8 is Great!
Happy Birthday Matthew!
What a wonderful day.
Tracy (a.k.a. Mom)
P.S. Sorry for switching gears here ... watch for the
unveiling of the patio project next week.
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unveiling of the patio project next week.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
PLANNING
Outdoor living most certainly is where it's at. For many years, Mike and I had nothing but grass in our back yard. A product of new home construction and a limited budget for projects. Picnic table on grass (mud) progressed to a 4x4 block pad to hold picnic table progressed to ... oh, did I mention we hung out in our front yard all the time! Yes, barbecues were held in the driveway ... nice.
But finally we progressed to an outdoor living project.
I searched out landscape architects and landscape contractors. Architects seemed expensive & contractors also wanted to include all plantings (Mike & I are incapable of a lot but we can paint & plant). After a semi-exhaustive search on the Internet, I found a company that did mainly hardscape work and also design work. Bingo.
My first consult with them took place during a torrential downpour. Kind of hard when your focus is outside. But within the first five minutes I knew we were on the same page and they would be able to provide exactly what we were looking for:
* two separate areas: a place for eating & a place for sitting
* area for grill & serving table for parties
* more MODERN design (he kind of chuckled)
* muddy grey color (he raised an eyebrow on this one)
Here is what they offered and what ultimately upped our budget:
* design service
* cool walls & built in planter
* fire pit
* lights
The next step was for them to present a design and a cost. When we met to see the design, they also spray painted an outline in the backyard which gave us scale and perspective. Love it. The design sketch is below. Stay tuned for photos of the finished product.
Tracy
![]()
But finally we progressed to an outdoor living project.
I searched out landscape architects and landscape contractors. Architects seemed expensive & contractors also wanted to include all plantings (Mike & I are incapable of a lot but we can paint & plant). After a semi-exhaustive search on the Internet, I found a company that did mainly hardscape work and also design work. Bingo.
My first consult with them took place during a torrential downpour. Kind of hard when your focus is outside. But within the first five minutes I knew we were on the same page and they would be able to provide exactly what we were looking for:
* two separate areas: a place for eating & a place for sitting
* area for grill & serving table for parties
* more MODERN design (he kind of chuckled)
* muddy grey color (he raised an eyebrow on this one)
Here is what they offered and what ultimately upped our budget:
* design service
* cool walls & built in planter
* fire pit
* lights
The next step was for them to present a design and a cost. When we met to see the design, they also spray painted an outline in the backyard which gave us scale and perspective. Love it. The design sketch is below. Stay tuned for photos of the finished product.
Tracy
Monday, June 27, 2011
Room with a View {Part I}
Summer. Officially time to head outdoors..beaches, pools, lakes, even backyards beckon us. Therein lies the promise of sun-filled memories. Memories made outside the walls of our homes, in our "rooms" with the best views. All of this got me thinking -->
1. A few years ago, a shelter magazine featured the home of a news anchor. On Sunday mornings, the woman and her husband set up folding chairs in their driveway and enjoyed coffee and The New York Times. Needless to say, the article focused on the extensive renovation of their home. The backyard was transformed into a breathtaking outdoor space. No more folding chairs.
2. Lately, my mailbox has been jammed full with catalogs featuring outdoor spaces on a grand scale..backyard fireplaces complete with sofas, chairs, and rugs. Sparkling pools flanked by chaise lounges and boxwoods potted in zinc planters. Teak dining sets set with china overlooking vineyards at sunset. The bar has been raised high, to say the least. What happened to the wooden picnic tables & adirondack chairs of the past?
