A Penny Saved...

There aren't many of these in towns anymore...at least not the ones that still take pennies! These parking meters are still on all the streets in downtown Silverton, Oregon. A penny will buy you 12 minutes of parking!

Today the copper and zinc used to make a penny is worth more than the penny itself. It costs 1.23 cents to make one penny. That costs our country 20 million dollars a year!

Is there still value in a penny?

* A penny can be used as a "make-do" screwdriver in a pinch.
* It can end an argument with the flip of a head or tails.
* You can win a million bucks with a penny...with a scratch on the right lottery ticket!
* Pennies have become keepsakes when left to get smashed on the railroad tracks.
* And they can bring good luck when placed over a doorway.
* There is penny poker and penny spinning.
* They are put in the slot of a penny loafer and glued to the bottom of a shoe for tap dancing.
* Pennies have even been known to buy a wish at the well!

If we stop making pennies will the nickel take its place? "A nickel for your thoughts?"

I would miss our one cent piece. I have gotten used to pennies over the years. They used to buy me a piece of candy at my local convenience store, now they are placed in a little tray that says "take one leave one"!

A bunch of pennies can do big things. There have been communities of people fed and clothed by collecting pennies... hospital bills paid and homes re-built! It seems that folks find it easy to part with their pennies...especially for a good cause. Pennies do still have value. And like people, sometimes it takes a group of them working together to make a larger impact. Perhaps like me, you have a jar of pennies sitting on a shelf somewhere. I wonder how we might be able to use our pennies to help someone or something in our very own neighborhoods? Hmmm...

A Penny for your Thoughts...

That's Quite a Rack!

This "Pot Rack" had been sitting in my garage for several months as I contemplated hanging it up?
Once again, it was a garage sale bargain for only $10.00! I had always thought about adding one to my kitchen and I just couldn't pass up the great deal

When would I find one again", I thought!

Eventually, at one of our Sunday Family Dinners...I decided to ask the group's opinion.
I know it was a daring move...so many critics...but as my 6' 9" son and my 6' 4" husband held it up...we all took a gander at the possibilities!

"That is going to be a very difficult job", my brother said.

"You won't be able to see through it!", said my daughter.

"Hmmm", thought my husband. He was definitely unsure of the addition.

"Those always look cool & gourmet", said another daughter.

"It's hard to say", my niece added

Weeks went by. I thought and thought about it. I was fairly certain it would work and the added storage was a real plus in my mind. It couldn't possibly be that hard...would it block the view? Finally the day came...the decision was made...and with the help of my husband and daughter we took the plunge and erected the "Pot Rack".

And it wasn't hard to put up at all.
The studs were in the right place, on the ceiling, and "my stud" is very handy!

Success...everybody loves it.

My pots & pans are so handy for cooking.

It adds spice and interest to the kitchen!

And I am sure they knew all along...."Mama Knows Best"!

If you don't have an island in your kitchen and you have thought about having a pot rack...here is the one my sister, Diane has up in her kitchen over her window!

Friday Finds...

Garage Sales, Yard Sales, Tag Sales...call them what you will...but they will be coming to an end soon here in Portland, Oregon...boo-hoo...

But today there were quite a few in my area, and in fact tomorrow there will be even more!
I am taking advantage before I have to bid them all adieu!
Here are just a few of my newly acquired treasures!

This watering can fountain was FREE...the lady wasn't sure how to make it work so she just gave it to us! Isn't it cute?

I got three of these faux grass plants...and this tin apple bucket too. The plants were 3/$2.00 and the bucket was actually overflowing with hazelnuts for only $1!

This "ancient" bread box was 25 cents!

I thought this old wooden shoe shine box would make some kind of neat holder...
how about my remotes?

This awesome metal basket actually rocks...no I mean like it swings back and forth $1.
Even the little spoon rest is new...well at least to me only 10 cents!

My picture doesn't really do this small stained glass window justice...you are looking through it to my atrium! Once again $1.00!

This small rod iron lamp is the perfect size for my kitchen counter...hello $1.00!

Well there are a few of my "Friday Finds"...Tomorrow I am going to check out my sister Diane's blog. After all...it is called "Saturday Finds"...hmmmm

Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary...

...See how my garden grows...


Just look at what I pulled from our garden today! It is only a small space, taking up just two raised beds...amazing what some TLC, water and sunshine will produce...and that does not include the peppers, winter squash and various herbs that are growing!

Yum yum!

A Crafty Wonderland!

There is a very unique place in Portland called Doug Fir... Restaurant, Bar & Lounge.

It is usually a spot for trendy music, offbeat shows, delicious dining and luscious libations...
but once a month...on the second Sunday afternoon... the Supercrafty girls of Portland host an art & craft extravaganza called "Crafty Wonderland".

I found my way to this fabulous venue August 9th to have a peek for myself...

It was just lovely.
The room was filled with wonderful artisans... their booths overflowing with their unique creations!
This fun Bubble Gum Machine was at the entrance. The capsules had been emptied of their original goodies and filled with fun crafty surprises!

Isn't that adorable? It was called the Crafty Surprise Machine!

My little dome held an "Orange Marshmallow Candy", an Ice Cream Sundae sticker and
a fabric covered pin!

And then look who I ran into at the show...

It was none other than Chelsea Ann from IttyBittyBirdy.
It was simply sweet meeting her and chatting about our blogs and about the show!
We are looking forward to meeting for a coffee klatch when my sister Diane from
Saturday Finds makes her way up north from southern California soon!

In the meantime...