Vintage Man Style

Thank you so much for all of your well wishes and prayers in my last post.  I do think that your prayers created an invisible safety net of support that means so much to us.  There isn't much to say when one's partner says, "I am so very, very tired."  Tired of illness, of pain and the betrayal of one's body.  My heart squeezes tight and I search for something to say besides talk of doctors' visits and tubes and needles.  I was out yardsaling when I saw something that made me stop and hesitate.  Monsieur was so supportive over my vintage Redman picnic basket find but I had begun to think that many of my finds weren't very masculine.  I wanted so very much to bring home something that was "Vintage Man Style," something that would be all his.  So what did I find?

A vintage metal picnic cooler by Thermos!  There is something about the hunter green that makes me think of lazy summer days with not a care in the world.  At the moment it is sitting in a corner of our home holding up a collection of potted plants.

It makes me think of Spring and Summer, the seasons of growing things.  The large plant in the middle is a basil plant which is under Monsieur's care.  There is nothing like fresh basil in a salad or pasta.

Of course, after all that exertion with tending plants, one needs a cool breeze.  Looking more closely at the picnic cooler, I have to say that I adore the sturdy latch and handles.

One must reward oneself, on a hot summer day, with delicious ripe strawberries.  Monsieur is quite pleased with his "Vintage Man Style" cooler.  Mission accomplished, don't you think?

I am linking up with Her Library Adventures, Apron Thrift Girl, Southern Hospitality, A Stroll Thru Life, Coastal Charm, Ivy and Elephants, Knick of Time, Thrifty Groove, The Charm of Home.

Industrial Chic in the Autumn

Industrial chic is a term that has been much bandied about of late.  While I have never been one to adhere blindly to the current trend or fad, I confess that I have fallen victim to it's appeal especially when there is a deliberate collision between the hard and the soft.  There is a neighbourhood nearby that has a yearly community yard sale as part of a general neighbourhood festival.  The main street is cordoned off so that one is forced to park at a distance and then walk.  Monsieur, who had never attended, was kind enough to accompany me.  I saw this rusty, crusty, fireplace grate plonked unceremoniously in a drive way and was captivated immediately by its aged charm. 

Monsieur was even more captivated and decided that he had to have it.  I, however, after trying to lift a corner of it above the pavement and being unable to budge it by even one percent of a millimeter, voiced strong doubts. 

Do you know how wonderful it is to have a co-conspirator who indulges my whims and fancies?  Monsieur is just such a one.  I, whilst appreciating Monsieur's enthusiasm, wished very much for my co-conspirator to remain up right rather than prostrate, bent into a U-shape for the rest of his days, from the Herculean effort of hauling what amounted to two metric tonnes of cast iron to the car which was parked many, many blocks away and so laughed with incredulity at the confident suggestion that transportation would be a breeze.

But Monsieur would not be gainsayed and after a certain amount of strategic negotiating on Monsieur's part, $30 exchanged hands. The owner very kindly gave us a trolley with the proviso that it was "garbage" and the wheels "don't work."  He was right.  After 10 steps, the plastic wheels and spokes gave up the ghost from their crushing burden and everything swayed precariously to one side, nearly crushing us as well.

Monsieur ended up carrying it the rest of the way.  I will not describe this feat except to say that I witnessed the impossible.  I am not sure whether to applaud his stubborn determination, kiss him for recklessly indulging my fancies, be a little less vocal in the future in my admiration of heavy objects, or request that his head be examined.

So now, here it sits front and center, proudly crowned with Autumn's harvest and wreathed in the Autumnal colours that are Monsieur's favourites.

Every day, Monsieur's admiration for the grate grows and grows doubtless in part because it bears testament to man's triumph over metal.  And I admit that my admiration for his heart felt enthusiasm and never ending support grows daily as well.

Jann at A Daily Cup From Mrs. Olson  awarded me a Versatile Blogger Award.

Thank you so very much.  I have to share 7 things about myself which are as follows:

1) I drink a cup of green tea every morning.  It is a little ritual that helps me get started with my day.

2) I like learning new things.

3) I am acknowledged to be a slow eater but, when it comes to Monsieur's cooking, I can polish off my   plate quite speedily.

4) I adore furbabies.

5) I am a dreamer yet have a practical side.

6) One of my best friends has been my friend since we were in Grade One.

7) I buy a newspaper once a week just for the weekly TV listings insert.  

I am supposed to pass the award on to 10 other bloggers who are as follows:

1) Roses & Gargoyles

2) Modern Country Lady

3) Home Frosting

4)The Beetle Shack

5) Serendipity

6) The Thrifty Groove

7) A Stroll Thru Life

8) French Country Cottage

9) Cabin and Cottage

10)Beachcomber

 All of them are wonderful blogs. Please take a peek!

I'm linking up to Southern Hospitality, A Stroll Thru Life, Coastal Charm, A Beach Cottage, Apron Thrift Girl, The Thrifty Groove, Common Ground, My Romantic Home, and French Country Cottage.