Attic attack

I'm sitting in my chair drinking a glass of water, trying to clear the dust out of my airways. 

After a goodbye lunch with Cary and Brody, Ivy and I got to work cleaning out our attic.  It has been on my list all winter so we needed to hurry before the temps rise. 

We started by removing most everything and sorting it. Apparently I have a thing for fall because I had 4 boxes of decor. Well, it is two of my favorite holidays. 

Next to come out were our VHS tapes. This represents hours and hours of our lives. 

Looks like a peek into the proverbial Disney vault. 

Things got a little more sophisticated here. 

Each girl got a pile of their stuff. MG's had crutches, bats and an art envelope that read- CAUTION. 

Sophie's is labeled and has a gnome peeking out. I guess that tag is off of Butch the Blue Blizzard, her first car. Ivy took her pile home before I got a picture of it. 

We decided Mary Grace had been through the most stages. Found a few relics. Valances from the bug era, the Asian dynasty and the inexplicable (and brief) girly, girl phase. Boy I did a lot of decorating and redecorating in those 3 rooms. 

And what to do with all this leftover fabric from client projects in the 90's? Loved us some tapestry!! 

Not to mention all these craft items I have from Girl Scouts, my teaching artist stint (printmaking), cemetery rubbings and Antonelli Interior Design classes...phew. 

How many sleeping bags could 3 girls have?

A few little woodland creatures, unsure of their future. 

Spring is coming

Toby, Truffles and I are enjoying this beautiful day sitting on our deck. The deck is a post winter mess but there are signs of spring. 

Pansies still going of course. 

Mahonia is almost done blooming. 

Oxalis has long been a favorite. Mamaw Brown had them lining the walkway at her house. I got these from my mom's house so I think these may be descendants from those. 

As kids we used to pick them and chew the stems. I remember them tasting like lemon. 

Even a little azalea was trying out the warmth. 

Stocking up on Brody time

Cary and Brody are staying with Jan and Tommy while waiting to tie up loose ends before moving. I've been enjoying spending time with them. The lake is a popular destination. 

He loads up his wagon with rocks to throw off the pier. I even got to fling a few. 

He took my concrete pig for a ride on Saturday. 

On Monday he helped Uncle Ed fill the big green bucket with sticks for a fire. 

Zoo day

When Jan texted me this morning saying "would you like to go to the zoo with us?", I didn't hesitate. What time should I be ready was all I said. 

We are trying to squeeze in every opportunity with Brody before he moves to Indiana. Also check out little sister under construction!!

Looking at Pumpkin, the orangutan 

Tiger

He made sure I new this was a FAKE alligator. 

Flamingos

I even saw a gopher turtle like the ones who live at Anna's cabin. 

Zebras

The Pygmy hippo was in mud heaven. 

Brody and I loved the Red River hogs. 

I was honored that Brody picked me to ride the carousel with him. 

Here is the old swimming area in Livingston lake. I have a few memories of going there before integration shut all public pools down in 1963. 

This was a big fountain you could swim to and stand inside under the flow. 

Selfie on the train.  

The tunnel. 

A redbud on the route. Great day !!

Accidental tourists

Well...we accidentally went to Vicksburg. It was a beautiful day and Mary Grace and I were together discussing the new screen porch they want to add this year. Looking for inspiration and a nice patio for lunch, she suggested Vicksburg. She had discovered a cute place during her CNA training there. So off we went when Ryan got done at work. 

Martin's Midtown did not disappoint. 

Look at those houses in the background. 

What a pretty day it was. 

Stopped to see the river. Got a kick out of this sign in the men's room. I made Ryan go back and take a pic after he told us about it. 

He had to hurry so no one would think he was creepy taking photos in the restroom. 

We quickly drove through the military park and were amazed at how much work had been done lately. 

Everything was so clean and beautiful. 

Always one of my favorite spots. 

Ryan didn't get to read all the plaques so they need to come back when they have more time. 

Images

A few weird images. 

What can I say?

Ivy came over and checked her adulthood at the door 

Picked this little guy up in an antique shop. 

I love him. He got mixed reviews. I thought he looked like Rumplestiltskin sitting among my old spools. 

Drove up to this scene at MG's garage. Seems like a bit of overkill with the big blade. 

Day 3

Our final meal. Anna needs to make this place a bed and breakfast. 

Margaret transferred her headband to her hat as we headed out to squeeze one more adventure out of the day. 

Found another branch for the birthday girl. 

Another ride in the magic vehicle took us here. 

A constantly running artesian well. It smelled like sulfur / eggs. Peww

An old table attacked by woodpeckers. 

Big stand of bamboo. 

We clambered down a hill to a sandbar. 

Wild turkeys beat us there. 

It was so pretty there. 

After this we bid adieu and headed home.