Block Party, Reunion, or Dinner on the Grounds

The ESN scavenger hunt this week has to do with Block Parties.  Well, we in small town America don't have much experience with Block Parties. We are more familiar with Family Reunions and  Pot Luck Dinners--or as some would say "Dinner on the Grounds" after Sunday Services. Along with Block Parties, these are occasions for people to get together and enjoy food and fellowship. The food is always outstanding since everyone brings their best carry along dish--and there is always plenty to eat. I looked for items that would be useful for an outdoor barbeque, a Block Party, reunion, or Pot Luck Dinner. 

Here are a few of the things I found among the ESN scavenger hunter stores:

You always need salt and pepper shakers on the tables and these plastic ones from ComycGyrl Collectibles fill the bill. They are available in green or blue. Maybe use both sets on two different tables? ComycGyrl has lots of collectible salt and pepper shakers.

Great deal at ComycGyrl Collectibles.

What could be cooler than this Avon basket to hold the silverware on your serving table?  CarolinaBlueLady has so many vintage Avon items. This is only one.

Available from Carolina BlueLady

Eccentric Thrifter solves the problem of what to wear to the Block Party or Reunion with these floral capris.
She has a big selection of casual clothing.

Listed by Eccentric Thrifter

As usual there is no shortage of whatever you might be looking for in the ESN stores.

Happy shopping!  And Happy Eating at your next big "get together" whether it be with neighbors at a Block Party, relatives at a reunion, or Church Family at a potluck dinner.

Also, don't forget to check out our store:  Hazel's HodgePodge.

Watching the Sky

I've missed several scavenger hunts and blogging in general lately, but I am back this week and on the search for the ESN items.

Our theme this week is Sky.

My first thought was the colors of the sky. And I found this blue tee shirt that reminds one of the fair weather sky.  Even the yellow letters look like sunshine.



King of the Ring, ring bearer's t shirt from Embroidery Fashions Boutique
They have a good selection of custom t shirts for the wedding party.

When I was a kid, we always sat on the front porch and watched the weather.  For the longest time, I thought I had to be out where I could see the sky when it was threatening.  I don't suppose that was really a good idea, but if you can see what's coming, you can know what to do.

Here is another Blue item of a darker nature, maybe reminiscent of storm clouds gathering.



Check out Carolina Blue Lady for this and other Fat Beagle Pottery pieces





It's always intriguing to watch the night sky. Especially if you are out in the country away from all the city lights.  Another good way to see the stars is to visit a planetarium.  My first experience at a planetarium was as SAC (San Antonio College) It was very impressive. It is now called the Scobee Planetarium.  And sounds like it would be even more impressive today.

Way back when, we used to sit on the front porch out in the piney woods and watch our little patch of sky between the pine trees. About dusk each evening, we could see satellites go over. The setting sun would hit them just right for us to see them easier that time of day.  This was a good diversion in the cool of the evening.

Here's a pretty dish to remind us of the night sky.



Vintage Moon and Stars Candy Dish is one of the pieces in this theme
available at Bargain Express



 Eons ago, San Antonio chamber of commerce must have advertised San Antonio--where the sunshine spends the winter. Because half an eon ago I heard my parent's version as San Antonio--where the sunshine spends the winter behind the clouds.  Actually, here in Texas we see the sun in all its glory a good bit of the time and this yellow ashtray made me think of sunshine.

Shawnee Ashtray available at ComycGyrl Collectibles

It's nice to have lived a life that has allowed a lot of porch sitting and sky watching. Even now we enjoy our front porch. I have been blessed.

Hope you will take time to shop all the stores on the Ecrater Store Network. You are sure to find some real treasures. Also would invite you to checkout our treasures at Hazel's HodgePodge.  Now that our other little "job of work" is complete, we will be adding more treasures each day to our on-line store.

Railroad Crossing...Look out for the Cars, trains, and trucks in our town.

Our scavenger hunt for ESN this week is transportation. How apropos!
Silsbee is a Santa Fe Railroad town from way back.

The "Santa Fe" yard, now run by a contractor, is right in the middle of town.  We can hear the cars bump, bump, bumping at any hour as a new train is put together. Often, when one is going from north to south or south to north down "Main Street" -actually 5th St. or Business 96--you will "catch a train".  That means a long, long wait while a long, long train pulls out of- or into- town, or a train goes back and forth across the street adding cars.  Mimi always reminds us that the train means someone has a job.  Here is some of the history of Silsbee as compiled by the Silsbee Bee.
And everything you might want to find out about the History of Railroads in Texas.

all railroad pictures are from google pictures.

