The broken and twisted canopies and commercial tents were all around the fairgrounds on Friday morning.  At first light I went to see what damage our tents had sustained.  The wind was strong and one corner of our tent roof was flapping wildly in the wind.  Our damage was minimal, but a total loss for others. We have learned how to stake down better for unexpected weather.  The wind which had been howling since 2 A.M. blew all day. We did not open. 

Such are the hazards of a outdoor vendor. Morning rain and a cloudy day made for poor attendance Saturday.  We managed to sell enough to clear our expenses.  Today will be sunny and warm.  We hope to have a good day.

We did had fun at our first renaissance fair enjoying the costumes and events that plunged us back into middle-aged England for a weekend.

Next week the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival.  Hope your week is Blessed.

To “squeak by” meaning to just barely survive.  This little rodent, called mouse, features largely in our culture, literature and history.  There are theme parks throughout the world based on this rodent, named Mickey.  Cute, unless they plague your home.  Protected are some species by federal law.  Literature has mice doing everything from running up and down clocks, to sailing around the world!

The onyx in the picture above comes from Utah and the holes occur naturally.  The mouse of Evershine pewter graces the top.  These pieces make great house warming or kitchen gifts.  When we display them at a show, they get a lot of attention.

Happy New Year and may you always do better than “just squeaking by.”

With the strength of an eagle, God promised to restore Israel (Isaiah 40:31).  The eagle, one of our national images, is a sign of life and strength.  2016 has been a good year for Sherry and I and we look forward to 2017.

Our wish to all of you in 2017 is the strength of an eagle and that you may find the strength of God, through His Holy Spirit of peace, joy and love.

Yesterday, in part, was spent on web-site maintenance and improving access to our on-line store, adding credit card payment options and new store-wide discounts.  As an avid do-it-yourselfer, it is fun to learn how to do new things.  My hat off to good web-site designers and the work that they do. 

Soon we will be off to Lake Havasu City, Arizona for the Renaissance Faire and the Balloon Festival the week following.  This will be the first of six shows in Arizona for January and early February.  Happy New Year!