Miscellaneous

Good evening, and we only have 4 more days until the Jolly Fat Man shows up. (actually since it's evening, we really only have 3 more days...if I'm being strictly accurate). Thank you to all who sent us wishes for a safe drive south. Much appreciated, and it was a fairly quiet, easy drive (well, I sleep so of course it was easy for me! But if the pickup has to swerve, that wakes me up right fast). We had good weather leaving after having a breakfast locally, returning to our house to put away the garbage dumpster and then getting on the road. It was in the low 40's when we left home, and at each stop, we shed a layer of clothing. Finally had to turn on the a/c once we crossed the Florida State Line. Yesterday & today we've had mid 70 to mid 80's sunshine weather, and it's been lovely.

Last night we had a luscious full golden moon shining a lovely path across the water so I tried to capture it. Used a night setting and here's what I ended up with:

I took #2 first, then used the zoom to get #1 shown here. I was hoping the lights across the water would show up better, but ...it is what it is. At least I got the golden path on the water. So very beautiful to see it.

I didn't bring craft supplies along. Debated on packing the copics and at the last minute, the bag got loaded. Maybe I'll get motivated to color some images I had stamped. Maybe not! I've been reading & relaxing a bit. Yesterday afternoon we drove to Tampa International to collect our SIL. We've been to the airport before, but with someone else driving. Found the airport ok, but then to locate the SIL. Finally we did...

Today we drove up to Lakeland to Violette's - primarily because I had several punched rewards tags that I determined to spend. I am pleased to say our visit today was much more pleasant than the one at Thanksgiving (also I didn't spend as much either!). The lady manning the store was much more welcoming, friendly & helpful if I asked about a specific item.  I tried to tactfully tell of our opinions formed on our last visit. I always hesitate because I didn't want to 'get anyone in trouble', but I felt the owner really does need to get the feedback. I would not have returned except for the rewards (and had I not been visiting here, I sure would not have gone out of my way to get back to the store.) So I felt that after today's visit, I needed to say it was more like what we expect from a store this nice & I complimented the sales person on how she treated us today. Today's visit would encourage us for a future visit to be sure. They have a great selection of merchandise, but I'm a firm believer in making your customer feel appreciated. People don't HAVE to spend their money on this kind of thing, so it's doubly important to make them feel that you were happy to have them visit your store. OK, I'm off my soapbox now.

I hope to get back to Sparkle n Sprinkle, but the kids have some things we need to help them do, so we may not make it there. In the meantime, thanks for stopping to visit. I hope that your count down to the Big Day has gotten in control & that you will find a few minutes to relax, enjoy your family & just celebrate this wonderful time of year. Big Hugs & Merry Christmas.