Monday 17 June 2013

Canal Knowledge



Get the beers in, lads, the entertainment's arrived!  The owner of the barge opposite shouted when the four of us rolled up to erect our marquee in a ten force gale on Friday night.


 Poor bloke, what a let down, at his age he should have learnt never to be fooled by appearances. 




 Despite our impractical attire, little did he know he was looking at a former sea scout, ex-girl guide and a pair of seasoned campers so our pitch was up and anchored down without a tantrum, swear word or You've Been Framed type mishap.


Photo courtesy of old school mate, Kate

 This weekend marked the biennial Canal Festival and as Liz and Al's former toll-keeper's cottage is slap bang in the middle of the event it would have been madness not to have a stall despite us knowing bugger all about barges.



Here's our combined pitch up and ready for business.




Kinky Melon's half of the marquee.


The bargain box is always a draw.


We managed to shift all that we took of Mum's hoard of books, only another three-quarters to go.


Liz's bespoke bags got lots of love.

The contents of Liz's mum's garage.
 Scenes from Saturday (aka Day one).




The waterways were filled with over 150 boats from all over the country.


Saturday's weather was positively schizophrenic - from glorious sunshine and mild temperatures one minute to gale force winds and rain of biblical proportions the next . At one point five of us held on to the marquee to prevent it being swept away. 

  





As festivals go it wasn't exactly up there with Glastonbury but good fun anyway.



Some people did make a real effort to dress up. How cool do this couple look?







Lots of mates popped by for a chat which made a pleasant diversion from to listening to monologues on dredging, Lister diesel engines and rising water levels by some of the weirder visitors to our stand. 

A sneaky snap courtesy of Brownhills Bob. Montego Bay maxi dress found by my friend, Vicky.

After 11 hours we packed away our stock in the van and chilled in the pub for a couple of hours gearing up for another 8am start.


Lagos-made 1960s maxi (darling Curtise), Frida pendant (fabulous Tamera)

And so to Day 2.
9am, set up and fuelled by Jon's magical flask of coffee and a bag of reduced-to-clear Co-Op doughnuts. 


The boys having a moment. That sky looks a tad ominous.



Doggie madness! There were 6 of these cute Poms aboard this boat.



At 5pm we packed away, parked up, went to the pub and got sloshed. I've a billion blog posts and emails to catch up on and a van on the drive waiting to be unpacked (fortunately a lot lighter than it was on Friday) so I'd better get cracking. 

See you soon!

Although I don't think I'm fit to be seen today I'm linking to Visible Monday anyway.


76 comments:

  1. That looked like a fun day, despite the dodgy weather! At least your party tent added some extra glamour to the proceedings! xxx

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  2. That looks like a rather unique festival! Your stall looks amazing, as do you & your funky crew! Xx

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  3. Wow, with your reporting skills, it's like we were there. Not your usual venue, but at least you had your mates to share the experience with. I hope sales were good, too.
    That Montego Bay maxi is gorgeous on you!

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  4. Your stall looks wonderful and I think it's a great idea to share with another couple as you will never have any problems with popping to the loo or getting a wee break for some grub. I guess we were quite lucky at the carnival yesterday, no torrential downpours like on Saturday (SHEESH)just a few light showers and we even finished the day with some gorgeous sunshine. I'd love to do more of these outdoor events, such a different vibe to the pub based ones I've done. I hope you guys had a great weekend. You all looked mighty fine in your fabulous vintage threads...xXx

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  5. The barges look beautiful, but the festival does look a bit quiet for you Vix, it looks like you and your friends and your stalls were the most exciting thing there! But it looks a lovely relaxing day despite the schitzophrenic weather, and down the pub after sounds like heaven. Me and Pat just got drunk in the kitchen and blasted our music out again. I think we're turning into bad neighbours in our old age. xx

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  6. I do like a canal and all the pretty barges on there.

    Those Poms look so cute. I am a sucker for a cute dog. Think that's where my youngest girl get her love from.

    It looks like it was a fantastic event and great that you sold loads. Liz's bags are always a treat so good job they got loads of love.

    Hope you get a chance to chill for a bit sounds like you earned a bit of downtime!


