Friday in Canton

After finally getting in to see my orthopedist this week, I learned I do indeed have a tear in my left calf, but I just have to take care of it and begin Physical Therapy next week.  There are no real restrictions except common sense--no Camp Gladiator or running for a while, although I can do upper body workouts, if I wish.  So, Valine and I made a last-minute decision to head to Canton on Friday.  I am walking pretty well and I knew that we could stop and rest or even get a scooter, if needed, so I wasn't worried.

The weather turned quite cool the day before, but we were prepared with socks and sweaters and jackets.

Although it was cold, the sun was shining and the crowds were quite small, which was so nice. We browsed and shopped and enjoyed the vignettes the vendors had prepared.

We weren't really looking for anything in particular, but we found some fun things that we will enjoy wearing and will enjoy using around our house.

Just before I took this photo, I took a little tumble.  Okay, it was kind of a large tumble--my cart got stuck, but I didn't, so as I stumbled into it, the cart folded up and I spilled over the top.  All the way down, I kept thinking "roll and stick your leg out".  And I did.  Right onto the concrete sidewalk.  I knew I was okay, despite the fact that I would be sore, so we were able to share a laugh, along with a couple of people that witnessed the show.

We had such a great time together and it really made me ready for the next time.  Round Top 2017, here we come!

First Monday

Last week, Valine and Maegan came through Shreveport on their way to Canton.  I had not previously planned to go with them, because I wasn't sure what our schedule would be like with a new Grandbaby on the way, etc.  When they got into town, Callie and I met them for lunch with babyD2 (BabyD was at Mother's Day Out).

They took turns holding him and we enjoyed visiting and eating some delicious cookies. (The cookies have become a tradition)

Maegan, Valine and I shopped for a little while before they headed out of town.  Since I didn't have anything important on my schedule until the following evening, I decided to join them.   Our sweet scrapping buddy, Pam, was headed to Canton for the first time with her grandson, so we were thrilled to be able to meet up for dinner before heading to our respective hotels.

Thursday morning, we were up early, despite the dismal weather forecast for the day.  The first few hours were dry and we had fun searching for treasures.

We joined Pam and Sandy mid-morning and decided on a time to meet for lunch.  Fortunately, our appointed lunch spot was "indoors", because the deluge of rain hit just as we were headed there.

We enjoyed lunch and then set out to do a bit of shopping in covered areas.

As the rain came down, we darted between buildings.

It's always dangerous to be stuck in a nice boutique during a storm.  Valine found some of the cutest outfits, stepping out of her comfort zone to try on some things that Maegan and I picked for her.

The rain did finally stop, but the water continued to rise in the nearby ditches and creeks.

I headed home in the afternoon so that I could beat the second round of thunderstorms.

Once home, Ron checked the radar and it looked like the rain was still a few hours away, so we dressed and headed out for the first run of the Summer Fun Run series.

As we stood around waiting for the race to begin, it drizzled non-stop and I began wondering what in the world I was thinking.  (There were 200+ crazy people there).  It did stop before the race began, but the run was tough.  It was cooler than usual, but extremely humid and much of the running trail was obscured by mud from the river flooding that we've been experienced lately. There was one pretty bad injury from the mud, but it wasn't me this time.  I was slow and careful not to slip as I walked through those areas.

I'm so glad that I was able to spend time with Valine and Maegan.  Not only did we find a few special things, but I got inspiration for a few more.

Of course, the best part by far was getting to spend time with my BFF!

Canton Treasures

One of my favorite ways to usher in the fall season is with a trip to Canton, TX for the First Monday market.  It's become an annual tradition for Valine and I and something that we look forward to for months.   This year was certainly no exception.  I guess that school has been in session just long enough for me to really need a break and being outdoors on a beautiful day is just what the doctor ordered.

Valine came up on Friday and we did a little shopping in Shreveport before driving over to Kilgore for the night.   Let's face it: being an hour down the road the next morning is definitely an advantage. After checking into our hotel, we got some suggestions from the front desk clerk for some picturesque buildings to photograph for one of my photography prompts.  I was in search of a country church, but we never really found one.   We did find a couple of others and while they didn't work for my prompt this week, it was still fun to be "on the hunt".

We walked over to Chili's for dinner and even enjoyed an adult beverage---something I rarely indulge in.  Can you guess whose was whose??

