Back from Furniture Market

Well, I made it back from Furniture Market yesterday. I was gone for nine days. It was a busy, exhausting week, but a lot of fun too. I don't get much "girl time" but last week was full of it, lol. I stayed with Holly, and her sister-in-law, Jennifer, came too. We went out a couple of times after work and got our nails done one evening. Work was sometimes boring and sometimes crazy-busy, lol. And educational, too. We learned the Three Dances of the White Man, thanks to Chaz, the guy I worked for. (See Holly's video for details!) I must've done OK, because I got a nice bonus and he said he wants me to work for him next market. :)

I've been a busy sew & sew

Sew & sew, haha, I kill me. (Lame, I know. I can't help it!) I made 3 skirts, 2 purses, and a Halloween cape this week. Here's a pic of my Elvis skirt and matching purse. I felt a little clownish the first day I wore it but got compliments so I guess it's OK. But I need a shirt that matches better. I made another skirt that is similar but red/black/white with matching purse (different purse pattern). Will post a pic of that one when I get one taken. The third skirt is a bit longer, burgundy tie-dye knit. Now I need to get busy with Christmas stuff!

Welcome to Possum Hollow!

How'd you like to live in a place called Possum Hollow? Oooh, classy! LOL. That's where my parents and little sister have moved to. I have to laugh about the name, but it's really pretty up there. We went up to check it out a couple of weeks ago. There are a bunch of nice lakes in the area, and I got to go kneeboarding for the first time in about 10 years. I wasn't sure if I could still do it, especially only 6 weeks after surgery on my wrist, but apparently it's like riding a bike--I didn't forget how. (Yes, that's me in the picture.) Instant endorphin rush!!!
Also, their new neighbors are really nice. One older gentleman brings fresh produce from his garden to them almost everyday.
The best thing about Possum Hollow is that it seems way out in the country, but there are three fairly larget towns within 30 minutes and all the shopping a gal could possibly need. :P I think I'll plan a vist up there right after I get back from working Furniture Market in October, so I can do all my Christmas shopping at once!

Camping

We went camping at Hunting Island State Park, near Beaufort, SC the last week in May. Weather was great, and the bugs weren't too bad. Not like last year, anyway!!! We stayed 4 nights. I was up in time for a sunrise walk on the beach every morning, which was odd because I'm SO not a morning person! It was so peaceful and beautiful--a great way to start the day. Who needs sleep, anyway???

The campground was just full of wild animals that came strolling through our campsite at all hours of the day or night. They're not a bit shy! we got back from a walk about 3:00 one day and a one-eyed mother raccoon was trying to get into my beach bag--I had left an unopened package of crackers in it. I felt sorry for her because she was obviously nursing and went ahead and gave it to her. The deer would just about climb into your lap if they thought you had food. Especially this doe, the night I made dump cake in my Dutch oven. I wasn't about to share that! LOL

Benjamin learned to ride his bike while we were there. He's only had it a couple of months, but didn't really want to pedal it, until he saw all the other kids at the campground riding theirs. Mackenzie still prefers to just sit on hers and be pushed. ;)

My "Other" Babies

I have my first blooms! I started growing African Violets again about 6 months ago, after a break of 8 years. This one is called "Pixie Pink". It's a miniature (meaning each individual plant is 6" or less in diameter) trailing (instead of a single crown, it has multiple stems that trail or dangle) variety. It's from a leaf cutting I ordered over the internet back in November. I now have 104 baby plants, all started from leaves I ordered in November and January. Now I need more space!!! LOL

For more info on African Violets, see www.avsa.org.

Spring at last!

Today I took the kids outside to play and Benjamin yelled "Mama, Mama! I found something! It's growing! Come see, come see! Hurry!" He noticed the purple hyacinth bulbs Mom got me for Christmas were in full bloom. The whole yard smells nice, too. Frankie came out to pose for his public.

A Blogging We Will Go...

OK, everybody else is doing it, so I guess I will too. The picture here is Ben & Kenzie at our January tea party. We get together with my mom & 11 year old sister every month for a tea party, and we alternate whose house it is at. January was my turn.

We got the kids one of those sand & water playtables and put it outside on the porch a couple of days ago. They absolutely love that thing. Of course, now the porch is covered with sand...

Benjamin is still in his pirate phase. Today he pretended that the porch was our ship and he used his battery powered bubble maker to shoot down the pirates. I was Captain Mommy and he was First Mate Benjamin. Some of the pirates were swallowed by giant whales, and we were caught in a whirlpool twice. Life is such an adventure when you're four!