    P x

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  7. Looks like a fab weekend despite the 'schizophrenic weather'... love that expression and may have to borrow it sometime
    :-)

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  8. Your tent looks brilliant, what a fab idea to share the pitch. You and Liz obviously provided the glamour to the proceedings, did you have thermals on under your groovetastic maxi's? Although not your usual type of event the barges were worth seeing, shame it wasn't busier but hope you made some profit.
    Getting sloshed...the perfect way to end the weekend! xx

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  9. My father in law is a classic practitioner of the long-winded-monologue-on-esoteric-mechanically-inclined-subjects. Don't ever ask him for directions either. I can picture him and a barge festival all too easily, although I don't think we actually have any barges here in australia. Despite the monologues it's obvious you lot can't go wrong with a some booze and good mates (actually I just typo'd that as boobz and good mates which also works). x

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  10. Ha! Nothing wrong with a Lister but my dream boat will have an Isuzu engine!
    Looks like an amazing weekend...vintage and boats; I'd be in heaven!
    What a brilliant place Liz lives in!
    Z xx

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  11. You look great. Interesting how you can literally see how changeable the weather was just from your photos. And I love the photo of the people all sat around the wheelie bin!!

    Lx

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  12. Ah it looks lovely, what a great set of pics.
    Love canal boats, always thought I'd end up chugging around when I get older and slow down a bit. Ha!
    You look gorgeous Vix, and I'd definitely end up spending some money at your stall. Some fab bits.
    xx

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  13. I wanted to go but daves had a rough few days and cold damp feilds dont do him any good , maybee next time xxx

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  14. Wow, barges and books and bags and some odd folks to round it all out - what a fab weekend. And you looking all gorgeous as per usual. I always look forward to the pub-at-the-end-of-the-day bit, that's how I know for sure we'd have a blast together. Thanks for sharing with Vis Monday! xoxoxo

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  15. Looks like fun! My dad used to have a Lister engine ... not sure what for, it just sat in the garage!
    Been looking back through your recent posts - love those red PJ's and how gorgeous do you look in your gardening gear! M x

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  16. I wanna boat like that for me Peetee and Chris, the cats can live elsewhere:) I love hearing about the crazy British weather and can close my eyes and see you all holding onto that tent for dear life! Your shared booth looks like the place to be and I would have loved to have been there. Liz's rack of bags are colorful and fun and I do hope you both sold loads!

    I love both dresses you wore please don't make me pick a favorite. I'm trying to picture where this is from you can't be too far. Rest today and hopefully there was sun out for your to lay around in.
    LOVEYOU!!!!!
    XXXOOOO

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  17. They didn´t know you are a force of nature, dear Vix.
    Thank you for sharing this photos, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I feel I am there with you.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  18. You are the perfect main charachter of these fabulous adventures and every time you share your deeds I really feel like being a part of it! You can't imagine how I'd love to visit your fabulous stall in person!!
    The dress you are wearing are breathtaking, I adore the bell sleeved one with the butterfly belt!!
    Liz is stunning too and her bags are wonderful! One of my favourite photos is the one with the lovely old couple, I love their style!!
    Have a wonderful week!!!
    Love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  19. What a fun weekend. You're a braver woman than I, putting up a tent in a gale! Your stock looks amazing. Hope you did well! xxx

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  20. VIX! That patchwork bell sleeve maxi is magnificent! Wish we could have visited. Next time xx

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  21. You look so wonderfully glamorous and alluring on your lovely stall, I bet the sales were swift and ooh I'm drooling over all those dresses including your own! Love the well dressed mature couple - I'm aiming for a similar look for me and Mr E in our dotage...

    Many thanks dear Vix for that GORGEOUS dress from Kinky Melon, the first of many, and for your sweet message with it. I feel very lucky to count you as a dear blogger friend, and a constant inspiration / source of the best gowns! The gypsy maxi fits me perfectly and looks a dream, can't wait to showcase it in a post later this summer.

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  22. Fun that you got to share a stall with good friends, makes the down time go faster. I saw lots of goodies in your bargain suitcase, and Liz's moms rug .......love it!

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  23. You look fantastic Vix and Jon too! Glad you had fun and now enjoying a well earned rest. Love that matching couple xx

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  24. Didn't make it to the canal festival due to having a workman in all weekend :-(

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  25. Looks like a brilliant weekend for all of you.

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  26. It looks really great - all of it! Wish i could visit!
    Xxx

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  27. I just adore that couple dressed up. This looks like a brilliant time. Love your gorgeous frock. Happy unpacking! xx/Madison

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  28. What a fun post that is!
    Everything is there, frocks, second hand, boats, doggies, how cool!
    I love seing the boat on the Canal this is a real treat for me the Canadian!
    Love and love your country!

    Ariane xxxx

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  29. Love love love the title of this post. Hilarious! Your marquee looks fantastic & that older couple are very cool. Looks like a brilliant day.

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  30. WOW---fabulous maxi-dressed goddesses, vintage goodies, canal boots, adorable doggies!!! Looks like it was a smashing good time!!

