Ponderings about Time

Ponderings while Watering Sh_t!

“Honey, can you help me for just 30 minutes this morning?” Thirty minutes is not that long but in husband/man talk it means I have no idea how long it will really take, but I know that as a woman you want a time frame.
So what was the 30 minute “aka” 1 hour project? It was watering horse poop that My Guy had moved from an area horse stable to our farm to use as fertilizer/compost. I remember when he first started working “THE PILE”, he commented, “Stick your hand in it and feel the heat.” Needless to say, I did NOT stick my hand in the pile of poop! I did admit that there was heat being generated. According to My Guy, you have to rotate and water your poop to keep it working to make it a usable product. So that brought us to today, I watered the poop as he relocated the pile with the tractor. Since this appeared to me to be a boring job, I decided to rotate the sprinkler from “FULL” to “SHOWER” which seemed to keep my interest, but according to My Guy, it was not as efficient, so it was “FULL” only, on the spray nozzle. BORING!

While watering, I reflected on the time issue of Men versus Women and I had several revelations. Men really cannot tell women how long for a project since they have a warped sense of time. I remember My Guy saying this will only take 5 minutes to replace the alternator (took 30+). Man says, “This will only take a minute.” Woman’s translation, “This could be a good 20-30 minutes” OR “They have no idea how long and ‘only a minute’ is just bait to get you to help.” The more I thought about it while watering “The Pile”, I realized that it may not be totally man’s poor sense of time, it might, just possibly, be related to women, aka MOM.

How many of you remember as a child being told, “Two minutes ‘til bed time” and it’s really 5-10? Or consider, “You have 5 minutes to get those toys picked up” and Mom gives you 15. As women, we can adjust as we mature, but for guys, they will somehow revert to that early childhood time frame. So as adult men, 5 minutes really means 15. So consider that equation when your man tells you this will only take 1 minute. It will = 15! So, using that equation 1:15 as 5:X = ____. Answer 75 minutes or 1 hour 15 minutes. This may be slightly out of proportion, learn to adjust the equation to your “MAN’s Ratio”!

Just as I thought that I had this “MAN Ratio” formula figured, I remembered a Scripture from Joshua, and realized that God even has a ratio to consider. Do you remember hearing your Mom say, “We will go as soon as I find my keys, or as soon as you pick up your toys or whatever? This comes from Joshua 3:14-16 Contemporary English Bible, “Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan…” Someone pointed out that even though the water stopped “as soon as” it was a great distance away and the 90 miles of up-stream water had to first pass by. That was such an amazing revelation to me. I think of this when I say, “I’ll be ready as soon as I ….”.

So, as soon as I get this blog completed, I will be ready to get to work, give or take 5 minutes (Man Time)! (By the way, I measured “Shower” versus “Full” flow in a coffee can and there was NO difference. Just thought you might want to know.)

Junking at Fredericksburg Trade Days

I arrived at Trade Days a day early this month due to an appointment in Fredericksburg. The rains had everything really green, not to mention the mild temperatures we have had this winter, so upon arrival, I noted that Paul had been busy mowing the grounds. After opening the RV, sweeping out dog hair and putting things away, I took a quick walk about the area.

Near our building, Cottage 3, new construction was taking place. Also the Fudge Shop building has new owners, Willie & Betty Mund and they have added a front porch and new paint colors. Willie does leather tooling.

A little further down the way, I met new to me vendors from Northern Minnesota. They feature primitives, antiques and a nice collection of Coleman lanterns and other products. Cherry, the Rada Knife lady in Barn 3 gave me a quick tour of her booth improvements and their new RV. It is really a dream home! As I left Cherry, I continued down the last alley to see what new items Andy might have.

Andy had his grill going for supper and we enjoyed a short visit. He, also, had been busy mowing and trimming the grass from the recent rains. If you are in need of large metal letters, architectual or metal items, Andy has a great selection. As I headed back to our RV, I spotted Cindy sitting on her front porch. After casual greetings, I joined Cindy as we shared what is going on and how big God is. As Cindy and I talked we learned that we had both been in school food service prior to being vendors at Trade Days. Its a small world and you learn alot when you listen.

