My mini-vacation...

Yesterday, my Mother and I went to Tannehill State park. They were having a Gem, Mineral and Jewelery show, and we wanted to take a little time to break out of our usual routine. So, we first stopped by a gas station, filled the tank and washed the windshield, and with my usual ironic/bad luck, it started to rain moments later. The gem show is an outdoor event, so I was worried that by the time we got there, all the vendors would be packed up and gone. Fortunately, I was wrong. There were still several stands open. I love shows like this one, because I used to collect gemstones and fossils (yes, I was a nerd). There was so much cool stuff that I wanted to buy! I ended up spending 3 times the amount of money I had planned on using. I'm not usually an impulse buyer, but when will I go to another Jewelery show? I had to get some kind of memento. A pair of bookends caught my eye, and I got a really good deal. I guess I should have taken them back to the car instead of carrying them around (they are pretty heavy), and today my arm is sore.

Right as we reached the last in a long line of vendors, something else caught my eye again. It was a pink Opal. I love Opals... I love the way they sparkle. So I bought it, and the guy recommended another vendor who does gem setting. So I found his stand, picked out the perfect silver ring setting, and watched as he set my stone in the ring. Something about picking the stone and the ring separately makes it even more special to me. I love things that are unique and one of a kind. My Mom paid for the setting, and I paid for the Opal. I also bought two other rings. I'm not sure what they are made of... some kind of stone or metal (I think), but the Opal ring is the one I love. I'll always have it to remember the great day we had.

After we got tired of walking around, we went to the Furnace Master's Restaurant, which is the only restaurant in Tannehill park. They have great food there. I got the chopped steak, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and hash brown casserole. Mom got the fried catfish, turnip greens, fried green tomatoes, and macaroni and cheese. It also comes with a roll, or cornbread. I probably ate too much, but hey, what are mini-vacations for?

I love driving around that part of Alabama. It's so peaceful and relaxing out there, and there are animals everywhere. On the trip we saw: horses, cows, goats, emu, and one bat. I meant to take some pictures, but it was raining, so I didn't bother.

I really had a great time. : )

A few pics of the bookends:

I just put a few books together for an example. My actual bookshelf is much larger...