The packing process is in full swing now. This will be my last post for a while. I’m taking a short hiatus to get moved to Savannah, GA with my husband. Before packing the last of the dishes and other “stuff”, though, I had to host one final (albeit small) dinner party a few weeks ago on the deck. This was an evening filled with both laughter and tears as I said, “So long!” to a couple of very dear friends. We all had horrible “racoon eyes” from crying and didn’t want to be photographed for this post. Suffice it to say, we had a wonderful time and I will treasure this final dinner party at our Lee’s Summit home.
I’m feeling sort of blue because we’re leaving the Kansas City area, so I decided to use that color for my last table.
I bought this wonderful toile table topper several years ago for a display table in my shop. I absolutely adore toile, and it was an even bigger hit with me combined with these dangling “jewels.”
Each place setting consists of silver-leafed terra cotta chargers topped with my favorite Noritake “Spectrum” china. Heirloom silver, Longchamps crystal and white cotton monogrammed dinner napkins rounds out the setting.
Creamy agapanthus in three silver julep cups was just enough for this tiny table.
I like the look of very tall candles! One of my 5-lite silver Revere candelabra held these svelte 25″ metal case candles that kept up with the cool spring winds accompanying our outdoor meal.
I will miss everything about you, Kansas City. You have been my only home for nearly 53 years. I will miss my awesome neighbors – the Alsups, the Rutherfords, the Jenisons, the Breshears – who have all been so sweet and generous and kind. I don’t know that I will ever be able to replace the feeling of “home” that they have provided on our little cul-de-sac over the years. I will miss Kansas City barbeque, the Sprint Center with its incredible acoustics for some of the coolest concerts ever, Chiefs games at “The K”, and the Kansas City symphony. I will miss the many parks, fountains and boulevards that make Kansas City so special. I will miss the Country Club Plaza, Z Gallerie (the closest one to Savannah is 5 hours away!!!), and Town Center Plaza where I have spent countless hours (and $$$). I will miss my former colleagues in the wedding industry, many of whom I still pop in on from time to time. I will certainly miss my friends – Sheri, my best friend of more than 45 years who has made life such a joy; Monica, Audrey, Rene, Michelle, my Kauffman Foundation crew – all of whom have been there for the best and worst of times. Most of all, I will miss my family: my sister and her children who make frequent trips into Kansas City; my very crazy cousins (yes, Dee…I’m singling you out!); my fun-loving aunt and uncle; my grandchildren; my stepchildren and their lively friends, and; my baby boy, Jimmo, who is the beat of my very heart. And, of course, I will sorely miss my parents. My parents who have loved and supported me in everything I do. My parents who I love so much it almost hurts. My parents who provided me with an upbringing that has made me strong enough to withstand the hardest things in life…even this move. For them I will hold my head up. That doesn’t mean I won’t cry. I’m crying right now, in fact. It does mean, however, that I will do them proud and not turn Savannah on its ear…too much! 😉
My dear blogger friends, please check back with me in a month or so. Once we are settled in to our new home in Savannah, I will be so happy to rejoin you in Blog Land.
Take care…y’all! 🙂
I am delighted to join Susan and the host of talented tablescapers who join in each week for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
I was crying before you were finished. Such heartfelt words for feelings that are bigger than words. I wish you enough. Enough stamina to make it through the move. Enough patience to remain good friends with your husband. Enough love to see the wonderfulness of this move. Enough joy to learn to like Savannah. I wish you happiness and joy. Your table.. omg, love those tall tall candles. They would never stay lit here in west Texas. Never. I love toile too. And I love the colors of your table. Hoping you won’t be blue too long! Think of it as a glorious adventure!
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Thank you, my dear friend. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am putting on the brave face today, getting some packing and other little stuff like getting utilities turned on in our name there. I forgot just how much there is to do! I still have to make a trip to the post office to fill out a change of address form. Have a peaceful weekend, Marlis, and I will see you on FB as we make our way across the country!
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Alycia, That is such a bittersweet post. I love the “tall and toile” tablescape on the deck. I know you’ll miss everyone in Kansas City, but I hope you’ll come to love Savannah. I know they’ll welcome you with open arms. I just keep thinking that you’re moving to Savannah in Summer… aggghhhh. Good ol’ hot and sticky weather. lol Sorry, Atlanta is just about as bad.
