New booth all set up...

Got things moved into our booth at Antiques on Main in West Jefferson, N.C.  Hope you will check us out on your next trip to this wonderful mountain community.

I usually don't post personal things...Just too personal! But I decided this needed telling.

This is Michael...or Mikey...or Mike...or sometimes, Scooby! LOL  He is our eldest child.

 I will try to keep it as short as possible, mostly because I can't talk about Mikey without crying.

It has been a true challenge for almost all of his life...Shortly after his second birthday, Michael was stricken with a rare, and at that time, usually fatal illness...Reyes Syndrome.  After several near losses, God saw fit to allow us to keep Michael with us, no matter what challenges might be ahead for our family.  And there were many, many of those!

Obstacles were many, year after year, but eventually, he relearned how to eat, drink, walk, talk, laugh, and all the things we took for granted before.  He even managed to graduate, get a job, move out into his own apartment and with his determination and help from us, his sister, and friends, Michael lived a fairly full and healthy life for almost thirteen years.

About five years ago, he started having problems with spasms/jerking...sort of like Parkinson's symptoms, but not Parkinsons.  We helped him move up here to the mountains and into an apartment, while we sought answers to this new health issue. After many tests, many visits to doctors, and many, many tears, we found a neuro surgeon who suggested trying a Baclofen pump...this pump would carry meds through a catheter to the spine and directly to the nerves causing the symptoms (now referred to as dystonia or "movement disorder")

Michael enjoyed about three years of relief, but last year, he started having problems with the pump.  Since then, he has had several revisions of the catheter, and all these surgeries have taken a toll. The most recent surgery was about five weeks ago, and recovery has been slow and filled with other problems. 

Now days, he seems tired...weary...almost sad.  But, he is not sad.  He meets each day with a good attitude and each time we are needed to help with some issue, we are filled with joy when faced with his smile and laughter...He's a real joker and if we get down, he picks us up. 

Believe it or not, Michael lives in his own apartment, and with the help of two awesome CNAs who visit for a few hours each day, he lives a relatively independent life. He can no longer walk, but has adapted to a wonderful power chair and is able to function pretty well.  He is truly an inspiration!

I'm not sure why I am sharing this, but I hope people will gain some insight into what your friends, family or neighbors might be dealing with each day.  Not that you actually have to do something personal for anyone, but be aware of people...of their feelings...of their struggles...of their sadness...

Pray for them, think of them, be considerate of them...And GIVE THANKS each day for your many Blessings!

We have been Blessed with a wonderful son and no matter what challenges may face us, together, we will move forward...We will be uplifted by God, our friends, our helpers...

P. S. I also think I am sharing this to explain why Giles and I have been quiet, as of late.  We have decided to semi-retire from doing shows...at least for now...we just do not feel good about going far away from home.  We will be taking a space in the local antique mall...Giles will still be creating, and I will continue to do what I do...LOL 

We ask for prayers...they do make a difference.  We hope you will think of us and miss us at the shows, and maybe soon, we will return to some venues... If there is anything we have had in the past that you need or want, contact us and we'll do our best to "get er done"! 

We have no regrets or hesitations about making Michael our first priority... He is the one who "lives" this difficult life and we certainly must help him all that we can... Blessings to all!

Relaxed and in deep thought...about what's for dinner! LOL

Enjoying watching the hummingbirds feeding and playing.

Testing to see if this will post to my blog...Not sure what is going on with blog..I probably have missed updating something... Think one day, I will just say "to heck with this computer thing"...get back to reading books and calling friends on the phone...LOL  Have a Blessed Day! Why do I have to click on HTML to type this message? Anyone have an idea of what I need to do. Seems I can't EDIT my posts..I can do a regular post and pics, but cannot edit anything. HELP!

FLAG DAY !

Are you patriotic? Love America? Cherish your freedom?

Hope you will display your American flag today (and everyday) with great pride and humble hearts.

Blessings to all Americans today and everyday!

A work in progress...

Hello folks!  Been gone for awhile, but since I am a "work in progress", I've been trying to get back on track...
For starters, I have updated my selling blog with a few special things, so be sure to click on the link in the right sidebar to see what I have to offer.
Or you may click here:   http://plainfolkssimplegoodes.blogspot.com/

Remember those crutches I posted on here awhile back? Well, ended up having knee surgery, so am still working on getting stronger so I don't go limping along like the old woman that I am...LOL
Giles has been working on a couple of pieces of furniture for the summer show in Fishersville, so be sure to visit us in July to see what all he has created for you.  http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24322339
Lots of make-dos and other old goodes will also be available.

Don't know about your weather, but we have had a good bit of rain.  At least this mountain air is cool...sending some your way!
What have you been doing to plan for the summer?   Would love to hear from you.  Blessings!

SEE YOU AT CAMERON?

