Callie Magee Antiques

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

2009-06-27T11:23:00.010-05:00

This is a very important time in our history. This is the time we have to stand up for what we believe. Throughout most of my life I have been able to drift along and
things were taken care of without a lot of effort on my part. As I see things today, we have to each and every day take a stand for our country and for our God who let us stand this long and let us stand this tall. Taller than most nations.
Today, we have people and countries continuing to threaten what we stand for, which has always been God and freedom to worship as we wish. We let these chip away at our freedoms. We let the ACLU work against us instead of for us. We have become complacent, we have become lazy, and we have become easy to manipulate by the media.
This is what I see. This is why I feel it is time to voice my opinion. We did not get to this place in the world on our own without lots of knee bending and prayer to God and not to any earthly king.
We must continue to look to Him for our answers instead of movie idols, movie idol type politicians and people who possess more money than honesty.
So thanks for letting me have the soapbox during this time of celebrating our country's history and independence. Long may we be the nation of freedom. And a nation UNDER GOD.
Today I started out to talk about hot dogs, apple pie and my heart took a different turn.
Happy Fourth of July,
Lois

Huntsville Antique Show 2009 Sept. 19th & 20th.

2009-06-17T12:55:00.021-05:00

Come to see what Huntsville Antique Show and Sale is all about.
This is an ongoing show that is held every Sept. except last year due to Hurricane Ike coming through and the FEMA taking over the Walker County Fairgrounds as their operating site.

Weather does not matter as it is held in an air conditioned building with plenty of on site parking, food, and good restrooms.

While here in town check out the 6 antiques stores, many great original restaurants and other sites.
There are several museums here, one being Sam Houston Museum with two of Houston's homes in the grounds.

Sept. 19th & 20th, 2009

Location: Walker Country Fairgrounds
Huntsville TX
web site: www.anitschintime.com
Booth space still available. Pictures are from past show.

I have absolutely nothing to say!!! However,

2009-05-27T16:28:00.019-05:00

Sometimes it is best to have nothing to say!!! Yes, true. Today I was expecting a lady to come in to buy a dresser. Then when she did she asked for a discount on this dresser which I had paid way too much for. I said the most I can come down is 10% but she expected me to come down more. . So where do you go from there. She went on her way and I was left to wish I had sold it for less than I had paid???? Business is not fairly balanced many times. Did I lose a sale when we badly needed one? Did I lose out completely? Did she go somewhere else and get a better deal on a dresser that she really did not want? Puzzling.
I have been dreaming of a new tall display cabinet. Yesterday we drove out to a nearby small town when a lady called me to tell me she had this item for sale. She had heard I was looking for one.
Well, we got there and then started trying to remove the item from her storage building and it came apart. It had been wet in a recent rain from the bottom where the storage building leaked. We had not known this. So now, we went all that way and wasted all that time and nothing. They were very nice people. Her husband gave me a bust of a Roman slave that is black and chipped and weird and I plan to redecorate around it in one section of the store. That is funny how one item can make you rethink your whole decor. I will take a picture when this job is done.
As I said, business is very slow. We are hit hard by this recession or whatever it is. I was just sitting out on the street on a bench with a neighboring store owner and friend Kathleen and we were discussing how slow business is. This is something I really enjoy about a small town. Sitting outside chatting, hollering across the street to someone you know, you just don't get that in a large city. Believe me I know.
I have lived many places. This is back home where I began. It was the same at my last location. My friend Diana and I met in the middle of the street to talk, not a busy main street at all. But this is something many people can only dream about.
Today I am reflecting on many things. Life is funny and as another friend says all the time and it begins to get on your nerves after a few million times, "Life is good".

To the left is a small shabby white traveling bird cage from a Paris flea market.
I have just recently became the owner of it. The door has a little metal bird on it.
There are drawers in the back for removal of seed and stuff.

To the right is the French perfume display that I use to show off wedding cake toppers
that are for sale here. Which reminds me that June is fast approaching and a time to decorate with a bridal theme in one of the display windows.

My reflections on Mother's Day

2009-05-13T12:31:00.006-05:00

This week has brought rain and rain and some sunshine. I sit here at my desk in the store and think of the millions of things I could be doing if I were not here. Then I remember how I love this place, my store. I worked so many years in the government position until I retired 3 years ago early to be able to have more time off to take my elderly mother to Dr. visits, etc. I am so glad I did that as nothing can replace those hours we spent going to and from Drs. and sitting with her in hospital during her frequent hospital stays.
The picture above is of her on left, my aunt Arlene who is my Dad's sister and best friend of my Mom who introduced her to my Dad, and then my Dad's cousin Jo, who recently died. Mom was about 17 and had just met my Dad but was not to marry for a year more when she was 18. Arlene was 14 and Jo was 15. I would love to have their dresses for my antique clothing boutique here in the store. I guess that period of early 1940's is especially romantic. War was coming, women would be seeking work outside their homes and no longer be just housewives and people in the US would start to move from rural to city to find work. While working for Social Security Adm. for my career and conducting retirement seminars I talked of this period in the 30's and early 40's often as the 30's are when Social Security began. Even now when retired I still connect with those marks in history when this and that happened affecting Social Security. I guess I will until I get dementia and don't remember anymore.
That will be the end of me and my connection to Social Security.
My aunt Arlene is the only one of the three friends who still lives. She lives in Spring and we see her at least once a month. Could run by often when she still lived here but since her husband died we do not get to see her as often because she moved closer to her daughter Kat.
I could become sad looking at the future in their eyes in this picture knowing exactly how their lives turned out. But no, the joy of being young and hoping for a wonderful life was there for them. They had that and now two of them are no more, except in our hearts.
I reflect on all this just this week following Mother's Day. Of course I thought of my mom on that day.
She was a great Mom, not that she didn't make mistakes. She did, at least I thought so in those days when I was about the age she was in the picture. But as you age you see what these parents really did for you. They molded our thinking, our hopes and yes, even our fears. But they did so with only love in their hearts for us.
That is why today I remember those 6 months we had after I retired before her death with joy. They were hard at times, me trying to push a wheelchair up hill from one Dr. office to another. She told me I was the weakest person who had ever pushed a wheelchair and maybe it was true, but she also knew I was there trying to help her and she trusted me enough to say that. I miss her. I would not ever want her to have to return and suffer more. I am happy with her in Heaven.
Happy Mother's Day, MOM.
Lois

And to the right is copy of an old 1940's pattern that a person could write in and request to be sent in the mail.
Reminded me of their dresses above.

And as usual for me a quote from Seven Hundred Album Verses:

"Age and Youth both have their dreams,
Youth looks at the possible, age at the
probable."
no author c 1884

May is the best month of all!

