Today was a great day to be living in the country & in Wisconsin! There aren't many things in life that can beat a road trip on a gorgeous day like today out in rural country...bright sun, blue skies, fields of green, barns and cows scattered across the countryside, and a fresh, cool breeze singing as it blows through the trees. Today, however, our
destination actually trumped the ride.
Early this morning, I loaded the kids and my Mother-in-law in the grocery-getter and hit the road. Destination,
Serendipity Farm in Waterford, WI. I found out about Serendipity Farm after watching an episode of
American Pickers featuring
Hippie Tom. Not only was his property and
stuff unique, he seemed even more unique than the rest! I became very curious about him and when I heard he was in Wisconsin, I went straight to Google to track him down. I was hoping he was close enough to visit and, sure enough, he was only 45 minutes away! He opens his property a couple of times/year to the public. This weekend was the
Mother's Day Tent Sale weekend and I've had it penciled on the calendar for quite awhile-actually, markered on the calendar because the only thing that would have stopped me from going was the death of a loved one-although, if they were dead, would they care if I went to see
Hippie Tom instead? You get my point.
After 45 minutes of "are we there yets", we arrived! Tom was there along with a few others, but we got there before the main crowd arrived. It was a remarkable place. As we walked through the farm in amazement, we were greeted by Tom. I brought a dozen eggs for him (seriously, how could I not). He was grateful, sweet & kind. As the day progressed, I had a few more encounters with him and it was clear that the remarkable thing about this place,
was Tom. Afterall, a work of art is only as remarkable as its creator. I snapped some photographs to share with you because words just don't do it justice.
I've always sworn that I'd never be one of those crazy, groupie types that must get their photograph taken with those they adore while fawning and drooling all over them...today, I broke my own rule.
Looks like the Easter Bunny won't be coming next year...
If we had a trailer with us, my Mother-in-law may have had us load this outhouse up. She loved it!
Everyone needs one of these, right?! For some reason, I loved this concrete lady-head on a post...
The bird cage, another one of the MIL's favorites!
The bowling ball graveyard. My MIL has a bowling ball in one of her flower beds. She even commented after seeing this that she knew she was on to something!
Dust pan, anyone?
Welcome to Mushroom Land. This was the most creative use of an old bed frame and box spring I've ever seen!
The hardware store has nothing on Tom when it comes to shovels!
Mary enjoyed herself-even said she'd like to live here.
Bicycles hanging from trees-A new spin on the classic wind chime...very whimsical!
I believe Tom actually relocated many of these buildings to his property.
Thankfully, I can now say I went to church today.
I wonder how many bottoms have taken a load off in this chair over the years?
We came, we saw, we drank all the wine.
Another favorite outhouse.
My picks for the day-While the insides of the buildings were closed to the public, I just knew that Tom MUST have had a shutter/window stash somewhere. I couldn't possibly leave without asking. When I asked, he was kind enough to take me to his stash to find just what I was looking for...I was in heaven & have vowed to return for more! I'm going to use the shutters and window for wall decor in our house and the cast iron piece to adorn the top of a door.
Connor even tried his hand at pickin'...he wouldn't let us leave without these bowling pins. He even asked Tom how much he had to get for them!
If I hadn't been so busy looking at everthing, chatting it up with the locals, and chasing the kids, I could have taken a thousand pictures. When we were ready to leave, Tom escorted us to the van and helped carry our loot! I can't wait for the chance to return; next time, without the kids. All that was missing today was my husband, a truck & trailer, and a lotto win to pay for all the stuff I could fill that trailer with! Tom & his wife plan to open the farm up again this fall. If you're in the area, be sure to stop out. Bring a fat pocket full of cash so you can take home some of your favorite treasures. It's definitely a place you won't soon forget.
