Farmhouse Friday - March 31, 2023

 Good Morning!  

I wanted to give an update on the bathroom, entry, laundry progress.  The nephews are done with their part, now it's ours to do the painting, staining, trim and such.  It may be a while before it's complete enough for pictures (wink, wink).

This big shelf I purchased 30 years ago from a salvage place in Rib Mountain.  It was owned by Dan Kearns, he was ahead of his time with the salvage resell.  Unfortunately, he isn't there any more.  

I played a little game on Instagram....lots of guesses for red, green, blue....but nope....it's....

I love it actually, the walls color will be a light blue/grey.  

I was nice out this week for a "minute" now more snow tonight into tomorrow.  I did go out in my greenhouse for some Vitamin D.  

I heard a "thump, thump" sound...it was a moth?

I left it a dish of water, but it's too cold to let it out.

My hens have been busy.

We started at our next estate.  This is the bathroom there.  I have to say, I do like it.  The tiles are quality!

The house is for sale, it's on a river with amazing views.  I hope who ever buys it considers working with the vintage style.  There are 3 other bathrooms all similar in style.  

I had an MRI on my thumb.  I find out Monday if surgery 1 or surgery 2.  I'm praying for surgery 1 as it will be an easier fix.  I will need to postpone any surgery until mid June.  I was booked with sales, long before I knew I would need surgery.  I will need both hands until then.  Gardening too, at least getting it in before.  

Due to the big mess of the remodel, I didn't decorate for March.  I hope to put a few Easter things up before next weekend.   I made these a few years back.  This is my needle felting art. 

I had a "March Madness" week at my little office for pick ups of Sold lots.  I do have customers waiting for things NOT to be picked up as they want to be 2nd on several things.  I hope those who bought, pick up soon.  I don't want to have to sell out from under them, but I need to be more firm.  It's not a large space, I pay rent and can't store it for long anymore when I have other's wanting to bring in inventory for me to sell.  I hope to work out a better system.  

How was your week?  Any fun plans for the weekend?  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday - March 24, 2023

Good Morning....I know Farmhouse Friday was yesterday, but I left home early and was having fun with my girls and grands.

I had an eventful week.  Antique show last weekend.  It was an awesome turnout.  Audre asked me to help her do some promoting.  I took pictures of every booth and if the dealer would let me, them in it.  I did like 5 videos about why you should come to the event.  I posted on Friday night.  I had HEAVY traffic on those posts.  One of my friends has been looking for an oak file cabinet for like 10 years....she saw the pictures and one in them, so they came and bought it.  

Then my week was filled with 4H basket weaving, an orthopedic appointment (thumb issues), looked at another estate (for June), worked at my little "office," had a tea party with Lauren, my sister Lynn and great niece and nephew, Millie and Myles, worked on an old estate (almost done), did a table top "pop up lot drop" and went to the Appleton Children's Museum.  Now today and tomorrow....well, that's for next week.

Thanks Jeni from Woven Blessings Basketry you are very patient - we had 30 4H kids!  It was kinda crazy, but we made it.

This estate was referred to us, because apparently we "like hoarded homes" - eek...but, that is true!  This looks like fun to me, thanks for the referral, you know who.

It was spring break here and my grand love Lauren had a great idea that we host a "tea party" with Aunt Lynn.  We also invited Millie and Myles, my great niece and nephew (their dad and brothers were finishing up bathroom).  Lauren, made the lemon blueberry scones - really, all by herself. 

I made chocolate, chocolate chip scones too.

Aunt Lynn brought over a little craft to do

Millie really wants a rabbit....

We had fun at the children's museum in Appleton!  I did ask and do have permission to share the photos of Lauren and Ezra.  We had lunch at The Cozy Corner (one of my top favorite places to eat) it's a soul food restraunt.  Ezra was a hit!  Our waitress brought out several samples for him to try...he LOVED the mac & cheese - Anna couldn't dish it in fast enough.  

Well, on to this week....

Do you have any grands?  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

 

The Fox

 

Shortly after letting the dogs out to do their "business" I hear them barking on the porch.  When I looked out the window, I see the fox sitting under our apple trees looking at them.  Oh boy...

