Sunday, May 8, 2016

Chris's gifts and Herb Day


If you  stopped by yesterday, you had a chance to see the beautiful tip-ins my friend Chris at pearshapedcrafting made me.  However, in my haste to get the scanned tip-ins posted,

I failed to take these photos of the added gifts Chris sent me off my camera.  Just feast your eyes on all the wonderful die cuts, art, and stamp she sent me.

Isn't this the absolute most incredible birthday card?  Gotta love this beauty.  That's a keeper I intend to frame.

I'm not sure if Chris read my mind or remembered I mentioned how much I love bicycles, but I know she has a great memory.  So I was tickled beyond belief at this genuine beauty I received from her.  Thank you beyond belief Chris.  I am VERY, very grateful, and ashamed I was in such a hurry yesterday to show the tip-ins that I forgot to check my camera for these wonderful gifts you sent me.

Herb day started bright and early.  I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.

As I was admiring my freshly mowed yard from the day before (Friday), my eye caught sight of my peonies that have now started to bloom.

I love my camera because I was standing in the street when I took this photo of the peonies that are to the north of my porch. 

After mailing a package at one of two post offices I stopped at (both were closed, though), I was off to the Extension Office where a Farmer's Market was set up around the perimeter of the main building.

There were people everywhere, and it was barely 8:30 am.

Lots of items besides herbs were sold,

similar to many outdoor markets that are around this time of year.  Sadly, that was not a very flattering photo.

Jam, jellies,

herbal soaps,

fresh cut flowers,

cakes, pies, cookies, and other baked goods tempted people (not me) before they ever got to the building

where the herbs were on display.

I am not big on crowds, especially when I'm trying to take photos.  People are so rude and walk right in front of anyone with a camera, something I try never to do.

I tried to move out of the way, but the woman in front of me was determined to be in the photos.  HMMM!  This doesn't look like herbs to me.

Finally, rooms with herbs.  I took my time and chose genuine bargains.

On my way to the parking lot, I stopped to take a few photos at the various food trucks.

This vendor supports a lot, it appears.

On my way home I was diverted not by the police, but by my own curiosity.  I pulled into a parking lot across the street from my local grocer,

got out, and shot this photo of an accident I happened on.

I couldn't tell if this was a single motorcycle accident, or one involving multiple vehicles.  And although I'm curious, I wasn't about to get much closer.

The man (I could hear him moaning and whimpering) was soon taken to one of our hospitals.  Fortunately, I believe he will be OK, but I didn't watch the news tonight because I was busy loading photos to my blog, so I have no idea what happened.

I bought a total of six plants: two roma tomatoes, four basils, all different.  Then I called my friend Sally to see if she wanted to go to lunch.  I was not in the mood to cook or stay home, since I had been working around my house and in my studio for days.

Off we went to a local restaurant we often visit.

I had already started my breakfast when I realized I could take a photo of it.  Sally and I both had veggie omelets.  She had coffee and I had water with lemon.  The waitress was SO good to me, I left her a 30% tip.  I think it even shocked Sally.  I can appreciate good service and she was the best, even though the restaurant was full to overflowing.

Standing in line to pay, I decided to take a few photos of art I hadn't previously captured.

And yes, the wall mounted "juke boxes" still work.
It was the perfect ending to herb day.  Now I have to plant my herbs tomorrow (oops, today) before they die on me.

Thanks for taking this voyage with me today from morning to late afternoon.  And thanks, too, to Chris for my beautiful gifts!

17 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Oh my, you really saw and experienced a lot on your day out! Glad you managed to find some good pot plants in spite of all the distractions, and you certainly captured a wide variety of photos on different themes, including the accident, and everything else that was going on at the market.... People are often rude and want to walk in front of the camera, I know that. Glad that you got out for a good meal, too, and I am sure you made that waitress very happy. Have a lovely day! Hugs, Valerie

Helen said...

