Frugal Goodness

I've started off the year trying my hardest to be frugal. Not that i wasn't before; quiting one's full-time job does put a damper on a few things!

This morning i thought about going to our Farm Show here in town. I thought about wandering thru the neat rows of booths visiting with the people i know behind the tables. Then my mind wondered to lunch....they always have the best food there. You know the kind, wonderful home-made sandwiches and salads. Usually pies. Ice Cream. SNAP. Back to reality. Yes, i will still go to the Farm Show this afternoon, after all, when something different is going on in a small town, one must simply take advantage. But, no, i will not eat lunch there. Instead i made egg salad. Now, i can just here some of you...EGG SALAD you say? Yes, egg salad. I like egg salad. In fact, there are very few things i do not like. I eat sauerkraut, smoked salmon, even homemade eggnog. Raw eggs don't faze me (i know i heard you gasp, but i haven't died yet). In fact, i can only think of two things right off-hand that i dislike. are you ready? drum roll: Celery and Caviar. So, what do you dislike? please let me know!

For now, i'm going to hop on over to the Farm show. After all, i have some quarters in my pocket and i believe there may be some ice cream calling my name.....

Thoughtless Thursday

Just wish it was as green here in SD as it is in this photo!

Winter Art Show

Well, the big night finally came! Over to Ortonville and Java Jewel's for the Winter Art Show. What a wonderful evening! Most of the artists were in attendance and it was so much fun to get to meet and visit with all of them. They are extremely talented!!! And i do mean EXTREMELY!

As you can see there was everything from acrylics, water color and photography to quilting and fiber art.

Local writer, John Salls, read an excerpt from his new novel and graciously signed every book!

Here are two of my gal pals, Jody and Sara. Thanks you guys for sharing the evening with me, i hope you had as much fun as i did. Except i don't think that was possible!

ps-if you are ever in Ortonville, make sure you stop at Java Jewel's, the coffee and treats are out of this world!

pps-yes, the shirt is Tracy Porter.

I Feel a Looming Presence...

Yes! My new friend, Erlys, and I ventured over to Benson, MN to visit Diane at Swift Weavers. We spent a wonderful afternoon learning all about the looming experience. Above is Erlys working on her beautiful wall hanging.

Here is my table runner complete with buttons that were left on the recycled garments that were cut up to make this wonderful creation. I love the fact that it is the ultimate in recycling! I remember growing up we had woven rugs like this made of old denim and i swear, they NEVER wear out!

Here i am at my loom. I need lipstick or blush or something.....

Here we are together with our finished projects. Aren't they beautiful??? If you are ever over in western MN, make sure to stop in and see Diane. Her store is so special! You will find jewelry, clothing, napkins, seasonal items, drapes, coffee, any giftable item you would need! Thank you, Diane, for your knowledge and patience!

ps--does anyone see a loom in my future???

Wonderful Wednesday

Sorry for the lateness of the post, having trouble uploading photos. not sure if it was me or blogger. probably me. anyway, what a wonderful Wednesday i had! The first stop was at The Country Peddler in Brookings SD. I tried to photograph the cool orange J.Jill coat i got (among other things) but it wouldn't show well on a hanger. then i laid it on a chair. that wasn't too hot either. so, i will just have to put it on and have someone take a picture later tonight. i guess you know what tomorrows blog will be. Then Linda and i grabbed some ice cream at DQ and strolled thru McCrory Gardens located on the campus of South Dakota State University.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this tree! It is a Salix Rigida or 'American McKay'. The sign said it was useful for making baskets. I really don't want to make a basket (already done that, not my calling), but i do want to plant one of these at my farm. Problem is: I don't have a farm. A girl can dream can't she??? i have this whole list of trees and shrubs and vines and bushes that will be on my farm. Just as soon as i get one....

Pampas Grass (spelling?) by the fountain. I tell ya, the pathways here are gorgeous! You simply have to visit if you are up in the area.

Thoughtless Thursday

"I can envision a small cottage somewhere, with a lot of writing paper, and a dog, and a fireplace and maybe enough money to give myself some Irish coffee now and then and entertain my two friends."--Lt. Richard Van de Geer

To find out where i was yesterday come back tomorrow! Also, a thank you to Heather who wins one of my goodie-filled treat bags! You can visit Heather here. Heather, please email me your address so i can get it on its way. Oh yes-my favorite pie: Rhubarb Custard! but, i like coconut too!

Sunday's Inspiration

Sunday we (friend Linda and I) started out to the Art Meander. Our first stop was at Shorewood Castle where Mary hand makes these wonderful art dolls. They are beautifully themed with beads, ribbons, trinkets and thoughtful sayings to match. She is so talented please check her site out!

Here is one that is made from an old telephone handset. She has telephone wires for hair! Isn't that so clever??? The little saying with this one is titled "Hello Operator".

Then off to the Red Barn where Becky has wonderful photography. Cards, prints, you name it, she can do it for you. She graciously volunteers the use of her "red bard" for the Art Meander and there are several artists inside all showing their work. These pictures are just outside the door.

Just love her pumpkin displays! You can email Becky at: brcstatt@fedteldirect.net . Well, there you have it. What a great inspiring weekend! Now i have to straighten my fabric stash, finish 3 quilt tops, decide which art doll i want, update my camera to get better photos, the list goes on and on.....

Buffalo Ridge con't

Here is a view of the little lake they have. it was pretty quiet that day as it was chilly. Notice the teepee? there are three and you can even stay night in them. Isn't that so cool???
Here is an old tree along one of the paths. Its hard to see from the picture, but there are old boards up there. Just imagine how long ago it must have been that some little boys were building their fort and what fun they must have had.

Serenity

Buffalo Ridge, Gary SD

There is this place. I've driven past it a few times although quite a few years ago. It is in Gary, SD (The Gateway to the Dakotas, as it was known back then). It was the state school for the blind in the late 1800's. It had fallen into a state of major disrepair. And by that i mean the walls were falling down, windows were broken out, vandalism, you name it. Then a few years back i heard that someone came in and was restoring everything.

I remember my dad telling me that he would see the blind children going down to the creek nearby holding onto a rope that was tied between the trees so that they knew the way. I thought, what history there must be there! So I took off and went one day.

I was not disappointed!!! I took a walk on the trails they have by the lake. Didn't even know that part existed! Beautiful, i tell you! Did some journaling, did some reading, did some photos.

Then had lunch at the Rock Room. It is actually the kitchen/dining area from when it was the school. the stone foundation is original and i tell you absolutely BEAUTIFUL! See?

It is that same way on the inside. I sat at a small side table since there was only one of me. i actually could reach over and touch the rock wall. and i did. can you imagine all the work that went in to building that foundation??? Then, as i was eating my lunch, a wonderful man from the historical society introduced himself and told me i could join his next tour. Thank you Mr. Baer! It is simply outstanding the things i learned! You can go there now and camp, hike, stay night at the newly renovated hotel (used to be the boys dormitory), have lunch/dinner/drinks at the Rock Room, they even have facilities for family reunions, weddings, birthdays, you name it, they can do it. And, it is all surrounded by beautiful grounds!

Oh, ya, forgot to mention that all the buildings are connected through underground tunnels. How else would the children get from place to place in the winter? Those tunnels are also included in the tour you will get! How utterly interesting is that???

Now, as you can see, i can't say enough about the place! you simply MUST go yourself! You can tell i am impressed as i have never had a post this long! I have more pictures to post tomorrow of the trail, so come on back!

Stunning!