Hello friends, It feels strange being back here. It has only been a couple of weeks but it feels like forever. I have really missed being here with all of you. This is a special space to me. Forgive me for not getting to your blog posts I am catching up.
A lot has been going on. Last week my husband and I took a much needed vacation to our favorite beach in North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach is very near Wilmington NC. We try to go almost every year.
A week before the vacation we hosted my nephew Chris, and a lot of my family, for Chris’ Birthday. It was a very special one, the big 50. And of course if you have read any of my posts you know I get a little crazy when I have people at my house. I want everything to be perfect. Probably to the point my husband is about to divorce me over it. I come up with a huge to-do list that borders on impossible. All the while I know in the back of my mind that all of these things are not going to get done. Well you know what?? a lot of those things didn’t get done. I was planning the party and planning the vacation and I knew I had to let some things slide, so I did. And you know what else? we had a great time even though I felt like some things in my house could have been a little neater. I doubt anyone even noticed.
Just after the party I started planning for our vacation. Me and hubs both worked up until almost the day before the vacation. And of course planning means someone coming in to take care of the kitties and checking on the house and etc etc.
We left out last Sunday morning at 5:00 AM. It is about a nine hour drive for us and of course add in food and fuel stops it makes it about ten hours. We like to get an early start and get ahead of traffic. I love driving for a couple of hours and finally getting to see the sun start to peep out.
Day Lillies planted in the medians of the interstate. They are so beautiful.
Every morning while we are on vacation we walk into town. It is almost three miles round trip. It is great exercise. We go early before the heat gets too bad. I just love this little town. The walk takes us on a back street full of walkers, runners and bike riders. Both sides of the street is a gallery of beach homes. I love them all. They are so unique. I always enjoy seeing the different ways people have planned their gardens and porches and decks.
As I said the weather was perfect all week long. Lots of surfers hit the waves early in the morning. They have until 10:00 AM and then only sectioned areas can be used by surfers.
We ate at Poe’s Tavern again this year. This restaurant has a few locations in the U.S. North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. They specialize in burgers, fish tacos, sandwiches and salads. The restaurant and menu features all things Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar’s Drunken Chili, Beef Raven, Beef Tell-Tale Heart and Beef Rue Morgue are a few of the menu selections. Posters line the walls with movie clips and quotes. It really is a fun place.
We spent a lot of time just relaxing and enjoying the beach and some down time. I read a couple of books and of course brought knitting with me.
On Thursday morning the nursing facility, where my mother in law is staying, called and said she had taken a turn for the worse. We decided to leave the next day. When we got to her she didn’t appear to be any worse than she had been when we left. But you never know at her age. I am sure the nurses and doctors were being cautious and wanted us near if anything happened. We were glad we decided to cut the trip a little short and get back home.
Several weeks ago we called a local tree cutting service to get a quote on cutting some trees near our lake bank. While we were gone the tree cutters came and took out many of the trees near the lake. Through the years the growth had gotten out of hand. That’s one thing that happens when you live in the woods. HA!! Our view of the lake was almost gone. It was a costly investment but so worth it when we got back home and had our view of the lake again.
We were so happy to get back home to all the babies. And they were so glad to see us. Kitty Kitty has slept with me every night.
I hope all is well with you? Do you like the beach? What is your idea of the perfect vacation?
Always remember
Love your day your way!!!!
Southern Patches 
Looks like a great place to visit. Pity you had to cut it short, but as you say, better safe than sorry. I also love a beach holiday, reading, enjoying good food, resting….lovely to day dream on this cold, wet and grey winter day!
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Looks like a great getaway! Glad to hear your MIL is OK! The view of your lake is fantastic, hard work and expensive, but the view is worth it. Have a great week!
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