I find it frustrating too when people walk in front of me when I'm taking photos, though mostly I don't do surreptitious ones and people can see what I'm doing (two Kew posts for you to catch up on!!) and wait for me. glad you enjoyed your meal and get your herbs planted.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a fantastic farmer's market. I am sure everyone arrives early to get the best stuff. It's rained all week and is cool at best. Not even thinking about the garden. Have a Spring cold and I keep looking at the lawn and know I have to mow...hope I am better by tomorrow. Happy Mother's (Kitty) Day to you. I wonder if you'll get some catnip later!!! xox

froebelsternchen said...

Thank you for sharing the whole day with us! Lovely gifts from Chris!

My name is Erika. said...

You had a busy day! How fun. And you made me think of a reporter with that bike accident photo. And yes, Chris made you the perfect card. :) I definitely think it was worth framing. I think Farmer's Markets are always great places, not only to find good stuff but just to walk around and people watch. Glad you had such a great day! Erika

Dianne said...

Love that painting of the still life with breakfast! You were certainly gifted wonderful goodies...fun to see them, and can't wait to see the bike in your art. Good luck with the hetbs!

Dianne said...

Love that painting of the still life with breakfast! You were certainly gifted wonderful goodies...fun to see them, and can't wait to see the bike in your art. Good luck with the hetbs!

Halle said...

What a great event...so much to see and buy!

Rita said...

What a fun day! Gifts, Herb day, and lunch with a friend. Nice!! Thanks for bringing us along.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love that picture of the peonies...great capture :)

AiyanaKalyna said...

I hope that man is ok. My heart goes out to him. Beautiful day for herb shopping. I Hate crowds period! I will never walk in front of anyone's camera. I don't even like having my picture taken by strangers. It looks like you had a great day. Your breakfast looks so yummy. I spoil waitresses and waiters too. I am famed for leaving humongous tips. Ornery story I will share. Had a really rude waitress one time. Just the worst. I am not a drama queen at all. I am so laid back when I go out to eat. She was just downright abusive to everyone. Then I saw her abuse an elderly lady. By that time I had it with her. The other waitress waiting on tables was a sweetheart and spoiling her customers. When my husband & I got up to leave we gave that waitress the rude waitresses tip and added more to it, lol. Trust me the manager noticed. I can't wait to see more of your garden. Please don't wait till June to show us. I hope you were safe yesterday. Cross fingers for me it's my tornado day tomorrow.

Meggymay said...

Thank you for sharing the super photos . You must have had a full day out visiting the market buying your wonderful plants. Your lunch looked delicious and a great way to end your eventful day.
Yvonne xx

Carol said...

You definitely had a full day. I haven't been to a Farmer's Market yet this season but hope to remedy that this week :) Your plants look very healthy and since my seed starting adventure failed this year I'll be buying plants at the Farmer's Market this year.

Sandra Cox said...

Wow. Sounds like you had all kinds of fun.
Would have loved to have done some plant shopping. Sounds like they had a wonderful variety. I did pick up a peach hibiscus last week.....

Linda Kunsman said...

What a mostly wonderful day out!! I love perusing market days and picking up local fresh produce. I hate seeing accidents and everytime I pass one I say a little prayer for those involved. i sure hop e this man was found to be able to recover well. What a fabulous looking breakfast. You have me thinking I need to go out for breakfast sometime soon as it rarely happens. Beautiful card from Chris and I know how you love her art, along with those goodies. She does know you well:)

~*~Patty S said...

Lovely gifts from Chris...know you'll enjoy it all E.
Farmer's Markets are such a fun atmosphere.
The Today's Menu sign really made me smile
AND
I have to say I would frequent the business in the next photo because I care about so many of the same things. More "KIND" is always good thing.
Have fun with your herbs.
oxo

Jeanie said...

Herb day looks fabulous! I would have lost control! Hope the accident victim made it all right -- motorcycles scare the heck out of me. For that matter, so do bicycles and I should get over that, as Rick used to race and now rides long bike tours (He's going from Michigan to Montreal this summer with his sleeping bag and tent on the back of his bike. I am not.) Maybe that's why they freak me out! But I love photos of them!

Lovely gifts from Chris. What a great mailday you had!