This week the weekend view is all about rainy weather, puzzles, thrifting and dreaming about spring. And I am also wondering if anyone knows anything about one of our recent thrift scores- a photo at the bottom of the post.
Slow Rolling Puzzles
I can remember when I was growing up how my grandparents always had the puzzle table out during winter. When I lived with them when I was a teenager, I would sit at the table and help put the puzzle together with them. And the puzzle just always being there and ready to tackle invited a little down time that was also mental work time- it is a fond memory from childhood for sure.
My daughter has dinner with us on the days that her fiancé works late and we decided after dinner last week that we should do a puzzle. I scoured the game closet and found one of the boys old Spiderman puzzles and we sat down and put it together quickly. That inspired my daughter and husband to go find some ‘grown up’ size puzzles the next day before the mega storm was due to move into the area and they came back with several ranging from 750-2000 pieces.
We joked that we are fully embracing the slower living some might say ‘granny’ lifestyle- from loving our backyard chickens, to baking sourdough bread, to thrifting crochet doilies and vintage floral everything, sipping tea and now- doing puzzles. Honestly, I love it all.
Winter Storms
As I mentioned, they predicated a pretty big storm moving on into California this weekend. So last week, we spent several days getting ready for the wind, hail, rain, winter weather and power outages which we almost always seem to have with any type of storm. The winds blew in. The power flickered on and off the first day, the rain and hail were crazy town and we heard branches and trees breaking but thankfully, all is safe and sound after the storm and we didn’t lose power. We have more rain in the forecast this next week – so indoor projects (and treadmill walking) are on the agenda.
Babysitting Enzo
We had a fun day babysitting Enzo last week while his parents went out for a little date and some shopping. One of his favorite things to do is to go out for a walk so we went out and brought his two dogs with us to wander a bit. He loves to help and of course did a great job walking Ivy.
Thrifting Day
We haven’t been out thrifting as much in the recent weeks- mainly because we have been in declutter mode in the new year and so are trying to avoid bringing extra things home. But, you know, the thrift stores call to you sometimes and so, we hopped in the car and took a drive and made the day of it at some of our favorite off the beaten path stores. We didn’t grab too many things- but I did bring home some crochet doilies and handkerchiefs- which I like to use as napkins, a few plates that I couldn’t resist and a couple of other things. I will share some more about them as well as an incredible antique French piece and settee soon.
I also found a set of green goblets and matching coupes that intrigued me. I have been collecting various colorful goblets for awhile for some upcoming wedding photos (my oldest son is getting married in May!) and also some photography projects. These fit the color palette well and have a beautiful shape- plus it was 1/2 price day so they were quite inexpensive. But I can’t find any information about them at all. Not sure if they are vintage though they do have a sense /look of vintageness to them- but either way- they are beautiful. I know there are a lot of glassware aficionados here- does anyone recognize them?
Thinking Spring
It may be winter yet but I am thinking spring and set a table out by the rose arbor in between the rainy days last week. One of our raspberry tablecloths inspired a simple and sweet look- and I will be sharing some spring table inspirations on the blog this week.
Hope you have a beautiful Sunday and are staying warm.
my grandmother had a collection of this type. it’s called green murano glass.it was very vintage
.what nice memories you brought up today. especially the puzzles. my grandfather loved puzzles in the winter time.im 61 now and slowing down feels nice….
Stay safe and dry. we have gotten our fair share of rain lately and not looking forward to more. I keep telling myself it will make for lovely flowers : )
What do you do with the doilies? Curious if you have any non-tradiTional uses.
Thank you!
Hi Courtney, I too am in Northern CA. We are in the foothills to the sierras. We just miss the usual snow line. I have the sae cream colored vase with the gold handle and litttle baby blue flowers. I love pitchers of all sizes. I have a big collection.I have a sister that finds things all over the Michigan area for er shop in Elk Rapids. She lods a box of pretties for my bday and Christmas. I am always excited to use what she gives me. Thanks for another great post. Have a lovely Spring. My daffodils and tulips are coming along now and the pitchers are looking pretty again with these early signs of spring blooms.
i. too love doilies. i use them under my LAMPS n a few flower arrangements. i hav a nephew living in Modesto, California. we in Texas are getting lots of folks moving into theEast Texas area from California. hav a great week
Love the glasses. They look familiar but cant place them. there are apps available to identify them
Hi Courtney. since i retired almost two years ago l have been doing jigsaw puzzles all winter usually staring (in canada) around Thanksgiving and continue until Easter. as a teen I also sat with my dad putting puzzles together..now my daughter is hooked. l enjoy all your posts today was sunny and 70. not bad for a canadian march. i live 15 MIutes from the Buffalo border into Canada. looking forward to more warm sunny days. jackie