Thursday Thankfulness/Friday Foto Friends

Is it Thursday already?  In some ways it seems like it would never come, and in other ways this week has just flown past.  I can't believe it is already the 4th day of August! My brother in law Billy's birthday, and due to so much going on, (in both families) I don't know when we will be able to get together to celebrate...but we talked to him on the phone and wished him a happy birthday. He knows we love him and we will get together as soon as possible for all concerned. Meanwhile, I thought you'd like to see something a little different tonight...

I went out to the "Secret -Memorial Garden" this morning before we left for the day, and what did I see? Yes, this beautiful rose bud getting ready to open up.

For those of you who have followed my stories for a while, you know that this particular rosebush was planted in our son's memorial garden at our previous home, and we brought this plant with us when we moved to our present home three years ago.  It doesn't bloom really often, but when it does, it is quite frequently on or near special dates and family events.  I could say it was blooming today for our brother-in-law's birthday, and that would be true. 

But when it comes to other special days that would be significant in the life of our son Matthew,

I cut it and brought it inside and put it in a vase, where it will last a lot longer and continue to open up.

I believe this rosebud was "sent" for Matthew and his wife's wedding anniversary, which will be this coming Sunday, August 7th. It would have been their 29th anniversary. I am certain this rose will be in full bloom on Sunday. It's hard to believe it's been 29 years already...but even more so that it has been 8 years already since Matthew entered heaven's gates.

This is a picture of the Steiner side of the family at their wedding at that time.

Our son Scott, "Uncle Billy", Benton, Nicole, Matthew, me, my MIL, "Nanny", my hubby John, and my father in law "Granddaddy" Steiner.  Sweet memories. I love how the rose is blossoming right on time. One of God's special "heaven-sent" blessings.

Now back to current events...Today (Thursday), hubby and I had full charge of Dixie Cottage for the day, so that our son Benton could work on his woodworking projects and also because Rose had to work at her other job at Home Depot. They are a very busy couple, and I think hubby and I are going to be getting quite involved with the every day running of Dixie Cottage.

"All Sales Final"...no turning back now!!

May I help you?  

Thankfully, in some ways, it was a slower day than the previous two days since we opened on Tuesday.

I am still learning the ropes of running the cash register and answering questions, etc. Why does it always seem that everything happens at once, with long lulls in the activity in between? But we managed and survived what felt like a very long day for us two old retired folks in need of our afternoon naps...

And we are so thankful for the outpouring of support and enthusiasm from our community. Yesterday we sold four big pieces of furniture, in addition to a couple others on the previous day.

Here's what sold yesterday alone:

This beautiful big armoir...

And this lovely "skinny lingerie dresser".  Its twin sold the day before.

This vintage oak restaurant table that has two leaves. They didn't want it painted so it was sold as is.

And this lovely vintage buffet, which was probably my favorite piece.

So that is why Benton needs extra time to get to work and get more pieces ready to sell. 

I took a picture of this little sign that sits on the checkout counter...it rotates around from one sign to the other:

I think that really speaks to what we are experiencing here now with the new beginning here at Dixie Cottage.  It took a lot of courage on the part of our kids to give up the successful store in St. Augustine and move it here to the little town of Interlachen...a town that truly doesn't have any kind of real shopping beyond Dollar Stores and Thrift Shops. But due to many considerations, including the cost of commuting back and forth and rent costs, etc. they knew it was worth the try.  And so far their decision has proven to be the right choice. I cannot begin to tell you how happy the people of our little town are to have a "real store" come to town. I bet I've heard that from almost every single person who has entered the new store.  They are absolutely thrilled to have Dixie Cottage here! 

It's really been exciting to see how well received it has been.

Oh, while I was sitting here typing this I looked out of my window here in my little "room with a view", and saw this squirrel go running right past my window on the porch railing.  I think he wanted me to tell you about something else...

I don't have a "before" picture, but when we took over this building to prepare it for the new store, it had previously been a physical therapy center.  They had a mural painted on one wall of a country scene with a little stuffed squirrel perched up on a tree limb.  Our kids decided they had to cover over the mural, but thought the stuffed squirrel should stay and become their new "mascot" for the store.  Do you see him below?

Here he is again:

I don't know if they have actually given him a name yet, but I think that he needs one.  Maybe some of you have some suggestions.  I will be sure to pass along any good suggestions to the kids and let you know what the outcome is.

Meanwhile, I want to thank you all for your wonderful comments on my previous posts. I am really far behind in responding and also in keeping up with your posts. I am so sorry, but right now my "free time" is very limited. I do hope we will get into a better pattern of when we are going to be working at the store and when we will be "free", but for now we are trying to help out as much as possible so the kids can get caught up with things. So please bear with me and know that I truly want to stay in touch and will do the best I can as I am able.  I am thankful for each and every one of you and I care about what is going on in your lives and hate to miss your posts.

Okay, I need to get up and move around a bit and then start getting ready for bed. I hear it calling me...

LOL.

God bless you all and Good Night!