3. Secret gardens. Like anything in life, to do something small means you have to do it well. There is no room for error. Every precious inch must be perfect. This is why I love a "secret garden"..diminutive, tucked away, outdoor spaces in cities. Often, when walking by, one barely catches a glimpse of the magic inside. Sometimes it is a cobbled, moss-covered path, twinkling lights, or a garden filled with overgrown plantings. A tiny piece of heaven.
tb
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1. A few years ago, a shelter magazine featured the home of a news anchor. On Sunday mornings, the woman and her husband set up folding chairs in their driveway and enjoyed coffee and The New York Times. Needless to say, the article focused on the extensive renovation of their home. The backyard was transformed into a breathtaking outdoor space. No more folding chairs.
2. Lately, my mailbox has been jammed full with catalogs featuring outdoor spaces on a grand scale..backyard fireplaces complete with sofas, chairs, and rugs. Sparkling pools flanked by chaise lounges and boxwoods potted in zinc planters. Teak dining sets set with china overlooking vineyards at sunset. The bar has been raised high, to say the least. What happened to the wooden picnic tables & adirondack chairs of the past?
3. Secret gardens. Like anything in life, to do something small means you have to do it well. There is no room for error. Every precious inch must be perfect. This is why I love a "secret garden"..diminutive, tucked away, outdoor spaces in cities. Often, when walking by, one barely catches a glimpse of the magic inside. Sometimes it is a cobbled, moss-covered path, twinkling lights, or a garden filled with overgrown plantings. A tiny piece of heaven.
tb
photo spied in "at home" magazine
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Room with a View
With the start of summer upon us, it makes perfect sense to venture outdoors. Sitting under the blue skies and sunshine seems like the best place to experience whatever summer has to offer. This got me&t to thinking: What makes an outdoor space sublime? Why are some spaces better than others? How can one improve upon what already exists? And so on. Tune in all week to find out.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Photo Friday No. 30
Looking Forward to Cars 2 in
New Jersey
Happy Birthday Sister from your Sister in
Pennsylvania
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
KENNY
As previously mentioned, Mike and I are becoming concert goers. That's right. Last year ... Counting Crows and Lady Antebellum. This year so far ... Shawn Colvin and on Saturday night we saw Kenny Chesney. You don't have to be a country music fan to love his concerts. They rock.
Tailgaiting all day (not really for us but for most). Everyone wears cowboy hats. Most are the cheap straw version that are worn year after year and are falling apart. I saw my same cowboy hat from Target over and over. And this year because the Zac Brown Band played we saw a bunch of young ladies wearing ski caps just like Zac does. It is a hoot.
And much to my surprise, Mike bought an outfit for the concert. Really? The man who rarely goes shopping and doesn't pay much attention to fashion. He chose a good plaid shirt and wore his farmer baseball cap. Not bad.
Next up ... Taylor Swift. Can't wait.
Tracy
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Tailgaiting all day (not really for us but for most). Everyone wears cowboy hats. Most are the cheap straw version that are worn year after year and are falling apart. I saw my same cowboy hat from Target over and over. And this year because the Zac Brown Band played we saw a bunch of young ladies wearing ski caps just like Zac does. It is a hoot.
And much to my surprise, Mike bought an outfit for the concert. Really? The man who rarely goes shopping and doesn't pay much attention to fashion. He chose a good plaid shirt and wore his farmer baseball cap. Not bad.
Next up ... Taylor Swift. Can't wait.
Tracy
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The System
I realize being "uber organized" is part of my genes. Ask poor Ed, there is no denying it. I look at areas that need some order as my personal challenges. This year, much of my focus was on my closets. Needless to say, the closet goal has been accomplished and I feel at peace each time I peer behind a closet door.
What could possibly be next you may wonder?? Well ~ with summer officially starting today, {yippee!!} I pretty much go to the pool and/or beach each and every day. {except when it rains} With four kids in tow, you know all to well the amount of stuff that is required. My enormous, madras beach bag is the receptacle for everything from swim goggles and sunscreen to band aids and cell phones. True.
