Monday, February 22, 2016

Vintage Treasures and a Downton Abbey Moment

 The smiling dog was thrown in for extra credit.

I hope you all had a nice weekend surrounded by some hints of spring. For all the Downton Abbey fans out there, I'd love to hear what you thought of Sunday night's episode. Feel free to share your thoughts in a comment. I think this was the next-to-last episode of the entire six season phenomenon. I'm hoping that Mr. Fellowes rounds up the cast for an anniversary show in a couple years. (More on Downton at the end of the post)

Today I thought I'd post a mosaic of some backyard photos. We have lots of vintage stuff around here, and I'm pretty sure our kids are hoping we'll get rid of it soon (except for the daughter who won't let me forget that I didn't ask her if she wanted the total piece of junk red metal shelf before pitching it.) I'm a little more careful now.


 Ye Olde Grain Bin

When I was a kid, there was a TV cartoon called 'Tom Terrific.' The old galvanized steel grain bin just beyond our [frozen] garden pond always reminds me of Tom Terrific. The lights are some I strung on the basswood tree a couple years ago. They're handy in late summer evenings if anyone wants to sit out beside the little garden pond and watch mosquitoes hatch.

 Someone was enjoying the pond.



A pair of ancient skis leans against the barn door. Mr. C. found these at a demolition site. I've mentioned before that I'm often the recipient of interesting 'finds.' Some wonderful, some not quite so much. As hard as I try, I'll never forget the ancient chartreuse, ceramic bedpan he once brought home. Really.


Do you remember when skis looked like this?

 No longer storing milk in a concrete cooling tank

In years past, on dairy farms across Wisconsin, milk houses would contain concrete water tanks in which several milk cans (like the can above) would be placed, each as it was filled with milk, and cold water was pumped into the tank to keep them cool until the milk hauler arrived to take them to the creamery. That was before the advent of the bulk tank with its electric agitator and cooling unit.

 Vintage Fuel Tank
in the West Wood

 February Sunset
glowing through the string of lights


Have a great week, everyone!

P.S. And about that Downton Abbey episode, we sure weren't at a loss for excitement. The last couple episodes have given us a shot of real drama. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the subject.  Last week,  my favorite line was uttered by Lady Rosamund to her brother, Lord Grantham, 'The English language never lets you down.'  That was perfect! I won't set the scene, in case some have not yet watched that episode. But in context, it was a great line.

The more recent episode, Season Six, Episode 8, contained one of my favorite scenes, and a subject that I've written about before in a blog post about the importance of shared history.

From a scene with Lady Mary and Lady Edith:
 
“In the end, you’re my sister,” Edith says with a shrug. “And one day, only we will remember Sybil. Or Mama or Papa. Or Matthew or Michael. Or Granny or Carson. Or any of the others who have peopled our youth. Until at last our shared memories will mean more than our mutual dislike.”
The importance of shared history - something to think about.




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From your vintage blogger pal,

Judy


66 comments:

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I did love that scene between the sisters - so true and beautifully put. Still hoping Edith gets her happy ending :-)

riitta k said...

The red skis are beautiful. A treasure!

podso said...

They surely rustled up wedding finery in a hurry and Mary was a beautiful bride, though I wished for a different groom. It was an amazing episode. The writers must have had a major burst of energy and creativity as there was more action in this than maybe any previously. From what I hear there will be more redemption to come. Enjoyed the tour of your outdoor treasures!

Sara - Villa Emilia said...

... and the extra credit was most certainly granted. :-) Your smiling dog is one of the happiest images I've seen for a while.
A lovely post. I too loved especially the red skis. I have seen many old pairs of skis, but never so beautiful ones.
Thank you for your comment that just came! Have a blessed new week!

Denise said...

nice post.

Deb said...