2009-05-06T15:22:00.018-05:00

How can I tell you how wonderful it was standing on the street in front of my store and seeing all the quilts waving in the air around the Courthouse Square, from the courthouse and other storefronts here in Huntsville. This is my favorite time of the year here. There is something about this time, plants in bloom, even with the bluebonnets having done their thing for the year as well as the azaleas who put on quite a show this year. This was last Saturday that we had the annual Airing of the Quilts. This is the largest quilt show in Texas and if you have not been, then put it on your calendar for next May, always the first Saturday.
But hey, this was just one event. There were 3 going on last weekend here so there was something for all.
The Airing, an antique tractor show, and the Sam Houston Folk Festival on the museum grounds plus a fly-in at the local airport and shuttle to and from other events for those arriving by air.
But now to get back to business as usual, we have to wait until July for another event on the Courthouse Square, and our then our annual Antique show and sale September 19 through the 20th at the Walker County Fairgrounds. This was called off last year due to Hurricane Ike with the FEMA people taking over the Fairgrounds for their own activities. If you are interested in a booth it is not too soon or late to book. Contact Kathleen at 936 436-0265 or email www.anitschintime.com and she will give you the information and sign you up for a booth. This year we are expecting many additional sellers who have heard of the show here. There are usually about 100 booths but this year there are more expected. This is an antique-only show. There will be no cheap imports like some shows have turned into.
Huntsville has so much to offer. We have B&B's, hotels, stores and
several museums: the Sam Houston Museum with several Sam Houston homes, the state prison museum, Veteran's museum, and more. We have some great restaurants here. The best in my book is the Homestead on 19th Street next to the museum. It is in an old dog trot log cabin. The food is excellent.

Come and check us out. Spend a weekend and decide if you want to join our antique show and sale in September. There are also 6 antique stores and some stores have over 40 dealers in them. I do not know why more people have not discovered this town about 70 miles north of Houston, 200 south of Dallas, and 35 miles from College Station. A most central location for traveling in Texas. It is quiet and sleepy enough to relax. in Huntsville. We are a few miles from Lake Livingston for those who like to boat, ski or fish. Take a look at some scenes of the lake. See what I mean about the beauty of Lake Livingston shown in 2 pics above?

I am working on some areas of my store to recover from the big sales day on Saturday during Airing of the Quilts. Sold some stuff and now needing to show some different things. I love ironstone especially English. Can never keep enough of it on hand.
clocks of all kinds interest me
And of course the old apothecary jars and other drug store items. Almost all of these came from a friend in Vermont. Notice the old Cardui Women's Almanac in the black boot. Some dust still on these items. Hard to keep dust at bay in a store like this.
Below a page from an old book here that I would like to restore but probably won't. So many wonderful illustrations of children in it. Faded, aged but definitely still beautiful.
This old man is one of two tin paintings we have: nicknamed Jesse and Frank James at the Estate Auction where they were purchased. They have seen hard times here in Huntsville.

And the French doll with phone and Eiffel Tower watercolor in the background. He has been with us awhile but now have a buyer for him and looks like I will give him up.
He is going to a good home.

My friend Bette has been having an estate sale at a building across the Square from me on certain Saturdays in April and May. One more to go from what I have heard. This lady who owned these items had over 100 quilts so this is the reason that one of the Estate Sale dates was last Saturday with all the quilters in town. There will be at least one more sale. Bette has owned several antique stores in town but now rents from me after downsizing. She is a great lady.
So if you are out on a hunt for antiques or vintage junk come by to see us in Huntsville. You are welcome here!!!! Lois

" As a slight token of esteem,
Accept these lines from me:
So plain and simple, they do seem
Unworthy such as thee,
But soon these traced lines will fade
And disappear--'tis their doom.
May you, unlike them, be arrayed
In a perpetual bloom."
from Seven hundred Album Verses c 1884

Warrenton/Roundtop Antique Show and Sale

2009-04-04T11:23:00.006-05:00

Early on Sunday morning, March 29 my husband and I headed out for Roundtop/Warrenton Antique Shows. The weather was strange, windy, cold and later in the day it was almost hot.
I was very excited since I had missed the last 2 shows. With a full time job running my antique store I do not often get to see the booths set up by other dealers and enjoy the results of their hard work. I do not have the energy left in me to do what they do.
We spent most of the day at Zapp Hall in Warrenton which is my favorite anyway but one reason we were there this particular day was for Theresa's blog party and the book signing by Sue Whitney for her new book, JUNK BEAUTIFUL, OUTDOOR EDITION. We were not the only ones from Huntsville who were there, also were Bette, Marion, and us at the start of it, in addition to Theresa and her husband Cruz. Her husband had built the booth for Sue to sit, sell books and sign those books. Here I am to the right with Sue in her little special booth. I am on the left and she on the right. She is the slim one. Theresa's booth was very clever as well with a pretty table display of eggs and moss and I do not think I got a picture of this but
I am sure she will have one on her blog.

Some shots of the blog party at the beginning:
Theresa below in picture on right. Wearing the blue shirt and plaid shorts. Always a smile for everyone. That is Theresa. In the second row on right is Cruz, her wonderful husband. Man in blue and white Hawaiian shirt with silver hair is my husband James. Shown with Marion who is a genius with decorating and primitive style. You should see her house to know what I mean here.

Man in the white hat and tee is Theresa's husband Cruz. Always smiling. After the blog party kicked off we wandered around to various other booths which you can see below. This one caught my eye.
And this bed was heavenly. Made you want to dive right in.

We also visited the booth of Carolyn Westbrook. Hers is always one of my favorites and I cannot wait to see what she has done with white. All shades of white and black. It is something!!! She even dresses in shades of white. I asked her to take a picture with me and she is always very kind to do things like that. When she came to my store months ago, I could not find one of her
books which I wanted her to sign and she made another trip back to the store after other business in town was completed to see if I had found it and as I had she signed it for me. I was won over by her act of going the extra for her book buyers.

Got around to the Junk Gypsys booth and posed next to their van. Their booth was next door. Will try to add pic of that one. Lost in my pics somewhere.
Overall this day was great and I would like to thank Theresa for including us. It was also good to spend a little time with other friends from our town and meet many others. I recognized their blog names but not their faces. Food was great too.

LA BAHIA SHOW
After this we went on to La Bahia to see what they had this year. I like the atmosphere there for some reason. It is in an old German dance hall which is painted white. Across the highway is an old abandoned farm. I tried to get a picture of the old original dovecote at this farm but it was just too far.
We have 2 doves at home and I have been dreaming of a dovecote to entice them to stay with us.
Some of the displays at La Bahia.

I did not take many pictures of the indoor exhibits here as these architectural items hold my interest. But inside the man with the zillion pieces of blue and white china was there again. Wonderful antique pieces of all names and brands. I had bought from him before I had the store when I was only obsessing on my own collecting of blue and white transferware.
Also the person who sells the beautiful European white linen items was there again. I could spend hours in her booth but husband was ready to move on. Linens do not appeal to him and he had been good long enough.
We were there when it was not too busy so there was no waiting to see what you wanted to see.

To the right is the man of whom I was speaking, my husband James who would rather look at old wagons which were strewn around the grounds than European white linen. He is very supportive of my dreams mostly.
Except for a dovecote,
Except for a greenhouse/sun room,
Except for a herb garden,
Except I want too much. Right?
He is very good to me so what do I have to gripe about. I can live dovecote-less, sunroom-less,
and herbgarden-less if I have to.

