More County Living Fair

The Country Living Fair really did bring the pages of the magazine to life.  I was on inspiration overload, there was just so much to see.  I wanted to photograph everything...but that's no way to enjoy yourself.  I did take many photos, and this is what I saw...

It doesn't get much prettier than this.  A seeded eucalyptus wreath, with a wedding ring quilt as a backdrop.

 Every booth had  a WOW!  Whether handmade or natural, everything had that country touch.  So warm and inviting.

 Pumpkins...

 Pumpkins...

 and more pumpkins and gourds.  Every size, shape and color.

 Everything was pretty.

 Even the lemonade stand was charming.

This booth might have been my favorite,  Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods.  All the way from Rhode Island.  There were thousamds of notions, trim, buttons...oh the buttons!  I was allowed only two photos.  (Sorry I asked... but being a good blogger, I always ask.)  These photos don't begin to capture the wealth of this booth.

 It knocked my socks off.  It was that good.

The Happy Chair lady said, " take as many as you want", when I asked to photograph her unique armchairs.  They were so much fun, and no two alike.

This was first thing Sunday morning, and we had the place to ourselves.  I can't say enough good things about the staff of the fair...the kindness of the vendors... or the charm of the village.  I have a few more photos to share, humor me as I have one more Country Living Post in me!

The Country Living Fair

We went to the Country Living Fair this weekend in Ohio.  It was amazing!  Set in the Ohio Village, it was a feast of art, crafts, vintage and all things Country Living.  It was more than I ever imagined, and  friendlier than I hoped.  We had perfect weather and I have so much to tell you about.  A small friend is visiting this morning, so It will have to wait.  More about the vendors and our trip tomorrow.   

Happy Harvest

It was a great summer, and  now it's harvest time.  Today we cleaned up our little garden.  Earlier this week our little bird picked the first of our pumpkins.  All together there were 36, the largest being a Cinderella that weighs 7lbs 8 ounces. That will be the little one's jack o lantern. 

My helpful guy cut down the sunflower stalks and stripped all the leaves.  The stalks are good for kindling or building garden supports, so we'll let them dry on the deck for a while.

This little garden gave me so much pleasure, and the joy of seeing our little one's face every time she visited.  She wanted to show everyone her garden.  She really enjoyed it too!

 Some of the pumpkins are tiny...Next year I'll try and start them earlier.

Pumpkin pumpkin pretty pumpkin, you're my pumpkin pie...I'd rather be a jack o lantern than be baked in a pumpkin pie.  Does anyone know this song?  Mom and Dad sang it every year at Halloween.  Now I do too!

Have a great weekend!

100 Best Companies

If you listen to news radio, or watch the news on TV or pick up a news paper today, you will hear about the 2011 Working Mother 100 Best Companies.  Our daughter Kristen, along with being the best daughter a Mom could be blessed with,  is also a very smart woman.  Her job, at Working Mother Media is as Senior Manager, Editorial Research and Initiatives, and this list is her baby. As  parents we rarely get to see our grown children's work...but today, Kristen's work is in all media...and I am very proud of her.

You can check it out here.

Thrifted Yarn Prayer Shawl

I found this large cone of yarn at a St. Vincent De Paul Shop in Wisconsin, and used it with two strands of white baby weight yarn to crochet this prayer shawl.

Just a thin pink threadlike yarn gives this shawl it's soft color.

I worked this cornflower stitch with a large size hook.

This pattern is from a book by Wanda Bonando, called Crocheting.  It was originally published in Italian in 1978.  I found my copy at a rummage sale, but it is still available on Amazon.  If you love crochet, this book has everything, including a history of needlework that is interesting. This pattern is so great because the sides have a scalloped look...it looks complicated but is so easy. If you are interested in this pattern, let me know.  I hope if you're a crocheter, you'll try this pretty stitch.  I'd love to see what you make with it!  Have a great day!