Belfast Recap

 It was a challenging weekend weather-wise in Belfast. Friday set-up day was pleasant. we were in and out in an hour. Special thanks to my "roady" for the assistance. (The only part of set up outdoors that I cannot manage on my own is the final step of pushing the canopy frame up to the highest/widest level. It's just not possible with only one person. After that, I'm good on my own but it all goes faster with more than one.

    Saturday dawned misty and cool - and got cooler and wetter as the day progressed. Never a full out rain but enough to tamp down the crowd that showed up early in the day. And a bit of a breeze off the bay that made it uncomfortable to be outdoors. I was so happy to pack up inventory and button up for the day at 4:00 and head home. 

    Sunday started misty and light rain at my house but the roads were dry in Waterville when I met Betty. We headed off and arrived at a cool and slightly foggy Belfast. The weather cleared and was partly cloudy to partly sunny the rest of the day. After the early forecast for showers by 4 faded to no rain although I hit one light shower not he way home.

    It was another "okay" weekend in Belfast. I covered my expenses plus so it puts me in a strange place to decide whether I continue next year. we'll see. I had some good conversations, managed to add on a set of placemats to a runner sale, and received lots of compliments. And on Sunday I found this in the bowl with my business cards:

    For anyone who is not from Maine, here is the backstory on the Duck of Joy in Belfast:

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/community/joy-the-duck-returns-to-belfast-harbor-community/97-e49b5b4c-489b-4e69-a8a4-00b7dfc021e2

So, whoever is responsible for my gift, thank you. You have, indeed, brought me joy!

 Other notes about the weekend: 

 - There was the usual parade of dogs, although noticeable was the lack of vendor dogs. And unlike previous years, I did not hear one fight break out. Good boys all!

 - Lots of ink, man buns, Birkenstocks, Crocs, and no end to the interesting fashion choices. People watching is one of my favorite activities and craft shows are almost as good as a trip to the mall.

 - A sign of the economy was the noted lack purchases by people. Lots of people, few bags - I think people are being a bit cautious with their discretionary income. 

Getting Ready for That First Show of the Season

 Have spent the past week (another rainy cool one!) finishing up projects that will (hopefully) sell this coming weekend. The weather forecast is icky - 70's-80's and rain/thunder both days - so it will be a challenge. But who knows? I keep staying hopeful.

 "Someone" got indicted and arraigned in Florida recently - we can only hope it results in a well-deserved guilty plea. Teflon Donnie has been allowed to roam free for far too long. Most of his former advisers and cabinet members have turned against him and even some members of his family have attempted to distance themselves (looking at you, Ivanka Kushner). If it weren't so unsettling for the country it would be a great movie. And no doubt we'll see that film in the future. No thanks, I lived it!

 This year's Belmont was a real fee-good story - small stable woman trainer wins with $35K horse. And the jockey was Javier Castellano, who won the Derby. His Derby mount, Mage, was not entered after a hard fought third place in the Preakness. A bit of synchronicity - the owner of the winner, Arcangelo, is Blue Rose Farm and the woman who creates the incredible flower blankets for the winners of the major races chose blue roses for this year's accent to the traditional white carnations. How cool?

 

Crazy News!!!

 1) The PGA reversed course and is now in partnership with the Saudi-backed LIV tour. After all the acrimony when high-profile players defected last year it seems that having a LIV tour player win the Players Championship 2 weeks ago at Oakdale in Rochester NY pushed the envelope a little too much. I really feel for the players who remained with the PGA because they did not want the Saudi blood money because now they will be forced to accept it. I suspect there may be a move to create yet another tour in the future as there was some very strong opposition to the LIV tour and I cannot anticipate those players just going along. Stay tuned.

 2) Holy crowded field, Batman! How many people are running for the GOP nomination for President? Latest are Chris Christie (yesterday) and Mike Pence (this morning), announcing in front of "God ad his family". Okay, Mike! Good luck with that. Not impressed with any of them, but love that Christie seems to delight in poking the bear that is Trump, especially now that Trump seems somewhat preoccupied with all his legal woes and only replies on social media.

 3) I heard back from the Pfaff customer service with the curt reply that there is not a single hole needle plate available for my new machine. No mention of if it's in the works or not. Sigh. At least I still have the older machine I can free motion on. And the replaced foot has been put to use already - 2 runner tops and 2 sets of placemat tops finished. More to go. And I need to update my website before the Belfast show the end of the month.

 4) The little craft show yielded 2 prospects so it was worth my time. We'll see if they apply. And I checked out the Brewer show this past Saturday. No prospects but had a good visit with Connie in the wind and cold. And it was good to just get on the road by myself for a bit. 

 5) The afore mentioned wind and cold were the result of a low pressure system that has been stalled off the coast for days and will remain there for several more. Highs in the 50's, bands of showers, and wind. I'm not complaining as the alternative of 80s is not my cup of tea. And the system seems to be blocking the intense smoke from the wildfires in Ontario - the pictures and reports from New York are incredible. Finger Lakes racetrack cancelled their card after a race or two yesterday because it just was not healthy for horse or man. People are describing it as if their next door neighbors are having a campfire so it must be intense.

 6) The debt limit fiasco finally got settled. Compromise was the key but, of course, now the MAGAs are derailing other legislation in protest and are making noise about recalling their speaker because of it. Cue the Rolling Stones for those folks!