The summer we were married, my husband, Mr. Right, sold strawberries and other fruit as his summer job. He rose early each morning, drove to a far away produce farm, and returned in the early afternoon with a load of fruit that he then spent the rest of the day selling. He repeated this action every day till we headed to Europe in the fall where he played professional basketball.
He needed a scale to weigh the fruit, and so, his mom bought one for him at the local hardware store. In the world of scales, it was a red and white beauty. It weighed those berries and other fruits and did a fine job.
Now, my father-in-law was a good, hard-working farmer who died way too soon. One thing we all knew about him was that he spent his money carefully. He worked hard for it, and he spent it wisely. He made sure to never over pay for anything, but yet he was a generous man.
My mother-in-law was a little nervous when she bought the scale because she knew her husband would ask how much she had paid for it. Its was a good scale, and it cost more than your average “run of the mill” scale. So, she made up her mind in advance that she would tell him a lower dollar amount in order to get his approval. Yep, she was going to fib.
Sure enough, a few hours after she arrived with the bright red and white scale, he asked the dreaded question, “How much did you pay?” And she told him a number that she thought would get his blessing.
He looked at the scale and studied it while we all waited for his response. Then he looked at her and said, “Well, it won’t last because you didn’t pay enough for it.” That wasn’t the result she was expecting, but she was fine with that and probably a little bit relieved. I own that scale now, and none of us ever dreamed that it would one day become part of our Christmas decorations. It is still bright and shiny, and I think she spent just the right amount.
It fits right in with the rest of our Christmas in the kitchen decor. I am a traditionalist and always go with red, white, and green. I was able to shop the house and put together a festive look.
The only things I needed to purchase were a few miniature Christmas trees and the best smelling candle I have ever had.
Everything red, green, and white that I have assembled all are the supporting cast for the star of the show, the red and white kitchen scale.
Thanks so much for stopping in.
Nancy Simandl says
Yours is the first blog I read and you never disappoint.
Your scale is truly a conversation piece. It comes with
a special story and a smile.
Carrie says
Would you share the name/scent of the candle you purchased? Really enjoy your daughter’s & your posts. Thanks for sharing a slice of your lovely homes & lives. Happy Holidays.
Janette says
Carrie, you will love the candle. It is Icy Blue Pine by Votivo. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040912KE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0040912KE&linkCode=as2&tag=the2sea-20&linkId=2U3WZY275I4XSPH5
wordshipper says
I’m crushing on that little jar with the mints!
Janette says
Kathy, I have had that jar since we were newlyweds. I think my mom gave it to me.
jamie says
I am looking for a really wonderful smelling candle. Would you share what you found?
Thanks! Jamie
Janette says
Jamie, this candle will not disappoint. It is Icy Blue Pine by Votivo. Here’s a link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040912KE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0040912KE&linkCode=as2&tag=the2sea-20&linkId=2U3WZY275I4XSPH5
Sheila says
Family treasures are the best! Sheila
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
What a great story behind that beautiful scale that you will treasure forever!
Janette says
Shirley, it will probably be in my will.
Cyndi Murdoch says
The Holidays are for memories, and you have a very special one. I love that napkin holder, very clever.
Janette says
Cyndi, that is an old working horse stirrup that I bought at an auction the first year we were married. I have always used it as a napkin holder, and I love it still.
Marcie says
Love the background story to your scale!
Janette says
Thank you, Marcie.
Donnamae says
I love the story of the scale! Everything looks lovely Janette! 😉