The Annual Tea Party At Stanley's Tea Room Held 10 4 09

I started hosting Tea Parties about four years ago. Each one is a different theme. This year I had help from my great friend Ann (aka Sparkle). We decided to add "crafting" to the party. It was a huge success! Ann made a special ghost box for each guest. Inside was precut contents to make Halloween treat holders. We also made a couple of cards. I must say this was the best Tea Party yet. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much that we are planning on doing another one in November to make Christmas items!

Rain and More Rain

We were back at it by about 7:30 am again this morning. We were making good progress when the clouds moved in. Mike went up to the garage to check out the weather on the TV and returned to let us know that a storm was going to hit in about thirty minutes. Since Nephew Mike rode his bike he decided to leave to avoid riding in the rain.

Shortly after he left (11:30ish) as Mike and I were trying to finish up the 2nd row on the South side it hit- the temperature dropped, the winds picked up and the rain started. Luckily I had put everything that needed to be out of the rain in the back of the trailer on the ATV and Mike jumped on it and pulled it into the garage. I quickly covered the bags of mortar and headed for the garage. We were almost half way done with the second row on the South side when the storm hit.

While we were waiting for it to pass I went into the house and Mike stayed in the garage. About 40 minutes later the clouds parted and the sun came back out so we headed back down and finished the South wall.

Handcrafted "Mini" barns

My nephews are very talented craftsmen and so when I asked them if they could build a mini barn I knew they would have no trouble creating one. My hope is to find a unique gift shop or shops in Independence or Galena to market them. Each barn is completely handcrafted with great detail. As you can see from the photos I have added these barns have doors that open, beam structures that can be seen by lifting the roof and each barn is made from oak.



Here are some photos as one barn was being crafted by Alex:

These barns are constructed with great care and precision. Each barn is personally signed for true authenticity. These barns are treasures that can be handed down as heirlooms.