North Carolina State Fair

We spent the day at the fair today...literally. We were there for almost seven hours! The only reason I go is for the animals and the food. We had country ham biscuits, grilled corn-on-the-cob dripping with hot butter, handmade hot apple dumplings with homemade ice cream, fried pecan pie, fresh squeezed lemonade, barbecue sandwich and a frozen banana dipped in chocolate!





Between all that eating, we checked out the kids art exhibits, stopped by the Obama/Biden booth, looked at all the cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens and chicks. I even held an adorable baby duck...






One of my favorite things we did this year was milk a cow...yes, I actually milked a cow!! It was pretty cool...




I was surprised by how much milk I got out. I thought it would have been harder to get the 'technique" right.

All in all, it was a fun day. Cold, but not raining, so that was good! I am exhausted now and ready for a nap.

TEN YEARS?!?!?

I went to my 10 year high school reunion last weekend. It was so bizarre to be around all those folks from high school, again. There were people I was excited to see, people I could care less to see, people I didn't want to see and even people I forgot that I'd see! I mingled and did my best to keep a smile on my face... even when I approached one of my high school bullies. Brandon Johnson, also known as 'BJ', used to make fun of me every single day. Well, I am not one to hold a grudge and figured I just say hi to him. So, I walked right over and hello... after a brief "Hey! How have YOU been!?" he immediately picked on me as if we were still in high school. I am an adult now so I just laughed it off and got away as quickly as possible....but still... really, BJ? Are you that unaware of what a jerk you were?! Oh well. I have to brush it off and remember that I won't see him again for, at least, another 10 years! :) Here are some pics from the night...

Wedding time

This weekend we went to our friend's rehearsal dinner and wedding in Southern Pines. The weather was perfect...not hot and not too cold. We had a wonderful time!

Lee, Lindsey (bride) & Jess

Kevin & Lee playing air guitar!

Lindsey & Ross

Kevin, Ross & Eric

OBX

We went to the Outer Banks last week with some friends. We stayed in Corolla, in a huge house right on the beach. Unfortunately, it was a bit cooler and very windy so we didn't get to lay on the beach much. It was a fun trip. We visited two lighthouses: Currituck & Bodie. We also stopped at the Wright Memorial on the way home. Here are some pictures from the trip...

On the windy beach!

The water was so rough, red flags were out that said "No Swimming"

Bodie Lighthouse

I had the BEST fish sandwich at this grill!

We climbed to the top...and it was windy!

Thanks to these guys, we can fly around the world!

Home again, home again

I have FINALLY recuperated after the ABC show. I got home Tuesday night and my poor feet were swollen! Is this yet another thing I have to look forward to with 'old age'??? That has never happened to me before. I have to assume it is from standing and walking around Vegas for six days straight (plus the long plane ride). This morning, they are starting to look normal, again. It took me a day to get over the slight jet lag. The show went great! Our booth was ginormous and turned out just how I had planned/imagined. We had great responses to all the new products and lots of orders. Each night, after the show, we went out to dinner with retailers and/or industry friends. It's always great to put faces to the voices you speak to so often.

During set up.

Lots of traffic.

Dinner with the manufacterers.

Me & Emily (no idea what was so funny!)

Alex, Kjell & Brenda

All the ladies going out. (Laura, Emily, LisBeth, Me, Brenda, Erin & Georgina)

Waiting in line at a casino.

Staying out until 4 am, three nights in a row takes a toll on you!!!