30 Days of Gratitude, Days Ten and Eleven

Yesterday, I got up early to drive to Neighboring City, where I picked up Queen B for a trip into the country. We were specifically looking for a barn sale that I had seen advertised on Facebook, and, I was hoping for either a cool purchase, or, inspiration for re-purposing items I already have on hand. You know, like every other sale we visit.

It was a gorgeous day, the drive was beautiful, and the company was wonderful, but, the sale, eh...a tad bit disappointing. While there were several really awesome vintage finds-Shiny Brite ornaments, a four-foot blow-mold Santa, etc.-they were significantly overpriced. I did, however, come away with some good ideas for staging props for photo shoots, which dulled the disappointment, somewhat.

And, as I mentioned, I was with my girl, on a beautiful fall day.

After leaving the sale, we made several additional stops, including the mall, where I knocked off the first of my Christmas gift shopping, and Michaels and Hobby Lobby. We ended back at Queen B's, and, spent the next couple of hours finishing her online financial aid exit counseling (graduation is just a month away!) and watching Mama Mia with Katie. It was a nice way to spend my day, and I think the girls shared that sentiment.

I'm so thankful for those two; their friendship has been a joy to behold, and, I cannot wait to see where it takes them in the future.

And, speaking of friendships, when I arrived at the house early in the morning, I was greeted by a driveway full of cars; cars belonging to a couple of Queen B's other childhood friends, who had been in town the night before for a visit. I got big hugs from the kids, and, a quick chance to catch up. This is the beauty of raising children in a small town; the friendships they make are forged on pre-school playgrounds, and, when they are nurtured appropriately, they last a lifetime.

That's something to be grateful for, no question.