The LeBold Mansion

Just look at this beauty. Out in the middle of Kansas in a small town named Abeline we stumbled upon the LeBold Mansion. Abeline is the home of President Dwight Eisenhower and is everything you could hope a small Midwest town to be.

These are the grand doors that enter into this amazing mansion. It was built in the 1800's and had a series of owners. It once was an orphanage and also housed young ladies who were training to become telephone operators.

When we walked inside and I could think was HOLY SMOKES! So opulent of an entry...Rich colors, beautiful carved wood, and something to take in visually at every corner!

This was in Mr. LeBold's library. He was a prominent banker in town . Back in the day, the average price of homes for $300 to $500. The LeBold mansion cost $18,000 to build

They had a few Halloween decorations up as you can see. This fireplace was also in Mr. LeBolds

library. Usually, the library was the smaller room in Victorian mansions, but Mr. LeBold wanted to make an impression upon his guest and had a large room to receive businessmen.

The antiques were just beautiful. I don't know why things like this aren't made anymore...or maybe they are and I'm just out of the loop!

The current owners are partners who travel the USA finding homes to restore and then move on for another conquest. One of their "specialties" is doing a jigsaw of wallpaper on the ceilings. You can get a glimpse in this photo.

Here is another ceiling shot...just amazing. The time and effort and measuring....unbelievable!

The window treatments were a site to behold. Each room was paid careful attention to detail.

I asked about the ceiling medallion, and although not authentic to the home, there is an artisan they contracted to make this plaster medallion from an antique version.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the time period and explained that back in the Victorian era, the home was were all the entertaining took place. There weren't movie theaters yet, so when people came to visit, there were special rooms in the house for different activities, and rooms that only the immediate family would use.

This is the dining room...so spacious.

Don't you feel like we live decorate very plainly after seeing these rooms? My goodness, everything was over the top.

This was in Mrs. LeBolds private study. Can you imagine having a room all to yourself just to dress or have a friend over for tea?

This bedroom was in a Asian theme...should have taken more pictures, but I was too busy standing with my mouth hanging open, listening to the stories about the house, saying "WOW" a thousand times over in my mind.

This was the Moroccan room a family room of sorts. That is a tusk with the most intricate carving and I loved the puppets as I call them.

This was the girls nursery. Sorry I didn't get a picture of the bed. It has a lovely patchwork quilt on it. Reminded me of the Shirley Temple movie The Little Princess.

The home is up for sale for $899,000 and is currently in escrow. The new owners are planning on using it as a private residence, so I'm very happy I got to tippy toe inside before it will no longer be open to the public!

Acorn Collection

I originally posted these pictures in March, but HECK...I wasn't even friends with some of you back in the day and wanted to show you my Acorn Collection! It IS fall after all! I feel like my house just comes alive during this time of year...and I become like a little kid excited for the upcoming holidays. The anticipation is WONDERFUL! These are my little place card holders I purchased at Nell Hill in Atchison, KS. What a wonderful store!

My fall table setting, with yes....you see right....acorn and leaf confetti!


My acorn pie crust attempt!

My red transfer ware plates, with you guessed it...ACORNS on the rim of the plate!

Acorn cakelet pan from William Sonoma. So cool! Made them last fall and use edible gold dust to brush the tops. Everyone loved them!

My Acorn teapot set that my sweet co-worker bought for me. He said it had my name written all over it!

A little bit of my random acorn collection...ceramic, wood, felt, wrought iron...I'll take them in way, shape or form!

My Acorn plaque that sits on our mantel

My Acorn wreath that is up YEAR ROUND....a gift from my sister :)

Fairytale Germany

This is the beautiful village Dan-the-Man stayed in on his recent business trip in Germany.
The towns name is Windischeschenbach (Say that fast three times!) It's in the south east region of Germany(Bavaria) and looks pristine clean and breathtaking! Addendum 10/18: Dan the Man pointed out that the picture of the above town is Flossenburg, not Windischeschenbach where he was staying....heaven forbid you make a trip to Europe and I pointed you to the wrong town! Mercy!

This is in Munich at Marion Platz...just some incredible architecture. Dan said you can't even begin to appreciate the detail carved in the stone at some of the buildings.

Out of all the photographs, I fell I LOVE with this and am ready to build this in my backyard right now. Elves, fairies, chipmunks...whoever wants to reside there, this is just the cutest thing ever. The steps? C'mon! Absolutely magical!

Do yourself a favor and click on this picture so you can enjoy the beautiful details inside this church, just breathtaking!

Dan said there were trails and parks everywhere in the area where you just enjoy nature. Germans are big hikers and love to be outside, weather permitting of course!

Beautiful buildings everywhere dressed up with bountiful flower boxes. I am all for it and love how charming it makes everything look. Lovely!

There is more to share, I'll have to do a part two. We just got back from celebrating our anniversary early since Dan will be on yet another business trip on the real date, but at least this trip is much closer to home. We've just been enjoying each others company and had a lovely dinner. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Smiles, Nancy

Love Sick

This is a picture of me and my sweetie Dan the Man. He has been in Germany on a business trip for three looooooonnnnnnnnggggggggg weeks. He is coming home this Sunday at o'late thirty and I can not wait to see him! We have been married for 9 years this month and I have been madly in love with him ever since we met. There have been many love letters exchanged, letters that took my breath away. When we were dating I would often get a love quote of the day that would make me swoon and walk on clouds. I saved every one of them. The day we got engaged was so memorable. He had a brought me the most beautiful long stemmed red roses I had ever seen, and we had a glass of champagne that evening. We went out to dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant and had a great meal, then went down to the Plaza in Kansas City. For those of you who haven't been to Kansas City, the Plaza is a wonderful shopping area with beautiful architecture. It's sister city is Seville, Spain, so there are beautiful tile mosaics, and fountains everywhere. The whole area is lit up with twinkle lights in November and it's just magical. Dan arranged for us to take a horse drawn carriage ride underneath the stars and proposed to me while on the ride. After the ride we ran into a bar and shouted out "WE'RE ENGAGED" as I flashed my beautiful diamond ring, and the bartender popped open a bottle of bubbly and everyone around congratulated us as we had a toast.

