Picnic Basket Promise

I GEL,

do hereby promise,

that I will NOT,

forever and ever,
purchase another picnic basket

or pie basket for that matter,

as long as I shall live.

I also promise, that I will never again write about or show a picture about the picnic and/or pie baskets that I purchased in the past. As you all are my witnesses. So help me.

Now, to finally get this obsession out of my system.

If you walked into our home from the deck the above is what would greet you on your left.

Four baskets sit on the floor. Even thou I broke the decorating rule of "odd numbers" I would not go any higher with the stack.

The small basket is a pie basket that I bought at the Antique's in the Park on Saturday. It was $25, right in line with what I was paying at the antique shop. It looks perfect up there.

Golfing the EASY way!

Friday evening was a beautiful night at the country club. Mick was at Fay Ln with his Dad and unable to go. Our wonderful friends insisted they pick me up and play with them anyway.

None of the girls took the game seriously. As you can tell when someone plays in sandals. Terri hadn't played since high school. About 30 plus years, I think. Maybe the boys did take the game some what seriously. Hey, remember our bowling, we are a competitive bunch.
Dayle was the best putter of the evening. She plays once every two years so she was way ahead of the rest of the girls. Unless you can get onto a course you can't appreciate the landscape. Look at the height of the green compared to the fairway.

We didn't play off the regular tees. The boys played off the 150 yard markers and the girls off the 100 yard markers. Also, did a combination of captain & crew or the entire group would play the same ball. Basically what ever allowed for the fewest strokes.

When we were teeing up for the 8th hole. I said how it would be great to see someone have to chip out of a sand trap. Prior to this hole no one had even gone into a sand trap. On this hole two players hit into the sand trap. A big thanks to Mike for hitting out of the sand. I couldn't believe the amount of sand that flies. This is my favorite picture of the night.

I hadn't played in 23 years. I would like to try and go again this season. I would definitely need some intense lessons. The club has co-ed every Friday night. We stayed for dinner after our 9 holes and talked about doing co-ed one Friday night a month next year. Yes, I need intense lessons.

Picnic Basket Tray

Two of the last picnic baskets I purchased had trays inside of them. The larger of the two I set out on the Hoosier cupboard in the living room. The other one I have on top of the pine cupboard. Once I can find another basket to buy I’ll be putting that one back into the basket it came out of. I don't like how it looks up there. I’m hoping that I can find one basket at our Antiques in the Park on Saturday. I’m also looking for flower frogs and an old typewriter that actually works. A short list, I think.

The pine cones are from South Carolina. I put in a request with Debbie & she sent Jim out on a search through their neighborhood. She brought them from SC to Atlanta & they flew home with me. They might be the most traveled pine cones around! Debbie thinks there might be even bigger ones come fall. I am hoping he can find even larger ones then. I’m putting in another request. : )

My two favorite days in town is when Antiques in the Park and Arts in the Park are held. Arts in the Park will be September 20. Tomorrow is Antiques in the Park starting at 10am, if you're around stop by. Remember there will be lots of quilts for sale this year!

Amish Farm Stand

During our fruit and vegetable growing season I stop at Amish farm stands on my drive home from work. Eric, see your car? Do you miss it?

A young boy waited on me yesterday. I asked if I could take a picture of the stand and he said it was fine. He then moved 30 feet away from the stand so he wouldn't be in the picture.

Besides produce that they grow, they purchase fruits and vegetables from non Amish farmers.

Yesterday, I bought 6 ears of corn, 4 green peppers, a quart of tomatoes & peaches and 2 bags of yellow beans. This Amish family grew everything except the peaches. All of this for $9.25. I don't think a grocery store would beat that.

They also sell bread, jams, honey and pies that they make. I will not purchase any food items that our local Amish make. There is very poor sanitary conditions in their homes. In the fall they will sell pumpkins, squash, Indian corn and gourds. I love stopping at the stands in the fall.

Welcome

Our nephew Dan has left the state of corn for the state of apples. Welcome Dan to the best of the 50 states. Please just disregard our tax situation. Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about that.
I's great to have you so close. I’m sure it will be hard for your Mom when she leaves for home on Friday. I can certainly relate. Sorry the picture I have of the two of you is not the best. I know going through a 21 family reunion buffet table is serious business. Good luck on your first day of graduate school tomorrow and remember you have an invitation for Thanksgiving break!

Photo Shoot of a different kind....

I was asked to take some pictures of our friends new cat. Below is Oliver Porter and he was very cooperative.

I am not very knowledgeable about cats but I thought they didn't like water. Oliver loves the water. Unfortunately, I had an equipment malfunction. My compact flash stopped working and I was only able to take 7 pictures. I wish I could have got some better photos of Oliver in the water.

So my friends and family, if you don't like having your picture taken I'll take some of your pets. I am in negotiations now for an idea I have for a dog photo. In fact they are neighbors of the Porters.

10th Anniversary

This is where I spend my Monday - Friday.

Ten years ago, when I first sat at this desk, I never imagined it would end up being the longest held job I've ever had.

Only downfall is my 22 mile commute. Although, even thou it's 22 miles it only takes 23 minutes, unlike commutes in city's. I've always thought I would keep working until the kids are out of college. Now that we've reached that milestone I'm not quite ready for retirement.

Having a job you enjoy is such an important part of having a good life. I hope you have a job you enjoy as much I as I do mine.