Onward

77°f/24.5°C, so humid, partly cloudy this morning. Reached 90°, and now storms are beginning to move through. Thank goodness.

These two old folks have stayed inside today. Our county seat and closest town is having the annual big July 4th bash, with a 2k run, parade, stage acts and activities all day, and of course culminating with fireworks later tonight. The heat index is well over 100°, and I am amazed that so many people actually turn out anyway.  Down in Charleston,  sternwheelers line the Kanawha riverbank for the annual regatta, and at the Capitol there is what is supposedly the world's largest ferris wheel, and stage acts, including Alabama,  all weekend. Lots of fun things, but not for us. Larry's face is as red as a poppy from the skin cancer treatments and he cannot be in the sun, and I have no desire to celebrate anyway. 

Interviewers online and on the radio asked citizens of the US how they felt about this country. Almost every single one said they were proud to be American. I wonder, why? How is it something to be proud of, when in truth citizenship for most of us is an accident of birth, not a choice. What are these people proud of, exactly? Certainly not our dubious history! We have had moments of shining greatness, but many more of unfairness, greed, and cruelty. Most of the interviewees spoke in generalities, usually citing freedom and democracy. And yet, are not those two things under threat right now? I wish they had been asked for specific examples of things that exemplify that freedom and democracy. As a woman, there are still ways my freedom is curtailed, and that is even more true for those who are "other". But perhaps my mind is jaundice by the current state of affairs in this country. Something to ponder on this day.

Meanwhile, here in the backwoods of West Virginia, life goes on as normal. Here are more pictures from this past week.

This resin dragon was made by a friend I had not seen on years. She was selling some of her work in a yard sale, and I snapped this up. Here he is hanging in my window. So awesome!

Conefloers and lemon balm have made themselves at home along the crack between the stone wall and the sidewalk.

This guy is so little, only about 2" long! I found him in a box of auction finds, and was surprised that he sells for around $25 online.

A thrift store find this week, a primitive bucket shelf. Best thing about it? It was move-in ready, no work required! I have it in my booth already, filled with crocks and baskets.

More thrift finds from the past couple weeks:

I was a bit disappointed by the Staffordshire pitcher when I got it home and discovered that a bit at the top of the handle had been chipped off. I suppose that considering it is almost 200 years old, that's not too bad, but i doubt I will be able to sell it.

The little Hofbauer Byrdes glass box in front of it is really sweet, anyway.

Arcopal dishes from France, green Georgian pattern glasses, a Wexford decanter, and marigold carnival glass tumblers in this photo.

And here, a green marble apple, nice ceramic planter, and a crock made into a lamp. The lamp part was messed up so we just removed it. I front, two brass seagull wall plaques probably from the 60s.

Nice vintage handbag from the 50s, I think, and a vintage canteen made of metal and covered in wool, made by Coleman.

Pretty little pink Depression Glass jam jar in the Windsor pattern, made by Federal Glass.

And last, a Fenton amethyst carnival glass bowl. I can't remember the pattern name right off.

I don't think i posted these photos yet either. On the way home last week I stopped at the West Virginia Museum of American Glass in Weston. "Blenko Man" was in the window to greet visitors.

So. Much. Beautiful.  Glass! 

The Museum is incredible, with constantly changing displays done by a crew of dedicated staff and volunteers. I have visited here several times, and it never disappoints. This time the display of antique oil lamps was just stunning.

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