END OF SUMMER BREAK

It is almost the end of summer -- school will be starting soon.  Time for end of the summer excursions.  Our son, Mike, was home for a few days before he begins his 13th year as a high school science and math teacher.  Papa Bob, Wyatt, and Mike had been planning all summer to go to the top of Pike's Peak on the cog railroad -- time to get it done!

Waiting to board the railroad car.  A teacher is always a student -- he never goes anywhere without a math book and a notebook.  I sent our camera with them, but no one took a picture of Bob (just Wyatt holding Bob's cane!).

Getting close to the top of the mountain.

14,110 feet -- In their younger days, Bob and Mike climbed several four-teeners in Colorado.

A view of Colorado Springs from the summit.  Katharine Lee Bates penned the words of the song, "America the Beautiful", after visiting the top of Pike's Peak.  It was first published by her as a poem in 1895.

Caitlin and I left the high altitudes to the boys.  We planned a  shopping trip instead.  You mothers and grandmothers of teenage girls know how it goes.  Multiply the collage below by 50 and you know the drill -- cute top, but too short for this long, tall body to be school appropriate -- cute sleeveless denim vest (on sale for $10 - score!) will work to cover tanks and camis for school -- the vest even makes this dress church appropriate.  Yea!  We even managed to also find three pairs of jeans long enough, plus a couple of cute tops.

Success -- time to text friends to report about the loot and head for home.

All of us are ready for school to start!

I'm joining the following link parties:
A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday

SHOPPING EXCURSION

When you live in a small town, shopping can be an adventure. Our basics are covered as we have a Wal-Mart, a couple of grocery stores, and a decent hardware store; but if you need clothing, furnishings, or fabric, it is an hour's drive to the nearest shopping mall. If I'm doing serious shopping for clothes or at Christmas, I like to go by myself. But if it is for things for the house, Bob and I usually take a day and go together.

When we go together, it usually means something better than fast-food for lunch! MiMi's Cafe is one of our favorites.

I've discovered over the years that if we have lunch FIRST then go to the fabric stores, Bob is willing to sit in the car and nap while I shop.

He had two naps this day - first at Hancock Fabrics, then at Jo-Ann's!


Now on to something we both enjoy -- antiquing!! This antique mall is advertised as the largest in the state of Colorado. I'm not sure about that, but there is plenty to see.


I loved this bench; but at $600, it was a lot out of my budget.

This English table and six chairs were priced under $600. I'm not sure how comfortable those chairs would be after an hour at the table; plus a table that only seats six would never work for us. (I can always rationalize not buying something I don't need.) I sure loved the look, however!

A lot of people in Colorado collect cowboy stuff. This was an interesting booth, which reminded me of all the things we got rid of when I cleaned out my father's garage. I did keep quite a few things, however, like branding irons, spurs, crocks, and lanterns. (In the future, I will do a post on our back porch where our cowboy things reside!)

Shown below is my only bargain of the day. I found three yards of this old looking, but new fabric for $8.00. I don't have a project in mind yet, but the colors are wonderful for my house.

It was a great day to get out of town for a little shopping.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sally