Another form of transportation we are well aware of in East Texass is the log trucks, which go by our place day and night en route to the paper mill at Evadale.  The loaded log trucks come from the west on Hwy 327 and stop at the traffic light at 327 and 96.  They do make a racket as they take off on their way to hwy. 96 and east to Evadale aka Stinkydale or Evil Smells.  Again, people who work "at the mill" and their families say "that's the smell of money".  The paper mill is owned by Meadwestvaco. and I just researched a bit and found that Meadwestvaco is much more than just a paper mill.  I also found this site with skadoodles of log truck pictures.

This all being said about, I turned my thoughts to travel and searched ESN photos for places one might go. Preferably quiet, serene places, like Hawaii.
You can pack your beautiful floral hawaiian shirts from Eccentric Thrifter and head for a tropical paradise.

One of many available at Eccentric Thrifter

We can even travel back in time with a good book from Barb's Bargains.

Barb's Bargains has a good selection of books.

We could travel around the world. Even to such a remote place as Russia. These salt and peppers from ComycGyrl Collectibles are reminescent of the Russian nesting dolls.

adorable salt and pepper set
.

We might look to Bargain Express for money for our fantasy trip.

One of the collectible coins at Bargain Express

Whatever you are shopping for, be sure to check out the stores on ESN, including my store, Hazel's Hodgepodge.

Vintage-- Just what is vintage?

The scavenger hunt at ESN this week is for Vintage pieces.

This got me to thinking about "just what is vintage?"
I decided to do a little research.
This is what I found.
First, I did a dictionary search of the word: Vintage
I found that it mostly, or primarily, refers to wine. 
Here are some definitions of Vintage as an adjective.  I think in describing our items we usually use "Vintage" as an adjective.
6. (of wine) of an outstandingly good year
7. representative of the best and most typical: vintage Shakespeare
8. of lasting interest and importance; venerable; classic: vintage films
9. old-fashioned; dated

I also found some who claim that the term "vintage" is over-used.  It probably is.  I know, I was not really aware of the nuances of vintage. Maybe we tend to use it as "old fashioned and dated" rather than as "representative of the best" of an era.  There seems to be a consensus that vintage items must be well made.Some sources say that vintage items should be at least 40-50 years old.  Others say at least 20 years old.  I also get the idea that a vintage item should be listed with a date or at least a date range, like 1950's.

It is pretty standard to consider that an antique must be 100 years old.  This has always fascinated me, because things that were not considered antiques when I was a child can now be antiques.  In fact, I have quite a few pieces of antique reproduction furniture that I acquired new in the 1960's and 1970's.  I have joked that it is wasn't a real antique when I got it; but I've had it so long that it is now--or soon will be.  I wonder now how these reproduction pieces fit into the "vintage" "retro", "antique" scheme of things.
Here is one take on antique vs. vintage furniture. As you can see here, not everything old is vintage.
Apartment Therapy also offers some insights into the difference between antique and vintage.

With all this in mind, I searched ESN photos for "vintage" items.

Carolina Blue Lady has a number of vintage Avon pieces listed. These are from the 1980's which at this point qualifies as vintage, using the 20 year old criteria.
One example is this 1984 Avon Christmas Lyre Ornament

which you can purchase here

Carolina Blue Lady also has some lovely vintage glass pieces available.

I found that Bargain Express has several sets of vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers. Even though there is no date listed, they are "made in Japan" which puts them well back in time. One example is this bird/pheasant nodder set.

Look here to get details and/or purchase.

You can also find vintage collectible coins at Bargain Express.

ComycGyrl has several Easter Cards that are described as Antique.  There are also a number of pieces of vintage glasssware including some neat collectible character glasses and advertising collectibles in her store.
Here is one of the antique cards:

See it in more detail here.

If you are interested in the good quality old "vintage" things or in collectibles of any sort, or even antique items take a look at ESN.  You are likely to find what you are looking for plus many ecrater shopkeepers are even happy to look for that special item for you. Of course, I would like for you to check out my store, Hazel's HodgePodge soon.

