Sunday, July 21, 2013

WIDE OPEN SPACES AND MASON JARS


On our way back home (a different route), we pass this little barn and screeched to a stop.  I thought it would be a little different, I've found some real treasures out here in the middle of nowhere.  The Husband has a strategy he uses when we stop at places like this.  He stands around making small talk with the owner; the weather, the price of corn this year...and soon they are best buds.  Nonchalantly, The Husband will pick up something and they will start reminiscing about the days of old and before you know it, The Husband will have scored something for half price.  But I did, too.

The Husband has to go back to Chicago for a meeting tomorrow and plans to drive back after.  I have a feeling he'll be too tired.  I really do not sleep well here alone.  At least in Chicago there are always squad cars roaming around.  I think our little town has two total.  And they never come around the lake.  But at least Milo and Layla, for little dogs, have a mean bark!

All is well here health wise.  No boating for The Husband yet but he's making himself busy washing and waxing his truck.  And I'm happy to say my blood tests came back normal so I am truly happy.  Thank you to those blogger friends of mine that I email back and forth with...you rock!  And thanks to all of you for caring and your well wishes.  I'll be back in a few days. :)

XO,
Jane

54 comments:

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

What a great tour of your area of the country! Sorry you didn't find your new restaurant . . .

What is with guys & directions? Are they all in some sort of "don't ask direction's fraternity" ~ it boggles the mind!

I really like your finds too, that tankard is gigantic!!! Yikes, you could really get hammered if you fill that baby with wine!!! LOL!!!

Enjoy your time at the lake!

Mary

Melanie said...

I see you just posted this - and I'm your first commenter! :-) You are a great storyteller...love the story of you guys trying to find that restaurant on "Fish Lake". ha ha

Love the old mason jars in the rack. They'd look great in the middle of a table or on a kitchen island, etc. with flowers in all the jars. Wild flowers and/or roadside flowers would be the best!

I hope you sleep well tonight...I'm sure all will be fine your little town. xoxo

Unknown said...

Hey Jane,

Look back a few posts on my blog for what I did with an old jar rack. I didn't use my mason jars, but painted some old sauce jars to put in it. Another idea would be to use it in the bathroom to hold cotton balls, etc., in the jars. Glad you are getting some lake time. I stayed home the last time hubby went. In fact he just got back Friday. I plan to go the next time. I had babysitting duties here. My grandson and his college friends, my 6 yr. old granddaughter, and 4 dogs! Someone had to be home, and it was ME. Oh well, I had fun anyway! Have a great week!

podso said...

Jane the bedroom looks so pretty. I like blue with green. I hope you have a relaxing week and sleep well at night! The canning jars look great -- you could also use them as a centerpiece with candles in each one! probably wash the jars first! :-)

Judi said...

I adore your bedroom and love the mirror ya got hanging over the bed! Your metal holder is the canning rack that is used in a pot of water to hold the jars :) I only know because I have one & didn't have a clue what it was and checked with the same friend, Google LOL ~ Thrilled to hear all your tests are fine and you got a clean bill of health. Rest well ~ Judi

Lynn said...

Sounds like you're having a nice visit to the lake Jane! I bet you find the restaurant soon-have fun:@)

20 North Ora said...

Hi Jane - Glad hubby is getting better. Love the old jars in the rack - could that rack possible be one of those you put your jars in and lower into boiling water to seal when you are canning? I have one also and that's what someone told me.

Judy

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie... loved this post!... you know me and rural countryside... looks like Heaven!... love your vintage finds... those old canning jars are great and that rack they are in goes in the old enamel pot (like I have and still use) to give your canned items a water bath to seal them... then, you grab the handles at the top with hotpads to pull them out of the canner... great find!... your rooms look beautiful, and I am glad you and hubby are relaxing... Milo and Layla too... there is just nothing like small~town USA in the Summertime!... can't wait to see how you plant your beer stein... sending love and puppy kisses to the doggies... xoxo Julie Marie

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, what a fun trip at the lake you guys took, enjoy-doing the same, never know what you might come across......Love your old Ball jars in the carrier, wonderful score.....thanks for the tip too........I could crawl right in your cosy looking bed, beautiful bedroom you have......Blessings Francine.

farmhouse-story said...

glad your tests came out good, jane:) enjoy the lake and congrats on your pub. in romantic homes!!

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
Your post and story of traveling to the new restaurant made me laugh. You little get away place looks so adorable and a fun place to escape to. Love your treasures you too. I am like you I do not like to stay places alone but with the doggies you should be good. Have a nice time. I am looking forward to meeting up next month.
Kris

Barbara F. said...

Hi Jane, glad your tests came back normal, I guess I was out of the loop for a while? Glad hubby is feeling better, too. xo

Vel Criste said...

