Ack! Poison Ivy!!

Thanks to everyone who warned me of the poison ivy in my last post. Is there any hope that we can somehow eliminate this dreaded vine?

I am spending some time on the good old internet looking at websites to learn more. When I was a kid, I had a couple of bad cases of poison ivy rash. Really awful experiences.

Poison Ivy dot org
I like this link because the fellow is amusing and offers some good cards and a poster for identifying the evil.

From the Web doctor
This gives good descriptions of the symptoms and what to do about the rash.

Photos of poison ivy in all seasons
This is very good as it shows not just the leaves, but the flowers, berries and various forms (shrub, creeper, climber).

Poison ivy can still get you when it is dormant in the winter; the twigs carry the oil!

There are many websites that offer ways to get rid of poison ivy. It is worth a try, though I did read that poison ivy has underground shoots and roots, so it is possible we may just have to deal with this stuff.

Killing Poison Ivy?

And apparently a couple of breeds of goat like poison ivy. Hmmmm, do I see goats in my future?

Goat/Dog Image source

Happy Sunday! And remember, all shall be well!

The Big Reveal!

After months and months of looking at real estate listings on line and trekking around to quite a few properties (which was fun) we finally found the land where we will build our home (in  2-5 years). We have decided to retire here in upstate New York and wanted a wooded property in the country.

We have bought the 6.54 acres in Hannibal. It is loaded with maple trees, poplar and quaking aspen trees, pine trees, and unfortunately a very rambling thorny wild rose. But bit by bit we think we can get rid of that. It is a level lot, it already has a septic system, electrical pole and hook up to public water; I am glad not to have to rely on a well.  It is very lovely; sunny spots, shady spots and woodsy spots!

From the wooded path looking towards front of the property

Strange fuzzy vine on a lot of the trees. Anyone know what it is?

One of the "rooms" throughout the property, middle left of photo

The house we build will be situated in this area

The road in front of the property; ends in acres of corn fields

Large rocks near front gate; can't wait to do some planting here

Now we just have to name the property!

Our other favorite property, the 5-acre former marijuana "plantation" with pond, turned out to be less than 4 acres and NO pond. So disappointing, it really was gorgeous there. The 1855 cobble stone house in Sodus with 25 acres was going to be a very hard and involved venture, not to mention with 25 acres the taxes were high. But we did think about it for several days. The woodsy 9 acres was very dark, had a very narrow winding road to the property, and there were already several houses close by with more property for sale.

So I think we made a very good choice and I look forward to sharing the story. We close the deal on October 7th, and are planning a big bonfire. The leaves should be changing by then too! Autumn colors!!

Land Owners!! Which Property Did We Choose?

Yes, indeed!! We signed papers yesterday!! Woot!!! Very exciting times for our family!! I had shown you a couple of properties a while back; we looked at a lot of places. Here are photos of four properties, in no particular order. Can you guess which one we landed (!) on??  I will tell you tomorrow!!


Property Number 1:  Only property with a house. Built in 1855, this cobblestoned home in Sodus, NY with 4 bedrooms and 2,600 square feet sits on 25 acres.  An extreme fixer-upper, it also is cheaply priced.

Property Number 2: Sterling, NY. Listed as 5 acres, with a pond, partially cleared, we fell in love with this place. It had recently been seized by Federal agents, as the tenant on the property had fixed himself a nice little marijuana-growing operation.

Property Number 3: Hannibal, NY. 6.54 acres, with improvements such as water and septic, some clearing of land and heavily wooded.

Property Number 4: Sterling, NY. Woodsy 9 acres. Very private with a pond and drilled well.

All Shall Be Well

Through all these rough times in our family, one has to find something to hang onto that gives comfort, strength and hope. Sometimes, the events and thoughts can be overwhelming. To be able to cope in some way, rather than give into the floundering feeling of helplessness; finding that "something" is not always easy.

I was reading a book for a bit of escape, a mystery by brilliant author Deborah Crombie, called "All Shall Be Well", a very good read as are all her books. The book's title comes from a quote, though the first line of the quote is not relevent for me, I love these words:

"It is sooth that sin is cause of all this pain,

But all shall be well and all shall be well and

all manner of things shall be well."

