Welcome August ~What Happened to July ~My Granny Nanny Report

My last blog report was posted after our Friends Trip to

Minneapolis for Baseball, Shopping, Food, and Fun.

From there, Hubby and I went our separate ways…

He left me at the airport, as my plans were to stay with family in 

Georgia and help with childcare. Our daughter’s

Maternity Leave was coming to an end.

Hubby went home to take care of our house and yard,

his mother, their golf team,

and last, but not least, Gracie and Mazzie.

Our weekend was spent around the house,   getting reacquainted and

 organized for the work week.

Monday morning started with a Daughter & Daddy walk to school.

Gigi and Baby sat on the porch to wave Goodbye

and listen to the birds singing their morning song.

Mama went to her office. 

Our day was filled with bottles, naps, toys, and tummy time.

It’s awesome that I was able to spend time 

with both sets of grandchildren.

Stay tuned for more about my month spent in Georgia.

This Gigi’s heart is happy 🥰

Take care,

~Natalie

It’s my Etsy Anniversary ~Tins and Treasures ~Celebrating Seventeen Years ~The Sewing Studio Helper Cats

This Retired Empty Nester opened her

 Tins and Treasures Etsy Shop

 on July 11, 2008

A first step was choosing a name for my blog and the shop…

A name that gives clues about what shoppers can expect when browsing on Etsy.

“Tins” are some of my more unique items,

created from recycled food tins that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

Layers of paint; a fabric or paper image; and often a calico covered wire handle.

Everything else can be considered “Treasures”

Thus “Tins and Treasures”

Much of my work happens here in the Sewing Studio.

On the left, Mrs. Pfaff, my Serger.

Next, Miss Sapphire, who does most of the work.

On the end, Miss Elna, who sews on paper. 

My materials are all upcycled,

like the drapery fabric samples used for these birds.

Or from my Vintage Notions stash,

like the lace and ribbon.

Gingerbread Men cut from upcycled upholstery fabric with

Vintage Buttons, Ribbon, and Ric Rac.

Hand Warmers created from Vintage Wool Skirts…

Yes, my old teacher skirts.

When one orders from Etsy, the package is often

shipped with a personal note.

These are my business card holders.

I take a project bag everywhere we go.

I can get lots of hand stitching done when

we travel to visit our family.

I shop Thrift Stores to find Autumn Sweaters to create

Sweater-Sleeve Pumpkins.

A Chenille Bedspread is a great find…

Perfect for Snowmen.

These hats are created with the Ribbed Cuff of an Old Sock.

Hubby hand-turns all the pedestals

with leftover scraps of wood out in his shop.

I must mention the Helper Cats I’ve had over the years.

This is Callie, one of the very best.

Lizzie loved sitting on the sewing machine counter

to look out the window. We miss her presence.

And now, our two kittens. They are learning.

This is Gracie.

She seems to approve of this upcycled Shirting Plaid.

And Mazzie, who might be a little too curious

about that needle going up and down!

Folks often ask, how long have I been sewing and crafting?

Well, my mother wouldn’t let me sew on her machine until I was 10 years old.

Before that I did cutting, pinning, and hand sewing.

So, I guess my answer is, at least 60 years.

Maybe you remember when this happened?

Typically I sew, knit, or crochet, nearly every day.

Yeah, I was missing my time with Pfaff, Sapphire, and Elna.

I am glad I can be back in my Sewing Studio.

Preparing two packages for shipping…

This Etsy Seller, doing the Happy Dance for 17 years.

Take care,

~Natalie

Independence Day 2025 ~America’s Favorite Pastime ~There’s No Better Way to Spend the Day

Having lifelong Special Friends is Priceless.

We four have taken a trip together nearly every year

since before we had children.

Usually on Independence Day…

…and usually to a Minnesota Twins Baseball Game.

This year was no different.

July 4, 2025

Heat index of 93°

It was Hot and Humid at Target Field, 

but the game did not disappoint.

