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.

My niece told me I might have too much time on my hands if I'm taking pictures of my meals, but this was just too good to pass up.

Pesto is one of my favorite things about summer.  Since I didn't have spaghetti pasta  (which is what I usually use) I used some large shells.  So good!!!!  It's especially yummy with some roasted chicken added to it.

My other favorite thing about summer is fresh bruschetta.  I had my own homegrown tomatoes, green onions, garlic and basil.  This is Panera's asiago cheese bread toasted with olive oil and a little Parmesan cheese.  You should see my sweet Phoebe eat this....she loves it. 

My garden is so beautiful right now.  Even with the dry weather, it's looking so good.  The green beans are blooming as are the squash and cucumbers.  There are little peppers hanging and the herbs are going crazy.  My neighbor has given me zucchini and I've been making the zucchini chips that are on my Pinterest.  You just slice them really thin, put a little olive oil on them with salt & a little pepper and bake them until they're brown (I use a high temp).  Sometimes I don't let them get very brown but take them off the cookie sheet and put them on a paper towel and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Really watch them closely because they brown in a flash. This is definitely one way to get your kids to eat zucchini.

My sisters and I are going antiquing for a few days.  We're hitting our favorite haunts in Iowa and plan to stay in Bonaparte for a few days.

This is where we stay......Bonaparte B & B.  It was an old glove factory that they have made into a B & B and they take such good care of their guests.

Bonaparte's Retreat is the restaurant across the street.  It's a cute little Amish community where everything is home-owned.  Sits on the DesMoines River.

Anyway, as always, I'll take lots of pictures and hopefully, find lots of treasures.