Love the smiling dog this morning. I miss our old dog so much. Your hanging lights made me laugh as I just hung white light on our gate yesterday. It's a little hard to see where you turn into our drive-way so that should help and they look 'pretty'. You do have some rather nice treasures sitting around. It gives your home some whimsy. :)The retired-guy can leave with the trailer and I never know what might be on it when he returns. He loves 'vintage', too. lol I agree that was a wonderful scene with the sisters. So true, so true. I already find that when I get together with my sister we talk about family that have gone now. We like to hear about each other's memories with that person; especially my grandmother whose land I now live on. Have a wonderful day, Judy. The sun is out here but no sign of spring yet. Deb

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I love your mosaic and images. Your dog is beautiful, I like the lights hanging in the garden and the red skiis. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

Dicky Bird said...

First, I LOVE the grain bin! Oh how I would love one here. Have you seen them converted into those "tiny houses?" Super cute! I had to miss this week's Downton. I am going to be a week behind because of the Walking Dead. I know, how could someone like both Downton and the Dead? It is me though. Our daughter and son-in-law come over on Sunday evenings for supper and stay to watch (they don't have good t.v. reception in the woods or cable). Anyway, Justine goes upstairs to watch Downton and Josh, Al and I watch Walking Dead. She told me I would like this episode and that there was a wedding. I kind of peeked online and knew anyway. I didn't know the quote between Mary and Edith - I love it! I will catch up and if this week is the last episode I will join her upstairs and watch the last one together. We found this series together and will finish it together. Have a good week!

Marcia said...

Now you have me curious as to who Mary married. I haven't watched the series for two years. Found that there were too many story lines going at one time and nothing getting resolved. It was better at the beginning before and during WWI.

Great set of skis.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I love all of the photos / especially the skis! :)

Downton...not having cable I ordered the DVDs and am now going through the season for a SECOND time! :) With the second time even though you know what is going to happen you get to savor the scenes more...the clothes, the details, the memorable lines like you mentioned.

I am SO sad that this is the last season !!!

MadSnapper said...

I love all things ancient and all things vintage and you have some of the best on the planet. i also love white lights hanging in trees or NOOKS. the skis are a work of ART.. and I loved every photo today.

MadSnapper said...

ESPECIALLY THE DOG

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I enjoyed your mosaic of pictures. I like the skis next to the star. I was thinking of how heavy those milk cans would have been to lift out of the concrete cooling tank. I fell off watching the Downton Abbey program this year. I caught two shows but that's it. I've been picking up info from bloggers here and there. Perhaps I'll catch up on them at a later date. :-)

Laura said...

So much of what you wrote about this morning includes things I love-
I don't know where to start!

How about with Edith?
What a quote-

Have a great week!Laura
WSP

Tracy Batchelder said...

I'm a fan of vintage "stuff." It gives a place personality and character. Love that frog photo, too!

Arlene G said...

I remember Tom Terrific Judy!! And you are right...that tank/shed does remind me of him too!! I did a whole post on Downton today...last night's episode was too good for just a snippet. It reminded me of why I have loved Downton all these years. And you are right, the scene between Mary and Edith should remind us all to treasure our family ties.

Linda Kay said...

Great photos this morning. Watched DA last night with you, and the scene with Edith and Mary was great as Mary got ready for her wedding. And can't wait for the last episode, when Edith's love is surely going to return for her. Lots of drama last night, and Mary look very happy to have realized her love for her man.

Sylvia said...

Judy, You have a great collection of photos this week. The creamery can, the old fuel tank, the skis are all great vintage items. Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.

maddie/cadesmimi said...

I haven't watched the last couple of episodes of Downton Abby, yet, so I can't comment about that.
It's nice to see that my hubby isn't the only collector of "special finds". I asked him to haul off a few odds and ends, this weekend, and he's already lamenting about it... He says the things you get rid of are always the things you need. He's probably right--sometimes.
I enjoyed your photos! Have a great Monday.
Kathy (Reflections)

Ana Love Craft said...

Beautiful photos and a lovely post! Thanks for sharing!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Hugs and love from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I love the photos. Those red skis are so interesting. Wow! Is the frog out early? My mom had an old milk can. I took my daughter to the vintage shops this weekend, and she bought herself an old camera. There was an older lady there telling her that she was sorry she got rid of all her old things. xoxo Su

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

You certainly have some lovely vintage pieces around your place, Judy. Downton Abbey was something else last evening! Mr. Carson is getting on my nerves. I surely hope his attitude gets better. He seems to have softened with Barrow, even though a little late. The touching scene with Edith and Mary made tears appear. I'm so sad it's all going to end! Enjoy your day, Judy! ♥

Pamela Gordon said...

