The Five Dollar Box of Old Bottles

At first glance, the box was full of dirty old bottles.  However, the color blue caught my eye.  I have several old blue bottles that I bought at an auction years ago and I love how they look on the windowsill.  So, when the man running the barn sale said "You can have the box for five dollars", how could I resist?  A few minutes at the sink and the purchase was well worth the price I paid.

It looked like a box that I didn't really need.

I love Dr. Bronners Magic Soap for washing everything!  You can even brush your teeth with it.  All certified organic, check the website for a store near you.  It's well worth it in my opinion.

The bottles before rinsing.  The beautiful blue is now apparent.

They need to be rinsed thoroughly and dried.

You may recognize some of the logos on the bottom of the bottles.

I was lucky, the bottles are all different sizes and shapes.  Note the lighter blue color on the left-hand side.  Gorgeous.

It just happens to be the time when violets, lily of the valley and forget-me-nots are in bloom!

White violets are extra special.  Tiny flowers created for tiny bottles.

It began to rain outside when I was taking the photos.  Perfect.  

 'Tis the season for barn sales, tag sales and auctions.

Have fun!

A Tragedy of Grave Proportions

 

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Waterloo, New York.  Waterloo happens to be the nationally recognized birthplace of Memorial Day.  Memorial Day is a federal holiday remembering the men and women who died while serving our country. 

On our way home via Route 7 through New York state, we stumbled upon this wonderful cemetery in Brunswick, New York.  No, it's not the famed Forest Park Cemetery.  This is apparently called the Brick Church Cemetery.  It sits on both sides of Route 7, and unfortunately, is not maintained.  Surely, there are veterans buried here.  Soldiers who fought for our freedom; their graves now knee-high in weeds.  

Forest Park Cemetery is listed as abandoned.  It appears that Brick Church Cemetery has been abandoned as well.  How can we abandon these graves and memorials for those who have gone before us?  Is this how we remember them?  This is a disgrace.

If you know of a cemetery that's been disregarded by your local township, contact your select board and ask them why.

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day, Dad.

We miss you!

The Picnic

Once upon a time there were picnic areas that dotted the roadside.  Clean, attractive picnic areas with grills and picnic tables.  They were often maintained by the state and they were mowed on a regular basis.  We used to frequent these eating establishments with friends.  Sometimes we were on our way to visit relatives in Vermont; other times we were simply out for a ride.  Unfortunately, many of these dining venues have fallen prey to budget cuts and they've been closed and dismantled.  For some of us, they hold memories of simpler times and days gone by....

Moving the picnic table to a location by the brook.

Notice the cooler of lemonade and the jug of iced tea!  Look at that plate of sandwiches; do kids even eat sandwiches anymore?

What's a picnic without a nap?

As summer approaches, take time to enjoy a picnic!

Images of an Abandoned House

This lovely antique home has looked like this for as long as I can remember.  The hillside views are beautiful.

Abandoned, adjective:  forsaken or deserted.

An abandoned house has a certain seductive and bewitching quality about it.  Years after the occupants have left their abode, daffodils grow in the front yard.  Curtains hang in the windows; faded, tattered and dusty.