Sunday, May 16, 2010

VISIT WITH BARRY’S FAMILY IN RALEIGH

May 15-16 – We are on our way to Charlotte to go to the NASCAR All-Star Race next weekend. We took this opportunity to stop in Raleigh to visit my son, Barry, and his family. This is the first I’ve seen them since leaving for Florida last October.


This is the first time we have camped at the NC State Fairgrounds. It is only five easy miles from Barry's house. They have full hook-up with 50 amp service. And I found out on Sunday afternoon that I can use their WiFi for internet connection!!!




There is always something going on in Raleigh! This Saturday they were having the Tour d’ Coop, where residents who raise chickens in their backyards have “open coop” to display their chicken coops to interested visitors. Barry’s chicken coop was included on the tour. He said they had about 200 people stop by during the day!

Barry with one of his six chickens in front of his chicken coop during Tour d' Coop.


When the Tour was over, they had 10-12 friends stay over for Shish-Ka-Bobs on the Barbie followed by homemade ice cream topped with hot fudge sauce and fresh sliced strawberries!! UUUMMMMM!!

Shish-Ka-Bobs on the Barbie

MaryAnne and Barry serve up homemade ice cream. A couple of young guests enjoy it, too!!

Ken is really enjoying his ice cream!! Here is a full view of the chicken coop and storage shed.

It was a most enjoyable afternoon at the Tour d' Coops!!
ART EXPLOSION IN RALEIGH

On Sunday morning, I joined the family to go downtown Raleigh to do the Art Explosion!! Who should we happen to run into as soon as we arrived at the park!!??! My grandson, Jason , and Rita!! They were doing the Art Explosion too!! I have not seen Jason since he gave me my tattoo!!

At the Art Explosion -- Rita, Me, Jason, Thomas, MaryAnne.

We browsed all vendors and exhibits. One very interesting vendor was Archie Smith with his musical instruments – “A unique blending of art and music.” We were fascinated by the Bowed Psaltery, a pyramid shaped instrument with strings from the tip to the base. Strings are accessible with a bow from the outside edge. Archie said it dates back to the ancient harp, i.e. Book of Psalms. He played a tune and then gave us an opportunity to try our hand. Thomas plays the violin so he knew how to hold the bow; not as awkward as I. (That's a dulcimer on the wall between Archie and me. I am familiar with the dulcimer, but this one is pretty fancy!!)

Here are pictures of some of the crowd. Upper right, the Family purchase a pottery vase. Lower right, an artist paints a Raleigh street scene.

On our way back to the car, we passed Thomas’ school. On display in the window were drawings that the students had made depicting their proposed design for a new Fountain square. This is Thomas’ design. Very impressive!


DINNER AT JADE GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT!!
Sunday evening we decided to go out for Chinese. Barry and MaryAnne took us to one of their favorite places, Jade Garden. They were right. It was delicious!!

Enjoying our dinner!!

Thomas had been saying all weekend that he was taller than I now. I could not believe that!!! After dinner we had an official measuring!! I am stretching as tall as I can go! Thomas Won!!

Tomorrow we leave for Charlotte, but in the meantime we had a Great Time in Raleigh this past weekend!!

Posted by Picasa

No comments: