I've always loved antiques--probably because of the wonderful memories I have of growing up in Ohio surrounded by loving family.

When I was about 10, I was spending the weekend at my Grandparents home in the small village of Arcanum, Ohio. In the spare bedroom there were so many pretties on the dresser table. The first thing that caught my eye was a small box made out of floral greeting cards covered in plastic and stitched together. It was a treasure box! I said to Grandma, "Oh, I love this box!"

Without hesitation she said "It's yours."

"Grandma! I wasn't hinting!" I protested.

"I know, but if you love it, I want you to have it." she said. I was thrilled. Sleeping in the spare bedroom that night, I was startled everytime the train blew it's whistle.

Grandpa worked at a grain elevator that said "Purina" on it. The trains would roll into town and they would load the grain into the cars. The elevator and train tracks were a half block from their home and this small village of about 2,000 was surrounded by farms. What a good life!

Today, my parents moved back to their hometown as they were both born there. They lived in a couple of different states before moving back to their roots. I love driving to visit them, passing all the farms on the way. Good people making an honest living. This is why I love old things.