tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25917707296413168702011-11-27T19:54:35.282-05:00AWnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-87406063838752995482009-07-23T00:48:00.006-04:002009-07-23T01:02:41.292-04:00

In an effort to down size, we've recently put a few things on Craigslist and eBay. So far the items up for bid are:Recumbent Exercise BikeHome GymPatio SetThe BoatThe ChinookThe HouseIf anyone's in the market to buy, call us!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-81160840769939848292009-07-23T00:33:00.004-04:002009-07-23T00:47:19.602-04:00

On Monday this week we got to spend some time with our friends Ski & Kate from Wilmington, and had a fabulous dinner at Capital Grill uptown. It was great to see them, and a great excuse for a date night!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-27405876206172546162009-07-23T00:26:00.004-04:002009-07-23T00:33:30.977-04:00

July 16th was Gary’s birthday, and we celebrated with cupcakes for breakfast and a low key lunch at the Rusty Rudder on Lake Norman. I was super-excited that they had fried pickles on the menu - one of my all-time favorites!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-50563986220860344722009-07-23T00:19:00.003-04:002009-07-23T01:25:41.071-04:00

While still at Dad's, we were sitting outside one evening on the deck, minding our own business - when suddenly we heard something land with a *thump* on the steps. Seriously it sounded like a bird hit the screen door and dropped to its demise. However, to our great consternation, we found this:He didn't drop in with the pack of smokes. We put it there for scale.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-53592295552853909062009-07-23T00:16:00.000-04:002009-07-23T01:13:59.568-04:00

I made this yummy little "Blondies" dessert for the July 4th picnic, except instead of Apricot I used Cherry preserves. From Southern Living - Ingredients * 1/2 cup butter * 1 (12-oz.) package white chocolate morsels, divided * 2 large eggs * 1/2 cup sugar * 1/2 teaspoon almond extract * 1 cup all-purpose flour * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/2 cup apricot preserves

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-1324192505821072872009-07-22T23:48:00.008-04:002009-07-23T00:18:43.567-04:00

Gary & I went up to Dad & Connie’s for the July 4th weekend. We ate like Kings and Queens the whole time, and enjoyed great weather and the serenity always on offer at their house.Steaks and veggies on the grillChicken Salad LunchOn the evening of the 4th, we went to an Independence Day celebration picnic at the home of some friends. One of the staples at this annual event is the reading of the

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-15732020369455184842009-06-30T23:27:00.002-04:002009-06-30T23:33:49.745-04:00

"Thirty days have September...April, June and November."I learned that by heart in 10th grade in a Marketing class. Tomorrow is July 1. I need a job!!! I've been job-searching in earnest for almost 3 weeks now. It's hard. It's awful. It SUCKS. I haven't had to search like this for nearly 14 years. There are actually A LOT of jobs out there right now, believe it or not. It's just that I'm

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-41434781246104162532009-06-30T22:25:00.009-04:002009-06-30T23:03:37.749-04:00

We are now Lake People again. We've spent many hours over the past couple of weeks cleaning and scrubbing and fixing things. Here's a bit of my handy-work, taken before I finished the last bit on the front left.Not the best picture, but I scrubbed every square inch of the deck with a 4"x6" green scrubby pad and soft scrub to clean off all the layers of dirt encrusted on the bow. I have the

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-61163792111737589082009-06-30T21:45:00.008-04:002009-06-30T23:19:04.018-04:00

Weekend before last I went down to the beach to spend a few days with my sister and nephew at Mom's.We got a lot of beach time in. For all intents and purposes this was the first time Finn really got to spend time in the ocean.What a handsome little devil!They've been to the beach several times but have not been able to take him out in the water like we did. The tide was low and the water was

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-37114978300233313112009-06-19T21:51:00.012-04:002009-06-19T23:32:05.509-04:00

On Tuesday we finally...FINALLY took possession of the boat again - and put in at Lake Norman!!!!I had a call from the transport company Tuesday morning about 9:30 from the girl I'd been dealing with who, to her credit, has been very nice throughout this whole process - despite all the delays and whatnot. She was calling to let me know that the driver (who happens to be her brother) was at the

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-541274214450645162009-06-19T21:36:00.006-04:002009-06-19T22:30:09.378-04:00

Over the weekend of Katie's wedding, we had a pretty full house. Mom and A.Vee came up from the beach Friday night to go to his 50th High School Reunion. They had an event Friday night - with the Chairmen of the Board playing plenty of beach music. Saturday morning they went to a fabulous brunch hosted by a classmate who owns Shoe Show Corporation, then a Saturday night affair that both Mom

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-33302996941192519342009-06-13T17:43:00.027-04:002009-06-13T21:54:25.583-04:00

Today I had the honor and huge pleasure of being a guest at the wedding of my dear sweet precious friend Katie. What a beautiful day for a wedding, and what a stunning bride! I arrived around 10:30 for the 11am ceremony at St. Mary's. I knew it would be packed to capacity and I didn't want to chance not getting a seat.Unique, personalized programs were given by attendants at the door. My

