Christmas Elf to Valentine Tree

One of the things I did accomplish this week, was to finish taking down the Christmas decorations.  An area I really enjoyed this year was a grouping of Annalee dolls and elves I had in my entryway.  It just made me happy to look at this.  I was thinking that the one tree already had white lights, snowflakes and a red and white garland wrapped in it....hmm...I should keep it up and turn it into a Valentine area.   Here it is:

It still is January, I know, but I did put out the cute blue snowmen.  Oh my,  I just looked and I never did a post about the Annalee area...silly...this is the same area I decorated for Christmas:

I guess I had it on my face book page.  The Annalee dolls were purchased on a flea market trip with my friend Renee.  It was in Oronoco, MN for Gold Rush Days.  The vendor had these and said he "needed" to sell them.  My mother-in-law has collected them for years and I have always like them.  When I asked "how much if I buy all of them?"  I couldn't leave them...so, off we went with 2 garbage bags full of Annalee dolls!  I love how this looked!  

Janice at Prims By The Water:   https://primsbythewater.blogspot.com/  always posts inspiring vignettes from her home and her flare for decorating is amazing.  I thought I would share this one with you today.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  https://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2019/01/simple-homestead-blog-hop-190.html

My Little Coffee Station

Al and I bought each other the Nespresso for Christmas.  Can I say, wow, the coffee - I'm hooked!  In a few posts back, I showed you my "Vintage Kitchen Find" read it here:  https://dickybirdsnest.blogspot.com/2018/12/new-vintage-find-for-my-kitchen.html  I had no idea when I bought this from our farm pick, that I would use it in this way.  Instead of bread one normally keeps in this type of thing, I have a supply of teas and coffee items.  

Al doesn't like that he has to walk "all the way across the room" to get coffee.  In all honesty, he is the one who makes it, but he also drinks more than I do.  I do, however, like the extra counter space I have acquired since moving this.  

So, today as I enjoy my espresso with steamed milk...(hearts..love...hearts)....I am tickled to look over at this little coffee cart.  I wanted to use a vintage cart on wheels, but I didn't have one in my inventory.  We bought this from Bed, Bath & Beyond for under $100.  It has a butcher block, on wheels and folds up.  It's not old, but I still like it!

Now, I'm ready to start my day.  Enjoy yours!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:
http://itsasmalltownlife.blogspot.com/2019/01/thankful-thursday_9.html

http://www.create-with-joy.com/2019/01/friendship-friday-blog-hop-361.html

https://mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com/2019/01/vintage-charm-party-164-and-december.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyThriftStoreAddiction+%28My+Thrift+Store+Addiction+%29

Rachel's Antiques For Sale

I am under contract to sell a few items for an elderly couple from Antigo, Wisconsin.  Rachel, is (around 80? I didn't ask) a retired kindergarten teacher.  Many of these items that are for sale were her family or friends of family pieces she inherited.  This couple has many lovely things.  They were blessed with boys and their daughter-in-laws aren't "interested" in any of these items.  That is often the case in this business.  So, these are items Rachel is willing to part with now.  

This is an oak secretary that measures 37" x 14" and 66" high and original patina.  There is minor condition issues due to normal wear for it's age.  This and several other pieces belonged to a bachelor that was a family friend.   She is asking $275.00

The Columbia Grafonola works  is measures 19" wide, 21" deep and 43" tall, original finish.  One of "fins" to the folding section is in need of fixing and I did see a drop of paint (you can see it in picture above) otherwise in good shape.  You get the record player, the two metal advertising needle tins, needles and the Victor and Columbia records in the pictures before.  She is asking $135.00 for all of it.

The above pictures is a lot of records, jackets and partial sets, the thick 78s.  She is asking $50.00 for all.

This Victorian settee and chair set was recovered several years ago (cost over $800) in a nice fabric with trim, it's very clean.  The wood trim was left original.  The settee is 58" x 21" x 42 1/2" and the chair is 18" x 18" x 37".   She is asking $265.00 for the set.  

This table Rachel called the "library" table?  It measures 30" x 42" x 30" with three 8" leaves.  Oak with neat legs and detail carving.  She is asking $225.00

Queen Anne oil lamp #22, 19" tall     $40.00

Ironstone pitcher and bowl set - several condition issues.  $35.00 for the set.

I am going to be listing these on my Town Hall Trinkets On Line group page that is on my business facebook page.  Here is the link if you would like to join in:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1914536328603700/?ref=pages_profile_groups_tab&source_id=729693193716630

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Week 40 - Spumoni Cookies

1 C soft butter
1 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract

Cream together; add

2 1/2 C flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Beat together until well blended.  Divide this dough into thirds.  Set one to the side.  Put the other 2 in their own bowl.

To one bowl add:  1/3 C maraschino cherries drained and 5-6 drops food coloring (I used the paste color) mix well.

To the remaining bowl of dough, add 1/3 C. chopped pistachio nuts, 3 Tbs. pistachio pudding mix and 5-6 drops green food color (I used the paste color) mix well.

Roll out each dough in between plastic wrap.  Stack each rolled out circle one on top the other with the plastic wrap still on.  Cut the stack in half.  

Then carefully take each half and unwrap the individual plastic and stack the dough one on top the other again.  

Take this stack of dough and roll all together in plastic wrap shaping into a rectangle.  Put in the refrigerator for at least an hour until the dough is hard enough to slice.  

.

Cut this into 1/4 inch slices and bake for 12 - 14 min at 375.   Makes 3 doz.

