Like many of you, today was a big back to school day around here!  My oldest son started 3rd grade in his new school.  I really underestimated the traffic compared to last week.  Dropping off the kids at 2 different schools and fighting DC area traffic wasn’t the best way to start the day.  But I better get used to it.

The weekend was really great.  I took 3 days away from my computer and feel behind on my favorite blogs!  I’ll be back to visiting and catching up to see what you’ve been up to too.  Thank you for all of the kind comments you left after my last post…your positive feedback after posting the necklace made with vintage components was encouraging!

View of the Hillsville Antique/Flea Market

This vendor had a little bit of everything

We had a  wonderful reunion with my husband’s side of the family.  The kids loved seeing their Grandmother, cousins and Aunts again.  We made it to the antique/flea market after braving serious back-ups and strolled around together.  Just look at the crowds!  And it was hot!  But I won’t complain because it was so much fun.  I have to say I’m surprised at how little I bought…but then again, there would be no way to bring anything big home anyway.

I had a nice conversation with a seller about his reluctance to sell his finds.  He was a kind young guy…but I could sense the frustration that he felt towards people that do not understand or appreciate what goes on behind the scenes to find the pieces that he brings to the shows.  I combed through his boxes of old ledgers and books from an estate in New Castle, PA.  He went on to say how when people see the price of an old book, for example, they do not realize that  it came from a special auction that he had to stand in line for 3 hours to attend.  It was really an enlightening conversation…and I did buy an old book and ledger from him!

The best find of the day was this old jewelry box – from the ’50 or ’60’s?  It’s the 3rd in my little jewelry box collection.  I love the satin and velvet inside and thought they were the perfect place to store my vintage jewelry bits and bobs.  What a steal for $3.00!

New blue jewelry box....the perfect place for old treasures

My husband wanted to take the kids to some of his boyhood hang outs during this trip…so we headed over to New River Valley (southwestern VA) and paid a visit to Wolf Creek.  Randy has many fond memories here at this old swimming hole.  It was nice going down memory lane until it started raining…then POURING!

My husband caught his first fish here by this tree with his Grandfather

On the drive home yesterday, we stopped in an old town called Strasburg.  I knew there was a big antique Emporium there, so I finally had my chance to drop in.  My husband had a keen eye and found some great things for me.  Look at this great 1940 Ladies Home Journal ad.  Now how could we pass up an advertisement about 4 messy boys??!  This one will go great in a bathroom or the laundry room in our new house.

1940 Bon Ami ad

The best find of all…this 1865 journal from Baltimore.  Just look at the leather cover and the beautiful script inside.  My Dad’s side of the family is from Baltimore, so I just knew it was meant for me as soon as I saw it.  And I just have a thing for old handwritten script.  I’m going to enjoy reading through the contents of this one.  Not to mention it will make a great photo prop for my jewelry – both the inside and out!

1865 journal from Baltimore

Beautiful script - from days gone by

That’s about it!!  I need to rush off now…it’s Back to School night and the macaroni and cheese needs to come out of the oven!

Take care – until next time!