Rain may stop us, but not heat

We braved the heat last Saturday to go to the Saxapahaw Rivermill Music Series. Not that we were the only ones there, but it was definitely LESS populated than when Half Pint and I went two weeks ago. But we were rained out last week (my birthday, too, what a bummer) so I was determined we'd go and have a good time.

We had to go into Hillsborough first so swung by Weaver Street Market and picked up picnic foods (they make the best pimento cheese ever) before taking a circuitous route to the hill. We picked up some ale at the General Store after making sure it was okay we could take glass (I couldn't remember and didn't want to chance it).


Half Pint had a great time: she danced some, ate, and played with the bubbles, of course. Big Monkey and I enjoyed hanging out together (even if I did spill some of my beer on the blanket). It was fun people watching, too, and not having to worry about her getting into something she shouldn't. It's a very family friendly event and everyone out there -- with kids or not -- smiles and enjoys watching the little ones play. Looking around, they were the missing element over two weeks ago; I suppose other parents with toddlers didn't want to stand the 100 degree temps. Turned out to not be an issue; in fact, about halfway through the show, we were worried we'd get rained on. Clouds started to move in, brought by a refreshing breeze, but luckily the precipitation stayed away and we were able to finish our dinner before heading out right before the show ended.

There's a great farmer's market there, too, during the concert and we picked up a couple of things, including a wonderful cantaloupe from Byrd Farm since she was soooo nice to let us borrow her bottlecap opener. Twice. And several food stands set up shop, including a place that sells Maple View Farms ice cream. Half Pint opted for strawberry: yum.

Dog Days of Summer

I already suck at this blogging thing and it's only been two months since I started it. One of the things I've learned is I need feedback, public acknowledgment, even just a "hey, I read that. it sucked." to keep at projects like this. I LOVE the internet because of the worlds it opens up and the people you can meet. But I HATE the internet because I don't get the immediate gratification of someone's smile at my work that I get in the Real World. I think that's what kept/keeps me in retail/customer service: that immediate happiness I can afford someone.

Not that I don't think what I'm working on here on the webs is important, but, well, anyway.

We got a dog. Two, actually. They are Plott Hounds, about 3 months old, shelter-adopted pups. The lighter brindle in center is Nikola, a boy and the dark one on right is a girl, Tesla. The one on the left in Elmo pj's is Half Pint. The cats (we rescued an older cat, Blitz) were on the bed. One large, furry, happy family. But you can see: it's a been a tad busy around here lately.