I worked last week, but I didn't go to school. I'm on a special committee of four and I traveled last week with three colleagues to Charleston, South Carolina for a convention filled with meetings.
We actually had pretty good speakers save one or two. Although there wasn't much time for pleasure, we spent just a little time our last morning walking and seeing just a little scenery. It's a beautiful city and I would like to go back as a tourist on vacation. Our hotel was about two blocks from waters edge. We could see Fort Sumpter off in the distance. This city was founded in 1670 and was originally named Charles Town.
We headed to Little Rock about 6:30 last Monday morning. Our flight departed at 11:08 and we landed in Charlotte, NC to change plans and fly to Charleston. It was smooth and uneventful, thank goodness. Thursday, we were routed to Atlanta and then to Little Rock arriving about 5:30.
I thought this fountain was beautiful. The pineapple is the symbol of hospitality and welcome. Pineapple in one art form or another is all this city.
We were in the historical district walking, and I was taken with the cobble stone streets that remain in this area.
We also walked through Battery Park.
The historic homes were beautiful and palms are everywhere. I love the balconies and wrap-around-porches. There is actually a lot of French influence in this area. Sometimes, I almost thought I was in New Orleans.
Being on the water front makes them all the more beautiful.
The courtyards between the houses is also beckoning with its calm and restful appeal.
This is only a small sampling of my pictures. I thought I could just share a hint of the beauty of this town. Truly, there is no place like the south. Marcia
After the poinsettia was moved from my dining table, something else had to be put in it's place. Micah bought this vase for me several Christmases ago and I have always loved it. It moves here and there around my house. I wanted a spot of color on the table and needed something with a little height. And yes, as you look at the photo it is indeed simply "sticks" in the container. I see this idea repeatedly in magazines and thought I'd give it a try. I put on some warm clothes, grabbed my snipers and out to the forsythia bush I went. I added a bit of green and curly stuff I had in the house left from another arrangement and this is the end result. I kind of like it. One thing about it, if it gets dusty and dirty or I grow tired of it, no major monetary investment--I can go to the back door and give it a pitch. What do your think?
Next undertaking was moving pictures off my mantle and adding a few new touches. I also decided I wanted to rearrange and add some things to the hearth. You can't see it very well, but I made another small "stick" arrangement in a clear cylinder and added gem stones to give it a little color. I moved another urn and grass arrangement in (I understand now that "grassy" stuff is the "in" thing), added a candle, and moved some photos. Our insert isn't burning yet and that's another story so it is safe right now to have stuff on top and close by.
Lastly, I focused on the coffee table. It was also the resting place of a poinsettia and I brought in some things that usually make themselves at home in this area. I bunched them a little more closely together and added the tray. This was a project piece. This tray was green with flowers--pretty, but unusable because since the time I got it, my colors have changed. I love spray paint. It works miracles on everything. I happened to have both brown and gold stored in my cabinet. The temp was moderate this afternoon so I grabbed newspaper and outside I went. It took several hitches of spraying and drying, but my tray is brown now with a bit of gold accent along the top edge. I dropped in a few magazines for now, but I'm not quite sure what will end up in the tray.
I love snowmen and to lengthen the holiday season, nothing says winter to me like displaying a few of my favorite pieces. Besides, if we're going to have snow, usually January is the month.
Mid-afternoon, we gathered up and headed to Brookland to share Christmas with Collin's mom and dad. Again, there was plenty of food to eat and then we exchanged gifts.
And the last stop of the day was back to our house where we opened our gifts left under the tree.
Sunday, we went to church and then had lunch with Mom and Dad once again. Sunday afternoon was rather leisurely with naps for some while I began breaking down boxes, folding tissue paper and gift sacks, clearing away a little of the left over debris. Sunday night, we treated the kiddos to dinner at ToMolly's. The boys had gone to the movies and were hungry after the show.
Monday, Micah and I made an afternoon run to town to see what kinds of bargains had been left behind. We had ham sandwiches with dip and chip for supper. Tuesday, the kids were all out and about while Mom cleaned up on the home front, doing laundry, and making Chicken Noodle Soup for supper. Wednesday was an adventurous day as my children went to town with me for a little shopping. After treating them to lunch at San Francisco Bread, we headed to the AT&T store where I purchased a new IPhone. Now first, about lunch, when they were little, I took them out every Friday during the summer for their choice of cuisine and did something for fun on their special day. Both commented that it was "just like old times." I said yes, very enjoyable, except then I could feed everybody for $10 instead of $25. They used to be satisfied with Happy Meals.
About the phone, both Micah and Bryan have been after me for the last six months at least that I needed to get with it and get a more up to date phone. I needed to be more high tech. My little phone was three years old and all it was good for was to state my business, say goodbye, and hang up--no texting. The guy at the phone store laughed out loud when he asked for my phone and saw what I had. Bryan exclaimed, "I've been telling her she has the dinosaur of phones." Well, now, not only can I text, but check my e-mail, schedule my appointments, make lists, and a host of other applications. I'm really with it now.
After getting home, I pulled a roast out of the oven and finished our dinner. Thursday morning, I left for Paragould to get the oil changed in my car. Rhyne and Micah packed up to head back to the Putmans, Sr. for a few days. After getting home, I began taking down Christmas and packing up. Collin helped me finish hauling and storing about 8 that night. The house was cleaned up and the furniture back in place. It was a full day.
And that was a recap of our Christmas week. The day was wonderful and the week was wonderful to have our children home and everyone together. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well.