Back from Boston

Howdy!

We made it back from Boston safe and sound. I had never been to Boston and let me tell ya, it was beautiful. We happened to be there during some of the most beautiful weather they had experienced in quite some time. No rain, mid 70's- low 80's during the day. Just lovely.

Here we are in the plane getting ready to leave Dallas.
The first night in Boston, we took a dinner cruise. They were pretty hung up on playing Michael Jackson music. I think the dj was a fan or something.

We took a trolley tour that took us to the harbor where we were able to see sailors and ships and stuff. Love Old Glory!

Another night, we went whale watching. We got to see quite a few whales. This sunset was just gorgeous with the fishing boat in view.

We enjoyed a ghost tour one night. We rode a trolley around and listened to local ghost stories and explored a couple cemetaries. Here, David took a load off to snap a photo with the ghost of Maggie Poppins. I think she died of a tragic umbrella flying accident!

David hung around in the stockades. I'm not sure what he was found guilty of...maybe being so darned handsome?

We went to Kennedy's pub and restaurant where David asked for a margarita. After taking a sip, we are both sure that they dumped some bacon salt, or liquid smoke in the drink. Seriously? A very strange thing. We didn't ask, as our accents tended to cause folks to think we were the Clampetts, straight out of the hills.

And, here we are waiting to head back to Dallas. We thoroughly enjoyed our family vacation.

A few high points:

I already mentioned the weather. Beautiful.

Wonderful fireworks. There was an entire barge filled with fireworks on the Charles River. We sat in Boston Commons Park and enjoyed the view.

Nice folks. Everyone heard us speak and instantly smiled. Texans tend to be loved everywhere!

Good company. David's mom, aunt, daughter and cousin were great travel partners. From 13 yrs old to 60 yrs old, we blended beautifully. Family. Gotta love it.

Low points:

Omni Parker House Hotel. Small rooms. Bad housekeeping service. Failed to follow through on a few things requested. Slow/poor service in pub. Ok...that's enough. I'd say, good location, but not worth it.

Rain the last day. Well, it was only the last day. So, it was not too bad.

At the Dallas airport, my luggage was randomly selected to be searched after we had left it with the porter. Well, without my watchful eye, I think they played "slam the luggage until anything fragile breaks". My brand new blush and eye shadow were emulsified into loose powder by the time it made it to Boston. Apparently, we didn't tip the porter enough. ha!

Speaking of tipping...every single person who we made eye contact with wanted a tip! It was stupid crazy.

I only packed one long sleeve shirt and a sweater for the entire trip. I would have liked a light jacket, as well. Those evenings on boats were chilly!

I turned to David on Monday and informed him that we could stay 2 or 3 days more, as I had 2 or 3 more days worth of clothes! haha Oh, well!

So, there you have it. My quick little summary of a wonderful vacation. If you'd like to see more pictures, you may view my album here. David is still working on his album. It will be a few more days, so be patient!

It will take me some time to get caught up on y'all. I'll get back to shopping and getting ready for Warrenton starting tomorrow morning!

Happy Monday!

~Mindy

ps. Here I am with the ghost of Maggie Poppins. I was attempting a look of fright. Or something? haha

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Me, my shoes and hats leave for Boston in the morning with David and his family.
I raided my sisters closet after this pic was taken. Visualize some cute black sandals and some really cute white sandals. I nabbed some cute jewelry, too.

Happy 4th of July! Be safe!

~Mindy

ps. We'll be back late Tuesday. Don't doubt for a minute that David won't post up all kinds of wonderful photos shortly thereafter!

My Tammy Friends

Are you familiar with author, Jill Conner Browne? She has written a number of books regarding The Sweet Potato Queens, in which all of her friends are referred to as "Tammy" in the interest of privacy. I am among five girlfriends who graduated from high school together many moons ago, who all keep in touch. We call ourselves The Tammys.

It goes like this. Tammy was going to get a divorce, so we all met up with her and hugged her and loved her and told her it would be ok if it happened. It didn't happen. She and her hubby are about to start a new business together. Good for them!