Juliana of Norwich, 15th century

from "All Shall be Well"

copyright @ 1994 by Deborah Darden Crombie

These words resonate with me, and have become my mantra over the last weeks. And now, with this Syrian crisis looming, I can't help but want to believe these words with all my heart.

Treasures and Pleasures--Part Deux

Continuing on with my show and tell of collectibles found throughout our New York state travels:

Old milk jug

Everyone needs one of these, right?

Heavy brass hunting dog (with a saddle?)

sweet little McCoy-wannabe vase

Decoupaged swallows on a background of found moth and butterfly wings (dated 1942)

adorable fruit dishes from '30s, bluebirds and flowers

Made in England, platter (Finlandia pattern?) My dear Canadian aunt had this whole set

Crazy about old brown transferware, also made in England

A true gem! Handmade tablecloth, tiny cross stitch, almost 100 years old

Not old, found at a roadside stand, but very quackable!!

Very old hand cut woodpecker to put on a tree

As you can see I have various interests and odd tastes in collectibles. It's the quest, you know. One never knows what one might come across. In your comments, can you describe one of your most unusual finds?  I would love to hear about it!!  

Happy Friday!! A long weekend for Labor Day!  Enjoy, be safe, stay well!!!

Little Treasures--Big Pleasures

In my travels around the countryside over the last few weeks I have made some interesting stops at various enchanting flea markets, antique shops and a few amazing yard sales. Actually, I had sworn to buy nothing this summer in the way of collectibles, etc but then I did sort through a bunch of "stuff" in June and took three boxes to the GoodWill. Really, Robin?? Is that your justification?? Oh well!

The general area of our travels in northwestern New York

In no particular order, here are some of my little treasures. For a closer look, click on photo.

This odd looking little shelf type object is over 100 years old,  made of solid, heavy wood and has a lot of engraving and intricate embellishment. I was told it might have been used as a clock case; there is a recessed area. I should have taken another photo from a different angle. Whatever it is, I find it fascinating and unique. Who knows what we will do with it??!!

I love to collect amber glass

Polish pottery

I have a growing collection of dog figurines from the 30's and 40's

Major score!! Cream colored McCoy vase

My mom had one of these little hanging kettles--had to get it

Yes, I got a Father Christmas, but look at the evil-looking sheep (and why a sheep, exactly?)

I have another post's worth of junk to show off, so tune in next time!! Oh, and everything, with the exception of the McCoy vase was under $5.00 each.

Summer Ups and Downs

Please accept my apologies for my very long absence. It is shameful to not at least check in with everyone. It has been a summer of ups and downs, with the downs outnumbering the ups. Having said that, I will simply say that my absence from blogging in no way reflects upon my blog love, my blog friends or blogging in general. I thank those who have emailed me to ascertain the well-being of me and my family.
My husband has had some setbacks so that has been a primary source of anxiety, which leads to depression and a sense of helplessness.

The marigolds and snapdragons doing beautifully

So though things are not at 100%, I do not want to dwell on our problems, and will simply say we are doing the best in the circumstances.

Glorious hydrangeas that need trimming

How are all y'all??!!! I have missed you. I will be visiting blogs again this week and catching up on everybody! Hope the summer has been good to you. We have definitely had strange weather, but not complaining lately, as it has been cooler than normal.

Arctic blue willow shrub is taking over the yard!

We have been traveling around the area on the weekends and enjoying summer scenery, antiquing, enjoying new restaurants and pubs. This part of New York state has unbelievably beautiful farm land, forests, lakes and many historical sites. Discovering more of this state has easily increased our love of the area. We are also searching for property to buy...some wooded acreage in a beautiful spot. We have looked at a lot of places. Soon we should be deciding. It will start as just a "camp" for summer weekends, then eventually we will build a home.  It has been a marvelous escape from the "downs", and gives us goals to plan for.

A property in Sodus, NY we looked at

A woodsy 9 acres in Sterling NY

Lovely 5 acres in another part of Sterling. Uhh,  a marijuana grower's former property!

We are going out again this weekend to look at a very promising six acres in Hannibal, NY. This one could be The One.

So, a brief catch-up. I will be back tomorrow to show you some of my wonderful flea market/antique shop finds.

Take care, and I look forward to once again returning to my wonderful blog world. Hugs from Robin!!!

Pixie has found the summer very exhausting