Adventures in Cary, NC - Chinese Lanterns Nov 2023

If you've followed along, you know I’m crazy behind and trying to catch up on the highlights. In November 2023, Mom, Katie, Macy, Dylan and I went to Cary, NC for the Chinese Lantern Festival. These sculptures are breathtakingly beautiful. We had the best time together as a family and my family considers Dylan one of us. 

This beautiful boat was damaged the next weekend when horrible storms came through the area. We were the last weekend to see the lanterns in Cary, as the damage was so bad they closed the event down early to try and salvage what they could.

Macy and mom both enjoyed swinging on these installations. They were the only two light enough to swing on them! haha

This cannon would fire smoke rings out right into your face. You see the two that just HAD to do it! 

These three - heaven help us if they aren't trouble together. Especially the oldest and youngest together!

I'm in love with the Asian culture and beauty so this was right up my alley! The talent and skill that went into creating these sculptures was amazing. I think I liked the first ones I saw in Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens the best, but these were so very beautiful and more interactive for the kids. We saw a very cool dance performance, enjoyed some tasty treats and had our fortunes told. :) 

We also found a great restaurant that we ended up at twice because we ALL enjoyed it so much! And that's a tall order to find something that suites each of us! I just wish I could remember the name... if I think of it I'll come back and add it. 

I'd like to go back to Cary simply because it POURED and we didn't get to explore much outside of the lantern festival. It seems like such a neat area with much more to offer, if we just get the chance to explore it! 

Next destination: Cincinnati Oct 2023

D and I took a whirlwind trip to Cincinnati a few weeks ago. I really didn’t know what to expect, but ended up really loving both Covington, KY and Cincy, OH. There is this very beautiful mix of old and new, tons of art/murals, and a cool college town vibe without the bars every 10 feet.

Yes, I took a pic of the bathroom. So nice!!!

But first, we had to stop at Buc-ees. Twice. Because who doesn’t need a little more Buc-ees in their life?! 

So I have this thing of taking pics with the name Covington, so we stayed in Covington, KY, and completed my fourth Covington photo :) We found a sunflower farm, beautiful view of Cincinnati across the river and a cool old/new mix of buildings. 

Cincinnati was also very beautiful with murals on every surface. It surprised me how much I liked both cities!! Most everyone was friendly, the city was easy to navigate, and very easy to walk. 

One night we drove to this overlook in KY to watch the lights of Cincinnati and the fireworks from the Reds game. It was breathtaking to watch the lights flip on as dusk approached. Very beautiful and peaceful. 

We took a different route home so we could see new sites. Found this adorable place for lunch in Augusta, KY. It was right on the river and we sat outside on the patio. What a great little find on our travels! 

We came home through West Virginia. Enjoyed the Capital building with its golden dome, more river views and this random overlook on some random backroads we were on. And, of course, tunnels!! 

Such a great whirlwind trip for the weekend. Just love hopping in the truck and taking off somewhere - anywhere! Seeing new places and meeting new people :) 

Goodbye 2022 and good riddance.

 Macy said tonight she was sad to see 2022 leave. Of course, Mom, Katie, and I said WHY?!? We are so over 2022. But, I am so thankful Macy sees so many good things that happened in 2022. 

2022 for me: 

— I changed jobs after being at my government job of 12 years. It was scary but so good for me. I worked from home and still haven’t met most of my coworkers, yet developed friendships all the same. 

— I traveled! At least three trips to the NC Mts with family and friends. VA/W Va to see Sherry and a promise to visit Shirley next time!!❤️ (This year’s autumn leaves were amazing!) Dylan and I drove to Iowa, met a few of my coworkers there (Rachel and her kittens!) and saw amazing views of this country. 8 states and another town with my last name!! Rachel came to visit us so we squeezed in Charleston and Folly Beach and a few trips into Charlotte. Hit up North Myrtle for Thanksgiving and enjoyed a quieter Christmas at home. 

— Watched Ellie win Miss Freshman at her high school - she was so confident and poised! I was very impressed! Enjoyed a little time with her and Donna where I was able to see how much she grew up during those Covid years! She’s a teenager now!!! And is such a”good kid.”