On the way back to the RV I stopped by Old Gold Cottage. Patti and Megan, mother and daughter, recently moved from Barn 4 to the cottage by Barn 1. They have become great friends, so I had to check out what was new. Once at the RV I signed on to the internet, checked emails, Face Book, played a few games and decided to blog.

I think that I failed to mention that you can also look for Sisters' Treasures by locating the 1954 Trotwood Camper on the north side of our building. This is the location of our Vintage Closet. We have some fun, vintage clothes for women, men and children!

This weekend, the weather should be mild, the vendors plentiful and the pickings outstanding.

Come join us on Friday & Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 9-4. The best place for pickings is here.

Selah - a Pause

What better thing to do in the middle of winter than spend a weekend with 11 friends at a beautiful retreat named Selah Springs Ranch? A year ago I had the winning bid for a 2 night stay at Selah Springs Ranch located 10 miles south of Brady, Texas. My original plan was to stay there this past summer with my family, but due to scheduling conflicts that did not happen. So we went to plan B.

Plan B was to invite Lonnie Lane of Jacksonville, Florida to be a presenter at a winter retreat for a group of my friends (aka "Sisters in Christ"). Invitations were extended, plane ticket was purchased, food was organized and God sent rain to refresh the San Saba River that flowed past the lodge. As everyone gathered on Friday evening we were in awe of the grandeur of the location, the immenseness of the living room with the huge wood burning fireplace and the plush sleeping quarters. As we stepped onto the deck from the living room we could hear and see the river gently flowing through the rocks. Gentle rapids enticed me to the edge, but the temperatures convinced me to not step in the water.

The weekend was spent listening intently to Lonnie as she shared her experiences of being born a Jew and then accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

We were filled with excitement and questions for this wonderful teacher. Teachings led to more questions as the night progressed, and some burned the midnight oil to gain more insight from her. Teachings continued on Saturday, along with great food and fellowship.

As Saturday evening approached, the husbands joined us for dinner and the last sharing of the evening. It was difficult to believe that the weekend was coming to a close and that my new friend would be returning to Florida. On Sunday morning, we were greeted by cold winds from the north as my Floridian friend donned her winter coat. Her recent winters in Florida had de-climatized her from her many cold winters in Pennsylvania. Needless to say, Texas winters hardly compare, but they are colder than Florida.

The drive from Brady, the "True Heart of Texas" to Belton seemed to go by quickly as I delivered Lonnie to her brother for a visit. "Next time we will get Mary and explore the antique stores I may need to buy some red boots!"

Lonnie stated as we said our farewells. We knew that we must meet again soon, for the bond of sisterhood had been established.

"Selah"

Button, Button-Who has the Button? by Elaine

The thrill of Thrift Store shopping is never knowing what you might uncover. This week was one of those weeks that you blog about. Near my new residence is the small town of Staples (not the mega office store). On one occasion as we drove through the village I noticed the sign on the Community Center, "THRIFT STORE" Open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00. So Tuesday was thrift store day!

With my granddaughter in tow, off we drove to Staples. We were eagerly greeted by the store keepers as they offered their assistance. Rummaging through their wares, Maddie and I uncovered a vintage 1940's Genuine Corde' handbag, plus some jazzy magenta "Maud Frizon" Italian leather, sling back heels. By the time we left, our basket was full with treasures!

It was good that we went on Tuesday, because at 2:00 AM Wednesday night the heavens opened and we received 7" of rain in five hours. The rain was very welcomed as we viewed the lake to the North beyond capacity. Then a walk to our low water crossing revealed what we did not want to see. Our culvert was 125 feet down stream as the water was rushing towards the lake in the north. All the gravel had also washed and we were stranded!

Being stranded meant that I had time to work on some new creations. So between loads of laundry, I created some cute pocket necklace bags. They are just the right size for money and a cell phone while you are out shopping.

Once we were able to cross, we headed to Seguin, near our home, and Ray graciously agreed to stop by two thrift stores. This is where I found a great supply of "BUTTONS"!

This is a small sample of my find. They are sorted and ready to take to Fredericksburg Trade Days. In addition, some of my finds included vintage fabric, sewing supplies, and two great suitcases. Suitcases make such great storage containers!


I also found these two daisy votive candle holders, red splatterware kettle and colorful, floral print.

This is Elaine, the other sister, and my first time to blog, so be kind as well as helpful with your comments. This is a process, as is "thrifting" it is a learning process. A friend reminds me, "Dear God, keep me teachable."

