What a nice weekend

This past weekend felt so festive and more like a Fourth of July weekend than anything.

On Saturday, Ez and I went to his best buddy's birthday party and had a really nice time. The mothers who were there were saying how parties these days outdo anything they try for their child's birthday. It is easy for me to get carried away too, but I am really trying to keep my son's parties to the kind of nostalgic ones I had. Anyway, we had a good time...

On Sunday, we went to my mom and dad's house to catch up with my sister and brother-in-law. They left Texas on Friday to drive to Florida. There they picked up two dirt bikes Greg's friend had for him for the boys. Then they drove up to NC on Saturday. Originally they were planning on leaving Sunday morning, but I am so glad they decided to stick around for a bit. We had a nice afternoon cookout and enjoyed my short but sweet visit with them. Ezra was following Aunt Emily around and loved to talk and be with her!

Then yesterday, we watched Indiana Jones and then had a cookout at our house in the evening. Whew! What a blessing it has been to visit and be with family and friends. I do miss my sisters so much and often wonder what it would be like to live near both of them.

Now it's off to school and work!

It's Back to the Market

The Hickory Farmer's Market has begun their season. My mom and dad are going to be doing double markets all summer long selling O My Soap!. One in Hickory, the other in Charlotte. And, starting in June, I will be selling soap at the Catawba Valley Farmer's Market in Newton. So, if you're ever around, stop by to see us at the market.

Here are the sights of the market from my son's point-of-view:Ms. Viola's Famous Fried Pies

The "Flower People" sell these bouquets for $10!

See the face in the tree?

We got two beautiful strawberry plants from Chow, the Strawberry Man

10th Annual Catawba Valley Storytelling Festival

Wright Clarkson and the tale of why cats and dogs don't get along (they used to once upon a time)

Ezra and I had the chance to go to the Storytelling Festival this year as guests instead of volunteers. This year they opened it to the public and I enjoyed all of the storytellers we heard. It truly is like a reunion for the storytellers each year. Some of the best in the business come to Murray's Mill each May to tell their tales to second and third graders.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from that day:Murray's Mill gets a paint job (check out the scaffolding, almost $10K to rent!!)On the porch swing at the Murray Minges General Store