Wednesday, July 4, 2012

taking some much needed time away


We left home early Thursday morning.  Destination:  St. Joe, Mo.  
A wedding on Saturday in Maryville, Mo., gave us an opportunity to take a couple days ahead of the event to take some time off.  I have met some of the most delightful, creative and energetic women through  
Burlap & Roses, as well as, Junk Bonanza, Junk Jubilee and FACEBOOK.  Several of them have shops/studios in the St. Joe area, so we headed that direction to camp and get away.  First stop, Kum & Go for gas and a diet Pepsi...of course!

 On the road again, we headed down I-35 to Hwy. 2.  Mt. Ayr and Peggy Sue's diner was planned for brunch.  It did not disappoint.  The town itself is pretty darn nice and the preservation of it's architectural and historical attributes is awesome.  Enjoy these photos of just a few of the stand-outs.


On the road again, we traveled south commenting on the crops (they're looking poorly) the heat and cattle in the ponds, the kids, the grands and various other topics.  I usually read, read and read some more on our travels, but not this time.  I guess we needed this.  Steve told me later he wanted to tell me to be quiet for awhile...but, he, being himself, did not and just let me talk.  

We stayed at a pretty nice little camp ground on the outskirts of St. Joe.  AOK Campground.  Just a simple little place, with a nice pond...catch -n- release only and a super nice pool.  It was sooo terribly hot, that we didn't enjoy the 'camping' like we enjoy (fires in the evening, relaxing outdoors, etc).

Thursday evening took us to Claudia G's home...one of the most gracious and kind people I've met in a long time, Claudia G. of Just Claudia Vintage Design. 
and her hubs Rick, treated to an awesome meal and tour of their lovely home and Claudia's inspiring studio.  She lives and decorates in her artistic style...she once told me she describes it as 'barn glam'.  Enjoy these photos.

 
Friday took us to Leavenworth, Kansas and Weston, Mo., where we visited in the shops of a few more of my junkin' gal pals, Stacy McGowen of Candle Queen Candles, Artistic Works by Lu (she's orig. from Iowa) and Fancy with Cactus Creek.  Lots of energy, excitement and enthusiasm for their own success, as well as, others.  Enjoy these photos.

 

If you find yourself in the area, please check these shops out.  Claudia sets up at a monthly market in K.C.  Follow her on FB for dates and times.  

Thanks, to my hubs who lets me indulge in all of this.  He enjoyed his time at a couple of farm stores, bought a couple of cigars in a cool smoke shop and just did his thing...he's great that way!  Love him!

Oh, and if you're hungry, Luigi's in Leavenworth is a real treat.

 
The weekend ended on a high note with a beautiful bride and the pleasure of being with family at the hotel...it was great!

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