Talk Derby to Me

In the spirit of this past weekend's Kentucky Derby, I donned my most festive hat for Bunco, which had a Derby theme. I quickly discovered that I am not a giant hat girlie, nor am I a fan of the Mint Julep. Also, I "won" the prize for most losses, which means that I left the party with what I refer to as the "quarter bag of shame" (five bucks in quarters that I am required to return at the next Bunco night) again this month. 

My hat was cute, though.

Also keeping with the Derby theme was this season's Pickin' at the Pea. 

In addition to the usual, quirky decor, the vendors sprinkled in several homages to the Derby, including some authentic jockey silks and a massive poster of Secretariat. It was all pretty cool, and I have no idea how I managed to miss taking pictures, but I did.

Anyhoodle, I did snap a few pictures of the things that made me smile, so there's that.

 

Like always, the Mennonite ladies were at the sale with their famously delicious donuts, and we started the day with a donut and coffee from the Mennonite family that makes it the old-fashioned, slow-drip way.

They are a lovely couple, and they remember us from each sale. This time, Hugh was officiating a baseball game, so he was unable to join Mom, Kristi, and me; the couple was quick to inquire about his absence, since he is usually the one who stands in their line for our coffees. I love living in a small community where people recognize one another and genuinely care about what you're up to.

As I toured the vendor booths, this Santa caught my attention; it was a vintage promotional display from the 60's or 70's and was in perfect condition. If I had somewhere to display him, I might have been tempted to buy him. Not for the asking price of $325, however.

What I was tempted to buy was this gorgeous painting in this massive frame. I first spotted it on Facebook, in the promotional photos for the sale, and actively sought it out when I got there. The price was a bit steep, so I decided to cruise the rest of the vendor booths to see if the urge to purchase it would pass. My mantra at sales like this is simple: if I am undecided on a purchase, I walk away for some time; if it's still there when I return, it is meant to be, if not, then c'est la vie.

While I was cruising the sale, I took in both the sights and the smells, including the sweet aroma wafting from the kettle corn vendor and the scent of lilacs from the numerous arrangements scattered throughout the venue. I absolutely adore lilacs and wish Hugh and I had been able to convince them to grow in our yard when we attempted it decades ago. Sadly, that was not meant to be.

As I mentioned earlier, the venue was decorated in the quirky style for which the Pea is known. This mannequin cracked me up. Why the giant carrot? The world may never know.

Anyhoodle, it was another great day at the Pea.

And, I did purchase the painting.

Because, of course, I did.

What's Up Wednesday, April 2025 Edition

 

Oh, look! Another month gone by at the speed of light! This is going to be a quick post because I am drowning in life over here and this is the best I can do.

What I've Been Eating

I discovered a new favorite panini at a restaurant in Hooterville; it combines turkey with green chili aioli and it is delicious.

What I'm Loving

Spring has brought with it a plethora of colorful tulips and I'm here for it.

What I'm Reminiscing About

We're just a month away from our next Girls Weekend, and I find myself reminiscing about the trips that my college roommates and I have taken together over the years. We've visited lakes, a beach, a cabin, several resorts, and each other's homes, and every time, we make memories to last a lifetime. I am in desperate need of laughter, and these ladies always deliver.

Women of a certain age know exactly what is happening in this picture. Tee was fighting for her life against her bladder. Tee lost.

What I've Been Up To

Interviewing applicants for both advocate positions at Not So New Job. Literally, that is all.

What I'm Working On

See above. Also, doing the work of three people because, in addition to losing both the advocates (for reasons unrelated to the job and for better opportunities, which I absolutely support), my office manager is in the hospital with pneumonia. When it rains, it pours, folks.

What I'm Dreading

At this point, I refuse to dread anything. Manifestation is real, friends, and I can't possibly take on more dreadful things.

What I'm Excited About

I'm excited about going to Colorado Springs next month for Hugh's induction into the Hall of Fame for sports officials. The family will be joining us and it should be a good time.

What I'm Watching

I binged Ransom Canyon on Netflix, which is about the only television watching that I have done this month. I am overstimulated at work and don't need the extra noise when I am home.

What I'm Reading

Reading has been my escape and I finished all of the books in the Throne of Glass series.

What I'm Listening To

Silence. Blessed silence.

What I'm Wearing

I got the cutest pair of jeans in my Wantable subscription box this quarter. 

What I'm Doing This Weekend

It's time for Pickin at the Pea again! Mom, Kristi, and I plan to hit the sale first thing Saturday morning. I'm also hoping to get the porch opened for the season, which means I'll be doing some pressure washing. Am I the only one who finds pressure washing satisfying?

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

Girls Weekend!!!

Favorite Purchase This Month

I purchased these air fresheners that clip onto the vents in my car. They come with a pad that you scent with essential oils; I used lemon so my car has smelled lemony fresh.

Friday Favorites, April Edition

Okay, so I'm nowhere near reaching my goal of posting 52 Friday Favorites posts this year—I blew that goal last month—but I can try to post a favorites post at least once a month. I mean, that's doable. Right? Right? Tell me I'm right.

One thing that I am loving this month is the tiny milk glass creamer that I found at one of the local antique stores. I purchased matches and a set of adhesive strikers on Amazon, attached one of the strikers to the bottom of the creamer, and voila! I have the cutest set-up for matches next to my current favorite candle. Since the kids' wedding last year, my milk glass collection has grown and grown, and I'm not mad about it. Finding unique uses for the milk glass items is a fun challenge.

I am a big fan of drinking a cup of afternoon tea, and this particular Earl Grey is my absolute favorite. I discovered it at Marshalls and have made a point of purchasing a tin every time they have it in stock. This brand is also a favorite of one of our police detectives at Not So New Job, so I keep a tin there for him to enjoy when he is in the house for interviews. He's British, so his opinion on tea matters.

I am still receiving quarterly boxes from Wantable; these embroidered jeans were in my last box, and I adore them!

Spring has sprung, and the tulips, grape hyacinth, and daffodils at Not So New Job are on point!

(Don't ask me about the 100 or so tulip bulbs that I planted at home last fall, though. While they did sprout, they have not bloomed, and I am very disappointed. That is definitely not a favorite)

Earlier today, I picked up two vintage luncheon sets (circa 1940's) at a flea market held by the local Women's Club; they are definitely new favorites. 

The first set is vintage Hazel Atlas daisy glass. I had never seen a set like this before, so I snatched it up immediately. The glass is clear, but it has a golden tint, which is really pretty and very different.

The second set is also by Hazel Atlas and is in the Teardrop pattern. The glass is clear, but the rims of the plates and cups are silver. I had never seen this pattern, either, so I justified the purchase by telling myself how unique it is. I'm really good at justifying purchases of vintage items I don't actually need. It's my gift.

After the flea market, Mom and I hit the Goodwill, where I found a set of Bavarian China that I could not leave behind. Did I need it? You know I didn't. Am I 100% thrilled with the purchase? You know I am.

I also picked up this grab bag from the impulse section in the checkout lane, and, I don't regret giving into that impulse in the least; the tiny Limoges cream pitchers are precious.

This one is my absolute favorite of the three.

And that wraps up this month's favorites. 

I will definitely (possibly, maybe) commit to a monthly Friday Favorites. 

Again, how hard could that be?

(Ask me next month)