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-70601483187795955072009-06-13T16:26:00.003-04:002009-06-13T17:43:11.096-04:00

Amy flew in from DC yesterday so we met up, along with her sister Rebecca, and went to a wine sale/tasting then had a nice dinner at the new uptown hot spot Basil Thai. At the wine place we sipped little cups - like a cross between communion cups and shot glasses - of a bunch of different wines from very dry reds to very sweet whites and even sweeter dessert wines, including one of my all-time

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-56138175596676271872009-06-10T23:09:00.006-04:002009-06-13T20:41:47.636-04:00

The Great Boat Move of 2009 has encountered YET ANOTHER delay. Late this afternoon just before 6:00 I received a call from our marine transport company to tell me that she had good news and bad news, and which did I want first? In hindsight, I guess she meant the good news is that we are still on the schedule. But the bad news? The flippin' truck will not be here until MONDAY.That would be

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-65211741455550838192009-06-10T23:06:00.001-04:002009-06-10T23:08:07.340-04:00

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur’s Round Table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi. 2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian. 3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still. 4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated in an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption. 5. The butcher backed

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-90497811095510383102009-06-09T22:47:00.005-04:002009-06-09T22:53:54.042-04:00

Donut? Coffee? Hot dog?... Nope, I'm in the mood for some Blood Worms!! Neon signs in the window of our local (Cherry Grove) convenience store.Note to the uninitiated - blood worms are used for fishing bait. ; )

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-679666505084163622009-06-09T22:10:00.006-04:002009-06-09T22:58:06.942-04:00

Spent the afternoon on the beach today hoping for a little color, despite the 30 spf I smeared all over. There are two things I love unequivocally in this world: the ocean...and dogs! Put these two things together and I'm in heaven!

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-28752080127343519062009-06-07T18:38:00.011-04:002009-06-07T23:04:18.915-04:00

Today I tooled around in Barbie - with the top down for the first time in a while. I found a couple of Wildlife Preserves on the marsh side of Cherry Grove where some people were fishing and crabbing. They were trudging through the pluff mud or wading in the shallow creek, each with a net or a fishing pole. It seemed like the tide was low, but coming in. I imagined they were fishing for

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-31272186500698558132009-06-07T18:08:00.005-04:002009-06-07T22:54:00.999-04:00

So after the emotional drain of moving the boat last week from Grande Dunes to Anchor Marina on Monday, it has been sitting on land ever since. Why? Let's just say the Marine Transport Industry operates in some parallel universe, where "I'll call you tomorrow" means something like "I may call you back in the next month or so, but don't hold your breath". Ditto that for their scheduling. "We'll

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-69253787940810491892009-06-05T01:48:00.003-04:002009-06-05T13:02:06.360-04:00

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-46934942188209153532009-06-04T00:36:00.018-04:002009-06-05T01:46:02.759-04:00

On Monday around 12:30 we untied from the dock and headed out of the marina. It was a beautiful day, we could not have asked for prettier weather. Nevertheless, I was so sad.The night before we left we had dinner at Anchor Grill, the open-air bar and destination eatery of choice while spending time at the boat. A few too many beers and chicken wings later, we took one last dip in the hotel's

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-80071312078155066912009-06-03T23:32:00.007-04:002009-06-04T00:28:43.920-04:00

Sunday afternoon, just as G was getting unharnessed and about to call it a day - we heard a ruckus over on the next dock. We heard a woman laughing, but still she sounded somewhat distresses. I looked over to see two women floating in the water, then pulling themselves up on the dock. Then I saw a man - who was also in the water. Lucky for all of them they were wearing life jackets, because

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-4931112039491515522009-06-03T22:49:00.010-04:002009-06-03T23:32:39.210-04:00

SO MUCH TO DO Saturday and Sunday to get the boat ready for the move. Securing all storage, disconnecting wires, removing tens of screws and bolts, all the windows and carpeting. Checking on the engines, making a repair to the generator, etc., etc.Gary got up on the hard top to disconnect the radar. Someone we know with a similar boat actually slid off his hard top one day, crash landing onto

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-42570206721685623732009-05-31T00:14:00.000-04:002009-06-03T22:40:57.211-04:00

On the occasion of spending the last few days on the boat while it's still docked in Myrtle Beach at Grande Dunes Marina, I thought I would document for posterity the landmarks I always look for on this trip that I have made at least 25 times in the past year. (Sidenote: this is the BEST route to get to Myrtle Beach from Charlotte!)I didn't start taking pictures until after I was about 45

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-63655984259774151132009-05-30T19:54:00.005-04:002009-05-30T20:37:06.097-04:00

In late April around the 22nd, a major forest fire broke out in Horry County, South Carolina. It burned 20,000 acres and 76 homes in the vicinity of Myrtle Beach. We watched with great concern as sketchy news reports came out of SC on the Charlotte news, and checked for updates on the Myrtle Beach TV stations' websites because the fire spread so quickly and was at several points VERY close to