Speaking of angels, this booth at La Bahia was the best of show for La Bahia I thought. Do not know to whom it belonged, no one was there. But this is best thought out booth, the prettiest of all there.I had a comment that gave me the name of the booth and it is Seed Box Antiques. Wonderful job and thanks for the comment letting me know who did this work.

Happy Spring and Easter to each of you!!!!

2009-03-27T15:56:00.014-05:00

Spring brings Easter and the time to reflect on what this means to us if we have not already been reflecting and holding it in our hearts all year as we should. The store is decorated for Easter now with pinks and greens everywhere in the form of eggs and bunnies and chicks, but I always reserve the front window for the true meaning of Easter with an old oil of Jesus and the stations of the cross. It is impossible to get a picture of this display since the glare is too much for a good picture. But I will show a few of the arrangements that appear on tables and cabinets here inside.

My kids still like dyed eggs even though grown now. I try to do this still at Easter for them. Who else would?
Mothers never go off duty no matter the kids ages.
My family will be coming to our house for Easter
dinner or luncheon. We usually eat a little earlier to allow everyone to get back home before traffic gets bad. Time will be short but just getting to have them all together is worth it.
The older I get the more I can understand how much my parents loved having us all home especially at one time. Those times become rare when the grandkids start getting to be teenagers and complain about having to leave their friends at home. But this is our time together and we will hold them close to us as long as possible.
The following is an old Easter poem that I like and would like to share with you:

As Easter breathes hope for a joyous tomorrow
E'en out of the depths of despair,
So may this day banish from you every sorrow
And make you feel free as the air.

While hearing grand anthems that swell to the sky,
And breathing sweet lilies' perfume,
May you feel assured that your soul will not die
As life does not end in the tomb.
unknown writer

Theresa's Blog Party March 29, 2009 Warrenton Roundtop Antique Show and Sale

2009-03-26T13:15:00.015-05:00

We're getting ready for our trip to Roundtop/Warrenton this weekend.
Theresa of Garden Antiques Vintage is already there and will be
hosting a blog party on Sunday, March 29 from 2 pm to 9 pm
at her booth at Zapp Hall. There will be a book signing by
Sue Whitney for her new book "Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition".
I cannot wait to meet some of the other bloggers there as well as check out the wares the sellers are showing.
We will be staying at least one night at the Ant Street Inn in Brenham, which is a lovely hotel in the center of Brenham, the nearest large size town to Roundtop/Warrenton Antique Show.
I am still working on my costume for the Blog Party. I do not think I can hold it in long enough to wear one of the 1950's prom dresses I have here in the store for sale, so may have to go more western. These dresses always seem to be size 0 or 1 or 2 max. Gave my boots away recently because I did not wear them enough and my daughter did. She was always borrowing them so I finally said here keep them.
I dressed the mannequin yesterday in Rodeo clothes since our County Fair and Rodeo begins tonight with a parade through downtown beginning at 7. I have had a surge of people asking if we had any old cowboy boots in the past 2 weeks. Have sold all I did have here in the vintage clothing section and of course, given away my personal ones. Sold an old 1950's fringed suede jacket yesterday. So western stuff must be hot in this area.

Anyway, my husband recently shaved his moustache after having it since he was 30. I have never known him without it. It was neat and really gave him a great look. I thought so or would not have married him 16 years ago. Well, he grew it to look older and shaved it thinking it would make him look younger. WRONG. A couple of people told him it made him look younger so he was really happy and refused to have one again. Along with me saying he needed it was our friend Sue, my cousin Lisa and my aunt Arlene. Finally he has decided to grow it again and we are in the second day of growing it out. Looks real bad at this stage. His current daily costume since retiring consists of tan slacks or shorts with a Hawaiian shirt. He has about 14 at this time. So I am sure he will go Hawaiian to the blog party. Below is the two of us and hard to see but he is wearing his moustache which I have always liked. I realize now it is gone that I fell in love with a man with a moustache and that is how I like him best.

To the left is earlier picture at 35 or so when he grew a moustache and right is later when we were first married 16 years ago. He did look older but more distinguished I think. Well some years happened in between the 2 pics as you can tell. What do you think? NO current pic of the without view, but you can tell he looks good with it!!!! At least I think so.Let me know what you think I should wear to the Blog party at Roundtop. A too-tight prom dress or borrowed-back boots and comfortable Chicos jeans and jacket with my wonderful turquoise jewelry which I rarely get to wear or my always favorite 1920's CZECH jewelry which I wear most of the time. I also have a good selection of CZECH 20's jewelry for sale here in the store if you are ever up this way check it out. I do have a Chicos western shirt too.You will be surprised at what I wear when you see me on Theresa's blog if she catches me in the pictures she will most assuredly take. She must even take her camera to bed with her and to the ladies room and even Church as she is always taking pictures. Don't tell her I said that, ok? If you do not know Theresa look her up. She is constantly smiling and happy. She is a great friend to ask about things such as blogs, picture taking and antique shows.
So do not miss this Roundtop antique show if you have the opportunity to go to Roundtop and Warrenton and La Bahia and all those little TX towns in the middle of the bluebonnets.

Then, after this catch us here in Huntsville for the annual Airing of the Quilts on May 3 and the Sam Houston Folk Festival on May 1-3 at the Museum grounds here.
Good antiquing,
Lois

Folk Festival---left

Airing of the Quilts-right

SPRING HAS ARRIVED HERE!!!!!!

2009-03-18T09:20:00.010-05:00

This is my yard today!!!! I thought it would never come again but here it is in the glory of Springtime, although a little early according to the calendar. I am showing my front yard in first shot with the azaleas in full bloom.
In front of this group of azaleas you see my old green shabby bench bought at auction.
Next another view of the front.
I am quite taken every year with springtime. Seems to me God's renewal of the earth has come and the show is amazing. The woods are alive with dogwood trees every where we look. The redbuds are also out there. Along the drive to work each morning we have been seeing bluebonnets. I can't wait each day to see what new has been added to this wonderful palet of colors.
Below you see the back yard view. Not as much action yet but still clearly see the azaleas starting their show.
And to the right is my swing which gives much enjoyment during the months we can use it.
Which does not include part of the summer when the mosquitoes are bad. We have a bug zapper back there but it is helpless with all the bugs we get. Even during the daytime it is bad. We have several lakes nearby. The grass is dead still in most of this area. This is where my herb garden is going as soon as I can get someone to come and set up the raised beds. Another dream at this point. Behind the hedge is my pet cemetary
where my three cats are buried: Ted, Sissy and Crybaby or Sasquatch as he was properly named but renamed Crybaby by my Mom who said he cried all the time. Siamese do that to talk to you.
I still miss them.
But this is the part of the back yard with room for development and dreams.
Soon, I say. Check back with me later on in this year to see if this dream did come true.

And a reading from my favorite small book:

There is many a rest on the road of life,
If we only would stop to take it.
And many a tone from the better land,
If the querulous heart would wake it.
To the sunny soul that, full of hope,
And whose beautiful trust ne'er faileth,
The grass is green and the flowers are bright,
Though the wintry storm prevaileth.

