In the past, Motor Man was a little insistent on buying me jewelry for Valentine’s Day.
But, now he knows me well enough to know that there are other things I would rather have.

We found this amazing work of art at an antique shop recently. I just love all the elements that were used to create it. It’s especially interesting considering that Motor Man is an engine builder. There are wrenches, nuts, bolts, S-hooks, pliers, part of a hacksaw blade, rebar, a clamp that once held an automotive u-joint in place, a padlock, wood (drill) bit and bolts made into a heart (how appropriate is THAT?). And I love that the heart is placed within the horseshoe. A length of chain was used to create the mane. Motor Man wanted me to be sure to point out the ‘eye’, which is made of two halves of something (we aren’t sure what) welded together.

I think that I shall name him “Valentine” and call him “Val” for short.
Wouldn’t we love to know who made this? Was it for a wife, a sweetheart, a daughter, a granddaughter? With the heart specifically being within the horseshoe, I have to think that it was made with love for someone special….who obviously loved horses.
We haven’t decided exactly where to hang him yet, but perhaps in our garage. He’s very heavy: around 18 pounds.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, we took a day trip (more on that in Wednesday’s post). We saw a sign for directions to a little town map dot in Virginia with a name that begged us to drive about 30 miles (round trip) out of our way for a photo op.

Worth it.
~These Days Of Mine~