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  31. Gorgeous maxi dresses, and all those bardges make me swoon xx

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  32. Ha, the thought of all the gang hanging onto the marquee for dear life is making me chuckle! You and Liz are so teeny weeny, you'd have been whisked up into the air, Mary Poppins style, if it had just been the two of you! Good thing the boys were there to add some ballast.
    Your pitch looks great, fab idea to share with lovely Liz and her wonderful bags.
    I know nothing about barges, but I like to see a picturesquwe canal and boats - and I love a lock! The festival looks quirky; no, not Glasto but fun all the same. And you look beautiful, of course, in both frocks, bringing colour and vintage glamour to the barging fraternity! You definitely deserved a night in the pub after two days' work and surviving the bonkers weather.
    Love you! xxxxx

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  33. I just love those Pomeranians! They're just fluff balls! Sounds like you had a mad weekend! Ha! you showed that bloke with your hardened tent erecting skills. The stall looks great, really tempting. Amazing that Liz's place is in the middle of it all. All that boat talk would drive me mad, though like Curtise, I like a little bit of canal knowledge! The festival looks like great fun and I knew you'd sell lots of books, people on boats always want them! Great price too. I love all your dresses, the pink just brightens everything up. Liz looks gorgeous too in her psychedelic number! So vibrant. xxxxxxxxxx

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  34. Canal knowledge and tent erections - sounds like a fab weekend. And I can't forget the Lister engines. You and Co. have such an inviting tent and you would surely have lured me inside and left me poorer but with a silly grin across my whole face. We don't have river barges around here so I've always been fascinated by them. Today is rest, no? Dressed in style but of course.

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  35. How stupid some people can be to judge others by the way you look, I'm glad that you got yourselves up and running before he got to make nay other comment!
    You and Liz looked radiant and so full of color and life.
    The canal (or river?) boats are fantastic and I like how they are painted and decorated and with space for plenty of pets.
    I love the old couple and their attire, Liz's bags and your bargain box.

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  36. SQUEEEE! O, you gorgeous things, yours is my dream stall! I see so much to paw over, not to mention the four of you! Totally worth a good fondle! Great setting, and such an English sort of festival! I'm besotted by the old couple looking splendid, and by you and Liz in day 2's fantabulous frockage!!!
    Schizo weather seems to be de rigeur all over lately!
    You've all done very well!
    O, and yes, wasn't the red frock/leopard coat/conductors cap a winning combo?! I expect to see you up that pronto, my darling!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  37. You always look fit to be seen! Beautiful as always! It looks great fun and I love the way you captured the mood and feel of this festival in this post!x

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  38. Thanks for not forgetting me my beautiful guide. IS that like a girl scout? Sea scout sounds sexy, much better than cub scout. It would be a dream to pitch a tent with you.

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  39. What a fantastic looking weekend! Glad to hear you sold lots. I definitely would've been enticed by the bargain bin too :) xxx

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  40. You crack me up! Best blog title I've seen in ages, and I love that opening. Especially now I have seen the effect you have with my own two eyes. I can just hear him saying those words, rubbing his hand together.

    Well done on getting rid of all those books. I notice a C J Samson in there, have you read any of them? They're good. Glad you managed to sell lots of stock too, well done!

    I bet you had a blast with Liz and Co. You both look dazzling in your maxis and sunnies. Went to the pub and got sloshed? Perfect ending to the weekend. xxxxx

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  41. It looks like a great weekend.
    I love that last photo of you both - you ar both such a picture of colourful loveliness.

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  42. Looks like you had fab fun but dear lord that weather on Saturday!

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  43. What a unique festival. How lovely that you were able to share with friends that's always a treat and fun. As always I wish I could jump on through the screen and have a look around. It goes without saying that you look fabulous and hey you want to look you're best even if gale force winds are a chance of carrying you away. X

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  44. Looks fabulous, certainly looks like you had a good time x

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  45. I too am impressed by your tent putting upping abilities! Somewhere on the internet there is a picture of me trying to put up the tent in the rain at a music festival, wearing a flimsy sundress, cigarette dangling out of my mouth and doing a rather rude gesture to the camera. Your stall looks lovely, and that market looks like a great wholesome good time.

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  46. what a cool event. WE don't have barges like that here, at least I don;t think so. Looks like fun

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  47. I would love to go to that festival. So many unusual and unique items. What fun!

