Saturday Night Glamour, Back to the Real World on Sunday

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn, all served up on the good china for my birthday boy!

The table was set, the food was ready, however, the guest of honor was not to be found. Actually, he was around, just sitting on the tarmac at the airport. Our strawberry shortcake dessert had to wait because by the time we finished dinner, we were both too full and tired to eat it. Nonetheless, our early birthday celebration was a success. Asking him what he thought I'd made when I told him over the phone that I was serving all his favorites, he replied that he knew it was either meatloaf or roast chicken. This is what happens when you've been married for nearly forty years!

Because I had some folks who ordered two large prints the week before Mayfaire, I had to go to Winter Garden on Saturday. Man, I wish I hadn't because aside from the those two items, I sold two cards for $6.00. And you thought I always had good days! Fortunately for me it's not often I do this poorly, but it happens. Thank goodness, Alan, our market masseuses boyfriend, kept me company all day, or I would have gone mad! That and the excitement I felt about the evening ahead.

Glamour was the order of the evening. According to the boys, the Citrus Club has undergone a major remodel in the last few years. Heading up in a special elevator to the 18th floor, I knew I was in love when I saw this kind of decor:

Shades of orange everywhere! We did not spend any time in one of these little spots, however, we did get there early to watch the running of The Preakness on their 120" screen television in another part of the bar/casual dining area.

There was a little nod to other citrus, but I'm happy to say that orange ruled! Earlier in the week David told me that coats were required in the main dining area which was good news to me. I really miss the days of dressing up to go out to dinner. The view from one of the large windows:

I bet this is super great when night falls. Mrs. Camera Crazy missed the little black dress memo!

The food was terrific as was the company. It was such a lovely way to spend Bruce's birthday and the only thing that would have made it better would have been having Matt, Tom, Jonathan and Alissa with us. You've got to love a place that has butter balls.

And no, I did not pick one up and eat it whole! David insisted Bruce spare no expense which felt a little weird coming from your son, however, Bruce did as told, ordering a nice bottle of Sequoia Grove cabernet for the two of us to share. This dinner was really a combo gift, Bruce's birthday, and Mother's Day for me. Michelle bought me a straw clutch with my initial monogramed in orange on the front! While reading the cards I burst into tears at the sheer beauty of the night and the love from our family. Do you every cry happy tears? This is not my first time doing so, and I imagine it won't be my last! By 9:30 it was all over, and we headed to our respective homes. I imagine they did not go to bed, but this Peck couple did just that.

While packing the car Sunday morning at 7:00, there was a little mistiness in the air. Bruce asked if I was sure I wanted to go? You know me, always thinking positive, said, "of course I do, it won't rain!"
So much for wishful thinking! Thankfully, Bruce arrived moments after I called him a little after 3, telling him the market was closing for a storm. Fortunately he'd been able to park his car fairly nearby, so he immediately began taking the print baskets to his car, along with anything else he could carry before the deluge, and deluge it was! How can this be that we experienced another massive storm and summer has not begun?

Not so glamourous now! Bruce is soaked to his skin! The rain came down hard and fast, and just kept coming, forcing us to hole up in the tent for more than an hour! At least it was just the two of us rather than a group of strangers this time. Huge cracks of thunder and lightening! Flooding again!

Because of the lightening, Bruce had us stand on the highest ground in our space.

Finally the drains kicked in and we were no longer standing in water. I do not like having soaked shoes  for one minute; I ended up going barefoot, even running to get the car that way. I pretty much looked like a drowned rat by the time the rain finally let up and we packed the rest of our things.

By 7:45 Bruce was asleep, with me not far behind. Giving in, we went to bed and slept the evening and night away. When I get asked if I will make a deal on a print, I am not the least bit happy. I already keep my prices low, and when we got through an experience like this, I get all the more worked up at those folks. Walking by a booth, unless you know someone who does this for a living, it looks pretty glamorous, but you and I know differently. It is hard work!  Our garage is still strewn with hanging sides and a half-opened tent for drying.

Adding the no sales at WG, to the rain ending Sunday, it was not my best weekend at the markets. Wasn't it lovely to have some glamour in between?

Mrs. Peck Does a Little Shopping

Mrs. Peck indeed. Despite being unfashionable these days, I became Mrs. Peck in August 1973, and Mrs. Peck I shall remain.

Oftentimes, while I'm sitting at my desk, either writing or going through photographs, Baxter likes to make himself comfortable behind me, using up almost all of the available space.

There's just something about the material that he loves rubbing himself against. Perhaps I should scratch him more?

