Hello

Boy I missed checking up on blogs and see how my friends are doing. I thought my MIL might think that was a bit strange and I needed more real friend s   ;- ) But she says that if one is lucky to find support and kindness, you should take it. It was a pretty amazing trip. My FIL got to meet his daughter who he had not seen in 35 years. Everyone was a bit nervous but all went well. She and her husband seem like family almost immediately. It was lovely to see her set aside any anger she my have and just start making the best of the time she has now.

   I got to hit all my favorites. We went to LaRambla in McMinnville. It is a tapas restaurant. The girls had never gone and loved all the tapas. If you do not know were McMinnville is, it is like Oregon’s version of Napa valley. Wineries and farms everywhere. I was in seventh heaven.

    After we have tapas, we always go across the street to Honest Chocolates. She makes handmade chocolates that are perfect. My favorite is the lemon cream with dark chocolate. It is nice and zesty and not too sweet. Actually none of her chocolate are icky sweet. She is extremely knowledgeable about chocolate and making them. I always love talking with her. She had some new chocolates with Pinot Noir and Merlot.

       I found a new store that was soo fun, Dustpan Alley. I thought of all you ladies when I walked it. Angelina had soo many handmade items (I got lots of ideas, thank you), lots of oil cloth items, fun glittered fairy wands. These beautiful paper covered boxes. She also has a craft blog, see I knew she was a kindred spirit.

    Also Grandma's Attic quilt shop. She has the largest selection of red work (also has free patterns on-line). I am always sooo inspired every time I go. Rachel has started a new blog.

   So it was a lovely trip but always nice to get back to ones own home. I am really hoping to get some spring cleaning done and hopeful some fun ideas for you readers. Aubern'e is at her grandparents and will be home this weekend. We miss her sooo xoxoxo

Comments

[Angelina]

Sorry it took me a while to find my way back to your blog. Thank you for such a sweet mention of my shop!

I still haven't gone to La Rambla because I am scared of posh restaurants, but I think I'm going to have to overcome my fear and just go. It looks pretty good!

I'm glad you had a good trip to McMinnville.

[carolyn]

Wecome back Clarice, it sounds like you had a wonderful time and you have given us so many links so that we can share some of it. Brilliant.

[LaTeaDah]

McMinnville is a beautiful place! Did you see (or drive by) the Spruce Goose? It's nice to have you back and posting again. It gets a little lonely when blogging friends take a break, don't you think?

Thanks for the links to the new shops and craft places!

[Tina]

Too bad there wasn't time to connect (pout). We were downtown Saturday evening for Artwalk. Mackenzie has a piece on display at Hidden Treasures gallery (student exhibit), so my inlaws came to see it. We strolled around a bit and then went to dinner at Tequila Grill. We haven't been to La Rambla yet, but have heard raves. It's now on my list...and the Dallas quilt shop too. Thanks for the tips! Hope we can see you next time. Hugs, Tina

[pam]

Hi, I was surprised to see that you were up in my neck of the woods. I live in a small town 13 miles east of Mac. I agree that it is a sweet town and I love the old downtown area. I will explore those places you mentioned next time I am there, they all sound wonderful. I'm glad you and your family enjoyed your time in the beautiful PNW.

[MizSmooch]

Welcome back! Oh my... lots of shopping goodies you got in! Thanks for the new blog(s) to read too - I have Dustpan alley open already in a new window - must remember to save those.
There must be a pretty heavy story behind your FIL and his daughter. I'm so glad things just worked out for them...

[lbpsews]

Sounds like a great trip. Glad it was so enjoyable!

[karla nathan]

Oh what a pretty card, I love the crupmled paper flower!

[Debbie]

Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation ~ family, shopping, chocolate ~ perfect!
Happy spring cleaning!
Debbie

[Jody]

Missed you too Clarice!
Your trip sounded just perfect and I look forwarded to clickinig up all the links to the other blogs and places where you stopped. Thank you for taking the time to link to all of these fun places.

~Jody

[Sarah]

Fun with us? Never. I love that first collage photo, it's gorgeous.

Off to check out those new blogs!

[shabbyinthecity]

I love that box you got! I will have fun looking at these links too...we have a McMinnville nearby...thought maybe you had been in the neighborhood for a second there! I was going to go try that chocolate shop!

[thepinkkitchen]

What a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing.

Enjoy your nesting. It sounds just right.

Cheers! LA

[Joanne]

Welcome Home Clarice and family! Glad you had a full and wonderful time...so many goodies to try/see!
Did you sneek in a visit with Tina? Thinking of both of you!
If it couldn't be a trip to Provence, sounds like McMinnville fit the bill!
Loved reading all the details!
Love,
Joanne

[Jill]

Clarice,

I'm so happy you enjoyed your trip. It sounds like the girls enjoyed it too.
What a wonderful thing to experience, with your Father in Law. That chocolate looks so good.

Glad you made it home safely.

Jill 00

[Kristin]

Your mil has the sweetest spirit. How nice that she just gets it about friendship and support! I hope one day to be that kind of mil--not the kind from the TV show 'Raymond' ; )

[Nicol]

Welcome Home Clarice! Isn't is so lovely to travel and even lovelier to return to your own home! I too am bitten with the spring cleaning bug!!
Best to you! Nicol

[Kelli]

Welcome home, Clarice!!!! It sounds like you had such a lovely vacation!!
Kelli

[(((((HUGS))))) sandi]

What a BEAUTIFUL blog and writer! (((((HUGS))))) sandi

[Cheryl (Copper's Wife)]

Welcome home!