Taken from the Seven Hundred Album Verses
c 1889

I wish you a lovely springtime and Easter.
Lois

Slow Saturday at the store

2009-03-07T14:01:00.025-06:00

HAPPY SPRING TO EACH OF YOU!!!!! Well, it is almost here.
We are having spring weather already and feel sorry for those of you who are not.
Spring Break is here in our local schools and college. Pack your bags if you can get away and come to see us!!!!

Today is so slow that I am playing on the computer since I have no customers right now.
That is ok except we are here to sell and that is not happening. I am dreaming of decorating the store for Spring and Easter. Started today but ran into a road block when the camera did not cooperate so cannot put any newer pics on for now.
The above shot of the hen and egg and booklet from the 30's reminded me of dying eggs for Easter. I always did that when my kids were young and stopped when they left the house.
But recently they asked "Where are the Easter eggs?" so I decided to start that up again.
We all enjoy eating hardboiled dyed eggs until we don't want anymore until the next year. My husband is the exception to this, he will not eat any. He is a health nut. He does not feel one should eat that many eggs and he is strong enough willed not to. Not me.

The Sperry Seed box is here in the store and I have 3 smaller ones as well. I love the screens that are behind this one but they do not really show up in this picture. They are from an old
Victorian house in Groveton TX that was owned by the Magee family for whom my store is named. The story of that is in one of my earlier posts. I love old things. Even if they are rusty, torn, or battered I still love them. I think it is my own personal challenge to save them.

Same with this old shabby oil painting of roses. It has a chipped and battered frame but is something I loved very much. However, while I was on my only week off this year so far,
the lady working for me sold it. I was heart broken when I returned and it was missing.
I had put a high price on it thinking no one but me would love it and lo and behold they bought it right out from under me. WHILE I WAS SLEEPING ALMOST. Goodbye old friend!!! I hope you are loved for yourself and not your pretty gesso frame.

Here are some other things in this store which I love and are not perfect. Like many of us.

To the right is an old print of woman and child with cows. It appears French from the house also in the picture. It is wrinkled and worn but something I look forward to seeing each time I come into my store. It is up for adoption only to a worthy person who promises never to restore it.

To the left is my angel print I bought from a man who has a reconstructed old general store in California. He apologized for the condition of it but said it was too beautiful to destroy and I totally agree. It will never be sold. It has no price on it. Not even going to take a chance on Bette selling it next time I am gone for a day. NO WAY!!!!

To the right is an old worn white cabinet I bought at a local auction and no one else seemed to appreciate it's time proven beauty. I use it to store McCoy and USA pottery.

The red and white transferware china
from England and the red ruby glass
are favorites and enjoyed the front table attention during Valentine's recently.
The red boots I use every Spring in my display windows but this time did not for some reason so have shown them here. Don't they make you want to be in the garden?

To the right is an old chalk dog draped with pearls on the dresser in the antique clothing room. He is chipped and paint off in places but still on guard duty.

This is an old book called Nature's Garden from c 1900. Behind it is a terrarium or Wardian box with an owl. Next to that is an old box filled with a selection of ink wells.

This shot is of a corner of the white store cabinet that holds old tins and boxes from the 1900 to 1930 era. I have about 20 or more old tins at the current time. All for sale.

To the right is my version of the family tree.

Anyway, you see how much I can get into when it is slow here. I have already re-arranged several things in the store and my husband went to Farmhouse Cafe next door to get me a piece of Berry Forest Pie which is homemade there on the site. WOW. It is wonderful. Whipped cream on top too. So stop by and let's go get you some pie too.

Some reminders: Coming up May 2, 2009 is the annual Airing of the Quilts here in downtown Huntsville on the courthouse square. We expect over 5000 to attend even on a bad day. Quilts are hung from all the buildings to "air" and there are master quilters, booths selling quilting or sewing or related items, as well as food. There is entertainment galore and prizes. See an earlier blog for more info and pictures. We love this tradition here!!!!!!
You can also eat lunch at the Gibbs-Powell Antebellum Museum house that day and feel like Scarlet. They are needing a new roof and have these luncheons as fundraisers. The cost is low for lunch and the menu is something southern. You are served in the original dining room.
The same weekend is the annual Sam Houston Folklife Festival on the museum grounds adjacent to Sam Houston University. There is so much to see and do there.
Come on down if you aren't otherwise busy that weekend and see how Huntsville welcomes you!!! As our City Main Street Manager has said: "There is no place like this place anywhere."
It is true. We have to compete with Roundtop Antiques Show and Fair in the nearby area held the same time.
See you I hope,
Lois

Antique clothing

2009-02-04T14:21:00.028-06:00

Antique and vintage clothing from my boutique in the antique store here.
I have items from 1850 through 1960's.
To the right is the mannequin Maxine
wearing a Gay 90's outfit with hat. To the side is a 1900 lt brown dress and same era black feather boa.

The pastel pink dress is c 1880. It is in great condition as well. I try to purchase only items that are wearable and displayable. I hate to say that many people come in here and think they are in Walmart and jerk at these wonderful old items with no care at all. I have had several antique one of a kind silk dresses that have been ruined here in the store and for that I am so sorry since they truly cannot be replaced.
These people are part of the disposable generation, I guess although it is not an age thing for sure as many of my college student shoppers are very careful handling these items. I cringe though sometimes when the rough riders come in.

2 1950 kids dresses below with small dresser and chest and other kids toys.

Camisole with green 1920's fringed dress

1950 pink party dress with 1940's green floral dress probably made from feed sacks.
Somewhere on here is a red white and blue 2 pc Patriotic striped dress from 1900 and boater hat.

To right is a 1950's Lavern and Shirley type cardigan sweater with initial "C" I believe. The yellow and brown floral party dress is from the 1930's and beautiful. Small size.
Down here below somewhere is a black antique swimsuit.

c 1912 Titanic type dress of white lawn to the right when I was typing this. I have several of these c 1900-1919 dresses and sets of the white lawn material.

I have lots of emails asking me about my vintage/antique clothing in the store so wanted to take a few minutes of your time to show you just a small selection of these wonderful items.
Please forgive that my pictures do not line up as they started out. I am not a professional photographer.

Near the top is a pair of early Maid's costumes. One is c 1890 and one is c 1920. They are unusually complete. Ready for a mystery play or whatever you can think of.
Below to the left is a 1950 Faux leopard coat. It also is in like new condition, although it is over 50 years old now. Marilyn would step right into it and never know how long it has laid in someone's attic before coming here. With it is a navy 1910 silk dress. It is truly a great example of a dressmaker's skill.

In the middle of this section are two early camisole or corset covers.
Click on any pictures to enlarge. Do not copy my pictures.Pink 1920's dress and straw hat with flapper beads.
Also somewhere in this listing with so many pictures is a grouping of white 1850 to 1920 pieces of lingerie.

Old Umbrellas from 1800 to early 1900
on top of a wardrobe. One is Victorian. It is cloth on the inside and paper on the outside.

