Gizzy in Heaven!

Gizzy in Heaven!
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Saturday, September 5, 2009

Flatlanders Frolic Arts & Crafts Festival

Image from an early Flatlanders event, before it was celebrated in the middle of town in front of the Courthouse. On Saturday, September 5th, 2009, was Lakeland's annual Flatlanders Frolic Arts & Crafts Festival. I just wanted to share a few snap shots I took while visiting, even though I could not stay very long due to the heat. I decided to walk there in the morning, with Gizzy riding on my rollator. I had water with me and an umbrella in case we needed one. I planned on getting cash out of the ATM, but alas, it was not meant to be. I had trouble with the ATM and found myself cashless in a predominently "cash only" market place. All I really wanted is some fried green tomatoes. I generally don't eat fried foods, but I was really looking forward to them. Ever since I read the "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe" book, I've been searching for a good recipe without any success. So, if anyone has one, please let me know, as long as it doesn't involve a deep fryer because I don't have one and rarely fry anything at all for health reasons. I was contemplating walking to the grocery store and getting cash back on my check, but that was kind of far away and so was walking back home again. It was getting hotter by the minute, when I saw this honey booth and I proceeded to talk to the ladies about the bees and my concern for the bees and my crocheting for the bees. As I began exchanging business cards with Raynae Williams of Georgia Bee Pretty, she asked me if I'm the lady that crocheted the bees at the local Pharmacy, because she purchased a couple of them. I immediately walked over to Lakeland Drugs and asked the manager about it. Sure enough, they forgot to call me and gave me my cash on the spot so that I now had money to buy something. What a stroke of luck. I ran into a friend and she offered to watch Gizzy while I went inside the pharmacy to collect my money. Well, the fried green tomato purchase was disappointing - again. They were limp, greasy and tasted too sour because there was barely any breading on them. It's amazing how very few restaurants have them on their menu here. I thought the dish was a Southern trademark and therefore readily available. Oh, well, guess I'll stick to the fresh, red ones. They're better for me anyway. The River City Community Animal Hospital came down from Florida in their mobile unit to provide spay/neuter information and encourage people to take advantage of their monthly services for their pets. This guy with the alligator hat worked at the Alligator Ka-Bob stand and was visiting the flags display. Gizzy and I were taking a water break behind the Honey tent while someone was tasting some Tupelo honey. There were many vendors with food, goods and services. It was the largest event in three years as described in the Valdosta Daily Times. I visited my friend Liviana's tent where she was selling all her reborn baby dolls. Her dollies always draw a crowd and she did well again this year. Look at all those babies. Here's a close up of one of her baby boy dolls riding a rocking horse. Speaking of horses, there were pony rides (ok, horsey rides) offered in the shady area under the trees. It's amazing who you will run into at these events (you know who you are!) The kids were having a blast because they don't worry about the heat, as long as it's fun or it tastes good! There even was a petting zoo with bunnies, goats, guinea pigs and a sheep. A few hours later, I wish I could have taken a ride on that little kiddie train with the umbrellas. ... instead, a kind friend took pitty on me and offered us a ride home in his truck and I gladly accepted. All in all I enjoyed myself meeting up with some friends and talking to people. A lot of people pointed and laughed at my Gizzy because he just sat on that rollator enjoying all the commotion from "his wagon." He likes to people watch just like the next guy. I even got a dozen of beautiful roses for my mother's Birthday in December. She lives in Germany. How, you may ask? Well, they are wooden roses and aren't they pretty? Lastly, here's another article that you might find interesting: Flatlanders Frolic defines 'fun.'

3 comments:

Samantha G said...

I know this post isn't the newest, so this comment might get lost :)
But yay for selling a couple of your bees! That's great! Your friend and Gizzy look so happy! I miss being in a place where I run into people I know. I have some tupelo honey here, but haven't tried it yet- have you? Is it the best? The Flatlanders must be a big show because I've definitely heard about it before from other artists. Glad you had a good time!

Doris Sturm said...

I'm sorry to say, but NO I've not tried Tupelo honey yet, Samantha, but have been wanting to try some ever since I heard that Van Morrison song called "Tupelo Honey." It's supposed to be the sweetest, tell me after you try yours, Samantha. I should have bought some, but I had other local honey at home and will probably get some at the Honey Bee Festival in Hahira on October 2nd and 3rd.

Thanks for your comment. It's nice to "see" you again ;-)

Chatty Crone said...

Doris this looks like fun - I hope you get to go there this year! sandie