{{otherwise known as one of the longest posts ever}} Sorry folks, fall has hit and my head is whirling. Things are getting brisk. Weekends being touristy at festivals, birthdays sneaking up and a trip to San Francisco.
We headed to Hapeville's Happy Days festival on September 20th and took the opportunity to explore the downtown as well. The festival itself was pretty sparse, but people seemed to be having fun - especially the kids on all of the big inflatables (never big enough for adults though *pout*).
The museum was hodgepodge stuff about Hapeville . It houses everything from an old Model T Ford to a torture chamber looking perm machine to old memorabilia from Delta and Eastern. Don't even think most of the population could fit in the old airplane chair they had on display. We did notice a weird tendency to populate the town with mannequins . . .
They seemed to be e v e r y w h e r e.
At least they had the good sense to install pretty flowers in various places to distract you from the "posers" with the really bad hair. I mean they are on display! Dignity, people, dignity - even for a mannequin.
The next weekend (September 27) we went to the Historic College Park Festival. Again, small and not really that varied as far as the art aspect went. The music was decent and the park was really nice (the grass was otherworldly lush and all of the kids ran around barefoot in it). The best thing that came out of going was meeting Tal Stanfield and Don Shomaker of The Craftsman Remodeling, LLC. Their work looked amazing. They even do custom cabinets and built-ins! Definitely have them earmarked for the future!
The little girl, above, cracked me up with her serious little face. The little boy, above, danced like a crazy man in front of the live bands. I mean running, jumping, doing little dance moves for about an hour. Non-stop. He wore me out while I was sitting there eating my Italian sausage sandwich. Whew.
That night my parents showed up on their way back down from north Georgia to check out our home. After our very quick tour of the house, we left them to their own devices and headed out to meet friends for a pre-birthday (happy birthday to meeeee!) celebration at the Wren's Nest. I have lived in Atlanta for a while, but had never gone (this was a phrase much uttered over the evening by just about everyone I talked to or was eavesdropping on *ahem* The only exception seemed to be former Boy Scouts. Apparently they all visited the Nest at one point or another).
These were the events that finally led to us actually stepping foot into the place: we happened to go to the nearest Benjamin Moore design store location and while standing in the parking lot, noticed the Wren's Nest across the street (SO close). Then we got an invite a few days later from Kingsized since we are on the mailing list. My interest was piqued even then but as soon as my eyes saw the caterers, Sol Catering of Taqueria del Sol? Too delicious to be ignored. The stars were aligned! Totally good time, divine food and the house is amazing! Best of luck to them as they remodel and spin yarns!
A few days later I headed to San Francisco for a dear friend's birthday extravaganza! There was much eating, drinking and making merry. Even some of the most sophisticated tailgating I have ever been to (beef brisket, pork, lamb, polish sausages, corned beef. so. much. meat. Thank goodness J brought grapes). The 49ers lost, but that didn't stop the gorging. There were hot dogs for a light evening snack. Oh, and although Hapeville might have been keeping ACME Mannequin in business, San Francisco had their ubiquitous bowls of balls. Tres chic!
Even though our friends Sonia and Sam swear it's not a housewarming gift, it sure feels like one.
Sonia said she doesn't even want us to think about writing them a thank-you note.
In order to respect her feelings on the matter, I would never even think about writing a thank you note telling her how much I appreciate all of the little (and big) things she does for her friends, that her unfailing support has not gone unnoticed, how gaudy-cool these salt and pepper shakers are, how I completely understand the joy of discovering a perfect gift to give to a loved one, how we adore their friendship . . . no, I would never write them a thank-you note telling them all of these things because they asked us not to ;)
S&S, so good seeing you last night and hanging in the 'hood. Rock on Turtle Pie!
Yesterday, I headed over to Trader Joe's to pick up a few "essentials," lol. The sample of the day was TJ's peanut butter cups. After tasting one, I decided that it could possibly be an essential, but that I had more places to go and I didn't want them melting in the car. :(
My next stop was Tuesday Morning. I picked up some whaddadeal tension rods for the closets since the owner decided to take some shelves out before we moved in . . .
