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!