Wednesday, September 20, 2006

A Hidden Gem

In this family, Saturday mornings from May to October are reserved for a sport known as "Garage Saling", which entails getting up rather early, gulping down a coffee or two and jumping into the van. Then we're off in search of the perfect 'thing'. Who knows what it will be on that day, but we never return empty handed. There are always treasures waiting to be found. I've taken to looking for handmade bunnies of any kind, vintage aprons and linens, and cookbooks. My Dad likes old tools and lighters that are replicas of old handguns. Mom usually digs for pretty teacups and saucers or things that remind her of her childhood. It's a fun sport and look forward to it every weekend.


A few weeks ago we followed some arrows which eventually led us to a really interesting spot, the Middleton Memory Lane Train Museum (and flea market). Luckily I had my camera in tow and snapped a few photos. We discovered the very friendly curator Mr. Terrance Hyson who quickly followed my lead and took out his own camera and photographed me in return. What a wonderful character he turned out to be- full of life and fascinating information, all with twinkles in his eyes.

Are elderly men not just the cutest things on earth??

The Museum also has a miniature outdoor railroad set up amid a charming garden.

It's all a bit kitsch but sweet.

I now know where all those stolen trolls are hiding!





8 comments:

MsDemmie said...

Thats where all the garden gnomes go ........

verniciousknids said...

He totally looks like an old-time train conductor!

Unknown said...

we went to a place while on vacation which was just like this! We loved it as well.. :)

Monique said...

ohhhhh I miss garage saling - I used to do that ALL the time!

Writer and Nomad said...

i love garage sales. it always feels like you're getting a bargain on whatever stuff you take home.

Anonymous said...

That train looks great! Sometimes I think I like all the details in the surroundings more than the model trains themselves - folks put so much work into those setups!

Turtle Guy said...

OMG, it's a train! I love you! I love trains!! Oh, let me soak this one in for just a moment...

Tracie P. said...

oh it's jim neighbors!