Thinking of Spring

We missed the heavy snow that fell in the Chicagoland area yesterday.  I was so happy.  I do love the snow, but at this time of year, especially when we had a warm weekend, I can't wait for spring.  It doesn't help the feeling since I spent some time outside, without a coat, cleaning up the yard of Christmas decorations.  Things were finally thawing out.

Inside was beginning to feel like spring too.  Away went the hearts and out came the Easter decorations.

I rarely find vintage Easter decorations, so when I do, I keep them for my collection.

My mother always makes stuffed cabbage (the best by the way).  So one year, I bought my brothers and her a pottery cabbage bowl.  Some were plain on top, one had some vegetables and a few had a rabbit.  I put mine out every year for Easter.

While shopping at Aldi, I couldn't pass up flowers for $1.50.  The house looks so much brighter with flowers on the kitchen table.

I have been changing them around with this assortment that was a birthday present from my friend Christine.

Since spring means that flea markets/rummage sales/garage sales will be starting soon, my friend Mary gave me a very thoughtful gift.  She filled a mason jar (that has a chalkboard space on it to write on) with items I will need when treasure hunting.  There was a flashlight, tape measure, hand sanitizer, coin purse with a dollar and a penny in it, a small bungee like cord, arrow sticky paper pads, black sharpee and of course, jolly rancher hard candy for sugar energy.  She had it in a great bag with french inspired tissue paper.  I'm going to try to decoupage the paper onto some vintage clip boards.

Which now brings me to the Vintage Shop Hop.  There are now over 270 shops in Illinois and Wisconsin that are participating on March 4-5.  It is sure to be a good day.  I will be at the Carriage House on Saturday March 5 for the Shop Hop.  Stop by to say hi. https://www.facebook.com/VintageShopHopEvent/

Another date you might want to write down is for Gardenfest at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake on April 9.  Every year the University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners hold a full day of gardening classes for beginners to advanced.  This year's keynote is: Kerry Ann Mendez. Registrations is now open. http://www.mchenry.edu/gardenfest/

On May 14 is the Proven Winners event at the Chicago Botanic Garden with P. Allen Smith.  He is an amazing speaker whom I have had the pleasure of seeing before.  I can't wait for this event. https://www.provenwinners.com/Outdoor-Living-Extravaganza-2016

I noticed that a few of my crocus are peaking through the soil.  Spring is definitely on the way!  Keep looking for those sales to find treasures to fill your garden.

Happy treasure hunting!