Here is our booth security guard. He kind of reminds me of Barney Fife. I'll just bet that there is a bullet in that coat pocket.
One last picture for the day, an Easter tree that we pass by every day on the way to our hotel.
Here is one of the reasons that I wanted to come to Texas in April. Bluebonnets. Wildflowers are everywhere and with the warm weather they seem to be popping out in front of us!
Our first treat of the day was Magnolia Pearl. We had ordered a book about her and been reading it over the last few weeks. She and her husband were the first ones to come by our booth this morning. 
Jay and I have eaten too many Reese cups! Our cheeks are chubby! Here is a peek at Magnolia Pearl's booth. She has the most fabulous clothes ever!
So, it took us ALL day to get everything in our booth. I knew I had packed tight, but let me assure you that we took advantage of every inch of that 20' trailer. Here are a few pictures of our little spot.
lots and lots of the neatest goodies. Wish you were all here with us!
Tired and sleepy, we will see you tomorrow.
and this..
and most definitely this!
Traps and nets line the fence behind his shop. He traps turtles, alligators, beavers, hogs, armadillos, and things I didn't even know were out there! His fascination with the critters is downright contagious.
He had these bones out in the sun for some project. You see, he looks at the world in a very practical way. His heritage is Native American and there is no mistaking that! He traps, he eats, and then he uses what is left for crafts. There is nothing black or white about Al. The more colorful-the better!
He loves making crafts and he loves to add color. This is the trailer that he built and painted for he and his wife to travel to shows in. He tells me that he is going to paint pictures on the panels soon. I can't wait.
Al grows strawberries in old cast iron tubs.
He builds "bird" houses for his birds
He collects the most interesting things. He is also a diver, which means that his collections range from river bottom fossilized bones
to driftwood, rocks, stones, and I even found a brick collection.
Big Al's life inspired me today. He always has a song in his heart(even though he only knows one line to 5 songs). He always tries to look on the bright side (and he likes his side so bright that you can't miss it). He truly loves the world that he lives in and he has a deep respect for all creatures tall or small. I was only able to snap one picture of Big Al as he was welding but picture if you can ... we are getting ready to leave and he is calling his dog and cat to get out of the way of the truck, he reaches down, scoops up this kitten and with his giant worn hands and gently stokes the kitties face against his cheek. Thanks Al for being such a character and sharing this gift with the world. You made mine a little brighter today.
The store is being emptied in to the trailer so that we can make our journey to Marburger next weekend. Last minute projects and decisions are being wrapped up and packed tightly away in hopes that Texas will treat us kindly next week. Jay and I are tired and stressed. If you have ever owned your own business I know you understand. Jay and I have had fever blisters, ulcers, and I even have the shingles! We have been working non stop for weeks. Today, as we ran to the store for our usual mid afternoon soda, Jay purchased a Reese cup.
That beautiful orange wrapper sat on the truck seat between us all the back to the store. I wasn't going to mention opening the package and politely allow Jay to take the initiative. We were discussing our woes and worries and I was about to get out of the truck when Jay picked up the candy and said , "hey, lets eat our chocolate !" My heart skipped a beat at the thought of the yummy cup of goodness. 
The day has been cloudy and rainy-down right gloomy! As I placed the cup upon my knee, the sun began to shine. I sat and stared at my chocolate as if it were a diamond waiting to be scooped up. It was so beautiful that I had to take a picture. I wanted to capture the feeling of hopelessness being consumed by sunlight and transformed into this glorious delight. It took 3 bites to eat it all. Three bites that swept my soul from a sad dark hole to a renewal of energy and hope.
My taste buds have settled back in to their state of neutrality now but the memory remains. Thanks to the Reese cup for a tiny taste of Euphoria and thanks to God for the gift of it all! List of things to do when we return from Texas - Weight Watchers! 
We are packing up for our big trip to Texas! Since our trailer was stolen a few weeks ago, we have been in the market for a new one. I stumbled upon this cool furniture removal truck. I could pack it FULL and the color is great! We will look snazzy driving around Texas in this!
Our own little train depot. I can't wait to ride the train! And finally, as fate would have it, I found the perfect outfit for Jay to wear while helping our customers at Marburger.
