Dateline: Lansing, MI.....no wait!....Ocala, FL........uh, I mean Aiken, SC!!!! Or maybe all three!!!!! I don't know....Where are we this week anyway!!!!????
We spent a few days in Lansing, MI at the Association of Michigan Basket Weavers, as the temperature slowly dropped. Absolutely beautiful camping weather. The AMB event was awesome as usual and it was really nice to see some basket friends after another year. This was also the first event that Joni and I did not vend separately from her teaching area. We have made the decision to only vend if we can set up in the weaving room, near her teaching area. This will allow me to handle both of my duties without feeling like a slacker on one, when I am in the other!
After Michigan, we made a quick trek south to Ocala. We actually had plenty of time, and even took a moment to see the new Reacher movie (4 stars out of 5) and get some Chinese food. Note - If you are ever in Valdosta, GA and want some truly authentic Chinese grub, try out the Beijing Cafe. I am wondering how did little ole Valdosta, GA got so lucky as to have this restaurant. It is really good.
Next stop was Sharon Biardi's Studio in Ocala, FL. Sharon and Ann once again were the Hostesses with the Mostest! We had a blast, and even got some of Rich's BBQ Pork! We often joke that we choose events based on the food, and if you believe that to be true, we will definitely keep Ocala on the schedule!!
Next stop was home for two nights to repack and see our grandkids, Cooper and our own kids, then the quick run down to Aiken, SC. (We have one more event at home next week, and then a workshop in Maryland, then the HNCB year is over until January!!!).
Aiken is going on as I write this, with 15 people in class. Some really nice baskets are in progress.....from Hat Boxes to Creel Purses to Wreathes, amongst others.
We wanted to also take a moment to introduce two new baskets in this blog. The first is the BONSAI SERIES, where we are taking our own designs and making a half-sized basket. The first of these is the Bonsai Bee Skep. There is a picture below of it next to the original. The second is the DESK SET. There is also a picture of it below, in walnut. Joni has been wanting us to make the Desk Set for some time....it consists of a 3" Paperclip Basket, a Business Card basket, and a Pencil Cup, all attached to a walnut base. Each of these are currently available and will be in class offerings starting in 2017.
That's it for today. Remember, it is a Beautiful Day, Don't Let it Slip Away!!!
David and Joni.....Aiken, SC
ps - We have one final sad note to report, and that is that our very good friend from Tennessee and the Odds N Ends Basket Guild, Linda C. Roberts passed away recently. We had just seen Linda at the Odds N Ends Guild, before the Michigan AMB convention. She was her very happy self, as usual, and was looking forward to seeing her Tennessee Volunteers play Alabama that Saturday in Knoxville. We got the call of her passing on our trip to Florida. Linda was a happy soul and we always enjoyed her companionship. Joni and I will miss her, as, I am sure, by all who knew her.
D
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