I guess I have another collection...

Somehow I find that I have a growing collection of cast cement items. I bought this adorable chipmunk yesterday at a great market in Kalkaska. I bought several cast pieces in Geneva, IL over the past few years. A guy from Ireland casts unusual things like the doll head (in the picture), a doll arm, baskets. I have a few things at home from him. On a visit to Meijer Gardens this spring, I found several very nice cast things in the gift shop. Then there is a couple from near Owosso who sell at the Cadillac Art Fair in the summer. Peter Rabbit is from them.
Always on the look out!

The Moon...

...just beautiful over the lake early this morning.

Beautiful Day!

Today was a wonderful day! I drove into Traverse City to pick up Grand Traverse pies to help celebrate youngest son's birthday this weekend as well as special goodies. Of course I couldn't resist stopping at several of my favorite stores. One is Stewart Zack's where I found some beautiful ribbon. One is for a wreath I made for our back door back home (and I forgot to check the price before having it cut-yikes!). The other is a pretty white ribbon with red stars. I hope to make it beautify my mantle at the lake house. Not sure why I love ribbon so much~although one of my dearest friends sells ribbon! Perhaps there is a connection...!

We ended our day with a slow cruise around the lake with friends who have a great pontoon boat. Makes me want one! Who needs so many cars-I told my husband! I want/need a pontoon boat! We saw the Swan Family with six new cygnets. The loon nest was empty~hope the egg has hatched and they were out swimming. Also saw an eagle up in it's nest. I need a better zoom to get closer to that. Wonderful way to end our day!

I got out my string of reproduction flags to decorate the cottage. Happy Memorial weekend to all!

Estate Sale!

Today I turned onto our road and there was an 'Estate Sale' sign! My car seemed to have a mind of it's own and followed the signs up the hill and around a corner to a house not half a mile from us. Amazing amount of 'stuff'...someone suggested that they brought more stuff in for the sale so I asked when I paid. No-the house was jammed packed full! Everything was half price so I was determined to find something. Right away I found a metal ice cream chair. Not in great shape but I need a chair as a plant stand at the cottage for $12~but wait-half price-$6! Not much vintage or antique until I went down into the retro basement with red shag carpet and dark panelling. There was a basket of wooden blocks, each with a nursery rhyme on it. The price was high but at half price, I didn't think it was bad. Now I need to wash the blocks to try to get rid of the musty odor. What a find!

The pictures showed up!

I guess patience is what I needed. I just checked my webshots and there was the new album! So for those of you who would like to see the pictures I took at the Wilcox Estate, here is the link...


Wilcox Symphony Showhouse 2010, Grand Rapids, MI">

Shoot!

I spent over an hour last night working on an album on Webshots. I added titles to the 66 pictures and captions...then lost everything! Rats! Guess I was overtired and the wine didn't help...

If anyone has the time and is in the Grand Rapids area, a visit to see the Wilcox Estate Symphony Showhouse is worth the time and money! I took my sister there yesterday (she took a personal day off!) and we had a terrific time. The history and eclectic furnishings made it so much fun.

Then we stopped at Meijer Gardens to ask questions about the concerts held there and ended up spending time looking at the Chihuly glass exhibit outside as well as in. What a wonderful day with my favorite sister!

Lilies of the Valley

They are starting to fade but are still so beautiful! I love spring...with everything fresh and green and beautiful!

Yummy Traverse City!

Well, I went into Traverse City this afternoon and spent most of my time and money related to food! First stop was Grand Traverse Pie Company (cherry pie for dessert tonight), then Mary's Kitchen Port for some delicious salads (cherry chicken salad and a Greek Pasta salad as well as Whitefish Pate'). I did head to the Warehouse District to stop in at The Red Dresser to see what they had. Great store with many artists and unique items-many made out of old stuff. Great place for ideas! Then on to downtown Front Street. I love to shop the beautiful ribbons available at Stewart Zacks. I browsed many stores before stopping in at Trains & Things Hobby Store to buy some lights and odds and ends. Their prices are good so I ordered some coarse green foliage I need for a workshop this summer. On to American Spoon Food for my favorite sorbet-Blood Orange! Love it! I found a reproduction wooden shoe at Americana Collection on the clearance shelf. Less than half price! I see it turned into a miniature shoe house...for mice, of course! I ended up spending three hours by myself, having a wonderful time! Back at the cottage now to a beautiful sunset.

Oh-I forgot our first boat ride around the lake! Two new cottages being built. Saw the Loon on her nest, the eagle circling high overhead...hope he stays away from the loon baby when it is hatched. Also saw the swan on her nest on a small island, her mate calmly swimming nearby. I forgot the binoculars to check out the eagle nest. Hope there is an egg ready to hatch there, too!

Wonderful day...

A few of my favorite things at the cottage...

I am so lucky to have so many treasures!

New display find...

I spent much time at Hobby Lobby and Michael's in the past two days, trying to buy all the 'ingredients' I need for a miniature workshop I was asked to do this summer. After the third Hobby Lobby store, I finally thought to ask if they give rain checks....and they do! They will order as much as I need and call me when it is in-within a week! Plus they will sell it all to me at the sale price. I couldn't be more pleased! Customer service is alive and well...at some stores!

I found this adorable red stand while strolling the aisles yesterday and decided it had to come home with me. It is just the right size for a mouse or two and the clerk gave it to me half price, since glassware was half off this week. What a bonus! I added the lace edging but think it may need a bit more so may use real lace and maybe some RWB ribbon, too. But had to share it! We headed up to the lake where we found cold temps and wind. Not at all like the weather at home.

Oh, well! I brought many projects with me and may drive into town and browse a few of my favorite stores. Always something to look forward to! Plus I need two more sea turtles for two mouse friends who had to have one with a little mousie riding it's back.

Enjoy your day!

Oh, Wow!

I just got a call from the publisher of a miniature magazine asking me to write an ariticle about a dear friend who was very gifted in making miniatures! She passed away in February and we plan to have a special display of her work at 'A Grad Affair in Miniatures' in October. I am excited and proud to share words and pictures of her great talent!

Newest favorite mouse....

While at Mouse Expo last weekend, I won a new mouse! This was won in a game, not a contest and I NEVER win the mouse games. I am not the fanatical mouse collector who memorizes all the names and numbers of each mouse. The contest was guessing which mouse fit the silhouette and I am still shocked that I had an easy time with this.I won a mouse which was just released this week. A retailer had a few from the factory as contest prizes, but none to sell. Now I am dreaming up a cutre display for her. Now she resides on the miniature hutch on my kitchen window ledge. Gotta love her!

More pictures....

I donated a display to the charity auction...and here is a picture of my 'Pirate Ship'.

Home from CA!

So tired but happy! Spent great time with son, Peter, as well as mouser friends. Our time there was fast and furious and I think I am getting too old for this! Next time, I will plan an extra day or two so I don't feel so overwhelmed!

My display won first prize! There were so many wonderful displays that I was surprised. My pirate ship also won first and I got a second and two thirds as well. I sold most of what I took with me and didn't spend as much as I could have....