I’m sure most of you have been hearing about the civil unrest that started in Minneapolis last week and has now spread to many other cities as well. I’m not going to comment on that situation here on my blog because I like to keep this space positive. Usually I’m a ‘glass half full’, ‘look on the bright side’ kind of person. But I truly can’t find anything positive to say about what is happening in the Twin Cities. The entire situation is simply heartbreaking.
After watching things go from bad to worse over several days, my sister, niece and I decided to literally put the city in the rear view mirror and head out into the country on Saturday. It was a gorgeous, although a bit cool, sunny day. We grabbed sweatshirts and hopped into my convertible VW bug and headed east. We then drove north along the St. Croix River to Mr. Q’s home town, Marine on the St. Croix, where we stopped off to score some snacks at the general store. Restaurants are still not open here in Minnesota, so we have to improvise.
Next up was The Garden Gate at Crabtree’s, a cute little shop with lots of garden ornaments. From there we headed back west to the Gammelgården Museum in Scandia.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how much I love open air museums. I’ve visited them in Stockholm, Oslo, Aarhus and of course there was The Beamish, in County Durham, England.
The Gammelgården in Scandia doesn’t really hold a candle to any of those, but it’s still fun to check it out. Unfortunately, although we escaped from rioting and looting, we couldn’t escape from COVID.
The giant Dala horses all wore masks, and none of the historic buildings were open. We were able to wander around the grounds and admire them from the outside though.
The Präst Hus was built in 1868 and I find the construction fascinating. Just look closely at the corner of the building …
It’s dovetailed, like a giant piece of furniture!
After leaving the Gammelgården, we stopped at another historic site, the Hay Lake School.
Once again, the site was not open due to COVID, but we did peek in the windows.
This one room schoolhouse was built in 1896 and was in use until 1963!
As we started to make our way back home, we spotted a sign for a barn sale. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see that! A barn sale! Of course we had to stop.
We followed the signs, made our way down a dirt driveway, and behold …
A legit barn sale!
I found a few goodies to purchase including a set of 4 old cupboard doors that I’ll turn into signs …
Some old buckets that I’ll dress up with transfers to be used as planters …
And this fab old shoe form.
And then, as if that wasn’t good enough, the proprietors of this sale told us there was a 2nd barn sale just up the road. Back to back barn sales! It was our lucky day.
This 2nd sale was actually more of an occasional sale, although it was technically in a barn. They were selling pieces that have already been given a face lift, lots of painted furniture and other goodies. As the guy at the first barn sale put it, he was the K-mart of barn sales and they were the Macy’s of barn sales.
None the less, I found a few things to buy including a glass jar and an old coffee pot that will both get dressed up with transfers.
Also, I had been looking for something to perch my Lunch Menu planter on and this $10 stool looked just about right.
I know it won’t hold up well outdoors forever, but for $10 it’s OK if it just lasts a season or two.
Our escape to the country on Saturday provided a much needed getaway for all of us. We were able to forget about the world’s problems for a while and just enjoy some peaceful scenery on a beautiful sunny day.
Capping it off with back to back barn sales was the cherry on the sundae.
While normally Debbie and Kris would have stayed at our place afterwards for a bonfire, or a game night, they had to get home before the 8 pm curfew that was in place over the weekend. That being said, we are all safe and healthy and I hope you are all the same!
q is for quandie 
Thanks for update.Knowing where you live I have actually been thinking and praying for you and yours my talented inspiring blogging friend. Glad you got some normal back!!!!
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Thanks so much Joyce!
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I can only imagine what you are going through up there. Fortunately we live in a small town in rural NE Kansas where life is usually pretty quiet and laid back. Although it’s not as fun and glamorous as the big city appeal, it’s times like this when I can really appreciate and feel blessed with the simpler ways of life! Thinking of Minnesota and everyone who has been effected by the chaos.
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Luckily we are on the periphery of the chaos and not right in it. I’ve always thought it would be fun to live right in the heart of the city, but these days I’m re-thinking that and thinking it would be quite nice to live in a small town!
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What a great get-away day!
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It was nice to take a break for a day!
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Great finds…loved the pictures. Must be sending Mr. Q back for the doors huh? I pictured you all in the bug carrying doors on your heads….lol.
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Oh no, we fit the doors in the car. They were only about 3′ tall, and we had the top down so we were good 😉
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Looks like a wonderful outing for you all. 2020 is a very eventful year so far. I’ve had enough negative excitement, I hope this all ends soon. I am so thankful that Oklahoma has been less restricted and has relied a lot on common sense and people doing the right thing. We’ve worked together well and our numbers show it. That being said, I live in a small town so it was less challenging than some places. Back to your outting, it was so pretty and green everywhere you went! I love old buildings and barn sales are awesome!! We spent some time in Minnesota on pipeline jobs back in the 90’s and I really enjoyed the people and the fun sales I found, even back then! 🙂
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Things are really looking green right now, everything is always so lush this time of year here 🙂
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I need some sunshine , warm weather and garage sales…. and not necessarily in that order. Stay safe , Theresa
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Yep, I’ll take each one of those as well 🙂
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I’m so glad you could have a peaceful interesting day out with Debbie and Chris. And shop a little! It looks like everything is green and blooming, always a reason to smile. I’m so sad about the recent turn of events in your area – affecting all of us. But your day Out was a great way to put a little quiet into your life. Thanks for sharing it.
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You’re welcome Laura!
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Thank you for taking all of us on your little trip..it was fun! Your photos are beautiful, as always.
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Thanks so much Michaela!
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Hey Miss Quandie! It’ll be fun seeing the signs that you make and the other up-dos! Glad you guys had a peaceful, pretty day and a little shot of adrenaline when you saw the Barn Sale sign……..yep, this turmoil is really yucky. We live between Santa Monica and Malibu and have developed a kind of bunker mentality over these last few days! Time for some new leadership IMHO………
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I’m starting to think a zombie apocalypse might be next 😉
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Thanks for your wonderful story.
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You’re welcome Lila!
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I’m glad y’all had a good day out! It was needed I’m sure. And the plus you found goodies! Stay safe.
Smiles, Alice
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Yep, much needed!
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So glad you got to enjoy the day! You’ve been on my mind. I live in the country and am so happy I do with everything going on. Stay safe and sending prayers. My heart is broken for our country right now.
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I suspect that everyone who lives in the country is thanking their lucky stars they made that choice these days 🙂
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What a great find and a delightful day! Good for you for being able to get out and enjoy what you love. Good de-stressing day. 😊
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Yep, it was a great day to get away from it all!
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Thanks Linda a fun positive post ! Stay safe ! Brucejstipe
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You stay safe too Bruce!
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