Vintage Rose Swan Planter

 

Oh, isn't she precious?

Then I came across this awesome bowl

The curves and lines!  And the colors are just so right!

The greens, pinks, yellow and smidgen of bronzing

I like it standing up to show off those great lines.

Retro Rachel Ray Orange Enamel Cookware & Vintage Orange Bowls

Today I'm thinking Rachel Ray Orange Enamel Cookware, to go along with these Vintage Orange Enamel Bowls.

 

  

Can't really judge by the computer colors, they look kind of off color here online.  But I think they might work.  I'll have to go take a look at the cookware set just to be sure.

Love it when I'm out junking and I get back and see that I've actually been working on a theme and didn't even know it!  Like this cute little Folk Art Bird

He just plays against those Enamel Orange Bowls like he was destined to be with them. 

Even the old Kellogg's tin has just enough orange to tie in with bowls and the Bear is almost the same color as the bird!  Some days just flow like that

Big Cat Rescue

Let's do something different today?  Let's go to that Big Cat Rescue up past Monticello.

I didn't even know there was such a place here in Indiana, till I picked up some brochures while I was in Monticello one day, and found a flyer for them.  I was pretty excited, I haven't even been to a zoo in many years and Love animals.  So off we went.  It's was a pleasant drive, only about an hour or so long.  All I had was an address and Stan's knowledge of the lay of the land.  As we approach their location we actually drove right by.  No Big Sign, like the graphic above - No it look more like a someones junky house with a bunch of crap strewed all over the place, and a bunch of junky barns and tin roofs.  Before this point I'm still thinking zoo.  You'll understand as I go on.  So we turn around and go back.  Looks like one other family is there.  And a few grubby looking guys.  I'm still thinking zoo!  Nice clean uniforms.  We pay $15.00 for the two of us to tour - or at least that's what I thought.  $15.00 to tour This??  A very nice young man took us back to where the tour guide was located, along the way we started to catch glimpses of these monster kitty's being kept in not Zoo like conditions.  I'm wondering to my self why does this place look so rundown?  I was about to find out the real truth behind the Big Cat Rescue of Indiana, and other rescue shelters around the states.

These big Kitty's are Very well Cared for and Well Loved!

Great Cats of Indiana, is a Privately Owned facility that functions as a rescue sanctuary for large cats and other carnivores that are displaced due to neglect,  abandonment, or abuse.  They even take these precious animals from zoo's who no longer want them, have closed down, or have been shut down.  They receive NO State Funding - this gentleman provides for these animals through his own means and through the Gracious Donations provided by supporters, caregivers and volunteers.  Some is through monetary donations, others like farmers bring livestock, and some volunteer their time to help with the never ending various chores.  They don't have enough help and they don't have enough money, they struggle each and every day to properly care and provide for these large cats day in and day out, 24-7 - and the do an OutStanding Job!


After being there just a few minutes and learning a just a bit about all the care & maintenance that goes into providing for these great cats if felt ashamed by my initial judgmental thoughts that were based solely on appearance.  I can't even fathom how much money it takes this man to care for all these lions, tigers & bears - Oh my!...


If you have one of these great cat facilities in your area stop by and support them with a visit, send a donation or go out an lend a helping hand.  If you're out junking and you see any old bathtubs, large troughs or tubs they can always use more.  Besides holding water the animals like to play with them!  If you're a hunter, give them a call they may be able to use any game your not going to keep.  If you're a farmer and you have leftover, well anything from fencing to boards to livestock they may have a need - just give them a call.


These large animal care facilities deserve our gratitude for providing a sanctuary for our societies discarded animals.

 

  

  

Did I mention that they like to play in them?

Funny part about our visit - As we were going to all the lion and tiger cages everyone was very careful not lean or get near the cages.  Everyone kept a good distance away.  As soon as we got to the bears, you should have seen how elbow rested up on the railings and people leaning over!  Yes they are a bit more animated, but their claws and their teeth are just as big!

Hope you enjoyed the Big Cats, and that you get a chance to visit one near you!

Ciao for now!

Keep those old door knobs

Our house that we're remodeling (slowly) has all those old dark steel door knobs, No not the real intricate beautiful ones - the one cheap flat ones from the 30's.  But their better than some of that new tinny brass stuff they sell now, and I didn't want to fork out the money to replace them all, so we painted them.  I think they turned out ok.  We're painting all the registers as well.  They don't even make these old heavy steel one anymore.  If we needed to replace one I think we'd have to go to a salvage yard.  Anyway I think they turned out nice.  Poor, sad, neglected door knob - New, shinny, silver door knob  : )

 

Kind of cool how I flip flopped those so they face each other.  Like I planned that - not!

JunkYard Gypsies Caravan Tour Scheduled for June!

Just got word today that the Spring JunkYard Gypsies Caravan Tour is scheduled for June!  My mother, Aunt and my Aunt's daughter and I are taking 12 days on the road to do a little Junking, a whole lot of Eating and of course taking in the Sites.  The 1st purpose of the trip is to go to McNaughton Wisconsin to see what use to be my Grandfathers old cabin and property on the river.  Di is Sooo looking forward to that.  So were heading up to Wisconsin Dells and staying at a really old funky Inn.  It's one of those real old motels that use to be really swank in the day.  You tell by the old house and the property (like in nice big sprawling lawns) - Not by the rooms mind you - they usually are Very clean and Extremely Old.  Truly cottage rooms and usually dark wood paneling or knotty pine and dank.  Not what most are use to these days.
We'll stay there for 3 days, then we're off to McNaughton to reminice, and check on the locals.  After that a long drive up to Mackinaw Island.  Looking at trying to hit the Lilac Festival at the 1st of the month.  No we're not staying at the Grand.  Too pricey.  We have a place on the water with a little beach area.  Not that we'll be swimming mind you.  Wee bit Cold in June.  Heck it's a wee bit cold in the height of summer!  Then not sure.  Maybe hit a harbor town, Holland Michigan or who knows.  They are still working out the details of the last leg.  Can't wait to go make some memories and do some Junking!


