French Connection

Bonjour!
I just got back from spending a few days visiting with my girls

and attending the Junk Bonanza extravaganza.  We went to the sale on Friday

 right after our breakfast of coffee and muffins at French Meadow.

A few days before I was scheduled to drive to Minneapolis, I received a surprise package

 in the mail from my friend Tracy (Crow's Feet Chic) whom I've never met in person,

 but through our blogs I've discovered we are kindred spirits.  Knowing my odd fascination with
 vintage sock monkeys and my love of coffee, she crocheted a coffee cozy for me

and my two daughters who share my coffee addiction.

Of course the monkeys had to ham it up for the camera!   Did I mention that they are French?
  Oui, oui!  They traveled all the way from Alberta, Canada where they are fluent in French.
  They even charmed the staff at French Meadow.  Potential new market, Tracy?

(Me, daughter Megan, my mother, and daughter Julie.)

I talked a film student into taking a group photo outside of the restaurant.

We were charged up and ready to shop!!!

I also found what I thought was a dog bootie in the package from Tracy.  Hmmmm.....

I had to read her note to find out it's a cell phone cozy!  She correctly guessed

the size of my very old, not vintage, just old and outdated cell phone.

I didn't bring my camera into the sale, but here are the few small items I purchased.

I purchased these vintage hangers from the charming Linda (Itsy Bits and Pieces) and the goodie bag was a bonus!  Linda and her daughter Liana were busy with customers, but they took a few minutes of their time to chat with me.  I've followed Linda's blog since just after last years' J.B., so it was fun to meet her and her daughter in person and see all the wonderful treasures packed into their space.

I picked up these sweet little shoes to place on a dresser.

There were plenty of vintage clocks to pick from, but this one caught my fancy.

My purchases were small, but between the 3 of us, we filled up my daughter's truck.
We had to leave plenty of room in back for our next stop at IKEA to pick up her
very heavy wood countertops and farmhouse sink.  At the end of the day, we met
the rest of my girlie relatives for a late dinner and gab fest.  It was exhausting, but fun.
Can't wait 'till the next sale in April!

In closing, I'd like to thank these thoughtful and generous blog friends
 I've become acquainted with this past year:

*Merci Tracy (Crow's Feet Chic) for the crocheted goodies exported from Canada!

*Thank you Debra (Common Ground) for featuring my blog on this week's

Vintage Inspiration Friday where there's a party every Friday!

*And thank you Anne (White Lace Cottage)
for sending me this vintage first-aid kit earlier this summer!

Au revoir for now,
Vickie