We just came home not too long ago from another long weekend at the beach.  We left on Friday night so we could be there ready to go on Saturday morning!  It’s been a fun-filled weekend.  It all started on Friday with a trip to the International Gem and Jewelry Show.  Apparently they have shows in 30 different cities, and I am very fortunate that they happen to come to a city near me (4 times a year)!  Considering that we were leaving town for the beach (if I wanted to go to the show at all)  I had to bring my 3 little ones with me.  It was indeed a challenge, but I perservered and stocked up on some beautiful new Hilltribe silver and pearls and stones in autumn colors.

On Saturday afternoon, all five of us jumped in the kayak and my husband paddled us around the bay.   It was great to see the shore from a different perspective.  In the evening we trekked to the boardwalk, which in Ocean City is just notorious for people watching.  If you’ve ever been, you know what I mean.  It actually started drizzling while we were there.  I can’t remember rain on the weekend in such a long time.  Today on the way home we visited a new-found antique mall in an old packaging plant in Cambridge, MD.  This last remaining plant was part of a huge vegetable, fruit and seafood cannery that belonged to Phillips Packing Company.  I saw a great pie safe there in wonderful condition.   One vendor had a nice selection of unusual  blue and white transferware that I would have loved to add to our collection.  The kids were thrilled to each pick an old key out of a big pile of old keys  ~ and a new collection has started.  We were glad to find this gem off the beaten path.  We’ll be sure to return soon!