Recharging

Sampler From Arrow Rock Visitor's Center

We are fortunate to live in an area with many charming small towns nearby. I think my love for small towns goes back to when I was growing up. We didn't go on big vacations, but my parents liked doing little day trips around Iowa. I still have wonderful memories of our visits to small town attractions such as Spook Cave in McGregor, Iowa, the Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville or the Nordic Fest in Decorah. So maybe that's why I still love the unique shops, museums, historic houses and festivals that give each town its flavor.

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of visiting Arrow Rock, Missouri. First stop was their excellent visitor center which explains the history of this one time bustling river town. The size of the town waned when it was bypassed by the railroad and it might have disappeared off the map. But through the dedication of its residents the entire town was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and it is a treasure!

The Academy Boarding House

Artist George Caleb Bingham's House

Private Home

Best Lily Border Ever!

Even the Post Office was charming

1800's Security Doors

Love Old Wavy Glass

The uneven brick path really helps carry you back in time and you can imagine horses clip-clopping along on the road as you head downtown to do your daily shopping.

Well sandals kind of spoil the effect but I was glad to be wearing them instead of tight, button-up boots.

Tomorrow I'll show photos from my stop in Lexington.

Time to Switch to Bloglovin

Well, I guess I'm a little behind the times and have finally realized that Google Reader really is going away and I have no choice but to switch to Bloglovin. It was actually pretty painless. I've already imported the list of blogs I'm following and I do like some of the features including the ability to find new blogs similar to others I already follow. This post was required to link my blog to Bloglovin. Many astute followers have already signed up to switch readers--thank you!

Early Work Mercantile Update

Mandevilla

We are having a lovely summer and I hope you are as well. I know that last year by the time July arrived I was so tired of the heat and drought that I was already anxious for fall to arrive. Not this year!

All the colors of the garden inspired the penny rug I made for this month's Early Work Mercantile. I used lots of greens, golds and creams in the hope of conveying the peace and tranquility I feel in the garden. Now if I could only add the sound of the birds! Please drop by EWM and see all the new goodies up for July!

Loosestrife

Purple Heart

I have a couple of dye kits I purchased several years ago for dying wool that I'd like to sell. I've decided I will probably never get around to using these and would like to send them on to someone who will. I know they were pretty pricy when I purchased them but I have a low starting bid on Ebay.

 

 

 

Winner!

Since it is Father's Day, my DH had the honor of drawing the winner of the strawberry mat and a few other surprises and the winner is....

Charlotte of C.M. Designs!

Charlotte, please send me your address and I will get your package out promptly!

A very big thanks to all who participated and who drop by and comment from time to time. I enjoy getting to know all of you and meeting new bloggers!

Ladies Weekend

One of the highlights of my year is the weekend I spend with dear, long time friends. We all live in different states and don't get to see each other very often, but when we do get together we just pick up where we left off. Unfortunately, due to family obligations, it doesn't always work out that we can all get away at the same time (Donna, we missed you!) and our destinations might not be very exotic but girlfriend time is the best. 

Keys to a great weekend are...

a nice hotel, preferably with a hot tub

charming restaurants

shopping! Some like boutiques

others swoon over antiques

healthy snacks to keep us going, preferably not left in a hot car,

and the best friends ever!

I will be back later to post the winner of my strawberry mat giveaway. Time to take my DH to his well deserved Father's Day Brunch.

Garden Tour

June brings the opportunity to be inspired by touring local gardens. I love to incorporate found things and concrete pieces in the garden to give the eye a break so I'm always interested to see how others accomplish this. Here's some of my favorites from the six gardens we toured last weekend.

Old Seed Planter?

 

 

 

 

Watering Can is Actually a Fountain!

 

I Love this Natural Looking Fountain

How Cute is This Hobbit House

 

Ceramic Mushrooms Abound in This Yard

Early Work Mercantile Update

If you get a chance, please drop by Early Work Mercantile and see what my talented friends have to offer this month. I finished two projects.

Design by Lisa Bongean

My Design

I also have a WIP and I hope to find stitching time to finish this over the weekend.

Please check back later. I will be offering a giveaway for all of you who have stuck with me during my blogging slump. :-)