My farm kitchen

I call the place a farm, so I suppose this is a typical "farm kitchen." I grew up going to my paternal Grandma's farm, where guests would sit in her kitchen for hours. This sign was in her kitchen for as long as I can remember. Now, it hangs in my kitchen.

I have always made an effort to model my kitchens after Grandma's kitchen. Take for instance, the tablecloth. They are inexpensive, I usually have one for whatever season or holiday we are celebrating. Grandma's was probably oilcloth. This table is Doug's old table and he originally had four chairs. I found the two "school" chairs on highway 40 when antiquing. I brought them home and all six chairs received a fresh coat of green paint. The clippings taped to the cabinet door are paint samples. I want to paint the cabinets a cream color. Perhaps this spring or summer. Would you like a closer look? Everyday. Because every day is special. My Pfaltzcraft pattern, Naturewood.

Everyday silver. I found this wonderful set in an antique mall in Hagerstown, IN and was able to convince the seller to come down a bit in price. It is a wonderful set in one of those old wooden storage boxes with serving pieces. If you use silver everyday, it doesn't tarnish much. I only clean it once or twice a year. Lead crystal glasses from France. Initially, I gave the shop owner a fit by buying one for myself. She told me later that she thought "who would break up a set and just buy one of these?" Doug went back later and bought the rest of the set for me for Christmas. I love dragonflies. These glasses are heavy and feel very solid in your hand.A subtle hint.

My veg hog vegetable brush. I never use him. I just think he is cute. He makes me smile.

Antique wine glasses that Doug bought for me at this winery, for our first Christmas.

Doug's favorite mug, sugar dish, sweetener, honey, (tea strainer), various coffee toppings and a collection of silver spoons.
A closer look at the silver spoons. I love collecting them. I love to buy old things and use them. I use silver every day. It makes me feel special. I also like to think of it as being environmental and sustainable. I like to think about who used it before me, the lady stirring her tea, offering a gentleman caller refreshment.

Reproduction canisters. My original recipe box from 1978.
New Castle, Indiana - my home town. Home of the "Hoosier cabinet." I also like old jars. I use them, too. The pottery is by Terry Dukeman, of New Castle.

A closer look at my rooster. Isn't he handsome?


This hung in the kitchen of my previous home for many years. This is the theme of our home. My daughter even made a song up about it. That is the end of the tour, for now. Hopefully, these photos will serve as my "before" pictures.