Travel

A Caribbean Sea Shell Grammy Fairy

celebrations, sea shell fairies, Travel

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As I said, we LOVED our Disney Cruise.  It was a short one, three nights. We stopped at the Bahamas and Disney's private island.

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There was a breathtaking amount of sea glass on the beach at Nassau! Trouble was, it wasn't the old, really cool stuff, it was more of the beer bottle variety.  I still managed to find a few bits that were nice, and while they are not my favorite kind of beach glass, they were still a thrill to hunt for.  I also found lots that I considered dangerous and sharp, so picked those up too, and threw them away to save bare feet.

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And what a funny shell I found to make this Grammy Fairy's face. Goofy, huh? Or creepy?  

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This looks like a postcard, doesn't it?  Our whole weekend looked like we lived inside a vacation postcard. It was beautiful.

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Disney is all about the layout and design. Every corner is a photo op. 

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The island had an ideal beach for little ones, with a barrier to keep it safe and calm. I dressed them in swim shirts to keep off the sun, and that worked well to prevent sunburns and also helped me find them in the water. Those shirts stood out nicely and I was able to keep an eye on them.  But, the beach itself wasn't all that crowded, so it wasn't hard to find them at a glance.

We were comfy, relaxed, and had perfect weather as well as a perfect day.

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On the Disney Dream

celebrations, family, Travel

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This bread sums up what I loved about the Disney cruise we went on to mark my 60th birthday and Avahni's high school graduation.  The loaf shows the imagination and attention to detail that we saw everywhere we looked. 

Our dinner that night was in Cinderella's ballroom, and the bread is shaped like a pumpkin, in a bowl encircled with a dancing royal couple, and was served by a waiter all decked out in a fancy costume.

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Every night, we changed to a different dining room, but had the same waiters each time.  Those guys were the best, full of magic tricks, puns, puzzles and jokes. We were always the last to leave the room, our waiters were just too entertaining til the very end.

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There was so much to do for the grandfairies, from flying the Millennium Falcon, to swimming, dance parties, movies, and plays.

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While we stayed busy, nonstop, I still feel like we didn't take advantage of half the activities offered.

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We sure didn't miss Pirate Night!

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By the way, Dewdrop wasn't sad, she was just being a model.  Most photos I got of her were super serious, pouty poses, instead of her normal, goofy smile.

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She was about as happy as a kid could be, but when I asked to take her picture, she often turned Super Model on me.

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We were all as happy as could be, Sugarwings' joy was about to explode during most of the trip.  She was thrilled to be up on stage at the dance party.  That is her on the big screen to the right.

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The ship was beautiful, and the shows were the best.  I thought I loved the Beauty and the Beast movie, til I saw the play on the ship- it was even better!  We saw two plays and a magic show, the teens saw first run movies too. 

The only thing that maybe wasn't the best, were the kids' pools, both were quite small. But our girls didn't mind a bit, I doubt if they even noticed. There was free ice cream by the pool and never ending Disney movies playing on a giant screen above them.  

While the adult pools looked more tempting to me, I didn't have time to check them out.  And we never got to ride the waterslide/roller coaster, because we were simply too busy having way too much fun elsewhere.

I guess that means, we need to go back someday to fit more adventures in?

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We were extremely lucky with the weather that weekend, it was perfect every where we went. Warm with a slight breeze, so we didn't get hot.

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The seas were calm, which was lucky too. I might not have enjoyed it all as much if it had been rough. 

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I took non-drowsy ginger tablets and wore my motion sickness wrist bands just in case. And the first night I took one Dramamine so I'd sleep better, not realizing that they last 24 hours, and I was still loopy when I woke up. 

Oops. 

Should've trusted my ginger pills!  The Dramamine put a damper on my birthday, I napped by the pool at the Atlantis resort instead of paddling in the water.

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Mickey was very kind to me on my birthday, and left a birthday card on the cabin door in the morning, then a gift certificate to the spa in the afternoon. At dinner that night, I was brought a special cake, and was serenaded.

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The spa was really something. My pal, Mickey had gifted me $50 to use there, and I thought I'd apply it toward a facial (since I just turned 60 and could use all the help I could get), but instead, I bought a $27 day pass to the Rainforest that included heated lounge chairs, Jacuzzis, multiple steam rooms, and specially showers along with my choice of scented scrubs.

I picked lavender, my fave.

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Oh my goodness, those showers!  All were lit up, and had different settings.  I went for more of the tropical ones than the Siberian ones.  Actually, I very much avoided the cold ones.  But I tried all of the others, over and over.

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I went straight to the spa from my shore trip, still in my swimsuit.  After a day at the beach, this treat of an hour at the spa was perfectly delightful.  The cabins were comfy and more spacious than I expected, the bathrooms in them were nice.