Hugs and I hope you have an “uneventful” move.
Take care and I’ll be waiting for your next post from Savannah.
Hugs again,
Babs
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Hey there! Yes…Savannah in summer. I’ve heard it will be a challenge. Kansas City gets pretty doggone hot and humid, but I hear Savannah is King of that contest. Oh, well…que sera, sera! Looking forward to making a go of it! Take great care, Babs, and I’ll see you soon!
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Lovely table. I adore the blue and white toile topper. I’m now homesick for KC. {tear} I look forward to your posts from Savannah once you’re settled in. Godspeed my friend.
xoxo
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Thank you, Mona! And, hey…I know you’re homesick, too. We can be homesick together. We’ll keep in close touch via FB. My husband has a laptop, so I think I can post on FB along the way. We’re going to take our time getting there. Three days with about 6 hours driving time on each so my legs don’t get all swollen. I need to start cutting back on salty food RIGHT NOW, in fact! Hang in there, buddy, and I’ll talk to you soon!
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Oh my! Such a beautiful table for such a momentous occasion!
Savannah is one of my favorite places on the planet. It is so beautiful and elegant, not to mention so full of history. I pray that you will fall in love with it as most do. There is so much to love. You wil expand your circle of friends and still have the ones that you treasure in KC.
I’m in Atlanta so I will meet you at Z Gallerie and officially welcome you to Georgia!
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Hi, Diane! I Googled it, and you guys have THREE Z Galleries in the Atlanta area! Indeed I will be visiting sometime in the next few months! I have to get my bearings about me first. I think it’s about a 5-hour drive. NOT my idea of fun! I will probably have to rent a U-Haul to bring all my stuff back from Atlanta with all the wonderful shopping there! 🙂 I, too, hope to fall in love with Savannah. I watched “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil” again the other night to refamiliarize myself. This time I recognized more places like Abercorn Street which is where all the shopping is in Savannah and not too far from where we will be living, I think. We’ll be at the Mosswood Plantation. Don’t know if you’re familiar with it. I WISH we could live at the Ford Plantation!!! Wow! That’s really something!!! Anyhooooooo….thank you so very much for stopping in and helping to lift my spirits. I’ll let you know how I’m adjusting! Take good care!!!
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What a beautiful table. It is just stunning.
God bless this move, give you the stamina it takes, and the vision to see it as a new and exciting chapter. Easy for me, have lived in NY my whole life except for college years. But Savannah, not hard to take! And so many active bloggers there!!
I will await your return, best of luck to you!
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Thank you SO much, Kathleen. Thank you. I’ll “see” you from Savannah in a few weeks!
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I will miss your comments you were always so nice to compliment my tablescapes. Love your tabletopper and don’t stay blue your bloggers are still here.A new life in store enjoy.
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This post was a very heartfelt post and I am glad that it represents a good bye…for just a little while. I know things will be fine. This is a big move, but one for a great cause, because of that alone, there will be peace and new adventures to come. We will all miss you as well…however, I will never be too far from you! I love you!!!
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I love you, too. Thank you! I know it’ll be OK. It will just take some fierce adjustment on my part! 🙂 Same with Ramon…he just doesn’t know it yet! One thing for sure…he and I BOTH are going to take the time to exercise and get our bodies right now that he won’t be working such long hours. When we come back to visit, you’ll wonder why we look like pick-up-sticks! 🙂
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A beautiful blue table Alycia!
I am looking forward to your posts from Savannah. I’ve never visited there, but always wanted to.
Safe travels!
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Your table is beautiful, I love the color and the toile and the tall candles, too.
Best of luck to you Alycia. I can’t wait to see your upcoming posts from Savannah!
xo,
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I love the toile-one of my favorite designs. The tablescape is beautiful with the pretty Noritake china, silver, crystal, and candles, and again the tablecloth is exquisite and makes the table. I wish you the very best in Savannah. Two years ago we vacationed there and I found the people there to be so warm. The restaurants and museums are wonderful. In time it will become home. I really like visiting your blog.
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Hello, Miss Bella! Thank you so very much! I appreciate all your kind words of encouragement! Glad you like that table topper, too. I have one in black & white that I really like, too, along with chair covers. It has been absolutely maddening trying to find chairs on which the covers will fit, though! 😦 Thanks again for stopping in. I will see you in a month or so! Take care!
