Trip to Door Co., Wisconsin.....

What a wonderful week we had!  Judy, Jean and I drove through Iowa and Wisconsin to spend a few days in one of our favorite places.....Door County.  We had wonderful weather and the leaves were on their way to being turned.

Our first stop was in Fairfax, Iowa, where our friend, Barbara, was having her yearly fall sale.  She has an amazing store that she calls the Rabbit Hole and things were strung out all over her yard and in outbuildings.  We couldn't buy large pieces but our goal was to find items for our Holiday Open House at Leola's.....and that we did!

I kind of got into blue transferware while Judy was buying up all the brown transferware that wasn't too expensive.  We found some wonderful pieces plus Judy bought some amazing vintage blown glass ornaments.  So we started packing the car on the first day out.

The next day we made it to Door County.  We stayed in the village of Fish Creek less then a block from Lake Michigan.  It was cool and crisp and smelled of wood smoke.

 

The moon appeared our first night and treated us to its beauty for the next four nights.  It was breathtaking over the lake.

 



One of our many favorite things to do is go to the fish boil at the beautiful White Gull Inn.  It was very cold that night and you're seated outside to watch the actual fish boil.

 

They put the fish & potatoes in the big pot and when it starts boiling over, it's ready and you go inside to eat.  It's honestly a wonderful dinner and the inn is so quaint.

After dinner we walked back under the light of the moon to our house.  There's never a time when you feel it's unsafe to walk in the dark or down a deserted road. 

We always have to eat at least once in Bailey's Harbor at this well-known eatery.

It was just a wonderful trip and we all felt like we were coming home with a good attitude and anxious to get started with the preparations for the coming holiday season.  When you're in retail you have to stay ahead of things.

Have a wonderful week!

Spring open house at Leola's......

It's been a crazy week and I'm exhausted!!!!  Getting ready for an open house is always hard work but when you do it with a bad cold and tendinitis in your right arm, it really raises the bar.  Anyway, it's done and I need a nap.  I was lucky to have lots of people helping me.

Thought you might like to see some pics of the occasion.  Check these out....

Kelli made these adorable little animals from pipe cleaners & think they're all gone.....

The shop looked wonderful......

Hopefully, today will be a good day.  It's nice and warm and lots of people traveling since Branson is beginning to open for the season.  It will be cooling again tomorrow but by the middle of next week, we're suppose to get some nice, warm spring weather.  Can't wait to get in the garden!

I have a few more weeks of physical therapy before I can get back to my normal activities.  It's so hard seeing all of the work that needs to be done in the yard and not able to get out there.  May have to hire someone!

Hope everyone has a good weekend.....

Say a little prayer for Barb Conner http://simplyiowa.blogspot.com/.  Her Mom died last night and her husband has just had surgery.  She's a good friend of ours from Iowa and she seems to have more then her share of pain right now.

Great road trip.....

Linda, Judy, Jean and I just got back from a road trip to Iowa.  We came home thoroughly and completely exhausted but with lots of treasures.  It was cool most mornings but by noon it was hot, hot, hot.  We stayed the 3 nights in Bonaparte because we love the Bonaparte Inn but probably next time, we'll stay closer to where we like to shop.  First and foremost, we love Simply Iowa, Barb Conner's shop and known by most as the rabbit hole.  This is her blog and I've loved following her for years.  She's just an amazing talent and after you see the following pictures, I'm sure you'll agree.

Barb, watering some of her many plants.  Behind her is her truck that she drives all over finding great "stuff" and delivering what she sells.  She works harder then any person I know.  Some days I just have to take a nap from reading her blog.

Now we're going to enter the Rabbit Hole.....

This is what she's done over the entryway door.....

Sorry this one is so fuzzy because it's the most amazing mirror you've ever seen.  Sorry....it's already sold.

We bought several things from her but my very favorite is a painted early, early chest that I have wanted since first visiting her shop (several years ago).  Every time I go I tell Barb how much I love it.  It's like it's waited for me.  Well, this time she gave me a deal I couldn't refuse and we had enough room so it came home with me.  Didn't have the energy to get a picture this morning but will post it one day soon.  So happy!

We actually got to set down with Barb and visit for awhile.  She's one of those that I would never have known if it weren't for blogging.  So grateful for the opportunity.  Thanks for a great visit, Barb.  Now it's your turn to come visit us.