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-53212531981573274062009-05-28T20:53:00.023-04:002009-05-28T23:12:08.454-04:00

The month of May started with a CRUNCH. Every time we were outside we heard a bizarre crunching and chewing sound. At first we thought we had been attacked by billions of termites but fortunately termites were not the problem. We observed that the majority of the leaves on the trees around the house and in the yard (all 4 heavily wooded acres)were being eaten alive. About a week before we

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-86196819580329693622009-05-26T21:19:00.018-04:002009-05-26T23:14:28.294-04:00

After over a month's hiatus in blogging, my brain can't hold any more in. I've been in a writing funk. I've had tons of stuff going on, but just couldn't be bothered to put it on paper. To my detriment really, because I get a lot of satisfaction from blogging. It's a lot like my exercise routine. I love the way I feel after a good work out, but it's the getting on the treadmill that's the

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-41654082551776584422009-04-17T22:37:00.001-04:002009-04-17T22:37:59.855-04:00

Today is Friday, April 17. Officially, my year off was to go until May 8. But with mixed emotions (make that, severe mood swings) this cockamamie experiment of being both scientist and lab rat has come to a close. On Monday of this week I began the next chapter in my (work) life as Director of Marketing (take THAT Marriott Gods!) for Ice Sensations. If I had it to do all over again, which I

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-29614004160076196732009-03-25T21:45:00.013-04:002009-03-25T22:28:28.102-04:00

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-3732752214194449432009-03-25T16:09:00.012-04:002009-03-25T21:42:07.828-04:00

One of Finn & Will's favorite bedtime stories is Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963). I have known of this book since I was a kid, and I knew, even then, that it was highly regarded because of the embossed silver medal decal on the cover, but as a little girl I never understood why. After all, it's only 10 sentences long. And it's pretty scary! But after hearing Will read this

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-18606074815725622592009-03-24T11:02:00.002-04:002009-03-24T11:23:00.294-04:00

It's official! Gary and I are engaged! And Hell didn't even freeze over! Ha-ha! I am going to marry my best friend and the love of my life, protector and provider of all things wonderful and beautiful. Not to mention the smartest guy in the world. We haven't set a date yet, but hope to in the next few weeks. We're thinking August, which would be perfect because that's also our *dating

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-52626443068544250442009-03-17T22:30:00.004-04:002009-03-17T23:38:14.179-04:00

I must say that without a GPS, Washington DC is one of, if not the most difficult cities get around in by car. I've heard people say this about Charlotte, but Charlotte's got nothing on DC as far as crazy intersections, busy round-abouts and road blocks due to motorcades or security measures. During prior visits I have either had a local friend to drive, taken cabs or the metro, or simply

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-23660571210684829762009-03-17T22:28:00.002-04:002009-03-17T23:27:20.665-04:00

Most of my travel adventures center around gastronomical tourism. Sight-seeing definitely takes a back seat to eating in most cases. While Washington DC has hundreds and hundreds of great things to see and do from an historic and cultural standpoint, they have equally as many phenomenal restaurants, the likes of which can not be found elsewhere in points south until you get to Charleston, SC.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-44127635742831328012009-03-17T22:27:00.001-04:002009-03-17T23:05:48.762-04:00

After a long nap, we headed back out in the car this time - with the assistance of Jill - Gary's GPS - and made our way to Mandu, a delightfully intimate Korean restaurant located at S & 18. I had mentioned wanting to find a Korean restaurant while still at the hotel, and with the assistance of Gary's GPS on his phone we identified this place, sight unseen and without recommendation. What a

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-12971714378767385242009-03-17T22:26:00.001-04:002009-03-17T23:05:33.721-04:00

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-16870530361003238952009-03-09T22:20:00.010-04:002009-03-09T23:37:24.117-04:00

I've seen and heard a lot of U2 lately, from campaign season to the historic inaugural, to a week's worth of performances on Dave Letterman last week with songs from their latest album. The music of U2 makes up one of the most revered of my life's treasured anthems. I have always connected with the signature sound of U2 with the heavily processed, echoed guitars, combined with the post-punk

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-60009451347073297432009-01-31T18:55:00.010-05:002009-01-31T19:46:24.678-05:00

It struck me the other day while I was having 4 new tires put on my car that I have never bought 4 new tires at once for any car I've ever owned. Weird.I knew I needed them, especially given the wear bars were showing. For the ladies and non-car-guys, you need to know what wear bars are. (I didn't until recently). When you see them, it's time for new tires. Find yourself a good car-guy and have

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-20962662728062072082009-01-31T18:51:00.002-05:002009-01-31T18:53:48.776-05:00

Well, maybe not exactly FAMOUS famous, but close enough! Recognize anyone in this ad???It's my sister and her baby - my nephew! That's AWESOME!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-3908076151684393722009-01-30T10:23:00.006-05:002009-01-30T17:41:32.374-05:00

I was checking my Facebook account for the 17th time last night and was thrilled to receive a note from ANOTHER old friend from college. This time it was the ethereal and enigmatic Tom. Tom was one of the first friends I had at the private dorm/apartment complex where I lived my sophomore year called The Regent, where I also met Kari (who would later be my roommate extraordinaire), as well as a

AWnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-60110406493563125512009-01-29T21:36:00.003-05:002009-01-29T22:13:32.589-05:00

For the past several months I have been caught up in Facebook fever. It's like - all of a sudden - Facebook has opened up a whole new old world for me. And no doubt for millions of other people too. Just this month I've reconnected with a bunch of old friends, and have found a great way to keep current with other friends who I had not lost touch with, but don't necessarily talk to on a regular

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-86446588653250780442009-01-20T17:25:00.002-05:002009-01-20T17:28:52.930-05:00

For an ADORABLE MOMENT WITH THE KITTENS!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-91473365202061123422009-01-20T15:32:00.015-05:002009-01-20T21:29:45.541-05:00

Dignity, Ceremony, Majesty, Ritual. Words to describe the Inauguration Ceremony that took place today, an historic event full of tradition confirming our 44th President, Barak Obama. Memorable moments in pre-inaugural coverage included…Watching as the Obama’s arrived at the White House to be greeted by George W. and Laura Bush. Mrs. Bush was wearing a pretty pale gray dress and coat, and

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-30579276385285650582009-01-20T10:36:00.003-05:002009-01-20T11:07:43.290-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I made a trip to the grocery store. Right away I noticed I had to park farther from the entrance than usual, AND I had to go back outside for a cart because there weren't any available inside the store. Which was strange. Something was up - the store was PACKED and it was only 2:30 in the afternoon on Monday. It was as if there had been a forecast for snow or something.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-31727826417985010422009-01-19T18:06:00.012-05:002009-01-19T18:59:27.905-05:00

SPOILER ALERT: If you are freaked out at the sight of newborn kittens (Mom) be forewarned. Adorable pictures to follow! Around 4:30 pm yesterday, January 18, 2009, Kitty delivered four healthy kittens in the box we'd prepared for her a couple months ago. Weighing next to nothing, and tiny enough to fit in the palm of my hand, the kittens are doing great and Momma Kitty is too. I've spent much of

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-7269130205717310882009-01-15T20:32:00.012-05:002009-01-15T21:04:04.662-05:00

I don't know who this is... but I know he's somebody. Last week before I left, Dad gave me a box of my Great Aunt Hazel's old post cards and pictures. This is one of many pictures found in the box. Allow me to introduce Ms. Hazel Alleen Wells, born February 28, 1915, and still with us at almost 94. This is the only picture I've uncovered of her with a smile, almost a telling smirk. All the others

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-91558823425888791772009-01-15T19:38:00.008-05:002009-01-15T20:31:57.549-05:00

Wednesday afternoon I arrived in Charlottesville to spend a couple days with Robin and Jan, Lulu and Sable. As I walked in the door Robin was making me a special cake, one she makes just about every time I come to C-ville - Red Velvet!The icing is a traditional cream cheese frosting. If I had a vat of this sublime creamy concoction I'd take a bath in it. Robin is too good to me! Here's the recipe

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-38693087569424242502009-01-15T18:16:00.005-05:002009-01-15T19:37:39.910-05:00

Tuesday morning I left Abby & Ray's for the next leg of my trip. A few weeks ago I mentioned a going away party for Amy - who was leaving Charlotte to move to the Big M Hotel Co.'s Regional Sales Office for a sales position. I said that it wasn't really "good-bye" because I know/knew Amy and I would remain friends no matter the geography. So I went to G'burg to see her, and to have an informal

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-54110699470902029282009-01-15T16:31:00.007-05:002009-01-15T17:04:32.354-05:00

On Monday Abby took the day off, and we tooled around town running some errands - but mostly we were looking for a tiara and crown Debra needed for the NACE meeting later in the evening. We found a little girlie tiara, but had no luck whatsoever finding a crown for the "King of NACE". We also found me a pair of cute boots to wear with a new dress I bought recently which I was planning to wear to

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-74855948214464688172009-01-15T16:07:00.003-05:002009-01-15T16:30:59.509-05:00

On Sunday I packed up my stuff from Debra's and headed to Middle River to spend time with Abby F. and her husband Ray. We watched the Steelers win their game against the Chargers (do I sound like I know something about football?? Trust me, I don't.)I brought over some party nibbles - wings and tater skins, a sub sandwich that ended up to be 90% bread and 10% meat and cheese, chips and a pecan pie

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-48367239223888160242009-01-15T15:07:00.014-05:002009-01-15T15:58:55.594-05:00

My friends Kathryn and David got married on Saturday, January 10. This was the main reason for my visit "up north". I was quite relieved to know soooooo many people at the wedding. Immediately I latched on to my old cohort Dan during the ceremony. There was a funny/slightly awkward delay as all the men were standing at the front and we waited...and waited...and waited... for the bridal party to

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-44678684639199196002009-01-15T00:45:00.003-05:002009-01-15T00:47:36.424-05:00

