Quest for a perfect cookie

I am looking for a recipe I remember from early childhood that is a chocolate chip cookie about 2 1/4" diameter and at least 1/4" thick. These were from a bakery run I think by 2 "old" sisters.
Each cookie was exactly the same size so perhaps a mold or design pan was used.
What made these unique to me was that they were white! Must not have had brown sugar at all and my memory makes them white not cream or yellow.
These cookies were firm but not hard and cost more than other cookies.
I tried a recipe this holiday from a website that used sour milk and only white sugar but the consistency wasn't quite right.
Perhaps it had chocolate chunks instead of chips. Memory only brings up the taste, smell and the visits to the bakery over 50 years ago. The top seemed to have small points on it, maybe just around the edge.
I just remember what a treat it was to get these. They were made throughout the year and sold out early in the day.

All I Want for Christmas...

December already and I started thinking of the hours I use to spend pouring over the Sears christmas book.

What were my favorite presents as a kid?

probably a 1950's version of this superior toy printing press. I remember fighting with the small rubber pieces of type and the twezzers to set a line straight. I once visited the typesetters at a large newspaper and was impressed with their linotype machines. Of course those large papers still alive today do it all on computer.

A spiral bound book that had heads you could put onto the headless items in a toy store.

a plastic mickey mouse club belt from the 2nd year of the show.

my own tool box with a few simple tools like a hammer, screw driver, pliers and a small saw.

Color by number book of birds. These came with colored pencils and were a lot less messy than paint by number pictures.

a radio of my very own--I think it was an Emerson in a creamy tan plastic.

What did I hate: a standup walking doll and a cowgirl outfit. I wanted the cowboy outfit that came with a holster and cap gun.

Now I want books about antiques and collectibles, gift cards to the movies and a 1965 mustang convertible!

Happy Holidays to all!

Vacation was Great, here's some pix

Now what do I do with my photos? Use to be I scooped all the rolls out of the suitcase and dropped them off at the drugstore on way into work and in 2 days got great prints back. Then it became the 1 hour in store service with mixed results, then I tried the do-it yourself at the drugstore machines and waited for a free unit and stood forever. Next I would send off electonically to a drug store and just stopped by for prints--once again color is an issue. Now I can sit at my computer for HOURS tweaking each photo, cropping, sharpening, playing with color and then find there is not enough ink to PRINT!
I long for the good days when quality was better, and life less complicated and slower!
So here's some of the pix not yet printed!

ceiling from Bridge of glass in Tacoma--one of the great free sites
Jug from the Kerman Ceramics collection at the Univ of BC Museum of Anthropology
The Troll under the bridge in Fremont WA


Part of the wall in the glass bridge by Chihully!






I found a great antiques mall in Kent WA Mad Hatter Antiques.
Cloverdale Mall in Cloverdale BC was worth the stop
and 2 malls in the same parking lot in Snohomish WA

I found some bargains as did my travelling companion--thus the stop at several places!

Fall in love with antiques

I wish more traffic was coming to the antique outlet. A 25% sale earlier this month was 90% of sales and that was all small items. I'm happy to have moved something and have some room for more. What sold? A golden yellow Lipton teapot with lid intact, a decorating book, a framed needlepoint design,, a chalkware sailing ship, a bait canteen and a neat china fish figurine along with a silver plated etched fish lid for perhaps a kippers server--these 3 went to the same person! A 1971 Indy car shape bottle/decanter. A tied together packet of old and new Antiques magazines. Just weird small stuff. I wish the portmierion coffee sets would go and free up that space.

Off on vacation to the Northwest next week. Hopefully time to visit some malls and find a good buy, but schedule is pretty tight with must see museums such as Museum of Glass in Tacoma!

Have you gotten carded at your LIBRARY?

Yardsaletrail.com

The bluewater area around the thumb of Michigan's lower peninsula hosts an annual miles long yard sale along M25/M29. This the prettiest sale in America. Even prettier than the World's Longest Garage sale. Heat is the same on either trek but the amount of cool blue water can't be beat!
visit teir website at yardsaletrail.com for 2010 dates and info.

July and summer really hasn't brought the heat!