And then, there's Tammy. Her daughter is chronically ill. We all pray for them like it's going out of style. And we make sure there is plenty of wine when we have adult nights together. Tammy needs to cut loose sometimes!

Another Tammy is getting ready to go on vacation and she decided to go to the spa for a brazilian wax. It wasn't her first time by any means, but her regular waxer had retired in December and Tammy was hesitant to try someone new. In honor of vacation, she decided to bite the bullet. Are you familiar with the process? From what I hear, it's similar to a gyno appointment with no allowance for modesty. Hot wax. Private parts. Ripping. Holding of breath. Gnashing of teeth. Tylenol. What else do you need to know?

Anywho, Tammy made it through with the new lady fine. After said hair was removed, the waxer rubbed something on Tammy's behind, supposedly to help soothe any pain. But, the salve did not soothe. It burned. A lot. Burned more than the mere feeling of hot wax on her privates, Tammy said. Burned like bengay. Bengay!? Did the wax lady forget she had waxed and think she had massaged? Did she distribute icy hot instead of burn salve? Ouch! From what I understand, the burning subsided after the salve (?) was tissued off. Talk about adding insult to injury!

Well, you can imagine how hard all the Tammys laughed at this story! Bless Tammy's heart. Are you laughing?

Me and my Tammys will be getting together in a few weeks for a long weekend. I imagine we'll share more laughs, tears and wine.

Jill Conner Browne is great summer reading if you are looking for a new author. She'll have you laughing and loving her from the first page. A good Southern woman. Do you have any good Tammy stories?

From one Tammy to another, Happy Wednesday!
~Tammy Mindy

My Wristlet Wallet

Just over a year ago, I discovered and purchased this wristlet on Etsy. It fits nicely inside my purse, or I can use it alone when my purse is more than I need. This baby has held up beautifully! It is perfect for garage sale-ing, or any other time I don't want to lug an entire purse around. There are 2 pockets inside. One pocket for cash/driver's license/cards and one for my cell phone. Love it! If you'd like to check out this seller on etsy, click here. If you'd like to check out her website, click here. Her business name is RKEMdesigns and her name is Donabel. Great fabrics, great designs. When you order from her, tell her I sent ya! She'll be tickled.

Have you discovered Etsy? If you're not careful, you'll get addicted!

Happy Tuesday!
~Mindy

Progress!

Ahhh, the wonderful feeling of accomplishing goals! I did miss out on the Red Shed Show. I hear it was worth the drive and I'm very sad that I didn't get to go shop and visit. On the other hand, I hit some local garage sales Saturday that were worth my while. This little table sang to me. She didn't just speak to me. She sang a sweet little song. Aren't the lines wonderful? What were those winged cabinets for?

This deco wall sconce rocks. The heavy gold, the perfect glass. Ahhh, the stories it could tell.

When I found this small table, it did not have a top on it. I married it up with this metal piece I had. I wasn't sure I loved it, but it fit so well, I felt like it was meant to be.

I didn't just shop! David and I took a load to Winnie & Tulula's and did a reset. I love giving the space a new look with all the new goodies.

Didn't I mention progress? Indeed, David and I got pedicures Sunday after church.
As my mother said, I am practical. These shoes might not look good if we go out dancing, but when touring Boston, I think they will be the best choice. We went shoe shopping and we both came out with what we hope to be wonderful walking shoes.
I'm sure there are still "need tos" on my list. But, I am breathing easier. We leave for Boston Friday morning. Maybe I'll pick up another pair of shoes, or two before then.

Happy Monday!
~Mindy

Shopping, but not for shoes!

Who can go shoe shopping when there are garage sales everywhere?
I love this teak chair, footrest and side table. Looks like the perfect place for a lifeguard to catch some rays, eh?

And plaster is so cool! Check out this bust I picked up today. update: SOLD!

This wicker piece is primitive and sturdy. Can't you see a fern overflowing on it?

The white frame is actually an old mirror. The glass still has just a touch of the silvering on it.

I'm not sure when I am going shoe shopping, as these goodies need to get to Primitiques and/or Winnie & Tulula's tomorrow. And how many garage sales will there be between Poetry and Athens? Ahhh!

