On The Road With Donna- Chili Cook Off Weekend

Have my coffee in me, shoes tied, dog walked and keys in hand. I'm headed to the supermarket to acquire all my ingredients for the chili cook off contest at Fratz Consignment this weekend. I LOVE this place for the great people that work there (my daughter included of course;)), the atmosphere and the fun they are always having. This weekend is Hunters Weekend with Dart discounts, food and lots of great merchandise.I, unfortunately will not be there due to other travels which you will soon learn about. I promised I would cook up my two chilis and freeze them until Saturday and hope you all get a chance to stop in there and enjoy a sample of each and vote for your favorite too of course!

So many places having great things going on and if your a junker, consignment store/ antique finder like I am then make sure you stop on in at on Torrey in Fenton, The Treasure Chest on Thompson Road (next to Sharp Heating) in Fenton, which I must also add the owners are two of the nicest and fun people around and a MUST to stop into, The antique barn in Rankin, a gift of thrift in Argentine and never forget Battle Alley in Holly. These are my favorites but I could list so many more.

I love the thrill and adventure of auctions too. Too buy up the left overs, go through the boxes and see what mystery treasure I have acquired is one of the greatest of simple pleasures around. My home is always filled with the latest finds and being an old farm house I love vintage. My favorite piece (at the moment) is a hutch in my kitchen made of all maple by st johns furniture. Its really not that old (30 plus years) but when I spotted it in the consignment store I was pleasantly surprised. The last one I seen is a set sitting at my moms in Florida.Then when I acquired it and brought it home it gave me a great sense of comfort. St Johns furniture is/was manufactured in Cadillac, Michigan. Not far from our farm where I grew up. Memories come rushing back to me when I sit here every morning and gaze at this hutch and hope to find the corner hutch that goes with it to complete the set. I will do it!!

Well, I'm off to get the ingredients and do a few massages before returning and warming the kitchen with great tasty smells and homemade cornbread too.Take care-D.