Weekends

 One benefit of getting up for early morning Saturday races is you have plenty of time the rest of the day to play.  One really wonderful thing about our time here is that if Tom doesn't have any major studying to do, we really are free to just go and do what our heart's desire at any given moment. That's kind of how we spent the rest of the weekend.

 After running a few errands, hitting a few retail outlets and dodging a killer rainstorm (I'm telling you, when it rains here, IT RAINS), we headed into downtown where they were having the book festival in Old Alabama Town.  We shared a burger off the grill then took the opportunity to check out some of the buildings on the grounds.  I saw some of them when Jeff and Karen visited but Tom had never been there.

The Cotton Mill

Cotton Gin...."gin" being short for engine.  Who knew?

The General Store

He beat me.  In checkers, that is.

They had local authors there signing books but nothing looked too interesting so we headed over a few blocks to the Montgomery Street Fair.  Some art vendors, live music and performers.

 So we've read about Chris' hot dogs.  I think they're famous because they've been around a long time and because Hank Williams supposedly used to hang out there.  They're located right downtown but had a tent out on the street so we decided to give them a try. Um, apparently their "special sauce" is what makes them, well, special.  In our opinion the special sauce was a cross between bbq and tomato soup.  Not memorable but still glad we tried it.  Once.

We much preferred the sampler dish of Greek goodies including baklava, wedding cookies and some other dessert.  THAT festival is next weekend.

Got this freebie plastic hat from a realtor booth but the best fun of the day was watching Tom chase it up the street every time it blew off.

Sunday was much the same.  Got up for church then after the service decided to drive to Selma for breakfast.  We're listening to the book UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand on CD and the only place we can do that is in the car so a 45 minute drive for breakfast is killing two birds with one trip.  Yes, we did have a waffle as a matter of fact then took a quick drive through town before heading back.  It really is a gorgeous green drive and a relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning.

Back in time for a couple of hours of reading then off to Floyd's obedience class.  He's doing very well but his social skills are lacking.  He does not like other dogs.  Big, little....it doesn't matter.  He thinks he's a person.  But he likes treats so he's willing to learn commands pretty quickly.

Fixed Tom dinner then I headed to a women's function at church where we each brought an appetizer. That's my favorite type of meal.  Sampling.  Lots of good munchies and desserts, a fun ice breaker then a great biblical message about struggles.  As always timely and something we can all relate to.  It came down to three things:

1. Study your bible.  Go to the concordance and find what you're struggling with and go to those specific verses that deal with your particular struggle.
2. Pray.  Get down on your knees and talk to God about it.
3. Talk to someone else.  Someone you trust.  Depending on your struggle pick someone who will hold you accountable or someone who can just give you support.

  We were also challenged to memorize one scripture a week. That is something I need to work on.  The speaker picked one for us to memorize on the spot as a group, and out loud.   Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I may not sin against you.  It was a lovely way to end the weekend and I'm always thankful for supportive, godly women in my life.