5,823 and other notable events from the weekend

Wow! What a time I had in Ohio! I went into the weekend with a very bad attitude and came out of it planning to do it again next year.
First I want to say that Dresden is one of the friendliest places I have ever been. Everyone is not only very friendly, but very outgoing, too, which I like because I'm not like that. It's small, which I also like, and not real tourist-y.
The first night, we ate at the Longaberger Home Show Experience. It was a nice, simple meal in a building that displayed every Longaberger product. For those not familiar with Longaberger, they specialize in baskets and pottery. I'm not much of a decorator and all of their products are functional, too, so that suits me just fine.
The next day was filled with visiting the factory, shopping, and eating lunch at the Longaberger estate. It, too, was nice and simple. Friday night, my Mom, Sister-in-law, a new friend, and I all went to a restaurant/pub called The Depot for a drink. I'm not usually a drinker, but I'll have one every now and again. We had a blast laughing and enjoying the patio. The weather was perfect that night.
Saturday morning, we went to a private opening of one of the stores called Aimee's. It sells baskets, liners for them, protectors for them, Italian charms, and other little knick-knacky things. They had a contest to see who could guess how many popcorn kernels were in a jar. I had almost forgot about it when they reminded our group to finish guessing, so they could announce the winner. I wrote down my number--5,823. I have 5 living children, I've been pregnant 8 times, and Mercy was due on October 23. I know that's a twisted way of guessing, but that's how I did it. Well, I won! I got a $25 gift certificate on the Italian charms. I found several that describe me: 3 for my lost babies in the birthstone month I lost them, a scrapbooking one, a rock and roll one, a basket, a firefighter, a honey bee, and a few others that I can't remember right off. We met the other ladies at lunchtime at Popeye's, a little 50's style diner on the strip. They had awesome burgers, onion rings, and these little things called "The One Bite Sundae". It was perfect! No guilt because there weren't very many calories. :)
Late in the afternoon, we had appointments to make our own baskets. It was fun and educational. I now have a basket that I made sitting in my kitchen holding my utensils. In the evening, we went over to The Depot again for another drink and karaoke night. I had never been to one before and boy! I don't think I've ever had so much fun! I didn't karaoke, but most of our group did. We were loud and I'm not sure The Depot will ever be the same. Hee. Hee. Jeff Longaberger, one of the heirs, happened to be there and he bought us all a drink. The next morning, he stopped by our Bed and Breakfast to sign baskets and have his picture taken with us. Then we came home. We've all decided that this HAS to be an annual girls' trip.
While I was gone, my husband and mother-in-law moved my boy to a big boy bed. Until now, he's been sleeping in the crib. Last night, my husband took the crib down. It has been in our room, sleeping one baby or waiting for one for almost 9 years. My room seemed really empty last night and I'm sure it'll take awhile to get used to. It's like the last little shreds of babyhood are leaving my home and I can't say I really like it!
I better go. Today is my 4th daughter's birthday. She's 6. Tonight, we're taking her out for dinner.
Until I think of something else to blog about,
Paula