Happy Friday!
~Mindy

Lovely Lamp

I was supposed to go shoe shopping today, but that didn't happen.

Instead, I found this wonderful lamp.

Are you looking at those big hands? I've been humming "He's got the whole world in His hands" since I saw her.

I'm not positive, but, I'm don't think I am going to make the Red Shed Sale Saturday. I hate it, because I want to. But, there are a lot of "need to's" in line first. Like I need to get this lamp to one of my stores. And I need to do some work in both stores. And I need to do laundry. And I need to find some shoes to take on vacation and get a pedicure and...you know...all that stuff!

Happy Thursday!

~Mindy

Vacation, Time to Get Away!

I love this purse! I found it today for a great price. This, after I got 4 new tires on my old truck.

At this very moment, my hair is being dyed.

I have garanimaled a few sets on the clothes rack. Haven't tackled jewelry yet.

If this post is confusing you, read yesterday's. I was in a bit of a tailspin.

I, for sure, without a doubt, need new shoes. I'll try to address that situation tomorrow. Bass Outlet usually serves me well. And I think they are having a sale. I sure hope so. Those four tires weren't free!

I tried to say thanks yesterday, but I'll say it again. To you who left comments, encouragement & ideas: Thank You! The voices of calm and reason prevail. Y'all Rock!

Happy Wednesday!

~Mindy

New Shoes and More Time

Boston. I mentioned a couple weeks ago that we are headed to Boston for a 4th of July vacation. It will be me & David, his mom and his daughter, his aunt, uncle and cousin. Thanks everyone for making suggestions of things to do while there. I've been given this brief summary of our itinerary. Friday - dinner cruise and fireworks. Saturday - historical reenactments. Sunday - whale watching and a visit to the aquarium. Monday - a clam dig/bake. Tuesday - free day. Any and all of this is subject to change.

I sounded fairly calm in that first paragraph, didn't I? Well, I am not. I am freaking out. From this point on, pretend that I have eaten a lot of chocolate and drank a lot of caffeine. (I haven't really, but I feel like it) Here goes:

We leave next Friday. I know, that's over a week away. Let me point out to you, that is only 1 weekend away. And have I mentioned I have a full time, non-junking job during the week? Oh, dear!

Today, I dragged a clothes rack into my bedroom and started trying to figure out just what one wears to each of the aforementioned activities. This is kinda like putting tape in the driveway and presetting before the grand opening of W&T's. Preparation. It seems like a good way to go.
I wondered where more clothes were and remembered the clothes rack in my guest bedroom. Yes. I have closets. But, somehow, the racks get filled, too.

That's more like it. More choices. Now I just need to garanimal them up. (Do you remember garanamals?)

No skirts or dresses yet. Do I need those? What is the weather like day and night in Boston? Shoes. I need shoes for each of the outfits I take. Will we be walking a lot? I am very sure I would rather be more comfortable than cute. But, I wanna be both!

Oh, dear. My comfy shoes are tired. And worn looking. That's not nice.

Eeek! I need a pedicure. And I need new shoes. And the Red Shed Girls are having a sale this Saturday. When will I get new shoes and a pedicure?

This shoe is cute and comfy. Also well worn. And, where is the other one? I am clueless.

I need to make a run to Athens to visit Winnie & Tulula's. Yes, I have another load to take. And the tires on the big truck are about naked of rubber and the radials are showing. When do I have time to get new tires? That's kinda one of those can't put it off things, isn't it? Ugh.

Do I need a haircut? Shall I dye my hair? Hats! I need to pack hats!

Oh! And jewelry. I need to figure out jewelry for each garanimal outfit. And purses. Should I just take one purse? Probably have to take one for day and one for night, huh? And these outfits are for the known activities. What about the unknown? This, people, is why I overpack!

Primitiques. I need to go do more work at Primitiques.

We have to go to church Sunday.

Alan at Country Garden Antiques just posted that their prices are cheap these days. Should we try to swing by and see them after we leave the Red Shed? Tires. I need to get tires so we can take my truck.

My head is spinning. I wouldn't change a thing. Well, I might like more time. But, that isn't for sale anywhere, is it?

Do tell. If you were leaving for vacation in 10 days, what would you be freaking out about?