I love your vintage things around your property Judy. I also have a pair of old wooden skis but mine are only brown and not a pretty red like yours. I used to put them out at Christmas but haven't in years. The string of lights around the trees is wonderful with the sun shining through them. I can imagine how lovely it would be to sit out in the evening with these lights shining and I'd make sure I have lots of bug spray on me though. ;) I'm a mosquito magnet!! I have a milk can on the front step that I put seasonal items in. I'm glad my mother and mother-in-law 'collected' and saved so many things from the past as I enjoy having them around our home. Have a lovely week. I hope the weather is improving a bit there.

Rose said...

I love the skis. And the milk can. When my husband was a kid, his dad drove a truck and picked up those cans full of milk. They weighed more than my husband's dad at the time. Just by a couple pounds I think.

I loved those lines you mentioned on Downton Abbey....but they make me sad, too.

Off the subject, did you watch Call the Midwife? I always loved the closing lines on it. Yet, I cannot remember a single one. But they always made a person think.

Terri D said...

Yes, I liked that last line about shared memories. I was so proud of Edith for telling Mary off. Needed. I have a feeling that Edith's beau will be back to claim her. Poor Mrs. Patmore! It was a very exciting episode indeed!!

Love your photos. No skiing in my life, so I have no idea what old or new skis look like, but those are quite pretty and pop against the barn.

Gayle said...

Speaking of shared history - Tom Terrific ;)
I could write a book about my favorite scenes from last night's episode of Downton Abbey. I cried through Edith and Mary's conversation (and a couple other times). Have always loved Mrs. Patmore.
I didn't like Mary's new husband until last night and realized as she pointed out she had met her match.
I was so afraid when Violet headed for parts unknown last week that she was done for the season. Glad to see her back.
Gotta Love Tom.
And . . . so hoping 'someone' returns for Edith in the final episode.
There is to be a marathon of the whole season, next Sunday, February 28 and the final episode March 6.

L. D. said...

The photos are all fun to see. I have started to throw things away so my kids won't have to. I have stuff of theirs that might go away also. Fun post to day. Downton was well made but we just didn't get into it when we should. We may have to go back to the beginning and start.

21 Wits said...

I'm so hoping for happy endings too! All lovely fun "things" and I know that feeling when we pitch things and later hear why didn't you ask me first or later wish we hadn't. Although we have a lot of those things that could be tossed and should! Oh spring cleaning coming soon! Love the pup's face in the beginning so cute!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Donna said...

I remember Tom Terrific! Love the vintage shots....


Donna@GardensEyeView
and LivingFromHappiness

Elizabeth said...

I hurried past your comments because I have not seen last night's Downtown Abbey yet. I recorded it and will watch it tonight!

Debby Ray said...

Many of the things in your photos, I remember as well. I haven't thought about Tom Terrific in a very long time, Judy...thanks for the reminder...lol! I have an old milk can and I remember the days of the old oil tank and way it made the house smell when the old stove was lit! Fun memories! Last night's DA was definitely packed with emotion and adventure. I had already guessed that Barrow was going to do something to himself...poor guy. I just wanted to reach through the screen and slap Mary's face...hard! So glad that Edith finally put Mary in her place. So many more comments, not enough time or room! I am still in denial that this is it...sniff...sniff...

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Great post! I adore your photo of the froggy. I can't wait to see them hopping around again. Enjoy your week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Your vintage treasures are wonderful ... We had a couple of cream cans on our front porch as umbrella holders (in our former life). I'm trying to remember which one of our kids has those now! I do remember skis like that...but not that beautiful red! And speaking of color ... Chartreuse? Really? I am not sure I even want to think about that too hard ;))!

Amy at love made my home said...

