Decision made: Canon EOS Rebel XS

It’s a done deal. I am now the owner of a Canon EOS Rebel XS. It came with two lenses, bonus Canon bag, and an in depth instruction manual (which I will rely heavily upon!) I’m excited about learning to use this DSLR camera, but must admit that it is a bit intimidating. So, if my shots around here over the next few weeks are less than perfect… you’ll know why!

Tonight, I’ve folded my favorite quilt, put away my flannel pajamas, and settled  into my favorite chair wearing springtime pajamas. The windows and screened doors are open, and it feels so good to have a comfortably cool breeze blowing through the house. This amazingly beautiful, 75 degree day has motivated me to learn to use this camera in record time.

All of the trees show visible budding, and I can hardly wait to plant my spring garden! I’m ready, are you?

Off to an estate sale…

Just a quick note to tell you I hope your weekend was as wonderful as mine. Spring was in the air! The temperature was around 65 degrees, and the sun was shining. We spent our Saturday building raised garden beds, fishing, and doing a little tidying around the outside of the house. It was so refreshing to throw open the windows and air the house out. Hard to believe we had snow last weekend.

Now, I’m off to an estate sale to see what I can find. I collect old stoneware and vintage fabric. I’ve also been on the lookout for canning jars and a pressure canner. It’ll be harvest season before you know it!

Favorite Places: Pine Level, AL

If you live in central Alabama, or find yourself passing through, Sikes and Kohn’s Country Mall is worth the stop. Every February they have a sale, and we all get new shoes. It’s a tradition.

They have boots, tennis shoes, Crocs, flip-flops, dress shoes, and on and on. They also have jeans, shorts, coveralls, purses, belts, dresses, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Their everyday prices are good, but their sale prices are irresistible.

Lucky for me, Sikes and Kohn’s is only a 15 minute drive from our home, and I get to take the scenic back roads.

 

I love the slow, lazy drive between my home and Pine Level, AL. There are very few houses along the way, but there are several old homesteads. I enjoy imagining what life would have been like for them.

So beautiful. There are a lucky few who inhabit this extremely rural area.

I had to laugh when I saw this sign!

And old barns make my heart swell.

 

This is Pine Level’s one and only traffic light. It’s a caution light. My husband grew up here, so it’s nice to visit once in a while.

 And did I mention the shoes?

We’re good to go for the next year.

Favorite Places: Montgomery, Alabama

  

If you ever find yourself in Montgomery, Alabama, do yourself a favor and head on over to Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to treasure hunt.

But, before you decide to hit the three vast floors that make up Eastbrook, you’ll need a little sustenance.

Just a few doors down lies the best authentic Thai restaurant on the planet. The Green Papaya.

Yummy!

 

Fabulous spring rolls with sweet peanut sauce.

 

The most amazing Tofu Pad Thai you’ll ever put in your mouth. It’s a local legend.

When you’ve had you’ll fill, you’ll be ready to walk it off on the best antiquing adventure our city has to offer. Eastbrook is comprised of hundreds of “booths” where locals offer their goods for sale.

My favorite booth is #67, pictured above. It is stuffed to the brim with books. Hardbacks are $3, and paperbacks are $1. Heaven!

You never know what you’re going to find. Check out this unique tea cup and saucer.

Take a closer look. A geisha is revealed when it is held up to light!

A crate of old vinyl records.

Beautiful vintage silver buttons.

 

I loved this old stoneware windmill.

And I longed to bring this French Country china home with me. I’m usually just admiring the goods. Window shopping. Such fun!

An old tapestry pillow. And a rooster lamp that would have looked right at home on my sewing table. Don’t you think?

More gorgeous china and old books. Sigh.

It was unbearably hard to resist this sweet birdfeeder.

 

Old baby carriages, dolls and a doll quilt, and toy oven.

Have you ever seen one of these? It’s a mourning ring. So sad.

More lovely china. I really like the square plates and the colors.

 

It’s rare that I leave without a few books, but this day I exercised incredible restraint. I’m waiting in line with my single treasure.

 

Two dollars for a beautiful framed and embroidered landscape? Sold!