For the Love of Vintage Clothes

Elaine and I at Sisters Treasures have such a soft spot for our division of vintage clothes Called The Vintage Closet.

Long before I was an antique dealer and at a MUCH younger age, I started collecting vintage clothes. I remember going to the Garden Club Thrift store years ago and finding an exquisite evening dress which I think dates back to the 30's or 40's. Even in my wildest dreams I would never fit into the dress but I bought it and put it in my closet, occasionally getting it out to show it off or admire it. I also found a true 60's suede fringed jacket which I altered due to age damage and even wore it on occasion.
I recall attending an estate auction over 15 years ago and getting excited when I found 2 box lots with vintage (circa 50's and 60's) hand made dresses. The bonus on that day, was when I moved one box and couldn't believe how heavy it was. As I dug down to the bottom, I was so excited to find I had scored an almost complete set of vintage white china from the 60s!! Triple score... with 2 boxes of clothes and china with service for TEN!
This brings me to our Vintage Closet. When we decided to start our antique business we both agreed on having vintage clothes as a part of it.
Of course, we had to have the accessories to go with it, so we have acquired quite the collection of hats, gloves, shoes, purses and jewelry.

Recently, Elaine went to an antique store in Brady, Texas and found some trunks with fabulous vintage clothing from the 50's and up.

What brings us lots of joy is when one of our customers finds a dress that fits perfectly and shares with us her plans to wear it to a party or a wedding or a prom.
If you love vintage like we do, stop in a vintage shop in your area and encourage and support the great shop owners who are preserving a part of our past.
Betsy of Sisters Treasures
P.S. Just in case you're in the area of Fredericksburg, Texas this weekend you can come see our clothes in person at Fredericksburg Trade Days. Hope to see you there!

The Thrill of the Hunt

Are you one who gets the newspaper (yes, some of us are still 'old school' and read an actual paper in print not online)and immediately turns to the classified to find the garage and estate sales coming up? (Raise hand high!!)

Ok, I confess, I also log onto Craigslist daily and immediate check the garage sale category for interesting sales.

So when a friend invites my guy and I to go with her and her husband to an old time flea market where a vendor told her he was bringing in a load of sewing items from an estate, I could not resist. we got up at 5 this past Sunday morning to meet them at and be at the flea by 7 to get the "good stuff"!! We even beat the vendor there. We followed his trailer as he unloaded, BOX after BOX after BOX!!! Then we dove in as our guys guarded our carts and purses!

We hit the "motherload" of vintage and new fabric, lace, trims and craft items!! We started stacking boxes and tubs, not even sure what the other had found. My friend (in the 2nd photo) is an excellent seamstress so she was looking for different things than I was, so it all worked out perfectly!


We loaded something like 10 boxes and tubs of "treasures" prepared to pay dearly, but the vendor gave us a fantastic price and I whipped out the cash before he changed his mind.
So, if you are in need of gorgeous lace (both vintage and new) and trims of all types plus velvets, brocades, and other fancy fabrics and some assorted craft items, contact us. We have TONS!! We'll be taking it along with all the stashes we already had to some of our upcoming shows.
Next blog (and I promise not to be so delinquent in blogging next time) will feature some of Elaine's treasures she found at an antique store in Brady, Texas (hint... VERY vintage and wearable).
'til next time, blessings to you.

The Rusted Gingham Barn Sale

Elaine and I are going to do something new as Sisters' Treasures which is called The Rusted Gingham Barn sale We haven't met the great girls of Rusted Gingham in person, but through phone conversations and emails I feel like we already have become "antiquing" friends.
Based on the info from previous shows via their blog and facebook, I think this is going to be a pretty big show. (they moved it to the county show barn because of its increase in size so that says a lot).
There's some anticipation and nervousness about doing a show we're unfamiliar with, but at the same time, the challenge and opportunities to meet new people, make some sales, and probably buy lots of new "stuff" :) is exciting. It's this Saturday, Nov. 5th in Gonzales, Texas and we hope to bring a sampling of what makes up Sisters' Treasures.

You will find cowboy boots and vintage clothes, vintage linens and crafting items as well as some cool architectural pieces and

repurposed and vintage jewelry.

We hope to see you in Gonzales!
The Sisters!