Wild Goose Chase Weekend

Yesterday we left bright and early for Jacob’s Cave, which is located between Versailles and Gravois Mills, Missouri. It was about 100 mile drive for us. The main objective of this trip was to attend the Jacob's Cave Swapping Days in search of a Brown Chinese gander for my dear sweet Brown Chinese goose, Greta. Her mate, Charlie, died about two years ago. I have tried since then to find another Brown Chinese gander, to no avail. Jacob’s Cave Swap is one of the largest in our state, so it was my next best hope. Our Wild Goose Chase was again unproductive, however. We did see one pair of the B.C.’s and we literally chased down the ATV carrying them. They had just been purchased, and were apparently the last two B.C.’s at the swap! Darn! Mr. W did find a Stanley plow plane in perfect shape at a not-bad price, which he has been in search of for many years. So, at least one of us was happy with the swap meet.

On our return trip, we stopped by the home and shop of Osage Bluff Blacksmith and Quilter for a visit. Mr. W did some blacksmithing with BT, Terry and Joe. They made numerous items from railroad spikes. Friend Phyllis was also at the T’s home, and the three of us ladies had a nice visit. I also toured their beautiful (!) post and beam home. Of course, the Quilter had numerous absolutely gorgeous quilts displayed, as well as some of the most interesting collections that I’ve ever seen. Later in the afternoon, I was treated to a fabulous shopping trip to TJ Maxx with savvy shopper Patti. Fun, fun, fun! My new favorite place to shop. (Thanks again, Patti!) Upon return, Mr. W and I said our goodbyes and headed back toward home. But first! There was a stop by Menards for just a few more plumbing supplies and miscellaneous items. It seems we cannot pass that store by lately. We have been there every weekend for the past umpteen weeks. The workers actually know and remember us now! (I don’t know if that’s good or bad.) I also bought two large area rugs (total $20) to cover up our kitchen floor (it has many issues), and Endless Summer Hydrangeas were on sale. Hydrangeas are my favorite flower, so after careful consideration, I grabbed one up.

Unfortunately, I didn’t bring the camera along on our wild goose chase. I do have some pictures I took a couple of days ago in my perennial gardens, which I will share.

Clockwise from upper left: Veronica, Tickseed Coreopsis, Miniature Rose, Moth on Primrose, Evening Primrose, Missouri Primrose, Butterfly on Butterfly Bush (Buddleia), Foxglove

Please check back in for a long-overdue update on the Barn/Cottage sometime this week!

Have a wonderful Sunday.