So, it is that man, that I anxiously await to come home. The last few days have been the worst...the anticipation of wanting him in my arms again, where he belongs!

So thank you my friends for allowing me a little trip down memory lane. I am most fortunate that I keep having wonderful memories made and a love to last a lifetime!

Yam Souffle

This is such a good and easy recipe to make in the fall. For people who don't care for yams with marshmallows melted on top, this is a nice little change, a little more sophisticated, with a delicious topping that everyone will love! Just click to enlarge. Enjoy!!!

Favorite Fall Destinations

Given the opportunity, I'm not one to turn down a drive out in the country. I have covered anything within a 3 1/2 hour radius in any given direction from Kansas City. North, East, South, West it doesn't matter, because once you drive 15 minutes in any direction, you are going to hit the countryside.

Fieldstone Orchards is a favorite get-away and about an hour plus drive heading slightly south and west. I day dream about staying at one of the little bed-n-breakfasts inns dotted along the route, love inhaling the fresh country air and can't help but hum a song of happiness in my heart.

Beautiful, breathtaking views that make you wonder why to don't do this every free moment you get. The hands of time slow down to a pace that unfamiliar and yet absolutely delicious.

Suddenly you have time to see if a fish will jump up in the pond, how long that bee will spend getting it's nectar from a flower and savoring the sound of crickets....AHHHHH...peace. We all crave it, and some of our souls need it more than others.

Just look at the bountiful apple tree. You have to have one, a fresh picked juicy apple. You start thinking about homemade pie, applesauce, apple cake, spiced apples and cave in a pick more than your arms can carry.

What a vision. Every fall the excitement of seeing pumpkins gets me all twitterpatted. Why are they so dear to our hearts? Do you think the acorn squash feels unloved and left out? The magic begins here. Picking out the shape, visualizing what design you want to carve, the lovely glow of lit pumpkins welcoming children to your door for their treats. What a grand time!

Fall is Here!!!

My favorite of all seasons is here! The anticipation of the Holidays, the change in the weather, cravings for anything made with pumpkin....Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake, pumpkin lattes....the rich smell of the earth after it's been harvested and turned. There is just an excitement this time of the year. The woodland creatures gathering, and preparing and the fresh crisp air. Wearing sweaters again, baking apple crumb pies, lighting candles. Looking up at the clear skies the stars seem more brilliant than ever. Sitting in front of the fireplace with a hot cup of coffee and a good book! Decorating outside with corn stalks, hay, pumpkins and mums. Going up to Red Barn Farm and looking out at the magnificent view of the rolling hills dotted with farmsteads. You pickem' apple orchards, and having a crisp carmel apple.

I wish you could truly see how vibrant these colors are in person. God took his paint brush and colored all these lovely trees with these beautiful rich tones. The peacefulness watching the leaves slowly fall and float through the air and gently land upon each other.

Every morning finding another tree, more beautiful than the next as I make my way around, just in awe of how magnificent the colors are to behold! The joy of being inside of a warm loving home, with a blanket, curling up on the couch with a window cracked open in the evening breathing in the air.

Taking long walks and picking up acorns, bird feathers, a sycamore leaf large enough to shelter at least three fairies for their tea party. It's heavenly!

Family History

Has anyone caught the genealogy bug before? For some reason out of the blue, I have an overwhelming urge to find out more about my families history! Above is a picture of my Danish Grandparents and my two aunts are uncle. This was taken before my Mom was born and she is 84 years old now!

This is a picture of my handsome Danish Grandfather John Winther Jensen Egelund. I found the ships manifest for the Ellis Island web site from when he came over from Denmark. I've caught the genealogy bug pretty bad, been spending hours going over information, signed up on Ancestry.com, Family search.org, and another website that's free called My Heritage.com and have been passionate about working on this. I even started working on my husband family tree too and have been so lucky to trace back one side of the family to the 1500's!!!!!! I wanted to squeeze as much information out of my Mom in regards to memories, customs, celebrations and of course recipes and have grand plans to get something composed to give to my nieces and nephews for Christmas....that being said it will probably be Christmas 2010 or 2011, but the important thing is I'm working on it!

Anybody else have the bug? Curious minds need to know :)

Room Makeover

I forgot to take pictures of the "BEFORE" in the daughter's room....She had painted in a dark taupe color, and after she went back to college, I told her I was going to be doing a makeover. We picked out fabric together, and I decided to take a week off work and well, work...but at home. A labor of love if you will. I tore out the carpet as there were beautiful hardwoods that had been covered up and painted it a fresh color called "Mystic Sea", a very pale blue/green that has tranquil written all over it. I am convinced that for punishment of bad people, they should be assigned taking up carpet strip tack, because those things were surely invented by the devil himself. I conquered it though, and Phase II will consist of me renting a belt sander from Home Depot and redoing our floor. Bob Villa watch out!

This is a lovely picture that Auntie Barbara bought for my daughter, and the Eiffel tower has a lovely touch of glitter on it....just love it!

Sorry for the GLARE.....a Fleur de Lis switch plate purchased at Provence on the Prairie!

A tiara places on top of the mirror to remind her of the goddess that she is each and everyday!

This is a antique mirror I had in the basement for 5 years....I am glad it has finally found a place in our home as it was my brother Lee's and hold great sentimental value to me.

These are the curtains I sewed, and got such a deal on the tassel trim. I thought they turned out real cute.

