Friday, August 26, 2011

Joplin Update

I plan to periodically provide updates on the rebuilding of Joplin after the devistating EF5 tornado took out a huge chunk of the city on May 22.  Here's a video from earlier this week about a business that has completely rebuilt and is open again in their former site, all in three months.

It has been quite a summer as the efforts of clean up and then the beginning of the rebuilding efforts have begun.  However, I am proud to claim this part af the country.  The people have been upbeat and positive throughout the summer.  They are so appreciative of all the volunteers, and the transformation since May 22 is nothing short of a miracle.  I am excited to share that Joplin is beginning to rebuild!  Even after losing several schools, they were able to renovate existing spaces in the city over the summer and begin school on time.  Sometime soon I will share a video of the new 11th and 12th grade high school building - it's in an empty department store!

So, here's the video of perhaps the first business to have rebuilt and reopen in the same location:


Have a great Friday!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Ebay Addict

So, what happens when a teacher has a little time at home alone (like about 2 weeks over the summer - and you all thought we got three months).

Well, this teacher had too much time to check eBay for Promotional Pyrex goodies!  Here's what a little time searching and several clicks of the mouse landed me:



Let's see, top to bottom: an 8 inch square baking pan.  I have never seen one with a straight gold line on it before.  The gold line is on all four sides.  Next, a Holiday 1960 promotional 2 quart casserole, and lastly a 1959 Golden Tulip promotional 2 quart casserole.


Next up, a 1.5 quart Empire Scroll (Vines) promotional casserole and a 2.5 quart Charcoal Snowflake casserole.


Top: a yellow Desert Dawn pie plate, a 2.5 quart black and white casserole which I do not know the name for.  However, it is very similar to the 2.5 quart Gourmet promotional casserole.  This piece had its original stand.  I have been wanting this piece for a long time, and finally a good deal came my way on eBay.  It has it's original lid and cradle.  The best part about this piece is that it is Delphite (blue) Pyrex, which has been painted white on the outside and then had the gold decoration painted on.


But wait, there's more!  Once again, top to bottom:  a 1959 Compass promotional divided server, a Musical Staff promotional baker (not in the best shape) and lastly, a Spring 1958 promotional piece - Rooster Black 2 quart baking dish with a cork handled cradle. 

Wow!  Eleven new pieces, most of which are promotional pieces.  Nine of them came from eBay, two of them (the yellow pie plate and the red Holiday casserole) were local purchases.  I call that success!

However, I must do something to curb this addiction...

Have a great Tuesday!