Happy Tuesday!

~Mindy

David's Mom and Aunt. I just cannot get away with camo pants, black tank tops and ball caps in these women's presence!
Sharp women!

Feeling Neglected

Primitiques has been feeling neglected since I committed to Winnie & Tulula's. Between preparing for the grand opening at the new antique mall in Athens, my full time job, and life in general, I haven't been able to spend much time in the store. But, that is changing. We got to do a little shopping this weekend and would you check out these chairs?

They are groovy and comfy and don't you love the style? $85 each.Update: SOLD!

I have had this wicker table for some time. It had these interesting criss cross things going on in the middle, but they were damaged when I bought it and I hadn't done anything to improve the situation. David has asked me for months if he could rip out the middle, and I resisted.

The table hadn't sold so I let David go to town on it, ripping the middle out.

I have to admit, it's a much cleaner look. I think a mirror or a piece of glass could be mounted from the underside fairly easily. The table has been marked down to $75. Come and get it!

Primitiques will start filling up again soon.

Happy Monday!

~Mindy

Heavy

I'm not sure why, but everything I'm liking these days is heavy. You saw yesterday's monstrous piece. Big and heavy. This beauty is heavy, too.
I love her grace.

Her curves are downright, well, curvy!

And she's tall. Add to that, she is tubed for a fountain. I had a difficult time not keeping her. She's so perfect! Did I mention heavy?

These planters are amazing. And heavy! I can't swear to how heavy they are. But, I've heard David swear when he picks them up, if that counts!

Do you like heavy stuff? Tell me your heavy story.

Let's just see how much luck I have finding light stuff this weekend.

Happy Friday!

~Mindy

Hwy 80 History

When I was a teenager, I had a very good friend who lived in White Oak, Texas. Sometimes, I would drive to her place for a weekend visit. That roadtrip took me east on Highway 80 in my 1972 Ford Pinto.

With lots of cool old places along Hwy 80, I was always entertained, wondering about the history of those old buildings/stores/businesses.
Today, I lucked upon a piece that screams Hwy 80 history. This old sign holder once stood along Hwy 80 in front of an old drive up lodge/motel in Terrell, Texas. It still sports the chains that held the vacancy sign.

I remember driving by that old place. They had metal tables with round, metal stools. You could drive right up to your room. There was a playground for guests' kids. Talk about a friendly place! Ok. So, maybe in more recent years, you could rent it by the hour. But, that doesn't change the quaint place that it was for so many years. The motel/lodge buildings were demolished a few years back.

It's always fun to learn the history of a cool piece. For it to hold so many memories for me, makes it especially cool! By the way, I don't have the measurements, but it is a good size. And yes, it is for sale. You can own Hwy 80 history!

Happy Thursday!
~Mindy

ps. Keneesha at Me & My House is hosting a Junk Party. Head on over and check it out.

Good Stuff

Just got these placed since the opening. I know this is meant to be a vanity, but I think it would be a great desk. update: SOLD

This piece is a serving table. The top hinges open. The drawer front hinges down for access when things are on top. It is an interesting piece.

See what I got, when I stopped at a local thrift store? Super clean.

Not just one, but two. Aren't they divine?

Happy Wednesday!

~Mindy

French Market Sale in Texas

photo courtesy of David

Are you familiar with Red Shed Antiques in Grapevine, Texas? Last month, these lucky ladies went to Paris. Nope. Not Paris, Texas. Pair-ee! France! Seriously! They shopped and they had fun from all accounts. You can go to their blog and read all about it. But first, put a towel down over your keyboard, lest the drool ruin your ability to comment.

I got to meet one of the Red Shed Girls, Valarie, at the Grand Opening of Winnie & Tulula's Saturday. She gave me a scoop that you will want to mark on your calendar.

You heard it here first! Saturday, June 27. Hook up your trailers and be ready to fill 'em up! The ladies are hosting a French Market Sale at their store. The whole sale will be French based and they are putting out all the things they bought on their Paris buying trip. Well, holy cow! I'm gonna have to talk David into this one!

I hope to see you there!

Happy Tuesday!
~Mindy