It’s Monday and I’m off today … so here are 5 Randoms from my week. Ready? Let’s go.
1 Took a road trip with Hubbs over the weekend – we had a family wedding to attend so we left Friday, got stuck in traffic, and chatted all the way to our destination – Frankenmuth, MI — a Bavarian town with cute shops, yummy foods, and the world’s largest Christmas store. Yes Hubbs went in. Neither of us lasted long and we didn’t buy anything. But he went in and experienced it and I love him all the more for that.
2 We spent a bit more to stay downtown so we could walk to everything. And it was a good thing we did, because the “all you can eat” Chicken dinner nearly put us down. Might have been the German beer, but it could have been the four salads, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, dressing, gravy and veggies. Pretty sure there was an army of Grandmas back in that kitchen!
3 Saturday morning, I took a brisk walk and enjoyed all of the “in & out” shoppes — even though I’d been to the big Christmas store, THIS is what got me in the spirit. I don’t particularly enjoy malls and this is why — I remember the stores of my small town, and the window displays of Christmases past. Peeking in, hearing a bell jingle as I entered, made me feel just like this little girl right here:
4 On one of my stops, I ventured into a store that I’d been in before. See I bought a little keepsake here for Mom years ago and she had it hanging in her bedroom at the farm. She really can’t take personal things with her to the home, there are several who “wander” and things will turn up missing. This little item is the one thing I’ve asked for specifically and sissy has it put aside for me. There’s no commercial value, but I loved it then and I love it now and when it comes back to me, it’s going in my bedroom, too.
5 We enjoyed the wedding and the visit with family but not the kids who were allowed to run laps at the reception. At one point, I asked them to stop. They smiled and promptly continued. Hubbs and I were both “community raised” and if our parents hadn’t seen it, an auntie or neighbor surely would have. And none of them would have held back from correcting us AND telling our parents. Anticipating the answer, I asked what would’ve happened to him had he dared behave like that. His response matched mine: “I’d have received an invitation to my own funeral.” Where were the parents? On their phones instead of on their kids. ~sigh.
* * * *
How was your week? Taken any road trips lately? When’s the last time you felt like a kid? What happened to make you feel that way? Do you prefer “in & out” shops or shopping malls? When parents let their kids run wild, what is your response?
Looks like you had a wonderful trip to the wedding – well, except for the children at the reception. That’s so annoying when it happens, and you’re right that the situation has changed so dramatically since we were youngsters.
Love the picture of little girl peering in the shop window at the dolls.
And I hope you’ll post about the little keepsake that you bought for your mom once it makes its way back to you.
we did have a great weekend – and I know these kids a little bit — they’re nice kids. I wasn’t as upset with them as I was with their parents for letting them run a muck. No need for that, in my opinion.
I will most definitely write about that little picture when it finally gets to me (could be a while ..) MJ
Hey, I’ve been to Frankenmuth! We lived in Midland for a few years back in the 90s. I remember eating in just the kind of restaurants you describe. Yummy comfort food for sure! Love the image of the little girl! I think this is Bessie Pease Guttman? I love her work. So sweet! ~ Sheila
Small world, hey? I don’t know the artist, but I’ll be sure to check the back to see if there’s any identifiers! MJ
How wonderful you could get away this weekend. Sounds like a charming town to visit.
It was 🙂 MJ
PLEASE TELL ME THAT YOU GOT ME THOSE FAKE REINDEER ANTLERS THAT I CAN WEAR ON MY HEAD!! (no…really….I kinda want them….)
R
Yes, yes I did. I got you the light up musical ones that flash to the beat of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen!” 😀 MJ
Road trip! Sounds like you had a great time together. We’re still reeling from the loss of one of hubby’s coworkers this past weekend. I’ve always like that picture with the little girl praying over her food while the pets are no doubt drooling over it. The food looks wonderful, and that little girl window shopping is adorable. Is that you?
sorry for your recent loss, it’s hard no matter when and no matter who.
We had a very relaxing/fun weekend and that window shopping put me in the mood for Christmas 🙂 I think I was that little girl peeking in!! MJ
Frankenmuth, what a cool place…Been there a few times.
Indeed it is. No I did not buy any fudge! Just the smell of it was something else though 🙂 MJ
Oh how I love that little painting too! What a wonderful memory. I have a little milk pitcher (creamer) shaped like an elk and the milk comes out of his mouth. It is truly ugly but was always in our china cabinet at home and so I have it now too and I love it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post MJ!
Love it! I have a similar creamer that is a cow and the milk comes out her mouth – my Grand-daughter just loves it 🙂 MJ
Oh, that food looks delish! But I understand what you mean about the rowdy kids. Frustrating.
I remember shopping in little mom & pop stores too. Great memories. I’ve never been a fan of malls, and particularly not during the holidays. Weirdly, I’m already starting to feel the holiday spirit, (this is early for me,) and I’m not complaining.
I love kids, but I love well-behaved kids even more!!
The mom & pop-in & out shoppes are just my favorite! I was downtown for a meeting yesterday and noticed the garland on the city lights – then it started to snow… It was all I could do not to start singing “Silver Bells….”
MJ