Finally, it dawned on me ~ an organized beach bag will make life easier for everyone, especially yours truly. So this is what I did --> I went to the drugstore (any will do!) and purchased four, clear cosmetic bags in a variety of sizes. Next, I gave each bag a purpose..one for sunscreen, another for goggles & swim caps, one for my phone & keys, and another for the misc. supplies. Mission accomplished!!! A perfect example of "a place for everything and everything in it's place", even at the pool.
Over the weekend, I gave my "system" a test drive. Honestly, I felt peaceful each time I went into my beach bag in search of something for someone. And, of course, I was so proud of my "system", I couldn't stop showing it off to my friends. {you know who you are!} There you have it. Easy, breezy, you can do it yourself.
Tricia
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What could possibly be next you may wonder?? Well ~ with summer officially starting today, {yippee!!} I pretty much go to the pool and/or beach each and every day. {except when it rains} With four kids in tow, you know all to well the amount of stuff that is required. My enormous, madras beach bag is the receptacle for everything from swim goggles and sunscreen to band aids and cell phones. True.
Finally, it dawned on me ~ an organized beach bag will make life easier for everyone, especially yours truly. So this is what I did --> I went to the drugstore (any will do!) and purchased four, clear cosmetic bags in a variety of sizes. Next, I gave each bag a purpose..one for sunscreen, another for goggles & swim caps, one for my phone & keys, and another for the misc. supplies. Mission accomplished!!! A perfect example of "a place for everything and everything in it's place", even at the pool.
Over the weekend, I gave my "system" a test drive. Honestly, I felt peaceful each time I went into my beach bag in search of something for someone. And, of course, I was so proud of my "system", I couldn't stop showing it off to my friends. {you know who you are!} There you have it. Easy, breezy, you can do it yourself.
Tricia
Monday, June 20, 2011
HIS
Well sister, our Father's Day celebration somewhat mirrored our Mother's Day celebration (in a good way). It was a day of normal. Mike went for his usual morning run and when he got home we surprised him with a gift. Took the kids for a swim. Topped off the night with some homemade grilled pizzas! Inspired by Gwyneth's GOOP. Although she does hers in a fancy wood burning oven. Hmm.
This year's gift was a bit creative in that you can be creative with it. Right up his alley. Perfect for summer. And I think it was a hit. You might want to get one.
Hats off to the Dads!
Tracy
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This year's gift was a bit creative in that you can be creative with it. Right up his alley. Perfect for summer. And I think it was a hit. You might want to get one.
Hats off to the Dads!
Tracy
Cuisinart 2-Qt Electric Ice Cream Maker
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Dad's Day!
Happy Dad's Day..
Today we celebrated Father's Day ~ Ed ventured out on his new bike (Father's Day gift) with the two bigs. There was only one crash. Ed and a big collided and the new bike is sporting a new dent. Ed & big are fine. Next, we packed everyone into the van and headed to the pool for a BBQ with friends. Three dads and eleven kids. It was awesome..all kids love when dads come to the pool because the dads actually go IN the water.{I wish I had my camera}
How did you celebrate Father's Day in your house sister? Happy Father's Day to Mike and Buddy.
Tricia
"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." ~ Clarence Budington Kelland
Today we celebrated Father's Day ~ Ed ventured out on his new bike (Father's Day gift) with the two bigs. There was only one crash. Ed and a big collided and the new bike is sporting a new dent. Ed & big are fine. Next, we packed everyone into the van and headed to the pool for a BBQ with friends. Three dads and eleven kids. It was awesome..all kids love when dads come to the pool because the dads actually go IN the water.{I wish I had my camera}
How did you celebrate Father's Day in your house sister? Happy Father's Day to Mike and Buddy.
Tricia
"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." ~ Clarence Budington Kelland
Friday, June 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
THQ
I have to admit that I love to hear a bad parenting story (within reason obviously). Everyone always likes to paint the rosey picture. But in reality, we are all human and nothing can possibly go as planned all the time. But, when the bad parenting stories are repeatedly my own, then I have to sit back and scratch my head.