Words to live by....I had to show the toggle bolts who was boss and miraculously won the battle!

A vintage Parisian postcard holder that I found at a winery of all places that just had to come home with me!

Also in Phase II will be a toile duvet to complete the looks. It incorporates all the colors and will be the final touch on this project.

SPECIAL NOTE: I was actually tossing and turning last night....thinking about my blog friends and my book recommendation by Bill Bryson on my August 20th post. I was only into the first chapter that I found so hilarious when I made my recommendation. There were things about traveling with my parents as a child that I could relate to that struck my funny bone....after reading more of his book, which I am enjoying still, I discovered that some of the things he has commented on were plain, down right offensive, and he also uses some language that I wasn't expecting. I value all of my blog friendships and would hate to think anyone ran out to buy the same book and had ill thoughts about my recommendation so just wanted to clear the air. Alrighty then...I feel a little better now!

Weekend Getaway

Here are some happy pictures to share of our weekend getaway. We had a lovely drive to and fro, perfect weather, and a wonderful time. Not being technically savvy, the pictures are not uploaded in the correct sequence of events....so sorry for any confusion. This was taken in Lindsborg, Kansas which was a lovely little Swedish Community about 3+ hours west of Kansas City. Very charming with lovely flowers all along the store fronts.

Slojd in Swedish translates to "Crafts". I just loved all the wrought iron and wood signs throughout the town.

This beauty was actually in an antique store in Palexico, Kansas. This particular store specializes in refurbishing these beautiful wood burning stoves. The picture doesn't do it justice, it was HUGE and really a sight for the eyes to behold in person.

This picture was also taken in Palexico....a lovely Antique store with an out of control morning glory vine. Dan-the-Man asked me how come I couldn't get ours to grow like that at home. Guess I'll have to find out what Miracle Grow has to offer to get our vines to take off like that!

This is another cure Antique shop in Palexico.....they carried a nice selection of Western themed

items and furniture.

Back to Lindsborg (I told you the photos were not in sequence!). This is the Swedish Crown where we had lunch. Dan-the-Man had his sights set on some Swedish meatballs!

This was a cute little place where we had Swedish pancakes with lingo berries. I got the feeling this was every one's favorite hang out in town! The owner seemed to know everyone except us!

If we stayed a little longer, I'm sure we would have been on a first name basis too!

This is a Bed and Breakfast in Lindsborg. All of the homes in the town were very well kept and this B & B was no exception.

The whole purpose for our trip was for Dan-the-man and I to attend a military officers function in Salina, Kansas. It was nice for Dan to get to reconnect with some people from his past, and for each of the officers to be recognized for all of their hard work and dedication serving our country.

I am deliriously proud of him, and am always overwhelmed hearing the speeches, recognizing the sacrifices these men and women make for us to enjoy the freedom we have in our country.

Driving back home we decided to take the scenic route vs. the interstate, and I'm always glad we do. We strolled over rolling hills, doted with farms along the way, and just outside of Topeka, Kansas came across Lake Wabaunsee. It was lined with cabins and cottages....people were on the lake in sea-doos and boats....some people floating on rafts, and we found this cabin for sale that had our wheels turning the rest of the drive home. Daydreaming about having a vacation home and imagining BBQ's our on the deck, the kids coming up wet from the lake wanting a snack, sitting out on the deck early in the morning having a hot cup of coffee.....now only if those darn lotto tickets would pull through for me...just once. That's all I'm asking.

Valkommen!

Dan-the-Man, AKA "Captain Dan", retired USA ARMY r.s.v.p.'d for him and his bride (that's me) to attend a Military Officers Reunion in the middle of Kansas. Maybe not quite in the middle of Kansas, but waaaaaaaaayyyyyyy out there in Gods country where they have the Kansas State Fair, in Salina Kansas. At o'dark thirty we will wake up and hit the road in the bug-de-doo(top down), slathered with Coppertone and armed with a venti latte. We will have ample time to reach our destination and do a little site seeing along the way. After settling in to our hotel and maybe catching a nap we will prepare for the evening event. There is going to be cocktails, followed by a sit down dinner, the dancing til the wee hours. I had to buy fluff-n-fold (fancy schmancy) clothes and shudder to think in less than 24 hours time will be conversing with complete strangers that I've never met in my life. I will probably have to have a cocktail (or two...maybe three) so I can come across as relaxed and be able to break out with my moves on the dance floor as effortlessly as those folks on Dancing with the Stars (more along the lines of Chloris Leachman and Betty White) That's were the pictures come in......





I am being bribed, and I'm not too proud to admit it. Ever since we moved to Kansas five years ago, I found out about the town of Lindsborg. Home of famous artist Berger Sandzen (forgive me Berger if rearranged the spelling of your name) who lived in this quaint little Swedish town that I know will make my heart pitter patter.

I am going to be rewarded the next day soaking up the charms of this Swedish village. As luck would have it, it's only about a half hour south of Salina. You see, I am half Danish, so there will be an immediate Scandinavian bond going on. I will be scouring the streets looking for the best bakery in town, and any handmade Christmas ornaments that need to come home with me. Yes, you can all be assured the camera is coming with....I have no idea what type of roadside revelations we will find among the flint hills, but if there's something interesting along the way, I will find it, photograph it and share it with you.

So....to Tom Collins and KC and the Sunshine Band....may the luck of the Danish be with me on the dance floor!

My New Favorite Author

You know when you buy a book, and after reading the first few pages, you can tell what sort of ride your going to be in for? If there is anyone out there that wants to be curled up in ball with streams of tears coming down your face from uncontrollable laughter, this is the book for you.

Maybe it's because there are so many things I can identify with, that make it all the more funny to me, but Bill Bryson has a way with words.