1930's hat and Victorian shawl on mannequin below. I love the decorative pin on the front with fringe hanging in her face. Scattered throughout the post should be other 1950's prom dresses of various colors, I have 2 pink, 1 white, 1 black, 1 yellow and 1 green at present. They are all good condition but of very small sizes for the most part.

On the top of this entire entry is a pink floral c 1890's dress which consists of overskirt, underskirt and jacket type blouse. It is beautiful. All you can see in this photo is the skirt but the rest is just as beautiful. I have many many more items from 1850 through 1960's.
I have original go go boots and other items from the hippy days as well. Anything you might need for a costume party wearing original items and not these cheesy costumes you see for sale. Of course these are a little more expensive in most cases but have shown they can last from year to year. That is my feeling of course since I love anything antique for it's lasting so long. It is truly a beautiful thing to me.

Also scattered somewhere here you will see Victorian lace up white boots and an old traveling case also white. AND some old crinolines and hoops of the Victorian age. I also have several crinolines from the 50's for wearing under those prom dresses and Lucy looking dresses in the shop here. Not shown is a c 1850 white or ivory now ballgown. It is some worn but hey, it is old enough to show some wear. Kids from the college come in to photograph it for their design classes.

I also have but not shown here 3 screen worn dresses from early Western movies that have certificates from the movie studios, one being worn in Little House on the Prairie TV series. I wish I could photograph them all.
A shelf in the clothing area below
An old train case to the right. Click on it to see more.

Prom dresses from the 50's below and left and right (hopefully).

3 kids items below from early 1900-20's. These are mostly white with trim.

2 1950's poodle skirts, with accessories. At current time I have 7 poodle skirts from 50's.
Also cardigans and those sheer nylon shirts.
At the top of page is a World War I Soldier uniform and hat. It is in near-perfect condition with jacket, shirt, pants(all wool), hat, helmet, belt buckle, dog tags, bindings for legs and leggings.
Also have a WW I document box and bugle, and wool covered canteen. In addition to this, I have many old and antique men's clothing items as well. C 1904 tuxedo with tails, vest, and pants and tie. Also, 1920's and 1940's, 1950's tuxs and some suits from 20's up to 40's. There are also some newer ones from 60's.
A small picture shows a c 1900 pink dress.

VALENTINE'S DAY

2009-01-08T16:08:00.007-06:00

Valentine's Day is a special day for lovers, partners, and friends alike. I used to give my children a Valentine card as well.

I remember how we celebrated Valentine's Day in my school as a child. The class would decorate
a box with special paper or cards for this special day in advance. There would be a slot in the top
for us to place the Valentine cards in the tiny envelopes for our friends. I always had a card for every student in my class and this is not just so no one would feel left out, but so the one I really liked would not know it!!!!! But I knew I had given one to the object of my affection at the time.

It was just not done to let them know you liked them in my day in elementary school.
You also had to place the Valentines cards in the slot hopefully when no one was around
so this involved arriving in class early the day you brought your cards. All cards in the
Valentine Box and then the class had a party. We looked forward to this day for weeks.
Refreshments were provided by the Room Mothers. This always consisted of cookies,
usually in heart shapes, and punch. There were dainty napkins with hearts on them.
During this little party, the teacher opened the Valentine box
and cards were handed out by name. As your name was called you went forward to
accept the card in the little envelopes. This was nerve-wracking as you wanted to be
recognized often enough to show you were popular but all the while hoping for one from
that special object of your affection.

All cards handed out, each one spent a little time
reviewing your cards. Then cards were set aside for taking home and refreshments were served. This is how we celebrated Valentine's Day in my elementary school.

Did I receive a card from the object of my affection? Probably not. Maybe a generic
card like he gave the rest of the class and I was not recognized as special to him. I was
not a popular girl in those days. I was so shy that it is a wonder I ever looked a boy
square in the eye. I would have died an early death if he knew I liked him.

How much easier was it when I was older and got to concentrate on that one boy?
Not much easier for sure. Now at this time you had to sneak a card into his car or
leave it on his desk for that class. And you certainly did not give a card to a boy unless
you were absolutely certain he liked you and gave you a card first. I laugh now at how
forward girls are when I think back on my worries in those days. That was the 60's
and just prior to big time changes in this country and elsewhere in regards to how girls
acted, dressed and lived.

Today I am certainly glad to have one man that I know loves me and only me and I can buy his Valentine card without all that worry of does he love me or does he not. I am married to a good and handsome man that I love to spend time with. I am glad to no longer have to hide how
I feel like I did as a young girl. I can love openly and lavishly. I can tell anyone anytime that I love him.
I wish you the same happiness on Valentine's Day and any other day.
Lois

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL

2008-12-27T14:54:00.001-06:00

Here I am to wish you each a Happy New Year!!!

From the book that I recite from at times is the following:

" O childhood is a golden time,
When all the world is bright,
When sunshine comes with every morn,
Sweet dreams with every night.
Were I a fairy, I would give
To thee a magic kiss,
That should ensure for the New Year,
As fair a time as this."
from Seven Hundred Album Verses c 1884

Christmas time

2008-12-18T17:54:00.000-06:00

Some scenes from the store here.
Left ironstone in the jelly cupboard.

Crinolines from 1800's Some of the Black white and French items in store this year:

Clocks to far rightI love this little Shepherd and sheep painting.

I love this time of year, usually. This year I seem to be dragging behind. Or dragging my behind whichever it is. I had surgery recently for basil cell carcinoma and today was the post-op visit with the plastic surgeon, Dr.Berzen. If you need a plastic surgeon call him up in Houston. He is fun and smart, what more could you want in a Dr.? My own Dr. referred me to him and he kept us laughing the first visit until we were totally won over. He is real.
But I had surgery and they were successful. Now I am ready to move into the Christmas season this year full force. And make up for lost time. Luckily while I
still had bandages on, my grand daughter, Leah came and took me to the mall
to help buy some gifts. She knew what she wanted of course as she always does,
and we had Danielle along who is the girlfriend of Leah's brother, Larry. I had already bought something for the youngest grandson, Chris. So now I buy all these gifts for these above and that narrows the list of shopping I have to do.
I am grateful for having kids who know their minds!!!
Saves time and returns.
Anyway, here I am working late since some of the antiques stores here in town decided to stay open late one night a week, Thursday until 7 for late shoppers.
I must say it is not profitable. At least so far and we are less than a week away from Christmas today.
There are some interesting people who come in later like this that we seldomly see during regular business hours. For instance, right now my husband is speaking with a girl from a local shelter who was at a nearby thrift store shopping and saw our lights and open doors and came in to see things her grandma had had in her childhood. That is nice. We open doors to memories. People love to relive those times. We know she will probably never buy anything from us but let her browse
and remember better times for her. My husband can talk for hours to anyone who comes in with the time.
This time of year we slow down. We listen more. We show sympathy more. We smile more. That is good!!! Things we should do all year, and would certainly improve our health if we did. Smiling heals.
It is already dark. People do not think of the Square for night time shopping.
They do not think of us this time of year generally. They head to the Malls,
Wal-Mart and Target. Some very special ones do come. They are after a more gentle time. We offer service while Mall stores are just trying to help as many as they can.
Come visit with us. We will show you our Museum of memories. We will listen.
We have many ideas for Christmas gifts that are slightly different than what you find at the Mall.
Merry Christmas to all, Lois
Lois

