New York

I recently went to New York City with my two teenage boys. I was quite surprised that they wanted to take a trip with me at all, but I suppose the lure of the BIG city got them enthused. It was their first time there, and we played tourists from day one until we left.

Matthew's request was to visit Times Square and 42nd Street. Here he is feeling the power of the city....

....and this blogger trying to get in on the action!

My two boys, Andrew and Matthew, who will be quite appalled that I have put their photo on my blog!

I could not resist the lure of the Statue of Libery's Crown (tiara?). I definately think they should consider making a version in green sequins!

Matthew and our our new friend, Sito, from Japan. We met him while standing in line for tickets to "The Statue" and had fun getting to know him while visiting Liberty Island. He was on a three month tour of the US on his own. Quite an interesting man.... retired and now owns a restaurant in Japan. We lost him on our way to Ellis Island - he found another family to hang out with.

Chillettes on the 4th of July

The Fabulous Chillettes celebrated the 4th of July in style by participating in the City of Decatur Parade. Although all were present, not all of us were available to wave to the adoring fans from the Official Chillette Vehicle.Violette and Tiffany Dawn were escorted by Captain Bill, who came all the way from Gainesville to show off his favorite ladies.

Kirk (Mr.Bambi Jo) showed off his new Smart Car, while Bambi Joe herself (in the tiara, of course) showed off her four grandchildren.

Alma (a Chillette Fan and Friend) assisted Moanique in keeping the paradegoers under control. She was wearing her wonderful smile as usual.

Although not officially IN the parade, Moanique sported her new red sequined tiara while working. Notice the adorable matching red purse,purchased at the Decatur Arts Festival.

The Flamingo Queens gave the Chillettes a run for their money - seen here taking up the rear ofthe parade.

And what would the 4th of July be without Decatur's Fire fighters, seen here relaxing before the big parade!

Fireworks as seen from the top of the deck.

A Trip to Gainesville

Ah yes- a trip to the BIG city of Gainesville, where our precious Tiffany Dawn lives. Nothing like a girl's weekend to wake up the inner self and remind us of who our true friends are. Even though we are separated by miles, our hearts are never far apart.

Now- for dish on the trip! We traveled to the BIG city and had BIG plans. First, food and wine; then a concert. Here is Bambi Jo talking musical talent to a soon to be dance partner. And what a great dancer he was!

Tiffany Dawn spent some time networking at the concert, as Chillettes are apt to do. Isn't she pretty?

Violette was longingly awaiting the performance of The Jesters, while Bambi Jo tunes up in the background. Unfortunately, Moanique was so busy taking photos, there are no tell-tale ones of her to be shown. (Or were there, and she just didn't like them? No one knows for sure except this writer!)

Unfortunately, the concert was held outside, and for the first time in over a month, it rained cats and dogs. But not to be discouraged, we danced the night away indoors.

Saturday, we visited Cottage Garden Antiques- not sure if it should be called a store or not - maybe a cross between an upscale junkyard and unbelievably creative yard art.

The owner had a great knack for taking seemingly unwanted items and putting them together to make seriously creative art.

Saturday evening brought us to Lake Lanier for dinner on Tiffany D's friend Bill's houseboat. Bill was the perfect host and acted as though he had celebreties on his boat. Oh wait-he did! Did I mention that he brought us all a dozen roses on Friday night? He won my heart right then and there. And that was before he told us how pretty and lovely we all were! Oh why doesn't he have a brother??

This Chillette finally got a break from her photographic duties and had an adult beverage on the boat. She also learned how to make mojitos (Captain Bill was busy captaining, so someone had to learn how, and quickly, I might add).

Captain Bill and TD on our way to an island for dinner.

Moanique, Tiffany Dawn and Captain Bill enjoy the breeze.

And last but not least, a precursor to the 4th of July: The Stars and Stripes

Stay tuned for 4th of July in Decatur report.....coming soon.