Like Sands Through the Hour Glass, So are the Fragments of Our Lives

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I'm so glad that Friday Fragments roll around once a week because I seem to be able to grab some of my loose life fragments as they flow through the hour glass and shape them into some semblance of a post for this linky party.

Some weeks it's the best, maybe even the ONLY blogging I do!

Thanks Mrs. 4444 for hosting this great linky party.

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Look who FINALLY woke up from their LONG winter hibernation. So far they haven't shown much interest in making a new post over at THEIR place, but they promised they would SOON.

They're trying to blame MOI for their lack of frequent posts.

I haven't got a CLUE what they're talking about. I'm SURE I'm innocent.

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I showed you this sweet mini bowl and pitcher decorative set that I brought home from Cranberry Creek yesterday. I told you there was a story, then left you hanging, story untold. Let's remedy that now, shall we?

A year and a half ago on my very first ever trip down to the Creek I saw this bowl and pitcher. It was love at first sight and I knew I wanted it.

However, I am often loathe to purchase such things for myself just because I want them. So, I stood there in the Creek debating with myself about whether I "should" get it or not, self lost the battle, and I walked out leaving it there in the shop.

A few days later it was my birthday and I decided I could justify going back to purchase it as a present to myself, I even rationalized I could tell Fisherhubby I sure did LOVE the present HE got me.

So, as soon as the Creek was open again, back I went to get my prize.

It wasn't there.

I was devastated.

I hoped maybe Jodi, the shop owner, had just put it away for a while. So, with that in mind I chatted with her about it. I pointed out where it HAD been. I described it.

She had a completely blank look on her face - - - couldn't picture in her mind what item I was describing. But, she took me all through the shop looking for it. We even went into the back room where she was storing the items that she had put away for the season.

Nada.

I asked her to call me if she ever did find it. Then I went home and, except for an occasion here and there when something triggered my memory, I completely forgot about my little bowl and pitcher.

About a year later, Jodi packed up her entire shop and moved to a new location. By this time, I had given up even REMEMBERING "my" bowl and pitcher. I was resigned to the fact that it was lost to me forever.


Yesterday I took my friend Cindy down to the new Creek location. Cindy had never been there before and we wandered through looking at all the lovelies.

Suddenly I looked down, and WHAT TO MY WONDERING EYES SHOULD APPEAR but a miniature bowl and pitcher - - - MY miniature bowl and pitcher!!!

I gasped.

I stood frozen to the spot.

Then I scooped it up in my hands, took it to Jodi and said, "Where did this come from!?! Where has it been all this time?"

Jodi stared at it for a moment, then a look of realization and recognition came across her face. "Is THAT the little bowl and pitcher you wanted?"

"Yes, where has it BEEN?!?"

"I have NO IDEA," said she.

Well - - - I can tell you - - - I didn't let it sit in her shop for one more minute. I paid the price, adopted it as my own, brought it home with me, and it is now happily residing on the dresser here in my computer room where I am looking lovingly at it as I type this post.

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The other day a set of 5 of these Gibson ironstone mugs came into the Shepherd's Loft. I loved them right away and brought them home with me - - -


Where after I got them all scrubbed up I hung them on my mug tree.

I don't know a THING about Gibson stoneware (do you?) but they are a great coffee size and have comfortable handles.


Besides which, I think they look very nice "hanging out" on my kitchen counter next to my antique bread box.

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This is a portion of the bookcase here in my computer room.

In it I keep "things" that I love. Things that remind me of events, places, and people that I love.

There are photos of former students and co-workers, favorite books many of which I have read multiple times, a gravy boat from my beloved childhood camp, a Willow Tree mother and daughter given to me by my daughter, a miniature tea cup given to me by my friend Vangie, and as of yesterday my long "coveted" egg cups.

Sigh

So many happy thoughts.

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This geranium is proof positive that I should be arrested for botanical homicide.


And if THAT is not enough evidence to convict me - - - here's more.

Parents, DON'T let Miss Keetha babysit your sprouts!!!!

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When we moved here a year and a half ago, our lawn wasn't.

I mean, it wasn't a lawn - - - it was a collection of bare dirt patches with intermingled weeds.

My lawn gnome asked me to get permission from the landlord for him to take over the care of the grass in place of the young boy who was being paid to do it.

(In other words, the landlords have gotten a GREAT deal.)


Now, our second spring/summer here, look at the difference between OUR lawn and the neighbors.

I'll let you guess which side of each "line" is ours.

The lawn gnome's secrets??? 1) Use Scott's fertilizer at all the holidays (Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving) and 2) DON'T SCALP YOUR LAWN. Mow infrequently (let the grass get longer than you think you should - especially when there hasn't been much rain) and set your mower blade at 3 inches (at least) when you do mow.

I'd say his results speak for themselves.

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This is a new-to-me cheese product.


I underlined the "crucial bits" for you to notice.


I like to warm it in the oven after which it is squeaky, salty, and YUMMY. I like the jalapeno best, but the Italian is very tasty too.

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One day this week a package arrived on my doorstep from my cousin Mary Alyce who lives in Wisconsin Dells.

I'd say she's "got my number."

Though WHY the fake violets are taped to the neckline is anyone's guess.


Too bad that Badger Rose Bowl win wasn't 2012, but I'll wear 1994 with PRIDE!!!

On WiscONsin!!!

Head on over to Mrs. 4444's place
And check out all the other Friday Fragments.

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