Oh my goodness, friends! I have had such a great week/weekend and am so excited to record these photos and blessings that go with them!
First, though, I have to write about my husband, Joe. Today would have been our 41st wedding anniversary. He died from covid in February 2021. Going to Mayfaire is always bittersweet for me because I always had to work the art festival while I worked at the museum (20 years!). Joe volunteered to drive the golf cart trolleys. We always picked a piece of art for our anniversary gift, and he always got me some jewelry at Mayfaire. Great memories! He also always took me for Chinese food after closing on Sunday for Mother's Day. I hold all those memories in my heart, and they bring me joy. That said, let's get on with fun new memories made this week!!
I already posted about my day of Cricut lessons with my niece, Jackie, and my first project.
On Friday morning, Jackie and I went on an airboat ride! She had never been on one before, so it was extra fun for me! It was hot, so we didn't get to see many gators, but there were lots of birds, bison, and cows grazing in the water!
Eagle in the tree...
Gator under water...
Our tour guide told us the cows are too big for the gators to bother with.
Later, Jackie treated me to a Cajun dinner at Harry's in downtown Lakeland.
On Saturday, we went to the Mayfaire by-the-Lake Art Festival!! Susan and Sandy (neighbors) went with us, and we all had a great time!
Jackie, Sandy, Susan, me (and one of Lakeland's swan sculptures)
The artist list for this year...
Jackie had to leave for the airport and home after we were at Mayfaire. Sure hated to see her go, but what a great time we had!!
On Sunday, dear friends (and son Jeff's girlfriend's parents) came down to go to Mayfaire! I've been asking them to come for a few years. Stuart is an avid photographer. If you are interested, you can see his photos on his Instagram site. I didn't take a lot of photos since many would look like Saturday's photos.
so we rode the shuttle a few times.
When we headed away from Mayfaire, they wanted to get some lunch, so we went to the Chinese restaurant where Joe always took me on Sunday after Mayfaire. We all enjoyed our meals, and I brought half of mine home to enjoy today. It was so nice of them to treat me to lunch! I had such a good time visiting with them. I had a 'happy Mother's Day' text from Kali, and she said they really enjoyed their time here and at Mayfaire.
It's been a beautiful week with so many blessings!! Thanks for getting this far! Your comments are blessings as well!!


















Onde day we shall make it down to Mayfair, unfortunately, the humidity is just a little much right now, lol. Nice photos, Terri and gosh, your so brave to go on an airboat ride, LOL.
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet memories of Joe and new memories made with Jackie, Terri. I love how you celebrated your Mother's Day weekend and shared it with us through your words and beautiful photos. May your week be blessed, my friend, and may your memories always warm your heart.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lovely weekend and I'm sure bittersweet too. The pup does look a lot like mine : ) The art fest looks like such fun. Have a nice week Terri!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful weekend! I'm so glad our stormy weather didn't pass your way.
ReplyDeleteMostly, I love how you chose to honor your anniversary memories -- both at Mayfaire and the Chinese restaurant!
I hope you rest well today and enjoy a great new week!
What a wonderful weekend you had, Terri! Thank you for sharing your pictures!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary dear friend! God certainly blessed the two of you when He put you together and I'm glad those memories are bringing you joy.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly had a fun weekend. Very interesting about the cows and alligators. I had several people ask about the cows after I posted my pics of the airboat ride.
What a nice, action packed visit. Sounds like fun. That air boat ride sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of a most enjoyable weekend! Thanks for the explanation about the cows standing in deep water. I wondered about that. Too big for the gators. Yes, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun weekend. I love the picture of the cows. Kinda makes me think of The Land Remembered book. I am glad they are too big for the gators.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary remembrance today. I know it is a bittersweet day for you, but oh, what sweet memories you have with Joe! And how lovely that his niece came down to spend some time with you and do so many special things together! And then your other dear friends as well, and the Chinese food! Yum! I am happy for you to have such good friends and family who bless you, as you are such a blessing to them (and to all of us who are privileged to know you!). Thanks for sharing it all with us. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, dear Terri. Yes, the alligators won't bother the cows. However crocodiles would make a meal out of them. Looks like a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing, and I hope you have a lovely week ahead. 😊
We have the same anniversary - happy heavenly anniversary to you both. I didn't know that alligators left cows alone, but it makes sense. Being I am not a good walker I am glad they had a tram. Looked like a nice event.
ReplyDeleteSending love and hugs. What wonderful memories of Joe.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had fantastic fun with Jackie. The airboat sounds like a great experience. The cows in the water is amazing!
The art festival looks like a great day out and a brilliant event!
What a good time to spend with loved ones.
ReplyDeleteOur 42nd anniversary is this month! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your niece and lots of fun over the weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI have never been on an airboat. Not sure if I'd enjoy that or not. The Mayfaire looks wonderful!! I loved the traditions you and Joe had and your sweet memories of them.
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