Saturday & Sunday Catch-up....

We are home from our visit with family in Naples.  Lauren's party was very nice and it's always good to see friends AND family.

Since I took Friday off, and we didn't need to be in Naples early, we left home early to make a stop on our way south.  I have been wanting to visit Solomon's Castle, down around Arcadia, FL.  It is one of those "Trip on a Tank Full" or "Weird Florida" trips you can take.

Howard Solomon is a self-taught artist who has been featured on various TV shows.  Solomon's Castle is his creation and where he exhibits his many artistic talents. He is billed as a sculptor, painter, author, building of castles, maker of dreams, and the Castle is where he shares his unique view of the world.  His wife is the one who conducts the tours, and she bills herself as "Queen of the Castle".  She is a true story-teller and comedian!! Their children are also participating, and especially their daughter, who runs the restaurant. There is also a bed & breakfast. It is quite an impressive endeavor!!  Here is the website:  http://www.solomonscastle.org/

I took over 40 photos, so here is just a sampling. The castle is covered in old printing plates. The 'Queen' told us you can read all kinds of Hardee County history if you peel off the plates and turn them over. She showed us one.  Very interesting.  The framed "paintings" in the photos below are actually carved wood.  The metal sculptures are cut from steel drums and lots of found metal objects and motors, etc.  We will definitely go back, and can't wait to share it with guests one of these days. We know several who would really enjoy it!!

 This is a wall in their private living quarters (not so private, but where they live). The hallway between the living room and kitchen....she said it's their only plane wall..... (as in wood planers)

The restaurant is in "the boat" which he also built.  Took him four years to complete.  The food was delicious and we shared a slice of walnut pie for dessert....yum.

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Now, on to Lauren's party. It was basically the same group of friends that were there for Tristan's party, with the exception of one couple, who we had met before, but hadn't seen in awhile.  Kathy ordered Indian (as in India) food, since that is Lauren's favorite. It was quite good. A lamb dish, two chicken dishes, and lots of "trimmings".  Kathy made another wonderful cake. There really wasn't a theme this time, but her decorations were multi-colored flowers and an elegant cake. Lauren received some wonderful gifts.

Saturday, we slept in, and then went to an art market in one of the local parks. I wore my brace and took the cane, and did okay walking around. That was really nice. There were 25-35 local artists. Not great quality, but some very nice pieces and several good jewelry artists. We enjoyed looking, but didn't purchase.  Joe and I took everyone out for Chinese food, for dinner, since Lauren was looking forward to taking the party leftovers home. She left later Saturday evening, after dinner, to be able to "go out" with some friends to continue her celebration. She was a little disappointed that her BFF from "up north" wasn't able to come down for the party. We got up this morning (Sunday) and left around 10:00 a.m.  It was another great weekend.

 The cocktail for the evening was a "birthday cake martini".  Kathy gets a lot of her ideas from Pinterest, and here is the link for this drink:  http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/04/birthday-cake-martini-.html

 Grandpa, Lauren and Grandma, at the art market.

Sorry this was so long, but that completes our weekend. I am doing laundry now, with one more load to go. If no cleaning gets done on a weekend, I at least have to get the laundry done or my week gets off on the wrong vibe.....  (....I know, something is wrong with me!!!)

Wishing you a good week! Thanks for stopping by!  Peace & blessings.