I'll give everyone a few hours to get through my trip thus far and will add more posts after I get a good 9 hours sleep now.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-83948225336197571162009-01-14T18:30:00.006-05:002009-01-15T00:48:14.430-05:00

The Dougie and Travis Lee Show! What a pleasure to meet this sweet and highly endearing fellow on Friday night (Jan 9)! Debra and Doug are so popular - and know SO MANY PEOPLE it's ridiculous. Travis Lee is somewhat of a celebrity in the event and wedding biz. We had a raucous time and were probably a little louder than the table next to us could bear. Oh well... Doug on the left, fending

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-13036730403091443382009-01-14T18:27:00.007-05:002009-01-15T00:20:13.401-05:00

Friday night I met up with Debra and Doug to attend the opening of a new wine store in Ellicott City which is owned by NACE friends. Quite an impressive selection and an excellent turnout too! I didn't purchase any wine, but I managed to add 3 new sets of cocktail napkins to my collection:

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-26364914999087085632009-01-14T18:11:00.014-05:002009-01-15T00:03:17.793-05:00

Joy Joy Joy!!! Oh to be in Baltimore again! The approach to downtown is like a picture postcard. The best view of the city is from I-95 where you can see the sprawling metropolis - the stadiums, the factories, the office buildings, the high-rise condos and of course the Waterfront hotel of a certain name where I had the privilege and pleasure to serve for 4 great years.First stop, drinks and apps

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-25139315341871542862009-01-14T17:51:00.004-05:002009-01-14T23:44:30.225-05:00

What a whirlwind the past 3+ weeks have been. After being down at the beach from December 21 - Jan 4 with a spontaneous jaunt to south Florida, I started my "northeast tour" on Tuesday, Jan 6, after only 2 days at home in Charlotte.It's Wednesday, January 14 today and I am in Charlottesville, Virginia, to spend a couple days at "summer camp" with my old friends Robin & Jan - who I've known since

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-41177854553578987092009-01-11T23:45:00.003-05:002009-01-11T23:47:23.730-05:00

I've been traveling for what feels like a month - but I'm currently in Baltimore and will try to update AYOITL tomorrow! Have some good stuff coming! Stay tuned!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-4270923702496313242009-01-05T01:44:00.006-05:002009-01-05T02:00:30.968-05:00

It wouldn't be a family weekend without a video - so here's a short clip.This really warms my heart.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-3129631893474150992009-01-05T01:28:00.006-05:002009-01-05T01:42:51.280-05:00

Saturday afternoon a few of us went over to the marina so I could show them that I was really living part time on a boat. As most people do, they took to the boat right away. Luckily one of the marina guys was around and took a group shot of us:Matt, Laura Jane, Uncle Robert, Uncle Carlton, Justin, Lynn and meCousin Justin at the helmThree little hotties! Matt, Laura Jane and Justin

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-28716142803360811792009-01-05T01:21:00.004-05:002009-01-05T01:28:23.630-05:00

On Saturday morning while a massive Brunch was being prepared, a few of us headed outside to the playground to stave off hunger pains. Uncle Robert and his Granddaughter Laura Katherine (who calls him Papa)Me & Finn

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-9364786837883533382009-01-05T00:32:00.005-05:002009-01-05T02:14:54.322-05:00

My sister Ele and I are the two oldest grandchildren on my mother's side of our family. I never knew my Grandaddy Smith - Horace Carlton Smith - who died when my Mom was 21. But my Grandmother, Edna Harris Smith, was with us until 2004, dearly loved by her three children - including my Mom, my Auntie Laura and my Uncle Carlton, and their respective spouses and children.Every year of my entire

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-831641135779921142008-12-31T22:52:00.003-05:002008-12-31T23:07:46.113-05:00

I feel compelled to write something to acknowledge the end of the year, and the beginning of the next. I have been so focused on “my year” which started back in May 2008 and was technically to end in May 2009 that this New Years doesn't really feel the same as New Years Eves of the past. Although I have to say that at this point I doubt I will make it to May ‘09 without going back to work sooner.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-76590211912572581212008-12-31T21:25:00.004-05:002008-12-31T21:54:32.751-05:00

My dear friend and confidante Nancy has a penchant for the finer things that is unmatched by anyone I know. At 110 lbs. soaking wet, she has a body most women would kill for, and she can wear ANYTHING. She has the most beautiful clothes, jewelry and accessories. She LIVES to dress, and she is spectacularly adept at finding the perfect pieces. Her closets are brimming with all sorts of goodies

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-48856979883852127992008-12-31T20:53:00.003-05:002008-12-31T21:24:33.470-05:00

After my day in the sun, I went shopping for something a little dressier than athletic bra and sweat pants to wear to dinner later that evening. I don't have a GPS (and don't want one...unless someone insists on giving one to me as a gift) - but I'm pretty good with the low-tech version of a GPS. A map - what a concept! I found a shopping area with my favorite stand-by Marshall's, and dove in

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-79031780888742228122008-12-31T20:08:00.013-05:002008-12-31T20:51:19.253-05:00