Fortunately sales are up this July over the past 2 months at the mall booth. I've had 2 mini yard sales on Sundays and got rid of 2 box loads of misc stuff plus some other knick knacks. Weather is not cooperating for weekends.
Now family illnesses hamper gadding about.
I had a meeting in a park awhile back and was able to take a short nature trail and was surprised to come upon a fawn in a meadow nibbling all the wildflowers etc



This was in a park surrounded by a city--metropolitan area!

I also found this old gate post/hitchin' post. Made me think of the framed photos I saw at the art fair "craft booth" that was selling framed photos of images looking like letters so one could spell out a name or word

Balloon Fest is highlight of outside antiques sale

June was great weather wise but sales did not pick up. Had a yard sale at spur of moment--Live on a very busy street, but lookers only. Tried the dealers outside sale on the 27th--beautiful hot day, once again lookers and few buyers--this was the consensus of at least half of us. Setup early was the best treat of the day. The 25th annual balloon fest had just started their morning launch. Driving up the expressway was glorious to get the sneak peeks of one after another. Counted over 30 aloft at once. Then most changed direction and flew over the antiques mall. WOW!

Photo isn't so great but you get the idea. I used my iPhone and was surprised what I could get. Yep all those dots are hot air balloons!

My neighbor is planning a yard sale--I hope soon, as I was too tired to take all those boxes to the basement. This may become a blowout clear out sale. Or as one dealer did a FREEBIE. Just to get space and pass on those seemingly unsaleable items.

June is busting out all over!

Well at least flower and tree wise with all the pollen! I' d rather have this than snow and cold!
The antiques and collectibles buyers aren't busting out their wallets. May was bad bad BAD! Oh yeah the antiques mall was down traffic wise and especially saleswise.
I did a revamp and stacked items higher in anticipation of a weeklong sale later this month. I'll also do the outside fleamarket for 1 day in hopes of at least getting back the gas money.
At the auctions things are going and not necessarily dirt cheap. I think some buyers are savvy to the auctions and will buy there thinking they are getting a better deal, often the knockdown is higher than I could have priced it. They are bidding against each other as I watch dealer after dealer drop out of the bidding after a short time.
The pickings at yard sales are slim too for items I can resell. If you want clothes, kitchen appliances or toddler toys you can find bargains galore.
Hopefully good weather will bring out more sales.

Renninger's Kutztown April Extravaganza

Well I made the trek across Ohio and PA to Kutztown to attend the much touted extravaganza opening day. Some of the hype on the web page is true. There were a line of dealer vehicles backed up waiting to get in to setup.

It had rained on Wednesday and I was expecting a mucky field but walking was fine. The photo from their website is pretty accurate, other than there weren't that many cars in the lot. I'd say there were at least 200 dealers and a whole other set on the white building upper left of photo. The inside dealers sure have less than ideal conditions. It was dark, dank, crowded and dirty, but they had foot traffic. !st place I have been in the US where the restrooms had a tip tray set out in the building and for the port-o-johns outside, But they were being attended to and for the number of people clean.

I was disappointed at the pickings. Nothing New--meaning--different that I find at home. Prices were sometimes a tad high--that I attribute to the buyers from NY and NJ. It was only about 110 miles from NYC. One big difference was the dress of the attendees--sure there were those of us in jeans and athletic shoes, but many were dressed in the casual city shopping mode.

I did not score much here.

So off I went on one of the side roads towards Reading. Found 2 so called antique stores/malls. One was pretty much junk the other had nicely setup "rooms" found a few bargains like a "chalk" Afghan hound about 18 inches tall.

Headed on towards Harrisburg with a stop in Hershey--the roads are paved in chocolate--or at least the appearance of a rich cocoa on Chocolate Ave and Cocoa Ave. The aroma of milk chocolate was in the air near the Reese's plant and the large Hershey plant. The top of the light posts were Hershey kisses, some wrapped some unwrapped.

Spoke with the owner of a small store on the road down into Hersey and she said friends have told her even Brimfield had gone down-hill.

After a serious misdirection on return I did have time to stop at the I-76 Antique MALL at the Ravenna exit.

