Some of the Loot we dragged home!

If you've been reading my posts of late you know that we've been cleaning out my dear MIL's apartment after moving her to assisted living.  It was mind-blowing to realize she had so much packed into a small two -bedroom place with an attached garage.  Dave and I really had to restrain ourselves as to what we hauled home fearing we are probably the next generation of hoarders. But...there were a few things of interest to both of us that we thought we could make use of and we've hauled away a few of our own possessions to make room for the stuff we decided to keep.

So here's a few pics of some of the loot... you may get a laugh or two from our choices!

The old trunk in the above and below photo.  No clue as to the family history if any. It is in wonderful condition and still has the inside tray. What we found interesting was the labels on the outside showing Sweden as the place it was originally from.  The paper pieces that gave instructions to hold for pick-up and to whom the trunk was to be delivered are still intact. 

Our excuse for bringing it home... it makes a good end table in the man-cave in the basement!  And we can store blankets and quilts in the off season.  

A knit granny-square afghan. Hmmmmm... for some reason this caught both of our eyes and I was kind of surprised when Dave said he liked it!  I don't think his mother made this... but was probably a gift to her. 

It has interesting colors and textured yarns.  Mutually agreed upon that the back of the couch in the man-cave was a good spot to display it!

I have a weakness for old ironstone. Especially old pitchers. This one is cracked but still holds water. I think it will be a nice vase for cut flowers and for now is in the living room being admired.

This old Postmaster cigar box was interesting. I am storing my postage stamps in it for now. I really don't have a nice spot to display it so it may live here temporarily. But isn't it fun!

Now here is a piece that has family history!  An old Red Wing sponge band batter bowl! It belonged to Dave's grandmother ( his mother's mother) and almost got sold on an auction they had when his mother sold their farm.  I noticed it on the auction wagon and mentioned that it had significant value. His mother snatched it back and proclaimed it belonged to her mother and wouldn't be sold on the auction that day!  I've had my eye on it ever since.  It took us awhile to unearth it from the tons of stuff packed away in that apartment.  But I kept digging and there it was!  

I am happy to add it to a couple of other pieces of Red Wing sponge band that I've collected over the years. Notice the wooden handle on the bowl still retains most of the original blue paint.  

A treasure indeed.  And one I've waited 23 years to acquire! 

There is more "stuff"!  Sigh.....  more photos to come!

Cathy G