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Alycia, think of Savannah a wonderful new chapter in your life…it will be fun, I am sure. Your table is beautiful, as always. I especially like the toile table topper. With the way the wind blows in this area, I am surprised the candles stayed lit! We are just now getting to the end of a nasty thunderstorm…think it is headed your way. I look forward to reading about Savannah.
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Oh my, I’m crying too!! I’m just wondering why you are leaving after all this time!! I’m having a hard time with your move, but I know that wherever you are, you will be a joy to those you meet with your beautiful smile and creative talents. After reading the comments, I guess you will eventually be moving back to Kansas City. Welcome to the South (even though I’m not as southern as GA), and Kansas City’s loss is Savannah’s gain! By the way, your tablecloth is exquisite, and I love the tall candles. Your friends and neighbors will definitely miss your lovely tablescapes and dinner parties, not to mention their dear friend!! I look forward to your return to blogland! Good luck to you!!
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Oh, don’t cry…I’m OK. I am feeling a lot better today. I was depressed this morning and just went back to bed after Ramon left for work. I woke up feeling like I should get over it, though, so I’m doing a little laundry, doing a little packing, getting ready for my friend to come over and pack with me tomorrow. I’ll get a little break tomorrow night when we have dinner with my stepdaughter to meet her new “friend.” (She says he’s not her boyfriend, but I beg to differ!) 🙂 We’ll be headed that way in exactly 2 weeks. I’ll try to keep my head up and think good thoughts. Meanwhile, thank you for your comments on my table. I loved putting this one together. Take care, have a relaxing weekend, and I will talk to you very soon! Bye for now!
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Very pretty tablescape, Alycia. I love the toile tablecloth. Good luck on your move!..Christine
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oh my, i will lift you up in prayer for i cannot imagine the turmoil your heart must be enduring. I am certain that the people in your new neighborhood are the ones to receive a blessing beyond measure with you as their new neighbor. i wish the move to be smooth and that you will be back blogging soon – you are such a inspiration to me!
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Hello, Donna, my sweet! Thank you so much. I feel a lot better today than I did on Wednesday when I posted this. The sadness sort of comes in waves. Today I am looking at SO much to do around the house, and that tends to keep my mind occupied. I think it’s just when I hit a roadblock that I start to lose it. When my sweet neighbor dropped over yesterday, I couldn’t even look her in the eye for fear I would burst into tears right then and there. It’s going to be tough, but as Gloria Gaynor belted out in her song, “I Will Survive”!!! Take care, have a great weekend, and I’ll talk to you in a few weeks!
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Yes, it is hard to leave a place that is both familiar and loved, but think of moving as an adventure, a new chapter in your life that is part of the whole book. There is much to explore in and around Savannah, and I’m betting you will find much to like, including new friends for whom to do beautiful tables. Take care.
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Hi, Linda! Thank you!!! I’m sure I will settle in eventually. The moving is the hardest part, and I’m VERY MUCH looking forward to that being over and done with! Enjoy your weekend, and I’ll see you soon!
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We’ve already exchanged “don’t worry, be happy” emails about moving, but I know your heart is so heavy right now. I’m a veteran of the trailing spouse syndrome and it’s just not easy. Just know that you have everything, everything, everything you need to find fun and contentment in your new place. I am actually in Hilton Head right now visiting a friend whom I moved away from when we left Cincinnati twenty years ago. She’s been in several cities along the way too, but we find ways to touch back into each others lives from time to time. I know you will too, because your friends are not going to want to let you go! As you know, Hilton Head Island is just outside of Savannah, so I’m sort of in your new territory. It was a little over 5 hours from Atlanta for me. You KNOW you have an invitation to come see me and we’ll shop every fun store from A to Z. (Z Gallerie, get it?) I’m watching the sunrise right now. And it is beautiful and waiting to welcome you. Hugs, my friend. Shine on!
Linda @ A Toile Tale
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Seriously, Linda…I will be looking to meet up with you for that A to Z shopping! It may take a couple of months, but I will be ready to rock ‘n roll!!! I will have to shop for almost everything to furnish the new house. Ramon just doesn’t know what he has gotten himself into! 🙂 So you’re in Hilton Head now? That’s only about 45 minutes from Savannah, I think. I will probably do a lot of shopping there. I’m glad you and your friend are able to connect no matter what. That’s a true friendship! Enjoy your stay at beautiful Hilton Head, and I’ll talk to you soon! Have a glorious weekend!!!
