Freda's "Mountain Adventure"

*Note: I'm going to be leaving Freda's life story for a time now. Listening to the recordings of her telling of the next events, is too emotionally stressful for me right now. As I listen to the next portion of her story, full of her emotional upset and sadness, it is just too soon after losing her to relate this portion of her story in a post. But I will do it in the near future. Her story is much too interesting to not tell it! 
Thank you for understanding.  Please check back again.
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Freda "A Ship is Sailing"

To all those who have been followers of Freda's posts on my blog site:
For the last few days, Freda has been off shore of Heaven, searching for a place to put in. 
This morning, she found her way safely into the harbor and her ship docked.
Now, she will be gazing out to sea, awaiting arrival of the rest of us.
If you don't know Jesus, as your personal Savior, now is the time to make that move, onto that ship!  You might not get another chance to do it!  Without being on that ship, you will not be allowed into the same port as Freda. 
For those of us, who know Jesus, in that special way; we have the promise of being Sister Freda once again.  May God bless you and keep you, till that time comes.
Be sure to continue to follow the posts on my blog site, as some of them will be stories that Sister Freda told to me about her life. 
I am ready to accept your comments and condolences on her behalf.  Thank you!
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls  (AKA,  Brother Jim, as Freda called me)

Summer lingers into November!

These are my roses, in front of the house!

 

Freda's Thoughts "Time for a change!"

Freda wishes to thank all who are praying for her.  At age 94, she is doing pretty good, but it is still only by God's Grace, to be able to make it day by day. 

We are both hoping that you will be exercising your right to vote this coming week in the national elections. The Lord will be in charge of the results, exercising His Will for our nation.  Let us look to Him, trusting that He will be pleased with our devotion to Him and bless us!

There is another change to make this weekend: those who need to go off "daylight savings", need to turn their clocks back one hour!

May you be blessed and, if you would, please leave a comment to encourage Freda.  Thanks.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls 

Freda's Thoughts "My Fall Ailments"

I hope you aren't too disappointed in finding this post, instead of one of Freda's memories!  She really could use your prayers.  At age 94 yrs., she has her many ailments to contend with; but she is still able to cope pretty well with all of them.  This one, as she says, comes once or twice each year. Sometimes it is worse than other times.  This time it also comes at a time when I'm sure her mind is on other things. It was at the end of this month that her husband, of almost 6 decades, died.  It has been about 20 yrs. ago now, I believe.  Even though she doesn't mark that death date, I'm sure it still crosses her mind.  So an extra prayer would help her for that too!

I would ask that you leave an agreeable comment, to encourage her in writing out these posts each week, but not mention her husband's passing when you leave one this time. Thanks.

Freda is a very special lady and she really does like to share her memories with you.  At her age, we don't know how much longer she will be able to do that!  So, if you appreciate her posts, please let her know.  Thanks again!

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

My Historic House - Restored!

"It's all in the details!" MY HISTORIC HOUSE

My contractor just put the first of these "Victorian Gingerbread" pieces up!

He has done a fantastic job of restoration!

Now it is up to the Lord to supply someone to purchase this great house!

The Lord has already brought a beautiful, sunny day!

Please pray for all this & share my posts.  Thanks!

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

My Historic House - Open House!

After months of extensive restoration to the outside of my historic house, it is ready for a "Real Estate Open House"!  The open house will take place on Saturday, September 17th, during the Laura Ingalls Wilder Festival.
If you are in town, attending the Festival activities, I hope you'll stop in for the open house!  You may also be able to visit with 94 yr. old, Freda, who is a cousin of Almanzo Wilder!     She lives in my home, as I am her care giver.

You can see the real estate lising, if you search: Missouri MultiList 60062640
Pleas feel free to share this with others! (especially Laura Ingalls Wilder fans!)  Laura was a frequent visitor in the house, when she was a member of a local ladies' club. You never know who might be interested in moving to the hometown of Laura!  Any interested parties had better hurry; it may sell this weekend!
I am busy, packing, making ready to move! Please pray for all this to take place, so that we can make a move to a new home. (Preferably, a little farm on the prairie!)  I am hoping to downsize for health's sake.
With all the updates and upgrades I've made, I've leaving this house in much better condition than I found it 15yrs. ago!  It has been a great home!
I hope someone will love it as much as I have!

Seeing "Red" at my house!

This has been a great summer for flowering plants around my house!  Everything is so lush and inviting!  These might be the last of the flowers for the year, but what a way to go out, in style!
Whoever buys this property will have a bunch of surprises; each year the gardens are different, but always beautiful!
The restoration on the exterior is proceeding, and almost complete!  The hot weather and intermittent showers have slowed progress somewhat; but it will be well worth the wait!  When it is complete, I'll post some pictures.  Thanks for looking!  The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Freda's thoughts & Rev. Jim's too!

We never know what a day brings, but we know who brings the day!  And we know that His Grace is sufficient!
I am not able to put Freda's post on here today.  The world has turned upside down!  I am on my way to having an unexpected surgery!  I've had to scramble to get someone to take care of Sister Freda in my absence, but the Lord has provided!
Please pray that all turns out well for me.  Thanks.
Lord willing, Freda's post will be on next week.
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

June still has its surprises!