Very nice place, clean restrooms, enough staff to be helpful. McDonald's and 2 gas stations at the exit! Anyway I spent about an hour and a half here and found the inventory good and prices even better. I picked up a rataan/bamboo vintage 50's serving cart that I should be able to resell at double. Glass items, pictures were plentiful. There were 2 young men probably late 20's very early 30's wandering around looking into the showcases for toys and lunchboxes. So it appeals to a variety of shoppers.

As usual every road that could be under construction was with lane closures and redirected lanes. Made good time as traffic was mostly light for weekday and highest gas was $2.15 on the turnpike.

Pre easter Sale

We had a one week sale at the antique mall, and I thought this is great-- get rid of some old merc and maybe a piece of furniture! No such luck. All that sold was small items that were newly put out. Understandably not everyday was good weather to hit the roads, but I had big hopes for this sale.
People appear to buy usable items not just decorative. At least purchases are made and hopefully I won't have to fork over cash for rent, but a profit must come thru soon.
Ebay still appears to have less stuff for sale, and must be new sellers who are starting things at astronomical prices. It is an auction, you must generate some interest by starting low. If you can't afford to part with it low, put in a reserve, but once again make it realistic. Times are tough and someone is not going to blow a lot of money based on a few photos.
I hear some pickers are using the ebay drop shops to sell larger items and pocket the profit rather than lugging them further down/up the food chain to shop owners and other dealers.
The auction paper gets thinner each week. Of course many people can't afford to move with this economy so some sales are gone.
I want to look for items from the '50's or 60's to offer in the booth. Any suggestions of what to start searching? I don't want complete dinner china sets or clothing--
is teak danish modern obtainable? what about BBQ items such

as trays or aprons? What would be appropriate for early 1960's. That time seems a blur to me. I remember looking thru Better Homes and Gardens magazines and wishing we had a house or things they showed, I just no longer remember what those things were!
I remember licking all those yellow Top Value trading stamps to get enough for a card table and chairs. It was good quality and my parents used it quite often. I still have the table now recovered and 2 of the chairs that are god awful uncomfortable!
Would travel souvenirs form family vacations be saleable--pennants, tablecloths,--I think the tomahawks, tom toms etc would go well.
All suggestions are welcome.

Beware the Ides of March!

Why should we worry? After all Alfred E Newman was famous (wasn't he) for What me worry?





From Wikipedia...


"The Ides of March (Latin: Idus Martias) is the name of the date 15 March in the Roman calendar. The term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of the other eight months.[1] In Roman times, the Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated, in 44 BC, the story of which was famously dramatized in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar.[2] "

....from FullMoon Graphics

We may want to look out for these little guys, beware the green beer too!

Can't really say if we started March like a lion--no violent weather the first few days, neither did we have warm springlike weather. More of the same old cold, a few flurries or showers, no great wind sweeping clean. I just hope we go out like a lamb with warm weather and sunshine to welcome April.


Just looked at the new ad "catalog" from Pier I. They must have been inspired by shabby chic and visits to antiques malls. It even tempted me to go out and spend! They had benches, shelves and of course wicker. Their cute tableware and oddities whet the appetite. Too bad some people think spanking new is better. I've seen better prices at the antiques booths to get the same look!
Some of the churches are beginning their rummage sales--always worth a look for a great bargain! I seldom see much priced over a $1.00. This weekend there are 2 estate sales nearby.



I'm itching for the yard/garage sales and trying to plan visits to various antiques extravaganzas and "markets". Aberfoyle Ontario caught my eye. It's just N of 401 and south of Guelph--anyone been there? I have a friend with a passport who likes casinos so I may be able to entice market attendance with a casino stop in Windsor or Niagara Falls.


Kane County markets look good. How are the prices? Several years ago I visited Wheaton at the Dupage Fairgrounds and saw lots of good deals.


Louisville use to have a big show or market? Do they still?


Then there's Brimfield--I have never been, though I stopped in some malls nearby and prices were rather high!


World's Longest Garage Sale had been good in past--haven't been in 5 years and that was just to experience it. Now I would be buying! It's a tight scheduling fit with my long term employment. Any thought on the Northern end versus the Southern?