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Hi Alycia~ LOVE your toile topper & those elegant tapers on your table…don’t be blue 🙂 I can only imagine leaving a place you love with its family & friends behind after 50 years but I am SURE you will be embraced by the Southern hospitality that is Savannah! We are going down for a milestone birthday celebration for a friend the beginning of June and I am so looking forward to visiting and enjoying the history, beautiful architecture, southern charm & FOOD there~
Wishing you a safe & stress free move!
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Hi, Mary! Enjoy your trip to Savannah! We will just be getting settled in, otherwise I would invite you over during your stay! Happy Birthday to your friend, safe travels to you, and I’ll talk to you soon!
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I am so sorry you are so sad. I do hope you find new friends to help you get over the shock of leaving all your loved ones. Your table was lovely and just beautiful at twilight.
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Thank you so much, Vickie! I loved doing this table, and it just somehow seemed appropriate. I’m sure the shock of leaving will take a moment to absorb, but I’ll be OK in the end. My husband says that the business of organizing and decorating our new place will take my mind off of it. Here’s hopin’! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you for stopping in!
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Such a heartfelt post. I am glad it wasn’t good-bye but a until next time, because it would break my heart if it was good-bye. You have influenced me so much (I couldn’t appreciate toile before you). The move will be good because if anyone can make a space for themselves it is you. You are my She-Ro, until next time my friend. Love ya
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Thank you, sweet Ebony. Thank you SO much. You do my heart good! I’ll post on Facebook as we make our way across country…if I have the strength! We’re driving both cars out, so I’m sure my patience and good humor will be taxed to the limit! 🙂
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Hi Alycia,
This is such a heartfelt post! It makes me really sad for you. I can’t imagine leaving so many people who are so close to your heart. I wish the best for you and your husband, and please keep in touch. I’m glad you’re keeping your house in Kansas City in case things don’t work out in Savannah (not trying to sound negative about the new place).
This is probably my favorite table that I’ve seen you do. I have a serious thing for toile, and the blue is beautiful. Your dishes, silver, and crystal are BEAUTIFUL, and I always love monogrammed napkins! I love the creamy flowers in the julep cups, and the candelabra is gorgeous!! Just a perfect table. Looking forward to seeing you back in blogland very soon!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
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Hey, Denise! You KNOW I will keep in touch. I told my husband that getting my computer up and running is a top priority once we get to Savannah. Even if I’m not able to post anything for awhile, I still want to be able to see what my blogger buddies are up to each week. I’m so glad you like this table with the toile. I am seriously considering using toile as the base for our new dining room and/or master bedroom suite. Since the house is a rental, I’ll have to say it all with accessories, but that’s cool. I’m sort of looking forward to the decorating process. I will have to admit that I am not as “ooh wee!” about it as I have been in times past, but I’ll get there. Thank you so much for being so sweet and supportive. Have a fantabulous weekend, and I’ll see you soon!
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Oh this must be so sad for you and your hubby, having to leave so many people you love, moving it’s always difficult in many cases, but I do hope everything goes well for you and your hubby in Savannah, I’m sure it will, just feel possitive and remember you still have your other home. Gorgeous table hon, I love toile and your tablecloth is beautiful, wish I had something like that for my Onion bue and white china! Your china, crystal, silver and the candelabra, are just stunning!
Best wishes on your move.
FABBY
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It’s just beautiful!! I’m such a huge toile freak that you had me from the start. I love that candelabra and the flowers too. I have been very absent from blogland and almost missed this one as well. I’m so glad I didn’t.
I know you’re going to miss your friends and home and they’ll miss you. Please let me be among the first Georgians to welcome you to our neck of the woods. There will be inspiration all around for you. You will love Savannah, and Savannah will love you! You’re just a hop, skip, and jump from me.
Welcome!!
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Hi, Debbie! Thank you for that rousing welcome! Counting down. Just one week until the packers come to get started, and two weeks before we roll out of here. Planning to arrive in Savannah on Sunday, May 29. The unpacking/setting up process will begin right away, and I hope to have some semblance of a “home” within 3 weeks. We’ll see….! 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by, and I’ll see you in a few weeks!
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Alycia, the blue table is stunning and will always be a fond memory. The nice thing about blogging is that you will have friends no matter where you live! And you are only a flight away from KC!! 🙂
I am looking forward to learning more about Savannah through your posts. I am a native New Yorker, but lived in North Carolina for a year loved the South.
Safe travels, and wishing your husband the best in his new position.
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Hey, Debbie!!! I don’t think I knew that you were a native New Yorker. Cool! I have never visited NY (crazy, right?), but it’s on my bucket list. I have a close friend who lives in Buffalo now, so I’m sure I’ll get there eventually. Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it. The clock is ticking on this whole thing, and I’m starting to get down to the nitty gritty. Actually contacted the Georgia Power Company and Water Utilities today. We’ll be on the move soon! I will certainly give Ramon your well wishes, and we’ll see you on the flip side! 🙂 Have a great weekend!!!
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I just discovered your blog on BNOTP Tablescape Thursday, and I love toile, too! My kitchen is wallpapered with blue toile. No pictures of my kitchen on my blog, yet, but there are a few on rate my space. I love your tablescape!
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Good luck on your move to beautiful Savannah! I know you will LOVE it there! Great place! Your tablescapes are so pretty! Enjoy your blog and have added your blog to my list of “other nests to visit” on my own blog—Bluebirds and Butterflies. Have a great move. I love Z Gallerie, too! They have one in Houston where I go from time to time. Maybe you can shop online. Have a great move and looking forward to your postings from Savannah. xoxo Kim
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Hi, Kim, and thank you very much! I have been “pre-packing” all weekend in anticipation of the packers/movers coming to start on Friday of this week. I just couldn’t envision them trying to pack up my 80+ patterns of dishes in the 2 days they have alotted for packing up this house. I don’t want any mistakes due to rushing, so I figured I’d get a jump on the process. There are boxes EVERYWHERE! I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit here, and I appreciate it that you stopped in. Z Gallerie IS fabulous, and I will just have to learn to shop online or make that 5-hour trek to Atlanta where there are three Z Gallerie shops. (They’re hogging them all there!) 🙂 I stopped in at your blog and LOVE the photos! I thought the one with your husband on his boat was just so sweet. He looked like he was truly in his element! I also really liked the flowers on your blog. The sunflowers!!! The roses!!! And your kitchen….yes, I know that’s not what you were necessarily showcasing, but I love looking at people’s homes! The dark cabinetry is beautiful with the granite countertops!!! Well, gotta run. I’m going to try to squeeze in a few more boxes before the Sand Man comes a’callin’ this evening. Thank you again so much for your sweet comments!!! I will “see” you from Savannah in a few weeks. Take good care!!!
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Alycia, I know exactly how you feel. I ave relocated five different times, and each time I left behind loved ones and friends I cherished. I am also considering a move from a house and town I have known the longest, and consider home. It’s heatbreaking. I do know that I will move on, make new friends and make a new home of a “house”. I do know too that you will thrive and make a home of Savannah. Your sweet generous personality and your talents will see you through, and all that your parets have instilled in you will make the journey easier. I wish you much luck in your new adventure.
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Thank you so much for that. It sounds like you have “been to the dance” a few times before, but it apparently doesn’t make it any easier. I hope the move you are considering turns out for the best. It truly is a major, life-changing decision. As we continue the countdown, I have been focusing on the job at hand and trying to keep my mind off the sadness. I have boxes literally stacked to the ceilings, full of all the dishes and stemware I absolutely insist on taking with us. The packers will be grateful I did that before their arrival! It would have taken them forever to pack all of that!!! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comfort me. I really appreciate it. I’ll see you soon from Savannah!
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I just discovered your blog. I’m looking forward to your return. Good luck with your move and new home. I love Savannah and would love to live there! Say hi to “Paula” at The Lady and Sons!!
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Hi, Brenda, and thanks a lot for stopping in!!! I’m so glad you did! I hope to hear from you in the future. I hope to be back in the swing of things in a month or so…or whenever we get furniture! I am SO pokey at picking out new things, so we may be without a dining room table for quite awhile! We’ll have to eat outside with the geckos! 🙂 Have a great weekend, and thank you again for stopping in!
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