Monday morning Nancy had to go to work, so I got to sleep in. Consummate hotelier that she is, Nancy had gone out to get a few things like 2 kinds of tea - just so I could have my morning cup while visiting. I sat on the balcony of her condo sipping my tea and watching the life of South Floridians whiz by 12 stories below. I was amazed at how many people were out for their morning walk or run,

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-40587322065114254322008-12-31T19:51:00.005-05:002008-12-31T20:08:10.923-05:00

After an understandably slow start on Sunday, we set out for a late lunch / early dinner by the water. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway - that is. Funny that the marina in Myrtle Beach is located on the intracoastal waterway too. It's literally 100 yards from where I sit perched on the boat to the waterway, and is the water-route that snow birds take to the exact destination where I found

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-33466027648669988162008-12-31T19:30:00.001-05:002008-12-31T19:41:45.986-05:00

So as my car is whisked away by the valet at Nancy's condo's driveway, I’m standing there completely dazed from the insane drive I'd just completed as one of Nancy’s friends arrives simultaneously. He helps me with my bags and takes me upstairs while Nancy finished a walk with her beloved four-pawed companion of 7 years, Raven.We get upstairs and immediately pop open some wine and snack on olives

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-14484720317576808592008-12-31T18:18:00.009-05:002008-12-31T18:57:05.652-05:00

Thank goodness I can always rely on my Mom for a thouroughly traditional Christmas, because I didn't do any decorating what-so-ever at home. Her decorations were a welcome sight when I arrived on Christmas Eve - her tree is always beautiful. But after this hopefully soon to be forgotten Christmas, where everyone was pretty much strapped for cash yet I didn’t get the ONE thing I asked for (a $10

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-17724060627879034072008-12-23T23:12:00.006-05:002008-12-24T02:22:56.289-05:00

Tonight Mom, A.Vee and I had tickets to “The Magical Spirit of Ireland Featuring the Incredible Irish Tenors” at the Palace Theater in Myrtle Beach. As usual, Mom was behind schedule so since I had the tickets, I went ahead into the theater to save us three seats, thinking I’d just slip out when they arrived and bring them to our places. I bought these tickets online, and while it made an

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-49025204110279404222008-12-23T23:11:00.002-05:002008-12-24T02:20:36.253-05:00

Last night I walked over to the marina offices after dark, Christmas music playing on their muzak system wafting through the air. It was surreal, like something out of a depressing movie like Nick Cage’s “Leaving Las Vegas”, minus the 147 gallons of liquor . There are wreathes on the dock gates and the marina office door, but the hotel is pretty much deserted with only 2 or 3 rooms with lights

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-48729679634053856702008-12-23T23:10:00.004-05:002008-12-24T00:50:16.165-05:00

I’m back! Back at the beach that is! Coming to you live from the boat, and sitting perched on my lounge in my pjs, laptop appropriately on my lap, in the warm confines of my beloved Happy Place! I haven’t done much since I got here 2 nights ago, which is of course the point of being here, right? Sipping cup after cup of tea, gazing out over the water. The marina is cold and quiet. Only two

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-39943889324595346802008-12-23T23:09:00.007-05:002008-12-24T00:01:01.251-05:00

Saturday night I had the bitter sweet pleasure of going to a going-away party for my dear friend Amy. She’s moving to Maryland on a transfer with the Big M Hotel Co. It’s a really big step for her, feeling like she’s finally put down some pretty deep roots in Charlotte. I can still recall when the first in a long line of hotel friends left the comfort and safety of our happily dysfunctional

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-4330638180847303962008-12-23T23:05:00.005-05:002008-12-24T00:00:47.686-05:00

One night last week Kitty was out stalking mice and came back inside with something stuck to her back leg. Upon close inspection I realized she must have rolled around on the ground on top of a… worm. Said worm was stuck in her fur to such a degree that I could not just pull it off. So I thought I’d soak her leg in some warm water then - wait a minute - I’ll just give her that bath I’ve been

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-34059733114358793872008-12-23T23:04:00.000-05:002008-12-23T23:05:43.349-05:00

January 10th I’ll be attending the wedding of my friends Kathryn and David up in Baltimore! I’m so excited! I’m planning on doing a “North East Tour” on the way up and back - with stops at Dad & Connie’s, Abby F.’s, Debra’s, and Robin’s house. None of these people know I’m coming, so if any of you are reading this, SURPIRSE! : ) I’ll fill you in on the details soon!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-88740942726748240152008-12-23T23:02:00.001-05:002008-12-23T23:04:27.202-05:00

For my three regular readers, I owe you an apology for being such a slacker over the past month or so with not having posted much of anything for sometime. Part of the reason is I just have not been inspired, what with dealing with my annual bout of S.A.D. (that's Seasonal Affectation Disorder, of course). But more importantly, I landed a real freelance writing gig - FOR PAY - so I’ve been

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-18669477064340447112008-12-23T20:32:00.000-05:002008-12-24T00:00:29.685-05:00