He has a hugely popular book called "A Walk in the Woods" with a picture of a bear on the cover, and I had a prejudice towards buying it for some reason. I always like to support the under dogs, the obscure writers who need help with their sales, that maybe have just written their first novel. Almost like refusing to buy music in High School, if I heard it on the radio way too many times, and knew there were other bands that deserved their time in the spotlight. I thought I would scream if I heard REO Speedwagon sing "I can't fight this feeling anymore" one more time, and therefore band them altogether.

This is different. I realize I now have been punishing myself by not allowing myself to buy a Bill Bryson book before, and know, without a doubt, just like when I discovered Peter Mayle, that I will in fact read every single book he has wrote or has yet to write. Yeah, he's that good!

Again, Dan-the-Man was passed out sleeping, thunderstorms, lightening and all, as I laid in bed in absolute hysterics reading and laughing so hard, I couldn't get my windshield wipers to work fast enough to get to the next sentence. After the first two chapters, I had to put it down, for the sake of my husband being able to get a good night's sleep. Just needed to share with you all, because nothing in the world beats a great book....nothing! Except for that lucky duck in South Carolina that won the Powerball last night.

A Little Enticement

I'd like you to meet Winnifred the Witch. She told me she was bored traveling to Crafts Fair after Crafts fair and would like to settle in a home so she could have a place to nestle in and cast some spells. She promised the wouldn't be anything too mischievous, or harmful in anyway, so I fell for it, hook line and sinker and brought her home from the Lenexa Community Center where we came eye to eye during a fall crafts fair. Now you can't really see just how glamorous she truly is...Hollywood move over, because Winnifred the Witch is sporting some ruby earrings, has her nails polished and insist her hair be colored "Fireside Glow" although she'll never own up to it. She has been pretty tame for the most part, but I know she has been up to a little mischief lately(gearing up for Halloween and all) because she cast a spell on my dog Trixie, telling her the last 5 pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken in the bucket were hers.....And Trixie BELIEVED her! I'll have to keep you posted if any other shenanigans happen around Acorn Cottage.I also found these little gems at the crafts fair and thought they were the cutest things ever! They are candy bars, made with special wrappers...the pumpkin wrapper covered a Twix bar, and the Mummy covered a pack of gum. You can click on the image to enlarge it. I hope the artist can forgive me for making this post without giving her a shout out, but I have temporarily misplaced her business card.

I have noticed that once 4th of July is over, the next decorations that flood the store are Fall/Halloween. And rightfully so, my favorite season SHOULD be granted as many months as time can allow to drool over all the wares we have to choose from. I thought for those of us crafty peeps, it would be-who-of-me (is that how that's spelled?????) to share these IDEAS in case anyone is having Fall-ITIS like I am, and would like to cute project ideas to start working on! I'll put some cider on a pot to warm up and pull the pumpkin bread out of the oven...let me find some paper and scissors and you can come right over and we'll sit at the dining room table, listen to Stacey Kent 'Tis Autumn and craft OKAY??????

Cross Stitch Project

I may have shared this before, so please forgive me if I'm having a 40's-itis memory problem...but this is the latest sampler I'm working on by Prairie Schooler. You can click on the image to enlarge it. I have found that cross stitch is a perfect hobby in so many ways. 1) It's small and portable 2) When everyone else is enthralled watching football (and you aren't) I can have something to work on 3) It gives me something to do while waiting (ie...surgery room for daughter's tonsillectomy) 4) It's really relaxing (except for when I get an unwelcome knot in my thread...then high anxiety occurs!) My Mom cross stitched and I had no idea the labor of love that went into her projects and now I cherish them all them more! I had no experience cross stitching, but with a little coaching from a co-worker who helped me get started (Mom's in California) I was on my way! There are so many web sites that have the most wonderful patterns no matter what you taste are. One of my favorites is called Everything Cross Stitch . If you can't find it there, you're in trouble! They have thousands upon thousands of patterns! So give it a go! Even if you've never tried it, and don't have a bomb-diggity co-worker like I do, there are easy tutorials on line as well as pamphlets available. Trust me if I can learn, anyone can do it!

I've been tagged

My Best Bud Melinda tagged me from Country Dreaming and the rules are you are supposed to post 6 random things about yourself.....then tag 6 more people. I usually don't like tags, but I always love to learn more things about my blogging friends, so I am going to be compliant. Plus if I don't, Melinda might flick me next time I see her, and she has a pretty mean flick!

Okay six random things....let's see what fascinating things I can rummage up....

-I have a complete filing system for all the things I tear out of magazines that I might find useful at some later point and time (I can hear you thinking..."She's a little OCD!") I have files for recipes, decorating, home improvement ideas, etc. since I have way too many magazine subscriptions.

-I have a sachet of dried lavender that I rub over over bed pillows before we go to sleep at night. It makes for the most heavenly of dreams.

-I feel compelled to bake everyone at work a homemade birthday cake, whether they are in my immediate area or not, because I like to celebrate their special day. I have a list in a drawer and know all their favorites.

-I think whoever came up with the bumper sticker "PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS" was genius. Nothing makes me happier than sending someone a box of specially selected presents, specially gift wrapped, with a handful of glitter thrown in on top (don't comment if you work at a post office) to unsuspecting family/friends.

-I have a serious problem buying books and need to find a local chapter of book buying anonymous. I belong to a book club and order monthly as well as patronize Half Price Books and Borders on a regular basis, and fantasize about having built in bookcases through out the house. I get butterflies (the good ones) when I see home that have those floor to ceiling libraries, especially if there is a rolling ladder to access all the treasures.

-One of the best days in my entire life was when I went snorkeling at Poipu Beach in Kauai. The minute I was able to see all of the tropical fish in the water swimming around, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I floated on top of the water for HOURS mesmerized with all their beautiful colors.