Before I left for the mall, I ate lunch while reading the newspaper. Yet another unfashionable thing I do! As is often the case, I'm struck most by the obituaries, reading about people's accomplishments which seemed so important at the time. That will be all of us my friends.

Anyway, a woman, aged 94 died whose obituary was particularly fascinating because among other things, her grandfather told Marjorie K. Rawlings about the flora and fauna of Florida while Marseille (the deceased) sat on the porch listening! "The Yearling" came from those sessions. So, she was a master seamstress, tailor, and hatmaker, "but will be remembered for being a home room mother in her daughters third grade class, where she baked intricately designed cookies and hand decorated each with multiple designs which not only delighted the children then, but those cookies are still remembered." And I quote.

Doing the math, that little cookie baking episode had to be, at the very least 40 years ago! Probably more like 50. How is it possible that during the ensuing years nothing more memorable occurred in her life? Will my children include my stint as PTA President, and the like? Will I get credit for attending every sporting event all four ever participated in? Please don't leave me Orlando Sentinel, even with all of your flaws, you have been a part of my daily life for longer than I can remember!

Where was I? Oh yeah, Millenium Mall where all the rich kids shop. Who else would wear this kind of get up for gardening?

Actually, I love the window displays, no matter how silly. Particularly this time of the year they are so colorful, including this new Kate Spade store. Hello Orlando indeed.

Colorful handbags galore at Bloomingdales Coach display:

I am way too practical to buy most of these handbags but they sure are fun to look at. More my speed is this $15 (awesome sale price) orange handbag, which because of the price tag, I can use only occasionally.

If I spent $300 on a handbag I'd feel as if I needed to carry it 24/7! Here's a cute little bag featuring my beloved orange:

Pretty clever huh?

My niece Lib surely already knows about this find from Urban Outfitters, being a big-time Ryan Gosling fan and all.

 For only $15 you too can have a cool coloring book.

I walked through the entire mall noting stores closed, or moved. Chatting with the employees at Papyrus, I learned H&M is coming to Millenia which will make some people quite happy. I had several things in mind for Bruce, however, I came home with very little. He is pretty hard to shop for, so rather than buy him things he won't want or use, I'm thinking we'll go together and see if there's anything special he wouldn't buy for himself. To tell you the truth, a card will probably do just fine.

Today's shopping was nothing like yesterday's excursion. Because Sue has been so gracious by visiting me at the various places I've shown, I wanted to do the same for her. This weekend she and Kathy, her business partner in Vintage Chic Affairs, are participating in a wedding show at College Park Antiques, setting up a mock vintage wedding to showcase all they have to rent.

There is much more to this set up including this part:

And I thought our set up was a lot of work! I do so hope they get some customers from this!

In the front of the shop there are separate little spaces for rent, one of which, until recently was rented by my good friend Mary Whited. Anyway, I looked around, seeing what I could see. Mostly my family will be amused by this:

Why, you ask? We used to call our sister Carol, the big C.

I came across this chest which has to be pretty old because it has been some years since FSU was known as Florida State College for Women.

DO NOT ask me why I bought these funky vases because Lord knows I don't know what I'll do with them, but for $7.50 they were just too cool to pass up.

On the way home I did a little more mundane shopping at Publix, and now it is time to prepare the birthday boy his favorite meal.....meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn, here I come. Actually I've got loads of time as his plane does not land until 7. Tomorrow night, Bill and David along with the beautiful women they love, are taking us to Citrus Club downtown for a combo celebration--Mother's Day and the big 60. It's been more than a few years since we've been so I'm excited.

My work week begins in the morning, just as it is getting crazy hot again....

Look What I Found Yesterday!

Sue and I took another marathon bike ride yesterday morning. She's a bad influence, or maybe a good one, depending on how you look at things. I was crouched under the new oak tree with four bags of caladium bulbs given to me by Eric last week when I was too busy to plant them. Must of been a little after 8 in the morning, just an hour after sunrise; really, the perfect temperature for gardening. Looking up I saw Sue come into the driveway on her bike wanting to know if I was heading out. Well, first come inside and see the globe lit up. Greeting Bruce, who was working at his desk, she thanked him for recently finding her a punch bowl at a garage sale. The original plan was for both Bruce and I to do the yard work, as I mentioned there was more than enough for two, however, he was on a mission to connect an additional monitor to his computer, so we decided to take it to the streets. I think it must have been at least a good hour or more before we returned, by which time he was nearly done with his task.

As we rode through the shady streets of stately homes in Harbour Island, the streets beyond called to me, so we rode a bit on Orange Avenue, checking out all the pretty streets running perpendicular to the busy road. My goodness it was both pretty and interesting. Seriously, do you know anyone who has one of these in their back yard?

That said, it must be a lovely spot to sit and watch the wildlife and sunsets on Lake Conway. :)

We saw big house, we saw small houses, all of them interesting in their own way. Realizing it must be getting late we retraced our route, heading home on Ferncreek when we ran into one of Sue's friends who was out walking. I'm pretty sure her name was Christine. We had every intention of heading straight home, however, Sue just had to show me Christine's office in her back yard.

Yup, she writes in there! A girl after my own heart with her solar flower:

Parting ways at the corner of Fern Creek and Pershing, she went east, and I went west. Back to my bulbs. It pained me to do so, but I pulled out all my straggly white petunias. The caladiums are coming up like mad, and the petunias were interfering with the display. May 15, 2012, the display was considerably better than this year to date.

As well, Eric told me it was finally okay to cut my narcissus stems back; they too were getting in the way. While doing so, I began cleaning up the lady palms in the jungle when what should I find?

Woo hoo! This time the nest is much closer to the ground, and there are actually three eggs! I'd just about given up hope because last year the babies looked like this on May 15:

Curious how they are getting such a late start, I'll take what I can get. I knew something was up because as I was weeding close to the nest, the cardinal basically started yelling at me! 

While Bruce trimmed, I weeded. While he edged, I mowed. Calling later in the day, Angela remarked how our yard looked like it was professionally done. I replied, we are professionals, both of us having worked in the yard since we were very, very young! It's a good way to keep active, and I hope I can keep it up for a long time to come.

Out back, that supertenia is showing off what it means to be super!

My goodness it's getting huge, starting off life at our home in about a pint sized container! Then too, I'm pretty sure I used a Miracle Grow potting soil, so there's that to consider. I got in the pool up to my waist in the afternoon (!) and scrubbed the pretty tile.

Bruce left for the airport about an hour ago, heading to meet his contractor in Houston, the location of his new projects. It's a double site, one for a Seasons 52, and one for a Capital Grille. They really know how to put him back to work! As he left, I serenaded him with, "on the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again." He was only mildly amused.

He'll be right back tomorrow so this afternoon seems like a good time to go look for his birthday gift. I'm hoping something will grab me because heading out, I have not one good idea. To think that my boyfriend will be turning 60 on Saturday! To think that I will in December! Who could have imagined when we started dating at 13 that we would ever get so old? Certainly neither of us.

Wasn't it so nice of my sister Lisa to send me a card yesterday congratulating me on my good fortune of late? There's just something about physical mail that is so appealing. Another good find for the day. :)

Let Me Let You Go!

While watching a David Sedaris video last evening, between laughter, something he said rang oh so true. He said he talks to all the people who come to his book signings, going so far as to poll them on strange subjects. Explaining that he spends a lot of time alone while writing, so it's good to get out in the public and hear ideas that are not his own. Allegedly, he talks so much that the attendees finally say, "let me let you go." This could be me talking! Just a week or so ago I got into a lively discussion about health care marketing with an unsuspecting man who came to my table. He talked about keeping things true to the "brand" and the like. You can imagine my reaction to that kind of baloney.  Branding, billboards everywhere you look, marketing--is it any wonder the cost of health care has increased? Finally I shut up, uttering the same words as those folks use with David. No doubt, he was relieved to leave me! You would think I had strong opinions or something and I do, especially about medicine. Is it any wonder I write a lot of letters to the editor of our local paper, including one published on Monday?

Counteracting the above rant, I give you something pretty:

Isn't that the most lovely shade of gerbera daisy? My word!

It felt good to be back on my bike yesterday morning, having missed my ride for days and days.

It won't be long before the jasmine blooms are gone for the year, thus I'm enjoying them while I can. I hadn't noticed it in person, but this garage door looks kind of like a little face in the photograph, doesn't it? The iffy weekend weather has vanished for the time being, replaced by another few beautiful days. Waking early to the sound of the birds,  I got right up to write before we spend the cool morning working in the yard. Bruce went into the office yesterday, and after all we have to do today, he may wish he was still there!

Other things seemed to have gotten space in this blog causing me to leave out something of great importance until now. As you well know, when I like something, I like it a bunch, including my new navy blue Keds. Except, after wearing them for about six weeks, the color faded to a purplish hue. What's a girl to do? This girl called Keds, learning if I sent them back, I would receive a new pair in a timely manner. I don't know how they felt about it, but nearly two weeks doesn't seem all that timely to me. Finally, around dinnertime last night, the new shoes arrived via UPS. Oh happy days! Is it just me, or do you too only notice the spot on the top of one?