— And the toughest event ever - having my Dad pass away in September. Even with this, I saw so many amazing things. How he impacted the medical staff in a positive way. At various times, nurses came in after clocking out to say how much they enjoyed him and his family.  He showed determination. Strong faith. A fighting spirit. So much love for his family. We have loved the George stories, meeting his old friends and coworkers. Seeing family. Yes, these were (and are) very hard days. But for us because our hearts hurt missing him so much. He is healed, happy, with our Heavenly Father! And all the family and friends who went before him. We will see him again. For that, I am so thankful. 

So yes, 2022 sucked. But it was beautiful, too. It took a 10-year-old to remind me of this, but she is often wise beyond her years. 

Friday *whew*

For whatever reason, life has felt like a out-of-control merry-go-round. Not necessarily in a bad way, just a busy way!  But it's good, at least I'm not bored hahaha :)

I had a very brief but interesting conversation with an  aquaintence at work this week. He was speaking of why he left the church and doesn't follow Christianity any longer (he's looking at other religions, which means he feels a loss that needs to be filled).  His issue was the church he was in - served in a leadership position - didn't handle the finances as he would have preferred. It caused issues and he left with a disheartening view of the religion of Christianity. 

Honestly, I think we've all heard similar stories from someone in our life. The preacher had an affair with the secretary, the Sunday school teacher had child porn on his computer, the choir director was a secret alcoholic. In my personal life: I've had a Sunday School teacher leave his wife after an affair and he became a wild man and another left his wife and went through a crazy mid-life crisis. Yep. It does happen. Another flat out lied to my face - an adult to adult here - and it really disappointed me. Very much so. 

But here's the deal (and what I told him):  all churches and all religions are filled with imperfect people, with sinners who are going to make mistakes and disappoint. But that's not the religion of Christianity. Christianity is built on the almighty and perfect God, the Father, His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. On the understanding that the Lord sent His only Son here, to us, to live a perfect life and die an unjust death, and doing so fulfilled God's promise to give us a way to come to Him. To be with Him for all eternity. 

Don't let the imperfections of people pull you away from the only thing that can save you. I'm not telling you your life will become instantly easy - it doesn't work like that. But you will have God with you through every step of your life (and beyond!) and a new hope. 

Ok so there is my soap box for today. 

One of the bits of recent excitement: my friend, Donna, turned 40!  Very exciting! We enjoyed a trip to Asheville, NC, to BILTMORE! It was beautiful. 

A drive by shot - but seriously, this house is crazy. I enjoyed the booklet that walked you through the house. It really helped you see the details. 

Of course the views were amazing! So beautiful. Can't imagine living in that environment, waking up and see this out of your window. Wowzers. 

School is out! And sweet nieces are happy! Teen niece is happy to be out of school and baby niece is happy to have teen niece home :) so sweet. So so so sweet! 

Ok enough of this. I took today off to clean house and wash clothes. I suppose I should turn off Let's Make a Deal and get to it. Y'all have a great weekend! 

Home Sweet Home

Just got in, the car unloaded and strewn across the loving room floor, and heated up something to eat. Vacation is wonderful but nothing beats my own house and habits :)   

We kept it off social media and such, but my Mom, Dad, Katie, Roger, Sweet Nieces #1 and #2, and I headed for a week at Edisto Island, SC. Rented two houses, enjoyed hanging out at both houses, some beach time, some shopping time, just a good family vacay. 

One afternoon we took the girls to the beach for some sister pictures. I have others on my real camera so you'll be seeing them in the upcoming days. 

They are so adorable. Love love love! 

I'll talk to anyone and so will dad. We ate out for breakfast this morning and met a really nice thirty-something family from GA. They discovered they didn't like camping at the beach haha!  We always rent a house but this year our house was so horrible we left a day early and came on home. Ugh. Disappointing. The rental company was really nice though. But that didn't help the condition of the house! UGH!! 

If you've never enjoyed Edisto-it rocks. Not much to do, no chain restaurants, one Bi-Lo, a few gift shops, no hotels ... It's wonderful!! (Do you see this awesome photo?? Seriously!!) 

Sunset at the point. Dolphins were hopping by, tidal pools for the kids to jump in, sea shells and gentle lapping waves. Sunset at the point is unbeatable. 

I will recover from the lack of sleep and post more photos from my camera soon. Love Edisto but soooooo glad to be back in my house tonight!!! 

Saturday Recap With Pics!

My last three weeks have been shot to pieces as everyone around here has been so sick. First my sister, which resulted in three doctor and one ER visit. Then my mom, which resulted in three doctor visits.

