The latest...

I've  been wearing sandals daily for almost 2 months this spring, but Wifey decided it was time to make some of her "annual changes."  My closed shoes have once again all been locked away for the summer (well, exept my pair of Keds - for walking on gravel surfaces such as trails!)  I guess she got tired of me having to stop and remove gravel from my sandals!

She chose this new pair of sandals for me, as being cute enough to work with shorts and a blouse for going out during the day.  "Best of all, they're dressy enough to wear with capris and a tunic for dinners out, or with friends!  And they look great with your everyday house dresses, too."

They're comfortable, so I'm fine with them, whatever I happen to be wearing!  And they'll never be interpreted as masculine.  The girlier the better!

Hugs,

Mandy

Traveling...

 We've been doing some traveling  lately, which has kept us busy.   

Thought those of you who haven't been to North Carolina might like to see a very major landmark we  visited: Pilot Mountain:

Pilot Mountain has long remained a striking mountain landmark in Surry County, NC. Towering over its surroundings at over 1,400 feet, Pilot Mountain’s distinct geographic features served as a beacon for both Native Americans and incoming settlers for centuries according to historian William S. Powell. The Saura called the mount Jomeokee, meaning the “Great Guide” or “Pilot.”

The Saura tribe, along with other Native Americans in the Piedmont, used Pilot Mountain as a landmark to navigate their trade routes. As European hunters entered the region they benefited from the mountain’s guidance. In the eighteenth century, northern settlers traveled down the Great Wagon Road which passed along the mountain’s base. Pilot becoming a welcoming sight to traveling newcomers.

One such group that noted Pilot’s guiding help were the Moravian settlers...countless Moravian settlers used the Great Wagon Road to arrive at their nearby Wachovia settlement in the 1750s.

The above view  was taken from a nearby viewing point!

Hugs,

Mandy

 

A fresh Pedicure!

 This is fun to wear:

And the girls love it, too...

Hugs,

Mandy

Nailed it!

 

The day before my most recent nail appointment, I had occasion to visit our bank, where the female clerks know me from prior visits.  In the idle chit-chat during the transaction, both of them complimented my long finger nails, think i should grow them longer, and keep them in red!  Their compliments were a bit surprising, because my nails were in need of a fill.  But I never argue hearing nice things!

Several fills ago, Wifey decided that my nails will look prettier if done in matte finish from now on.  She had me buy a trial bottle of clear matte polish and add it myself.  The results passed muster with both of us, but it needed re-done every few days.  So I told her I'd have it done at the salon from now on, to make it permanent and avoid that issue.

At my fill last week, my regular tech wasn't there due to a family emergency.  The male tech who did my nails treated me properly and did a fabulous job.  I inquired about shortening them a bit, but he said "No way, Ma'am.  She's going to do that herself when it's time, since they need to be lots longer."  

 

His finished product was definitely worth waiting for:

 

 

Hope you like!

 

Hugs,

 

Mandy

 

 

Been so busy here that my writing has suffered more than a bit. Traveling, the grandkids - you know how it goes!

But the other day was particularly notable.  I was shopping at a nearby mall just after it opened (wearing gray capris wirh bare legs, long brown turtleneck tunic, black ballet flats, cardigan, purse) and realized that I needed to use the potty.  The store proprietor directed me to the mall restrooms.  When I got there I went into the men's room,  and was greeted by the maintenance man - who was cleaning it.  "Ma'am, this is the men's room - and it's closed. Your restroom is next door, and it's open."  "Oh, sorry, Sir...thanks for pointing me in the right direction."

"Not going" was not an option. And, best of all, I was seen as a lady, So in I went.  Fortunately, I was the only girl in there - at that point.  I took the second stall, and proceeded with my visit (sitting, of course).  Another woman came in, and took a stall 3 doors away from me. I finished quickly, pulled myself together, flushed, then quickly went to the sink and washed my hands, turning to leave just as the woman was leaving her stall. She smiled and said "Hi!"  and I responded "Hi, hon, have a nice day!" back in my softest, most feminine voice as I quickly exited...  And we waved, as I disappeared around the corner.  Phew - no issues!  (Fun indeed, but I still prefer one-holers!)

Later in the shopping trip, I had to "go" again...too much diet cola!  I stopped at a gas station, found the restrooms and tried the men's room door.  Ir was locked!  So, I opened the adjacent (unlocked) women's room door and locked it behind me. Fortunately it was a one-holer - with no occupant!  Couldn't believe my luck - twice in one day is a new record!

Women's rooms are typically nicer than men's...would love to have to use them all the time!  Maybe someday...

Hugs,

Mandy