Pictobrowser! Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

One bazillion fish fly are at Indiana Beach today.

'Flo' after her first bath

'Flo' barn fresh

We've acquired a lovely vintage boat from Jim's Grandfather, 'Papaw'. He has gifted us with this 'barn fresh' and 'nearly mint' condition 1959 Crosby boat. There is some controversy in our house on whether it is a 'seaquin' or a 'fish and ski' model. Both had similar features, but I've found a blog that has a nearly identical boat here.

We took her home last night after a tug and pull and re-arrange the Papaw's barn effort. And after airing up the ancient trailer tires we were on our way. It Pulls well, and the boat is intact.

TONS of barn dirt were removed with a hose, and the elbow grease of us, and our friends, the Stout family from just down the road. Jim acquired a new battery, some 'lower grease' of some sort- not sure if it's for the original 75 hp Evenrude motor, or for the trailer. He also got a few feet of new fuel line, with appropriate connectors, and engine oil, from Tom's Marine.

We've Nick named her 'The Filthy Whore'. A bit risque, but fitting as she is just that in the photo above.

I'm of a mind to just call her 'Flo'. Like the red haired diner waitress in the 70's- 80's TV sitcom. If I can, I'll post some pics of the original upholstry, it looks just like a 50's diner all red, white with sparkling chrome trim too. Very sharp boat.

Pie anyone?

Just one example of the variety of things I can do with the silver plated goodness that I pick up at my favorite antique-y stores. I can make several shapes and they come in all sizes. I'll have 3 at the Craft House this week. Taking orders now!

The latest load of goodies waiting to be made into delightful jewelry!!!

Storm Damage in Indiana

We've had a series of storms come through the area in the last week, creating flash floods with their torrential downpours, and tree damage nearly everywhere. We've had no confirmed tornadoes in the area, but there have been more than one reported home with damage.
Here's a shot of a car on West Main Street in Crawfordsville, IN on Tuesday morning.

HSPA advertising idea contest

well, I've been trying for 3 days to get our contest submission in the mail. I'm reminded again and again how much or our advertising is so outstanding while making these choices annually. I find ads I've forgotten I've made. I find ads my staff has made and go "WOW!"

Thinking we might at least place this year :)

Jacob looks at the ephemera at the knife works shop.

Giant amethyst geod at the rock hound shop.

Gem mining the new fashioned way.

For my husband, on our 11th anniversary.

At the beach on Saturday.

Jacob enjoys lunch at Dick's in Myrtle beach.

Lunch at Dick's last resort.

A unique dining experience to say the least. I recommend it highly!

Surf boys

I've spent the day watching my young boys frolic in the surf with abandon. Their sturdy little bodies working as hard as they can to fight their way through the strength of the ocean. Ohhh to have such joy of being in the moment. We had a spell of rain in the late afternoon. And I took a nap. A luxury I don't often have. The boys played games and vegged on the couch. First full day I would call a great success. Boys are digging in the surf for these tiny little purpley orange clams less that the size of a pinky nail. As soon as the clam is unearthed it wriggles through the sea foam like mad embedding itself back into the wet sand.

Waiting on the rain.

We came back from our morning bike ride to find a gift from our next door neighbors. A couple of beachballs and a sand chair!

Ocean Isle Beach: June 2, 2010

Ahhh. Bliss at Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Well, we've made it over the Smokey Mts.