What in the heck happened.  It never fails.....left Key west...it was about 75 degrees get back to DSM and it was 20 something.  We'd just had snow.  I'll have to put some of the better pics on the web site here and on my "My space" site.  I did get lots of great pics of sunrise and sunsets.  I had a great time.  I was a good girl.  Something about camping in a small tent on an airmattress on the ground for 10 days....I feel like I am a survivor....lol.....I should have made the Pirate Master show on CBS.  I met a lot of nice people.  Sorry Pirate reinactors....but you are just like Rennies.  We are all a like really even though you won't admitt it.  I learned a new trick though at the pirate fest, I'd never think of trying to pull it off at Ren faires.....they actually asked for tips when people took their pics....wow...I'd be a wealthy woman......When people asked to get my pic at the pirate fest, I'd say, "no one's ever asked to get my pic before".  That was an out and out lie.  I bought more fabric today......it was tapestry fabric and 2.49 a yard....like I need more dresses.  I just had hubby make to huge poles in two locations in the basement to hang all my ren and now pirate clothes.....I did have lots of pirate clothes.  I did get to snorkel in Key West...it was so awesome.....there are not words to describe what I saw.  I swam through two schools of small fish.......it was so cool...and looking down on all the fish swimming by.......they didn't seem to care that I was floating there.......All the shells and sand I brought back.....It cost me an extra 50.00 to bring my suit case back.  Most of my baby hermit crabs I brought back have died.  They obviously don't like Iowa....wonder why......hum.

whoa the time is nearly here,  my friends leave in the morning,,,driving and i leave by jet on friday.  i am exausted.  i have spent the last 3 days about sewing for my friends before they leave...i made him 2 pirate shirts...both with lots of ruffles.  And for her......two botices, one pirate coat, and a chemise in two colors of fabric...and an over dress of red satin over that.  At the Key west holiday parade, he plays a pirate santa in an outfit I made him last year.....so she needed a Mrs. Clause dress.  It was important.  I can hardly wait for 10 days in Florida on the beach......too exciting.  I will be camping though in a smaller tent then I am use to...this should be fun...I doubt I will hardly be able to stand in it....wait......what am I talking about....lol.....I'm short enough.  lol......duh.....blond girl.   I may have to keep up a daily blog from here on my adventures in Key west...I'm sure i will have a few.  I'm thinking about making Troll Lea a pirate outfit and taking her with.....doing a Where's Troll lea photo thing...lol.   I do need to do a lot more sewing for me....Wanna be a well dress female pirate......And I need to finish packing...plus.....I need to get paper work done for work b/f I go.  Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!