When they say things are bigger in Texas, they really mean it! The RenFaire here is HUGE! At least as far as space is concerned. Easily 3-5 times as big as the one in Wisconsin. Set on 53 acres, there were three gardens in the center we never had the time or energy to visit! The jousting arena easily 3 times the one in Bristol.

The vendors were about the same; just a lot more of them. Same for the food. Did miss the corn--the corn is long gone by this time of year down here--matures in June, I think. And then, generally, it's not the good sweet corn we're accustomed to in Illinos. But they still had turkey legs--Jenn really likes those. We saw Ded Bob and the Mud Show--might be the same actors in the Mud Show--disgusting as always. I keep hoping that it's really chocolate frosting they're diving into but I'm afraid it's not!

Jeff and Dad and I agreed that although the faire is bigger it's not necessarily better. With that much space, some of the intimacy is lost. The musician's, for instance, are barely noticeable--the sound only carries so far. And the commarderie is lost a bit. But, if the opportunity presents itself, we'll likely go back next year. Dad and I did go in costume but I do need to find more comfortable shoes. Still--five hours is probably enough. Next year, I'd like to visit some of the gardens.

Millie's pending visit has me in a tizzy. It's a love/hate relationship I have with her and am trying to analyze it. I know she's a good friend and would do anything for me--wish she didn't like me so much! When she left the last time she came down here, she kissed me on the lips! Yech!--no woman has ever done that to me before and there was no way I could avoid it! I'll be better prepeared for it this time!

Her visit is one thing, but the length of time is another. 10 days or more out of my life juggling temps in the house to accommodate her mother and eating 3 meals a day whether you want to or not! Plus there's so many things I want to do to get ready for Christmas and just don't know how I'm going to get it all done!

Once they're here, I know they'll be generous with their time and money and will work to help us do things around the house that need doing. I shouldn't complain. But----I do! Not sure if it's her 90+ yr. old mother who is fast failing or Millies black and white attitude or just what it is but I've been complaining a lot since I found out she's coming and am not easy to live with.

One thing I know I must do is to set boundaries--I will continue to go to my meetings and walk in the AM at the very least. And then there's bowling and the puppy training class--that will almost be a relief!

Made deviled egg "eyeballs" for the group last night as well as lunch meat fingers with red grape tomato "fingernails". Seemed to be appreciated and enough leftover for my supper!

Hi today of 78 and 82 tomorrow before dropping back into the 70s -- hopefully for good. Plan to work in the garden as much for therapy as anything this AM after our walk and then to cook up some stuff this afternoon--maybe get a head start on next week if nothing else. Picked up some wine vinegar--tempted to pick up some cooking wine but thought with the upcoming stress that might be a much too tempting!

Peace!

Carol