Oh my...don't even ask!  Life just keeps me all mixed up, but I still think of all of you and keep thinking I WILL UPDATE MY BLOG! 
Actually, I have recently been trying to get into the Facebook thing...Can't say I love it, but am getting a little more accustomed to some of it.
I still love visiting other blogs and seeing what is new and exciting...not thinking that FB is all that exciting, but then, that's probably me...LOL  I guess you "can't teach an old dog new tricks"...
I promise I will be making a real effort to work on my blog...also my selling blog...Just be patient and keep checking it out.
In the meantime, another of those "life" things coming up...another show.  In Cameron, N.C.  Sure hope you can make it... Remember, we will be set up in front of The Ferguson House.  See you there!   http://www.antiquesofcameron.com/events.htm
P.S. A LITTLE SECRET!  They don't advertise it, but you can actually buy on Friday at Cameron.  Just don't get there too early, because vendors do not start setting up until after 9:00AM.

Hope you will join us in Knoxville for THE GATHERING.  Giles has a few new make-dos and of course, we'll have some old goodes for you. See you in Tennessee!

Hey!  Recognize what these are?  Yep... I'm sort of laid up with my knee...torn ligament and OH! SO PAINFUL!

Everything we have is old, so why not crutches? LOL  Anyhoo... finally got some things together for the selling blog, so go on over and check them out...

I hope everyone is staying snug and warm if you are in the snow areas this weekend...  Let's hope this is the last winter storm and that Spring is right around the corner.  Blessings to all...and good health!!!!!

GOOD LUCK?

How many of you have ever picked up a 'lucky penny'?  You know the one...heads-up, so it's supposed to bring you good luck if you pick it up?

That's what we did over a week ago.  The very day Giles picked it up, ten minutes later our transmission went out on our vehicle...mechanic had it over a week, but finally called yesterday to say it was ready. We went today to pick it up and more good news...Might need a new water pump. Ok.

Driving home, all of a sudden a loud pop, then 'knock', 'knock', 'knock'...Oh mercy! Not another problem.  Called AAA...(everyone should have AAA) to come get it. He does...takes it to our 'go-to-guy' to check it out. Lucky us! Seems a rock (WHAT? A ROCK?) somehow found it's way into the brake lining and broke it. Ok.

Moral of this trivial message?  DO NOT PICK UP A PENNY, NO MATTER WHOSE HEAD OR BEHIND IS SHOWING. IT IS NOT LUCKY!   Still, we are Blessed!  Hope you are...

P.S.   Late note...turns out it's not the water pump, but the radiator! WHAT?  GRRRRR.... Drat that dang penny! 

On our way into town today, Giles handed over all the pennies in his pocket and asked me to toss them out...Give some of that 'luck' to someone else...  Mercy, I hope not.  Still Blessed!!!!!

GOT CABIN FEVER?

If you've got 'cabin fever', next weekend will be a good time to fix that. WINTER IN THE VALLEY is the place to be for all your primitive antiques, folk art, make-dos and country needs/wants!  Hope we'll see you there...  http://www.picturetrail.com/antiquesinthevalley

WOW! Over 10 inches in just a few hours... Beautiful, but such a wet, heavy snow. Now today, the sun is shining, snow is melting, but brrrrr...cold enough for me to hang around inside and get some stitching done. Hope you all are warm and snug, enjoying some sunshine and cheer on a winter day. Blessings...

2013 SPECIAL "PAY IT FORWARD"

Oh dear! Sure hope I can get this posted. Blogger has changed some stuff (AGAIN) so not sure how this will turn out... Anyhoo...I have a fun 2013 Five Fun Friends SPECIAL to tell you about. Robin (over at Millstone) is doing this, as are other prim friends, so here goes. The first five people who comment (from US or Canada) to this post will receive a gift sometime during 2013 ...no warning, no advance notice..just when I get the urge to share with you. It may be a small token of friendship, a make-do, something special when you least expect it. 
There is one catch to this... YOU must PAY IT FORWARD...In other words, you must post this idea on your site and choose five people to send a gift to. It should be fun...so go ahead...post your comment so I can see who my Five Fun Friends will be. Hmmm... Keep trying.. I may add a twist and increase the number of Fun Friends... 

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!

Ha!  Thought I forgot you, huh?  No way...never! 
Giles and I do hope you had a good 2012 and we pray that 2013 will be as good or better for us all!
We have several friends who are in need of prayer so get on your knees and put in a word for those who are having problems as they move into the new year.
I have worked all day to get some 'new/old' goodes on the selling blog so go take a look and let us know if you find something you must have... http://plainfolkssimplegoodes.blogspot.com/

Now, for that promise I made to many last year...My gift of an old and favorite recipe.  I hope you enjoy it... p.s.  Very simple!
Kraut Salad  Oh, don't make a face. 
It's awesome! (A delicious, easy and downright pretty dish)
2 cans (14.5oz each) kraut, drained and rinsed well
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
4 oz. jar diced pimento, drained
Mix all ingredients and marinate in following:

Marinade
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
3/4 cup oil
Stir until well blended and pour over kraut mixture
Cover and let marinate for at least 6 hours (better if overnight) This dish keeps for several days and goes well with pork, beef or chicken.  We often serve it along with a variety of other salads.  JUST PLAIN GOOD!  ENJOY!
 p.s. give the bowl a shake now & then to keep marinade and kraut mix stirred until ready to serve.