Birthday Fun!

Well, it's here! My summer break has officially started and I couldn't be happier. There is so much in the works for my summer. The hubby and I decided to take a vacation this summer since we haven't had one since our cruise two years ago. I am trying to check things off my bucket list and I have always wanted to visit the Florida Keys and the Everglades, so that's what we plan to do! Hopefully very soon...maybe even week after next! I live in Florida but I'm in north central and of course the Keys and Everglades are way down in south Florida....7 or 8 hours away, so we have just never taken the time to drive down there. I am super excited though! I am also checking another thing off my bucket list and have ordered myself a new DSLR camera...a Nikon D3200 to be precise and it came with a sweet package, including two lenses, a spider tripod and several other things. I also ordered Nikon D3200 for Dummies so I can learn how to use it. I hope I can practice with it in the Keys!

We are also planning to start our porch this summer, install a split rail fence, and lay some sod. We also still have to finish my pantry in the kitchen and I have some trim to paint. We will be busy to say the least! 

Now, let me share a little about my birthday! Yesterday was the district luncheon honoring retirees and years of service. It was very nice. We had several retirees and one who put in 45 years! I cannot imagine...she must have started working very young. I was in my thirties when I started working because I wanted to wait until my kids were both in school before I started college. I just completed my 12th year. After the luncheon, Some work friends and I went to Gainesville and did a little shopping at Ross and Tuesday Morning then went to see Pitch Perfect 2 and ate at Chili's. After we ate, we went to JoAnn's and The Party Store. Of course we were looking for school stuff. It's a teacher thing...lol!

This morning, Mama came and picked me up and we met my sister and aunt for breakfast and then we did a little yard saling. When Mama picked me up, she brought me a BIG jar of my favorite pickles in the whole world! They are a sweet and very crispy pickle. It was my paternal granny's recipe and she called the alum pickles. I remember she always had a huge jar full when I would visit and I would always go scoop out a bowl full. They are so delicious! Now, Mama makes them every year with their bumper crop of cucumbers. 

We stopped at a few yard sales. I didn't find too much, which is a good thing. I did buy this beautiful platter though. It is perfect for my subtle bee themed dining room. The center looks like honeycomb. It was $5, a little more than I would normally pay, but it still had the price sticker on the back that was marked $9.99. I had to have it!

This ice cream cone vase will be used in my classroom to hold a bouquet or something. Our theme this year is Kindergarten is Sweet and we are decorating with cupcakes, ice cream, popsicles, donuts, and candy. It is going to be so cute and colorful! This is by Oneida and was $1.

Of course I had to have this pedestal apothecary jar. I have an obsession with them! It was $1.50.

It came with these 2 bunny figurines inside which I will add to my Easter collection. They are students sitting at little desks...too cute!

This pretty set of place mats was just $1.

They will look nice in a variety of tablescapes. Speaking of, I need to set a  pretty table soon. I haven't done that since before the kitchen remodel!

I think I was happiest with this last find. It is a brand new small size cookie sheet by Wilton. I love their stuff. I was just wishing earlier in the week that I had a smaller one since it is just the hubby and I at home now and I don't need to use a big one. It was just $1!

I did buy one other thing but it will be getting a makeover so I will share it soon. If you're still with me and haven't already done so, hop over to yesterday's post and enter my giveaway. I know several of you already have and I appreciate it so much. It is strictly for fun....I don't expect anyone to be able to answer all the questions I asked, I just thought it would be fun to see what everyone guessed. All of the answers have been on the blog at some point or another, except number 11. I know some folks are faithful readers and have a better chance, but like I said, it's just for fun! My feelings won't be hurt if you choose not to play or if you do play and answer them all wrong! LOL! Hope you have a beautiful weekend. I am going to the races tonight to watch the hubby drive this.....

He raced in the past and he finally finished his "new" car. He builds everything himself and is quite the race car driver if I do say so myself. We have dozens of trophies to prove it. :) My son raced go-karts for a few years and is just as talented as his dad. Anywho, I just pray for his safety while he pursues his passion once again. 

Until next time.....