IMG_0573 IMG_0572 IMG_0571  IMG_0566IMG_0568IMG_0569  IMG_0567 IMG_0570   IMG_0563 IMG_0562 IMG_0561 IMG_0560 IMG_0559IMG_0574IMG_0564IMG_0565

Things were looking pretty vintage on Saturday morning, an adjective that best described my time out with Jon and Brad.  We went to a humble car show in south St. Louis.  I’d say the gathering boasted no more than 20 cars on a roped off side lot.  As you can see from the pictures the cars ranged from the usual to the unique.  Proud owners and curious show goers  walked about, talking, drinking beer, and admiring.  The people held a common thread: a love for the automobile.  The cars held a common thread: vintage.  And it is no surprise that this word best describes not only the car show, but the business the lot was attached to.  The car show was hosted by The Future Antiques, a wonderful antique store located just south of the city.  We managed to spend more time in the store than we did the car show.  It was well worth it…so well organized by theme…over here is the bar ware, over there is the tupperware.  Down the aisle we found cats, and up the aisle we found hats.  Not only was it beautifully arranged down to the last detail it was also clean, fresh, and easy to shop…To top it all off the customer service was very much from yesteryear…a time when people were attentive, polite, and without agenda.  More than once we talked with Steve, Claude, or Bruce as we navigated back and forth, to and from each unique display.  I would be remiss if I did not mention the nice girl behind the jewelry counter.  She seemed to know her way around a strand of glass beads, as I overheard her giving tips to a customer.   And don’t be fooled by Dean with the dreamy blue eyes (the resident mannequin), he tends to be the eye candy of the place with a bit of a cold shoulder, LOL. While I don’t believe there were Gremlins inside the store, I do know the basic premise is that all items be from the 1950s to the 1970s.  This is much unlike the usual antique stores here in St. Louis.  It seems we must wade our way through knock-offs, recreations, consignments, etc.  Not so at TFA.  It’s the real deal, a true walk down memory lane.  Whether you’re looking for a pink flamingo, velvet handbag, or a poodle salt and pepper shaker set, this great shop has it all.  Son Jon says it is : The past bought today for tomorrow.  Thank you to The Future Antiques for a great day spent reminiscing about cars, kitchen tables, and clocks with pointy things.

This is not necessarily a clock from TFA, but pointy nonetheless.

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Debbie | 7 Comments

Ridin’ Shotgun – May 10, 2013

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Debbie

Just another Friday for this mid-western mother of two housewife? I don’t think so.  What a great day it was to take off work and spend it with my youngest son, Michael!  This is a kid that knows how to be himself, shine in any circumstance, and nonchalantly swagger through a room or down a road. He does all of this without a negotiated pre-thought or agenda.  In true individual style he chose to wear a suit that he had just come in to from our dear Uncle Dan.  While the suit may appear to be from the ‘80s, Mike Nuessle made it seem like something that all the kids want, all the adults admire.  This suit, holding the memories of a young Uncle Dan came back to life when our Vianney High School Senior  decided it was a perfect fit in so many ways.

When we arrived at the church for phase one of our Mother/Son Mass and brunch, compliments were thrown about like confetti.  The first few were for our parking lot entrance in his ’72 Cutlass. The next several felt like the flashing bulbs of a red carpet walk.  Teachers and fellow classmates alike made mention of his appearance.  This continued during phase two as we enjoyed our brunch at Holiday inn with his highschool cohorts and soon-to-be college roommates.    The suit had arrived, but little does Michael know that it wasn’t the suit that turned heads that day…it was his individuality, knowing the difference between off the rack and off the cuff.   It wasn’t the fact that he drives a pretty cool car, it’s his non-wavering appreciation for the nostalgic, his love for the difference between off the lot and off the line.  Michael has always shone without the sun, he has always had an amazing reflection without a shadow, and he has always walked forward without an over-the shoulder notion.

Our drive from the church to brunch brought with it the highlight of my day.  Sitting in the shotgun seat I didn’t feel like he was driving Miss Daisy.  I felt like I was cruising with my son.  Stoplights are important in the hotrod world.  Whether it’s the Christmas tree that sends you forth down a quarter mile track, a yellow light-slow roll that makes you look around and notice that someone notices you, or whether you pull up and make eye contact with a friend who is also driving his mom to brunch.  Michael pointed at the light, smiled, then looked forward.  I knew it was coming.  Cutlass warmed up, windows rolled down, and K-SHE 95 on the radio that boasted a cassette tape player…the sound of both back tires turned equally against the black top, Michael held fast and steady to the steering wheel, and I waved out the window to our friends.