I let the dogs in and rattled a few buckets on the porch.  It ran over by the barn.  My chickens are safe and still locked up in the coop for winter, but....

It is cute and reminds me of this....

Oh how I cried...."well Copper, he's my best friend!"

and.....

"We'll always be friends forever, won't we"

and.....

Now if that "ain't" one of the truest statements....

Time has a way of doing that!  

Speaking of it, when you only see some people once a year, you really can see how time changes things...ahahah!   We sure did a lot of visiting at the show this past weekend.  We had 2 extra chairs for "friends" to sit on and visit us in our booth.   I think I talked more than I sold....teehee!  

So, this is Monday....new week, back on schedule.  Our nephews should be back today to finish the bathroom this week.  I still need to paint entry, laundry and trim.  So, I will share the results after all that.  

I hope you have a great week!  Live in the moments, as time has a way of changing things....enjoy all the "things"...as they come.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Healing Dream - Jesus is the Reward

 I had a dream last night that I was coming into my childhood home, up the steps and into the kitchen.  When I opened the door I could see my mom's table with family around it, drinking coffee and talking.  Like so many days of my life.  

As I came in, one family member said to another, "tell Dicky Bird what you told me."  As I looked at each of their faces, I was already thinking "they are trying to 'school' me on something."  So, as I listened to this "parable" type story.  For the life of me I can't remember the comparisons, but they were something like - 2 people were to do "this" and one was chosen other not.  Several examples were given.  The stories were told in a way, that made one look like a victim the other victorious.  As I was listening, I was getting mad....mad because, of course the comparisons would make one feel like a victim...I was feeling it.  So I said, "you know what?  I would feel that same way, in fact...I got one even better....listen to this."  I proceed to tell the story of how I was a victim....so, I told them this story.

I was a "nice" girl, did what I was supposed to do.  Got good grades, stayed out of trouble, went to NTC (technical college), graduated with an Associates Degree in Legal Secretarial Science, was working in that field, got married young to my first real love, we had a tiny fixer upper, 2 beautiful daughters.  

It was raise time our annual review at the law office.  I was excited, because, I had really worked hard that year making changes to my area that saved the office money and they (bosses) got an unexpected bonus.   Truthfully, one of the other girls came out earlier and said "they are giving good raises!"  She told me how much her's was.  I was thinking, well mine will be that good too.  So, optimistic me goes in for my review.  My boss tells me my increase....what?!...it was sad!  Almost $3 an hour less than what he gave my coworker.  She got like $3/4 increase mine like $0.50.  I said "can you tell me why (I said my coworker's name) got so much more than I?"  He proceeds to tell me...."well, she is a single mom, she needs it."  Without missing a beat I say..."so, you are going to 'reward' her for doing all the things wrong, making bad choices in her life, and not me for making the 'right' ones?  Then I proceed to point them out.  "I went to school, she didn't, I have a degree, she doesn't, I didn't get pregnant at 16, she did....I made the right choices in life and now she is getting 'rewarded'...?"  He didn't know what to say.....other than, you have a husband, she doesn't.  

You know, I felt this way, used this example as a lesson in life...like, you can do all the "right" things and still get screwed.....I know, I'm terrible....

But, last night, that dream, when I woke from it.....I was healed from this....because, Jesus spoke to my heart and told me this....you had the reward, the reward of living in a loving home with parents who provided for you, finding your soul mate right away and not 'giving' yourself to others, marrying young, a fixer upper, husband who provided for you and you had security in Me (Jesus) your whole life....she did not.  

Oh how convicting this is to me.  I'm so thankful that I've seen the error in my "victim" mentality and have held on to this for far too long!

This post isn't to belittle real "victimhood" - there is that for sure.  I pray that those who have suffered at the hands of that, will find a way to "heal."  You don't have to "live" in it.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday, March 17, 2023

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Those photos are from several years back when Justine, Anna and I went on a trip to Scotland and Ireland.  

It's Farmhouse Friday.

This week I was blessed to spend lots of time with my grandchildren.  I was with Lauren on Monday.  Her ceramic project.  

We did a craft day last week.  It was ready to pick up this week.  She has a good eye for color combinations.  

