The Ripley Museum in Ripley, Ohio. This is a major landing place for the underground railroad. Just across the Ohio river in Maysville, KY is where Harriet Beecher Stowe first saw slaves being auctioned off on the steps of the courthouse, which inspired her to write the book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin".

We toured the museum and of course there were certain things that caught my eye in the museum. So here they are.

I spotted this old permanent wave machine. The client's hair was rolled on rollers and then one of these clamps was put on each curler and then they were plugged in. The clamps provided heat which was needed to activate the solution.

Another perm machine. At least you didn't have to be directly hooked up to the electricity.

Top left are those perm rods that went to the above machines as well as some other curlers. Top right are home made leather curlers. Bet they made for some 'wonky' curls. Bottom are 2 marcel curling irons and on the bottom a wave iron. They went into an electric heater and hopefully you didn't get them so hot that you burned your hair and had a handful of curls no longer attached to your head!

Victorian Funeral Coach. Inside is a casket size basket from which the phrase, "going to h*#l in a handbasket" came from.

County Fair Entries (also won 1st place at the State Fair)2010

Entered these booties that I created the pattern for and made as well as the little hat. I came up with the pattern for these boy booties as well as the girls Mary Janes. I sold them at The Stitching Corner, where I worked.

The Stevenson's will soon be "Finishers"

Here is the front and a few pages of the Stevenson's farewell book. Each missionary wrote a special message to them, thanking them for their service. It was so touching to read them as I put each message on a page. They have made such a difference to all of us in 'The Ohio'!

More pages in the Stevenson's book

Hammy at the Window

We have been putting bird seed on the windowsill for about 2 months now and this is the first time that we have had a squirrel at the window. After I took this picture he got up on his hauches and wanted to know why I "flashy thingy'd him?"

Weekend with Hazel & The Sweetest Sound

On Saturday, Josh and Tricia called from their weekend getaway to tell us that Grandpa & Grammie B. were taking care of Hazel. Hazel is like 12 toddlers rolled into one. They decided that if they were all going to make it through the weekend, they would hire their other granddaughter, Alana to come play with Hazel for the weekend. That is way too funny, and very recourceful!

Last night we were on the phonewith our son, Brandon. When he got home, Audrey was talking up a storm. So he had her get on the phone to say all her words. She said "Grandma" clear as a bell. Can I tell you it just melted my heart. She is such an adorable little sweetheart! I am so thankful for technology!

This Crazy Robin

Here in these 2 pictures you can see that she sits and looks at us because she wants to come in the house to build her nest. She has been at this kitchen window, the big window above the front door and at the back door. Below you can watch the movie of her at the back door, looking inside and then trying to fly in through the glass.

The Crazy Robin Movie

Pincushion Finished

My Valentine Present

2 Majolica Ware Bowls

Valentine's Weekend

We had such a great weekend. I started out by heading to Hebron, Kentucky to speak at the Visiting Teaching workshop. I was supposed to speak last year but we had a terrible blizzard the night before and we were grounded.
I had a terrific time with the sisters there. That is truly the best thing about my calling, I can go all over the place and the sisters are wonderful and welcoming.
After I got home, Greg and I exchanged gifts (he went back to Sur le Table and got 2 majolica ware bowls I admired the last time I was there.) We also went out for Chinese Food for lunch since we did not want to battle the evening crowds. The evening was pretty quiet, so that was nice.
Sunday we were invited by President Jensen to be on the stand when the Milford ward was divided. It is now the Milford Ward and the Little Miami Ward. It was a great blessing to be there and witness the growth of the Lord's kingdom. We also enjoyed visiting with all of our friends. It always amazes us that we are here!

Projects that I finally finished

I finished up a bunch of booties so they are ready to give away on a moments notice.
The dollies are happy in their Amish Crib.

Antique Fun

hey Dad, do you remember this silverware pattern? I found only these two pieces. I have plans for a shadow box when I get back to SL.
Some other silver I bought. Love the baby spoon and the lettuce fork on the right.
Here is a little silver on brass sugar bowl I am making into a pin cushion. I'll put it on again when I finish it.

One of the two heirloom baby dresses I found.

Neckline details with embroidery, entredeaux and needlework scalloped edging.

Favorite antique baby dress

This is my favorite dress of the two I found.
I love the fine embroidery, the tiny little pin tucks and the needle lace scallops on the neckline.

This is the bottom with the same sweet embroidery and the needle lace scallops on the scalloped hemline.

February Fun - Week 1

Went Antiquing on Tuesday. What wonderful therapy!!! I loved this little vinette and found a darling little silver on brass sugar bowl to make a pin cushion out of.
THE VOLCANO. When I was growing up we had a coffee maker like this one. It sounded like a volcano early in the morning. Thank goodness that coffee doesn't taste like it smells or it might be a temptation, but it is still one of those "comfort smells" that I go down the coffee isle of the grocery store to enjoy.

This is "Hawk". He landed in the woods and hung out for the afternoon. Everyone else was laying low except the fiesty little male cardinal. Isn't he gorgeous!?!

Our beautiful ice covered tree

Doesn't this tree look gorgeous with the sun shining on the ice!?!

After the layer of ice (see posting below), then we had a heavy wet snow.
The tree branches aren't bent from the wind, but from the weight of the ice and snow.

So beautiful and quiet in the back yard.

Our little tree is bending, hope we don't loose any branches, or the whole thing.

The birds are really disturbed by the branches on the feeder and that it is tilted out of whack. Hammy came by but couldn't get to any food, and didn't care for the slippery branches.

Ice Storm 2009 Pictures

After the ice. The tree on the right is covered in 1/4" of ice. I think the garbage cans are stuck in the ice!
My Ivy pot by the front door

Everything is encased by the ice.

So beautiful on the trees. So deadly on the roads. We are on a "Level 3 Snow Alert", which means that if you are caught driving you can be sited or arrested.