Country Clunky

  Years ago, Mom used to scrounge around in church bazaars, garage sales and flea markets when given the opportunity.  She was always on the hunt for what she called "Country Clunky" pieces.  These are the thick, heavy pottery pieces that are finished with a brown glaze.  She loved this stuff!  She never purchased any new pieces and was always careful to never buy anything that cost more than a quarter.  This was her "frivolous" pastime.  She would spend a few pennies to add to her collection and cherished each purchase.  

  We knew when autumn had come to the farm when Mom would start putting her Country Clunky pieces out on display.  A favorite teapot might hold a bouquet of marigolds while cheese crocks with bail lids lined the mantel.  While she collected and displayed her numerous pieces, I never remember using any of them for food.  Teapots, bean crocks, coffee mugs and bowls seemed to be only for decoration.  The teapot shown was one of her favorites!

  I inherited this  100 piece (plus) collection merely because I am a bit "Country Clunky" as well.  I suppose Mom felt that it was only fitting to pass this stuff along to me.  Sad to say, I am just as bad as she was when it comes to this stuff.  Not that I seek out pieces but rather that I do not use the stuff.  I should.  The soup tureens and bean pots might be nice use while serving a fall supper of stew or beans.  I could keep them warm on the old woodstove and use a small individual pot for each guest.  The coffee mugs would be guaranteed to keep tea, coffee or cocoa piping hot for after the meal and dessert of custard could be served in the brown ramekins.  Yep, I really should use this stuff. Hmmm...fall supper, warm woodstoves, coffee and pumpkin pudding....it all sounds delightful!