I'm blogging this a bit late, but Josh and I spent my birthday in McCloud, CA at The Mercantile, courtesy of a group of past students of mine who sent us a gift certificate to stay there. (You guys know who you are - thank you again.)
Josh spent the morning of my birthday (patiently) waiting for me to finish up some work I had to do and then we got on the road.
We did the usual on our drive; we talked, we answered questions like we've been doing on road-trips for the last eight years out of this book, we stopped a bazillion times because Josh Downs has a bladder the size of a pea, we laughed and we talked some more.
And I texted back and forth with a bunch of past students who attended The Hometown Workshops I taught a few months back who were kind enough to remember my birthday.
And we made a stop at a place called The Liquor Expo (I've never seen a bigger liquor store in my entire life.) because as some of you may know, turning 40 requires a few glasses of vodka/sprite/lime with just a little bit of cranberry juice.
And then we got to McCloud...
We talked to the owner for awhile like we always do, got settled in our room, went for a walk to find limes (for my drink,) a few magazines (because unlike Josh, I forgot to bring a book,) and a snack.
And then we laid in bed and read for awhile before leaving for dinner, but I didn't feel like taking pictures.
When we got back though, I took this one with the self-timer...
Next morning, we got up and read some more...
And then we went to partake in Josh's favorite part of the trip; free breakfast...
And then we went to talk to the owner again, but got side-tracked looking at hats...
Ooooops...
And then we drove all through the streets and back alleys of McCloud for hours, looking at houses and yards and rusty tin roofs, and all of the old, lovely (but falling down) sheds and laughed about how we were going to move to McCloud to start our own shed-building business one day.
And then we stopped here to get what I hoped would be a great self-timer shot, but ended up in a snowball fight instead...
And then I laughed non-stop while Josh repeatedly imitated that frog-legged run.
And then we had lunch and hit a few antique shops before making our way back home and to real life.
And here's a few links to our past trips to McCloud; Our honeymoon, our 1st Anniversary, and another pre-anniversary trip.
fun! jerad and i have always wanted to go there, when i saw your pics starting a few yrs back it made me REALLY want to! the place you stay is so sweet. happy late birthday!
Posted by: mandy friend | January 31, 2013 at 10:53 AM
I love the Mercantile. We have been there a handful of times. The owners are so fun and adorable. I love your photo there. Wish we could have run in to you there! Happy Birthday!
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen Wildauer | January 31, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Awwww, happy birthday! I just turned 40 as well, last Sunday! You looked like you had a much better birthday than me though, it looked fab! xXx
Posted by: Rachel Millington | January 31, 2013 at 11:53 AM
That self timer photo is simply Stunning..... regards Kathy A, Brisbane Australia
Posted by: Kathy | January 31, 2013 at 01:13 PM
Self time jealousy! That Mark III has a lame one!
I can not wait to check out some antique store when we head that way!
Posted by: Kelli | January 31, 2013 at 01:17 PM
Ah, so darn cute...love how you "horse around".....makes me smile. Josh is one cute cowboy in that big hat!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: janel | January 31, 2013 at 03:27 PM
Karen!! That black hat, honestly, made Josh Downs look like a real cowboy! Send him on down to TEXAS. Happy Year to You and Your Family.
Posted by: Judy Webb | January 31, 2013 at 03:42 PM
aww..glad you guys enjoyed your time away! It's so good that you two found each other! It seems you guys are great friends first and have a lot of fun together. My hubby is my best friend and when we get a moment to take a breather from our crazy life, we always have fun! :)Love you self-timer pics.
Posted by: Shan | January 31, 2013 at 06:24 PM
So glad you had a fun time celebrating your birthday in one of your favorite places! Josh looks great in that cowboy hat!
Posted by: ♥Debbie | January 31, 2013 at 09:43 PM
I just gotta say that Josh looks completely different in a cowboy hat...completely...in a good way!! Happy 40th Karen!
Posted by: Susan | February 01, 2013 at 09:36 AM
Had to look up "the book". Hmmmmm sounds like something my husband and I would enjoy. Happy bloated birthday.
Posted by: Julie Bonney | February 01, 2013 at 09:44 PM
Sounds like fun! Glad you had a happy birthday!!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | February 02, 2013 at 10:04 AM
Had to look up "the book". Hmmmmm sounds like something my husband and I would enjoy. Happy bloated birthday.
Posted by: charity | February 15, 2013 at 10:39 PM