Back In The Loop – Catchup Over Coffee July 2023
My July Adventures
Howdy, y’all! July has been one wild ride full of thrilling experiences and unforgettable memories. Let me take you on a journey through the highlights of my month. Some were new adventures, some were things I haven’t done or attended in a few years.
🤠 Professional Rodeo 🐴
July kicked off with the ultimate excitement of attending a professional rodeo event. It was quite exhilarating watching events such as bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping and chuck wagon racing. The cheers from the crowd and the intense competition in the arena made it an unforgettable experience. I witnessed the #1 bull rider in the world defend his championship – I think I held my breath during his ride, it seemed like forever but apparently only 9 or so seconds – lol
Combine Crunch
Sticking to the Rodeo theme, I attended a local rodeo event and witnessed for the first time ever a Combine Crunch event. For those of you that don’t know what that this is (I did not), it involves using old combine harvesters (agricultural machinery) in a similar fashion to demolition derby cars. In this event, retired combine harvesters are repurposed for a unique and entertaining competition.
It was loud, noisy and dirty – but oh so much fun watching these big lumbering machines smash, grind and try to tip each other over. Note for next time, don’t sit in the front row…
Rug Hooking
Update on the Butterfly rug hooking. I did finish it, although sadly, I ripped the backing (or foundation cloth) that I was using when I tried to stretch it too tight on my adjustable hoop. So I took it apart and started over on a sturdier piece of material (burlap) and decided to adjust the size and the pattern, as I hadn’t really been loving the original one anyway. A multitude of hours later it was complete. I think it turned out cute afterall.
Fiestaware Collecting
The highlight for me of July was making a road trip across the border to indulge in my passion for collecting Fiestaware. We ventured to the largest distributor or Fiestaware in the Northwest USA. For those unfamiliar, Fiestaware is a colorful, collectible line of ceramic dinnerware. I’ve always been captivated by its vibrant hues and retro charm. I purchased my largest selection thus far, some vintage and the rest of what stock they had in the retired colors (which soon will be vintage but always collectible). I love mixing and matching, so for me, it is not about one color over another. I kinda love them all.
Here is a link to the history of Fiestaware if you are interested to learn more. Below is a picture of what I purchased. I also purchased two cobalt blue coffee mugs , not shown as they are now housed on the coffee bar.
On-site Auction
I had the chance to attend a live, onsite antique/farm auction. It took place on site of the owner, at his property (a farm in the countryside), with everything out in the open, displayed on pallets and on the ground. Antique enthusiasts and collectors like myself gathered to bid on a treasure trove of vintage items and collectibles. The thrill of the bidding wars, the history behind each item, and the chance to discover hidden gems was something I truly missed.
I always enjoy and loathe (lol) the winning of a lot box. Basically you are bidding on one item you really want but have to take the whole box, mostly stuff you’ll end up donating or sending to recycling. I won two such boxes 🙁 🙂 as well as I bid and won a vintage Medalta pottery crock (another collecting passion of mine).
On top of all the above listed adventures I managed to learn to drive a swather (cutting hay), I went strawberry picking and made strawberry shortcake (it just tastes better with fresh strawberries). I’ll put the recipe in the Members Only Library! As well as strawberries, toward the end of the month, I stumbled upon a fresh fruit vendor along the side of the road, selling fresh picked blueberries – I bought 12 lbs haha. I made one blueberry pie and a blueberry loaf from scratch. The rest of the blueberries are frozen and will be used for either jam and definitely another loaf. I managed to get a picture of the blueberry pie before it was totally gone but not the blueberry loaf – poof that was gone in minutes.
I went to several yard and garage sales, at one, I purchased six wooden vintage kitchen chairs and managed to “tetris” them into the back of my SUV. I also took a free 10-day online yoga challenge with my friend Amelia from the blog Youcanalwaysstartnow. She is my person that helps ground me and motivate me to do fun and challenging things. I took a day trip on Canada’s first highway (The Victoria Trail) and I squeezed in making a dozen birthstone candles that are for sale at a local shop.
Overall, July has been a month of adventure, excitement, and pursuing my passions. From the heart-pounding action of the rodeo to the tranquil beauty of the countryside and the joy of collecting and making, this month has been one for the books. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for me!
I also managed to squeeze out two other posts this month, one introduced the member only library that is getting packed full of wandaful free items – one such being a Summer Bucket List (but not your usual type). Go check it out here
The other post was about gift giving and incorporating the five senses into the gifts you give – see that here
How is your summer going? What kind of events are on your bucket list?
As always, thanks for stopping by.You can follow me at all these lovely places.
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WOW what a month. You packed a lot in. Love the dishes – happy looking. All about making and taking in experiences!
Yes was a busy month. Thank you for describing my dishes, you always say the right thing 🙂 xoxo