Other experiences that might yield good stock?

Clear roads =more travel?

Almost a week of clear roads but sales did not increase on those days people could get out. Maybe end of the month equals end of the money. Our dealer day on Sunday was packed as everyone was freshening up booths. My result --one sale of a decorative easter rabbit!
One guy was talking about a friend who had been in another mall since 1992 or 93 and just moved out because sales were so poor. Others commented on the placement of showcases at that mall being out of the way. I thought their placement of showcases was good as no steps and a nice low slope ramp to get there. I know a couple who have a showcase and they had good sales through Dec. Their specialty is Holiday items.
I wanted to get into a showcase at that mall to feature some smalls, but with other sales down and the deposit and 1st month rent I was leery of taking on more commitment. Maybe just as well right now.
eBay wasn't too bad for February as I got rid of some weird smalls and some books I had sitting around. These increasing postal rates are hurting. I had to offer free shipping to get some items to move and then take a loss on what had been my purchase price. But it is slowly weeding out old stock. Got to generate some income to buy new stock.
Has anyone been to Renninger's in Pennsylvania? I was thinking of going the end of April to the big weekend. This would be a road trip with 2 nights motel stays. Are the prices good enough to get a bundle of fresh stock?

Hearts and flowers

Now that the florists have increased prices for roses especially and other bouquets, too bad antiques malls can't have a time to artificially raise prices!
Over the weekend I visited 2 malls in Indiana. One was just outside of Indianapolis off s 65 and I can't remember the name. Nice multidealer shop with lots of different merchandise.--Oh yeah It was Southport. Nice people and most of it was easily accessible if one had a walker or wheelchair.
Attempted to visit Knighstown--after seeing all the advertisements and hearing them mentioned, unfortunately they are closed until weekend of Feb 28/Mar 1. this was a bummer as we maneuvered through town pulling a boat.
Then stopped at Webb's in Centreville off I-70 the billboards told the story of the market--1st sign over 500 dealers, next sign over 400 dealers within a matter of a few miles. Once there I'd say it may even be fewer that 400. Once again big ads that didn't live up to hype. All on 1 floor, lots of empty spots and water dripping so many places at one point I thought I was outside listening to a running brook! Good parking, great people! Some booths had deals though.
Almost partway through month and only half way to rent. Blast it!
Weather just has not cooperated this season, too cold, too snowy, too icy, too foggy!
I need to find better stock or I don't know what else. I move items around, i remove items and bring in fresh. I change prices, we tried a sale for January--not much results. Yes overall the traffic is down so shouldn't complain, but I want this to be a going profitable venture for a nearing retirement. How can one gross $1000 a month, I'm trying to start low to cover all expenses and take a profit monthly. I want to supplement future income at the very least. I try eBay but those shipping costs are getting too high for larger items! Come a nice warm April or May weekend a grand yard sale will be held. Even at yard sale we seldom make more than $300.
My thinking cap is on and I'm open to tips.

Super Sunday

Will it be a super sunday with plenty of bowl parties and large screen tvs.
If you believe Walmart all the goodies can be had at next to nothing. Of course if you've lost your home and or job recently nothing is affordable.

Are we spending to save the economy or saving what money we might have in order to survive this recession/depression? Yes new figures are out on the largest decline in home sales in 26 years, and more unemployment than we have seen since the 1980's. So who feels safe to go out and buy a refrigerator when the one is still working. Bad enough we have to spend more just to get "free" tv--though I heard a news comment that the DTV has been set back to June since over 6 million households are not ready for the move! As if people not being ready ever stopped industry or government.

On another topic--has anyone sensed or seen a decline of good items up for sale on ebay?
I've done some searching recently on favorite items and the hit list just gets shorter. Are people selling elsewhere because of the recent changes? Where can one get as large an audience? I've looked at Rubylane but you need to keep a good number of items up and refresh those regularily just like a booth at the mall.
I try to use ebay to sell items too small to be safe in an unmanned booth or maybe of a slightly lower quality than would put in the booth. Some of those odd items in the box lot I got because it had 2 good items for the booth. Selling on ebay hasn't been too bad for me--more of a time issue to get more items photographed and posted.