Ridin' The Rhody

                                         It's the Rhododendron Festival again!

Last year I was robbed of my chance to ride in the 1955 fire engine by a little kid.

It shoulda been me!

At this year's Rotary Fundraiser Auction I was determined to win it. I partnered with Judith  Deacon to tag team the bidding.  We were told to "hover" during the final minutes of bidding but I found that simply sitting on the bid sheet was a far more effective strategy.

Judith and I got to "Ride the Rhody."

Our Back Up band - they were terrific!

I'm not sure which was the most thrilling - being in the parade or being in such close proximity to so many handsome, strapping firemen.  Judith and I got as close to as many as we could, but for some reason only the most experienced ones were able to pose with us.

Here's the winning float this year: The Car Wash, which the fabulous Dotty Flowers (best name ever!) - a recent arrival from Key West where they know something about parades and floats - helped design.

So, this is the one we have to beat.  I've stolen/bribed/cajoled Ms. Flowers and work is already starting on the design for the Pippa's Real Tea  float for the Rhody Parade 2013.  (And you know there will be boas involved!)

Meanwhile, work is galloping along on the store front.  Lon Michalski from Islander Drywall whipped up the walls in record time and suddenly it's starting to look like a real store.

Frank has finished repairing the brick courtyard

and Sean Hamill and Hunter have the garden all primped and ready for the Mexican Beach Pebbles which are arriving this week (yay Leo!)

The back of this old building is looking pretty fabulous.  Final Before and After pics next time!

And Bob has worked hard putting lipstick on the face of this old girl so her front is as pretty as her rear.

 

If you haven't signed up yet for the Customer Adoration Sweepstakes  it's time you did.  Winners announced June 15!

Next week Shannon and I are off to the World Tea Expo held each summer in (where else?) Las Vegas.  This year marks the 10th Anniversary Expo and should be bigger and better than ever.  I am signed up to participate in the first ever U.S. Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony.  A full report will follow!

If you listen closely you can hear SusanWhitmire pointing out to a painfully aware Hilary "That's your mother!"  and Hilary's response "I know."