I happened to look at the empty space's window next door before heading out to the car, when I saw:Richard's Variety Store coming soon
I love Richard's Variety Store. I kept hearing about how cool it was years and years ago and finally went there about 5 years ago. This place has it all - strange doo-dads, nostalgic kid's toys, Christmas ornaments, pinatas, office supplies, hardware, Halloween costumes. . . you name it. It is a hoot!
They have some wonky cards:
I couldn't find any information as to whether they were moving their Buckhead location or just opening another one. Either way, make sure you check it out next time you need a Trader Joe's fix. You might just find another addiction!
Yesterday, I spent a few hours at a community clean up at a nearby park. We took out old fence posts, dug holes and planted trees. Then we pulled out kudzu, raked and picked up trash.
While we were picking up trash, the neighborhood association president told me about a shopping cart he had seen for months down in the creek while walking his dog. I told him that we should go get it out. Apparently, he doubted the magnitude of my strength, and commented that we might need some big guys to help us since the banks were steep and the cart had plant growth wrapped around it.
So, I set out to find two strapping men. I enlisted the first guy pretty quickly and he seemed game. I walked up to the second man and did the Hulk. That's right, the Hulk.
Think:
I even "grrrrd!" and said, "You look strong and we have a mission." He laughed, and then felt my muscles. Then he laughed even harder. He said, "Okay, what do you need?"
The four of us trotted down to the creek. It was steep and there were lots of thorns everywhere. They were a little protective and said not to come down with shorts on. So I helped haul the shopping cart up from the top.
Afterwards, the president of the neighborhood association was talking about further improvements to the park, and said, "I just heard the mayor mention . . ."
My response was, "Oh, the mayor is here?"
Guess who?
Yep, the man I hulked out on.
Later on, I properly introduced myself and met his wife as well. Nice people.
I *think* I made an impression. Let's just leave it at that.
Mr. BITH and I walked to the local Corner Tavern for lunch today for the first time. Food was yummy! It has a great covered deck, and we can't wait to try it out on a Friday/Saturday night.
Best of all? I am happy to report a rare sighting of Turtle Pie. I am surprised this thing isn't on the endangered pie list. As kids, we used to beg to get one from Baskin Robbins for a birthday or Thanksgiving {{amendment to post per thrashing in comment section: this crazed demand for Turtle Pie all began because of my dear papa whose birthday falls right around the corner from Thanksgiving. If it weren't for his amazing palette, we would never have known about this luscious treat!}}
I have found them at a few spare Baskin Robbins . . . but to find a homemade one within walking distance?! Jackpot!
I hope it is divine.
We will {try to} wait until my brother comes to visit to do any sort of taste test though. :)
After 4 very long days of moving in, we are slowly, but surely, settling into the house.
I thought Mr. BITH was crazy to want to set up our front-porch furniture after one particularly long day of moving, but he insisted, saying, "this huge-ass box has been sitting in our family room for two months! It's time to actually use it."
So we sat on the concrete and assembled this together.
It has been awesome (thanks for insisting Mr. BITH!). When we are tired and sweaty and can't imagine looking at one more box or moving around one more thing, we come out here and sit and relax. And yes, both lemonade and sweet tea have made an appearance (as well as some vodka and beer).
We have already met quite a few neighbors. One of our neighbors makes bird houses and came over yesterday to deliver one especially made for us as a housewarming gift. How cute and sweet is that?
This same neighbor has several hummingbird feeders in her front yard. After I saw a few hummingbirds in just the few minutes I was visiting her place, I had to go out and get a feeder. Mr. BITH couldn't believe we had hummingbirds, but then when I was out doing errands one day he spotted one at our feeder and was so excited to tell me when I got home :)
We have scored practically all of our yard/outdoor stuff at end of season prices (mostly 75% off). So we are now proud owners of a large push broom, garden shears, hose, citronella candles, hurricane lantern and also these great copper planters that I put some MIL tongue in and placed on either side of the entrance. I can't wait to see these little ones get tall and strong!