Bruce seems to think it is glue; try as I might I could not remove it. Ahem....

We'd just finished a tomato tart I hadn't made in ages. Because I still have gobs of basil, not to mention a crust I'd saved in the fridge, I bought tomatoes yesterday while at Clemons.

The crust turned out pretty in a tart pan, don't you think? One thing is that I can never make this tart without thinking of the months caring for our dying Mother. She was crazy for this tart. Maybe it was a subconscious thing, what with the Sunday's day of honoring one's Mother?

This is always a hard time of year for me. No, not because of my Mom, I still miss her, however, I know death and separation is inevitable, so after nine years, I'm okay with it. No, it is something much more mundane:

Times like this is when I miss my big freezer! The fellow behind the counter told me he had a customer  on Saturday buy fifty, yes 50, jugs to store!

So, guess what? I went to the wrong side of the tracks, make that I-4, to take my calendar photos. I kept wondering why I did not come across Cornell, and now I know! Goodness they make these contests hard on a photographer with only three streets to choose from! Believe me when I tell you there are very few houses worthy of photographing, and there are twelve months to fill! This house has a guard kitty on the porch:

This looks very peaceful doesn't it? I-4 is literally two houses away, well make that one house, and one empty lot. For those of you not familiar with I-4, it is the main interstate highway running through Orlando. During rush hour this neighborhood must be anything but peaceful. Then too, while talking with one of the residents I learned that Florida Hospital owns several houses, and wants more of them to build a hotel. Stick with healthcare! See above....

Finally, on my drive home, I got a good look at this super cool power box, one of many painted by local artists to add some excitement to the landscape.

Bruce is up, the sun is shining, and the yard work awaits. Let me let you go.

Wonderful

As is so often the case, after a weekend of selling, I'm ready to take more photographs, and so I did. And, that, my friends, is why this post is late in coming. It's a darn shame that the Orlando Historic Preservation calendar is in black and white because this house begs to be shown in color.

Although it is early, next year's neighborhood was announced last week, and as such, a friend sent me the press release with the map. Because it was cloudy this morning, meaning I didn't have to deal with the variation between bright sunshine and shadows, I took a little stroll to see what I could see. Maybe not as much as other years, however, I may have taken a few interesting shots. During last year's ceremony I picked up a couple of calendars, but ended up giving them away. If any of my entries are selected this year, I must keep one!

But that's not what you were hoping to find in this post is it? Well, I still love Lakeland, and the wonderful folks who brave the heat to come out each year as they have been doing for the last 44 years.

Because Bruce's schedule is currently pretty flexible, unlike previous years, this year we decided to do the set up as early as possible on Friday, hoping to beat the heat. It was a good plan, and we did our part, however, the heat found us just the same. After the beautiful weather during the previous four days, we were unprepared for how hot it became during the three hours of set up. Whew! We felt particularly bad for a large fellow two booths away who kept having to take breaks because of the extreme heat and humidity. The car air conditioning never felt so good on our drive home!

Instead of staying in Lakeland, as we've done in the past, we decided to drive back and forth; it's not bad at all. Because we'd set up during the lunch hour, we both were starved by the time we arrived back in Orlando, so we stopped for an early dinner at the Gnarley Barley. Excellent.

Rather than a long discourse, let's do some highlights, shall we? Here's a photo of me that appeared in the online version of the Lakeland Ledger:

 The photographer took a gazillion photos, apparently the editors liked the one above the most.

• Loads of repeat customers!
• Heat!
• Rain!
• Humidity!
• Drizzles!
• Fog!

• Disgruntled painter next to me!
• Brandy Renee sold a bunch!

Driving down to Lakeland on Friday morning, I had Bruce take this terrific photograph of the billboard through the windshield. Needless to say, Brandy was thrilled. Plus, she won an award. I did not. Had I shown one more booth to the right (see above), you would have seen the Best in Show tent. ($5,000 prize!)

Saturday was super hot, and as such, when 4 PM rolled around I was in no mood to go to the party, instead, we drove straight home, had some leftovers for dinner, and an early bedtime. Bruce spent both days at the festival as record keeper, booth sitter when I took a short break, and super fantastic companion, not to mention, art hanger, tent erector, vehicle packer, and more. Believe me, without him, Out & About Photography would cease to exist!

Sales on Saturday were super as I'd hoped. What I'd not planned on was this: Bruce got the mail while I was putting our dinner together. So? He said, "here's your check from Sun Dance, open it." Oh my gosh was I shocked! I talked to Alejandra today and apparently Kirkland's bought a bunch, and apparently that means a bunch, of one of my print for their stores. Are you kidding? No, they were not.

