Good Gawd.

Some time back, I told a story about my Dad. He had taken me to an auction at a lakeside hotel in Vermont. You can read about it here.
Today, driving to Middlebury, I happened to drive right by the house, which is now an antique store. I pulled over, leaned out the window, and took this picture.

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The elderly lady on the porch was waving to me, and I leaned further out the window to explain why I was taking the picture of her house. But I don't think she could hear me, so I pulled over into her drive, and got out.
When I saw the porch up close, I realized that my own porch creation reminded me of this one.

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The owner, who is 81 years young, was happy to give us the tour, starting with her upside down tomato plant.

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The inside of her shop, which covered the entire downstairs of this old house, was somewhat overwhelming. So much glass.

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She knew every piece.

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She had some lovely pieces of furniture.

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And more glass.

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I can't imagine how long it took her to assemble all this.

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But she was obviously quite proud of her collections.

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This is the view from the front door, of Lake Hortonia. It was down this dirt road that I walked so many years ago. She told me that the hall where they had the square dances was torn down not long ago.

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But I digress.
The reason for my trip was to take rugs to a brand new shop in Middlebury, Vt, called the Vermont Yarn, Bead and Gift Emporium, on Exchange Street. You can visit them on Facebook here.
They have a marvelous space.

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Tons of yarn.

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Sensory overload.

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Beading supplies.

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Beads.

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They have so much to look at.

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And because I am keeping this REAL, and not giving myself any tiny little space to sneak out (as if I would fit), I am including this photo of me that my friend Alice took of me today. I know she is my friend, and she loves me fat or otherwise. She didn't take it to remind me that I need this diet. But looking at the picture made me all the more committed to losing this 25lbs. Or was it 30?

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So thanks, Alice. It was a great day.
(Good Gawd, look at that spare tire!)