Good Bye!

Dear Faithful Readers,

I must no longer put off the decision to stop blogging.  It has been a good run (7 years, I think) and I have met some wonderful souls through blogland which I am so grateful for.  I hope that you all know how much joy your comments and emails meant to me through the years as I muddled my way through blogging.  Wishing only the best for you....

Settling in...

The month of July has flown by!!!  I have been busy unpacking (still not finished) and doing all the stuff you do when trying to settle in a new house and town. 

As much as I was apprehensive about our move to Edenton, NC, it has been really nice.  I am stunned daily by how beautiful it is here and quiet...and peaceful.  Yes, I do miss the convenience of things being "right down the street" but I can see how people fall in love with this little town.  I am looking forward to finally getting unpacked and settling in a rocking chair on my front porch with a glass of iced tea and a good book!

Though there are lots of "to dos" on my list we have still managed to explore the local movie theater (which is on main street, downtown, and only has 2 screens but you can still write a check there!) We have also gone to several college summer league baseball games, eaten at some really good restaurants and spent time on the water. DH and I also managed one impromptu date night with a picnic on the bay.  My youngest has been learning to sail and I think he is pretty hooked.  My oldest son can usually be found at the golf course and both boys seem to be meeting and making friends which is an answer to lots of prayer! 

So, all in all our move is working out well.  I can't tell you how nice it is to have my DH with us full time and to have time to do things together as a family again! 

This is a view from our date night picnic.

DS2 heading out for sailing lessons.

Grape Salad with a twist!

I know everyone has their own Grape Salad recipe but a few weeks ago I found this one and had to give it a try as it replaces the pecans with crumbled Heath candy bars!  It is so yummy and we can pretend it is healthy because it has fruit in it...right?

Grape Salad Heath Bar Style
1 bunch seedless green grapes
1 bunch seedless red grapes
1 jar marshmallow fluff
1 block (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
4 Heath Bars (crumbled)

Wash and dry the grapes, set aside.  In a large mixing bowl mix marshmallow fluff and cream cheese (I spray my hand-mixer blades with no stick spray before this to make clean up easier.)  Add in 1/2 the crumbled Heath Bars and stir well.  Add in grapes and stir gently to coat.  Top with crumbled Heath Bars.  Enjoy!

4th of July in Edenton, NC

I am really sad that tonight is Sunday night and a "real" Monday will creep in tomorrow.  DH has been on vacation for the last 10 days (yes, count them!!!) and he has to go back to work tomorrow and I will miss him.  I am also sad to see the week come to end as we had a wonderful visit from some dear friends.  They arrived the day before the 4th  and the last few days have been a whirlwind of fun!!!

Our first 4th of July in Edenton was a blast!  It was truly an all American day celebrated in bright red, white & blue.  We spent the afternoon by the water, eating, visiting and listening to music. Just like everything else in this little town, it was picture perfect.

 While much of the South missed the traditional fireworks shows due to lots of rain, we were fortunate to see a great show over the Sound!  It was the perfect ending to a perfect 4th of July!

Something is crazy wrong with my blog! Help! (fixed now!!!)

I have a ton of news to share and when I sat down and popped onto the blog I saw all kinds of "photobucket" buttons where graphics should be.  I didn't make this change....anyone have any ideas what is going on?

UPDATE: I contacted Designer Blogs, who did such a fantastic job on the facelift of my blog a few months ago, and within 24 hours Erin had everything fixed and taken care of!  I was really impressed with how quickly the response was and I actually like things better than before. 

We made it!

The boxes are unloaded and ready to be unpacked but we have  been playing and enjoying being together so I think they can wait a bit longer. I am going to leave you with a lovely photo of  the sun setting over the Sound and some sweet Southern words by "The Mississippi Magnolia", Patricia Neely-Dorsey.

Photo property of Groves & Groves Photography, Edenton, NC

SOUTHERN LIFE

If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me;
I’ll tell you all the simple things,
That you are sure to see.
You’ll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees;
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;
Watermelons on the vine,

Strong majestic Georgia pines

Rocking chairs and front yard swings

June-bugs flying on a string

Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue
Fried okra, fried corn,fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.
There’s ice cold tea that ‘s syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You’ll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life, that I adore.

Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

For other beautiful photos in and around Edenton please visit Groves & Groves Photography

Today is the Day!

Everything is packed and the loading crew is here stuffing it all into the back of a big truck.  We are saying good bye to Florence, South Carolina today...3 years to the day of our arrival.  How weird is that?  So many friends have been popping in and out the last couple of days and I think our good byes have all been said.  It is time.  It is time for the new adventure.

I wonder what this new season will bring.