So, in some ways there's been a lot happening around here, and in others not much. Here's a quick rundown

1. At some point during TS Fay, or maybe just after I'm not exactly sure, our big screen TV decided to quit. Just quit. It turned itself off and wouldn't turn back on. Kind of rude if you ask me, but then again it is just a TV. That meant moving my small 20-something inch TV from my room to our Great room/Family room. The other TV was 50", let's just say it was not fun trying to watch TV on that small TV in that BIG room. Finally Thursday I found out that there was no getting it fixed for less then $400 and to be honest, that just wasn't a good investment. So I started researching and finally decided we should purchase this. (We paid considerably less then what they show as the MSRP, I can shop if nothing else.) This meant we also are going to make some changes to our cable and our phone. We've never had digital cable, just didn't convert, so now we'll get that with HD and all that comes with it, plus switch phones as well. We'll end up saying about $40 a month, which I just can't imagine, but that's what I've discovered.

2. I've been stitching. Working on my Halloween Fairy. She looks so pretty. There is an outside chance that I'll actually finish her before Halloween this year. Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed.

3. Had a lovely, and very lively, dinner at my friends Don & Lynn's house last night. It was a reunion of sort of our group that used to do a Bible study together. We're missing one couple who currently live in TX, but we ended up calling them at some point during the night. We always have a great time together and this was no exception. There was great food (salad w/all the fixings, pork roast, fried chicken, cheesy hashbrown bake and desert) and good drink. Joyce always brings good wine and this dinner was no exception, plus Bill & Jen brought a bottle, but I didn't have any of that. We don't get together as much as we used to, but when we do...well, it's just fun.

4. Still looking for a job. Have to call a recruiter back Monday. Hopefully she'll have something good to tell me.

5. I missed Virtual Birthday. The weather was way too bad for me to attempt to go across the river to join in the fun. I've got to find a time to get with everyone. Won't be next week, but I think the week after will work.

6. Football (American style) seaons has finally started again. Spent as much of today as I could watching games. Have one on now and am listening while I type. Next Saturday begins FSU's season. I'm cautiously optomistic. I think we'll be better this year, but I don't think we're back to being a power-house by any stretch of the imagination. Planning on going to at least a few games this year. More, if I get a job and have some actual funds flowing. Still, it's fun to go to the games and hang out with my fellow 'Noles.

7. Speaking of the Seminoles, this is the clock I received from Mr. J.C.
I really need more bookshelves in my office to be able to show this off to perfection. When I'm his age, he's in his 80's, I want to be as active as he and his lovely bride Mrs. Margaret are.

I think that's the majority of my news. I'm sure there's other things I need to talk about, but that will have to wait until another day. If you live in the U.S. I hope you have a lovely Labor Day.

Storms and more storms

First let me say that I'm kind of tired of rain. I know we need it. I know we have been in a drought for a long time, but really, is it necessary that we get caught up all at once? For those of you who don't know, we've been dealing with Tropical Storm Fay and her remnants for the last week. Today it rained again and according to the weather people it's all because of Fay. Apparently she has a friend named Gustav and he might want to come for a visit as well. I'm hoping he'll decide to go visit someone else. I can do without another visitor like that.

So, back to the vacation pictures.
We surprised our cousin Toni one day for lunch. She thought she was meeting Nora for their monthly lunch, instead she got a "3 for 1" special! We all splurged and shared a wonderful pizza and had a great time talking and getting caught up. (Toni's grandmother and my grandfather were brother and sister, so she's a cousin on the Graham side.)

We really didn't do too much else that week. On Saturday we went here...This is Marcia Springston-Dillon's gallery. There's a wonderful article on her in the Wonderful West Virginia Magazine (which I've very kindly linked for you). Her gallery is full of lovely items, not just her own, but work from other craftsmen and women. She very kindly let me take some pictures of her shelves and other pieces.
I adore how her items are interspaced with baskets and all kinds of other things. The dulcimer in the top middle shelf isn't for sale, but it was pretty. Very similar to the one I have.

This is an example of the place settings she creates. We all thought it would be wonderful to own a full set. Nora offered to purchase me one if I get married. She believes she's safe with that promise. Oh well....

So, what did we end up getting? Well I finally decided on this baking dish.While mom decided that this sconce would look perfect in the kitchen with the new counter tops. She was right btw.
You can't tell, but the outside of the dish is this lovely shade of gray-green that's just amazing and works wonderfully with the black inside. Marcia is truly talented and I can't wait to make another trip to her gallery the next time we're in WV.

That was Saturday, then on Sunday we gathered for another cousin's 50th wedding anniversary.That's the happy couple, "Bud" and Joann. Bud's another Thompson, his father and my grandmother were brother and sister. (I tell you these things because, well, I'm southern and we always explain how people are related to us.)

Bud and Joann have two daughters, one older then me and one the same age.