November Day

2008-11-11T15:20:00.000-06:00

Today is a dreary November day and there are few people out on the Square here in Huntsvillle. The music is playing here in the store and seems only James and I are here to hear it. I ran down the street to visit with some other store owners earlier. When it is slow we do that. Some mornings Kat and I from the antique store on the other end of my block meet in the middle and talk. That is a benefit of a small town.
I recently had a birthday and it was one of the nicest ones ever for me. The kids met us in the Woodlands and had dinner. This was their first year to be able to afford to take us out for dinner so it was special to them as well. They are all growing up. Even Chris has just turned 17 and Leah and Larry are both grown. Also included in the party besides James and I were Leah and her husband Josh and 2 kids Lane and Jayleigh, as well as Larry and his girlfriend Danielle, and Chris. I did lots of people watching at our table, enjoying the scene of them dividing the check, and figuring the tip on their cell phones. They were so busy they did not notice me watching them while they did all this. A milestone for them and should have gone in their baby books.
Leah recently lost everything from her own baby book as well as those of her kids when their house was destroyed in Hurricane Ike. Three trees went into it. They had chosen this lot and house for all the trees and then the trees turned on them in the hurricane.
We were blessed that they had gone to her mother in laws where they had a generator to keep the baby formula cool.
So no one was hurt but they lost almost everything. They demolished the house this past week and now the rebuilding will begin soon with them hopefully back in the house in about 4 months. They had only paid the second payment on the house when it was destroyed.
But even so, all are well and houses can be rebuilt and possessions accumulated again. All is well.
Last Friday I had a great visit with my friend Joy from Austin and her family. Got to see her two granddaughters which I had not seen. They, Kiera and Alexa are in the picture above below those of my two grandbabies Lane and Jayleigh.
Wonderful to visit with friends!!!
I also got to attend the wedding of my nephew Kevin to a sweet and lovely girl, Denise on Saturday in Austin.
Lois
click on pictures to enlarge

Happy October

2008-10-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

Produce stand in our display window for Fall.
We love to decorate for the seasons here on the Square in Callie Magee Antiques.

The Fair on the Square was a success on Sat.
last. If you missed it this year, put it on your calendar for next year, the first Sat. in October.

It is wonderful to see the colors of Fall with orange, yellow, gold, and reds. The window on the side we decorated as a pumpkin patch with my husband's fake squirrel in the middle. It was broken a while back by my niece, but James glued him together again and has had him sitting on the counter for ages now. A man wanted to buy it one day even knowing it was broken and reglued but when we were negotiating over a price my husband came back and found out I was going to sell it and said no, he is not for sale.
So he is a permanent fixture here at the store. And now it appears he is branching out to being a model for the display windows also.

I always think of the Autumn Leaves song when Autumn arrives. It is a time of reflecting back on the summer which is usually full of fun and reunions and time off. And it is a time of memories for me. The older I get the more I like to revisit those memories. Is that a normal part of aging?
I normally do not feel those years, 60 of them, but during this time of year they intrude on the present. Times like when my sister Joyce and cousins Christine and Charles and Albert raked up leaves for our parents in our yard, not knowing it was a ploy just to keep us all busy for them to visit for awhile uninterrupted. After we all did a great job of raking we all ran and jumped in the middle and then had to repeat the process. We were young then. Charles was later killed in Vietnam. Christine is living here again in Huntsville, as well as Albert. Full circle.
Our own kids do not even know each other, probably would not recognize each other passing.
But we were all so close then.

For all the customers who have come in this year, and become friends in the process, I would like to thank you for making the effort to come and see us here. Some have read my blogs, some have seen my name in Romantic Homes magazine as a distributor, and some have been referred.
For whatever reason they came, we have enjoyed their stories and experiences as well.

The following is a poem that I found in the Seven Hundred Album Verses book by J.S.Ogilvie from 1884 that I have used before here:

" Farewell, oh farewell, but whenever you give,
A thought to the days that are gone,
Of the bright sunny things that in memory live,
Let a thought of the writer be one.

Ye flowers that droop,forsaken by the spring,
Ye birds that, forsaken by the summer, cease to sing;
Ye trees that fade when autumn heats remove,
Say, is not absence death to those who love?"

Have a blessed Autumn,
Lois

F A I R

2008-10-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

Come to the annual Fair on The Square in Huntsville in the downtown restored historical district on October 4, 2008, this Saturday.
There will be booths, food vendors of all kinds and entertainment. Also a section dedicated
to entertainment for children.
No pictures at this time, but stay tuned. Go to the Chamber of Commerce web site for more info.

Lois

Hurricane Ike

2008-09-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

click to enlarge

As you all know we have had quite a storm down here in Texas. Thought you would like to see some pictures as

if you have not seen enough on television lately. But this one hit at home so we are shaken over this and the pictures too.

Crystal Beach on Bolivar Penisular: See before and after pics below. Click to enlarge and see both. Click on picture at right to see his surviving possession:

We live about 100 miles north of Galveston but saw our own devastation. Our neighborhood had so many trees through the roof of houses that I quit counting at about 20 or so. The worst was my friend Sandy that was killed when the tree hit her house. They were sleeping in their upstairs bedroom when the hurricane went over us about 4:30am. I was looking out the windows when it came through( I know we were not supposed to be near glass windows but how can you not look?). We live next to a golf course and there were about 10 big trees out there near us that went down. Not just the tall pines but oaks as well. I guess the winds were at about 75 to 80 miles an hour when they went through our town.
My grand daughter and her husband lost their newly bought house on Lake Houston. They had paid the second payment on it. They lost all the contents. They had decided not to stay home and ride it out thankfully so were not home. They and their two babies were at her mother in law's house with a generator for the power outage we all expected and got.
We were without power for 5 days and I waved and cheered the electric company from Maryland who hooked up back up with electricity. Never been so happy to see Yankees before.
A little joke.
The store here was without power for 6 days and when we were back on it was still surging.
I lost my computer for a few days until it was repaired. Other than that, I read books by flashlight. We had a generator which we ran every few hours to keep the food safe. And the TV. It was like a miracle when we would get to turn on the TV and hear what was happening in the rest of the world.
We are here and we are recovering. That is what life is about.
Thanks to all our friends from all over who came to help us during this event.
Lois

August and rain

2008-08-19T12:02:00.000-05:00

Because of Tropical Storm Fay we are having lots of rain here. I personally love rain so this is my kind of weather.
My husband is away on a camping trip in Yosemite National Park(Ca) with his grown kids and grandkids for 8 days. I have had no communication with him since Sunday morning when they were on the way to Yosemite. AT&T said there is no signal there for us to use our cell phones. This is the longest we have been apart in the 15 years we have been married. I do not like it one little bit!!!!
Business is slow and I suppose it is the economy. All our antiques stores owners here in Huntsville are saying this same thing.
I wanted to let you know about the annual Antiques Show and Sale at the Fairgrounds here
September 20-21. There will be about 100 booths with sellers from all over the US. I did that show last year but it is totally impossible to do so this year with lack of help here in the store for me to be away from the store for 2 days.
If you can get here, try out the local show and visit the historical downtown Courthouse square.
Check out the Chamber of Commerce or Huntsville Main Street web sites for other information.
I forgot to tell you we were chosen by the readers of the local newspaper, the Huntsville Item as the readers choice best antique store for the second year.