Tuesday and Wednesday, I was down by Anna and Ezra.  I hit a few thrift shops on the way.  I found this wool, stadium blanket, you all know how much I like these.  The whole shop was 30% off.  The cashier said, "that was a good deal, even at $3" I said, "yes, I know."  

Frankie, loves to keep me warm...this cat is something else....

Lisa (as in mostly Lisa) and I worked on getting items ready for the antique show this weekend.  Our booth isn't quite like I had wanted it to be.  I think any booth we have from now on, since our "dream booth" we did back in November, will be a let down.  If it wasn't for Lisa's determination to get this together....I don't know what we would have done.  

My daily routine had a few hickups, but I am back crossing things off a list this morning.  Are you a list maker?  

My daily Bible reading had my spending time in Deuteronomy.  Wow all the rules, I couldn't imagine any of those/that "flying" today...I'll leave it at that!

For my inspiration this week, I found this: 

This is really me...I sometimes forget to enjoy the present moments.  I've been getting better at it as I added it to my daily list....ahahahah!  I've been practicing mindfulness in my daily activities.  One thing that grounds me for sure is water.  I love my baths with Dr. Teals.  Have you tried Dr. Teals?

I looked back at my Noom journey.  This morning, I am back down to a weight I hit back in October 2021.  I was within 10 pounds of reaching my goal back in 2020.  I am thankful for the progress and trying to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race.  

I hope you have a great weekend.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Snow Day Sunday

 

Blessings from Ringle, WI - located in the purple part.....all day affair here.  I PLAN to dig, dig, in and for some ephemera for the antique show.  Oh and make a new recipe - sheet pan lasagna.

I do have some paperwork I've been procrastinating, maybe I'll work on some of that.  You know, when you put off doing things you don't like, they drag you down....I've been getting better at just doing the stuff I don't like first (thanks to advice from my friend Renee).  

My friend Tracie came into my little office yesterday to pick up a purchase and she was telling me about her baby goats.  I plan to go over there during spring break with Lauren to see them.  She is bottle feeding 4?  She needs to do this every 4 hours.  She is such a hard working woman!  

I don't think she would mind my sharing her picture.  If I had a bottle baby in the house, I would get NOTHING done!  I'd cuddle it all day!

Her and I were talking about canning meat.  Have any of you ever done that?  It's on both of our "to try lists."  

Well, enjoy the day and weather, whatever it is like by you.

Blessings from Ringle, WI

Farmhouse Friday, March 10, 2023

 

Good Morning, it's Farmhouse Friday

This is my rabbit, Sydney.  I got her from my friend Ronnie.  She is a Lionhead.  She does have a mane, only it's pushed down as I was petting her.  You can see it better on this picture.    

She is so nice!  Over the years, I've let my girls have dozens of rabbits.  Justine even had fun breeding and selling Mini Rex.  Now that they are grown up, I had to have one just for me.  We have 2 rabbits - Al has one too - Hallie.  I can NOT tell you how relaxing it is to hold and pet a rabbit.  

We had more winter weather this week....so more chili.  I also made a lentil soup with sauerkraut.  Sauerkraut is good for gut health...boy, my week just "tooted along"...ahahah!

The boys had to start a different job this week, so a break in our bathroom remodel.  It's looking good!  

I had "new" inventory dropped off at my office this week.  I'm running out of room.  More beautiful sterling and gem rings from a different customer.  Just beautiful!!!  Glassware, Kirby vacuum, dolls and cat collectibles.  We are signing a contract today for an estate sale in Clintonville.  

This morning, I am going to my neighbor Bob's funeral.  Bob often stopped over here and talked to Al about farming and fixing equipment.  He was born, raised and lived in the same home on our road for his whole life.  He even passed on there.  What a blessing for him to have such a rich history and so much invested in the same plot of land.  Our road is named Abt Rd. after his family.  I'll remember him for his humor, love of barn cats and in his pick up truck.  He would drive past our house 10000 times in the summer working fields and making hay.  I'm sure that tradition will continue on with is sons and grandsons.  

In my readings this week, I wrote down in my journal a few gems to share with you.  

"Change is part of life and necessary in order to grow as a human, both inside and out.  You can't change everything though, somethings are outside your control.  Try to stay focused on the things you can change and learn to roll with those you can't."  