Okay now to pass the assignment.....You can do it!!!! I pick the following folks:
Please forgive me if you are a tag free zone....let me know and I will select someone else.

Carrie at Cottage Cozy

Elizabeth at Gossamer Wings

Becky at Holiday In The Sun

Martha at Lines from Linderhof

Julie at Living in the Wine Country

Valerie at From Our Front Porch Looking In

Rules of the Game:

-Link to the person who tagged you

-Post the rules on your blog

-Write 6 random things about yourself

-Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them

-Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog

-Let the blogger know when your post is up on your site

Wishing for Fall

This happens every year around this time.....I start craving fall. You start seeing things arrive in stores, magazine covers that are always a month ahead of schedule, school starting back up and that's enough to get me daydreaming! I start thinking about what variety of pumpkins I want to buy for the front steps, noticing the little acorns forming on our oak trees, and longing to wear a sweater and breath in that fresh autumn air. Thoughts of buying good country apple cider, burning more candles, and the Holidays occupy my mind. I long for it, I crave it and start looking at the calender thinking...only about a month to go. Is anyone else a fall lover like me?

Local Hauntings

Let me preface this story by saying this all got started when we went over to our good friends, Ken and Melinda to celebrate Ken's Birthday. You may know Melinda from her blog Country Dreaming. After a wonder meal, and everyone had settled down, story telling occurred, as it usually does when we get together. Dan-the-Man and Ken have known each other since grade school, so as you can imagine, there is never a lack of material to draw from. Ken was recounting when he was in High School, finding out about a Haunted House that was referred to as Igor's Castle....and the Urban Legend that the owner's wife and hung herself and their son tragically drowned in a fountain on the property.

Ken went on to say there was groundskeeper that had two ferocious German Shepperds that lived in a shack on the property, patrolling the property to keep vandals out.

After an evening of much laughter to the point of tears, we said our good nights and left to go home for the evening. While driving home, mind you this is about 11:oo pm, Dan-the-Man gets the notion we should drive by the castle and check it out. We wind around this hill, through thick forested trees, searching and straining our eyes in the dark for the home. We see and old stone house, with a wrought iron fence....false alarm. We keep winding around and up and down streets, when we head around a bend, and both say almost at the same time "THAT'S IT!!" OMG...It's enormous, and it's dark and it looks like a haunted castle!!!! There are two lions guarding the entrance. We stared in the silence, both of our imaginations running wild, half expecting to see a ghost walking on the widows peak.

I couldn't make out 100% if this was an old doll house, built in the likeness of the castle or a dog house for one of those ferocious German Shepperds Ken was talking about. Dan and I came home and immediately had to get on the computer to see what we could find out about the history of the house. We found a site www.Ghost-Investigators.com-Stories-SauerCastle

It was 1:00am by the time we got to bed, and I was walking to over to the hallway and went to turn on the upstairs light, when poof, it flashed a creepy blue and blew out scaring me.....timing was everything and I didn't walk upstairs until Dan-the-Man went with me.

This history of the home is pretty incredible, although the stories Ken heard were not 100% accurate. There have been four deaths at the home, two from health issues, one suicide, and a child who did drown in the fountain (which wasn't visible anywhere).

We went back the next day around dusk and I took these pictures. The architecture is amazing, and I could only imagine what the house looked like in it's glory. I could see there were at least 3 fireplaces and it sits on 25 acres. The person who owns it now lives in New York and has aspirations to restore it some day. It has now been listed on the Historical Registry and I can only hope I can go inside it someday.

Sew What

I recently did some updates to my arts-n-crafts room I thought I would share with y'all. I have a little spot that I love to hang out at....my little sewing table! I bought the table at a garage sale for $10 and it was painted metallic turquoise blue....hours and hours of sanding and I finally got to the wood!

I found these giganto wood scissors at Michael's Craft Store and HAD TO HAVE THEM!!! I painted them to match my room and painted the "blades" twice before I got the right shade of silver.

I bought these two toile inspired pictures from a co-worker at her garage sale as they were the perfect color for my art room.

My little collection of pin cushions and I bought Heather Bailey's pattern booklet to make even more! I can't help it, there are so many cute things she has! Below, I sewed the curtains myself, a little idea I borrowed from a cute little shop in town, of mixing prints and used gingham, toile and a paisley mix. I added some decorative trim and I thought they came out so cute! I love the way they look when the sun is filtering in through them in the morning.

I decided to do what Nell Hill does, and hung a little picture board between my windows.....speaking of which we are getting new windows this Wednesday!!!! I am so very excited! Our house was built in 1942 and we still have the original windows....on the old rope and bar weight system. Some of you out there are scratching your heads saying WHAT IS SHE TALKING ABOUT???? That's right, because they are so ancient and made waaaaayyyyy before most of your time, you haven't even heard of it. Let's just say about 80% of them don't work, and I am so delighted we will have functioning windows! Right outside this view are where my peonies grow, and right now sweet peas, my all time favorite flower. It's a cozy little spot to be in our home. Nothing like listening to some Stacey Kent and humming away on my little machine.

Country Drive

Dan-the-Man and I took off for a wonderful country drive this Saturday. Various c.d's where selected for the drive, sunscreen lathered on, cold beverages to enjoy and off we went. Top down on the bug-de-doo we hit the Highway and had Styx blasting in the bug (when those bands are etched in your memory from High School, you have to rock out sometimes). I had 3 or 4 Farms for us to visit in Missou-RAH, and it's always an adventure getting to them, especially when the address starts as "RR 1", you know you will be on some gravel roads hoping that map quest doesn't fail you! Of course we always come upon the loveliest homes in the country, especially when passing through small country towns that make me wish we lived far, far away from the bright city lights. Above is my dream fence and flowers, just as cute as a button. We changed gears and were listening to Italian instrumental c.d by now as we floated through the country roads, watching the fields change from one patchwork of farmland to the next...Heavenly!