Saturday, ended up being a nearly perfect day at Canton.  The weather was absolutely beautiful!! When we arrived, there were already so many people there that we had to park way out in the boonies---a first for us.  After getting our carts out and ready, Valine locked the car up . . . or at least attempted to lock it.  Repeatedly.   We examined the doors, the locks, the buttons,  . . . but still no luck.  THEN, she realized . . . the car was still running.   ;-)  

It was cool enough for a light jacket in the morning.

By noon, however, I had shed the jacket and enjoyed the sunshine and gentle breeze while perusing the variety of interesting goods.

Unfortunately, I experienced a "wardrobe malfunction" late in the day, requiring me to don my jacket again until we reached the car.   As we walked along through the booths, I suddenly felt a "pop" from the clasp of my very favorite, front-hook bra!   Thinking at first that it had somehow come unhooked, Valine shielded me while I attempted to re-fasten the silly thing.  Instead, the whole hook just fell off in my hand!!   Luckily, there are no photos to document that particular event and I will be returning it to the store where it was purchased!!

Neither of us were looking for anything in particular and it seems that can be a dangerous time for our pocket books.   We managed to find several fun things for ourselves and for others.    For the most part, the crowds were spread out so that we never really felt crowded.

As we loaded our booty into Valine's car, the turkey platter, that I'd found for such a bargain, slipped off of a box and fell to the ground, breaking into several pieces.  Sooo sad!

After a full day of browsing, we headed to her aunt's farm in Henderson for burgers with the family.   It was our first time to meet Pam's brand new grandson, Samuel.  What a sweetie!!   The food was great and it was so nice to relax and visit with everyone for a little while.  How lucky am I that I have been able to get to know Valine's extended family over the years and call them "friends"?!

As we left Henderson, we stopped for gas, only to be startled by a man peering into the car window and asking for help.  We were thankful that it wasn't our car that needed help this time as he used it to unsuccessfully try to jump-start their car.  After it was clear that it wasn't going to work, he thanked us and we went on our way.

While the weekend was not without its obstacles, I got to spend it with my best friend, so "Life is Good".   ;-)

First the Storm and Then the Sun

Thursday was a stormy day around here---in every sense of the word.  Work was intense and storms rolled in around noon and only became more severe later in the evening.   On top of that, I received word that one of my "flea market friends" and her family were facing a terrible health crisis. It's hard to keep your mind on work when someone you care about is dealing with pain and uncertainty.

Fall arrived Friday morning, complete with cooler weather, acorns on the driveway and a beautiful, sunny sky.

Valine and Troy drove up in the afternoon and we left Shreveport early so that we could sneak in a visit with Pam and her family.  A quick dinner between hospital visits gave us a chance to hug their  necks and relax together.  

Valine, Troy and I set off to Canton bright and early Saturday morning, with long pants, jackets and shopping carts.  The skies were clear, the temperatures crisp and friends were together

With such perfect weather, we knew there would be lots of people, and sure enough, IT WAS CROWDED!!

With nothing specific in our minds to shop for, we moved out into the open air booths and enjoyed browsing without the crush of the crowds.

Troy got her favorite Jordan almonds, Valine got some pecan brittle and I finally found some kettle corn.

I picked up a few vintage books to use for scrapbook projects and a some goodies for Christmas gifts, but my favorite part about the day was being together in the wonderful weather.  Just look at the angelic halo above my head!!  :-)

When we got back home, we ate dinner and unpacked.  Have you ever wondered what happens if you drop a can of Tab that has been in a hot car all day?!??!?!  It explodes!  Onto EVERY surface of your kitchen!   And makes everyone nearby break down in laughter.

Except possibly the guy who is willing to clean it up.  And now that I look at the picture, I think he must have been trying to earn his "angel wings" as well.  :-)

This evening, Ron and I went down to the Red River Revel.  I needed to check in with the office to see if there were any graphics that needed attention (there were) and then we had time to walk around a little and to eat dinner.

We thoroughly enjoyed the crawfish tails and the entertainment--Black Violin was awesome.

As we walked back to our car, the sky put on a pretty spectacular show as well.

Just like the weather---first the storm and then the sun---I'm praying that Pam's family soon finds the sun shining again brightly in their lives and that healing is on its way!  Love you, Pam!