By Christine Verstraete - Verstraete Miniatures Gallery
(Back to page 1, 2; view rest of visit at Swapke's website . (Dutch & English)

Fri. Aug. 11:

  Wow, has it been a week already? Swapke hasn't had time to post to her journal, but she has been busy! She was complaining that I (her hostess) have been working too much. "I'm bored," she said. "I want to go out!" How about a ride in a classic car, I asked? Well, she and Pierre LOVED the 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible. (We used to have the real-life hardtop version in the original clay color.) "Oh, I love this car!" she said. "I want to drive!" We had to draw the line at that, but we did say we'd look into getting her a souvenir driver's license. (Not valid of course!) We hope to take her to a real car show, also! (Photos coming!)

Below: Swapke did manage to find a few things to do while I was busy "working too much" as she said. She enjoyed visiting the aquarium. The half-black Angelfish have as much energy as she does! (That explains the blurry photo - no one could stand still!) She did manage to sit quietly for a few minutes at least after climbing all over the giant Wiley Coyote stuffed animal.

  A trip to the beach was next, where she met a friendly old lady who enjoyed knitting and watching her grandson. Swapke tried to learn how to knit, but I'm not sure if she succeeded! Then, she said she wanted to see the haunted house. "You won't like it," I warned. She kept her eyes closed and was shaking so much, it was hard to take the photo. She did peek and didn't argue when I told her it was time to leave. Luckily, she did not see the horrible back room! (Not for the timid. Click Photos at top of page only if you dare!)

The best part of the day? She loved visiting the new Teapot Shoppe. "Wow, look at all the teapots!" I told her a talented lady in her own country, my friend, Kitty, had made most of them. She was impressed. "I remember her," she said. "I stayed at her house, too!" The day ended with her enjoying cake and tea; she loved eating at such a fancy place! (Visit the Miniatures page for more Shoppe photos.) A full day! Yawn! Time for bed, so, until later...