Tuesday, March 29, 2011

so much going on...catching up

Finally an hour to catch up on all that has been happening. So excited about the Pottstown Garden club photography contest. Unfortunately, my new garden will not be in full bloom until after the April 30th deadline. I am hoping they run it again next year, so we can all capture our summer gardens for submission..

I discovered a wonderful new and interesting place for entertainment. There is a charming Artisan style Bed and Breakfast.. way up in Bally. Landhaven is owned by a delightful couple, Ed and Donna Land and They have been restoring the former Huff's Church store. They have adapted large store area into a fabulous BYOB venue for singer song writers. They can seat approx 80 people and have added a great sound system. On the other side of the building they created 5 terrific guest rooms, all with state of the art spa baths. I like that they gave each room it's own name reflecting previous owner's of the store. They have a full venue of concerts and its all on their website www.landhavenbandb.com. A must check out for the music lovers.

I also recently visited the Reading/Berks fine arts and crafts festival in Kutztown. After experiencing the OJR arts and craft show...it was a bit disappointing. It was a smaller show and although they did have wonderful music It lacked the diversity of the OJR show.

On the way home, I did satisfy my thirst for artistic inspiration with a visit to the Dancing Tree Creations,off rte 73.(www.dancingtreecreations.com) Lynn and Beth have increased their offerings greatly and are adding an outside garden art section for the spring. It was great to visit and pick up a few gifts and hear their plans. I know it will be exciting. You must check them out....

So now.. I will just wait until the temperatures are warm enough to get started in my new gardens. Happy spring!

Monday, March 7, 2011

The OJR craft show...

First of All, let me make it clear that this was no ordinary "craft" show...The quality of products offered by the juried vendors was exquisite to say the least and very, very affordable.

This was my first time attending this show and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the beautiful and creative wares. When I returned home I asked several friends and neighbors if they were aware of it and none where...so my mission for next year is to alert all my art loving friends to this wonderful event...and to save up lots of money to spend there...

I also discovered from one of the artisans that they will also be at the Kutztown Univ for the Reading/Berks Fine Art fair on March 26th and 27th....hope to see you there....enjoy

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Home Show in Oaks

It was a blustery but bright day for my trip to the Suburban Home Show in Oaks..and worth the trip and the entrance fee..I wasn't able to attend on the Free day Thursday, but this show definitely was worth it. When I entered I was delighted with the sight of beautiful Landscape designs complete with grass and flowers surrounded by waterfalls...and if that doesn't get one's heart in the mood for spring, I don't know what will.

The vendors where the usual heating systems,all kinds of windows and awnings, roofing contractors and other hard building suppliers, but also grand spa's and wonderful outdoor lighting, drapery workrooms and garden suppliers. There where gift and food vendors and even a few musicians as well as entire modular home that you could walk through..and boy,they have come a long way in design and layout.

They also had an interesting schedule of speakers on a variety of subjects... but I was not able to attend at the time they were scheduled.

I was taken in by one supplier selling exotic flowering bulbs that I have never seen before. Before I knew it my checkbook was out and my new garden spots all planned. Now I just have to wait til planting time.

This show was definitely worth the entrance fee and if you didn't make it this year, put it on your schedule for next year.
My next adventure will be the Valley Forge Home Show March 24th thru 27th. My only concern is whether or not to take my check book...