Pure Fabulousness

No family trip to Illinios is complete without a visit to Aunt Pat and Uncle Maurice's farm.  Their home was built in 1886 and it is pure fabulousness!  Two pieces of trivia that make this house unique are 1) Uncle Maurice was actually born here (he says his arrival held up the noon meal by two hours) and 2) it is located right on a county line...which means it belongs to two different counties!  How crazy is that?

The beauty of the house isn't the only reason my family likes to head their way, though.  Pat and Maurice are also beautiful people, and an evening with them is always full of thoughtful and laughful conversation!

Aunt Pat was a school teacher for many years.  Since Uncle Maurice doesn't like to do just one thing, he's been a teacher, pastor, and farmer.  At 80 years old, Maurice is still farming their land!  Their joint love, though, is probably antiques.  Not only is their house full of them (I'm talkin' really, really full), but they also sell them at a nearby antique mall.

Like Nana, Pat and Maurice can tell you the story behind every piece of furniture in their home.  Some pieces have been passed down from either side of their family, and some were aquired through Pat and Maurice's estate sale endeavors. 

Here's a little pictoral tour of their home:

Isn't this parlor gorgeous?

Here's a scene that's repeated often in this home.  Uncle Maurice just chuckled when Mommy asked if they've read all the books in their house.

This staircase has always been a favorite of my family.

This bedroom is furnished with beautiful antiques and old family photos.  My great-great grandma Harnish made the quilt on the bed.

Mommy was thrilled to be allowed entry into this bedroom for the first time ever. The picture's a little dark, but you can take my word for it when I say the furniture was marvelous.

On the other hand, Mommy was ashamed of herself when she realized that this was the first time she'd ever ventured out of the house to check out the other buildings on Pat and Maurice's land.  I'm glad she did, though, because one peek into this barn revealed a claw foot tub, old church pews, and an old park bench.

I told you their place was full of antiques!

And a few more of the beautiful buildings on their land.  Uncle Maurice says that you know you're in trouble when your grounds are in such a shape that artistic types (like my Daddy) want to photograph them.  I'm not so sure that he's right.

Mommy and Mimi decided that the next time they go to Illinois they'll take along a trailer.  Aunt Pat said if they do, they are welcome to go shopping in her garage...which is stocked from top to bottom with furntiture.  Guess Mommy had better start saving her pennies!