A verse dedicated to my husband who is traveling without me:

"When the golden sun is setting,
And your heart from care is free,
When o'er a thousand things you're thinking,
Will you sometimes think of me?"
from Seven Hundred Album Verses c 1884

July almost gone

2008-07-24T09:09:00.000-05:00

UPCOMING EVENTS:
The summer film festival begins July 25 here at the Old Town Theater in downtown Huntsville. This is sponsored every year by Huntsville Main Street office. There are 4 movies beginning with II Postino and later Monsoon Wedding, Jaws, and Casablanca.
Movies begin at 8pm with exception of Jaws which is a matinee at 1pm. Check out the Main Street website for individual movie times.

Recognition: One of our antique store owners, Kathleen Nichtmann was recognized as a business woman in the area by the Huntsville Item(local newspaper) along with a few others. She was a leader in promoting the antiques shops and also conducts the annual Huntsville Antique Show and Sale at the fairgrounds which is visited by antiques lovers from all over the US in Sept. of the year. Don't miss it this year!!!!

PERSONAL NOTE

Where has this month gone? Wow.
We have not had any rain yet from Hurricane Dolly here in Huntsville but expect some today.
We need it for sure here where it has been dry for a while. Our part of Texas needs lots of rain to keep our forests alive. Not to mention my geraniums.
We have had so many deer in our yard this year. We seem to be running a deer day care as the mothers leave their fawns in our yard throughout the day and return for them later before night.
At one time this week we had 6 baby fawns in the side yard. We really enjoy watching them. Our subdivision had enacted a law that you can no longer feed them. We had previously put out deer corn for them as had many others in the subdivision. I do not agree with the ban on feeding but have to follow it anyway. However, the deer seem to enjoy several of my plantings such as hostas and geraniums. Each morning when I start to leave for work and step out on the front porch all the recent flowers have been snipped off the flowers on the steps. Oh well, I enjoy the deer so much that this is ok with me. They do not harm the actual plant, jut taking the floral part. And it returns.
Will try to get some pics of these baby deer for this blog.
So what is next for the store? As many of you have mentioned the economy has hurt us badly as we depend on tourists mainly for our sales. Travelers have dwindled down to only a few a week coming through. I still have many buyers from those who show at the antiques show in Roundtop. 2 weeks ago Carolyn Westbrook stopped in on her way to lunch with a local friend.
I wanted to get her to autograph the book I had of hers but could not find it at the time so she graciously said she would return on her way out of town to see if I had located it by then, and I did and she did.
There are 6 antique stores in Huntsville at present. Some dealers from other areas have told me they have had lots of closures in their area. Hope this economy turns around. Like I have said before here, I do not have to depend on this as my income and for that I am eternally grateful.
I have slacked off auctions and estate sales for now. I will wait it out.
Thanks for all your support.
Lois

Classic Car Show and 50's Event held Saturday

2008-06-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Shown above is the gazebo stage where all activities for the day were conducted from including the style show in the first picture and in the second is the parade of models showing the old cars on this side of the Courthouse Square.
Saturday was a fun, hot day for all of us involved in the Flag Day event here on the Square in Huntsville. This was the first attempt to put on such an event and we learned allot. We did not have the crowds we had hoped for, however, we got on the map so next year we will have more advertising. I found out that national magazines require about 4 months lead time to get your event advertised in their magazines.
The Style Show was my assignment for the event. I had planned for 20 models and 13 showed up of the 20 so that was not too bad considering this was Father's Day weekend and many students had gone home for the weekend.

Leisure apparel group wearing clothing that was worn by people in the 50's--left, in turquoise printed halter dress is Alli, next is Drew wearing a maroon bowling shirt. He is only 9 years old but was wearing rolled up jeans and had his hair slicked back in duck tail hairstyle. He was also carrying a (plastic) bowling ball. He did a fantastic job. And next to him is Sarah wearing a pink and gray sun dress.

The models at the style show also received first and second place ribbons in two categories, adult and child. Remember all the clothes belonged to me and are sold here in my antique store in the clothing boutique.
This picture below is of my sister Deb, niece Hope and her daughter Alyssa, in their poodle skirts outfits. 3 generations. Alyssa is my favorite great-niece. Next to them is Virginia's red TBird. The classic and antique cars were parked on two sides of the courthouse.

Below is a strolling Marilyn Monroe model taking her own good time getting to the gazebo.
I actually had to stall for about 5 minutes to allow her to take her walk of fame. She did a great job of playing Marilyn. She is really a tall redhead. Her name is Sonja. Took some nerve to wear this dress and wig. But she was cool in more than one way in her costume. People have asked that next year they be allowed to take pictures "with" Marilyn. There was also an Elvis impersonator but he arrived very late. He entertained with singing at the gazebo later in the day. He also does this professionally. Our DJ did a fantastic job playing 50's music all day and narrating. I narrated the style show only.

To the right are the poodle skirted ladies. Madison is to the left in yellow or golden poodle skirt. She is 11 and the daughter of a lady named Janet who has booths in two of the antique stores in town. Madison was very professional especially for an 11 year old. I think she has a career ahead as a real model if she chooses to pursue it.

There were many old classic cars in the Show and we awarded 6 first place trophies and 6 second place trophies. Each antique store who were the planners of this event awarded a first and second place trophy based on their own favorites in the Show. My store chose a 1927 International pickup and a 1927 Buick. My husband was in charge of this judging. The 1927 International pickup truck belongs to a local woman who said her father fixed the truck up for her to drive to high school about 30 years ago. He was a mechanic. I thought it was the very best vehicle in the entire show. Will add pictures of these cars when I receive them.

This segment was for prom apparel and included 2 prom dressed models, Sarah and Savannah and John, the main street office Intern for the summer in the white 50's dinner jacket. There is another shot of him with guitar playing "Buddy Holly". (There were two Sarahs modeling today) Below another shot of Marilyn center stage. We all had fun this day but the extreme Texas heat got to us fast. It was about 93 and we were on stage at 11 am. The sun directly in my face.
I was wearing a 1950's yellow Hawaiian shirt and 1950's panama hat with pink ribbon. I am behind the podium at the right of Marilyn. Thanks for letting us share our day with you.
Lois

JUNE 14, 2008 Flag Day Classic Car Show

2008-05-29T16:02:00.000-05:00

Remember the following event if you are making plans for that weekend. We have several events ongoing on the
Courthouse Square here in Huntsville that Saturday. For starters we have a parade beginning on 15th Street and continuing down University toward the Square.
The lead will be taken by the Boy Scout Honor Guard marching with the flags followed by the 1949 Firetruck and the Mayor J.Turner. Then our Grand Marshall will be Harold Hutcherson, the Main Street Manager without whom we would not be venturing out to sponsor an event of any kind on the Square where we all do business. Business has been so bad this year so far we are hoping to increase the awareness of what is available here in downtown to the public with these events.
Following Hutch will be the various car clubs with their old classic cars.
After the parade has ended on the Square the classic cars will be moved into their place for the show which will last from 10 am to 3:30pm when the awarding of trophies will take place.

