Photo Friday: Random Smattering Edition
In the spirit of my recent post about wringing the last possible bit of fun out of this summer, Russ and I decided to grab the girls and take off for a few days to a bed and breakfast in Kentucky. On a farm. In about a frillion degree weather. So, as you can imagine, hilarity ensued.
Actually? We found the Best. Inn. EVER. I’m going to be devoting an entire post to it as soon as I finish downloading and sorting through all of the photos from the three different cameras we took on the trip. And no, I don’t really know how or why we ended up bringing such an excessive amount of image-capturing technology on a two and half day excursion, but I think it has something to do with the last minute nature of the trip and the fact that we obviously don’t check in with each other while packing. We’re rugged individualists that way. Also none of us are used to getting up “early” (read: 8:30 a.m.) these days, so we were all basically wandering around the house in a daze stuffing things in various small suitcases and fighting over whose turn it was to water the garden before we left. To tell the truth, now I’m kind of happy about it because I have a plethora of images to choose from AND I can go through all three cameras and totally delete all unflattering pictures of myself. Not that there are any, of course, but still. (Which reminds me of the time when I was a teenager and my mom went through an entire batch of family vacation photos and cut her HEAD out of any pictures she didn’t like. She was completely unrepentant when the rest of the family howled in protest over the mutilated pictures and simply said, “I looked like a pigeon. Not the way I want to be remembered.” The older I get, the more sense that makes. Thanks, Mom!)
Anyway.
I thought I would just post a few pictures as an incentive for all of you to breathlessly await what I’m sure will be yet another scintillating post about the glamorous, rock star lifestyle of the Taff family. This time featuring GOATS! Also Amish people, excessive hugging of a Yankee-turned-Kentuckian innkeeper that we all fell in love with, lots of good food, endless antique malls (picture Russ and Charlotte sweating like pigs in the car trying to be patient while Madi and I blissfully wander around yet another store saying things like, “Oh, look! More dishes! Yay!”), a ridiculously handsome rooster with an attitude problem that tried to murder Madi Rose (what IS it with that sweet child that seems to inexplicably cause sharks–and now apparently chickens– to lose their manners?! ), a Shaker village, and an unsuccessful attempt to tour Mammoth Cave (something about not knowing the correct time for the tour we wanted, and not being dressed appropriately for 55 degree cave temperatures and also not realizing that climbing 5oo steps on the ‘moderate’ tour was not gonna happen until AFTER Russ had his bi-annual shots in his knees and blah blah blah I quit listening and went to my happy place and thought about ponies and yes, it was my job to organize it, what are you trying to say?)
At any rate, here are some pictures:
**”What? I’m just looking…”
** Shut up, they were on sale. (I didn’t really buy them. Yet.)
**See? I like other things besides just dishes.
**Unsuccessfully attempting to explain the finer points of blue Avon poodle decanters to the girls.
**However, I have no explanation for anything that is happening in this picture.
**Or this one.
Ok. MOVING ON.
**The barn at the inn.
**Lamp in our room.
**Oh, yes. Char and I gathered eggs like we were born to it.
**Which then turned into what is Russ’ favorite part of the whole “bed and breakfast” concept…
** Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
**Newborn baby Shaker donkey
**Shaker building
**Shaker lantern
** Friendly Shaker goat
**Decidedly non-Shaker daughters
Well, does that make you want to see more? Or are you ‘Taffs-Excellent-Adventure-in-Kentucky’-ed out? (The correct answer here is, “Keep ‘em coming! This is fascinating!” THREE cameras, remember?)
And now for something completely different…
**Thought I’d leave you with an out-take from the photo session for Russ’ new Christmas cd– can’t WAIT for you guys to hear it, it is so good!
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Keep ‘em coming! This is fascinating!
(sorry, couldn’t resist)
I will! And I didn’t detect a hint of irony in your comment, so I just know you meant it in all sincerity… (Good thing, because I think I now have enough Kentucky photos to make a coffee table book.)
just glanced over the photos briefly. Thank God Russ decided to leave the white sneakers at home for the photo shoot!! Whew = /
Yeah, I hear ya. He should have maybe polished his boots, though…
I hope they had “Shaker air conditioning”!
You find the best B&B’s in the country! And the neatest antique shops! My sister lives in Kentucky and when I go down to see her next time, I’m gonna look for one of those antique shops! I usually just go to the Kentucky Horse Park……..’cause I love those retired race horses and the beautiful white fences that outline the fields.
Did you buy any dishes? When are you going to participate in Tablescape Thursday?
I AM waiting breathlessly……..for Russ’ new album!!! I hope and expect it to win yet another Grammy!!!! Won’t THAT be fun!!! Can we have a Grammy party right here???
I want to go there! Seriously, that looks awesome. Glad y’all had fun! And yes, of course, keep them coming!
I am living vicariously through these pictures as I am knee deep in boxes, paper, and other assorted moving supplies.
Husband got a new job just this past week and we are moving to… Seattle Washington.
We’ll be driving cross country starting Sunday morning. We’ll wave as we drive through Nashville on our way. Thankfully we have time to get out there, and are planning a day at Yellowstone, with stops at Mt Rushmore, Devils Tower and a few other places that escape me at the moment.
Keep the pictures coming.
Welcome back, Rachel!!! Glad your move was successful and you’re back on your computer!
Meb, THAT’S WONDERFUL your your hubby got that job! Congrats! Have you ever lived in Seattle?
Tori, I always wonder what the photographer said to artists on album covers to pose for the picture…….like the one above of Russ. Did he say, “Now, Russ, just look like you’re a pensive artist type contemplating the universe and the plight of humanity……or like your boots are too tight and you can’t wait to get out of here.” Can you ask Russ? Please!
Nice picture, Russ…..BTW.
LindaB – my grandparents & parents used to live out there, so we’ve been out to visit many times. This will be our first time actually living out there though. And your comment about the photographer was just too funny. I’d love to hear the answer to that too.
Thanks, meb!!!! See, Tori! I’m not the only one! Please ask him!!! Seein’ we’ll probably NEVER be in a photo session in our lifetime, YOU are our only way to find out. (Except maybe a picture for the post office wall.) I wonder how that whole thing works?
Ya know, I have to smile when I hear that Russ was in a “photo session” ’cause he’s so……..so…….(I’m searching for the right word here)…….unpretentious…..and deferential. I imagine that he is not thrilled about being where the entire focus is on him, is he? And I imagine he can’t wait to get out of there?
LindaB– Oh yeah, it had air conditioning! Let me know when and where you visit KY next, and I can definitely hook you up. I know a lot of little fabulous places all around that area… AIso, I think the only ‘art direction’ Russ really requires is, “Look at the camera. OK, now look away from the camera.” His inner monologue is probably like, “Get me out of here, oh please God let this be the last one, I am so over this…” You’re exactly right- he HATES THIS PART OF HIS JOB!
justmalia– I’m telling you, it was a real find. Would be perfect for a family, or a girlfriend getaway, or all by yourself!
meb– SEATTLE?! Wow! I know a whole lot of people who are passionate about that city. I spent a few days there several years ago attending a seminar on nonprofit fundraising (for Magdalene House) and loved it. Sorry you won’t be closer, but good for you guys!
I think I am with Russ here, as the picture of breakfast is my favorite
You all look gorgeous and summery and relaxed… oh summer, how we heart thee!
KellyBurton– Those eggs were gorgeous even before they were scrambled! And eating them THAT fresh was kind of like the difference between fresh caught fish and frozen fish… OK, great, now I’m hungry.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tori Taff and Lisa Strickland, Karen Williams. Karen Williams said: Love it! Can't wait to read & see more. Also, LOVE the ass picture. RT @Babybloomr: Random smattering–with pictures! http://tiny.cc/6jhzg […]
Oh my goodness – I just love your writing!!! And your pictures!!!! And, by-the-way, your dress (it’s better than the antiques)!!! Keep ‘em coming!!!
Sorry we won’t be closer too. But if you guys are ever in the area you have an open invitation to stay with us. It’s a beautiful city with so much to offer.
And I have to agree, there is nothing like farm fresh eggs any way they are cooked.
Really liked the little Fred Flintstone coin bank. Is Char taller than Madi now? I guess the shine on Russ’ boots could be photo shop-ed. Have lots of fun in Seattle, Meb!! <3 Even though not at Russ' level of experience and fame, I too don't care for photo shoots.
OK, looked at Fred again in zoom mode. He could be a cookie jar. And I think the position of Russ’ tie is morre off-setting to me than the lack of polish on the boots = / It’s the Army’s fault, though. I don’t believe I paid attention to such things before the taught me to do so!! = /
That was fun! I am living vicariously through you and your fun family. I’m now a working mama and let me tell ya, full time ain’t what it’s cut out to be! Boo!
Definitely keep the photos coming. We have just returned from France with some friends and also had 3 cameras with us. There are over 400 photos of the 2 weeks away.
I love your adventures, stories and your interesting comments. Keep up the good work. You have done a wonderful job with your family. I am so happy that after all these years of marriage you are happy. We have been married almost 35 years and have 2 daughters. Life has never been boring. So happy to hear about Russ’ new Christmas album. Really looking forward to buying and listening to it upteen times. Love to you all.
I love the pictures and want to see more. My Husband and I love to stay in B&B’s. There’s some great ones here in Colorado.
Also must say that I am SO excited to hear Russ is doing another Christmas album. Hard to imagine how many times I’ve listened to the last one. It’s my absolute favorite Christmas album and the first one I listen to each December……..yay!!!!
Oh yes, love the pictures. Keep them coming!!!
LindaB – love the Kentucky Horse Park
I’m loving this blog….can’t wait for the next installment. And I can’t wait for Russ’ Christmas cd….and the one coming after that one, too. Yes, Virginia, I do believer in santa.
love it . . . more, please. And love the pic of Russ.