We're Back!

 

We had a swell little trip, and it was nice to spend time together not accomplishing anything! I asked for someone to take a picture of us together, because I wanted to be able to do better than a selfie. We were at a brew pub enjoying an evening of trivia.

The party thrown for my sister-in-law at work was awesome. I wasn't able to document my attire, but it was all thrifted! My top is a sweater with the shirt-tail detailing attached, by J-Jill. Faux leather leggins are Time and True -- a Walmart product.  They are something I'll go low-brand on. Especially when I only pay a buck. This type of thing is a good wardrobe staple.  My shoes were Aigner loafers that were a couple of bucks at a garage sale.  These are all wonderful ladies in the Murphy clan. The young lady on the left is my nephew's girlfriend.  She is sweet, as is my niece, on the right.  In the middle are the best three sisters-in-law a lady could ask for.  Also assembled were dozens of people who have worked together for years. All dedicated public health people.  All doing great work.  All facing unimaginable challenges because of the current Federal administration.  But although it was a good time for a retirement, everyone will miss having such a dedicated and caring director.  The lady in the middle of the picture oversaw programs for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, stroke recovery, and more.

The party was on Wednesday night, and on Thursday night, we spent the evening competing at trivia at a cool microbrew bar.  Our team, the Beer Brains started out strong but were unable to maintain a lead or place in the top three. That's OK, we had a blast!  There is no food served, but you can bring your own.  This explains the Rubbermaid container and Wet-Wipes...

Whenever I stay in Clifton Park (NY), I try to shop the Salvation Army on Route 9.  Even though it was Friday when I went, there were still finds for me to discover.  This store has $1.49 tags, rather than 99 cents -- which was delightful. My store doesn't do that anymore. Just half price.  I spent thirteen bucks on three shirts, a vest, an infinity scarf, three pocket squares, a bandana, and a belt.   I plan on wearing the bandana when I protest. The fabric squares are for Frankie.  I added a notch to the belt and will polish the buckle, which is Ralph Lauren. Thirteen dollars for it all.

There is a church associated thrift we have been driving past for a couple of decades on our way into Clifton Park.  It is "Noah's Attic" in Ballston Spa. This trip, I begged Tommy to let me stop in since we were driving home on Saturday.  The shop has housewares downstairs, and this is what I grabbed for six bucks. At first, I just had the plate, but when I went to stand in line to pay, I spied this hand painted bowl. I hadn't seen it earlier because the lady in line in back of me had it in her basket and decided not to take it at the last minute.  I thought it would be a great summer addition to my kitchen.  I had also been looking for brown transferware for quite some time.  There was only one plate, but it's been the first I've seen -- so I grabbed it.  These were three bucks each.

There was a clothing shop upstairs, where I spent seven bucks.  Three shorts are for Tommy and four tops are for me.  There was a lot to choose from, but mostly were cheaper brands that I don't buy (Walmart and Khol's brands, etc.).  Getting Talbots, G.H. Bass, L.L. Bean, and Eddie Bauer for a buck a piece is where my intentions are focused.  I like good brands for cheap!  I already have the same yellow t-shirt and it's a staple. It was nice to find another. All are great for summer.

 

One task I got to today, was putting Velcro strips on the bottom of my Swiffer mop.  I had a bunch of mop pads from an old steam cleaner I had wanted to keep using. Normally, I wrap a microfiber cloth around the Swiffer, but it can be wonky. The steam cleaner died a few years ago, and I had one used mop head and one that was unused. I wanted to get better cleaning and mopping results, so I repurposed them with the Swiffer. These are washable and tougher than a cloth.

I only needed one side of the Velcro strips I used, and that was the grippy side. So, I repurposed some of the soft side by putting small squares on the bottom of chair legs. I have actual pieces for this that don't seem to stay on. The adhesive on the Velcro is a lot better and I don't think it will fall off. That's a double win!

As for our trip, it was so fun and meaningful. Frankie was a pain on the ride out because it's five hours in a car, done in the morning when she is just gearing up for the day.  We got into town, and she had energy to burn but got left behind while we partied. When we got home, there were five other people she loves, so that cranked her up.  So, for day one, it was all naughty girl.  But after that, she got a lot of walking time, cuddles, and more favorite people to see.  She was great from then on. And she's had a lazy day today because it was a lot of activity for her.

Tommy has to settle back into work.  But in another three months, we can make the trip more often, stay longer, and not have to get back for him to work.  Now I need to start planning his retirement party!