As it relates to 6th grade, about half way thru the 4th quarter marking period, I went on-line to check grades. I noticed in Reading there were several grades labeled THQ and Jack had a bad grade in all of them (think lower than an E). Everything else in this subject were A's and B's. I asked Jack what this was and he said these were open ended critical thinking exercises. (Not sure what that is but it sounds over my head). He admitted he was struggling with it.
Fast forward ... here we are at the end of the school year. I mention to Mike that Jack has about ten of these THQ bad grades. We need to find out what the issue is so we can try to correct it for next year (should have done this weeks ago, right?). Mike emails the teacher to inquire. Teacher responds back "THQ stands for TAKE HOME QUIZ. These are assignments that the parents can do with the students and help them." Speechless.
ty
As it relates to 6th grade, about half way thru the 4th quarter marking period, I went on-line to check grades. I noticed in Reading there were several grades labeled THQ and Jack had a bad grade in all of them (think lower than an E). Everything else in this subject were A's and B's. I asked Jack what this was and he said these were open ended critical thinking exercises. (Not sure what that is but it sounds over my head). He admitted he was struggling with it.
Fast forward ... here we are at the end of the school year. I mention to Mike that Jack has about ten of these THQ bad grades. We need to find out what the issue is so we can try to correct it for next year (should have done this weeks ago, right?). Mike emails the teacher to inquire. Teacher responds back "THQ stands for TAKE HOME QUIZ. These are assignments that the parents can do with the students and help them." Speechless.
ty
"Intelligence plus character--that is the
goal of true education."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Too Many Towels ~
Maybe it's the anticipation of summer on the horizon or maybe it's the design bug in me, but either way I seem to be collecting beach towels lately. Not a bad habit as I need at least six (if not a few extras) for a family day at the pool or beach. However, the season has barely begun and I already added four to the pile'o'towels in my mudroom. (!) Here is the bad part --> I have my eye on a few which haven't made it home yet via bag or box. (!) Have you started collecting beach towels sister? I do remember a towel gift that came your way this spring. ;) Here is the skinny: it seems the "flouta", ultra thin with beautiful woven, striped patterns is "in" - good for yoga mats too! And, of course, a navy & white design with a HUGE anchor. (can't resist anything nautical) Last, a busy floral pattern trimmed in yellow from Anthropologie. Sigh.
Tricia
Tricia
Monday, June 13, 2011
OINK
Just getting home from the Iron Pigs game (they are the AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies). Late night but it was alot of fun. The kids are in the last week of school and have half days the rest of the week. So why not enjoy a night at the ballpark.
Pigs lost to the Louisville Bats 8-7.
Here was the really fun part. The professional organization I belong to had a suite behind home plate. And as part of it we were involved with throwing out the first pitch (about 15 people do it one after another). As president of the group, I was supposed to throw our pitch. Hmmm. Instead, I substituted Kate! She loves baseball and she was such a trooper. And she did a great job. Very exciting.
ty
Pigs lost to the Louisville Bats 8-7.
Here was the really fun part. The professional organization I belong to had a suite behind home plate. And as part of it we were involved with throwing out the first pitch (about 15 people do it one after another). As president of the group, I was supposed to throw our pitch. Hmmm. Instead, I substituted Kate! She loves baseball and she was such a trooper. And she did a great job. Very exciting.
ty
fifth in line, waiting her turn, hat on backwards
Sunday, June 12, 2011
This & That
1. Why does my neighbor ALWAYS cut his grass in the evening when we all settle outside for some r&r? Luckily, there isn't a great deal of grass, so it ends pretty quickly.