Add in a delay to my trip to Alabama, then my trip to Alabama for five days. I came home and took another three days off from work to help babysit Macy since mom was so sick.

Yes, I'm ready to reestablish a routine.

Anyway, I thought I'd share some pics of the last week or so. If I've already shared them, sorry.

This was taken on Macy's 9 month birthday this week.

Baby's first flip flops!

We visited Aunt Donna at school!

Sleeping babies are good babies...

I managed to unload this ugly giraffe bowl on my friend in Alabama. I bet it's been in my trunk for two years or more.

So anyway, that's my week in no particular order. It's time for me to roll out of this bed, grab a shower and go shopping. I have birthday presents that need to be bought and awesome Spring weather that must be enjoyed before it freakin' snows again (jk...I hope). Ya'll have a great weekend!

Liebster Award!

I just got in from Alabama where I visited my friend, Sherry! Awesome trip, I miss her so much. I wish she lived closer, I'd love to do dinner with her and catch up in person.She's solid, down-to-earth, honest and real. Good people.



Anyway, while I was gone, Aleshea at Glitz & Grits nominated me for aLiebster Award! So honored, thank you! (If ya'll don't follow her, go check her out because she is HILARIOUS!)

The rules are basically answer the 11 questions listed for you, nominate 11 others and send them 11 questions to answer. Since I did this not too long ago I'm not going to pay it forward, but I will answer the questions!

Here are the questions Aleshea chose for her nominees!
1 Favorite word: only one? How about Love.
2 Favorite drink: Sweet Tea Baby!
3 Favorite color: in general, pink.
4 Life Motto: I don't have one. How lame is that?
5 Hero: my grandmother. I ask God to let her know I'm thinking of her.
6 Favorite song: lately it's been baa baa black sheep. :)
7 Give me seven random facts about yourself: 1) I hate washing my hair. 2) I'm slowly learning to cook and will try random recipes, like pretzel bites. 3) I can't spell worth poop. 4) I love my gps. 5) I write for a local monthly publication. 6) I have two pen pals I met through following Susan Branch 7) I still have two Christmas Trees up in my house.
8 Why'd you start your blog: just to track life.
9 Life goal: be happy
10 Favorite food: pinto beans and cornbread
11 What's the weather like where you are: cloudy and warm. The rain is on the way!

How sad is it that I didn't take any pics in Alabama? I know! Horrible! So here is one of me coming back into SC. I was pretty happy to be that far.


Ok friends, I'm off to eat some dinner and crash in my bed. Sweet dreams, ya'll!

Muffin Monday

I'm currently in Alabama, visiting a very dear friend. I miss my sweet Muffin kitty, and would love to share a pic with you.



She is hiding behind the curtain, which usually means she's doing something wrong! ha ha

My friend has two cats and two dogs so I've gotten plenty of pet lovin' this weekend. My family had loved on Muffin for me. :)

I'm also missing my sweet nieces. One I missed until her visit back her again. The other I'll see as soon as I get home. This are the pictures they sent while I was away:





Too funny! Hope you all have a great week ahead!

Friday's Letters And Confessions

Because no letter is complete without pics of Sweet Niece

Dear sickness, I've been polite in asking you to leave my family alone, but you haven't listened. I'm about to put my butt-kickin' boots on and take care of businesses. (I hope this sounds scary enough that you'll leave without a fight...)



Dear Atlanta, your traffic sucks.

Dear Alabama, your road work sucks, but your welcome center is beautiful.

Dear cancer, you suck. End of story.

Dear Hydrocodone cough syrup, you don't suck at all, you rock!

Dear blog friends, I'm so enjoying getting to know you through blogs, comments and conversation!



Dear God, thanks for many blessings, thanks for keeping Pop well so he can take care of everyone else. Especially while I'm gone

Link up with Ashley here!



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Friday Confessions!

I confess...I hadn't cleaned out my car in over a year and found quite a few things I've been missing. Oops.

I confess...my feet shouldn't been seen by man or beast until I get a pedi but oh well. Some folks better prepare to be scared.

I confess...I hate the capchas to post comments and usually have to do them twice. And that's ok when my comment posts afterwards, but when I get the "your comment will post after aporoval" um...isn't that a bit overkill?

I confess...weight loss is no longer an option. Seriously. I want to feel cute again, so I am going to HAVE to be better prepared at home and work.

I confess...I feel very guilty about leaving Muffin at home alone. :(

Make your confessions! Link up to Aubrey!