"There is Sunshine in My Soul Today"

Oh, the beautiful sunshine! We've had 4 glorious days of sunshine all in a row.  This has been such a dreary cold winter that the sun seems such a blessing.  Even when the temps are still cool, it feels so much better when the sun shines. And each day is warmer than the one before. We have actually had no heat running today and the doors open for a while .
 At church Sunday, Hubby even lead the hymn, "There is Sunshine in My Soul Today!"  How appropriate!?!
"There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light,
o there's sunshine blessed sunshine
While the peaceful, happy moments roll;
When Jesus shows His smiling face,
There is sunshine in my soul."

I also like "Heavenly Sunlight". 
"Walking in sunlight, all of my journey,...
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Floodingmy soul with glory divine."

It it any wonder that the song writers compare our Joy in Jesus as Saviour to Sunshine or our journey as a Christian to "walking in Sunlight"?
Whether it is physical Sunlight or spiritual Sonlight, what joy to have it!!!

Hubby knows I like yellow roses best and got me a bouquet of them for Valentine's Day.
They are brightening my office and adding a little spot of sunshine to my indoor space.
I want to share this collage of them with you.

Our Scavenger Hunt at Ecater Store Network this week is also Sunshine. Bright  yellow things always seem like a spot of sunlight even on a dreary day, so I decided to look for sunshine yellow objects.
Here's a few items I found.

Beautiful Sunshine Yellow Dishes
available at CarolinaBlueLady

Vintage Shawnee Ashtray in Yellow Brown
available at ComycGyrl Collectibles

Beautiful Hawaiian Print Shirt is one of several
at
Eccentric Thrifter

Unusual Yellow Vinyl Record  available at 
Bargain Express

You can shop for more yellow items to put more sunshine into your world at ESN. 



Sports and Me?

The theme of this week's ESN scavenger hunt is SPORTS.

I'm not really a sports fan myself.  I do like baseball and we follow the Houston Astros.  Last summer I was really seriously wondering why, but you know you have to stick with your team no matter what. When I was a kid, the family followed the San Antonio Missions (Texas League Team). In fact, Brooks Robinson was playing for the Missions when we were going to the games and listening to Jim Wiggins announce the games on the radio every night. 

When it comes to playing sports, I was always the kid no one wanted on their team. My knowledge of football leaves an awful lot to be desired.  The same goes for basketball and some other sports. So my interest in the Super Bowl is mostly in the commercials.  And, I must say, I was rather disappointed in most of them this year.  We walked in from church just in time for the Star Spangled Banner.  I didn't catch the much publicizd mistake, but thought it was a "pretty awful" rendition.  Hubby's remark was, "Who told her she could sing?" 

Honestly, I'd rather be watching Home and Garden TV most of the time. Anyway, I got to looking around ESN photos and found some really neat things at Walls that Talk for decorating with sports themes. Some of these would be really neat for your boys' rooms or maybe a "man cave".  Just pick your sport.  

This is one of several sports items available at Walls that Talk.

I love Christmas Tree Ornaments.  Most of the ones I have a very special.  They commemorate an occasion or an interest, or they were given to me by a special person. Some are custom made.  This one from Comyc Gyrl Collectibles could be very special to a Buccaneer's Fan.

Comyc Gyrl Collectibles has a good selection of Sports Cards
AND this cute collectible Christmas Tree Ornament

Now, Sports Fans  have March Madness to look forward to and then it's back to Baseball Season.  Hope the Astros play better ball all season this year than last.  Everybody wants their team to be the winner, no matter what sport or what level: Little League, High School, College, or Pro.  I hope "your" team is a winner this year.

And You can be a winner by shopping ESN and the ecrater stores.

Happy Birthday to You!

