Akron, Ohio (stop over)

Ed and I went to a family Reunion to Newcastle, PA a couple of weeks ago.  On our way back through we decided to stop and see his friend Kelly who had moved to Akron to work at Gojo soaps.  She recommended that we stay here....(I found this on the web) The Quaker Square Inn in Akron is an exciting blend of history, architecture and hospitality. The hotel was constructed from 19th century mills and silos which were the beginnings of the famed Quaker Oats Company. The silos are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These silos stand an impressive 120 feet tall and once housed 1,500,000 tons of grain. It is the silos that lend the Quaker Square Inn's guest rooms their unique circular form.

 Shirley Temple...I am not sure the college students know who she is.  I didn't mention that Quaker Square Inn is now owned by Akron University.  Mostly used as a dorm for the students so in the summer they close all the eateries and don't stock the vending machines.   So if you ever happen to go when school is not in session keep this in mind.  

All the walls in the interior area where the elevators are these amazing murals carved from the concrete.  All created by Don Drumm, a local Akron artist.  I recognized his work right away.  When I had my shop I carried a line of aluminum light switch covers and ornaments that he and his daughter made.  They have a big gallery in the downtown Akron area.  These murals were amazing, so steampunk.  I think he did them in the 1980's so they feel a little retro, but they are really the best.

 The entrance to he elevators to take us to our round room.   Ed on the left.

 Since there was no where close to eat we chose this resturant that has been around since 1949.  The food was great and the inside was like stepping back in time, in a good way. 

note:  we would of liked to have stayed and explored Akron.  I always feel no matter how large the city you kind find something unique wherever you are.  They have a train that will take you through a state park and a small but, what looked like a delightful art museum.  My Ed is not the healthiest so we had to part ways with Akron and come home early where he then spent 4 days in what I call the most expensive hotel we can find.  The hospital.  He is doing good now. 

Indiana State Fair

I have always LOVED the fair.   Our family would go and by family I mean my cousins from Florida and my Aunt and Uncle would come during the State Fair we all loved it and I am not even talking about the rides.  We watched the band contest, the tractor pulls, went to see all the animals in the barns...we did it all.  I was in 4-H as a youngster and even recieved a Reserve Grand Champion for showing my Cat.  I loved that Cat!  A couple of years ago I moved to Irvington, Indiana. Two of my new neighbors were friends and loved everything vintage.  Around fair time they were all abuzz, busy getting everything together and I thought to myself HEY!  why aren't you doing this.  So last year I entered 3 things and ended up with a 1st place and a honorable mention ribbon.  I was bit by the BUG!  Today I took in my open class items to be judged and be on display.  The fair starts next week.  Thankfully, they give us 6 tickets to get in to the fair.  They will not go unused.

 This is what I entered in the Antiques division: crocheted purse, moustache mug, 4-H dress review ribbon from 1938,  glass World's Fair Vinegar bottle, political button of Dan Quayle (hey! it's Indiana) and Bush (hey it's Indiana!), very old wind up tin toy Bear and a Speed Graphic camera.

I entered and made this crochet thread SNOWMAN wreath (an idea I saw on Pinterest) in the Holiday Wreath Category.    I found these wonderful handmade crocheted lace snowflakes at the Salvation Army thrift store a couple of weeks ago.  I also used vintage buttons and wooden spools of red thread.  His hat is also a spool of thread.  Fimo clay orange nose and button eyes.  Mica for the snow.  (Not the greatest photo.  The morning light isn't the best.)

In the Vintage Button Category I entered a pendant/necklace, Bracelet and a Pin.  These collage button jewelry pieces looks real easy to do but, I made 12 of them in one day (I was on a roll) and I had the worse hand pain.  I used wire and a flat brass round filigree piece to sew them onto with wire (wire-that is the reason my hands hurt) anyway I like how they turned out.  All vintage buttons....I have a little bit of an obsession with buttons! 

Lastly, I made a cloth doll.  I had a couple of other things that I had hoped to enter but, life happens and I didn't get to them.  Her name is Ginger and her minature Dairy Cow is named Coco.  I normally wing everything when it comes to sewing because I am not a pattern person.  So she is all my own doing.  The cow is made of muslin and then stuffed and painted.  Her hair is wool and has been dyed red or pinkish red.  I made the dress, vest and pants.  She is muslin as well and her face, hands and shoes are painted.  Coco won a Blue Ribbon after they popped into the Dairy Barn for some ice cream (their reality!)  It was franic getting all of this together but, I am so glad that I did it and it is at the fair waiting to be seen.  Our State Fair is a great state fair don't miss it don't even be late!