2. This quote is a long one ~ so bear with me.
"Even when the mission seems impossible, it is the strength of our belief that makes success possible. The absence of this belief guarantees failure. A strong belief in the mission fuels our ability to focus, put forth effort, and persist...thinking too much about what happened and what is about to happen will wear you down. Live in the moment and take it one step at a time." ~ Howard E. Wasdin & Stephen Templin, "Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Sniper"
3. One more.."Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." ~ Kate Moss. Funny how "skinny" seems to be "in" - as if it ever went "out" I wonder. Recently, I noticed how sizing has changed to reflect this. Nowadays, xs is obviously not small enough. The xxs has been added at the skinny end of the spectrum. Similarly, 0, which is pretty much nothing in my book, is still too big. Hence, the 00 was created. Why not go into the negatives and make it a -2?
4. The Water Piñata: take a trash bag and fill with water, until it is pretty heavy. Tie a big knot in the top. Next, wrap a rope around the top and tie in another knot. Now, hang over tree branch - I use the top of the play set. Get a bat or a stick and let the kids take turns wacking it. Once there is a hole, drop the bat & let everyone run underneath the water as it pours out. I read about this somewhere & my kids LOVE it!! We did six in one hot afternoon. :)
5. Today, we finally planted our garden. Yippee!! There are such wonderful life lessons in gardening, not to mention the pleasure of eating what one grows. I look forward to watching the children grow along with their garden all summer long. {The below isn't our garden, but I adore the enormous purple flowers. Maybe next year!}
tb
PS neighbor stopped mowing & I am enjoying a chilly glass of white wine. Cheers big ears!
2. This quote is a long one ~ so bear with me.
"Even when the mission seems impossible, it is the strength of our belief that makes success possible. The absence of this belief guarantees failure. A strong belief in the mission fuels our ability to focus, put forth effort, and persist...thinking too much about what happened and what is about to happen will wear you down. Live in the moment and take it one step at a time." ~ Howard E. Wasdin & Stephen Templin, "Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Sniper"
3. One more.."Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." ~ Kate Moss. Funny how "skinny" seems to be "in" - as if it ever went "out" I wonder. Recently, I noticed how sizing has changed to reflect this. Nowadays, xs is obviously not small enough. The xxs has been added at the skinny end of the spectrum. Similarly, 0, which is pretty much nothing in my book, is still too big. Hence, the 00 was created. Why not go into the negatives and make it a -2?
4. The Water Piñata: take a trash bag and fill with water, until it is pretty heavy. Tie a big knot in the top. Next, wrap a rope around the top and tie in another knot. Now, hang over tree branch - I use the top of the play set. Get a bat or a stick and let the kids take turns wacking it. Once there is a hole, drop the bat & let everyone run underneath the water as it pours out. I read about this somewhere & my kids LOVE it!! We did six in one hot afternoon. :)
5. Today, we finally planted our garden. Yippee!! There are such wonderful life lessons in gardening, not to mention the pleasure of eating what one grows. I look forward to watching the children grow along with their garden all summer long. {The below isn't our garden, but I adore the enormous purple flowers. Maybe next year!}
tb
PS neighbor stopped mowing & I am enjoying a chilly glass of white wine. Cheers big ears!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
UNCONDITIONAL
I had the difficult task of taking our sick cat to the vet tonight. He was sixteen years old.
We will miss you Big Blue and all your cuteness.
Tracy (with tears)
We will miss you Big Blue and all your cuteness.
Tracy (with tears)
"...he will be our friend for
always and always and always."
~ Rudyard Kipling
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Six Friends & a Weekend
This past weekend I was blessed with forty-eight hours of friendship. Nonstop. Five friends and I embarked on a road trip to Annapolis for a get-a-away weekend ~ one without children, husbands, parents, or pets. We left behind lacrosse games, homework assignments and swim team practice. No one did wash..not even a sock. No one cut food into tiny pieces at each meal. To be honest, there was no cooking. True. Just six friends and a weekend.
What we did do was --> be hilarious * be serious * be thoughtful * be truthful * be supportive * be spontaneous * be inspirational * be carefree * be kind * be crazy * be grateful * be peaceful * be fashionable * be calm * be happy
I am fortunate to have a group of such amazing women in my life. I thank my lucky stars each and every day for them. One of my favorite quotes that I have mentioned here, comes to mind: "I am a lucky man to count on both hands the ones that I love." ~ Eddie Vedder
T, you were missed! Please mark your calendar for next year -- 363 days to go. Start packing.
