A day for the books

Last night Justin used my car to drive to Daytona for the Romney/Ryan event, with Jesse. The crowd was huge and really needed a larger venue. Unfortunately, Justin was not able to get close enough to get his cheese head autographed. The two guys decided to stop for wings on the way back so it was quite late when he got home.

Our plans for Saturday were centered around Stephanie and Erica making the trek from Southside to OP to have breakfast with us at Grumpy's. The ladies wanted to go to the Romney/Ryan store on Fleming Island to get yard signs, decals, and t-shirts, etc. Plus, Erica had never been to my home so they were coming here as well. This is all very exciting for me!

I made sure Justin was up and ready for breakfast in time, and off we went to Grumpy's. A short wait and we were seated, saving two seats for our friends. Once they arrived, we enjoyed our time and meals together. 

They mentioned seeing the Fall Festival going on at Town Hall and asked about stopping in there. Stephanie is a crafter so would love such an event. I knew the Art Guild had a booth there where I have worked in the past. Justin looked it up on his phone and sure enough, there was a Romney/Ryan booth at the fair! One stop shopping!

Justin, my kind gentleman, dropped me off and then parked the car, having to walk several city blocks to do so. Nice! The two ladies parked at the Winn-Dixie Plaza and walked across Kingsley to the Festival. The ground was covered with straw which was sort of messy but better than walking on dirt. The food vendors lined the perimeter and boy, if only we'd not just eaten at Grumpy's......

We found the Art Guild booth right off the bat and I greeted those working, two of whom I knew. The woman I didn't know asked me, "Are the lady from the picture at Great Hang Ups, eating the ice cream?" Um, yes, that would be me! Her piece was hung right above mine in the show. Fun!

Several booths featured animals, the shelters being well represented. Our two friends love dogs and had plenty to enjoy, some in cages and some on leashes. Other vendors had pet accessories for adorning them with sport team items or even entire costumes. 

Erica is so pretty!

The day started out cooler but as we strolled the grounds, it got warmer and warmer. Even I was warm but not uncomfortable. Eventually we found the R/R booth which was crowded with people. We got the yard signs, decals, and other campaign items, much of it free. And Erica got herself a t-shirt, which she changed into in the bathroom. Everywhere on the property one could see R/R signs, with only a minute number of the opposing team's items. "Their" booth had no lines or crowds around it. 

I was drawn to a booth where the vendor had stainless steel serving and eating items embellished with beads. I bought myself a set of serving tools with cobalt blue beads wired to the handle. Justin's sales pitch to me? "They are dishwasher safe!" 

Eventually we made it around the ever-expanding show, and worked our way to the food vendors. As we looked, Justin found a booth with fresh-baked bread so we took a loaf of that. Earlier I had picked up a mini-pumpkin pie for him which was in a foam box.

Erica had seen a stand selling Filipino food so that's what she was hungry for. One stand was cooking 'soul food' and smelled so wonderful. The owner of the restaurant was standing outside the booth and greeted us as we got closer. He said to me, "Oh, you look so pretty today!" and I gave him a hug. Later, Stephanie asked me if I knew that guy and I told her, "Now I do!" 

Justin and I found a vendor selling knishes so we each took one to-go. Mine is brisket with mashed potatoes, to be eaten later. I got my heart's desire of a funnel cake and found a place to sit down. The others set off to find their heart's desire. Stephanie came back with meat on a stick, and Erica had some sort of Oriental noodle dish. Not sure what Justin ended up with, but he did bring me back a soda, without my asking!

When it was time to go, Justin went to get the car, and the ladies crossed back over Kingsley to theirs. Justin picked me up at the curb, again the gentleman, and we got home before our guests arrived. Stephanie has been here before, but never Erica. 

Once parked, and in the lobby, she was all set to move in!!! She loved the place and wants to lie down on a sleeping bag in front of the patio doors. Erica asked me how I ever leave here. It does become harder and harder, especially when all things are going well!

He calls these his 'Fred Flintstone' feet!

Justin showed us his feet when we got home, filthy black except where his flip flop straps were. Even my feet were filthy and I was wearing closed-toe shoes! Stephanie's feet were okay but her ankles were black. THAT is why they spread that annoying straw at the Festival! It was early afternoon when they went back to Southside, with just enough time for Erica to get cleaned up for her next engagement at the Riverside Arts Market. A high culture day for her, beginning with Grumpy's!!

After his nap he went grocery shopping and laid up some supplies for the coming week, including what I need to make Swedish meatballs. I forgot to tell him about the spinach, though, so will get that on another visit. Can't wait, but now, must rest after my busy day!

I loved it!!! and love my friends and my son!