Auctions Auctions and More Auctions!

As I was closing up the cottage for a few weeks after our 3-week get-away, I had a text from my uncle letting me know that in two days, my great-uncle's farm auction would be going on in Northern Illinois. I had way too short of notice, but I wanted to go so badly. (Evidently my grandmother forgot I told her for over a year that I wanted to know when the auction got scheduled so I could drive up. God bless her, she's 84 and gets forgetful from time to time.) My great-aunt and uncle lived on the farm for as long as I could remember.  Ed was born on the farm, so he had been there his whole life and my great-aunt married him in the early 1930's.  Margaret passed away in 2009 and Ed passed away last August at 102 years old.  I really wanted to attend the auction, but just didn't have enough time to drive back to Kansas and then on to Illinois.

Here's a picture of Margaret, Ed and their son:

Here's a picture of the barn during a snow storm (the barn is still standing today):

After I found out about the auction, I went online and found pictures that the auction company listed.  Be still my beating heart. . .

So many things looked intriguing.  I was pretty heartbroken that I couldn't go.  It would have been a great time taking pictures and picking up a few items to remember them by.  However, when I saw 2 particular pictures, I picked up the phone and called my grandmother to tell her I had to have these 2 items:

I love the painted cookie jar.  The lid has been broken in many pieces and glued back together; just my style!  They were able to get the jar for $8!

Then I saw this doll that I knew my great-grandmother made.  My grandmother was happy I pointed it out to her and when she went to hunt the doll down to make sure it would be bid on, the family told her to give it to me as a remembrance.  :)  Isn't that the best?

I was very close to my great-grandmother, Gigi.

She eventually moved in with my grandparents after my great-grandfather passed away and she couldn't take care of her home any longer and needed personal assistance.  I grew up right behind my grandparents' home, so I visited often.

After school, I would run over to the house and play piano for Gigi.  She was my biggest fan.

There was no way I was going to let anything she made go up for auction!  :)  I can't wait to get the doll and put her in a very special place. So while I couldn't be there in person, at least I have a few things waiting for me in Illinois the next time I visit.  :)  My grandmother told me I also have a small box of linens!  Yay!

I did, however, make it to Parker, Kansas for a farm auction.  It was hot.

I was taking an air-conditoning a break while the auctioneer was selling tools.  Yikes!  I did well, though, and will be listing several new items on Etsy in the coming weeks.  Tomorrow I'm headed to mid-Missouri for a 3-generation farm auction.  It'll be a very early morning and a long day, but I'm up for it!

I'll let you know how it goes!