Buck a Book; Book a Book....

Nothing gets Youngest Son 'Up an at 'em' on a Saturday morning faster than the Farmer's Market in Orange County, Indiana http://orangecountyhomegrown.org/markets.html.  This grand Farmer's Market is in the top ten in the nation, thanks to all it's fans that wrote in singing it's praises. The Orange County Farmer's Market encourages the buying of fresh local food, and trading with our native artisans.  It is a delightful way to spend Saturday morning and more than one member of my family enjoys it.

Youngest Son is known for making incredible scores at his favorite, Buck a Book; Book a Book stand.  YS, degreed in English, has already accrued quite a library in his small cottage.  All the books that didn't make his particular cut, ended up traded at the BAB/BAB's tidy little self contained traveling library, for tomes more suited to his elite literate tastes.  For the record, he did once try to steal my Shakespeare Volumes gifted to me by Kindred Spirit Friend, but I put my Book Selfish Foot down and demanded their return.  YS has to just wait till I'm dead to get those on his shelves.  He could actually be late for my funeral, now that I think about it, going through my titles before the auctioneers show up.

We usually have to part the ways once we get to the BAB/BAB trailer.  We congregate in the same section and he knows what to look for and I just point out others so we can get in each other's way.  I go off to grab the fresh produce and yummy Amish baked goods while he fills his minimum weekly requirement of literacy.  This past Saturday, I had to laugh when I saw him walking toward me with a Coca Cola crate FULL of books!  The look on his face is one I had seen in my own mirror; the one where I am half giddy/half high from the wonder of the score.  I could see him proudly bearing his heavy load on his shoulders in the beastly heat, carrying in his other hand, the victory drink of Market Lemonade, a particular refreshing beverage.  YS is further enamored with the fact that the proceeds of the BAB/BAB project, benefits the children's library in Orleans and we overheard the 'proprietor' of the project saying that over 600 books were given away to children the past year at their stand.  Love it.

It is a joy for me to share the love of books with Youngest Son.  I love it when we recommend to each other a favorite.  I love it when we can discuss what we gleaned from a certain chapter. The world of books broadens your horizons, stimulates your creative flow and introduces you to the magic of words.

Read to your children. An investment of time never regretted....

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

*Sigh*
Sad to see a house sit lonely.
Especially when the house is a wonderful example of a Craftsman Bungalow.
Oak woodwork, never bothered by a paint brush.  Working fireplace flanked by glass front bookcases.  Dining room window seat that spans the trio of large windows. French Doors separating Living and Dining room.  Wood floors under the carpet.  All the unique features that make a Craftsman, a Craftsman.
And it is once again, lonely and empty.

Ever since Lovely Lisa the Neighbor headed to the joys of the country, has any of her line of renters, truly appreciated the beauty of this cozy, comfortable home.
I remember sitting with LLN one evening long ago, while she recuperated from a complicated surgery, and looking around in awe of the details and workmanship of this quality '20's home.  And LLN made it a haven. And did I mention that I still miss her neighborliness?

As is the way of tenants, people tend to come and go and vacillate and ponder and promise and then move on.  Commitment can be sketchy and dedication to the quality, gets lost in translation.  And so it is with complete understanding, LLN and her Hubby are listing this little gem with an official realtor with hopes of a real buyer with an appreciation for the little house's outstanding features.

And so is it's neighbor.
I can be a wonderful neighbor.  I'll feed your cat when you're out of town.  I"ll water your plants, cover your dead dog, check if coffee makers are left on, refinish you steps, babysit, and keep my property reasonably clean.  I'll make you egg rolls if you let me borrow an egg and I'll call the police when a drunk driver plows into the rear end of your car on the street.  I'll be vigilant without being too nosy.

So if you've ever had a hankerin' to experience Small Town Living in the Midwest, here is a grand opportunity.  Historic type home, good price, slow living, good garden views AND me as a next door neighbor!

Hurry!  Call!  Don't let this pass you by!http://dogwood-realty.com/listings.html MLS#10-14998

(View from the Craftsman Deck)

(But LLN, you will always be my neighbor in my heart....:D)