We stopped at Beckner's Orchard and Farmer Beckner had some healthy looking produce. Although the big sell is peaches, his candied onions were to die for. He said they are so sweet, you can eat them like an apple. His favorite sandwich isn't a BLT, it's a BOT (onion). We had some in our garden salad for dinner and they were out of this world!

Here's another beauty of a stand....oh they had trouble items! Fresh baked breads, cinnamon rolls, produce and all sorts of little canned things you just can't say no to. We bought the best blueberry syrup and had them on pancakes Sunday morning. Three ingredients....blueberries, sugar and lemon juice....just the right consistency and so yummy!

Missouri believe it or not, has some excellent wineries. We stopped at two that day and found a new favorite Baltimore Bend . Everything we tasted was delicious! After we had the bug loaded down with a whole watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, cucumbers, bread, cinnamon rolls, honey, blueberry syrup, salsa, pickles, salsa, wine, and did I mention salsa? (someone has an addiction ....DAN!) we headed home. Now, if only i could find a job where I could get paid for scouting out the best roadside stands and wineries. Public Television DO YOU HEAR ME????

Provence on the Prairie

I bet you thought I was making up cool names for Kansas....THIS IS FOR REAL MAN!!!! Just when I think things can't get any better around here I lucked upon this store. Dan-the-Man and I were taking a leisurely country drive one day, and there was a detour that lead us directly on the street when we were heading back to civilization and I SAW THIS SIGN!!!!! My heart skipped a beat, I made him pull an illegal u-turn (law enforcement folks, pretend you didn't read that last statement) and I bolted out of the car up to the store front with raccoon eyes peering in.
First thing I noticed were my most favoritist candles in the whole wide world "Nouvelle" and immediately I knew I would be back to shop. (have you ever smelled Nouvelle's scent Tuscany Currant?.....heaven, simply heaven)

There was this adorable french table and chairs... perfect for have your French pressed coffee at on a dewy morning while watching the morning glories bloom. It doesn't know it yet, but it's coming home with me soon.

C'mon now.....how cute it that! Notice the little fleur-de-lis in cornflower blue? Melt.....heavy sigh.

Notice the cute little Provencal print cushion? Perfect spot for kitten to curl up and have a nap on! The shop owner had so many wrought-iron treasure in the front yard. I wanted them all!

The shop owner bought this little home and with the help of her handy -can -do custom -carpentry -on -the -side- contractor of a husband, put up bead board, built custom cabinets and all sorts to cute little finishing touches inside. Now I wasn't my usual obnoxious self, taking pictures of all the treasures inside like I should have...but the owner reassured me she is working on a WEBSITE, and you will all be the benefactors of me sharing that information....Let's just say the store is trouble with a capital "T"...dishes, lavender, clocks, furniture (custom made), candles, food treats, and all sorts of lovelies for the home.

Kansas Rocks Man!!!!!

You can come out and visit this gem of a store at: 141 N. Nettleton, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 Phone (913)441-6491.

Antique Sale!!!!!

I am doing you all a disservice by not showing you more pictures of this grand home known at the Bingham Waggoner Estate located in Independence, Missou-RAH. It was originally owned by George Caleb Bingham, a famous 19th century American artist and Missouri Politician. When my best buddy Melinda announced that there was going to be an Antique/Crafts fair on the grounds.....all focus was centered around what treasures could be found. For those history buffs out there, I don't want you to feel slighted, and would encourage for some "real" photos of the house and history that can be found at www.bwestate.org We tried to have some assemblage of a path, but sometimes certain things just call out to you saying "take me home, take me home" like this chair below.

This was a really interesting bird cage, that unfortunately your truly was not able to capture to show off the true magnificence of the artist. It was a looking box that had all sorts of interesting details.

This is a wonderful paper designer named Michele Grotenhuis who has a business called Dandeline Design. We have had the good fortune of running into her a few times at local crafts fair and she is as sweet as can be! Her scrapbooks are the cutest things ever if you want something custom to just plunk your pictures into!

This was another little diddy asking me to take her home. The cutest old tea pots that found a second career as windchimes!

There were lovely antiques everywhere. This beautiful leaded glass would be a fantastic piece in a cottage home!

This was a fun artist, Ann Jansen, whose business is called "The Key of A". She takes old typewriter keys and makes jewelry from it! Her website is www.thekeyofa.com and her etsy shop is www.ajsoftail.etsy.com

Treasure abound around every bend......

These two ladies are Chasity and Debbie Heck, sisters & owners of The Wild Raspberry....don't you just love the name? They have a variety of handcrafted goods & unique gifts and their booth was trouble with a capital "T". I bought a lovely door hanger (an inspiration for The French General Sewing Book) that just happened to be in the right colors for my art room! They had aprons, scrapbooks and all sorts of little treasures! I also bought some cloth covered clothes pins they made into magnets for the fridge, or file cabinet.....cute, cute cute and so very sweet! Their website is www.thewildraspberry.org and they also have a lovely blog www.thewildraspberrysisters.blogspot.com which is just a breath of fresh air and sunshine

The minute I saw this booth I was in love, and low and behold, guess whose booth it was?

Carol Spinski from Raised in Cotton! Now Melinda and I traveled to her store.....she wasn't there...she was at an antique show that day, and we didn't get to meet her :(......today I luck upon her booth, and guess what.....she wasn't there. She was THERE at the show, but happened to get up and take a breather......strike two NO FAIR!

This vendor had the cutest magnet boards and made handmade magnets to go with....she didn't have a web site or blog for me to share will you all, so please forgive me, I wouldn't hold out on you....cross my fingers!

