Return to Oma's Barn

It's not often that I become obsessed with something. Well, okay, it IS, but it's not often that it follows me around quite as much as did this stack of suitcases that I saw on my first visit to Oma's barn, mentioned here. I'm not quite sure what my decorating style is in the entry hall and living room, but I guess you could call it “seasoned traveler, ” and these just seemed to fit right in. 

For some time I have been struggling with the drabness of the entry hall, but I didn't really know what it needed. Once I saw these, I knew immediately what it needed, these suitcases! So, yesterday I was enjoying our beautifully cool, unseasonable weather, and back at Oma's wandering both in and out of the Barn. It's not air conditioned, and the last time I visited it was in the 90s, so not particularly conducive to browsing. This week, in the 70s, it was perfect for browsing, and boy did I; I could have come home with a lot more than just suitcases!

What you don't see here (and what I didn't notice the first time) is that these are on a table, so not nearly as high as I thought. The second one was gone, but a small one was underneath the table, so I got it, and the top one, and third and fourth ones in this picture. The great news is, they are NEW, they just look vintage (Read: not stinky, and don't you honest-to-goodness vintage people get after me here. I have had no end of trouble trying to get the mildew-y stink out of a bird cage that I bought, and I just do not have time to re-line and de-funkify a stack of suitcases, so this was a relief.).  Also, I spent about $50 less than I was expecting, also a relief. Mr. O-P loved the place and bought a pillow that featured a frontispiece from an18th-century book, perfect for him as professor emeritus of 18th century British literature. 

It was a great day and I have to admit that I am pretty excited. See that basket-y looking thing on top of the suitcases? It is a lantern. Very cool! It has a glass insert and when you burn a candle you get the look of a basket lit, and sort of glowing, from the inside. That's next on my wish list.

Here's a look at the exterior of Oma's where you can also buy live plants and fresh eggs!

Shopping was followed lunch at McGurk's Irish Pub, dining in the patio garden and enjoying bacon wrapped shrimp on cheese grits. Grits were a first for me, and I loved them. If you've not tried them before, give them a whirl. 

Cheese Grits

Slightly adapted from Alton Brown

2 cups whole milk
2 cups homemade chicken stock
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup coarse ground cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded
4 ounces smoked Gouda, shredded

Place the milk, stock, and salt into a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once the milk mixture comes to a boil, gradually add the cornmeal while continually whisking. Once all of the cornmeal has been incorporated, decrease the heat to low and cover. Remove lid and whisk frequently, every 3 to 4 minutes, to prevent grits from sticking or forming lumps; make sure to get into corners of pot when whisking. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture is creamy.

Remove from the heat, add the pepper and butter, and whisk to combine. Once the butter is melted, gradually whisk in the cheese a little at a time. Serve immediately.

This post is linked to:

Show and Tell Friday 

Friday Unfolded
Fabulously Creative Friday
Fridays Flash Blog

Foodie Friday

Simple and Sweet Fridays

Linda’s at What To Do Weekend 
Shauna’s at The Weekend re-Treat