Friday, June 14, 2013

"Finds"

Hello Again!

I'm heading to my "happy place" in just a few minutes but thought I would pop in with a couple of pictures of the tablecloth I found for the bargain price of 50 cents on Monday.


Isn't it beautiful? I do need to iron it again to get the folding creases out. I don't see any stains on it at all. Such a fun vintage find. I think it will have a home in my camper. The little embroidered flowers make me smile! :-)

And then I found this.


I have my grandmothers antique and I mean old, old, old potato masher that I use all of the time. Mandy wanted a similar one but all I could find in stores were those sqiggly wire ones that didn't mash anything and left lots of lumps. I happened upon this masher at the same time that I found the tablecloth. It's not nearly as old as mine, but it has lots of little holes and should work just fine for her.

A few people emailed me about reading and crocheting at the same time. Here's how I do it.

I found this book holder at a craft fair several years ago. This is for a trade paperback size and I also have one for regular paperbacks. The cover has a spring in the back that lets you lift the front or back and turn a page. Then it holds the book flat and that strip of clear plastic stays clipped over the pages to keep the book open. You don't have to unsnap it unless you want to close the book completely. This has changed my crafting life. I LOVE to read, but as you know, I also LOVE to knit/crochet. Now I can do both very easily. If you're interested in one of your own, just email me, I have the couple's name that makes them. They told me that making and selling them supplements their retirement income. I'm NOT selling anything and I really don't even know the people, I just met them at the craft fair and bought these book holders.

The painters that were here all day yesterday just left. We now have a freshly stained deck and fence. They had hoped to complete the job yesterday, but it started raining about 3:00. Both guys are wonderful Christian young men. They also painted the outside of our house last spring. We've had some great conversations. One of them was a marine with two tours of Iraq. He told me of the families he met over there and that his heart just breaks for the regular, everyday people, just like us. They just want to raise their families in peace but then war got in the way. So sad. He told me he spent a lot of time in Falujah. (I probably spelled that wrong.) While there he got close to two families that he still tries to keep in touch with. Mail delivery is sporadic at best. It was an interesting two days, hearing his stories and listening to how these two fine young men are trying to live their lives helping others. It gives me hope in this world that we still have young people like that. It seems all you hear these days is bad news.

Anyway, now that they're finished I can head back to the lake. I'll be reading your blogs while there and trying to comment. And I'll be back here next week with an update on my little life. Hopefully I'll have made some good progress on my blanket to show you.

Blessings,

Betsy

15 comments:

  1. Wow, what an amazing find.. that beautifully embroidered treasure! You will really enjoy that on your camp table. I wish I had your guys here to do our deck so hubby wouldn't have to. Ours needs it. Especially to go with the new gazebo! Enjoy the lake and I hope to see you soon! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  2. Love the vintage table cloth, it looks like it is in perfect condition. So nice that you had time to spend with these young men, There is good everywhere, we just have to look for it.
    Hugs to you and have fun at the lake,
    Meredith

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  3. Nice thrift store finds! Enjoy your weekend at the lake:)
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  4. Oh the table cloth is awesome. I know you will give it a wonderful new home.

    Wishing you a lovely day filled with many blessings dear friend.

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  5. Hello Betsy, Your vintage table cloth is very pretty...It was nice to read about the two young christian men story about Iraq... I wish you a wonderful and peaceful weekend at the lake.. Hugs Judy

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  6. Love the tablecloth and the book/page holder is pretty cool. I am an avid reader and haven't come across anything like that.

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  7. Great find - beautiful table cloth! I love that handy book holder. What a neat idea! I will need to look for one!

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  8. HOW on earth, did I miss these past few posts of yours????? LOVE your fabulous find! What a beautiful tablecloth!! I have my Grandfathers heave duty potato masher, and it is GREAT!
    Your grand babies are beautiful. What lovely photos...the deer...oh my!!!
    And the new puppy friend for your sweet doggin' too!!!
    I love, love, love your new recliner for the camper. Total comfort!!! Wow!
    Lucky you. Enjoy!!!!
    xo Kris

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  9. I looove the table cloth Betsy. It's just amazing how somebody would just not want it anymore. S delicate n pretty. I have one of those potato mashers from Brazil n I love it. And your book holder... How clever :)
    I miss you my dear friend. Hope we will see you soon :) enjoy your summer at the lake :)

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  10. 50 cents? Really? That's amazing...and beautiful! I never have that kind of luck.

    I don't think I'll ever be able to master the read and crochet/knit thing. One of them always takes my interest over and I either sit there and crochet/knit with a book in my lap or read with my crochet/knitting idle in my hands....silliness.

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  11. wow well done Betsy all around love the book cover too :D Shaz in oz.x

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  12. Hello Betsy, I realize it has been a year since you offered the contact information for the couple who make the book holders that allow you to be hands free while reading. Do you still have their info and would you share it with me? Thank you, Carla

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  13. Hello Betsy, I realize that it has been a year since you referred to the couple who make the book holders that allow hands free reading. Do you still have their contact information and would you share it with me? I am extremely interested. Thanks, Carla

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    Replies
    1. I used to have one of those book holders and I've been searching for YEARS to find a replacement. Could you contact me if you've found where to find them? Thanks! katielanglois@gmail.com

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  14. Hi Besty,

    I have been looking for that book holder. I had one a few years and used it until it broke. Mine was in plastic and the book store I got it from has closed.

    Could you please give your contacts my email tdnewsom95@gmail.com

    Thank you

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