But getting cleaned up and pampered in the spa was still a thousand times nicer than the small shower/tub in the cabin. 

Thanks, Mickey!

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If you love to be surrounded by tiny princesses and pirates, I couldn't recommend a Disney cruise highly enough. It was kid heaven.

As an adult, I was completely entertained and happy the whole time, but I do have to admit that it was oriented toward the itsy bitsy types. 

Then again, I didn't go to the bars, adult restaurants, or shops, so maybe there is plenty of completely grown up stuff there too.

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There are clubs and organized activities just for the little ones if you want some time to yourself for a movie or a drink in one of the bars.

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Having two teens and two adults, we were able to take little breaks from kid-dom.  My husband saw a movie with the big girls, I had time in the spa.  

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But honestly, I didn't need breaks from any of them, they were the best. I was so lucky to have this trip with them all!

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Thank you to my Handsome Husband for taking me on a special trip.

Did I mention that I feel blessed?

celebrations, friends, Travel

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While in Florida, I didn't expect to see my pal, Karen Hillman.

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She was planning a trip to Kansas the next week and we had plans then.

But Guncle Randy took me out to a shopping center one morning while I was in Jax, and as I strolled into a pretty shop- there she was!  What a surprise.  She'd driven almost TWO HOURS, brought me a decadent cake, and a gift card, leaving me speechless when I saw her waiting for me.

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She couldn't stay for the day, she had to turn around, drive that long trek right back and get to work for the afternoon (two photo shoots).  During her quick trip, she helped me choose a pile of things to try on and we had an hour together while Randy waited patiently, and was asked to comment here and there on our Pretty Woman style spree.  

He was much more patient than you'd expect.  What a nice guy to hang out while we tried on mountains of clothes.

It seems like I rarely have time to shop, and when I do, it is for the grand fairies.  Or I'm at TJ Maxx, finding a quick tee shirt or two.  Shopping with buddies was a nice change, and both convinced me to buy things I probably wouldn't have on my own.

When a person with as much style as Karen does, tells you that you should wear more red, you buy something red. She also thought this dress wasn't too young for me… I'm going to wear it on my Big Birthday Boat Trip.

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This was waiting in front of the dressing room door, how cute.  

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The cake was amazing too.  And how sweet of her to take the time to do this for me.   I feel so blessed.

 

 

MORE from the florida trip??? Yep, I was blessed!

celebrations, family, Travel

 

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After seeing my life long, best buds to celebrate the three of us turning 60, the party went on!  Sister Terry drove from Orlando to St. Augustine to fetch me, and headed back again to Orlando, so we could go straight to the Flower and Garden event at Epcot.

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Afterwards, we checked into a luxurious suite at the Animal Kingdom Lodge where we were greeted by some of the creatures that roam the grounds.

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The next day, Terry had quite an adventure planned.  I started off lazying about on the balcony, sipping my coffee and watching for zebras to visit, then we headed to Animal KIngdom park. She had set up fast passes for the afternoon, then an evening filled with the best Disney magic you could ever hope for… 

WE WENT ON THE VIP TOUR!

And yes, it was amazing.  And even better than you'd think it would be.  

I was blown away.

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We were taken on a tour of the top 5 rides and then front row and center at the Rivers of Light, by two guides, one who looked like he stepped right out of a Disney movie. 

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He kept us entertained with puns and trivia.  I told him that my grand fairies would have been very impressed with him. (because that is what grammies do, they blather on with cute, young guys about how darling they are, without shame or embarrassment)

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We were told there would be a snack, and were to pick a dessert and drink.  I chose wine, because I was feeling very pampered, not thinking about my problems with motion sickness…

But you know what? I pounded non-drowsy, organic ginger tablets for nausea, and wore motion sickness bands.  Along with the power of my will, and making myself find a focal point to not think about getting dizzy-

I RODE A ROLLER COASTER!!!!!

And the Banshee 3D virtual reality thing at Pandora!

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Right afterwards, it was time for the "snack" they'd promised.

Which was a feast, much more than expected.

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My stomach was ready to argue with me, but I would NOT let it. 

Dang it, this was my special treat, and that wine was not going to drink itself.

 I powered thru by sheer determination. 

Having a ton of fun sure helped me prevent a lifetime of motion sickness from letting me from back out on some of the more twisty rides.  

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Am I going to be a regular on the merry go round with the kiddos?

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Or hop on more roller coasters?

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I seriously doubt that.

