Perfect Providence

Wow. We are having a FANTASTIC time in Providence.  Yesterday was a crazy fun-filled day which included ukulele shopping, dancing, good food, and woodworking.  What a combination, eh? 

I love it here, and it's the first time I've really experienced big city life.  The architecture of the houses to the old mills just fascinates me.  I also enjoy the different cultures and people watching.  Love zooming around town in Melanie's Mini Cooper!

Breakfast at the Modern Diner.  During the week, this classic diner (in a rail car) serves up standard diner fare, but on the weekends...the menu explodes with items such as blueberry stuffed french toast, strawberry crepes, grilled polenta with italian sausage, and homemade hash folded into a fluffy omelette.  I had the philly cheesesteak omelette, and Emil opted for the lobster benedict.

We stopped in at Sylven's furniture workshop in a renovated mill.  Impressive space with mouth-drooling tools (thinking of you, Troy Wise!).

Sylven and Melanie at the shop.  Clamps galore behind them.

Lots of wood and a Powermatic 66 table saw with a Powermatic European-style sliding crosscut table

Next, we stopped in at Woodcraft to see Walter, one of Emil's longtime friends.  He does AMAZING carvings.  Yes, these are all made out of wood.

Basketball is regulation size and weight!

The jerseys have carved wrinkles

Shopping:  I did buy a ukuele, so I'll post pics of it later.  I'm thankful to Sylven for the lessons.  Looking forward to learning "The Cave" by Mumford & Sons and "You and I Both" by Jason Mraz.

Melanie plays flute in this super fun marching band, Extraordinary Rendition Band.  http://extraordinaryrenditionband.com/.  They played at Wooley Fair.  http://thewooled.com/.  Theme was "To the Moon."  We helped carry in their "moon buggy" as we walked thru the crowd towards the stage.  Tons of people followed us to dance, sing, and boogy down.  Check out Melanie's costume!

Melanie and Sylven

Glitter Galore

Love their energy!

Big Nazo is the most unique bands I've ever seen, and they played on the main stage.  I can't even begin to describe the puppets.  Imagine a cross between The Muppets, aliens, and your wild imagination.  http://www.bignazo.com/

Pic is blurry, but you get the idea!

Today is Sunday, and we're in a food coma from The Modern Diner (yep, again).  I had an lovely omelette filled with pesto, fresh spinach, tomatoes, caramelized onions, tomatoes and feta cheese.  Emil opted for the blueberry stuffed french toast.  We are going mountain biking at Big River next.  MUST work off all this good food.