Lopez Island in the San Juans

In September three of us, would make the adventure to the island of Lopez. This had been the home of cousin Sharon whom we lost to her passing last December. Sharon lived here for about seven years in the 70's, we all talked about getting up there to see this place where she lived and loved so much, but we never did until now. We all know now why she loved it so much. The island is a very layed back, slow moving, friendly island. I just wanted to share some of the highlights of our trip. Enjoy.
A 6:00am departure for the ferrie ride to Lopez Island had to be early so we could make the right ferrie time. Kathy drove which was a real treat for me, thank you Kathy.
This photo was taken in 1976 when Sharon and Jim were building this home, over the years it has had some changes as you will see below.
This is the Rustic Elegance Vacation home now, it was very comfortable and somehow I think we all felt Sharon's presence here. You can click on the name for more information about renting this wonderful little home.
There were a lot of very unique types of mail boxes, this was one of my favorites, we also saw many "eggs for sale" signs, I think I took nine different photos of them.
We saw lots of different animals on the island including this cow, does any one know what kind of cow he is? He was very friendly.
We are off to play at The Farmer's Market, I wonder what we will find.
I am ready to go to the Saturday Farmer's Market, don't you think?
Here is Donna in the community garden behind the sweet peas, if you look close behind on the fence you can see and orb, um was that Sharon's angel? Donna took a picture of me in a different spot in the garden and I had orb in my photo. It does make you think. Now we are off for coffee.
This coffee shop was quite interesting, notice on the door it says "hippies use the side door" I was reading some information on the walls that stated that this place has been here since the early 70's, I have to think that Sharon probably frequented this establishment.
One of our adventures took us to Flat Point, in search of sea glass, not to much was found, however.
This was one of the winding path ways down to Flat Point, the fall leaves were falling every where.
This driftwood fort was common along the beaches, I really liked this one as you can see it is secured with seaweed.
This crab I found on the beach so I did a little staging, he was not alive, I am glad I did the staging because he did not make it back to the car in one piece.
This photo was taken at Sharks Reef Sanctuary, it was by far our favorite place to hike out to, I do believe this probably was one of Sharon's special places to go, as she had told me some stories about a place similar to this. The dog in the picture belonged to the woman who offered to take the photo, his name was "moon". I loved it.
This was a farm stand that we stopped at, inside this building they had freezers full of USDA approved meat for purchase, all you did was write down what you want on a piece of paper, put the money with it and put it in a box and take your meat home. A total honor system on this island, wow!
Just when I thought I could not hike any more, Kathy convinced me that we needed to hike out to Iceberg Point, which we did, this was a monument that declares the Canadian and US waters.
Donna, Kathy and I with the bay behind us, we were down at the Village Shopping area. There is not a lot to shop for here, so you were able to really relax and just enjoy the scenery.
This story was on the back of a post card we got, it tells the whole story about Lopez, if you click on the photo it will enlarge so that you can read it.
Our search for agates was not so successful, however I did find several heart shape rocks, um I wander if that was Sharon's way of telling us we were loved and missed, I know we all miss her very much. Sharon was one of our traveling buddies, I would have to say she brought a lot of laughs out of us. the stories she could tell, oh my. She will never leave our hearts.

Weekend Treasures Found

I got some great finds with some great prices on them, I was able to go to a couple estate sales and the vintage secrets sale this last weekend. I was very pleased at what I got. Vintage Secrets next sale will be next May 2010.
This paint easel was a score, I got it from worthy goods at the vintage secrets sale, I have been looking for one that I can put outside in the summer in the garden for my grandchildren to paint a picture of what they are seeing, I will let you know next spring or summer how that goes.
These linens and the old quilt I got for $2.00, what a bargain that I could not pass up, the basket is a medium size that I did not have yet, so I think I did really good. These came from an estate sale that I got to go to on Friday.
This vintage iron was a treasure to find, thank you Fran or Lori, the aqua sifter was the first one I have seen in this color, the metal hooks are for Roger to do something great with, the red apron is really sweet.
Some more close ups, Romancing The West cookbook by Fran Gillette can be found by clicking on Fran's name. I have already ear marked several recipes and Roger is marking his that has caught his eyes. I know we won't be disappointed.

Vintage Secrets Fall Sneak Peeks

Fran Gillette's new cookbook is out and will be available at this sale, I have all of her cookbooks and this one will join my collection. I saw a sneak peek and can hardly wait to really check it out tomorrow, they make wonderful gifts. These ladies that put this sale have found a great group of vendors to do this sale. It is Saturday 9:00 to 4:00 at 17901 NE 72nd Avenue, Battle Ground, Washington 98604. Hope to see you there.
This dress form is ready to play maid at your house, and for the grown up woman to play dress up with, I love mine that I have, I get to change her with the seasons, or maybe something that I find that I can't wear but I love it, so I put it on her.
There is such a great assortment of treasures to be found, you are not going to want to miss this sale.
This fall display makes me want to take it all home, maybe tomorrow. Come and check it out, this is from Worthy Goods they make some wonderful things for their show and have some great vintage items.
How about that special rolling pin that you have been wanting? There is a great selection here.