These were one of my Christmas cookies this year.   Festive in taste and color.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Motivational Monday - It's a New Year

I was sad to read my friend's post, that after 6 years in business, she would be closing.  She owns and operates a family consignment shop.  Her inventory consists of everything old, handmade to new.  Lisa and I were just visiting her shop a couple weeks ago and she didn't let on like anything was wrong.   I was sad for her as I know she really enjoys it.  

Al and I decided to run up to her shop to talk with her and also get in on some deals.  Her mom was the shop keeper, as my friend was running some errands.  Her mom was my childhood Sunday school teacher for many years.  She is a dear, sweet lady.  I asked "what happened?"  She replied "honey, the owner wants this space back for his own shop and he ended the lease."  I asked her if she was overwhelmed with what to do with it all and she says, "no, this isn't my shop and I trust in the Lord.  He won't give us more than we can handle."  Ya know, every little question I asked, she responded with a very faith filled answer...I was hoping to see a more "fleshy side" of her (LOL).  She told me something that I have been thinking on and laughing about since.  She says, "you know God is always preparing both ends.  When Peter was dreaming, Cornelius was preaching and when Jonah was hiding the whale was waiting."  I paused, waited as she didn't seem to complete the thought...then I asked..."well, what is the other end of this....."  She quickly said..."honey, it's the whale."  Oh, I laughed.  She chuckled too...there it was, the "fleshy side" of it...however, she had a good lesson in there too!  When my friend returned she was sharing with us her concerns and they are very legitimate ones.  Then she says to Al, "I just wish the Lord would tell me what to do" - (Al and I were just talking about this) - and he says, "you and me both!"  

Wouldn't it be nice if at each juncture of our lives, we could say, "Lord just tell me what to do."  I know I've prayed that, but it would be nice to hear a voice give us the answer.   

Joyce Meyer says it so well in this short video:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjm1GHal7kY

That, right there, says it all.  I'm teaching our Wednesday Bible study this week using all of the above and a bit more that I will share at the study.  However, here today, I will use this as a Motivational Monday post.  

As the new year begins, many are making resolutions of what to or not to do.  Many are looking forward to change,  seeking direction and challenging themselves with their "word of the year."    

Do you feel like you are always working, but not making any progress?   Are the "appeals" of our world pulling you in a million different directions?  Too many distractions, choices or interruptions in our day.  If you are like me, you have made plans, have dreams and goals you want to fulfill.  Most days, I feel like I'm just surviving or just trying to "make it through till...(fill in the blank)" mostly, because I tend to make more work for myself.  I have good intentions, many though I find have been selfish ones....#knowyourtruth.  

Are you led by intuition or a gut feeling?  I've had those types of feelings..."you better not eat that, you're going to get sick."  Sure enough, I'm in the bathroom!   I should have listened to myself.  I know that is a funny example, but yes, my intuition and "gut" were both right!  

I think that is where we begin.  Listen to your heart, gut, intuition whatever you want to call it.  Your experiences have helped build this little voice inside of you, now trust it.  Change, success, direction or whatever it is you seek, it's inside of you.  It is, it's in there... 

I know that in my 52 years, I've had moments where I knew without a doubt, with absolute clarity this or that was going to happen.  I've done several blog posts about them over the years.  Those little things that were my clues to the answer.  I often say, "the Lord revealed this to me" and I believe He did.  

So today, I hope to motivate us to start our year by listening.  Trust that little voice, it's been through a lot, to guide you toward your goals.  Try not to second guess yourself.  I know, that is hard.  #Knowyourtruth - be honest with yourself.  Make realistic goals.  Take time to pray about it.  Read His word for direction.  

You know, just like my friend's mom said, life is working it out at both ends.  Just like Jonah and the whale, we don't know what the future holds.  Some may look at a "whale" as an end.   Others will see it as a trial (lesson) that was actually for our good.    


Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.    

Linked to:  http://www.create-with-joy.com/2019/01/inspire-me-monday-week-364.html

Week 41 - Dicky Bird's 5 Spice Peanut Butter Cookies

1 C peanut butter (I used chunky)
1 stick soft butter
1 C brown sugar

Cream together; add

1/2 C molasses
1 egg
1 t vanilla

Mix together; add

1/2 t salt
1 t baking soda
1 t 5 spice
2 1/2 C flour

Blend well.  Roll into balls and flatten with fork in criss cross pattern.  Bake 375 for 8-12 min.  Makes 4 doz.   I made this recipe up today.  I have to say, I like them.  

I'm back to working on my 52 Weeks of Cookies.  This is part of something I want to RECLAIM (a dream of mine) for 2019.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Saturday Morning Devotions

Our daughter and son-in-law bought us and Jon and Anna this book, Encountering Our Wild God.  Part of the gift is that we read a chapter a week, then message each other as a group and discuss it.  Like a little book club.  It's a good way to keep in touch as a family even though we don't get to see each other.   The author's nonprofit is dear to Justine's heart.  It's good so far - tear jerker - how God can use you if you are open to "His" voice of direction.  

The little binder of daily encouragement is from one of our living estate sales we did last year.  When I saw it at Rosie and Jim's house, I knew I wanted it.  I can't wait to see what each day says.  I am trying not to look ahead.  

I read the first chapter to Al as we enjoyed our coffee today.  I said, "let's make this our Saturday thing."  We both were filled with emotion as I read though blurry, tear filled eyes.  To be used the way this lady is, wow!  It leads right into my thoughts for my Motivational Monday post this week.  I can't wait to see what I write...LOL.

If you are an empty nester, children live in another area, I would suggest doing this too.  It was a great idea.  Thanks Justine!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.