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!