Love getting 'lost' too, I just usually turn off my GPS then go wherever and when it's time to go home, I just turn my GPS back on! Love you got some 'treasures' to add on to your collection also happy your results are alright! CHEERS!

Pondside said...

Lots of reasons to smile in this post, Jane. I'm glad your tests were good and that your husband is our and about. Will you try to visit that restaurant again?
The little rack holding the jars looks like it's from an old canner. I have one inside my canner for lifting the jars out if the hot water.

Julie Marie said...

Sooo happy your tests all came back okay too!... I meant to post that in my other comment... xoxoxo Julie Marie

Babs said...

Your story of looking for the restaurant sounds so familiar. :)I can't tell you the times we've been out riding around and got lost. Finally after many years of marriage, Hubby asks me to navigate. Thank goodness. The little antiques shop looks so interesting.I'm trying not to buy things I don't have a need for any more. I need to have a yard sale.
Glad your blood work turned out fine and that your husband is mending.
Hugs and have a good week.

Beth said...

Love both your homes, Jane. The lakehouse is a great place to relax! Maybe sometime you will be able to find the new restaurant!
xo Beth

Debby said...

So glad about your tests. I am sure you were worried sick. I hope your Hubby is doing well now too. Love that you like getting lost in the corn fields. Has to be different than hearing all the squads and city noise. Maybe you need a noise machine to help you sleep. They should have a app for city noise. Have fun......(((((HUGS)))))

Anonymous said...

I always enjoy my visit here, the colors you have chosen for your bedroom are lovely, so soft and elegant.Its a canning rack, I have on e just like this, I still use these very same jars for making pickles, you can still buy the red rubber rings that go in them to seal,

RURAL said...

Glad to hear that you are well.

Sounds like the dinner trip was more of a adventure then your husband planned, but see, now you have a blog post from it.

Jen

NanaDiana said...

Jane -What a wonderful post. Love that you and the hubby get lost all the time. GPS is NO use on those back roads!!!

That metal thing holding your mason jars was made to set down inside a pressure cooker (or deep water bath) full of canned goods and then they were steamed to seal them. My mother used one all the time.

Hope you have a wonderful night- xo Diana

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Maybe someone else already said it, but the rack the jars are in is for canning, using a water-bath method. So funny about your hubby asking for direction. Why are men so hesitant to ask?

Sarah said...

Jane, your days at the lake sound like a great time. I love that you just wander and have a good time. Fun finds. I like to use my Ball jars for holding summer flowers. '-)

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, Your post brought back memories with your mason jars and rack. My mother used one of those when I was growing up. I enjoyed your post, my hubby learned to ask directions because I would turn the map upside down. You could never tell me to go north, east, west or south, You have to tell me to go so far and then turn right or left. I get turned around. I love to take trips in the country. You see so much more then on the Interstate. Glad your test were o.k. and hubby is feeling better. Hope it is cool at the lake. Many Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

myletterstoemily said...

lovely, as always.

we had dinner at a fancy italian restaurant
who filled tiny mason jars with options for
make your own bruschetta. delicious!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I just love how your bedroom turned out Jane!
And I love hearing about Jane and Al's adventures on the back roads of Michigan.
I would love to have you two come here, boy could we take you on some back roads.
Summer is flying by, and I need to stop and smell the roses so to speak.
I need to post too, it's been awhile.
But I sure do love reading your's and getting to catch up.
Looking forward to our get together,
Hugs,
Cindy

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

This sounds so familiar...being in the boonies getting lost. I think we're soulmates.

The tray for those jars looks like what you use to lower them into a pot when canning. I'm pretty sure I have one like that and that's what I use it for.

(Love the Walmart quote!)

Maggie said...

Glad to hear that all is well on the health front for you both and that you are settling back into lake life.
You certainly came home with some treasures from your trip to town.

Kathleen Grace said...

Yay! So glad your tests came back normal:>) That antique shop looks so inteeresting, I love finding little out of the way shops like that. The wire rack that came with your jars wasn't used for carrying them around so much as for lowering them into the boiling water to process them. They look so pretty in the rack though and I love the old lids on them!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Jane, I love the vintage Mason jars in their original carrier.

:D

SO HAPPY about your tests. YAY!

Our dryer broke, and I'm having a nervous breakdown. Trip didn't have any clean scrub bottoms this AM. OOPS!

xo,
RJ

Ginger said...

The rack that the jars are in is the rack that goes inside the canner.

Stephanie said...

Oh no, so sorry you didn't find the restaurant - maybe next time :) Your mason jars are definitely a delightful find! Have a blessed Monday.

Hugs to you!

Low Tide High Style said...

Looks like you've been busy! And I'm so happy you both are doing well, and that your blood work came back fine!

