Remnants of a Washboard

Washboards was a must have in homes, way before wringer washers to get clothes clean. But this handy washing implement wasn't only used for washing, the washboard has also been used as musical instruments.

Milk Glass

In its glory - milk glass decorated tables and drawing rooms with these opaque - milky white pieces and were usually in shapes of animals or animal covered dishes. Hen dishes were made by Westmoreland Glass Company. The production of milk glass seems to have a long history - Victorian Milk Glass (1840's), being the earliest, which found an inexpensive way to decorate homes with lavish style.

To learn more about milk glass - follow the URL:
http://www.myantiquemall.com/AQstories/milkglass/Milkglass.html

So next time you see a milky white animal covered dish at a yard sale - buy it! It may be an antique. That's the fun part as well - beach glassing - you get to be a detective, at the same time, learn the history behind your glass piece. Doesn't take much to be able to tug at the imagination! LOL.

Watch for my next article - Wash Boards! Do you remember those rudimentary implements used for washing clothes. A household necessity to get those whites - whiter.

My Sister's Hand

You can walk for hours and may not notice;
you'll be too busy searching for that oldest.

In anticipation, you hope and pray;
maybe today -will be that day.

That you will find that beautiful blue;
or may just walk away - feeling slightly anew.

There is plenty to be found - red is the hardest;
You can jump with glee - your best harvest.

But if you find those rare - eluding;
Just keep looking - it may be protruding.

Under the pebbles or just near reach;
just like life - there's something to teach.

Just keep looking - and you may find;
Life's beautiful lessons - don't pay no mind.

But triumph and enjoy - nature's beautiful joys;
life is too short to dwell - don't be coy.

Like discarded glass from years ago - browns, greens, blues;
our lives lived - in so many hues.

If you find that you may wonder;
don't worry there's - too much to ponder.

My sister's hand - she can find the blues;
doesn't matter where - she can help - she'll give you the clues.

And if you believe in God's will;
can you imagine what we can - fulfill.

So next time when you see those shards of glass;
marvel at the beauty - it has a past.


Dedicated to my Sis (c)

"Special Find"

I bet you are thinking, what is so special about this common piece? A common color for those that recognize or posses some knowledge in beach glassing.

I found this piece recently, the inscription partially reads "PSI Cola Company of Canada" and I am assuming that "1961" is the date that this bottle was ready for the market. When I got home I did some searching on the internet and found some information about the product - Pepsi. Did you know that the formula for Pepsi was developed in 1898 by a pharmacist who basically didn't reap the benefits after becoming bankrupt. To learn more about the history of Pepsi - follow the URL http://www.sodamuseum.bigstep.com/generic.jhtml?pid=3

Beach glassing is not only a great way to spend time on the beach, it is also very fascinating! A piece like the one pictured can capture your imagination. You can't help but wonder where the pieces came from or it may bring you back in time and place. The time, of course, is the year 1961. My birth year at that! I guess that is why I found this piece to be "special."

Calm before the Storm

Went out yesterday, and couldn't resist in taking a picture of my find.

The blue glass was wedged in a pile of pebbles - it is so tiny.

I knew there was a storm a-brewing so I figured I'd go for little walk.

My first beach-glass find for 07

Went to hound for beach-glass with my sister. It was pretty cold but we dared to take a quick look around. It was about 2 degrees but there was a strong wind coming off the Norththumberland Strait.

I can't wait for much warmer weather to go in search of the elusive "reds" and "blues". See you at the beach!