Not lost..., not forgotten

Seems like awhile since we last posted, then looking back at event dates and photos we realized IT HAS BEEN AWHILE.

And NO we're not lost.., at least our flight itinerary keeps us in check - Florida-Ohio; Ohio-Florida, repeat.

And NO, YOU our antique friends (fondly said) are NOT forgotten.

We're going to blame it on the WEATHER !

Indeed, the weather has been so terribly unpredictable - El Nino, La Nina - less than good conditions for furniture refinishing.

Add to that, I developed a respiratory condition that makes the fine sanding dust my nemesis. The paint thinner and varnishes are no friend to me either.

So the barn has been closed up for months , but we just can't keep away from the Antique Auctions and Flea Markets........., so we'll probably see many of you out and about this "antique season"  - drop by, we still have a few pieces ready for a new home..., and when you head south to, as we know a few of you will, Florida drop on in - there's still a plate of fresh baked yummies and a carafe of coffee close by.

In the Good Ole Summertime

Summertime evokes thoughts of lazy sun-filtered days, sitting on the front porch swing watching the grass grow and waiting for the fireflies to come out at dusk.  Well......................, not THIS summer!   With high humidity, rainy days interspersed with heat and mosquitoes sitting on the front porch must be well prepared for with "Off" mosquito repellant, Citronella candles and a taller than usual glass of iced tea.  Between neighbors passing by to drop off some of the latest harvest of tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers and zucchini, the Ole Barn doors have been mostly shuttered waiting for a mild temp dryer day. So the little Vanity Table waits yet another coat of stain.  

Just Hanging Around

Three different types of wood

 

Cornered
 

Winter Whoa's

Maybe it's wishful thinking, perhaps cabin fever..., but the notion of having the kerosene heater's fire blazing , warming the barn to a comfortable temp and all the equipment humming along with the smell of fresh cut wood and shavings dusting the floor - a midsummer's night dream. FOR CERTAIN!

And so fellow Antiquarians, as you are well aware, we have (again) a c-c-coold winter.  We were preemptive this year with our paints and stains - so as to avoid last year's malady - we now have our surplus stored inside the house - which of course presents a completely different esthetic issue in our Office - but what's a few paint cans perched precariously under the antique roll top.

We did enjoy a frigid Valentines visit to our favorite antique district and while roaming about the shops found a weathered little dressing table - as soon as spring arrives, this piece will be transformed into a delightful find.

Here's a preview of what's to come............................,

Spring Break

Winter Woes..., with Spring Hopes..., that is what we've been experiencing since we are now able to get into the Barn and move about. This winter did us NO favors. From Atlas to Maximus onto Titan and Zenia, the storms got the upper hand wreaking havoc on much of our paint, stain, and primer inventory.  So sad, as many of these lovely colored hues were full cans.  And even though they were stored in a thermal lined case, the constant sub-zero weather proved too much.   AND SO..., we're taking a break for awhile - at least through spring and summer while we can reassess what may need repaired or replaced, and to let everything thaw in the warm sunshine - at least we HOPE we get some of THAT real soon.


gloppy mess of paint

curdled looking stain

 

Check back this fall to see where we are with everything. In the mean time, we'll still be stopping by our favorite Auctions - wouldn't miss them or YOU our restoring friends - we've made such great acquaintances there.  And STILL - stop by, the coffee's probably on and there's usually some sweet treat in the cupboard - even while we rest up a bit - we're always up for a good chat about antiques, the weather and local happenings..

Seeing Shadows

Rime Ice and Hoar Frost
 

 

Here's a photo of the window screen on the "sunny-side" of the Barn.

...., and so fellow antiquers weathering the winter Polar Vortex that has descended on our Barn, we watch the snow flakes fall, and the Rime Ice form on the windows. After the key re-freezes in the lock after finally getting the door open - you KNOW it's cold outside.  Doesn't look like ANY work will be getting done until Spring thaws.

So put on the tea kettle, steep a cup of your favorite blend and grab a good book - it's going to be at least six more weeks - or so sayeth Phil.