This & That - Early Summer 2021

It's been a while since I've written a 'This & That' post, so I guess it's time.  Welcome back to the Cottage.  It's early summer, winter is over (finally), it's warming up, and I can be outside!  That means my garden is growing and yard sale season is upon us.  Let's have a look.....

Everything is coming up roses! There just isn't anything else to say about this rose except.....Isn't she a beauty?

A double Painted Daisy had to get into the act!  I'm hoping they will bloom a second time this season.  I had no luck last year so fingers crossed for this year.

My Donald Wyman Lilac bush finished blooming about a week ago.  The fragrance on the back porch was heavenly!

The sage has doubled in size from last year.  I will have to start harvesting it soon along with the dill and basil.  They will be used fresh and will also be dried.  Once you start growing your own, there's just no going back to the grocery store variety.

The vegetables are growing too - no pics since they're very tiny right now, but I can't wait for fresh tomatoes and zucchini.  Bruschetta and Zucchini Bowls will be on the menu!

So much for 'This', let's move on to 'That'!

Yard Sale Season is in full-swing and I've been to a few.  I'm trying not to acquire more furniture since my house is bursting at the seams, but here are a few of my finds so far this year:

I had no idea what this was (and neither did the woman I bought it from) but it 'spoke to me' and it was only $2.  Fortunately someone on a group I belong to identified it as the wooden pestle for a vintage tomato strainer.  Sadly there was no metal strainer in sight, so it now resides on the shelf in my kitchen.

I'm sure you probably recognize this cookbook stand.  It's certainly not old, but I love blue and the fact that it is made of wood.  I'm in the process of giving it bit of an update, so stay tuned for that upcoming post!

Don't get too excited.  Yes, it's a birdcage, but it's not vintage.  It actually has a Hallmark sticker on the bottom! LOL  It also came with a bonus flameless candle and a fall berry spray.  Have no fear, though, it will get a new look for Fall and/or Christmas.  If you have any suggestions I'm always open to new ideas!

I know what you're thinking...this is not something Ann would normally grab at a yard sale. But, it's part of a plan.  A plan that's been in the works for a few years. Yes, I said 'years'.  Doesn't everyone have a project in the works that is just waiting for all the pieces? In a box?  In a closet?  Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Next month will be 'Christmas in July'  at The Apple Street Cottage and these little Christmas village people will be included.  Also, did I mention that they were only 25 cents each?

I was drawn to the detail on this wood frame as soon as I saw it especially since it was mostly intact.  Did you know that old frames like this one are wood but the detail is often made out of plaster?  So it's never a good idea to use stripper on them (no, I didn't do it, but I know someone who did!)  When I got this frame home, a small piece fell off and I could see it was not wood.  A little dab of glue handled that problem.  Stay tuned, I've started working on this little beauty and I'm loving the result!

I know what you're thinking...$1.50?  Of course they came home with me!  I wasn't really sure what they were, and neither was anyone else but with a little internet detective work, the mystery was solved.  They are antique bobbins from a textile mill.  In case you're wondering, yes, I DO know what I'm going to do with them, but I may need a few more pieces for the project.  Hopefully this one won't take a few years!  HaHa!

So, there you have it. the first 'This & That' of 2021.  I hope you've enjoyed it.  I've given you some 'sneak-peeks' at upcoming projects, and you know there will be stories to tell.......