I think the rack that holds the mason jars was used to help you submerge the jars in boiling water for canning in a big canning pot. My grandmother and mother did lots of canning and used one of those.

Enjoy your time at the lake, and I hope you find that new restaurant!
xo Kat

Lynne said...

Glad to here all is well, Jane!

Like, Melanie, I visualize wildflowers randomly tucked into the Mason jars in the rack!

I had a lovely time at the lake today!

~Lynne
withLove.

Theresa said...

We have been lost plenty of times too:) It is kinda fun to just drive around and finally find your way! Happy you are both doing good! Have a blessed day dear Jane, HUGS!

Traci said...

Apparently, all Walmarts are the same.....

Kit said...

Love all your treasures and the strategies on how to get good prices...LOL Your bedroom looks lovely! Great combo of colors. :) Kit

Susan Shull said...

Sounds like a wonderful fun, relaxing time! Enjoy your time away!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I love posts like this. I enjoy hearing about day to day life. :) So glad the tests came back normal (told ya so..hee!) :) You sure found some neat things. Love those jars. Walmart sure has some "interesting" characters. LOL!

Mary said...

Enjoyed this crazy ride with you and A - we like getting lost in the country too - as long as we're home by dark!

Those vintage Mason jars are super cool in their carrier - maybe they were lowered into the canning pot in that - kinda like when we used to have sterilize baby bottles, what do you think?

Hey, those same people were hanging out in my WalMart last time I visited!!!!

Take care - enjoy the freedom and beauty of being near a lovely cool lake - well of course you're right on it, aren't you? Lucky girl!

Warm hugs - Mary

Our Neck of the Woods said...

That really sounds like an adventure! I love a good find like those old mason jars. Awesome! Glad things are well for you guys health wise :)

SmilingSally said...

Hi Jane,

The "metal carrying rack" for the old Mason jars was used to place the filled jars into a pressure cooker.

I love the bedroom and would have linked it to Blue Monday!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Dear Jane..could you use the set of jars for a large floral display? Smiling Sally is right. The metal carrying rack was used when canning. Sometimes it helps to be old. :)
I was happy to hear your test came out good. That is always wonderful news.
I had to smile about your trip out to dinner to a new restaurant that seems to have vanished.
I solved that problem last Christmas by buying PH a wonderful GPS. The man LOVES it and uses it when he doesn't have to..just for the fun of it. Enters the address..and off we go. It's been great. I suspect you didn't know the name of the restaurant? Just the general location? :) Yep, done that too.

bj said...

Blondie, you are such a great story teller...write a book and let me buy your first copy! :)

Love old jars but like the new ones, too. :)

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Love your bedroom and those ball jars...great finds! I don't like it when my hubby is gone, don't sleep well at all!!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Lori said...

Love those mason jars Jane. Glad to hear hubby is feeling better and he stopped and asked for directions ~ that is incredible!! lol

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

I hope your night went well! And glad to hear your tests are good. Your jars remind me of my neighbor's jam. She sent some over when she returned some muffin tins she borrowed, so people still do that. SO nice! I kept picturing Bridges of Madison County while you were talking about driving and getting lost in the country. Maybe you'll find that restaurant some time! So nice you stopped by my place!

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

Love the jars in the old rack! Hope you find the new restaurant soon!

xinex said...

How funny about getting lost, Janie. Sounds like a relaxing trip there. I love the shopping part...Christine

Sue said...

This made me laugh because that is exactly what Central/Southern Illinois is like too...everything seems to start with "Old County Road..."! My husband is great with the navigation most of the time. It is a good thing I don't drive much, I can barely make it to the grocery store without getting lost. I love the glads. Mine aren't blooming yet, I hope they make it up this year. At this point all I have is green leaves and no blooms.

must love junk said...

Jane, I was laughing at your story about trying to find the new restaurant! Your hubby sounds just like mine, chatting with the owner and getting a deal! ;)
Your place looks so pretty!
Susan

Unknown said...

I know exactly what you mean when you were shocked that your husband stopped and asked for directions. My husband uses his so called "smart phone" for directions. You would not believe how mad he gets at Suri (the smart phone) because we go the wrong way. I always say pull into a gas station (usually the one we circled around 5 times already) and ask for directions. :) I Hope you are having a great week and happy to hear everybody is doing well.

Elaine said...

Glad to hear that everyone is healthy. I did not know your lakehouse was so remote.

How cool to find some good stuff in old barns. I would love to go out to the country and rummage through old barns. Not too many of those around Boston!

Balisha said...

Love those daisies. Everything looks so comfortable...just like it should at a lake. Hope you and your husband are having a relaxing time. Just being out of your normal life in the city...is a change for the good... for a time.
Enjoy!
Balisha