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But I have decided that age 60, is a good time to not let myself be ruled by what might happen.  If I'm offered a special treat, like a night of adventure at Disney, I am not going to turn it down because I'm afraid of a little motion sickness. (well, typically a lot, but it can be overcome if you try hard enough).

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At 60, I know life ahead of me is shorter than what is behind me.  I'm going to make the most of the rest of it.

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I'm going to grab onto the fun I find out there and hang on tightly!

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And look for hidden magic, or unexpected joy in every corner.  (I'm always excited to find "Hidden Mickeys" at the parks)

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I might be a Grammy, all cozy in her cottage, but I'm not ready to be old.

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Thank you, Terry, for not only, a magnificent, and generous trip, but a chance to get out of my comfort zone, and fly through Pandora on a winged beast!!

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A flock of seashell fairies

celebrations, friends, sea shell fairies, Travel

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My visit to St. Augustine was better than I even hoped it would be.

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The weather was pretty dang bad the first couple of days.

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And chilly after about 48 hours of thunderstorms.

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So we didn't get to do the things we planned.

Hmm, not sounding great, huh? 

Oh, but it was!!  I met up with friends from childhood and beyond, they are lifetime friends that I rarely get to see.  We made the most of the weather, wrapped ourselves in warm quilts, drank some wine, and enjoyed the view of the storms across the ocean. 

We also enjoyed our never ending conversations that started when we met at the airport and flowed non-stop til I rolled my bag out to the car to leave.

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It wasn't what we were doing, it was who we were doing it with that counted.

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Although, we did manage to get a lot of fun activities going despite the weather.

When the sun finally came back out, we had LONG walks on the beach and hunted seaglass.

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I'll leave you with a few photos of the 180 Years of Celebration trip.  (all three of us were having our 60th birthdays, one in February, two in May)

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A road trip through the plains and mountains

family, Sugarwings, Travel

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Our Wyoming trip to see family over St Pat's was just as nice as can be.  Sugarwings reunited with her cousin, Sydnee.  They "ship" their names, Leandra and Sydnee, to Syd-Lee, and are best buds.  I was thrilled to find these green (ish) matching shirts at Target for them to wear-

Together we are better than Unicorns, Sprinkles, and Rainbows.

Perfect!

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They cheerleaded on trampoline during a family football game (no, I did NOT play), crafted, treated us to green mani-pedis, and each used their copious make believe skills nonstop.

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We also spent some time with Grandma Joan, in the assisted living center. And even better, she felt good enough to come over to the house for a dinner and a brunch!

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I was torn over seeing this hanging prominently in her room.  I painted it in '87, it is a scene from Arkansas.  It was sweet that she'd saved it, but sad that it wasn't a better painting…. I should paint something new for her to replace it, I think my style now has improved. Visiting family can become a stroll down a lane of forgotten artwork, that can be a cringy tour of past ineptitudes.  

If you own a painting of mine from ages ago- please, please, please don't feel like  you have to display it or you'll hurt my feelings!!! I'm fine (thrilled) with you taking it down, throwing it away, burning it, or disposing it in the best way to prevent me from that gut wrenching feeling of


"OH NO, what was I thinking?"

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Green isn't always my color, so I made a bracelet to wear for the holiday and avoiding a pinch.  Then brought another for my sister-in-law as a thanks for hosting us.  I brought more beads and some child sized memory wire for the Syd-Lees to make their own jewelry too.

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The drive across Colorado and Wyoming was breathtaking, and we were extremely lucky that this was old snow, the storm had passed, roads were clear, but the view of remnants was lovely to see.  I enjoyed the drive, as we listened to Bridge to Terabithia, and Stardust. A good book can make a trip fly by, and if you have a view like this, sometimes the trip can seem to go too quickly.  

Sugarwings is an ideal travelling companion, she was in the car for hours on end and never once asked if we were there yet, or had a single complaint.

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Of course, breaking up the drive with an overnight at Great Wolf didn't hurt.

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And I had some fun at Great Wolf too.  Swimming for a few hours makes up for sitting in the car that long.

Thank you to the Wyoming Nathans for a warm, welcoming, fun filled, visit!  It's just too dang bad that our family is so far apart, it would be nice to see them more often.

Oh, and thank you to all who cleared out my wallpaper scrap packs and journals!  All were mailed when I got back from our travels, and I hope to have more cut and listed to sell too. But for today, I'm happily knee deep in Easter Eggs with vintage millinery. I came out to the studio with a mindset to work on wallpaper packs, but you know how that goes.  All of a sudden, I'm glittering eggs and gluing on ribbons and flowers. instead of cutting papers.  

Photos soon!

 

Jeweled seashells

sea shell fairies, Travel

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While in Mexico, I picked up some iridescent shells to bring home. I turned them into small, ring holders by stacking an upside down one as a base and upright ones onto it, and adhering with glue.