Church was good, meal was good, but this was the best moment of the day.  Though we are both so grateful to have spent the day with our new close friends of his high school journey, Michael and I don’t really go for forced socializing. We’re more one-on-one, make it count.   I didn’t know Uncle Dan all that well, but from the few times I spent talking with him I felt like he was a pretty great guy of few words. I’m sure he did his share of swaggering in that same suit, and with the same ease as Michael does.  I’m hoping he approves of the young man who now owns that suit, and the future unexpected and unplanned moments created on a dime and off the line by Michael.  Unexpected and unplanned…that’s what happened at that stoplight.  It wasn’t a race, it was a moment in time that occurred naturally.  It was the Mike Nuessle swagger and it was me riding in the shotgun seat of my amazing son’s ’72 Cutlass.

Final Note:  It’s a good thing that Michael does not follow my blog becuase he would not be happy with all this attention I have brought about by my words.

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Mother’s Day is coming and hoping Brad will take the hint! 🙂

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/ford/2013-ford-mustang-shelby-gt500-ar106552.html

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Debbie | Leave a comment

Mom and I plan on doing a few getaways this summer…Chicago and Route 66 are two that are in the early planning stages. You may not believe this, but there’s the world’s largest rocking chair waiting for us somewhere along Hwy 44.   However, it’s a proven fact that we don’t need to leave our hometown to feel like we’re taking a break from the rest of the world.  There are many times that we start with breakfast, hit all of our favorite stores, have dinner, then end up on the front porch.  We always have a great time whenever we’re together.  Moments are filled with finding the perfect pair of flip-flops, a new purse, (because we don’t have near enough of either!), or a new-fangled craft gadget that will help us perfect our newest endeavor. (We have so few of those, as well, LOL).  While the picture may imply “retail therapy”, no purchase could ever replace our very favorite thing… the moments spent laughing.  These are moments that I feel so fortunate to share with my wonderful mom.  It never gets old, no matter how old we get.  The posted picture may not be my mom’s car exactly, but it certainly depicts a fabulous day out with the most fabulous person I know.  The well-toned arms and perfectly manicured nails are pretty true to form, however.  🙂

Retail Therapy

Posted on May 4, 2013 by Debbie | 9 Comments

A Note from Mom – April 27, 2014.

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Debbie

This is the note I found tucked under my doormat when I came home after a long week of school yesterday.

Dear Debbie Do, I’ve had Chevys all my life.  The first one was a ’58 from the in-laws.  The first family car was a Red ’63 Sting Ray.  Over the years we’ve had a lot of different models, including a convertible Blazer and a couple of trucks.  They were all Chevys.   My favorite of all was our ’68 Camaro.  It was mine while the 4-Wheel Drives were your father’s.  I now have a 2001 Red Cavalier Z24 with a sunroof.  That’s as sporty as I get at age 70.  Although I think I still have time to get one more Red Chevy.    Yes, you came from a Chevy family, but you manage to have a style of your own.  You are unique in everything you do.  I am so proud of you and your father would be, too.  Here’s a big UGO GIRL, RAY-BAN.  Don’t give up on your blog.  Now that I have my laptop up and running I will follow you more.  If only I could spell. LOL  Love, Mom

P.S. I can’t wait to take our day trip down Route 66…soon I hope, and bring your camera. 

Thoughts of my own:  My mom is the best, the greatest, and such a gift in my life. When I saw her hand written note I was not surprised.  She is always doing things for everyone.  Her newly purchased laptop with Windows 8 has held some glitches.  But she is very determined and can figure most anything out.  Heck, we can walk through Bucheit (the local farm and feed store) and she can figure out what everything in there is used for.  She knows how to handle most power tools and can put on her own siding.  Also, she was holding back on the car anecdotes.  I believe she learned how to drive a stick shift all by herself, and they knew her well at the DMV with her many attempts to get her license with that ’63 Vette.   There was a Monte Carlo, a Malibu Classic, and she left off the Chevette that she owned for 12 years.    While I can boast only 1 ticket in my whole life that Chevette was the first car I got pulled over in at Winter Brothers Park.  Apparently 15 means 15 and not 50.  On a final note…she definitely has another sporty Red Chevy left in her.  I would love to see her in a Cobalt…oh, really a Camaro.  As I get older she seems to get younger.  Her attitude never changes.  In fact, her positive attitude is the best gift she has ever passed along to me.  Love you Mom!     She shared with me a stack of pictures today.  I’ll pass along some of them, and save some for another post or two.   Psst, Chevys are pretty cool!!

What a car! '63 Vette

What a car! ’63 Vette

The Convertible K5 Blazer

The Convertible K5 Blazer

Mom's '68 Camaro

Mom’s ’68 Camaro

Dad upgraded with a lift kit, roll bar, and KC lights.

Dad upgraded with a lift kit, roll bar, and KC lights.

Mom owned this Chevette for 12 years.

Mom owned this Chevette for 12 years.