Glad you have enjoyed Downton, I really liked it. You are right about shared history, it is a sad thought when no one remembers you isn't it. xx

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

I just love the beauty you put into photos Judy. Things that I have seen often (as you know neighbor) living in this neck of the woods - take on a whole new beauty in how you photograph them. Love it! ;)

And Downton - oh my there aren't enough words. SOOOO goooood!! I still can't believe that Mary was that cruel. That Girl has issues! And I wish she had seemed just a bit more remorseful, but steeyl strong and cold is her way - so I get that too. And I LOVE that Tom really let her have it. He has become the best big Brother around, hasn't he? But that scene when Edith goes and talks to her - I just bawled. Such beautiful words - and so poetically true. Mr. Fellowes sure knows how to write a scene doesn't he? And the clothes and backdrops never cease to get more beautiful. I think that the Mr. Mosely stuff was really sweet too. I hope poor Mr. Barrow's story line ends somewhat on a high note. SUCH a sad character. I can't believe it's really going to wrap up already. I'm so curious to see what path everyone is really going to end upon. ::sigh:: I wish it would go on forever.

But all good things as they say...
Blessings on your week ahead Hon! xoxo

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

I actually laughed out loud at Edith and Mary's fight. I am glad Edith had it out with her -
Mary has treated her shamefully for so long - it's as though Mary only respects someone if they call her out on her bad behavior. It was a long time coming, but Edith has always been a favorite of mine and I adore her and want her happy.

I am not doing a thing next Sunday but watch the entire Marathon of season 6. I don't own it yet so I need to see it all again. I get a lump in my throat when I think of it being over. It's been such a treat. All my episodes kept me great company last year when bedridden from surgery - so I have seen them countless times, and they feel like dear friends.

Love your pics - sorry you got caughter tossing something a daughter wanted. Happens to me all the time. I have been in purging mode big time lately and hope I don't hear it again myself. I say get it now or else, haha.

Hope all is well. Please have a wonderful week!

Theresa said...

I haven't watched that show! Most everyone I know watches it:) Love the sunset picture! You have some really pretty things around your home! Have a blessed week ahead dear friend, HUGS!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I usually like Mary so much but she certainly behaved badly last night. There was so much going on that I was afraid I would miss something! I am sad that the show is drawing to an end. I've enjoyed it so much.

Sue McPeak said...

As always, great photos with stories to tell. I especially related to the cement water tank and the cream can. I have one exactly like it from my Grandparents farm in Iowa...a family treasure for sure. I so love the era of Downton Abbey...and the clothes...wonderful. I have not seen many of the episodes, but the ones I have seen make me want to watch them all from start to finish. Happy Monday!
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

Carla from The River said...

Hi Judy,
Mr. Mosely :-))) he made me smile last night.

I totally agree with you about the conversation with Lady Edith and Lady Mary. Well done and such talent!! And I was proud of Edith for saying it.

Love the photos!!
Carla

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Egads, those look like the kind of skis I used for my one and only time back in high school. :-)
It was nice to see Edith come back for the wedding after the blowout the two had. Hopefully Bertie will reconsider and she'll live happily ever after like Mary. After detesting Mr. Barrow for most of the series I find I'm feeling sorry for him this season, wonder if others are too?

Stephanie said...

Hi, sweet Judy! Your red ski's are simply fabulous! My dad is a big-time skier and he had me on ski's when I was 5-years-old so of course anything vintage like that would win my heart over :)

Have a beautiful week! Hugs!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

You have some wonderful vintage 'yard art' Judy! Very fashionable these days in the gardening world! I love the skis, too. To look at, not to use.....I would be so terrified to ski down a mountain! A shame because I live in ski country and all my kids ski. Oh, the smiling dog - so sweet. I loved this episode of Downton - Lady Edith was Grace personified. I had tears....Lady Mary and her beau are such a beautiful couple, but I was so sad for Lady Edith. She is my favorite. xx Karen

Angie @ Knick of Time said...

I am SO behind on the Downton Abbey episodes, that your little teaser is killing me! :) I must catch up!