Bottom of the ninth inning,

a walk-off home run by the Home Team for the win!

We got to Target Field early to

enjoy the Pregame Party on the Plaza.

Who all remembers the Johnny Holm Band?

We danced and sang along with Johnny in the 70s.

He and his band are still entertaining fans of all ages.

We have taken advantage of all the photo ops

at Target Field over the years.

We’ve gotten there early for the Fan Freebies.

Last year we all got Carlos Correa jerseys.

Thanks for the Memories, dear friends.

Take care,

~Natalie

Birthday 2025 ~Here’s my Report ~My Family and Friends, They Spoil Me ~Thank You, Everyone for your Heartfelt Messages

Birthday 1958

My mother baked a German Chocolate Cake

to celebrate my special day..every..single..year..

And oh, how I am now craving that

sweet Homemade Pecan Coconut filling,

between the layers of moist rich dark chocolate cake.

Birthday 2025

These special friends came out to celebrate with us.

Hubby and I shared the Walleye Fingers, along with a side salad,

One of our favorites.

Another favorite is when this long-time friend comes to visit.

We met our Freshmen Year at NDSU,

and have stayed in touch for five decades.

The best gifts for senior friends are consumable,

like this package of beverage napkins for my morning coffee.

I’m also lovin’ this protein packed salad topping. 

Bee’s Wrap and a cute Kitchen Towel, with a cat theme,

all make me smile.

Thank you, Wendy and Debra.

Wait, there’s more…

Self care items, much appreciated.

Thank you Hubby, Wendy, Debra, and Shirley.

Birthday 1960

Why is everyone so serious?

Everyone, except my friend Karen.

She looks delighted to be at my Birthday Party.

I love this year’s cards,

My family and friends know me well.

Birthday 1963

I’m leaving you with this photo.

Check out those  Birthday hats…

I have no words.

Birthday 2025

Thank you, Family and Friends, for 

Making me feel like Royalty.

Take care,

~Natalie

CF Alumni Days 2025 ~Now a Memory

We girls have been planning this little reunion for weeks.

We enjoyed a weekend of reminiscing about Cheer Practice, Bus Trips,

Ball Games, Classes, Teachers, Sleepovers, and Christmas Parties.

We caught up on life… family, children, grandchildren,

careers, hobbies, parents, siblings, travel, and so much more!

Our mini-reunion preceded our annual Alumni Days.

When we were children, the weekend was called Ferry Days.

My Daddy would go to town early, along with the rest of the Men’s Club. 

They would start the meat in the pit to smoke all day.

There were Carnival Rides, Softball Games,

4-H Judging, and a Parade.

We girls looked at old albums and decided to try

and recreate this photo.

We Seniors posed in front…

Here we are 50+ years later… I guess we’re all “Seniors” now,

And getting up off the floor is not as easy as it used to be.

Haha 😛

Before we knew it, it was time to join all

the others at the Alumni Days.

Saturday was a full day of All School Alumni Activities.

Of course, there was no shortage of good food.

We had a big lunch and even bigger dinner.

We toured the cemetery, learning history of the community’s founders.

I enjoyed the presentations by Carol, Susan, and Karen.

This is my Mother’s side of the family.

Here are the Welo descendants in attendance.

Remember last year, we toured the Antiochia cemetery.

Here are the Kirkeide descendants,

My father’s side of the family, that were in attendance.

Next to spending time with friends and family,

this is one of my favorite events at Alumni Days.

The Horse Drawn Wagon Rides.

Making Sweet Memories

Being a “Farm Girl”, I really enjoy listening to the “City Boys”

sharing stories about who lived where,

and all the shenanigans that they all got into.

My Grandma lived in town and I stayed with her for several months after

my daddy’s accident. She lived on the south side of the tracks.

I graduated in a class of ten. These were the seven that

 gathered last year to celebrate our 50 years.

Six of the seven made it back this year.

Thanks for the Memories

See Y’all in 2026!

Take care,

~Natalie