The ESN scavenger hunt this week is about Birthdays. 
This made me think of how kid's birthday parties have evolved.  What ever happened to the simple little parties we had as children?  Picking the invitation, filling in the time and date, and delivering it was just the start of the process. On the designated day and hour, neighbor children, schoolmates and their siblings, family friends, and relatives of all ages dressed up and came together to celebrate the honored Birthday Boy or Girl.  The games, in our circle, were pretty much the same at each party. We played Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Drop the Clothes Pins in the Bottle and probably Drop the Handkerchief and/ or The Farmer in the Dell. There was always a prize for the child who got the most clothespins in the bottle.  By the way, The bottle was a glass milk bottle until the late 50's when they started using paper cartons for the milk.  The one who got the least got a "booby" prize.  The person getting the Donkey's tail nearest the correct spot also got a prize and the one getting farthest from the spot, again got the "booby" prize.  After the games, the honoree opened gifts which were humble by today's standards. This was exciting to the Birthday Boy or Girl.  Next, "Happy Birthday" was sung, the candles blown out as a wish was made. Then,lastly the cake was served, usually with punch,ie, kool-aid. Sometimes, a scoop of ice cream accompanied the cake. Guests received a small Party Favor, thanked the hostess for inviting them and the party was over.  It was a time for learning manners as well as having fun.

Summer before last my Sister-in-law put together and old fashioned birthday party for my granddaughter Anna.  Anna and her siblings enjoyed Pin the Tail on the Donkey, an egg  and spoon race, and a dart game.  Aunt Bev made a beautiful chocolate cake with cherries on it. We also had
 ice cream sodas before the games.  Anna was truly the person of the hour.  Since she is such an animal lover, the book she got was a very special gift.
 Afterwards, Uncle Bobby let them all ride the horse, Old Gray.  He was waxing nostalgic about pony rides we had as kids also.

I decided to look through the ESN pictures for things reminescent of the parties we had "way back when".  Here are 3 of the items I found.

Mama might have served kool-aid from a pitcher like this one
from Carolina Blue Lady.





Darling Book for Recording Memories of Birthdays and other Events
Available at Eccentric Thrifter
Maybe your mom kept a book similar to this for you?

You might have won this as a prize or taken it home as a "favor"
at a mid-century kid's party
Get it now from ComycGyrl's Collectibles


Whether you are looking for the perfect Birthday Gift for Someone Now or if you are waxing nostalgic and want something collectible, ESN is a good place to start your search.

In the Kitchen

I must say that, even though I mostly enjoy everything I do, being in the kitchen is a special thing for me. Of all my activities, planning meals and cooking are special pleasure. 
I am looking forward to cooking Thanksgiving Dinner.  I mean a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and home-made sweet potato pie.  Hubby will probably smoke the turkey on the outdoor charcoal grill, but I will make the southern style cornbread dressing and giblet gravy and all the trimmings.  I'll cheat and buy cranberry sauce in a can this time and probably make the green bean casserole with mushroom soup and the canned french fried onions.  That is easy to do and a usual hit.  The problem is not to cook too much when you don't have very many people around to do the eating.  We will have to get busy the rest of the week and invite some added guests to help us out on the eating part.

For the ESN scavenger hunt this week we are looking for things In The Kitchen.
I know that many are cutting back on spending this holiday season and I was just noticing how many really neat small gift items that are shown on ESN photos when I search kitchen decor.  Cleos Collectables has all sorts of neat decorator items for the kitchen.  There are items for any theme, such as these lovely theme based items.

Set of 2 Ritz Fat Italian Chef Kitchen Towels

These kitchen linens which richly compliment a grape themed kitchen

The Perfect plaque for someone's coffee themed kitchen.

Or you may know someone who collects salt and pepper shakers.  If so, take a look at these shops.  You might find themed salt and peppers to match someone's kitchen or the ones they need to make their china set complete.

made in Occupied Japan

Comycgyrl has this unusual and collectible
Occupied Japan Anthropomorphic Whimsical Eggplant Grape Turnip Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

And these Westinghouse Gemco Milk Glass Salt and Pepper Shakers with Butterflies and Flowers

Gemco Salt and Pepper Shakers

Vintage Japan Gingerbread Couple.

And this too, too precious Gingerbread Man and Woman among many others.

From England, Apple Design

Or this elegant English Set from Eccentric Thrifter
         might appeal to you. 

You can find even more Salt and Pepper Sets Here

Another thing I love, myself, that would be a great gift idea is cookbooks.  You can find holiday cookbooks like Santa's Favorite Cookies.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Or a good basic "how to cook" book
                                                                                         like many of us learned to cook by, 
                                                                                     such as the Sunset "Good Cook's Handbook"

from My Book Barn

from Book Worm Bargains

Search Recipes on ESN to find more.

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you all enjoy the good food and the time with family and friends. Be sure to count your blessings every day.