Touché! I've met some incredible artists here that I've become friends with. One of the most amazing is Ms. Suzanne Schmitt. Not only is she an amazing musician, singer/song-writer {Moon Shine Babies}, she paints wonderful things ~ like this sweet little raccoon that Wayne got me for my birthday:
I can't wait to find his "proper place" in my studio, so I can look at him daily. I have a feeling he'll be a wonderful inspiration for me. If you are reading this blog, please do click on the "Moon Shine Babies" link here and listen to the song "Thank You" ~ I promise you'll be glad you did. And, if you decide to buy a "CD" {which I'm sure you'll be glad of that, too}, be sure and tell her I sent you.
So, after I woke up and opened presents & read mushy cards from Wayne, Ozzy & Lita, Wayne fixed us a wonderful Hot Dog lunch and then we headed out to the "North Carolina Arboretum" – it was an awesome place and we decided to get a membership, so we can go there lots and lots. One of the most wonderful things was the butterfly garden and the Monarchs are beginning to "hatch" and fly around:
And then, of course, all of the wonderful flowers and trees that are blooming. I think these were my favorites, though:
After we left there, we went to an amazing Greek/Italian Restaurant in Asheville "Pomodoros Greek & Italian Café" and I got this wonderful Shrimp Pasta dinner and the bestest Calamari in the whole wide world! We ate the Calamari so fast, I didn't get a picture of it, but here is my Shrimp Pasta {of course, it had some long name that I can't remember}:
And after we got home, we just had a bottle of wine {okay 2 bottles} and spent the evening in the hot-tub, talking, laughing & being silly. All in all, it was one of my best birthdays ever! And today is Ozzy's birthday! He's 5 years old. I have to go out and get him some ice cream – his favorite, of course, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla! He only gets it on his birthday and on Lita's birthday, which was in March. But, before I go, I have to announce the winner of that awesome little Buddha bracelet and it's lucky #2, which is Eva of Kitykana ~ Congratulations, Eva!!!!
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend & enjoying all of the "Springiness" of Spring. And thanks to all of you that sent me Birthday wishes ~ they made me feel so special ~ Have a happy day!
Xxoo & peace always ~ Kathy
"Never regret growing old, it's a privilege denied to many"
The "Paint The Bus" party was awesome! The food was yummy & the music was wonderful. My "Garlic Mashed Potatos" from yesterday's post were awesome! They went really fast. I guess that's what happens when you take "comfort food" to a party. But the only thing I would change about this recipe is the Parmesan cheese ~ I think I'll leave it out next time. After the 85th taste test :), I decided I liked them lots better before adding the cheese. And, I used more garlic than called for, as well. But they were still very, very good ~:D
Of course, nobody could top Suzanne's art work!
And Raymond & Julie have several horses on their property, but this little fellow was hilarious ~ he had a semi-dreadlock hair-do and was always trying to eat my camera:
But we all know, all play & no work makes us unproductive people, so today I need to do some work, but I did make this awesome necklace yesterday, along with a couple pair of earrings, so please do check out the shop when you get a chance:
Happy Sunday!!!
