Midwestern Midcentury

Fall has..Fallen, and so too (perhaps) the Tree

The annual pool-closing ritual has been performed and the dearly departed artificial swimming hole has been laid to rest.  After almost 20 years on the West Coast, and almost 5 years back in Western Illinois, I still am a little remorseful about the coming of winter.  And, fall is a gentle reminder that I need to repair our snowblower!

I FINALLY replaced the bulb in this side yard lamp.  It is activate by a solar cell at dusk.  I have lots more little things to do to prepare for the coming of cold, but not enough spare time to do it!

These are the final day of open windows, something I miss during the winter when the furnace is active and during the summer when air-conditioning is required.  In Southern California we were able to have windows open almost year round.  Ah, the smell of fresh smog.  I guess I don't really miss that. : )

The yellow tree was likely planted here for its ornamental properties, but now that its grown larger, it is really too close to the house.  Sadly, I think I need to remove it.

Enjoy the beauty of the Midwestern fall!

A Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Cedar Rock - Part One

Recently we stopped at Cedar Rock State Park near Quasqueton, Iowa.  The park has preserved the Lowell Walter Residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  The Unsonian style home was built in 1950 and donated to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources after Walter's death in 1981.

Cedar Rock is one of seven residences in Iowa designed by Wright.  We have now visited most of them, and they are pictured in the FLW section of this blog.  The interior took my breath away, and I took particular interest in the furniture that Wright designed for the livingroom.

Cedar Rock features the rare FLW signature tile.

Lot's of inspiration here!  I post more pics soon in a second installment.

Mid-Century Treasures at "Artifacts" in Iowa City

We are always on the lookout for midwestern antique stores that feature mid-century modern items and we recently located another one in Iowa City, Iowa: Artifacts!  Lots of great items to peruse and take home.  We left with two modest treasures that I will feature in a separate post.

The owners/clerks are friendly and helpful, and the prices are reasonable.  It's an MCM store for the rest of us! : )

Artifacts
331 Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
319.358.9617
Vintage Clothing & Furniture

Check out the photos below and visit their website here: http://artifacts-iowacity.com/

Run it Up the Flagpole

Now that we've been here for four years, I've decided it's time we put up a flag.  However, it's not as easy as you might think because I also have to replace the petrified rope.  I plan to cut it, attach the new rope, and pull the new up and over.  But, what happens if the old rope lets go of the new rope?  I guess I'll find out. : )

Another Visitor

Our kitty is fascinated by this nighttime visitor and the strange little dance he is doing.  Below you can see the raccoon's response when I extended my hand toward the window.

Interesting facts about raccons:

• they can open doors with their paws
• they hunt birds
• their pregnancies last only two months
• baby raccoons are called "kits"
• they are excellent swimmers
• they are related to pandas (red)

Hawk!

A hawk paid us a visit today.  Can you find him in the photo?  Some of the best things about living here are the animals that cross our path from time to time.

Frank Lloyd Wright's A. D. German Warehouse

Frank Lloyd Wright's A. D. German Warehouse in Richland Center, Wisconsin is the only building designed by him in the city of his birth.  I took these photos during our recent visit to the city.

I had no idea a Wright building was in town, but I spotted it immediately.  The building is not currently in use.

There are better pics and more information about the building at this site: http://www.galenfrysinger.com/wisconsin_A_D_German_Warehouse.htm

February Blizzard!

February in Moline, Illinois began with a blizzard warning that proved accurate.

Even the patio furniture looks cold.

The view from inside.

Great!  The sidewalk is still there.

Mid-Century Modern Magazine Stand

My mother-in-law sold her little 1964 ranch home recently and gave away a few items that she didn't want in her new apartment.  Among them was this little magazine stand.  I know nothing about it, but I had a feeling it would look right at home in our living room.

And it does! : )

 

Winter Views

Yup, winter is here.  It's really beautiful...as long as you don't have to go anywhere. : )  Throw another log on the fire, it's going to be a long cold one.