A Most Unexpected Find

It was a rainy Saturday. Allan was scheduled to shoot pictures at a Mother's day event at John's Pass. I was off and had just gotten back home from a CCW Mass and brunch at our church. Thought I'd go have a look around the shop while Allan took his pictures. Didn't really need anything. But I do love the hunt!

I looked at Vera Bradley, Brighton, and John Medeiros. I visited with my favorite sales people. I had a hot dog.

I wandered over to look in a Pandora display case and saw a simple silver bangle bracelet with a single sparkly bead. It was perfect. The saleslady told me that a china jewel box was included in the price. I had never even considered a Pandora purchase before and now I was kind of excited about it.

I can purchase additional beads and charms to wear on this bracelet at a later date. Or just enjoy the simple charm as is. But I do love having it and glad I started with a complete piece and not looking at the millions of beads and charms!

Also kind of nice having this outing documented with pictures taken by my husband. He gets just as excited by these purchases as I do. Now he can add to my collection, too.

One last picture! This ring wasn't purchased from The Bronze Lady. But it is somewhat new. And Allan loves posing me with it on. We had a custom ring made for my original diamond from my engagement ring. Gail, from our church, met with me several months ago and took on this project to find a perfect design and then got it made. I am SO happy with the results. Prettiest ring ever! Don't you agree?

Art Images of Key West

 

Bees buzzing fresh lime and mint

 

Blue bottles at Blue Heaven

Chickens crossing the road!

Sign of the time ...

Key West rooster

Allan's favorite shot!

Key West Fun

Lunch on Duval Street

A frozen Pain-in-the-Ass! Really!

Key Lime Pie in Key West

Checking Facebook while waiting for the tour.

Messing with the Southernmost Point

Enjoying the resort pool!

Hanging with Harry ( at Little White House )

Conch Tour Train, Key West, Florida

Selfie at Hemingway House

Famous mile marker 0 on US 1, Key West

Sunset at Mallory Square

Strolling through the Truman Annex

Discovered Blue Heaven - our favorite place to eat.

New Porch Furniture

Ordered new Berlin Gardens chairs and table for our much loved and used front porch. They are taller and sit straighter than our adirondack chairs and will be perfect for working on our devices and enjoying wine and meals outdoors. Going to leave my old chair for McGee to lounge in since he can easily jump in. I think Allan and I are going to love our new chairs!

Kiwi green counter height chairs and Pacific blue table. Pretty cool, huh! Made by the Amish in Berlin, Ohio. We sell this at the Bronze Lady Home Furnishings and has quickly become one of our leading vendors. Has a twenty year warranty, too! Mary Jo and Joe, Lois and Tom, and Mom Mom and Pop Pop all have pieces from this company.

Come on by - the next couple of months are perfect porch sitting months! And thanks, Bill and Carol!

Moving Forward

He is a very capable attorney. He knows the system and has connections. He can not guarantee the outcome. He comes with a very steep price. But Patrick will be bonded out of jail and will be in treatment and in a safe place. I think he is very lucky. His brothers are not so happy about this. They think he might take off and Allan might be left owing the bond money. I can understand their pain and frustration. But the decision has been made and the wheels of this system are turning and there is no going back. We are all moving forward. Prayers would so be appreciated!

I Love Vera Bradley!

I am lucky to work for a retailer who has Vera Bradley in one of their shops. Which means I get a generous discount on all of their products. Which means I can buy LOTS and regularly add to my growing collection. Vera Bradley is ALL about color and style and fun. It's about mixing and matching with your clothing and the seasons. It's also about simplifying and organizing your life.

I bought this cute cabinet last year to hold my Vera collection. Since all the patterns are so colorful, it makes a nice display all by itself! The basket on the bottom shelf holds smaller cases and wallets.

I can display lots of different bags and accessories. I like Vera umbrellas, too!

I also invested in larger pieces and luggage. I think I have enough Vera Bradley to travel around the world!

Handmaiden of the Lord

Our Council of Catholic Women at St. Raphael's parish had their spring conference today. The program included breakfast, business meeting, the Rosary, Mass, luncheon, and program with guest speaker. Also, the presentation of the Handmaiden of the Lord award.

I got a call from the CCW president a week ago saying Mom had been selected for this years award. Seems she felt sorry for the oversight and that Mom should have been given this honor awhile back!

We told my Mom that members were begging for people to attend the conference so that she wouldn't suspect anything if my sisters and I showed up since this award is a complete surprise.

We joined the group for Mass in our beautiful sanctuary and slipped into the pew next to our Mom.
Afterwards, we all headed to the hall for lunch and socializing. And picture taking.

My mother was completely surprised when they called her name! She did not suspect a thing! We were so proud of her and I know she deserved this honor. She has been a tireless worker in our parish for over thirty years. Well done, good and faithful servant!