And The Clouds Came

This morning, early, I lay in bed saying prayers.  Keith and I had watched the blue moon rise from the deck last night, and as I lay in bed early, I could see it going down to the west.  Keith got up to let the dogs/chickens out.... and then ran back in to tell me to get dressed quickly and come out.

Here is what we saw....



 

 

This, friends, is the initial edge of Tropical Depression Isaac coming over us.

 

I went to the Santa Cali Gon Festival anyway, but by the time my cousin and I got there, this is what the grand old city of Independence, Queen City of the Trails, looked like:

 

 

This street on the square is usually jammed full of fair goers.  That's the historic Jackson County Courthouse in the picture where Harry Truman was judge.

 

As you see, the vendors were in trouble. 

 

 

The carnival was shut down in the bad weather.

 

 

Here's my cousin Mary in one of the booths... we particularly liked this one in one of the huge craft tents, because the lady had so many good ideas.

That's a 33 RPM record hanging behind Mary's head... with the spider that says "Gimme the Creeps".  She also painted many old buckets, and a gas can, on the top shelf with the ghost and pumpkin. 

 

We noticed that several of the large craft tents were already puddling water, and it appeared that some vendors had not even set up.

 

 

Christmas was not forgotten, either, and the snowman circular hanging is another record.

 

 

This is something I brought home!  Isn't it cute? 

 

It's going to be perfect for the fall season.

 

I came home to henyards in the soup... yes, we are overjoyed with the rain... but UGHHHHH. 

 

I heard on the news at 6 PM that they had shut Santa Cali Gon down at 5:30... it is normally open until 11 PM, because the puddling was so bad in the tents.  I am sorry for the vendors, as some had some from as far away at California, according to folks who visited with my cousin. 

 

We still had a great time and got lots of good ideas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Craft Fair for Tongie

On Saturday, we had our first craft fair in Tonganoxie.  The crafters gathered in the banquet room at Bichelmeyer's Steak House, and from 10 to 2, people from all around gathered to look at the things offered for sale.  It was an experiment, really, put on by Michelle from White Horse Antiques, her sister Vicki at Bichelmeyers, and their friend Donna who banded together to try to bring something new to town.  It appeared to be well-received and I enjoyed seeing the things that had been made by local and international crafters.

These gorgeous necklaces were sold by volunteers of Project Lydia (see www.ProjectLydia.org), representing widowed and abandoned women in Eastern Uganda.  The beautiful neclaces were made of paper, rolled tightly into beads, and then laquered to hardness.  I bought a necklace and earrings for 20.00, a true bargain.  I hope to buy some more of this colorful jewelry.  They also presented bowls and dolls, made by the same women. 

These beautiful bowls were sold by a local crafter:

And here was my friend Sherry,(center) with her wonderful hand-made cards, and some charming lapel pins she fashioned from bits of lace and pearls.

So there was everything from re-purposed clothing for kids...

to home decor made in the home by craftsmen...

It was a very successful show, and the three entrepreneurs are going to stage another on March 12, as our newspaper said in tonight's weekly edition, so we'll have a chance to do more shopping. I know some people in my family who are going to get lovely necklaces this year. 

A Christmas Show

Today was the date for the annual Craft Show at a local High School, and another at a local church in a small town near us.  My sister called me yesterday, and told me she was interested in going with me for the first time.  We slept in a little this morning (since I have overslept twice this week!) and met at 10:30 to go in one car to the shows.  At the first, I found some wonderful things to give as courtesy gifts for Christmas to some friends I want to remember.  At the second, we found lovely things we bought for ourselves and to give as gifts. 

When we came in the door, we were greeted immediately by Christmas decor.

My sister was stunned at the multitude of crafters.

From those who made the most wonderful creations from recycled clothing...

From recycled hymnals

to recycled old sleds...

To darling little girl's purses that Kathleen found for her precious little grandaughter, Caitlin Rose, made from recycled jeans and bits of ribbons and boas.

And Welcoming Little Snowmen!

After we left the craft show, we ate at a local restaurant, where we had a pleasant meal and visited.

BUT HERE IS THE REASON I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR MY WONDERFUL DAY....

MY DEAR SISTER IS SURVIVING CANCER AND WAS ABLE TO GO OUT WITH ME AND HAVE A GOOD TIME, A YEAR AFTER DIAGNOSIS AND TWO HUGE OPERATIONS.... SO GOD IS GOOD TO US AND GAVE US MORE TIME TOGETHER... AND FOR THAT I AM

TRULY THANKFUL!