Adding to the happiness, as we walked up to the door, Bruce said, "I guess Sue has been here." Indeed she had, leaving this on the side door walk:

Woohoo! I am now the proud owner of a lighted globe made in Denmark, circa 1992. Seriously, could the day have gone any better? Plus, the weather gear on the stand seems to be working as well. Naturally I called Sue immediately, and she told me she found it at a garage sale for $5.00! Awesome baby!

Sunday was more of the same; great people, unpredictable weather--at one point ten of us were holed up in my tent during a short rainstorm--and good sales. When it was all said and done, we counted 138 pieces sold. Honestly, how lucky am I?

I never kid myself; I sell a lot because, let's just say, my prints are attractively priced, which is okay. I would much prefer to stand all day long talking about my photography, than sit in a chair, waiting and hoping, for someone with big money to come along and like what I do. Last evening Bruce explained to me, especially after being there for both days, that I cater to those who have less money to spend, but still want to participate in a community event. In other words, I make them feel good about themselves by providing an affordable option. That sounded pretty wonderful to me.

A Week of Sunshine

Or so it seems. Usually by this time of the year, we Floridians are complaining bitterly about the heat and humidity, cocooned in our air conditioned bubbles, be it our car, or our home. No one knows why this is happening, but the weather this week has just been glorious, with all of our windows open to catch the beautiful breeze. This morning, during my bike ride, I came across a stand of sunflowers climbing high up in the blue, blue sky. Well, make that about 10 feet into said sky.

There is nothing quite like a huge sunflower to make me happy. Well, that's not entirely true. Running a close second is the fantastic fragrance in the air from blooming magnolias everywhere,

as well as the confederate jasmine surrounding both our mailbox, and covering one large part of our backyard fence.

That week of rain I was complaining about? Turned everything super green. So, it's just beautiful right now, and although the temperature is rising as each day passes, I'm still hoping that this weekend's weather in Lakeland will be tolerable. You may recall that one year we nearly died it was so hot while setting up that show on Friday afternoon. That, my friends, is hardly an exaggeration!

Tuesday, because the weather was so beautiful, Bruce and I drove over to Port Canaveral to see the El Galeon. Built about four years ago, the replica of a Spanish Galleon ship sailed for 17 days to make it to Florida, part of the 500th anniversary of Florida, beginning with the landing of Ponce de Leon. The wooden ship is quite remarkable, as are the sails.

Using my zoom lens, I was able to get the close up shot showing off all the zig-zag stitching. I was so impressed with all the rigging,

that I could not quit taking photographs of it.

Whomever dreamed up this intricate system was brilliant. Now, if only we could see it with the wind in the sails!

Following a lovely lunch at Rusty's we made the obligatory pilgrammage to Ron Jon's Surf shop to re-stock Bruce's t-shirt inventory. Someone told us there is a second boat ready to come into the port once El Galeon leaves and lo and behold, when I stepped onto the beach I saw it in the distance.

When I haven't been gallivanting, I've been either working around the house, ordering prints and signing them. Oh my! The stack on my desk was monumental! As you know there are five steps to preparing each print (is it any wonder my children tell me I should charge more?), so facing 100 prints is quite daunting. There are now complete with only one small order of some favorites coming in tomorrow. Now my task is finding a way to store them all! I'm going through my baskets in the garage, removing some prints that have been slow to sell, adding new ones, or old favorites. Let us hope it is all for naught. The last few years, the people of Lakeland have been good to me, so I'm hoping they still like me. :)

I'm so excited because my friend Brandy Renee is the poster artist  for Mayfaire, which is quite the honor. Tomorrow night, during the kick off party, she will be introduced to the patrons, and in general made a fuss over. As well, all the promotional material has her painting featured, including the programs, posters and t-shirts. How great is that? Undoubtedly, she'll have a killer show. Geez, I nearly forgot to mention that the Polk Museum, the show's sponsors, bought a billboard on I-4, halfway between Orlando and Lakeland, promoting the show with Brandy's painting featured!!!

Yesterday morning I stopped by Sue's house to catch up a bit; she has been busy with her daughter's college graduation and we've not talked for a week or so. I came home with this fantastic basil filling my bike basket.

Some days there is not a whole lot going on during my ride, but I can always count on the neighborhood cats for entertainment. This one, across the street from my sister Maureen's house could not decide what was more interesting, me and my camera, or the bird in the tree.

The bird won in this instance.

Checking back on my blog, here's the post from the show in 2012, 2011, and then there is this from my first time there in 2010.

Off to the garage for sorting those prints, a great excuse to get out and enjoy our week of sunshine.