Plattsburgh show pics

Robin and I were in Plattsburgh, NY this weekend. It is a great show that we have done in the past, and this weekend was another good one, lots of people enjoying the nice weather and getting some shopping done early.

This was the second show for our new set-up and we were pleased with the display. We did talk about one change we would make for the next time and also got some new ideas from other crafter's displays.

It was a great weekend and we received a big welcome from the kids and dogs that always makes you feel good to be home. The hotel bed was nice, but nothing compares to your own bed, needless to say we both slept like rocks last night. Time to unpack and start getting ready for Christmas in the Country tour.

First give-away on Facebook

We had a give-away for the month of October on Facebook. The winner is getting one of our popular pipberry garlands. It was an interesting experiment and we are going to do another one. There is a difference between Facebook and the blog. For us, the blog seems like you are sending your message out to whom ever stops in to read it, and Facebook has defined people your message reaches. The opportunity with Facebook, is friends of friends, may come across your message also. Whether it is the blog or Facebook it's fun trying to build interest in Robin's Floral Design.

Busy day today finishing (hopefully) Robin's inside set-up. She is doing a show this weekend at St. Mary's in Glens Falls. She has done this show in the past and it will be an opportunity to try out the new set-up before Plattsburg next weekend.

Dinner plans

Tonight I decided to make dinner. Robin is the cook of the house, hands down, no doubt about it. She is feeling a little under the weather today, so that's what prompted me to attempt dinner.
I went with the old reliable: goulash. I try to get as close to my Grandmother's as I can. Her's will always be goulash to me, and even though I know I will never get it to taste like hers, it's fun to try. Robin had two helpings, so I think she approved, time to cozy up by the fire.

New wooden votive candle holders

Today I broke out our new wood burning tool and made these two new candle holders. Robin is going to do a little painting on these and I will drill out holes in the top and do some finish sanding. Robin and I already have many ideas for this and can't wait to get started. I am also going to turn some candle holders and burn designs on them. Very excited about this, ideas are flying around, too bad I have to go back to work after this great vacation.

Working vacation

My last vacation week of the year has been a productive one. Monday, Robin and I went to Albany to help Kyle bring this sculpture home. It comes apart at the middle, so he took the long part in his truck, and we got the middle section. It came home and is laying in the side field awaiting it's next move. Tuesday morning was rainy, so we ran errands in Glens Falls, and in the afternoon we cleared all the brush from behind our vegetable garden. I would say we picked up a strip of soon to be yard that is 8'x30'. It should get more light to the garden next year and maybe help ease the bugs when we are up there. Wednesday we had two tons of pellets delivered by Lowes and I started working on Robin's inside set-up for the Plattsburg show next month. The pool is officially shut down for the year and the outside water on both sides of the house is shut off. Yesterday I moved the pellets inside the barn, with the help of my wonderful dog Eve, she has really taken to the work detail. Just in case you were wondering, pellets come in a 40lb bag, that equals 100 trips into the back stall. It only took me an hour and that includes the many times I had to throw the ball for my "helper". We tweaked the inside set-up idea and I think today we will have a keeper. I also got through about a third of the basement clean-up during the few showers we had. Robin has been busy with our annual Grandparents breakfast at the school Wednesday, Thursday and today. The last three afternoons have been busy with soccer games, with another tonight and one tomorrow, and then that wraps up. This may not sound like a vacation to some, but to me, this is what I need to recharge my batteries for my day job. These are all things that you try to cram into your regular schedule, things you think about, things you want to get done. I am happy to say that all the items on my to-do list for this week have been crossed off and I have four days left. I suppose now I can get started on Robin's list, you know that list, I never can quite see the bottom of it. : )

Snowman Gathering

They're finished! What a good looking bunch huh? My painter/designer dropped these off today and I think you will agree she did a fantastic job!

I like the fact that each one has his own distinctive look. As I've said before, when I turn a piece on the wood lathe, each one comes out a little different. It's only fitting that each snowman's face and look is different. That's what makes handmade so special.

Remember these guys?

I turned these, among other trees and snowmen, almost a year ago! My wonderfully talented mother has had this snowman since last winter, and a couple of months ago she said he was about done, with the exception of his arms. Last week I gave her a box containing the remaining trees and gave her the go ahead to use her judgement and finish them off also. Today these were waiting for me when I got home and all I can say is wow!

I have a feeling these will not last very long at any craft show Robin goes to, so I may have to wait for the Christmas in the Country tour, to bring them out. Since they are all handmade, each will be different, and I think when they are grouped together they will look great. Can you see a little display of these sitting together in a "snowy" setting. I told her I may have found a job for her, and she replied " I don't want a job, I just want to help". Ever modest, most loving, awesome job Mom!