GOOD AND BAD

If you are a follower of Summer Sundays blog, you are aware of day-trip four of us took on Friday--we love Rockbridge and having lunch at the Trout Ranch. It is an experience in time travel, as it is so much like things were in the 50's. You almost expect to see Andy and Opie fishing in the river,instead we saw an older couple--He was fishing and she was on a lounge chair, in the shallows, reading a book. She was pretty in her one-piece and straw hat. We wanted to respect their privacy, so took no photos. As we drove down into river valley, it felt as though temperature dropped 15 or 20 degrees, and that was a good reason for trip. It is so dry here--the only saving grace is drop in humidity.

We live in an area of unprecedented beauty and unprecedented ugliness. Within a short drive of Springfield we have rivers, streams and lakes that offer all the amenities. Sport boats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and even some small "yachts". You can fish, bike, hike, bird-watch, etc. The small towns close-by can be stunning, but that isn't the whole story. As wonderful as our trip was on Friday, the short trip I took on Thursday was really, really bad and depressing. I was looking for a photo op., and knew of a farmer's mkt, on the grounds of an old flour mill. The small town is quaint and has a good restaurant and bakery,across the street from a flea-market. What an experience! It had been a couple of years since my last visit to this flea, and it was pretty bad, but bad can't begin to describe it now. Large chunks of ceiling had fallen into some of the booths and vendors had deposited merchandise on the floor in the middle of this debris. I don't think anything has been sold since they opened, because you could not possibly find anything nor is anything accessible if you desired to make a purchase. I left the building and drove a few blocks around town to access mill and mkt. By the time I reached destination I was so bummed I didn't stop--drove home as fast as legal and called sister to plan trip to Rockbridge. Our mother always said there was no excuse for people to be dirty, because you could always find water--maybe they should search for a grass and trash-eating goat while they are looking for water. This may sound harsh, but in our corner of the world it is a real problem.

Now that I have vented, I want to look forward to fall open-house at Leolas. We will close for two days and when we re-open it will be amazing. Can't wait! Now you have the good, bad, and upcoming beautiful.

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS

Seeing the big yellow buses rolling down my country road makes me know the changing color in treeline is not an illusion. The overcast,cooler day made me want to go on hunt for bittersweet and fall foliage. Fall open house,at Leola's, is second week of Sept., so really feel need to stop procrastinating. I always do everything on the fly--don't plan very well. There are a couple of good sales this next week-end, so hope to add to inventory. I always need a theme for my space,as that gives me focus. This time around I am getting away from whites,etc. and going with OUT OF AFRICA. Doesn't that just give a vision of khakis, greys, faded greens? I can always use help, so if you have any ideas? Wanted you to know Leola has a fb page, so come on over and be her friend. The photo is from my porch--the first color of fall.

raccoon eyes

I have tried for two days to write a new post, but could not access blog-said I forgot password. Nothing I did worked, not even through e-mail. Today, like magic, It accepts my password--ADD and high blood pressure. I am noticing a definite change in the tree-line surrounding my valley--walnut leaves always go early,but this is August and there is fading of colors and some gold showing up. We are preparing for fall open house at Leola's, so this should put me in mood. I am in charge of mailers and setting of mood for windows,etc. In case you haven't noticed, my sisters try to keep me occupied and out of their hair. I will attempt,again, to show photos. I took some quick shots of collections I keep about and I wanted you to see who greeted me yesterday morning, as I stumbled past atrium doors with my first cup of caffeine.

Garage sale

Considering the heat and humidity, Leola's garage sale could be considered a success. The crowd gathered early and mingled about until early afternoon. We saw lots of vendors we only see when we all hit the sales, because most of them are sole proprieters and stay close to home. Late in afternoon we loaded up and left-overs went to storefront operated by a charitable organization. We always have fun when we do these events--Linda served lunch. My sons refer to Linda's never-ending tuna bowl as three heads of lettuce and one can of tuna. When our kids were still at home we would gather at Linda's house and she and mom would serve lunch poolside-- almost always tuna sandwiches . Everyone of our kids consider those days the best. I am going to attempt to insert photos, so if they are random you are welcome to my world! I want everyone to know that Jan did not take part in our sale and you should give her a resounding BOO. Just so you know we are not intentionaly mean--we are two years apart and share a lot of friends, so have always been a little brutal with each other. Linda is in above photo,holding her great-granddaughter--Bella. The sign on bldng. in background is from our antique shop we operated for ten years, back in the day.

Leola's Yard Sale!!

Who in their right mind would be cleaning storage when it is 90 degrees and 100% humidity? I am prepping for Leola's yard sale tomorrow,and am grateful to have help. One of "my three sons" is helping load or a heat stroke would be eminent. I will have photos of sale on next post, which should be in next few days--could be sooner . Could also be later! I am adding photos,here, taken during storm on Tuesday. Remember sale tomorrow!!

Storms overhead

O.K. Second blog on it's way-hold on to your hat. It was stormy yesterday,as I drove to Ozark. I intended to take photos along the road,but found that impossible. The shop was full of people waiting to have lunch at Lamberts. If you have no experience with this eatery you would be amazed at the long lines. Cash only, no reservations and a wait as long as three hours. Guess where they stop over when they have nothing to do while waiting for table? Most of the people are very nice, but we have a problem with them heading for our white-cushioned chairs. We are now tying ribbon across arms so they will not recline upon these cushions. Jan was running shop yesterday and as I mentioned, she is very patient. Did I mention they discourage my working behind the counter? We have wonderful customers who really appreciate what we do, and new people are finding us everyday. The ladies of Leolas are cleaning house and having a yard sale this Sat. If you are within driving distance of Springfield,take 65 hi-way to Division,turn East to Fm. Rd. 185 , South on 185 to signs. Lots of really good merchandise. Our sister Linda and her daughter Kelli live at this address. They are the shop owners, along with Jan and I.

Saturday, July 24

My first experience in writing a blog. I am one of the owners of Leola’s Vintage Home and Garden, located in Ozark,MO. Jan, my sister and a co-owner of Leola’s, writes the Summer Sundays blog. I will have a lot to live up to, because she is a good writer and she is very patient--me, I have a little A.D.D. My problem seems to be my brain running ahead, so I occasionally make a disclaimer that In retrospect would have been better left unsaid. That having been said, it does sometimes make for interesting dialogue. I also seem to have a knack for remembering trivia--some really worthless stuff. My mom, Leola, always said I read magazines and newspapers back to front; the trivia always being in the back. I hope to make this a journey of discovery for myself , and maybe some others will join me along the way. I want to show you the path I have taken as I live the life I choose. I will take you on a literal journey as I travel the thirty miles from my house to Leola’s. Most of the time, there will be stops along the way. Hopefully you will take the journey along with me.