Tricia
PS Lucked out tonight -- Henry didn't have any homework. A girl in his class threw up near the homework bin, so the teacher couldn't get to it. Yippee!
What we did do was --> be hilarious * be serious * be thoughtful * be truthful * be supportive * be spontaneous * be inspirational * be carefree * be kind * be crazy * be grateful * be peaceful * be fashionable * be calm * be happy
I am fortunate to have a group of such amazing women in my life. I thank my lucky stars each and every day for them. One of my favorite quotes that I have mentioned here, comes to mind: "I am a lucky man to count on both hands the ones that I love." ~ Eddie Vedder
T, you were missed! Please mark your calendar for next year -- 363 days to go. Start packing.
Tricia
PS Lucked out tonight -- Henry didn't have any homework. A girl in his class threw up near the homework bin, so the teacher couldn't get to it. Yippee!
Monday, June 6, 2011
MUSIC
After bailing out on super cool girls weekend, Mike and I last minute decided to see Shawn Colvin in concert.
There is a new arts venue in town called SteelStacks. It is located on the old Bethlehem Steel site just down the road from the Sands Casino. This is revitalization at its best. About a week before this concert, I had the opportunity to tour this brand new facility. Our tour guide was none other than the man who was able to realize a dream. He told a story about a trip he took to Europe and how Europeans embrace their industrial history. Here, we have a tendancy of abandoning it, moving far away from it or tearing it down. But on the old Bethlehem Steel site, they have decided to embrace it.
The main concert area is situated on the 3rd and 4th floor of the building. Behind the non-descript flat black stage is a glass curtain wall. Not far behind the glass wall sits four gigantic old steel blast furnaces. At night they are lit up with alternating colors ... you have a grey / brown steel with hues of blues and purples subtly lighting these furnaces. It is quite a site to see.
I could go on and on about the venue. It just opened a couple of weeks ago and some construction is still underway. In addition to the music venue inside, they have stand up comedy, two movie theaters for foreign, art and documentary films. There is an outside plaza with antique / flea markets every weekend, outdoor music performances, etc.
About the show ... the concert was amazing. I think this is the third time I saw Shawn Colvin perform. The two other times were with you sister. The concert set-up was quite different than what I am used to. Instead of sitting in rows, you are seated at tables complete with waitress service, food and drink! It was quite intimate and Shawn took song requests throughout the show. She rocks in a folk singing sort of way.
I would recommend checking it all out, I don't think you'll be dissapointed. A quick blurb from their website:
Click here for more info including other ArtsQuest events and venues:
T
There is a new arts venue in town called SteelStacks. It is located on the old Bethlehem Steel site just down the road from the Sands Casino. This is revitalization at its best. About a week before this concert, I had the opportunity to tour this brand new facility. Our tour guide was none other than the man who was able to realize a dream. He told a story about a trip he took to Europe and how Europeans embrace their industrial history. Here, we have a tendancy of abandoning it, moving far away from it or tearing it down. But on the old Bethlehem Steel site, they have decided to embrace it.
The main concert area is situated on the 3rd and 4th floor of the building. Behind the non-descript flat black stage is a glass curtain wall. Not far behind the glass wall sits four gigantic old steel blast furnaces. At night they are lit up with alternating colors ... you have a grey / brown steel with hues of blues and purples subtly lighting these furnaces. It is quite a site to see.
I could go on and on about the venue. It just opened a couple of weeks ago and some construction is still underway. In addition to the music venue inside, they have stand up comedy, two movie theaters for foreign, art and documentary films. There is an outside plaza with antique / flea markets every weekend, outdoor music performances, etc.
