Remebering My Roots on an Iowa Farm

This picture is of myself, the small bald one being held by my Grandmother. Others in the photo are my Grandfather and my two cousins from Indiana. I grew up on a Farm in western Iowa. This picture was taken in 1963.

Every Iowa Farmhouse Had a Singer Sewing Machine

This Classic Singer Sewing Machine was like the one that I learned to sew on from my Grandmother. It was in excellent condition and had all the original paperwork. A wonderful Iowa Farm wife purchased this machine in 1948 for $165!!! That was a lot of money back then.

One of the most Beautiful Singer Treadle machines that I had ever seen.

I recently acquired these two wonderful Singer Sewing Machines at Barntiques Antique Mall. I wanted to keep them, but I don't have the room, so they went up for sale. A wonderful local quilter bought both machines as she loves sewing machines as much as I do. At least I know they went to a good home where they will be love.

Life is Good In the Iowa Farmhouse

Life is Good is one of my most Favorite Quotes. This signs sits above this great plastic rooster which holds colorful measuring spoons. A great vintage Kitchen piece.

An Iowa Farmhouse staple.... Folgers Coffee.... That's the brand we always had growing up. We never heard of these fancy smancy flavored coffees.

A True Iowa Product.... Tones Spices... still in business located near Ankeny, Iowa. I love these colored old metal tins.

Mrs. Kerr's Modern Homemaker

I love vintage Kitchen wares from the 40's & 50's in their bright colors. Look how proud the "Modern Housewife" is of her canned peaches!!!

"New Recipes" for Good Eating..... Donuts... Now that's Good Eating!!!!

Our Annual Christmas Visit to Chicago's Marshall Field's or Now Macy's

Jessica and Nolan visiting Santa at Marshall Field's on State Street in Chicago.

The Walnut Room's 3 story Christmas tree. This year it was done in Red's.

This was Nolan's favorite part of the trip... a visit to the Lego store on Michigan ave. Here he is with Darth!!

Ever since Jessica was little we would make a quick trip to Chicago to visit Marshall Field's and eat in the "Walnut Room". It' such a great tradition to see that beautiful 3 story Christmas tree. This year back in 2008 Nolan came along. It was just the 3 of us as no one else could come. Nolan has fun, but his highlight was the Lego store on Michigan Avenue.

Iowa Farmhouse Quilts on Display at the Iowa State Fair

Many Iowans are extremely talented... Aren't' these quilts just beautiful!!

An Easter Past at Our Iowa Farmhouse

An old photo from a past Easter at our Farmhouse.

Iowa Farmhouses in Amana Iowa.. German Heritage

Amana, Iowa is a real treasure. It's seven villages dot the beautiful Iowa countryside with it's charming Iowa farmhouses. If you have never been there it's an Iowa must.

My Farmhouse Winter View out My Kitchen Window

Iowa Winters can be long, but yet they are beautiful, I love looking out my kitchen window to view the changing seasons.

A Bumper Crop of Cherries

Unfortunately this bumper crop of sour cherries was from a past year. Our little cherry tree in the orchard really gave it all it had.... it made the most wonderful cherry pies and jam that year. This year it didn't hardly produce anything.... Why is that? weather conditions, pollination etc???

A True Iowa Farmhouse... The Herbert Hoover Birth Place in West Branch Iowa

Just down the road from Iowa City is the Herbert Hoover Birth place town of West Branch Iowa. Every year the kids and I try to make a visit. It's such a wonderful treasure!

Old Threshers ... The Pioneer Village

One of my favorite places at the Old Threshers grounds is the Pioneer Village. Last year we visited the Log Cabin where the "pioneers" were making the dinner for the workers with produce from their garden. It's like your living the past right before your eyes. The sights and smells of the early pioneers.