Most activities are set around the gazebo.

At 11 am there will be the 1950's Style show with authenic 50's attire. I will do the narrating with clothing from my antique vintage clothing boutique adjoining my store. Models are greatly needed at this time as most of the college students are already out for the summer. I plan to have approximately 20 models with business attire, leisure attire, prom dresses and dinner jacketed boys, poodle skirts and boys in daily attire clothing, plus a bride and groom in 50's wedding dress, and ending with a Marilyn Monroe lookalike and Elvis lookalike.

There will be hot dogs and cokes and hoola hoop, dance and costume contests for the public.
We will have a DJ playing 50's music from 10 am to 4pm. Lots of activities on the downtown square available.
The Gibbs Powell Museum house a block away from the Square will be serving a 50's menu meal at noontime for $ 5.00 including dessert. Included in that price will be a tour of the 1850's house. The meal will be served in the antebellum dining room or to go. The last event when they did this they served so many they ran out of food after serving about 150 guests.
This is a chance to live like the ancestors you wished you had had or pretend to be Scarlett.
There are many historical houses in Huntsville.

Gibbs Powell Museum House near downtown square

June June June

2008-05-24T15:33:00.000-05:00

-------Gardens, Brides, and whatever we connect with June from our memories.

Country Gentleman Magazine cover June 1928 >>>

I love June!!! I did not marry in June but love to see the weddings and garden parties and gardens in
June. The real heavy floral scents are out in all their glory.
Two of my gardenias are wonderful with bloom. Two newer ones are not.
My yard is coming along very nicely where the latest plantings are. At least it is not so hot yet that I must water every day, every other is doing well right now, but with Texas that won't last very much longer. It was 93 yesterday and probably is today as well.
I am ready to begin changing the display windows here at the store on Monday to include the wedding scene with an antique wedding gowned mannequin and the groom mannequin in his antique tuxedo with tails. I will try to include a picture of this window scene for you.
But for now I have to wait on that.

Here is an excerpt from the Seven Hundred Album Verses book dated 1884 that I have been writing from:

" Peace be around thee, wherever thou rovest:
May Life be for thee one summer's day;
And all that thou wish, and all that thou lovest,
Come smiling around thy summer way.

If sorrow e'er this calm should break,
May even thy tears pass off so lightly,
Like spring showers, they will only make
The smiles that follow shine more brightly. "

I love this little book as you can probably tell. I quote it over and over.
Lois

Remembrance of Friends left behind

2008-05-22T16:20:00.002-05:00

From the Book of Seven Hundred Album Verses dated 1884.

"Remember me is all I ask,
And, if remembrance be a task,
Forget me"

I came across this verse and thought it so appropriate today as I thought back to previous times in my life and those I have known. We remember some special people who cross our paths but for the most part, we forget the majority. But how many best friends does one have in a lifetime? This question bothered me as I read these old verses and wondered about the friends they had left behind and that I had also left behind in my years of traveling and living in other places.

" Farewell! perhaps forever,
Beloved one adieu!
Wilt Thou this token please to take,
And keep it long for friendship's sake;
And when these lines you chance to see,
Remember, that they came from me."

from Seven Hundred Album Verses
1884

I remember my first friend in First Grade, Jessica. We played at Recess around the old flag pole until she moved away to Argentina
because of her father's job with the oil company. She had braids and was a great friend while it lasted. I ran into her at our high school reunion at 20 years. First time we had seen each other in all those years. I felt like I could have taken up right where we left off.
Then the next best friend was Vern, and she was more mature than I was even though I was a few months older which I knew was due to her having older brothers and me not. She tied my shoes for me. I had seen her a few times in the early married years when we lived in Calif. and she in Phoenix, and they were a stopping off place for us on our trips home to Texas. Then we moved to Florida and she to Georgia. Then we next met at the same reunion. She was still Vern.
Older like me but still Vern.
After that the next best friend was Ella. I guess of all 3 she was the best for longest. We were still bests when we graduated from High school and moved away and went to school away from our small town. We did not meet until my Mother was dying and she came to my store which I had by then so I could have days off to take Mom for medical care, after having retired from my job with the government. Then she was there for me at the funeral. Like no time had intervened.
Her mother had died shortly before. We have since seen each other twice, emailing though regularly.
After moving away and later having a family, I had no real real best friends until after the kids were a little older and I was divorced. Then I had a friend named Debbie in Florida. She was a native Floridian. We worked together. She had one small little girl named Starr. I had my two sons. We have not met since 1977 when I moved but keep in touch.
Then my next best friend would be Marilyn. We also worked in Florida together for a short while but then continued to be friends all through the years I lived there and afterwards we communicated by phone about every 2 months. Or by mail back when people did that kind of thing. She refuses to email so someday I know she will catch up. We have seen each other once in all these years since I moved away in 1977 from Florida back home to Texas.
We are still so very close.
Now I have friends but some come and go. That seems to be the way of it. I have one friend, joy who has been with me for over 20 years since she came to our office to work. We have both retired and she is in Austin and we never get to visit except by phone or email now. She has a new grandbaby and another on the way.
There have been other friends, Vera, Norma, and so on.
I have newer friends like Kat and we share an interest in antiques and she has the store just down the block from me. We have gotten to be very good friends and confidants. As I said we share the woes of selling antiques and the successes as well. Same with Diana who has a store in Trinity and I used to be across the street from her for a short time. We have dinner once a month or so and keep up.
That is a brief excerpt from my life as far as friends go.
Lois

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to each of you mothers.

I lost my Mother 2 years ago but spend more time thinking of her on Mother's Day than any other time of the year. Of course I should say she is in my mind almost every day in some off way, an old saying I remember or repeat, how I look in the mirror sometimes in the morning without makeup, a favorite food that she made so well and no one since has been able to duplicate even with her own recipe, so many familiar things come to mind.

But on this day every year since her death, I pause to remember all those good times, especially in the last few months we had her with us and little things we would laugh about. One thing that stands out is when she was still living in her little house she had moved to after Dad died 15 years ago that was more manageable for her and she had gotten to the point where she should have moved from there but stubbornly would not. She had called me at my store to come help her at once. I got there and she was alone and no caregiver in sight. She had tried to get to the bathroom alone and didn't make it. So I got her fixed back up and comfortable and she cried and said you should not have had to do that. I said you cleaned me up when I was a baby so now I am repaying you for that. She smiled and said I guess that is right. So it was forgotten, until today.

I was very fortunate to have had two good parents. I remember every day something of what they taught me.
They did not preach, they did not scold unless it was a big thing, they lead me and taught me with their examples of how they lived their lives.

So today, instead of making all of us cry in rememberance, I would like to just simply say, Happy mother's day to all you Moms since I cannot tell it to my own Mom.

Lois