A Little Elbow Grease Makes for a Nice Collection

While rummaging through mom and dad's basement I came across a box of old bottles.  Mom said there were bottles from Grandma and some from a neighbor who found them in a creek bed.  After cleaning them up and removing the poor critters that met an unfortunate death in a few of them, they looked pretty good.

There were a few in there that caught my eye. There are three clear bottles from the Redfield Carbonating Co, which is exciting since Redfield, SD, is Henrietta's home town.  Another pretty green bottle is Lemon-Lime B-1, from the Fort Dodge Bottling Works, Fort Dodge, IA.  The copyright date on the bottle is 1940.

They make a great collection on top of the fridge!

Henrietta's Afghan

My Great-Grandma Henrietta loved to sew and quilt.  I think every woman from that generation did.  My Great-Grandma Nora loved to crochet.  Part of that love of sewing is giving away what you've so lovingly created to someone you care about.  That's what passing things down to the next generation is all about - preserving history and giving.  So that's what my Great-Grandmas did. 

Grandma Henrietta made an afghan for every one of her grandkids, mom being one of them.  And now she has done what so many women have done before her, she passed it down to someone she loves - my daughter!

It is a beautiful purple color, which could not have made my daughter happier!  Now to plan a new decor scheme around this wonderful piece of art!