Wanna shop for fleas?
For years, I've heard about the Flea Market in What Cheer, Iowa, but never made the trip. Several weeks ago when I googled the 2009 dates and found the first Flea Market of the year to be this past weekend, I said "we're going." My mom came down on Friday night, so we could get a bright and early start on Saturday morning. We loaded up the stroller, the diaper bag, some light blankets (since the day was to start at about 45 degrees), snacks, and, of course, my camera. We pulled out of the driveway about 7:45 a.m., with our 2 hour drive ahead of us.
Once there, we found cool stuff, junk, and everything in between. In the picture below, you'll see Goldie is keeping her foot on one of the great finds for the day.
Goldie in front, Virginia in back
There's Grandma making a deal on a really interesting pillow.
When it was time for lunch, there was a line waiting for food. Seating was limited. We found a bench outside the building and parked Grandma and the girls in the stroller there. I went in and got the food. After cutting up the hot dogs, I gave Virginia the paper "tray" and told her we had to make room on her lap for it. Without hesitating she swung her left leg over the edge of the stroller, giving her just enough room to hold the "tray" between her legs. What a trooper!
Virginia eating lunch.
Two of the three things I purchased were from the same vender. We probably could have found more, too! She had a graphic quilt that caught our attention. I didn't buy it at first sight though...had to think about all the things I'd seen and what I really wanted. We headed for lunch, and to ponder our purchases. I knew if was meant to be, it would still be there. Over our ham and turkey sandwiches Mom and I discussed the pros and cons of the wooden hay fork, a child's bench, a drying rack, and the quilt. After narrowing it down to the hay fork and the quilt, we walked first to the booth where the hay fork was. Gone. That sealed the deal, I was going to buy the quilt. Back we went to get it.
What good sports the girls are! We loaded up the quilt and headed for the car.
Goldie in front, Virginia in back.
Our trip continued on to Wellman to the Reha Greenhouse. The owner's daughter is married to one of Jeff's college fraternity brothers. Same story as before...I've told them for years that I would come and never have gotten there. It was a quick 30 minute ride from the Flea Market to the greenhouse, so that was great. And, what beautiful plants. We purchased several annuals for our front yard. Goldie scrapped her nose on something. I'll take pictures of the flowers as the summer goes on. I will make this trip again.
The last stop was at the Williamsburg Outlet Mall. Mom stayed with the girls in the car, as they were sleeping when we arrived. I walked as fast as I could up and down the stores looking for a red dress for MQS. I hit the jackpot at Coldwater Creek outlet. A shiny red outfit of wrap top and cropped pants. Perfect! I even have shoes at home that will work with it. Even better.
Off to home we headed. A great day for all. The girls were angels, as always.
Once there, we found cool stuff, junk, and everything in between. In the picture below, you'll see Goldie is keeping her foot on one of the great finds for the day.
Goldie in front, Virginia in back
There's Grandma making a deal on a really interesting pillow.
When it was time for lunch, there was a line waiting for food. Seating was limited. We found a bench outside the building and parked Grandma and the girls in the stroller there. I went in and got the food. After cutting up the hot dogs, I gave Virginia the paper "tray" and told her we had to make room on her lap for it. Without hesitating she swung her left leg over the edge of the stroller, giving her just enough room to hold the "tray" between her legs. What a trooper!
Virginia eating lunch.
Two of the three things I purchased were from the same vender. We probably could have found more, too! She had a graphic quilt that caught our attention. I didn't buy it at first sight though...had to think about all the things I'd seen and what I really wanted. We headed for lunch, and to ponder our purchases. I knew if was meant to be, it would still be there. Over our ham and turkey sandwiches Mom and I discussed the pros and cons of the wooden hay fork, a child's bench, a drying rack, and the quilt. After narrowing it down to the hay fork and the quilt, we walked first to the booth where the hay fork was. Gone. That sealed the deal, I was going to buy the quilt. Back we went to get it.
What good sports the girls are! We loaded up the quilt and headed for the car.
Goldie in front, Virginia in back.
Our trip continued on to Wellman to the Reha Greenhouse. The owner's daughter is married to one of Jeff's college fraternity brothers. Same story as before...I've told them for years that I would come and never have gotten there. It was a quick 30 minute ride from the Flea Market to the greenhouse, so that was great. And, what beautiful plants. We purchased several annuals for our front yard. Goldie scrapped her nose on something. I'll take pictures of the flowers as the summer goes on. I will make this trip again.
The last stop was at the Williamsburg Outlet Mall. Mom stayed with the girls in the car, as they were sleeping when we arrived. I walked as fast as I could up and down the stores looking for a red dress for MQS. I hit the jackpot at Coldwater Creek outlet. A shiny red outfit of wrap top and cropped pants. Perfect! I even have shoes at home that will work with it. Even better.
Off to home we headed. A great day for all. The girls were angels, as always.
Ah, what a perfect day! I wish I could have gone with you!!!!
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I've never been to the Flea Market in What Cheer but my mom and dad used to go all the time (probably have things they've given me that may have been bought there). Only last week while visiting my mother, she got to talking about flea markets and What Cheer. I just like the sound of the name!
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I loved this post. Looks like so much fun.
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