Comforts and Papa Jacks Fall Sale

Rose Hips that says fall to me along with the pumpkins. The air was cool and crisp, the outing to the Papa Jacks and Comforts was a perfect way to spend the day, complete with apple cider pressing and a cozy fire to sit by and visit with old friends.
This pumpkin patch was perfectly lined up under the trees, making them inviting for any one wanted to choose one.
Rustic metal pumpkin said please take me home, so I did take one home, which now finishes my fall decorating on my porch.
These signs for were waiting for the right person, the bird house did come home with me and has already found a place in my yard.
These wood houses were all lined up waiting for some one to take them home too, as I said in the previous post I have several, in fact my studio is patterned after one that I purchased.
This wonderful pin cushion, needle keeper and pin sharpener came home with me, I always say I am going to make one and never seem to, now I have my own. Thanks Deb.
Here is Don, Deb's husband, her brother-in-law and I think her nephew making apple cider, I came home with 2 gallons, nothing beats home made apple cider. I will try to save some for the cold winter nights that may come this winter.
My friend Robin, also fellow farm girl came to the sale, we both like primitive, so this package she is holding is from me, her birthday is this coming Saturday, so I found some thing for her, and the ladies were able to wrap it with out her knowledge as to what was going on, then I presented it to her and said she can't open it until Saturday. I hope she likes it.
The fire was burning inviting some one to come and sit a spell and just relax, and so I did. There is another sale this Saturday the 17th of October at the Manor Grange in Vancouver on 72nd Ave, it is the Vintage Secrets, they have a sale twice a year and I have heard that Fran Gillette will have her new cook book available for that sale.

Sneak Peeks at Papa Jacks and Comforts Fall Sale

The setting is perfect for a Back Yard Folk Art sale. This cute little quest house sits in a setting perfect for a back ground, of a sale, offering some of the greatest primitive and folk art you can find. My understanding is that there will be lots to choose from, they are also going to be doing apple cider pressing too. This is a sale you won't want to miss. It is Saturday the 10th of October and is held at 15506 NE 181st Street in Brush Prairie, Washington. The hours are from 10:00 to 3:00. Don't miss out!
A small apple orchard complete with a wonderful sitting area, creating an intimate setting.
How about porch pillows, these are feather pillows with old samplers sewn on them to give them new life and purpose.
Some wonderful fall pincushions for sale too.
Some old quilts will be available.
This is one of the many houses that the PaPa Jack's girls are bringing to this sale. They have always been well sought after. I have some in my house and some outside.

Uncovered Ruby Gala

Fall Harvest was definitely the theme here at this sale on Saturday the 3rd of October, the scene was in the back parking lot of Uncovered Ruby's store. There was all kinds of happenings going on complete with music being played by a guitarist. There were plenty of vendors and the weather held out for them all. Yeah! There were lots of pumpkins to choose from as you will see in the following photos.



LIVE BY THE SUN, LOVE BY THE MOON I loved this sign so I got it. Cathy from Beyond the Garden Gate does these, she has some great sayings. Thank you Cathy.
Michelle of My Shabby Passion, she is the greatest, the kindest gentle spirit, I am so blessed to have gotten to know her in this last year. There were two of us trying to get this photo, but I love her expression any way, even though I did not get a straight on shot. She is just so full of life. Thank you Michelle.
I don't think any one can have too many of these jars, there are so many things you can do with them, don't you think?
This was a sweet little figurine with all the ruffles, it certainly looked very Paris to me.
I could not resist this plaque, it is the work of Lisa Kaus, check out her site for more information. This space was that of a man named Jay, I never really got his business name, however.
This door display was wonderful, with it's crackle finish and added decorations.
These mercury turquoise ornaments were beautiful.
This was Susan of Bird Song and Mary Jo of Faded Rosie space, it was loaded and ready for fall.
Mary Jo of Faded Rosie made these sweet burlap pumpkins, of course one had to go home with me.
What a cute little bistro chairs and table, perhaps for dolls or even teddy bears, don't you think?
Jennifer of Barking Dogs blog spot had this great display, she is also at Camas Antiques, you won't want to miss her space, go and check it out.
All these notions are sorted in these cute baskets they would be perfect to draw from to create what ever craft project you might be working on.

Mail box any one, I have a huge one that I keep some of my garden supplies in out in the garden. The possibilities are endless. What would you do.
This was Karen's space of Plain and Simply Karen's blog, she had yummy chocolate chip pumpkin muffins. I got a really cool round wood cheese box from her; as well as that blue enamel dipper in those photo.
This space is JunqueCouture Home, I met Pam and she is a fellow blogger, there are some of neatest people out there blogging.
Just think it won't be long until turkey day. This weekend on Saturday is Papa Jacks and Comforts Sale "Backyard Folk Art, in Brush Prairie, Washington. The ladies that put this show on, only have the best folk art and primitives that you can imagine. It is from 10:00 to 3:00.
15506 NE 181st Street. Don't miss out. I promise you won't be disappointed.