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Downton Abbey is filmed about 20 miles from where I live and the people who own the house really play to that fact. Howard Carter used to live there and some of the treasures he found are kept there as well. Downton was also filmed at Basildon Park about 8 mile away. Mind you they also film Midsummer Murders round our area as well.
Love the post BTW

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

And that, exactly, is a perfect line for those two! I love this show..and will watch it in reruns and still love it.
You have a wide variety of treasures today- I love the skis! Have a super day!

Christine said...

Good morning Judy and thanks for sharing your thoughts and (bedpan) humour and amazing photos with us!
Love that shot of the star and skis!
Have a great day!

Small City Scenes said...

Love the skies and star and any old time "junk" for that matter----bedpan---maybe not. LOL
MB

Tired Teacher said...

Except for the red skis, all the items were commonly seen on the farm where I grew up. Thanks for jogging my memory.

This N That said...

Love the skis..and the old milk can..Great series...speaking of great series....
Downton..gonna miss it for sure..Mary was just awful..Love the lines that you quoted..I think I will send them to my sister..Have a great day..

This N That said...

On second thought, I won't..We don't dislike each other but the rest of that paragraph is very true..Your frog photo looks like a painting...

Tom said...

My those skis look modern compared to my first pair years ago. This Tom remembers "Tom Terrific." Thanks for joining the party and hurry on back.

Anonymous said...

Love the grain bin and the other vintage things! Am sure some would like the vegan soap you made! Enjoy your week!

Kim said...

I loved the scene where Edith finally lost her temper with Mary. And I thought the scene with Mary and the Dowager Granny was very sweet. So much happened in just one episode.
PS - I wish I had the outfit Mary wore to visit Matthews grave.

uberrhund said...

You have a wonderful collection of vintage out around your yard!
This final season of Downton has been so good, satisfying in every way.

Lynne said...

Great ending quote . . .
Right now I am going to go watch Sunday's Downton, all taped and waiting for me!

Chris K in Wisconsin said...

That was a wonderful scene between Mary and Edith. In my mind, I see Barrow becoming the Butler/ Driver/ Manny for Mary and her new husband as they build a mini castle nearby Downton. I also loved Granny and Mary's talk.
I will be so sad when Downton ends. I plant to watch again from the beginning. I can barely remember the first season when the downstairs staff was SO isolated and "in their place", and Lord Grantham and Granny were certainly not as liberated as they are in Season 6!!

genie said...

I got so upset at the end of year two when the husband died I quit watching. Was it Mary? I cannot remember. I think she had just had the baby. I love all the old goodies you have around your property. I would not throw one piece of it away...even the frog like them. I, too, have made the mistake of getting rid of things omg kids wanted so now I keep everything.

Cheryl said...

Your pictures are beautiful!! Love the frog and the skies!! Your soap looks so good, checking out your etsy shop!

Mocadeaux said...

I'm so sad that Downton is ending. That scene with Mary and Edith was incredible - might earn both of them an Emmy nomination. The turn in Edith's life was not unexpected. I'm wondering if that story line will get some resolution in the final episode.

Ida said...

I've never seen 1 single episode of Downtown Abbey but it sounds as if you are truly enjoying it.
You do have some great treasures there on your place. - I loved seeing the frog photo, they are such fun creatures.
I really liked the old ski's and their latches. I don't ski but I found them fascinating to look at. Now I'm not sure I could say the same thing about an antique bedpan!

Anonymous said...

You definitely get gold stars for the smiling dog! Those red skis have a lot of character. I don't think I'd have been thrilled with a bedpan...

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

A lovely collection of beautiful photos! Even the frog. We are Downton Abbey fans and enjoyed the quotes you have shared. Aww, come on, surely you can transform a bedpan into a unique decorating item ;)

Unknown said...

Amazing photos!
___________
tattoo thoughts

J_on_tour said...

Over here, there was a final episode one off special following on from the series that I was forced .... encouraged to watch :-) at Christmas.
It may be surprising to know that I have never ever watched the programme before and had to be given a major resume of the characters and their history. It seems a bit odd seeing it was the last one.

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