Thursday, March 17, 2011

Bluegrass Antiques and Garden Show

The good husband had a speaking engagement at Eastern Kentucky University at the Appalachian Studies Conference on Friday.  Much fun was had, new people were met, good food was consumed and a chance to overnight away from the farm was refreshing.  However, I really enjoyed the following morning...I opened the paper and discovered in the lifestyle section several listings that 'Kritter Keeper' would love to attend.  There was a farm machinery auction, an heirloom seed saving gathering and an antique/garden show.  I soooo do not fit in the area where we live as none of those fun events would be listed in our paper....Lexington is me to a T!  The good husband even mentioned the very same thing. I would have happily attended each function and had a splendid day but we had to get back to the farm and only one could be chosen.
After overcoming some negative feedback while my feet were firmly planted he reluctantly joined me in attending the Bluegrass Historical Society's Spring fundraiser, The Antiques and Garden Show.   What is better than being surrounded by beautiful flowers and antiques? Well, add a few animals and it would have been heaven!
Pretty peacock is painted velvet from the 1800's.
The attendant was not friendly and was sure to tell me that the $2900 price tag was an excellent deal and someone already gave a verbal commitment.  Hmmf!  But, lady, it wasn't working and you didn't know how to wind it up!!!
Held in the Old Barn at Keeneland, I was surprised that it wasn't larger but there were plenty of vendors.  Representation from Philly, NY, the Carolina's, Tennessee and of course Kentucky the antique dealers came with excellent pieces paired with excellent prices....dah, we are in a recession!  No, I do not think $4,000 for that small painting is a good deal nor is $450 for a nonoriginal botanical print.  Sigh...but it was fun to browse and this was not about obtaining good deals!

I did find an affordable display and didn't go too crazy though I wanted too.  Kitty lamp, you were mine the moment I laid my eyes on you!  My photo doesn't do it justice, but there is a baby kitten reading along with its parent.  More lamp lust....oohhh, beautiful hand painted shade, why must you be priced at $650? We are not in NYC!  Come on!  Suffice to say, that goodie stayed with its vendor. 

Oh look at that pony!  If only I had my truck...and yes, the pressure was on as I was told only two arrived at the nursery.  Of course!  My hands were tied.  But I did get a gorgeous garden book written by a local designer and signed. Yay! I was a bit disappointed though. The photos were good but not spectacular. Too much light.  I read the attributes...a noted food photographer did the pics...hmmmm, poor choice in my opinion, but I can get some good ideas and I loved the visual access to hidden farms in the area.

Oh pretty bags, how I wanted you but $225 doesn't cut it and where was your attendant? 
It was a wonderful day and a half.  It was a much needed break and our babies missed us tremendously greeting us with lots of barking, jumping, purring and meowing.  The ponies were happy, happy that their personal slave would finally clean their stalls as they are not used to a dirty stall.  And there was one very very happy little soul...who snuck in an open door (that was closed mind you but the housesitter must have entered and didn't shut it tight), and settled herself in a forbidden area, a verrrry forbidden place where Mama's expensive wreaths are gently laid on a spare bed.  PRINCESS!!!!!

(joining farm friend friday at verde farm, so looking forward in visiting all of the farm blogs!  yipee!)

23 comments:

Michaele said...

I just love that first photo! Those antique dealers must really be proud of their stuff.

Rachel said...

I want those bags! I bet it was fun.

Nancy said...

My husband and I occasionally go antique-ing with the mindset -- we are not buying anything, it's just an outing. I do have to say the prices you described were a bit alarming.

Love the photo of your kitty in the wreath. She has very good taste. :)

Lori Skoog said...

Thanks for taking us along! Lots of nice stuff....

Kaleido Mind said...

the first photo is so cute:D

Sharon said...

It sounds like a nice get away. Those prices though, maybe it's because I'm older, but they all sound ridiculous! I didn't realize they did velvet paintings way back when, I thought it was an Elvis thing. ;-)

Looks like kitty found the perfect nest!

lisa said...

The hubby and I love to go antiquing but some places are just plain outragious! Like you said you can't expect just he plane jane like me to be able to afford those prices and we love to buy antiques.

The Barn Door said...

Well Princess looks pretty happy with herself!!

Country Gal said...

Looks and sounds like a great time.Love the photos and the table of the first photos looks great. Have a great day !

Verde Farm said...

I am dying!! Love that kitten lamp--would have to have taken that home too!! The grandfather clock was amazing-if it worked. Love the horse bags but that Horse statue--wow! I know you will be haunted. Oh that Princess--she knows a good snuggle spot when she sees one :)
Thanks for sharing with FFF!!

Leontien said...

It sounded like FUN!

Thanks for sharing
Leontien

Teresa said...

Sounds like such a wonderful time. Your kitty looks so cozy!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I'm so glad that you enjoyed yourself! I've been to Keeneland (I'm originally from around Elizabethtown) and I guess the vendors figure that anyone that comes there has the pocket change to spare--I wouldn't be one of them, but I do love to look! ;-)))

Via Verde Farm said...

Antiquing is so much fun. Your cat is too cute sitting on the wreath.

Rural Rambler said...

Now that looks like some fun shopping! OhMyGosh that Kitty Lamp!! Love your kitty in the wreath decoration that you came home to :) Your kitties Kritter Keeper, they have your heart and they know it!

Anonymous said...

Ah, Princess. You know an opportunity when you see one.

I used to love to go to Antique venues and drool but I guess I am too old and cynical now. I do not whisper as quietly as I used to and stifling a giggle at outrageous prices is frowned upon, yet I can not help myself. I am not a good stifller.

You had to go, as when will you get another chance.
I will smile next time I read a small town listing in our weekly local paper and be happy I live in an area where seed swaps are newsworthy.

thecrazysheeplady said...

Ah yes, the Bluegrass Antiques and Garden Show... ;-).

Linda said...

How sweet to find your kitty curled up in a wreath. I'm surprised at those prices. I thought you were going to say you got that kitty lamp--it's definitely YOU. Maybe it'll find its way to your house someday anyway.

Anonymous said...

Wow...beautiful things with huge price tags! I adore that kitty lamp. And your kitty tucked into one of your off limits wreaths. Enjoyed your post!

Willard said...

A lot of nice photos. Looks like you had a great trip!

baystatebrumby said...

I gasped out loud when I saw your kitty cat in the forbidden wreaths! Mind you, it sure is a cute picture! but I know how fretful I become when my cat somehow manages to get into forbidden spaces!!!!! Uh oh!! I loved all of your pictures and easily find a space for all of that cool stuff in my own house. my favorite is the rabbit figurine in the very first picture. How I would love to add it to my collection!!!!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I am so jealous that is where I would have went to. I love the kitty lamp and the painting but wow the prices are scary. Nice bags I had a great time going with you on this adventure Thank you. B

flowerweaver said...

Beautiful! And I was just there and somehow just missed it. Darn! So glad I could view the good stuff through your blog!