"WHOO-HOO, BIRTHDAY CREW! LET'S GO TO NASHVILLE!"

Skeletons everywhere! 

Why were they "Up On The Roof"? 

Because they didn't want to be in the cemetery as part of the "Grateful Dead", ha,ha!

We went to Nashville, Indiana, to Brown County, the chosen destination for my yearly birthday trek.  Brown County's website says, "Unplug from daily life and reconnect with one another as you experience the rustic beauty and artisanal charm -- a place that celebrates its past. Plan your escape today."  And we did.

Whoo-hoo, I've found a new birthday crew!  They want to go back next year, too!

It was hubby and I, Spencer and his girlfriend, Caroline, and Ian and his girlfriend, Nikki.

It was a bit chilly in October.  In front of the Brown County Playhouse, strewn with golden red and orange leaves, a white shirted skeleton sat amongst the supports of a sidewalk billboard.  I guess he was resting his aching bones. 

Skelly and his boney dog greeted us waving an empty "Hello", chuckle.

"My turn," I said, "Let's go to the Holly Jolly shop!" 

"Nikki won't like it," said Ian. "But she does want to go to the leather shop."

"Caroline will love it," said Spencer, "she loves Christmas as much as I do.  That's where I got the idea for the upside down tree, isn't it, Mom?"  And off we went to the Holly Jolly christmas Shop.

"Here Spencer, here's an ornament for your tree." 

He said, "Oh, yah, you're right about that!"

We had our backs to each other, he was admiring an ornament hanging on the shop wall of a teal camper with a red Santa stepping outside its door.  I was looking at a Christmas ornament hanging on the post.  It was a completely studded circle of rhinestones with a large stone on top.  It reminded me of a key ring Calvin gave me for Christmas one year. 

I tucked my hand under the ring and slightly lifted it so it wouldn't come off the nail, but I could still take a photo.

"Spencer.  Here's an engagement ring for your tree."  

 I caught Caroline's eye, she winked, we both laughed.  He still didn't have a clue it was a diamond ring with lots of innuendo.

We turned a corner and one of them spied a nutcracker that sits on his rump with his legs hanging over the shelf, very unusual.  Holly Jolly wasn't as popular as the Men's Toy Shop (guns and accessories) but they still enjoyed it. 

I also think the Leathers Shop was one of the top ten.  This "crew" are all bikers and they love a good biking jacket.

Oh, oh, oh, and The Wild Olive where you can get any flavored oil imaginable, even from around the world like Spain, Itally, and Greece, was a favorite.  I found a nice Christmas gift for our Greek brother-in-law -- Koroneiki extra virgin olive oil.

A hostess in the shop told us about each choice, and even gave verbal recipes to go along with it.  One recipe was easy to remember, and sounded very gourmet.  She claimed she didn't like to stand and cook, but Spencer was intrigued and willing to go home and try it.  

On the sidewalk as we retraced our steps, a "Just Married" couple sat at the entrance of a shop.  They were so skinny.  She dressed in white gown and veil, and he decked out in black and top hat.  Sadly, they were nothing but bones!

As we left, John had to pat the groom on the shoulder.  I don't know if he was saying,  "Bless your cold heart" or "Be sure to always love her -- love every bone in her body" or "You have my sympathies, Bro.  Good bye and have a good day."

It was fun.  It was a great day to remember.  They were all smiles, they had fun, too.  How do I know, because they said so.  They want to go back next year.  Like I said, "Whoo-hoo I've found a new birthday crew!"