Enjoyable Excursion

Today was the day Robin had planned to have a birthday outing with me. I woke up earlier than I wanted, but that’s not something I have any control over. I had plenty of time to get in some exercise and have a leisurely cup of tea.

Robin arrived to pick me up at 9:00 and we headed over to the town of Tyler, about an hour’s drive from here. In the past, one of the primary draws of the big shopping center there has been Joann’s, but alas Joann’s is no more. However, we still had World Market and Half Price Books.

I did not leave empty handed from either store. I made sure to get a box of the good Dutch chocolate sprinkles for the guys, and some mango jam, plus some cards and food storage containers for me. At the bookstore I managed to find three books I couldn’t live without.

After making it through those two stores, we decided to check out a place called Painted Tree, a large store where the Bed Bath & Beyond used to be. It turned out to be one of those gigantic stores full of small booths selling everything imaginable. So many beautiful handmade things! It took us an hour to get through that store and we weren’t dawdling. I liked this little dresser that had been turned into a chair:

And many other lovely things. By the time we finished in that store it was 1:00 and we were ready for lunch, so we made our way to the barbeque place where we ate last year.

I had some very tasty pork ribs. We had to sit outside on the porch and it was a very warm day. After lunch we had a brief discussion about the best way to return home, and when Robin suggested following Route 271 I pointed out that would take us right past the tearoom that we both like so much.

We made it to the tearoom about 45 minutes before they closed, and I threw them off by ordering my herb tea iced instead of hot. I found it surprisingly pleasant. That doesn’t mean I am weakening on iced tea in general. I can’t imagine that I will ever be converted to the Southern habit of drinking iced black tea.

After the hours on our feet shopping, the peace of the tearoom was so welcome and relaxing. We had to hurry to leave so they could close the place down for the day, though.

When I returned home I admit I put my feet up for a few minutes. But then I got going and sewed one pillowcase before supper and another one after. I should easily finish the rest tomorrow, in addition to a rather lengthy to-do list.

Parting Shot:

I thought this was some kind of scary energy drink, but it’s just water!