Renfrows.

We went over to Matthews today to check our Renfrow's hardware. I have been planning to go over there for over 2 years and had never gotten around to it.

It was pretty darn cool. Located on the main drag of downtown Matthew's, it is exactly like the small town hardware store you might remember from childhood. Organic seed packets as far you can see, baby chicks for $3, push lawn mowers, cast iron skillets, canning equipment, a huge assortment of odds and ends for god only knows what.

It was well worth the drive and I managed to pick up a few goodies, too!

http://renfrowhardware.com/

Gardens.

On Friday, we went to the Botanical Gardens here in Charlotte. They were having the annual Lights in the Garden and it was beautiful. All the different gardens were lit up and Santa was there for pictures. Our favorite, however, was the band...Charlotte Waites. They are a Medieval/Renaissance group that was performing traditional Christmas tunes. They were wonderful and Nora was so enthralled, she sat there for a good thirty minutes without moving (except to clap at the end of each song). They asked her to come up and ring the jingle bells for a couple of songs...she LOVED it.
Here are a few pictures from the evening...

inside a big red Christmas tree made of lights

the arbor...with lights that look like grape vines

Looking at a toy soldier made of lights

that is a HURDY GURDY!!! I have heard about them for years and had no idea what it looked like

Jingle Bell ringing with the band

Proud.

I am bursting with pride.

For the first time ever we planted a garden. Not only did we plant veggies and flowers, but Beau built me some beautiful raised garden beds. Neither of us have ever done any gardening before. Okay, last year I did plant some miniature snap dragons, but I broke my ankle about a week later and they were horribly neglected. I assumed they would die, but they came back this year for more. Sadists.

We planted 9 heirloom tomato plants, one Roma tomato plant, 3 yellow squash, 2 strawberries, oregano, dill, cilantro, basil, chives and sage. So far everything is coming in beautifully. I ate the first of the tomatoes today on a whole wheat pita with feta cheese, oregano and cracked black pepper. About 7 minutes under a broiler and it was ready.

I think I am so proud because we have been working towards living a more simple and self contained life. Reducing waste, recycling, making gift instead of buying them and being happy with what we have. We have also been trying to reach out to our family and friends to create the sort of community that we have both dreamed of being a part of.