Spider Solitare Smackdown time Dad! Check out this score!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-25851025422683848782008-12-23T20:30:00.001-05:002008-12-23T23:57:15.556-05:00

For much of the two weeks leading up to coming down to the boat, it has rained. And rained. And rained. And rained somemore. For those located at points north of the Carolinas, I feel your pain with all the record snow falls. I do. But I would take snow over rain 99 out of 100 days a year. One day I really thought we might have to go out for lumber and build an ark. Here are some pictures

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-4597222960282227982008-12-10T19:44:00.003-05:002008-12-10T20:55:28.271-05:00

This afternoon I made a grocery store run for a few items I wanted for dinner. For the past couple of weeks, each time I've been to the store the same man has been standing outside ringing the Salvation Army bell and standing next to the familiar red pot. Each time I go, I make sure I have a handful of loose change so as I pass by I can greet him and put my coins - clink clink clink - in the pot.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-8768153164494004202008-12-05T17:45:00.004-05:002008-12-05T17:54:55.896-05:00

I give you....STAIRS!!!!!!Now if we could just get those painted by next summer, that'd be great!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-39355014176334219742008-12-05T17:42:00.003-05:002008-12-05T17:45:17.196-05:00

She doesn't take dictation very well, but she's great with a mouse!

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-76404251251735842372008-12-05T17:31:00.004-05:002008-12-05T17:41:51.278-05:00

This one's not so much for the kiddies, but I watched in awe as some of the most beautiful women in the world strutted their stuff down a runway at the newly renovated Fountain Bleu Resort (to the tune of over $1 Billion!!!!!) in Miami Beach the other night. These women, with legs up to their armpits, knock-out boobs and perfectly tousled hair - they inspire me! Not that I will EVA be 5'11", wear

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-64848266106241590812008-12-04T22:01:00.013-05:002008-12-05T11:54:14.875-05:00

Last night my all-time favorite Christmas special came on TV. The endearing Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. For my entire living memory I have watched this Christmas special every year. As a grown-up (er, groan-up) watching this felt and clay coming-of-age animated tale reveals many emotional triggers to me now. It makes me wonder if, as a child, I picked up on the themes used throughout the show

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-7855843868304620782008-11-30T22:13:00.004-05:002008-11-30T22:31:54.783-05:00

A special shout out of thanks to Dad & Connie, Ele, Abby Fitz, Robin and Mom for my birthday cards and to Kathryn, Elizabeth, Debbie and Jon Tan for my facebook birthday greetings! I also had 2 cakes - which are most definitely NOT on my WW plan, but who am I to turn down BIRTHDAY CAKE. The first one was this adorable little number Gary picked up (note the candles):The other was my FAVORITE

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-2118758897247924772008-11-30T22:12:00.001-05:002008-11-30T22:30:30.113-05:00

After two full 8 hour days of cleaning and preparation for guests including 5 of 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, the living room, both our offices, the basement and both kitchens, we had a great crowd and tons of food for our Thanksgiving Feast. Unfortunately the pictures I took were a total afterthought - didn't have any good ones to post. Mom & A.Vee came up from the beach, and Gary’s sister Tina

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-16859633937005345412008-11-21T22:44:00.002-05:002008-11-21T23:20:21.705-05:00

In my quest to "be a joiner" as noted a few weeks ago, I decided to join Weight Watchers again, to get my life-long battle with my weight under control again. I've had success with WW's in the past. The first time I joined I was a junior in college. I had gone from being a very normal size 8 in high school (I've never been anything less than an 8, and I'm down-right skinny as an 8) - at

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-50022631686331050002008-11-21T22:15:00.012-05:002008-11-21T22:36:42.715-05:00

The highlight of my so-far not so good November was going to see my nephew Finn for his First Birthday, and to see his Mommy & Daddy, Ele and Will, and also Granmommy Fran.He remains the cutest little boy on the planet, and the sweetest little thing ever.Mom came up from the beach and I arrived from Charlotte. Ele prepared a delicious meatloaf topped with a sweet cranberry sauce for dinner. We

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-79860414271438599862008-11-21T21:30:00.009-05:002008-11-21T22:07:16.283-05:00

Last weekend Gary and I accompanied his 15 year-old daughter Lydia to a cheerleading competition in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After asking me 10 times "if I was sure I wanted to go" - I answered 10 times - yes. Note to self: the next time someone asks me anything 10 times, it should be viewed as a BIG RED FLAG. To put it mildly, I should have stayed home. But no, not me. I'm always the adventurer,

AWnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-75037739485122333912008-11-21T21:19:00.004-05:002008-11-21T21:22:54.990-05:00

After my dubious experience at the Aveda Institute a few weeks ago to get my nails and toes done, I decided I’d go the opposite extreme and visit one of the highest of the high end salons in Charlotte to get my hair back in shape. It’s been 5 months since my last cut and color, and while it still looked fine mostly, I thought it would be a nice picker-upper. Let me just say that normally, this

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-60800364952937150442008-11-21T21:13:00.002-05:002008-11-21T21:18:33.537-05:00