Ciao, for now caravan cruisers!

Remember These?

Not since the Cabbage Patch Doll shopping wars had we seen such a ruckus.  We thought we had laid the bad shopping habits to rest.  But in 1996 it reared it's ugly head again in the form of Tickle me Elmo.  That crazy, laughing, tickle monster doll.  Who could have guessed?
 

Then in 2000 the Robot craze began.  Remember the movie AI-Artificial Intelligence? Tech gurus came out with the perfect pet - the robot Cyber Puppy!    The new puppy pal was off to great start and then what happened?  Kind of died.  Guess the robot alternative of the real thing isn't what it's cracked up to be.  So take that, David, you'll never be a Real Boy!  


I'm thinking if I keep putting stuff up like this, that your kids might really like my blog too.  Like family reminicing time online.  Hey, were is that dumb dog any way?

Vintage Linens, Handerchiefs & dollies

Who doesn't like linens?  I love to dress up my baskets and bowls of goodies that I take to friends cookouts.  I always get compliments.  I even attach them to my lawn chair.  They think I'm eccentric anyway.  But they secretly love it.  Try it - it keeps the kids out of your chair.  Keeps everyone out of your chair!

So I finally got a chance to do some junking over the weekend, and guess what I came home with?  Handkerchiefs and dollies, of course!

 

All in their boxes!  Three to a set! 

   

 I think I'm actually more impressed with the boxes

 

Especially this one because it says Loeb's Department Store.  Stan's grandmother use to work there.  There use to be one like it in Valparaiso called Lowensteins.  The were like the Macy's for the smaller towns.  Often times owned by wealthy independent families many of which were Jewish as noted from the names.

My next find was a full set of Five identical dollies

in a great Shabby Hot Pink!

   

I love that they have some green in them.  Really makes them pop!   

                                                                  

Then I ran across these heavy cardboard game pieces from an old game

And a half finished dollie or perhaps some had already been crafting from it???  Kind of like it like that.

Over all I was pretty psyched with my finds.

Ciao for Now!

The Trip that made it Happen - Metamora, Indiana

It truly IS Indiana's best kept secret.

What an awesome town, What an awesome time!  Metamora not only holds great antique stores, but an ancient relic (well relatively speaking), the Worlds oldest and ONLY Wood Aqueduct that still works.  Old Ben Franklin, along with Bonnie & Clyde will take you down the Whitewater Canal.

Stay in Connersville and ride the Steam Locomotive into Metamora for the day.  We went in October for the festival, but they have other activities during the summer as well.  You can check those out at  their website at: http://www.metamoraindiana.com

 

The train lets you off right smack dab in the center of town next the where you board the Ben Franklin, an outstanding reproduction of a canal boat from the 1800's

 

  

Hurry aboard folks, the train is leaving!

Bonnie & Clyde are the muscle behind your canal tour

View of the town's October Festival from the canal ride

 

Horsey's Stable

Stop and tell them Thank You for all their hard work

View of boat going down the canal.  Tiny red shelter between the trees is the aqueduct

Working grist mill

Fresh stone ground flour and cornmeal

So go get your best guy or girl and go discover your own Metamora!  Do some great junking, explore a bit of history, enjoy the great weather and make memories with your Loved Ones!

Ciao Caravan Cruiser!

Something Strange

Just had to let you know what we discovered.  I was looking at the picture of the vintage 1920's marriage certificate and I noted that it had color in it!  Light yellow-gold, hint of blue and pink.  So I went over to the original, and sure enough - it's just black and white!  Stan said the camera must have picked up some of the old original color - how cool is that?

Just an Ole Vintage Junkyard Gypsy at heart

I’ve always loved antiques and vintage items. I use to collect – hats, compacts, bottles and what ever struck my fancy. So it really surprised my mother 10 years ago I stopped collecting and started getting rid of those precious items. I was on to something new – going more modern, clean lines, less clutter - means less work right? But I discovered after a few junking trips with my Junkyard Gypsy Aunt Di and her daughter Tami, that I really have a passion for everything vintage. I really missed having all those wonderful old, quaint, memory driven "ART"ifacts surrounding and brightening my days! Plus I actually get a rush when I find some new forgotten treasure, or some forlorn item that needs my creative attention. I’ve always had the ability to look at something and see more. Kind of like our 1940’ home that we’re in the middle of remodeling. So you’ll definitely be seeing clips of that from time to time. TIME being the essence! By the way I did keep a few antiques from my collecting days. Only because they were from my grandparents and they meant something. Like this beautiful Sessions Antique Vintage Mantel Clock from my Grandfather.

Now what I really wanted from my Grandparents estate was my Grandmother's mantel clock. That beautiful, ostentatious, Pink Gilded Victorian Ceramic Clock that always jumped out at my eyes the minute I walked through the doors.

Looked similar to this one I found on Ebay, only it was bigger, shiny, and more Fuchsia Pink!

I didn't get that one. I let it go, the price was going a bit rich for my blood in those days. My mother scolded me the minute it sold and said you should have taken it, no matter. So that's how I ended up with the Session. I decided that I wasn't going to let an antique dealer have it, no matter what it cost!

Of course we kept other memorabilia like Stan's great grandfathers marriage certificate.

I just love all intricate details.

I think we may have another one of these, that belonged to an uncle. They do not have any relatives to pass it on to, so I was wondering if anyone has any creative ideas?

Well Ciao for now Caravan Cruiser! I'm really looking forward to being on here