Part of my salt & pepper collection

My name is Darlene and I am a retired correctional officer from Indiana. That's where my e-Bay name came from. I was the count officer for 11 years before I retired. My fellow officers and the offenders would call me "the countlady".

I was raised in Indianapolis, home of the Indy 500, but I don't like any kind of car racing. I prefer football. GO COLTS! I married my wonderful husband in March of 1989. 

I mainly sell Mountain Man Era work shirts (also known as Fur Traders or Trappers). I make the shirts myself with period correct patterns. All the seams are finger pressed so they are closer to being more authentic. I never use an iron on the material. I will sell some salt and pepper shakers, usually after I pick out what I want to keep first. I'll also find things at yard sales and flea markets that I think others might like to have. I'm not in it to get rich. I enjoy the positive experiences.

I collect salt and pepper shakers and vintage Halloween for my husband. That's his favorite holiday, so he likes collecting it and he's also a World War II buff. I have about 300 pair of shakers right now. I collect all kinds. I don't have a certain type I prefer over another. I received several pair of my mothers after she passed away. That's what got me going on them.  

My husband and I were involved in re-enacting several years ago. We would go primitive camping in Friendship, Indiana. I made all of our period clothing, except for the buckskins and my husband took care of those. That's how I got started on making the shirts. I know how expensive they can be if you try to buy them at rendezvous. So, I make good quality shirts starting real cheap.

One of my cross stitches

I'm not a know it all and don't pretend to be. I do know a little about alot, but will never come close to being perfect. I'm an honest person and will admit when I'm wrong. I grew up with loving parents. Dad was born totally blind and Mom was legally blind. They were strict, but were loving while being strict. They were never abusive. Dad was (still is) my hero. He didn't let his blindness stop him from doing what he needed or wanted to do. He worked for over 30 years with a photo finishing company, as a darkroom technician, in downtown Indianapolis. He walked from home to the bus stop, rode the bus downtown, went to work and came home on the bus. Some older folks from Indy would probably remember the place at 440 N. Capitol Ave. It was known as Leiber's until the Hook Drug Co. took it over in the late 70's. Dad went to school and learned how to work on small engines. I remember reading his manuals to him like it was yesterday. Him and my Mom made me the person I am today. I believe in treating others as I would want to be treated. I know it sounds corny, but I feel it works best.

I enjoy sewing, cross stitching, crocheting, reading and watching old movies. I crochet doilies as well as afghans. I like to read true crime and a good mystery now and then and I will watch most Alfred Hitchcock movies along with anything starring Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart. I like Big Band music and 50's Country best, but I will listen to about anything except todays Country and Opera. I think I was born in the wrong era. My husband thinks he was too, but he'd prefer to be a fur trapper.