About the show ... the concert was amazing. I think this is the third time I saw Shawn Colvin perform. The two other times were with you sister. The concert set-up was quite different than what I am used to. Instead of sitting in rows, you are seated at tables complete with waitress service, food and drink! It was quite intimate and Shawn took song requests throughout the show. She rocks in a folk singing sort of way.
I would recommend checking it all out, I don't think you'll be dissapointed. A quick blurb from their website:
SteelStacks campus
On the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant in Bethlehem, PA,
SteelStacks is a re-imagination of an industrial brownfield that uses
the arts to rebuild and revitalize a post- industrial, urban community.
Click here for more info including other ArtsQuest events and venues:
T
Friday, June 3, 2011
Photo Friday No. 27
Garbage Truck Obsession in
New Jersey
summer birthday celebration at school in
Pennsylvania
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
T at a Nautical Flea
Memorial Day weekend..off to the "Nautical Flea Market" in Annapolis. An adventure for sure. I have images of all things related to the sea ~ seashells, whales, boats, maps, lobsters, mermaids, and so on. A treasure trove of paintings, photographs, and objects for the taking. I could hardly wait.
Screeeeech! Back to reality. My reality. The entire family decides to venture on my adventure to the flea market. Sounds good on paper, but I know what is in store. As soon as we arrive, there are complaints about heat, thirst, and sunburn. My prince of a husband gathers the complainers and offers to take them home. Whew!
Grace and I make a loop and find ONE lone vendor with the aforementioned treasures for sale. Other shoppers are vieing for the same items. It is crowded and there are many inquiries about prices. We jump into the fray and make a few loops around the tables. Grace and I spy a selection of weathered wooden oars ~ we choose a grayish one with a tint of yellow. (Grace's favorite color) Next, we find a pair of framed boat sketches ~ the frames remind us of portholes and have rope trim. Last - a birdhouse. Not nautical, but Grace loves birds and our tidy courtyard could use one. Success!
Now for the funny part..with our pile of nautical treaures in hand, we realize the mile walk home will be challenging. Luckily, the city trolley makes a stop by the flea market, so we decide to hop a ride. My public transportation days being a little rusty, I ask the driver for change and immediately realize exact change is the only option. {keep in mind Grace & I are already on the trolley with our pile of stuff} The two other passengers don't have change either. Drat. Grab all of our stuff and haul it back off the trolley. Wait! One of the passengers finds a dollar in her pocket & the driver says it is enough for our fare. {love the kind deed of a stranger!} Load pile back on trolley and head home.
Tricia
Screeeeech! Back to reality. My reality. The entire family decides to venture on my adventure to the flea market. Sounds good on paper, but I know what is in store. As soon as we arrive, there are complaints about heat, thirst, and sunburn. My prince of a husband gathers the complainers and offers to take them home. Whew!
Grace and I make a loop and find ONE lone vendor with the aforementioned treasures for sale. Other shoppers are vieing for the same items. It is crowded and there are many inquiries about prices. We jump into the fray and make a few loops around the tables. Grace and I spy a selection of weathered wooden oars ~ we choose a grayish one with a tint of yellow. (Grace's favorite color) Next, we find a pair of framed boat sketches ~ the frames remind us of portholes and have rope trim. Last - a birdhouse. Not nautical, but Grace loves birds and our tidy courtyard could use one. Success!
Now for the funny part..with our pile of nautical treaures in hand, we realize the mile walk home will be challenging. Luckily, the city trolley makes a stop by the flea market, so we decide to hop a ride. My public transportation days being a little rusty, I ask the driver for change and immediately realize exact change is the only option. {keep in mind Grace & I are already on the trolley with our pile of stuff} The two other passengers don't have change either. Drat. Grab all of our stuff and haul it back off the trolley. Wait! One of the passengers finds a dollar in her pocket & the driver says it is enough for our fare. {love the kind deed of a stranger!} Load pile back on trolley and head home.
Tricia
