Surprise! Surprise!

I am not a shopper. I don't enjoy walking around in shops just to see what's new. For many years now, 90% of my shopping has been done over the web, with a 90% success rate.

I do enjoy going to craft shows and specially stores. Of course, I always look at cards, especially those made by photographers with awesome pictures. The ones I purchase I usually keep for myself, instead of using them to write my notes on.

Two place I absolutely hate to go are flea markets and yard sales, although Jerry, on occasion, brings home treasures from his ventures out.

Last Saturday, Westminster held a flea market at the AG center, and Jerry asked Mom if she'd like to go. When I heard an enthusiastic YES! I knew I was doomed. With a brace on my bad knee I forced a smile as we walked through the door. Jerry went off alone, and I made a slow walk

through the tables with Mom. In all fairness, Jerry did come back and say it was wrong of him to go of by himeself. I told him to go on.

I was in for a pleasant surprise. The first thing to catch my eye was hand drawn note cards.I picked up one of a red barn in the area and another of Jake, the mule. The artist told me Jake was a very mean mule. His owner wanted to give him away, but finally decided he just couldn't give that mean mule away. So Jake still lives with his owner in Westminster.

Next I found a large, beautiful book of animal pictures. I love to see other photographer's animal pictures. I'm not able to get close ups as professionals do, so I love to see their great snaps! Three of them are below with the book cover first.

A lovely blue handbag from Vera Bradley was found next. Not one to go in for designer anything, I couldn't pass it up with such a good price! And I needed a blue handbag.

And best of all . . . a 1998 Horizon of Hope Longaberger basket at an amazing price! Wow! The Horizon of Hope material is what I've used through the years to make "Hope" pillows. The basket I bought has the same material design I've purchased in several of my other baskets. The picture of the pillow has the "Hope" material I love with the word "Hope" in the design.



I also picked up a cute hand-drawn note card of a happy, cuddly cat.

And last, is that lovely handkerchef at the top of this post. I just liked the words and design. It is bright and cheery!

Jerry came in as I was typing this. He said don't forget to tell you about the owl house he bought! He loves to hear owls, and we've had a few around our home. Hopefully, the house will draw a few more to Ridge Road!

I don't know if I'm ready to go to the next flea market that comes around--my knee took a big hit with all that walking--but, I confess, I came away with some treasures!

Indeed a surprise. A little step from routine wasn't so bad after all.