We Took a Little Trip ~

Last month Brian and I had the opportunity to take a little road trip that we've always wanted to take. He had meetings in Cincinnati, Ohio so we planned a nice trip through some of the South.

We booked my ticket through to Cincinnati, but it was going to be a very short layover in Chicago and I wasn't sure if I would make it. Also, we were flying back out of St. Louis, Missouri. Do you know it cost's hundreds of dollars more to rent a car in one place and return it in another? Neither did we! So I cut out the last two legs of my flight and got a car in St. Louis and drove to Cincinnati. Good thing, as due to bad weather that flight was delayed an hour, so I would have missed my connecting! (Plus, when I returned home, I had messages saying my flights were cancelled for two days due to bad weather!)

I thought it was appropriate that the women would be providing the shelter in case of a tornado! It was over 85 degrees and so muggy...lots of storms after I got on the road!

I left St.Louis at about 7:45 pm and made it to Cincinnati at around 2:30 am...and I only got lost once! (I was quite proud of myself!)

We stayed at a beautiful, old hotel right downtown, but of course I have no photos except for this one of the amazing brunch I ordered! I slept in while B finished his meetings and we were back on the road by around 2:00. 

We headed to Kentucky, which didn't take long as Cincinnati is right on the border! It was so beautiful! Lush and green and true horse country. So many gorgeous estates and equestrian farms. Miles and miles and miles of  black fencing, although there was white too, but mostly black. I assume it's easier to maintain, but don't know for sure!

The difference between Brian and I when we drive, is that I stop willy nilly everywhere and take pictures. With Brian at the wheel, most photos were taken while driving, and most didn't turn out that great!  But you get the idea with these. We found it interesting that all these antebellum style homes are right on the main roads. We took highways and back roads and stayed off the freeways, but these big ones were right on the highway.

The pillar business is going strong!!

I can't even remember all the towns we went through, but this was on the way to Frankfort.

Brian admired all the stone walls. We stopped at a Shaker village and you could drive all through the area. We didn't take the tour, but did manage to hit the gift shop! The temperature had dropped by 35 degrees when we got there. Big difference from the day before!

I love that there is a "sister's" shop!

Lovely yellow building ...

                                and a cute little swing ~

Stunning barn !

 I would love to walk this lane every day ... so peaceful, and so beautiful.

We visited a lot of small town America. Beautiful and quaint, but small town America is definitely on the decline. It's sad to see a way of life disappearing. I encourage you to shop local and visit these amazing places.

Churches everywhere, gorgeous churches. And beautiful buildings.

The homes were pretty nice too!

We stopped at a cute little cafe. Can't remember where...My memory is terrible !
Loved the quilt painted on the wall. There were barn quilts everywhere. Wish I could have photographed all of them, but this is all I got!

Gift shop on one side,

cafe on the other.

We stayed in Lexington, Kentucky the first night in a lousy Ramada...don't ever stay there! Had a really good dinner at Cheddar's. Brian loved the food and we loved talking with all the friendly people!

Side note...Brian says the Shaker village was south of Lexington, which means the rest of the pictures following were too!!!

Enough for now ! Next up ? Tennessee!!!!!!!!!!

More signs of spring

Had to get some pictures of the pretty blooms happening right now! Many things in my yard did not make it through the winter and need to be replaced, but not these beauties! Apple blossoms and something else, yellow rose of Texas maybe? Pretty none the less!

Got a fancy new bike at the Joe's close-out. I love it!! Dig the fenders and the holder on the back. Just need a nice wicker basket and a little bell-Tami has them at the museum. How cheerful to be riding your bike, a basket full of stitchin' and ringing the bell! Perhaps I'll put on a straw hat and do it up right! Small children will scatter and scream at the crazy lady, but that's okay!!!!

Put the porch swings out so we can do some front-porch sittin'! Great family times on those swings. The conversation and the laughter seem to flow a bit easier when we're there.

Happy birthdays to my dad and my nephew! My dad turned 69 today, and yesterday he did his 32nd Bloomsday run in Spokane. Almost 8 miles and a very nasty hill (called Doomsday Hill). He doesn't run all year, but manages to go out every year and do this. Did I mention he smokes like a chimney? I would surely pass out after the first mile!!! We used to do this run as a family when I was growing up and would have a big party afterwards. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Brothers, Sisters, but not Mom! Not her thing, but she did all the party stuff! Good memories, those running days!

Spent the afternoon with Lynda today. Started at Folk Tales quilt shop and then to her house for some lunch and quilting. Just a few hours, but blessed hours. We girls need our girl/friend time. It's rejuvinating and uplifting. Good for the soul and mind, a blessing indeed!

Chores

Spring is here and the yard work begins!

Driver's Ed is starting up next month for Tyler. When I was his age, Driver's Ed was a class during school. I actually got credit for this class on my transcript! I believe I paid $25 or $30 for this class. When Ashleigh took it 5 years ago the cost was $200 and it was three nights a week for about a month. It is now $400!!!!! We made Ashleigh pay for half of her class and Tyler has to do the same. It's a little harder to come up with that kind of money when you don't have a job and you spent all of your savings on a drum set!!!

Solution: Mom will pay $5/hr. for work above and beyond normal chores. Doesn't sound like much, but after all, I feed and clothe him and don't charge any rent!!!!

Now, he claims he worked about six hours (he tends to exaggerate) so I keep close tabs on his time. He also pauses a lot during his labors to pet the cat, get a drink, twirl the rake, etc.!!! As you can see, Dad's pile is getting some size to it, Tyler's not so much. He thinks I should award him for creativity and claims it takes a lot more work to do this

than just raking a random pile! What do you think? Should I pay him for the 3 hours ?
He is adorable, that Tyler Man! Only 37 hours to go!!

He's looking over my shoulder and telling me that he did indeed work for 5 0r 6 hours. This included helping me carry stuff to the shop, making me laugh, almost pumping gas, as he loaded the can into the car and a multitude of other things. He just wanted you all to know that and that he's a "stud-muffin"...his words, not mine.

More Spring

I work at a little store in town, called the Kitchen Konnection. Only one day a week, but it gets me out and I get to visiswith so many great people from all over the world. It always amazes me how people find out about Lynden and why they chose to come here for a vacation! It's a great place to live and I love it here, but when I think vacation, I think Tropical or East Coast, someplace totally different. I guess that's what Lynden is to them, totally different!!!

It has been so dreary and rainy outside, and yes, a little snowy too, that I thought I'd share a little spring from inside the shop! Bright cheery colors, new Gooseberry cookbooks, and this adorable market bag. Just looking at it makes me want to garden and eat healthier. I think I'm gonna need this one!!!

Hubby and I are off to Las Vegas tomorrow morning. We're going to the Country Music Awards!!

We're semi-excited! Excited to see the performances and awards, but bummed that it isn't in Nashville, where it should be , don't you think? Also, it's very FORMAL. I hate formal. We should be able to wear jeans and cowboy boots. After all, that's often what the stars wear! I guess they want to be able to tell the difference!! Anyway, I'm sure it will be great and who knows, maybe we'll have a beer with Tim and Faith afterwards!!!!!