the itching has been driving me crazy.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Happy Birthday America ~

God Bless America 

Land that I love

Here's hoping your holiday is everything you are hoping for ~ and more.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

Ohio Flags of Honor ~

Yesterday I hurried home from the primitive antique show, Back to Our Roots (more on that in another post) to hop on the motorcycle (finally!) to head an hour to the town of Willard.  They were hosting the Ohio Flags of Honor Traveling Memorial.  The Ohio Flags of Honor Traveling Memorial honors the men and women of Ohio who have given their lives in service to their country.  Specifically, those Fallen in the Wars in Afghanistan, Irag and the War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001.  Over 800 flags were set out and 301 of the flags have the name of a fallen hero on them.  You can read about the history here.  My son, a veteran, had seen the flags a number of years ago.  He brought his son Jake along to witness the event.

Please keep our Armed Forces’ service men and women in your thoughts and prayers. They defend our freedom both at home and abroad.

…And never forget our fallen heroes or their families.

~ God Bless America ~

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren