a nice visit

I returned yesterday from 5 days up in western New York State - God's Country (in the summer). I had two luncheons with high school friends - good food and good conversation. Also went to the alumni banquet. Again good food and friends. Somehow, in between all that, I did manage to spend some time with my brother and sister-in-law. And, of course, I shopped and shopped. There are many interesting antique stores along route 15 through Pennsylvania. Hammondsport, New York (on Keuka Lake) is only a few miles from Bath (where I was staying) and there are several very nice antique stores as well as a wonderful fabric shop in that little village. I bought antiques for me and fabric for Kate (mostly).

It was a wonderful trip, although the drive gets longer and longer, as I get older. I will only show a couple of things I bought on this trip, as many of the objects are more little animals. I also bought two more small shelves, but I really don't have a place to put more than one of them. Will have to think more on this problem. I suppose the solution is to STOP BUYING STUFF!!! I sure hate to do that. Among other items I bought is a used bicycle. It's an old 3 speed and still works fine, as far as I could tell. I, however, need some practice riding. I was wobbling all over the place. I got a bargain on the bike and have been considering buying one for several years now. What I didn't consider until I had the bike in the car is: where in my house will I store it? I live in the middle unit of 8 townhouses. It's a long ways from the back yard around to the front and it's tricky, as we are on a hill. I don't want to have to wheel the bike around from the back every time I want to ride. And my backyard shed is full anyway. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to keep bikes out front - and there is no place there to store it. Now we are looking inside. The bike is too big for the basement stairwell landing. Soooo - that leaves the living room or dining room. It took up too much space behind the couch. I could put it in the dining room, but that would displace a keyboard on a stand and I don't have another good place for the keyboard. Finally, after some maneuvering of the computer table, I put the bike behind that table. From the living room, it can't be seen, as there is a screen separating the rooms. I think this will work, but I haven't tried it getting it out. I will, of course, have to wheel it down the front steps and back up, but it's not too heavy.

Here is a photo of two glass birds that I found on my trip. Also a snap of the latest batch of little animals.