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  48. Reading right to the end I was looking for 'carnal' knowledge and then re-read the title! Not to one's self, clean reading glasses more often! Sigh! What a cool weekend and set up! In your bargain suitcase I spotted the burgundy coloured pot with lid! I had that and also a similar green one. Ghastly things lol :D Looking gorge both of you as always ♥

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  49. Oh Vix what a fabulous stall you guys had....its so much fun seeing all the treasures.........oh and of course you all dressed to impress..........Love the pic of you and Liz at the end.
    Its such a big job...packing and unpacking....wish I was there to help......but I must admit I would be a little distracted looking through your wonderful treasures.
    Sorry for my lack of commenting, we have had visitors and now I have an icky cold. Love seeing you world always....brightens my day.
    much love Vanessa

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  50. It's always fab when you take us touring around your neck of the woods. I wonder if I would like living on a barge? I did see a cute tea pot I would love to add to my collection! Love that pink maxi.

    xo, Bonnie

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  51. That is a cool idea for a festival, and the different barges are interesting, but it does seem a bit quieter than your usual weekend vintage selling escapades. Bravo on your tent pitching skills - that'll teach the old boys to mouth off! You look lovely in the flared sleeve maxi, and the shot of the boys in front of a barge that's titled "Senior Moment" made me smile, as did the Poms!

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  52. Wow, Vix! This looks like so much fun! You've got some great items set up in your booth!

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  53. Gorgeous photos! God I want to shop at that event! So many cool things and looks like a great time! XXX

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  54. First of all, "Canal Knowledge" - I like it! Sometimes my comments just seem to be me naming a long list of things I love. Oh well, here goes: The pink long sleeved maxi, the yellow sunnies, Kinky Melon stock, the contents of Liz's mum's garage, that pink inflatable slide (how much do I want to plunge headfirst down that!) did I mention Kinky Melon stock?! This time, I particularly want the hairdryer and the boat pic. I've said it before I'll say it again, I wish I lived closer to Walsall! xxx

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  55. Oh this looks like the MOST FUN EVER! I love your beautiful maxis and Liz's GOOORGEOUS maxi in the last pic!! I would have spent my entire weekend on the Tom and Jerry mega slide - and buying junk from your bargain box. I love the canal culture - is it really full of mad eccentrics?

    Love you more than the vintage hairdryer I spy in your stock!

    Sarah xxx

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  56. Looks a great event, I love barges. You and your friend look great in your maxi dresses x

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  57. Canal boats!! I dream off floating down canals on a boat. Another weekend of fun by the looks. Did you go on the bouncy castle!!

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  58. You always enhance me to assimilate more hippie chic to my wardrobe :-) I love all your gorgeous dresses and the unconventional way you style them <3

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  59. I love this post! The festival looks like a blast - love all those barges. Also that photo of that couple in their costumes is just gorgeous. Love the wee dogs aboard the barge as well. So many fun times :D

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  60. Looks like great fun! Love your Montego Bay dress - how are you not fit to be seen? You look lovely!
    Don't the couple dressed as old time canal people look wonderful?xx

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  61. I live near an historical canal, they have an open day but nothing this cool! Nor do we have "ship o puppies" which would be the best thing ever. Only topped if they were dressed as little pirates.

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  62. That looks great fun, I do love canal boats! I go to a few places with canals, and we have a fair few of them on our river here, but I've never seen a hint of a canal boat festival. I shall have to keep my eyes open on my travels!

    Also, those boots I caught a glimpse of in that last photo are AMAZING.

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  63. Looks an amazing stall and I am glad to read you both did well from it.

    X x

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  64. Oh how I'd love to pay a visit to your stall. Maybe one day I'll make the trip up to see you! It looks like it was a fun event and full of characters x

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  65. Wow, I love your stall, that's just the sort of stall that attracts me when I go to these sort of events. Looked like a good time was had by all!

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  66. This really inspires me to get back to work selling at markets, I miss it and the energy that comes with the face-to-face interaction and festive energy.

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  67. what a great festival, and your stand looks fabulous!, so many interesting goods!
    And both of you are gorgeous wearing that maxi dresses, so fabulous than colorful exotic flowers!!
    besos & colores

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  68. dresses divine, festival looks fab! cheeky so and so shouting at you all!come and link up next week over ta my place you are a lady who knows pattern for sure! i'm holding a new fashion linky every tuesday over at my place starting next week! the shiny t tuesday posts are becoming a link up with prompts...the prompt for next week is 'WHEN PATTERNS SPEAKS' Would be fab to see you there xxx jane xxxx

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  69. Your English weather sounds absolutely crazy and exciting! What fun you and Jon have, I want to be you guys when I'm married!

    Love
    www.shubhisrevels.com

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  70. Glad you had a great weekend Vix! xx

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  71. gah, too much awesome in one post! I've never ever ever seen boats like those!

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  72. This looks like it was so much fun. One can just tell by the smiles on all your faces!

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  73. I knew that would be a fun day in spite of the weather. You and Liz look stunning!

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  74. I knew that would be a fun weekend in spite of the weather. You and Liz look stunning!

    xxx

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix