Friday February 1, 2013

Friday February 1/13  update #355

Surprisingly I had a bit of a fitful sleep last night but at least I got enough rest that I was functional.

I reviewed what the show people want to charge to ship my box after the show and almost choked on that.  I called FedEx, who are not open on Saturday or Sunday, but will pick up my box from the hotel on Monday for about $288.  The hotel is happy to be the intermediary so we are good to go, as long as I can get the box to the hotel, and leave the address labels and my credit card information.

I had a small breakfast and called a cab to the Fairgrounds just to see the response, time, and cost.   They quoted a ride within 10 to 45 minutes, which thankfully arrived in 10 minutes, and it cost me $7.50.  Another method to my madness was to see if I could arrange transportation for tomorrow night after the show but this driver only worked until 4pm and wasn’t interested in working any later.

At the show I asked a security guard where the pay phones were and he said they were removed a few years earlier, so now I can’t even call a cab.   I am not sure what I am going to do except to solicit the help of one of the other vendors.

The show today was quieter, but a knowledgeable neighbouring vendor said that is common for a Friday, and to expect Saturday to be as good as Thursday and Friday combined.    I can live with that so let’s cross our fingers.  Right near the beginning, one of my young customers from the previous day stopped by to show me what she makes, using her crochet skills.  She crochets mini horse blankets for horse dolls that are donated to some charity.  She reminded me so much of my grand-daughter Danai with her beaming smile.

Phoenix is truly a strange town and I have not gotten to see any of its beauty as my hotel is basically in an industrial area between a whole lot of freeways.

My brother Fern picked me up across the street from the show and drove me ½ hour out to their gorgeous spot in Mesa on a golf course.  At least I got closer views of some the mountain scenery, like Red Mountain and Superstition Mountain.   We watched the sun set and made a quick call to my Mom in Calgary.  Eileen cooked up a delicious supper and we had some fun conversation and then I showed them my pictures of Ecuador.  I felt sorry that Fern had to make another 1 hour round trip to get me home and I sure appreciate his thoughtfulness.

That was today’s excitement.   Hugs to all.    Please see all photos at http://souvenircuenca.blogspot.com/