That's us. From left to right...Jennifer, me and Kimberly (or as we all call her Kimbo). The party was at a lovely park in Bluefield, VA and we had a wonderful time. It was good to see Kimbo. Seems I only see her about every other year. She's the one that's the same age as me, although she is a bit older I think. Growing up they lived near my grandmother and when I would be in WV for the summer I'd spend quite a bit of time at Bud and Joann's house hanging out with Kimbo. Their house was just up the road from the city pool in Mullens, so we spent many a summer afternoon laying on the top deck ogling watching the hunky lifeguards other swimmers.

That evening we went to hear another of our cousins sing. Calvin sings a most beautiful bass in a quartet, The Gospel Harmony Boys. I grew up listening to gospel music and love to hear the harmonies of a great men's quartet. Even if my sweet cousin wasn't in the group I'd have to say they have some fantastic harmonies. Afterwards Calvin posed with me for a picture.He's definitely a Thompson and loves to joke and cut up. I feel sorry for the poor person who has to stand by him while they are singing. He's one of those people who can sing and clap or snap their fingers off rhythm. I've stood beside him at family reunions when he's pulling that trick and it will catch you off guard every time. Their website tells where they'll be performing so if they are going to be near where you live go hear them and be sure to let Calvin know you read all about him on my blog!

That about covers the vacation. I've got some other things to show you this week. I've neglected showing you a lovely clock that a dear man at our church made for me. Plus I need to take some pictures of my stitching and the knitting I've been doing. Some I can't show yet since it's for Christmas gifts. But I do have some lovelies to show as soon as I get together with DF's Michele, Joan, Christine & Kathy for virtual birthday. I've been saving those pictures until we've exchanged our gifts. They might actually read this blog from time to time and I'd hate to spoil the surprise.

Picture time!

Time to let you see some of what I've been blathering about for the last couple of weeks.

First, the reunion.
From left to right: Aunt Nora, Jeff, my mom. Jeff is my 4th or 5th cousin, I always get it confused and to be honest, at that point is it even necessary to remember? Wasn't sure he'd make it this year, but he did. His dad lives there in "the Valley" so he had a place to stay for free. Although Nora & mom don't look like they are happy, they really were happy to see him and get a hug. Jeff lives in Alabama (and apparently has the shirt to prove it...on no that was for his alma mater).

Did I mention that my family likes to sing? There is some actual talent in the family. Back in the 1920's one of the son's G.W. & Levina Thompson (of whom most of those in attendance decended from) played at the Grand Ole Opry. For that last couple of reunions we've had some help with the playing part and used the kareoke machine there at the Community Center. See this little girl...
That's Chris, yet another cousin, and his grandbabies. Yep, we start them out young and yes, she was singing into that mic.

We had a good time sitting and talking and eating and listening to whoever decided to get up and sing. The singing was cute short due to a really bad storm that came up. But that gave some of us more time to just sit and talk. That's my cousin Jennifer, me and cousin Don. Jennifer and Don are 1st cousins, and my 3rd cousins. Their grandfather and my grandmother were twins. Jennifer lives in VA and Donald lives way out in CA.

After the actual reunion we went back to the house and hung out for awhile, then mom & I took DF Ann up to the cemetery and for a ride through the "rest of the Valley". Then folks started gathering at our rental for a gourmet dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs. My cousin Steven (an actual 1st cousin), did the cooking and the fixings were provided by whoever came and brought stuff. Per tradition, I'd also made frozen margaritas and those went fairly fast. Thankfully, Jeff had a cooler of beer for later. Steven's wife Angie brought her autoharp and we did some singing on the back porch until Nora told us we had to come inside and sing. Angie & I managed to put together a fairly good rendition of "Joleen". I don't think Ms. Parton would have been too offended by it.

Before the whole reunion though Ann & I made the rounds at the crafts part of the Highland's Festival in Abingdon, VA. I introduced her to my favorite potter there and she bought a few lovely pieces. (I noticed that Ann hasn't placed any pictures of her finds on her blog yet. Perhaps she'll do so soon.) She bought the coolest tea pot ever. I settled for these....
Perhaps settled isn't the best word. I actually adore them both! They are both coffee cups/mugs but as you can see one is a little bigger then the other. The colors are perfect for me, but no the usual colors I buy from Boanna Pottery. (I thought they had a website, but I can't find it now, hmmm.)

The final leg of our VA adventure was on the way home. We stopped by my father's cousin's home for a short visit. Ron's house is amazing, and I swear I didn't take any of the rabbits in the upstairs bedroom, really I didn't. I was tempted sure, but I didn't take my purse with me so I didn't have anywhere to hide what I wanted. My Aunt Nora and Ron have a standing joke from when he was at her house after my dad's mother died. Those of you familiar with "Mrs. Bucket" and her antics will understand, the rest of you will just have to bear with me. It's all about drinking coffee from a "beaker". So Nora found theseThey drank out of those while the rest of us got our coffee in what he normally uses. (Which is not hand-painted Royal Doulton, but wasn't too far off I'm sure.)

That's all for now. It's decided to come a terrible storm and the lights are blinking so I'm going to post this and try for more later.

Home, Glorious Home!