"Practice makes progress"

"Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them, The Lord your God, who is going before you will fight for you..."  Deuteronomy 1:29-30

It's that last one, that I am leaning on at this time in my life.  I have so many battles, really...physical, mental...ya, I do struggle.  But, I was reminded that the Lord my God, will go before me and fight for me.  It was the reading I needed at the right time.  Isn't it funny how things work out that way.  

Well, we are doing a Lot Drop tomorrow and my office is open for pickups.  Then it's a mad shuffle to get ready for the antique show.  

I hope you all have a great weekend.  We are going to get more snow....yay!!  I've been trying to remind myself how beautiful it really is.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

March'in On

 March'in on with a new week.  

I saw a Robin!  When we were down by Anna & Jon for Ezra's baby dedication.  They are between Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago and they seemed to be like 2-3 weeks ahead of us as far as spring.  Lots of muddy fields, hardly any snow and Robins.  

This is one of my needle felted creations I prepared for an advanced class I was teaching.  I have had many requests to teach a class soon.  When I decide on date and project, I will make sure to share it on here as well. 

I read something interesting, well interesting to me.  Solomon's Paradox.  Have you heard of this?  King Solomon was known for being so wise and giving wonderful advice.  Yet, in his own life, his choices didn't reflect such great wisdom...did I mention he had like 700 wives!  One such wife, daughter of Pharaoh, influenced Solomon in her idol worship.  Well, this isn't a history lesson and I don't even know enough about it to teach it.  I was just getting to the point that he was known to be wise when it came to others and unwise in his own choices.   I know I suffer from Solomon's Paradox at times!  Ask my, now adult  daughters...ahaha!  

How can we not fall into this cycle?  It goes back to my post last week about "being your own best friend."  The next time I'm faced with (fill in blank), I will think what kind of great advice I would give my friend if she were doing this.  So, I will tell it to myself it and do it.  Not only do it, but hold myself to the same..."if she only would have" judgment....thinking I may have had about her not doing it.  We are only human...

I don't know if any of you find any of this interesting.  I seem to be in a writing block, I can't think of one cool thing to write about.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday, March 3, 2023

 Good Friday Morning!  

It's March!  I would say that in Wisconsin it came in like a lion as we had ice/sleet/snow mix all day.  Today it is so foggy I can't even see across the field.  

Well this week, it went fast!  I have been sticking to a more structured schedule, especially with my work.  This is actually helping me to be more "free in '23."  I am not very faithful in anything that involves structure and time....I'm just not!  I tend to get distracted or lose interest.  However, I have been sticking with a daily schedule (at least week days) and I believe it or not, I have more time.  Imagine that...ahaha.  I also didn't know how happy a made bed (every day) would make me....don't judge!  Or, how much a clean kitchen when I wake would energize me.  Now, I've made it a little "game" to make sure these things are done so doing them doesn't seem like a chore.  I know...help me Lord!

They have worked hard this week on the bathroom.  Here are the shelves they built (I still need to stain the boards).  

I did this.....this week too.....believe it or not, it worked!

I was reading something about being your own best friend.  If my friend were trying to get healthier, I would do this for her too.  I was thinking about this concept - be your own best friend.  I am not!  That needs to change.  I made a decision just this morning for my new BFF and she isn't going to do something she expected herself to do....ahaha!  

Lisa came up with this idea for our sales:  "Table Top Pop Up" because this was our $1 table, we need to move this inventory along.  We need room for more estate inventory.  Every estate has those last stragglers - unsolds or unworthy to be sold by themselves...ahaha.  That's what the table top sales will be.   I am posting like a dozen of these tonight.  

"You can do it all, but you can't do it all at once."  

That quote really hit home to me this week too.

In reference to doing hard things.  There are 5 tips, that quote was 1.  2.  Be brave  3.  "This is tough, but I am tougher" 4.  Value your values  5.  Use a catalyst 

So, on to another week of doing hard things.  

We are going to our grandson's dedication at their church this weekend.  He is such a good baby!  So happy!  I wish I could share a photo of him, but I will respect their wishes.  But trust me....he's the cutest!  

Have a great weekend and a wonderful week.