Then, decorated them with some vintage blingy bits in oceany colors.  These two, I mailed to my sisses along with two heart shaped abalone heart pendants that I bought for them there too.

This makes  me want to go back to the beach to gather more shells to embellish!

A Seashell Fairy in Mexico

sea shell fairies, Travel

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We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I fell in love with the views on the beach, this area is a bay, with mountains ringing the sea.  It was very different from other seaside trips I've taken, complete with a warning to watch for crocodiles swimming in the waves.

Really???  

I was fascinated by the idea, but never saw one, till we took a ride around the golf course we were staying at and found some in the little ponds near the ocean.

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Everyone says that these guys are not as aggressive as the gators in Florida, and will leave you alone if you don't mess with them.  I was just fine with not poking the crocs and making them angry.  So, I really wasn't worried, and was actually hoping to see some swimming by in the ocean.  Especially since I wasn't splashing around in the water myself. The beach was a little rough for me to go out on my own, and my husband isn't a salt water fan. We strolled up the sand throughout the day, swam in the pool, and read books in the shade by the water, waded along the shore, but didn't swim out into it. 

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I do adore playing in waves, but not enough to swim without a "buddy" to watch my back.  Funny, most of the people I travel with are not fans of jumping the waves, so I don't get to swim much on my trips. 

But I am happy as a clam, just staring at the water and watching the swells.  

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Shells were few and far between in this Marina beach area.  I noticed when I was on Coronado Island, the Pacific offered up very few shells during my stay there too.  Maybe it is where I am looking?  Or the time of day?  

But I was able to find a handful, and look, just enough to make a fairy! And while there weren't many, there were just enough, and they were iridescent and quite nice.  I found these small white blooms in the sand and gave them to her to hold.

Every time I visit a shore, whether a lake, river, or sea, I try to leave a fairy behind as a thank you. I often wonder if they are found, and picture the smile on a little girl's face if she comes across one.  Usually I create them on my last day, so I never know what happens.  But a couple of times, I've made them earlier, and have checked back.  My last Siesta Key fairy held a jade heart that I'd brought, and I thought that treasure would be scavenged quickly, but it was still there two days later, and the fairy was also still complete.  This little fae, didn't fare as well.  Within hours, she was stepped on and gone, her bits and pieces scattered.

 When I make them, I know they are ephemeral, and not long for the world.  Sometimes we create art hoping it will last forever, but honestly, it is the creating itself that means so much.  The process brings joy to me.  As do the beaches I leave these on.  I make them as thank you to nature for the beauty i've enjoyed by the water.

Scenes from my vacation journal part THREE

Books, family, Travel

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The last part of the cartoon I did on our trip is Sissy all in aqua.

She LOVES aqua. 

And shopping.

Lots of shopping for things that are aqua.

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There she is in the background searching for more aqua stuff while Bobbie and I are goofing off. (at her feet in the drawing, are some of the many aqua shoes she tried on)

She was on the hunt for a golden, Blue Heron too. Since she didn't find one, I put one on her overfilled, exploding suitcase.

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I put her in an aqua skirt as a fairy on this page.

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And the tiny spider at her feet? One night after dark, we walked down to the surf.  We flipped on a flashlight to see a spider by our toes, timed with a wave coming ashore and we both jumped as high as we could and squealed.

The pink sky is for all of the pretty sunsets we watched.

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Sunsets in Siesta Key are a major event, with people lining up to watch, ready to ooh and ahh.

With or without spiders.

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Scenes from my vacation journal part TWO

Books, family, Travel

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Now, where was I?  Oh, yes, the next sister, and her flamingo suitcase, Bobbie.

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You might notice that Bobbie likes Flamingos.

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She likes them A LOT.

This is just a few from her vast collection. And she shared with us too, I also own a flamingo coozie. And that solar powered dancing bird?? Mine! She even found a bottle brush Christmas flamingo for me.  I've had to arm wrestle Dewdrop for it, she wants it for her own Xmas tree.

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This pretty cup was a gift from her too.  It is black when empty, then turns colorful when filled with hot coffee.

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Bobbie is a genealogist and loves lots of photos to document events. She has a great camera and makes sure she gets a ton of photos.  So, in the cartoon, her camera is around her neck.

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And the hat? Inspired by this lampshade.  

The creepy clown was someone we encountered while shopping.

(The colorful costume I am wearing?  That is a mermaid tale that Bobbie gave to me, I was showing off my walking skills in it. The hat is a mermaid bag that I repurposed.)

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And the ice cream?  Well lets just say that there might have been some frozen deliciousness consumed on the trip…

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