Yesterday was one of the best days ever! After Linda and Louise (the wonderful women who clean my house) left, Vann agreed to go with me up to St. Clair County where, according to Linda, there was a "HUGE" yardsale.
We stopped at Carpenetti's at Moody Crossroads for lunch. We had never eaten there before, and I don't know why. It is some of the best Italian food I've ever had--probably because the Carpenetti's are Italian (from New York, I believe). We had spaghetti and meatballs; I have never had a better sauce (gravy).
The restaurant is really charming, with red-checkered tablecloths and faux-painted walls. Even a picture of the Sopranos hanging on the wall. (And click on the picture above to enlarge and take a look at the Rs on the sign.) Not too many years ago, Moody Crossroads was way out in the country with a service station/garage and not much else. Now it's a thriving suburban area. Who would have guessed.
After lunch, we continued on up Hwy. 411, through Branchville to the little town of Odenville. Although progress is definitely headed their way, this area retains a lot of its country flavor.
Linda had told us we couldn't miss the yard sale...and we didn't. 
But we were pretty disappointed with the offerings. Vann took one look around and whispered in my ear, "Do not seek the treasure!"
However, faced with so many piles of possibility, I was not to be deterred. I started seeking.
I found these fine candlesticks and told Vann I would get them if he would keep them polished for me. He declined the offer, so I moved on.
After digging through about a dozen boxes of torn sheets, stained pillowcases, ugly tablecloths, dog-chewed afghans, and many unidentifiable items, I came out with a few hand-embroidered pieces...and this sweet apron.
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I spent a total of $2 (and that was with a 50-cent donation). I felt bad that I hadn't spent more because the event was to raise money for some couple's adoption effort. So when my purchases were totaled up and I was told that I owed $1.50, I gave the girl $2 and told her to keep the change.
Driving back through Odenville, we happened upon a small shop, and there we had better luck. I could have spent a fortune there, but I was able to contol my impulses to some extent and spent only $23. I was so busy oooo-ing and ah-ing over everything that I forgot to take pictures there. But here's what I came away with.
I almost squealed when I found these Laura Ashley dishes that match the teapot (background) that my sister Ramey gave me many years ago. Now I guess I'll have to check out E-bay and see if I can find some more.
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And this Just Cross Stitch plate will fit right into the space in my downstairs hall where one of my blue plates fell off the wall and shattered. The plate is also of the same design as a cross-stitched piece that I have hanging on the same wall (pic not available at this time) that I got at a Just Cross Stitch prop sale years ago.
Finally, I found this sweet little embroidered piece. Haven't decided where it will go yet. It was $1.
When we got home, I could hardly get out of the car. Crawling around on the ground and searching through piles and boxes are definitely not activities one should participate in when one is in full-blown fibro-flare. I should have listened to Vann when he said, "Do not seek the treasure." But I didn't. After a long soak in the jacuzzi and some serious ice-pack work, I felt some better.
Later in the evening, we had a supper of egg-salad sandwiches, served on two of my new plates. Then we watched new episodes of "Criminal Minds" and "CSI: NY." 
It was truly, truly a great afternoon, and worth the extra pain and stiffness. Plus, I successfully avoided the duties that await in my sewing room--the church banners that I really really really have to get back to today.
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On 10/04/2007, debbi said ...
You sure did find great things. Sorry to hear about the aches and pains at the end of the day.
I have Friday Night silver candlesticks that were my grandmas. There are places for three candles and are use on Friday Night at sundown for the Jewish Sabbath. Once a month I have to polish them but sometimes it is three of four months before I get to them. I can understand why Vann did not want the candlesticks.
On 10/04/2007, Deb said ...
Sounds like a wonderful day! I would have loved an excursion like that! Beautiful Laura Ashley dishes and so neat that you used them right away. Hope you've recouped from the aches and pains of the day's trip and are feeling great.
On 10/04/2007, Nicole said ...
I haven't cleaned my thrift store candleabras since I brought them home, and I can tell they are going to be rather labor intensive. You probably did the right thing, passing them up. Love your china finds! Did you take Sophie with you?
On 10/04/2007, nita from red tin heart said ...
That sounds like so much fun! I am happy you had a good time. I just finished the last Challenge piece. Thank you for your encouragement Susan. xoxo Nita
On 10/05/2007, Pam said ...
The "gravy and macaroni" do look pretty tasty -- LOL. We are now on Season 5!! Goodness. Very pretty plates - great find :))
On 10/05/2007, mom2fur said ...
Wow, Italian food and a killer yard sale! I bet it almost made up for the aches and pains. I'm sorry you had to go through that and hope you are doing really well today!
Thanks for the good wishes on my blog. I feel fine now--it was only a one day thing. I really do have to keep up with my Sudafed, LOL!
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