We arrived, safe and sound tonight just after 9 PM. I'm tired. We drove through rain from Columbia, SC almost the rest of the way home. I'm off to pick a book from the shelf, find myself a nice cool pair of pajamas and crawl into bed and read until I sleep. I'll upload pictures and fill in the gaps of my vacation some time tomorrow.

Let me just first say that you don't get many days like today. The temperature was perfect in my book, 75F most of the day with a few clouds and a lovely breeze. Plus there was shopping and a picnic of sorts.

My dad and Uncle Jim headed "to the farm", or as my aunt sometimes says, to Forest Hill. Forest Hill is actually where their farm is located, but you might not find it on a map. It's outside Hinton WV. We followed them after awhile with the meat and cheese we bought at the Amish Barn. (For those of you who live in countries where good cheese is readily available...Grant..."Scoring" good cheese doesn't sound like a huge deal, but here it's harder to find quality cheese. Not impossible, and easier in some areas then others, like where I live.) Anyway, we didn't stay too long at the farm before we headed to Marsha's gallery, the potter I told you about yesterday. Apparently she was written up in the "West Virginia Magazine" and she's had some extra visitors, who have also purchased some pieces. Good for her, sad for us. Don't despair, there was still plenty to choose from. Mom found a sconce that should look great in the kitchen. Aunt Nora found a lovely vase. And I found a beautiful round baking dish. I promise a picture as soon as we get home. Marsha also graciously allowed me to take pictures of her gallery. It may be off the beaten path, but it's worth the trip if you're close.

The it was back to the farm, a picnic there since the kitchen isn't finished yet and then to visit with "uncle" Harry. Harry was the pastor for many years at the chapel my mom and aunt attended as children and teens. He's not doing so well, he has cancer and it's moved into the bones in his back. He was looking pretty good today and we had a lovely visit.

Afterwards we made the required visit to the Dairy Queen in Hinton. Seriously good food and according to my mom and my little cousin Danielle, the best "Blizzards" anywhere. Sufficiently stuffed we came home and spent the rest of the night watching the Olympics. I finished another 5 motifs and I'm loving this shawl already! (When I get home I'll insert the appropriate picture here.)

Tomorrow we have a big day planned. Our cousin Bud & his wife will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a party in Bluefield, VA. We'll head there for awhile, then back to Beckley to hear yet another cousin, Calvin, sing. Well he'll be singing with the quartet he belongs to, "The Gospel Harmony Boys". I've never heard them in person, so I'm really looking forward to this. I'm sure we'll have a great time at both events.
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Let the Games begin!

As you probably know the Olympics began today, which is now yesterday. What you may not know is the Ravelympics also began. For some crazy reason I decided I needed to join in the mayhem and fun. Thus I began yet another new project, which if all goes as planned will be finished when they extinguish the flame in 17 days.



As I said yesterday, I decided on a shawl that I'll crochet. If I've counted correctly I'll need to finish 5 motifs each day. Should be doable, even with a travel day thrown in. I managed to finish my quota tonight while ohhh-ing and ahhhh-ing over the opening ceremonies. I've got a picture, but you won't see it until I can get home and download and can have actual internet access. Would it be cruel to say it already looks fab?!?!



Today we went to visit my cousin Kathy. She had a bag of yarn to give me for my Victory Junction afghan endeavor. Then we went to the new Amish Barn where we scored some great cheese, some canned apple rings and some pickled brussel spouts. (Yes, I'll eat anything that isn't a bean or a pea!) Worked on daddy's sock while in the car. Managed to get the heel turned, now to pick up the gusset stitches.



That about covers Friday's adventures. Tomorrow we're headed to Hinton and that area. I think we might even manage to get to the pottery studio of a local woman who does some amazing stuff.....oh and she's blind. I've been trying to get to her studio ever since Jeff Deihl told me about her. My aunt has said that tomorrow is the day. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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Another day of vacation

Today we actually went somewhere. Nothing big. First stop was Hobby Lobby. Found a few things I just couldn't live without, mainly yarn for socks or something that can be made from sock yarn. Hey, I still have presents to make.



Then we were off to Tamarack for lunch. If you're ever passing through Beckley, WV on I-77 stop, look around and have lunch or dinner. I highly recommend the fresh mountain trout and the fried green tomatoes! Plus, if you like greens they have fantastic kale. Didn't purchase anything, but had fun looking. Everything there is crafted by a resident of WV and there's plenty of different things to choose from.



From there we headed to the cemetery to make sure both of my grandmothers' and my Aunt Grace had flowers at their sites. My maternal grandmother's flower holder is broken, again. My aunt will be dealing with that after we leave.



Not sure what's on the agenda for tomorrow. Oh, and I've figured out that this works fine as long as I don't try to include pictures, so you'll have to wait until I get home for those.

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Maybe this time

I've tried to post a blog entry a few times but no luck. Hopefully this time I'll manage.

So far we've hung out with family at the reunion, as well as DF Ann. We had lunch with cousin Toni from the other side of the family. And tonight I finished a sock. Not bad for vacation.
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