Old farm supply stores, and my homemade bird seed wreath

Old hardware and farm supply stores are as much fun as antique shops and flea markets, in my book.  Since we needed a new shovel, Galen broke ours a few weeks ago taking out the lirope and a tree stump in the back yard, we decided to go to Yoder's Farm and Garden Supply store in Grifton rather than Lowes.  After all, it's a ride in the country and lunch at the dutch pantry.  

You can find everything from hammers and nails to kerosene lamps to rubber boots and shoes, to kitchen towels and utensils, birdseed, bird feeders, flower pots and garden tools.  We picked up a shovel and a few other things, and then had lunch in the restaurant.  Did I mention homemade pies?  

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On another note ~ I made a bird seed wreath.  I have been seeing these a lot on other blogs and also on facebook and thought I would give it a try.  It's so easy!

And here it is, hanging on the picket fence in the back yard.  We love feeding the birds at Mourning Dove Cottage.  

Enjoy your day!

New Bern, NC

Galen and I spent the day in New Bern, NC yesterday. If you've never been there, you're in for a treat. It's a beautiful coastal town steeped in history and southern tradition. The second oldest town in NC, founded in 1710. See more here. The Tryon Palace is the first state capital building and is located in the heart of this historical town. New Bern is also the birthplace of Pepsi Cola.


Come on a walking tour with me.

We had lunch at "The Chelsea" restaurant. The historic building was built in 1912 and first used by the local pharmacist Caleb Bradham, inventor of Pepsi Cola, as his second drug store. Completely renovated. (below)

Of course, we had to stop later for coffee at the "Trent River Coffee Co."

Across the street from the coffee house is "Mitchell's Hardware". I love old hardware stores!

I couldn't resist buying this little flower pot made out of concrete and painted a soft blue, it will go great on the back porch.

After leaving New Bern, we traveled some back roads and stopped at "Yoders", an old country store. It's in a Mennonite community and run by Mennonites. After some browsing, I found some netting for over our strawberry patch to keep the hungry birds out.

Then it was back on the road again to home. I caught this picture of a colorful red field along the way.