For the past 2 weeks, give or take, I have found myself with a raging case of writers block. Add to that a rough bought with my monthly tormenter PMDD, a condition similar to PMS but much, much worse, and you’ve got yourself a bona fide case of the blues. As I’ve noted to a few people before, rest assured something’s up with me if I let more than a couple days go by without posting. I’m trying

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-29819715869657699902008-11-09T19:08:00.018-05:002008-11-09T22:24:16.703-05:00

You Say It's Your Birthday?!?Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nah-na-na (yes that's me with the short, bright red hair! Circa 1992)Well it's my birthday too!!!! (That's us in Bergen, Norway, having a picnic on the dock next to a large fishing boat, where we enjoyed freshly caught shrimp - boiled on board, with bread we got from a nearby bakery - June 1994)(This is us dressed as a 2-headed ghost for Halloween in

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-39782785434668948432008-11-08T00:33:00.002-05:002008-11-08T11:46:24.147-05:00

Did I just say I don't want to be the Crazy Cat Lady?! Here's a clip of our Kitty - who's proper name is Killer. And here's why.Cat & Mouse: Why She's Called Killer

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-73160064276411471502008-11-07T18:24:00.004-05:002008-11-07T22:33:33.586-05:00

It's officially 6 months since the day I left the rat race. I'm consumed by thoughts of "where am I?" and "what's next?" - it's been going on for the past month or so. I'd given myself permission to be free of such thoughts for the first 6 months. Futile really. They haven't stopped - the "what's next?" is always lurking somewhere in my mind.I have lots of things I would like to do next. But I

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-7879893966447998422008-11-05T23:29:00.012-05:002008-11-06T01:24:11.963-05:00

Last night while most people were probably watching the election returns on CNN or one of the major networks, we were watching the Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert Election Night Special on Comedy Central. Just after 11:00 PM, history was made. They made the announcement that Obama had reached the 270 electoral votes needed to win. They brought their whole reporting team on stage while we wondered

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-5675630532085021032008-11-05T23:22:00.003-05:002008-11-05T23:29:43.632-05:00

I read my horoscope *just about* every day, mostly out of habit. I have 2 main sources - Bridgett Walther, formerly Astro Abby (wonder why I started reading her?) and the venerable astrologer Jonathan Cainer in the UK. I've read these two for years. An excerpt from Bridgett's horoscope for Sagittarius on 11/6: "Just keep your voice down, mind your manners, obey safety rules, and everything should

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-37545808972861823472008-11-04T18:37:00.003-05:002008-11-04T19:11:49.592-05:00

Just about every day I read a series of blogs. One of my favorites is Dooce, by Heather Armstrong. She's won all kinds of awards for her blog since its inception several years ago, which is how I found out about it.Heather is a supremely talented writer and photographer. I feel like I know her, and we're good friends. That's what happens when you read someone's blog everyday. We have a lot in

AWnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-42459589212110420342008-11-04T15:18:00.003-05:002008-11-04T19:37:21.917-05:00

These photos brought to you today by another leisurly stroll around the yard today.

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-87795263872253164632008-11-04T13:14:00.005-05:002008-11-04T14:01:10.200-05:00

I can't imagine how the candidates feel right now. It must be a combination of complete and total obliterating exhaustion combined with an adrenaline overload and "runner's high". Finally, at last, the finish line is within reach. Who will take top honors? We just have to wait now.Honestly, I dread seeing McCain's concession speech. For weeks, it's almost like you can hear him saying "I just want

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-55998660505857129752008-10-30T21:37:00.004-04:002008-10-30T22:12:26.582-04:00

I arrived at the boat this evening and snapped these on my phone. Ahhhhhhh. It's so good to be back!

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-40157598087480113632008-10-30T21:36:00.003-04:002008-10-30T22:06:04.362-04:00

Last night Alec Baldwin was on Dave Letterman and they dicussed the Palin appearance on last week's SNL. He had some nice things to say about her, but it was the first time I've heard of Palin being referred to as *Bible Spice* - friggin' hilarious! Note: For those who don't get the reference, he was making a joke that she could be a Spice Girl - the world famous all-girl (woman) British

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-13731088022401578782008-10-30T20:54:00.010-04:002008-11-06T01:34:31.832-05:00

I am so proud of my honey. Let's just say it's been a while since he's voted. But this morning we went to an Early Voting site and cast our ballots! Woot woot! It took about 2 hours total. We arrived at the polling place about 10:15, and waited for the 11:00 opening.This was the line when we arrived.A couple of people were working the line with campaign information. One guy came over and chatted

AWnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591770729641316870.post-53465586345479903822008-10-30T20:45:00.005-04:002008-10-30T20:53:53.668-04:00

Well, not really. Those pesky racoons! Our garbage can has been sitting at the top of the driveway - full - for 4 days without a pickup. Patiently waiting for the big can to be emptied, I sat a few bags of trash on the front porch, assuming they'd be out there for a few hours, not 2 days. Last night the racoons came a calling, and got into the bag that contained the remnants of our Baby Back

AWnoreply@blogger.com0