After ensuring we went to every single booth, the 95 degrees plus humidity finally caught up with us. I four wheeled it with my bug, driving over sidewalks and the grassy knoll and managed to get the bug-de-doo up to the booth and get my new/old chair into the back of the bug securely fastened down. Melinda and I had a great time as always but we needed a cold drink like there was no tomorrow! Until our next adventure!!!!!! Enjoy visiting the websites. Hope we don't get you into too much trouble :)

Off to Langley on Whidbey Island, WA

My tattooed son the mechanic and beautiful future daughter in law (that's how I like to think of her) are off to see my son's Godparents up at beautiful Whidbey Island, Washington today. My best friend Cindy and her husband built a beautiful home up on the Island and I have yet to go visit, but feel confident this year IT WILL HAPPEN!
This is a picture Cindy sent me of the Langley Lighthouse. Nearby, she goes clamming and make a mean chowder! Nothing beats having the freshest ingredients right at fingers reach!
Cindy could be an interior decorator by all rights. She has supervised enough remodels, including her gorgeous home in California, and natural has a gift for choosing classic furniture pieces and clean lines.
The deck accessible by the french doors overlooks a beautiful wooded area. Out front Cindy has planted tons of french lavender bushes that must smell heavenly with the mix of pine trees and fresh ocean air.
This is a pictures of the beautiful stone fireplace which she helped build. She found the perfect piece of driftwood and has that for her fireplace mantel. I'm sure the two lovebirds will have the time of their lives. Cindy and I have been friends since of freshman year in High School and she is a true blue friend. She has been by my side through the peaks and valleys in my life and is like a sister to me. I know she will spoil them rotten on their vacation. She just doesn't know how to do things any other way. She is giving with a capital "G", a fantastic cook, tour guide, and has a heart of gold.

U Pick'em Farm

With the anticipation eqivilant of a little kid being told they were going to Disneyland, my eyes read the e.mail notification 80mph from Fieldstone Orchards that the blackberries were ripe and ready for picking. I forwarded the e.mail to Dan-the-Man and begged him that we could forego all plans and be on the road at the crack of dawn to be at the gates of berry farm.
Just look at the size of these beauties! Have you ever seen anything so gianormous in all your life? Hate to tell you all this, but they even taste better than you can imagine...pure sweet heaven bursting in your mouth with each bite.
One for the bucket, two for me, two for the bucket, three for me.....

We ended up picking a total of 18 pounds of blackberries. Let me tell you, my food saver machine and I were tight in the kitchen for the rest of the night. We have enough berries to last for many, many cobblers.

Somerset Ridge Winery

Sometimes when you are taking random drives like this...... You come across neat things like this.......

and just when you think it can't get any better.....you find a great little winery out on a lovely gravel country road, and you pinch yourself!

Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery is a great little winery with the nicest owners you could ever meet. They have an inviting tasting room, and make you feel like you've been friends for years as they take you through a sampling of all of their wonderful wines. Yes, I know.....some of you are questioning "What????Great wine in Kansas?????" YES!!! It is true. Even my well traveled best friend Cindy, who lives in California, who has a very good nose for fine wine, bought a case...YES A CASE of their Chardonel and had it shipped home!

Shaun the Sheep

Most people are blogging about wonderful french grain sack pillows, or how wonderful it was meeting the Farm Chicks at the Antique show....and then there's me. Don't get me wrong, I want to own a French grain sack pillow and meet the Farm Chicks, but my latest addiction is buying dvd after dvd of Shaun the Sheep. Now you may be familiar with him if you have little ones.....or if you happen to love Wallace and Gromit (which I do...alot). We celebrated Dan-the-Man's birthday last Thursday and after eating dinner, cake and presents forced everyone to watch one of the dvd's I had. There's no talking, just antics. There's a farmer who is clueless what his sheep herding dog Bitzer is up to when he should be minding his flock of sheep. I guess it's the kid in me, but I have a new love. I've found that Target sells a few story lines you can find in the kids section, and as always Amazon has a great selection. I'll be the one in the living room with my gnome p.j.'s on and a bowl of popcorn watching Shaun if you are wondering what I'm up to at night.

Garden Tour Part I

I received an invitation from my blog friend Martha to come down for a spell as her town was hosting a Garden Tour. Martha and I have been blog friends, and have enjoyed e.mailing with each other for some time now, so I couldn't turn down an opportunity to finally meet her and her kind husband. I arrived to Linderhof and the first female I saw asked "Are you Martha?" and was told Martha was inside. We went around back where we met her kind husband Jim who had settled in for a much deserved rest in a patio chair and was delighted to be greeting all the folks who were on the garden tour. He told me Martha would be out in a moment. I enjoyed visiting with him, as he had a very easy going nature. It was surreal to be in their garden and see their home after many visits to Martha's blog. When Martha came out we immediately gave each other a hug, and I was so happy to get to meet her in person. She invited us to get a glass of herbal iced tea, and had made delicious homemade shortbread cookies that had lavender in them. She said after we had a chance to look around, she would take me on a tour inside her home. A beautiful angel in the garden with bird seed to treat all the feathered friends that come over.

Hand painted Italian wallpaper....simple amazing! I've never seen anything so beautiful!

Martha and her hubby have a incredible collection of lovely antiques that they have collected from all over the world!

A favorite in her garden...a English Cottage special made for the fairies that come and visit!

The warm welcoming sign on the front entry. So many unique things at every corner of their incredible home. If you haven't been over to see Martha's blog you are in for a treat. She is an incredible cook, master gardener, book-aholic, and lives a very full life in her community. I encourage you my fellow bloggers that if you have chance to meet someone who you have befriended through blogging, you should take every advantage of meeting them in person. They are some of the nicest people I have come to know! Thank you Martha and Jim for opening up your home. Look forward to seeing you both again soon!

