It was another of a string of days where the air is so clean, the sun so bright, the sky so blue, the temperature perfect. As I went into town to do my marketing, I saw signs for a Barn Sale and thought, "Why not? I'm on vacation!"
Driving several miles out of town I came upon this barn -- it is one I discovered a few years ago with my cousins on a gloomy August day. I hadn't been my best that day, but on this July morning I was on the top of the world! I was convinced I would find something perfect in one of the four open barns.
I should have known better.
The barns are owned by the same family that owns a sort-of antique shop in Gaylord. I call it "sort of" because old things, antiques and collectibles are crammed into a tiny space with things imported from Mexico and other artifacts that aren't all that old at all. Doesn't mean they aren't cute, but I hate it when things aren't so up front as to say what's what or bargain appropriately. And, it's the kind of store when things are so tight that one could never go there in winter -- the added bulk of a winter coat would make just sidling through the aisle almost impossible.
Thing is, the barns were as stuffed as the store. I knew this from before. But I am an optimist! Besides, they had a store cat! That's always charming!
The first barn was filled with packaging, dishes, bottles, bits and pieces -- the kinds of things you might expect. Badly displayed, but there you have it.
The others were filled with tin yard art.
Now, I like this tin yard art -- one piece at a time.
There is something fun and whimsical about charming flamingoes...
...or colorful birdhouses.
But, you have NO idea how I had to crop these photos simply to find a focal point.
Everything was so crammed (and unmarked, with no one close at hand to ask) that I felt overwhelmed. And not in a good way.
I don't have room for a dress form, but they had a bunch. Couldn't get back to them, but they had them. They had LOTS of them!
I'm always impressed when I visit blogs of those who go to lots of sales or have their own booths and at how artful and inviting they seem. (It's totally possible my blog buddies are good croppers, too!). Nonetheless, I always want to crawl into those photos and shop. Here there were a very few spots like that.
Mostly, I was just glad to get outside.
It's not out of the realm of possibility that I might someday bring one of these colorful tin pieces home from their shop (that's where the rest of them were!). But I think I will give the barn a pass.
Life is too short for frustrating shopping.
I've been on the road a lot this summer, and one visit took me to Milwaukee, a lovely city I'd never really discovered before.
I was going for a meeting. To fly -- $750. To take the boat -- $167. And so I embarked on a "three hour tour." ("A three hour tour.")
If you are singing "Gilligan's Island" as an accompaniment to these words, you'll wonder if "the weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed."
The boat wasn't that tiny, the weather not so rough. In fact, both days were lovely (and among the hottest of the summer, which made the deck with its mighty breezes mighty fine.)
The ferry, I discovered, is a fine way to travel -- a lovely deck if you want to look about and catch the breezes, a fine large cabin with big, cushy seats and a fairly decent -- if overpriced -- kitchen.
Being rather fond of lighthouses, I got to see a few of them.
I was also fond of the kayakers who gave us a wave and frolic as we left Muskegon.
And some of the wonderful boats we saw along the way.
Milwaukee is lovely and I wanted to share a few places I was fortunate enough to visit.
Our meeting group had an evening at the aquarium.
Loved the jelly fish.
There were lots of interesting features here -- a periscope, fish you could pet. I wish those photos turned out!
We also got to tour the Denis Sullivan, a teaching ship.
Our guide, a young teacher, had lively tattoos, a good way with the explanations and was indeed, an asset.
Kerry Lee and I had the opportunity to have dinner at a tapas restaurant called La Merenda.
I loved the bathroom -- especially that Paris map on the wall.
Then she took me to the Alterra coffee company (Milwaukee's home brew and Rick says it is mighty tasty!) where her daughter worked and where I got great stuff for Rick's birthday.
Home again aboard the "S.S. Minnow." And a good time was had by all!
