Vintage Nesting Bowls

I had a great weekend. It has been a while since I had a weekend off. Nick had to work so I had most of the weekend to myself. 

It was nice getting up in the morning, having my cup of coffee (or three) and not worry about having to put on make up and dress clothes. It was also the perfect time to meet up with my parents for brunch. They call it breakfast but since they eat their first meal around 11:00 am, I call it brunch. I met them at a diner in town and enjoyed some bacon, eggs and grits. 

After brunch I went down to their house for a little visit. They are still unpacking and sorting through boxes since their recent move in last month. 

I noticed some cute little nesting bowls. I vaguely remember mom using these bowls as I was growing up. I always admired them. She said she was planning on throwing them in the trash because they were cracked and useless. I grabbed them up and said, I’ll make use of them somehow. The large one could still be used as a fruit bowl or I can use the bowls for planters. I would not cook with them anymore or eat from them because of the cracks. They are old. 

These are made by Watt Pottery. I always thought the pattern was a cherry but it’s actually their most popular print of an apple. 

The Watt company started in 1922 but did not start marking them until the 1940’s. They have the marking of  “Ovenware Made in the USA”. Some also had a number on the bottom stating the size of the bowl. 

1949 is when they started hand painting them with a simple county design. This was to make production run faster. 

The apple print was the 2nd print made in 1951. They produced it for a year until the next design. 

From 1949-1953 was the busiest time for Watt Pottery. Patterns produced during this time are the most popular. They made more than just bowls such as pitchers, butter dishes, S&P shakers, etc. 

The factory burned down in 1965 making Watt Pottery even more popular as no more were made. There have been “fake” replicas made but they are recognized by mis-markings, colors and quality. 

Doing the math- These bowls are 70 years old. Wow. 

Do you have any vintage finds that you have decided to keep? 

Tried Something New

We were able to get a couple days off work last week so we made a four day weekend. Of course we headed down to our camper at the beach. 

Our four hour drive was a wet one. We drove through rain 90 percent of the way. Once we got to our camper, it was cloudy but no rain. 

We unpacked the car and I made the beds and set up the inside of the camper while Nick hooked everything up on the outside. It takes us about 45 minutes to get settled in.

I clicked on the campground app and seen where they now have paddle boats, kayaks and paddle board rentals on Saturday. 

I got all giddy because I have always wanted to try stand up paddle boarding. He was not happy about it. He said, “I do not think it’s a good idea. You can’t swim”. I was not worried because I knew they would make me wear a life jacket. “What if you fall off?” He questioned. “I will just get back on”. I was determined to do it. I like adventure and trying new things. The fear of getting old and not being able to do things bother me.

The lake at the campground will sometimes have an alligator visit. It is also full of fish, turtles, and families of ducks. 

But this was my chance. We walked to the kayak shack as soon as it opened and they helped me to a life vest and a paddle board. 

I told them I have never done it before, so they suggested I start out on my knees and when I feel comfortable, I can stand up. I slipped off my shoes and got onto the board. With a tiny push, I was in the deep waters of the lake. 

(Note: the alligator was in the lake just last week but I did not know that until a friend told me later that she saw him).

It was not a wide paddle board as I expected. I tried several times to stand up but I was afraid I would loose my balance so I headed back to the shore so I could bottom it out and stand up. Another little push and I was back out on the water. 

This time I was standing. My legs were shaking and I was a little wobbly, but I was paddle boarding for the first time and I was so excited. Nick took videos and snap shots of my little adventure. He was so afraid for me. He was relieved when I told him I was finished. I only stayed out for about 20 minutes. It felt like I got a nice little workout. My legs got tired easily and I didn’t want to be dinner for the alligator. 

Afterwards, we ate lunch and headed out to the beach. It was cloudy and raining most of the time with little peeks of sunshine. We enjoyed our stay regardless of the weather. But don’t ask Nick. On our last day, He had to tear down the camper so it could go back into storage. It was pouring rain and he was drenched. Here is a picture of him standing on the picnic table trying not to get wet but he finally gave up. We had to be out by noon. 

Now Back to work.