Garden Tour Part II

I couldn't squeeze in all the pictures in just one post, so bear with me, I am doing it in two sections. It's hard to convey the feeling of having it go from pouring rain, to sunshine and humidity, but that's Kansas for you. Dan-the-Man always says "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes" Fell in love with this chair....anything weather worn with nostalgia is always nice to see out in a garden. Love the faded turquoise blue.

I could have sat by this fountain and listened to it all afternoon. So soothing...and butterflies and
dragonflies were flitting around from one flowers to the next.

I loved this old wrought iron gate piece with a garden basket attached. The colors were so much more vibrant than my little camera that could can show you though!

Neat idea for a bird bath, plant with flowers to switch things up a bit!

Beautiful tiger lilies that always seem to do so well in Kansas. Ask me if I've planted any in my yard? Next topic of conversation......

Justus Pharmacy-The Restaurant

Throwing caution to the wind, last Friday night we put the top down on our convertible bug and drove up Hwy 169 to Justus Drugstore, without making a reservation. This is Smithville after all, small town USA north of Kansas City. We were greeted by the hostess and with my tail in between my legs, I confessed we didn't make a reservation, and what were the chances they would have us for the evening. She told us to have a seat at the bar, and she would she what she could do, as they had a full schedule. We snuggled into the bar, taking in the ambiance, wondering how a hip restaurant like this could make it in a small country town. I felt like I was up in Napa. One glance at the wine list told me I should exchange Napa for Tuscany or Provence. The bartenders were great, and just as we started enjoying our cocktail, the hostess announced she had a table for us. The kitchen is wide open and I noticed that every employee would frequently stop by a faucet and wash their hands randomly and frequently...nice. We had a great waitress that gave us a heads up that everything was prepared fresh, so things took a bit to come out to the table and recommended an appetizer to satisfy our appetites until our entrees would be served. I appreciated the suggestion and knew we should settle in and prepare for what I was already anticipating would be a good meal. I noticed on the back of the menu all the local farms they restaurant supported, and having just read the book SLOW FOOD, appreciated anyone who "got" the notion of supporting local farmers who grew or raised a great product and incorporated it into their menu. After ordering, and before our appetizer came out, our waitress brought us out a little nosh. A crostini sliced impossible thin, with a layer of fig jam, the creamiest liver pate', with a sauce and herbs to die for. That set the tone for the whole evening. I'm not going to bore you with a play by play of each thing we ordered, but instead invite you to try the restaurant for yourself. All I can say is each and every dish had a melody of flavors that didn't overpower one taste over the other. There was unusual combinations that surprised your mouth with every bite. After dessert and individual french pressed coffee, our waitress brought us out a petite glass of moscato, another wonderful touch. I told her to tell everyone in the kitchen I wished I could have given them ALL a big hug. By far the best meal I had ever had in my life! I can't wait to get back up there again....and this time I will call and make a reservation.

http://www.drugstorerestaurant.com/ see what all the fuss is about!

Home, Home on the Range

One of my very favorite things to do in the whole wide world is to go on country drives. I love the peace and serenity of being away from everything....no traffic, telephones, television, just quiet. I love the smells, listening to the birds chirp, looking at old barns and daydreaming.

"I think my right side is my better side, how's this?"

It's nice when you are away from your normal pattern of thinking....the continual chatter that goes on in our mind "I need to do another load of laundry, geez did I forget to pick up 409 at the store, I have to remember to mail that bill tomorrow, I've got to remember to get that cob web, I can't believe it's time service my car again...."blah, blah, blah.

When I am out in the country my thoughts are lovely, wonderful, I could swim in them for hours...I think about what jam I want to make, what flowers I want to grow in my garden, how I want to try make a cherry clafoutis (sp?), what my country dream home would be like, how amazing dragonflies wings are...I marvel at everything God has created and good the sun feels...how I can't wait to have that good corn on cob with melted butter and salt. When does that you pick'em farm open up?

Bruschetta

This is an easy crowd pleaser that always taste great. So simple and easy there are only a few steps to make this nice appetizer.

To make the crostini, slice baguette to desired width. Drizzle with extra

virgin olive oil and toast in oven until golden...about 7-10 minutes.

Chopped up a nice fresh garden tomato and some fresh basil. I like to add

some dashes of balsamic vinegar to the mix. Add salt & pepper to taste.

After crostini had cooled, spread with goat cheese and add tomato mixture.

Goes really nice with a chilled glass of your favorite wine, someone you love and watching the sunset out in the backyard. Make sure you have the bird feeder filled and fresh water in the bird bath for best results! :) Enjoy!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Just a few lovely pictures to day dream over. Roses actually grow very well here in Kansas. I'm surprised more people don't have them in their yard. My mission is to keep adding more and more flowers to my yard each year so by the time I'm 90 it will be a palette of color to wander through. My peonies are in full bloom and the scent is the most heavenly thing around. I put a bouquet of them on the dining room table, and just walking by I go into a trance.

R & R

Hope everyone had a nice relaxing Memorial Day Weekend! We had a BBQ and invited some family and friends over. I have failed you all by taking no pictures. This weekend just seemed to fly by, but many things were accomplished, which is good...right? I was on mission organization, and made a small dent into orderliness around Acorn Cottage. I wish it was a weekend spent being artsy craftzy....who knows maybe this upcoming weekend!

We bought a new crisp American Flag to hang out front, and I noticed many homes in our neighborhood acknowledging Memorial Day. It always makes me very sentimental and tear up thinking about the sacrifices many, many families have made and what they have been through. I'm so very proud to be an American and the fact the Dan-the-Man is a retired Army Captain has made me even more aware of how much the men and women of our country do to keep us safe and out of harms way. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!