Ship bones trip

A winter storm washed these ship bones up on a beach on Cape Cod. JUST so happens that Little Boy and I were close enough to go take a detour for a look-see for ourselves. Isn't the beach beautiful? These are believed to be the remains of a late 1800's schooner turned coal barge and probably sank sometime in the 1920's. It was fun to see the wooden pegs - which do have a technically correct name - just can't think of it off the top of my head. Now if a winter storm would just very kindly wash up a pirate treasure chest while I am in the area - that would be even more exciting, but I will settle for these ship bones for now.

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Yes, Little Boy and I got off for our winter visiting trip, but it was cut way short. 14 hours of travel to get there (that involves a hotel each way) and we ended up spending only 3 days. Still, it was great to see my Dad and 2 of my sister's and Little Boy had fun playing with one of his cousins. I had a bit of 'biz to take care of as well. But, alas, the weather forecast started predicting bad weather so I quickly packed up and we hopped into our truck and zoomed off in the night hoping to beat the storm, which we did. Anyway, I was just as happy to come home. I've turned into a real home-body somehow this last year! No sooner do we arrive safely at home and within about 10 minutes big icy pellets started to fall from the sky.

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We stopped at a Motel 6 this trip and it was only $40 - free coffee in the lobby in the morning too. Wow! I had hoped for a nice hot shower after Little Boy was sleeping, but no hairdryer in the room. Now, I had one in the truck but I won't leave him by himself so... no shower. No clocks in the room either. But - hey, for $40 - we will definately be staying there again and I will just bring in my own hairdryer and travel clock. The very best thing - my favorite type of hotel where you have to enter through a lobby instead of outside doors. Neat and clean too.

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My travel tips? I often travel long distances with just my little son. I always keep at least $100 in my shoe. If I lose my purse we still have gas money not to be stranded. Now, if I am further from home, then I just put money in both shoes! Just remember it is there when you take your shoes off at night - wouldn't want to accidentally kick it out!!! I also usually wear a t-shirt with a zipper fleece jacket - these jackets have zippered pockets. I zip a bit of money in one of those pockets too. BUT- I also zip in my spare key. If I ever lock my keys in the truck - I have the spare in my jacket pocket. In the summer when it is hot I clip the spare key onto my pants belt loop, but in the winter - the fleece jacket doesn't come off. Once my son locked himself in the truck before he was old enough to figure out how to UNlock the door - so the spare key came in very handy that day! Oh - and I avoid sugary foods, trying to snack on healthy food that will give me energy and no sugar high/crash. Very important when you are driving!!! Of course, we don't go anywhere without our big insulated cooler bag packed with good eats.

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Shopping wise - we stopped at Kohl's on the way there. I got Little Boy pants for cheaper than I could make them, plus I picked up a dress for myself for $5 for our June party. I know, I know - a long ways off, but it was a summer dress and marked way down AND I already have sandles that will match. Ha! It is all about the shoes, you know? And I hate buying shoes. And Little Boy got a set of airplanes to keep him entertained during the trip, which they did and he is still loving them.

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I made it to my favorite yarn shop and got some yarn to knit a little bargello style jacket. I love this shop because the lady even knitted up a swatch for me to check the guage - can't beat that! And, Little Boy picked out 2 skeins of yarn for socks, ummm for me to knit for him - his faith in my is never-ending! My yarn order from Knitpicks was in the mail too - for a scarf. So knitting wise - I am all set for awhile!

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On the way back we stopped at Wal-Mart and I got my much needed thread - not my favorite, but Coats & Clark will do in a pinch. Plus - the fusable interfacing I need for the bistro apron. And a new leave-in hair conditioner. Little Boy got a new movie, new (bigger) sippy cups, a bath toy and a new booster seat for the car.

That's it. We were in a rush to beat the storm - I drove right on by Marden's (whaaaa!!!). And we never went to Joanne's. My fabric shopping list will keep for the next trip though - best to be safely home than shopping. NOT that I am without new fabrics - Susan (of Dessert Sky fame) had posted me a box of fabrics which I picked up this trip and did not open until I got home. How fun!!!

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So, today I am home and being very lazy. Photos to come later, I promise - after I rest a bit.