Our Monte Carlo

Our Monte Carlo

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Having a blog is a great thing.  It holds a different meaning to each of us who spend the hours writing, photographing,  linking, uploading, posting, etc.  There are days I just want to stop and focus on one of my (many) other things that I’m pretty good at.  I’m disheartened that some of my  friends don’t follow, why some days I have a 1 visit 1 view day, why I’m not spending my time trying to sell the next great American best seller.  But a blog is an avenue that (if your heart is into it) deserves wherewithal and perseverance.   As I was driving to work I noticed a great Vanity Plate and decided it will be the first in a series of postings.  I do realize that I’m typing and posting for myself, mostly, but it is important to extend a big thanks to those who do follow me.  Many of you who know me know that I don’t do things “just a little bit”.  And maybe I am a bit vain as I completely support the idea of Vanity Plates. Although, I am certainly not without my criticisms for some. There is a story behind each plate and isn’t that what bloggers are all about…a story that our readers might enjoy reading.

IMG_0271Final Note:  I hope this is her philosophy and she lives it every day.  It helped me just by reading the words.

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Debbie | 8 Comments
Great day to drive a Mustang!

Great day to drive a Mustang!

It was a day full of sunshine, good weather,  and a full tank of gas.   I managed to burn off 65 miles throughout this wonderful Saturday. (Brad is fully aware of my inclination for cruising).    One of my stops included a 1st Communion Party celebrated by a very special family.  Delicious food, good conversation,  an outstanding hostess, and one amazing little boy named Michael.  Of course part of my gift to him included a Grabber Blue Mustang Hot Wheel.  Time to go meant picture time.  I guess I need to confess to husband, Brad that I’ve let another man behind the wheel of my car.    Happy 1st Communion, Michael!  You put sunshine in every single day!

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Debbie | 2 Comments

When we set about looking for our new home 3 years ago we put together a meaningful list of requirements.  They were as follows:

  1. A roof that Brad could walk on.  I think he’s been on it once to show the roofers what they were supposed to be doing when we got a new roof.  He may be able to site more roof visits, but I don’t pay close enough attention to his roof habits.
  2. A driveway that Michael could play basketball on.  Michael does not play much basketball on there, but it does boast the width of three cars, coming in handy for a 5 car family.  I display my mad “driving in reverse” skills when I squeeze between Brad’s F-150 and Michael’s Honda finding my way safely into the garage.
  3. A walkout basement.  Although in the past three years we have not walked out of it much.  If I’m not mistaken, the walkout feature is there to ensure the safety of our boys as their bedrooms are in the basement.  We know the day may come when the walk out capabilities really means sneaking out while Mom and Dad are asleep.
  4. My own room to allow me to keep my teacher’s inventory, write the next #1 bestseller, paper craft, and create all things that I find meaningful.  This is quite a refuge for me.  With all this ambition you would think I’d be rich. I guess I am rich in many ways.
  5. A wood burning fireplace around which we can gather with family and friends.  We love our huge, brick fireplace with large wooden mantle.  Brad is quite the fire stoker, earning him the nickname “Woodman”.

We love our home and the fact that it met all of our criteria.  However one thing we did not ask for, but has turned out to be one of its best features is the view we have from our front porch.  While our driveway is on the side street of the subdivision we are lucky enough that the front of our house faces a “just busy enough for the car enthusiast” street.  To make things even better our kitchen is in the front of the house.  While eating dinner we can hear the cars go by.  At times, in fun, we try to guess the make and model.  Of course we have Mustangs down, almost to the year…and for grins we even guess the color.  Over these past three years we have gotten to know the sounds of regular passers by.

I thank Brad often for buying our wonderful home, and we know that the sum of its parts make it an amazing place that we will enjoy for many years to come.

It is no secret that I take advantage of moving fast when I can, pushing the legal limits of everyday living. However, there’s a lot to be said for the slow paced front porch lifestyle that probably originated on a farm somewhere where folks  saw the beauty in a sunset, where parents knew the dust on the long gravel road meant a loved one was coming home, where playing until God’s light was extinguished meant a good night’s sleep.  I spent this evening on the front porch with my amazing mother…in true fashion we were Front Porch Sittin’ and Cold Beer Sippin’.  Slowing down, visiting, watching the cars go by, was our version of wrapping up the day.  I am so grateful to have a place where I can just sit.  I hope to  enjoy my front porch sittin’ for as long as I can.

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Debbie | 4 Comments

“Real cars don’t power the front wheels, they lift them.”  Hmmm, now I think I need to get some wheelie bars.  So much to do, so little time.  In other words…some day.

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Debbie | 2 Comments

Εν Αιγινη upstairs φωτογραφίες

Those of you who have been asking about Jon…here is an awesome look at how he is living his life in Greece.  His words make me so proud to be his mom.  He continually proves to be an amazing young man with a worldly outlook on his daily encounters.  Please visit him at his site while he journals through memorable words and pictures his time away from home, his time that shows a growing understanding of self.   Εν Αιγἰνη means the upstairs…a favorite bar of Jon’s in Greece.  He eloquently documents his time at this special place with people who have become special to him.

http://postcardsfromjon.tumblr.com/       PS I apologize if these aren’t the correct photos.  My creepin’ skills have not failed me yet, and I’m pretty sure this is the bar!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Debbie | Leave a comment