Last night Sister Freda and I watched the fireworks display

of the Mansfield Freedom Celebration, from her bedroom window! 

Today I looked out to see these lovely blooms are popping out in my backyard!

I missed putting pictures on of the fine crop of Mulberrys.

I'm sure the birds loved them!

The lushness of the Missouri Ozarks never ceases to amaze me!

I'm glad the Lord directed me here!

My historic house is still on the market, as I hope to down-size for health's sake.

The restoration to the exterior is almost complete now!

As soon as it is completed, I will post some pictures.

I doubt it has looked this good since it was built in 1881!

Some blessed person will be able to enjoy the many amenities, after I move!

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Freda's Thoughts "Birthday aftermath"

I want add my thanks to everyone too!

You all made Freda's day really memorable!

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Iris, in her glorious gown!

These are my Grape Iris, arrayed in all their beauty for Springtime!

I look at all the flowers that bloom in my garden, and I am also renewed in my hope!

After a long, harsh winter, if the flowers can come back, so can I!  I'll keep trusting the Lord from day to day; knowing that what He has promised, He will bring to pass.

I am still waiting for the Lord to bring the right party to purchase my historic home.

Perhaps it is you! Or, perhaps, you might share this with someone who will be the one!

Either way, I'll keep trusting that the Lord will see me through till that happens. 

Thanks for sharing this with others.

Proverbs 16:3

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

BIG CHANGES for 2014!

Look for this sign!

This is a very big change for me to make, but I hope it be well received by all!  At this point, Laura's "Sweet Memories", is the only antiques shop, or sweets shop, or souvenir shop in Mansfield!  So, if any of those things, or all of them, are of interest to you; you'll want to stop and say "Hi!".  I'll do my best to help you bring home some "Sweet Memories" from Laura's hometown!  

Opening day is just around the corner - Come visit me! ~ The Old Man in the Bib Overalls   ~

Ralph, my friend, RIP 2-10-14

From Ralph's friend, "The Old Man in the Bib Overalls"

A Timely Update

Blog will continue.
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Celebrating Laura Ingalls Wilder

My Mansfield, MO News!

My health has forced me to put this historic house up for sale!
I'll be keeping the shop going till the property sells. (Lord willing!)

This should make a great opportunity for someone else!  I've had my time here, now it is time to pass the legacy on to another Laura Ingalls Wilder fan!

Please share this with everyone you know - they may be the one to purchase this piece of history!

Feel free to contact the realtor for more information.

In the meantime, I'll have the shop open for Labor Day and, of course, we have Mansfield's "Wilder Day" coming Friday & Saturday September 20 & 21.  The realtor is planning on having an "OPEN HOUSE" after the parade on that Saturday, to show the house.  If you are in town for Wilder Day, you are welcome to come take a look.  You may end up staying!  :)

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Announcing: "Extra Special Posts"!

This is the very first post that I am placing on here from Freda! She is my houseguest.  If you have been following my posts for any time now, you'll know that Freda is a cousin to Almanzo Wilder. 

Freda is 91 years young!  She has some health issues which keep her under the doctor's care and my oversight.  But she is quite a special lady!  Not only is she related to Almanzo, but she has a long, long list of ancestors, that reads like an unbelievable wish list of ancestors!  Among that list are wives of U.S. Presidents past, movie actors, founding fathers, notables of all sorts and a number of authors.  Some of the authors are: Clement Moore, Emily Dickenson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, O Henry, John Stienbeck, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Robert Frost.  Some of those talents must be passed on in genes, because Freda loves to write too!

As long as she is able, she will be giving me some of her little verse to post here.  She likes to write poems and inspirational prose.  If you like those type of things, be sure to look for this special blog postings.  I hope to post one each week.  Here is the first:

This may not seem like much, but even a mighty mountain began only as a bump!   Look for more and greater things to come.  

I also have complied some of her writings in a page that I have available for puchase in my shop.  And I am working with her to write her memoirs. Much of her upbringing and even adult life, parrelles the Ingalls and Wilder families; making her memoirs very interesting!  This is a long process and will not be ready for publication any time soon.  But I'll let you know when it is available.   Thanks for looking!

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls 

Celebrating "National Licorice Day"!

Licorice candy is not as popular as it once was in my childhood.  And I before I was born, it was even more popular. 

I can remember, as a young fellow in grade school, running home each day after school.  I'd usually stop at the corner candy store on the way.  My usual purchase was about nickel's worth of licorice!  Back then 5 cents went pretty far!  These days, as Yogi Berra said, "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore!"  But I still have licorice available in my shop for nostoalgic purposes, if not for any other reason!  If you enjoy licorice, now you know where you can find some! Hope to see you in the shop soon!

Of course there are other "Old Timey" candies in the shop, along with handmade souvenirs related to a visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, here in Mansfield.  And I even see some kids in town who stop in after school.  So some things don't change!

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls