Reflections

I took a hiatus from posting any updates, though it wasn't intentional. Life has just been busy.

I went to NC a few weekends back. Hopped the train to VA, where I met Mal, and then we went home for a long weekend. It renewed my spirit to return, especially since my last visit before was for Mal's wedding. It was nice to visit without wedding chaos all around.

Two weekends prior to this, Kat and I drove to SC to visit my grandma in Surfside Beach. Kat had never been anywhere south of VA and it'd been Christmas since I last visited the beach. Even that trip was only about 24 hours. So, it felt good to go back. Plus, it's basically been the only vacation I've taken all year, minus about four days in Orlando in June.

While Kat and I were at the beach, it rained pretty much the whole time. The first day we got about a half day of sun, but even that disappeared in the late afternoon. So, we spent a lot of time indoors, where relaxing was inevitable. We did venture to La Belle Amie winery one day. It was about 45 minutes north of Surfside and made for a great day trip. The winery was quaint and sat on a good bit of land tucked off the highway. Two friendly dogs (Amy and Bella) roamed the grounds. Kat and I tasted just under 10 wines for $5. They also had lots of marinades and goodies that made great souvenirs. We purchased some wine, sat on a porch that overlooked the vineyard and munched on cheese, crackers and grapes. It was delightful.
That evening, Kat and I went with grandma and Joan to a nearby restaurant in Murrells Inlet called Divine Fish House. It was a very fitting name. The fresh seafood was mouth watering and the company made a fine compliment!After bidding farewell to Surfside Beach and family, Kat and I made our way south to an overnight B&B trip in Charleston, SC. I'd never been, but had been wanting to visit the beautiful city for years. What a city! There is so much to do and see there. Twenty four hours was not enough. We squeezed as much into our trip as possible, however. After arriving and checking into our B&B, Kat and I made our way to the downtown area where we took a carriage ride of the city. The Cannonboro Inn, where we were staying, offered a free wine and cheese "mingle" in the late afternoon. So, after our carriage ride, we went back to the B&B and got to know some of the other guests while we swapped stories and sipped on vino. When happy hour at the Cannonboro Inn wrapped, we went to a local restaurant recommended to us, Fleet Landing, where we each tried shrimp and grits for the first time. Mmm. Before the night ended, I went on a ghost tour of the old jail (Kat wasn't feeling well and bowed out of that adventure). Pretty spooky! The next morning, we enjoyed a homemade breakfast of lemon poppy seed waffles with blueberries on top served with a side of sausage, fresh coffee, and juice. Yum. Kat and I then hit the local market before the road called us home.This weekend, Tim came to visit from Philly. On Saturday we enjoyed beautiful weather at the zoo. Plus, all the animals that we went to see were actually out! In the past, they've been hidden away or certain exhibits were closed.We spent several hours there and were exhausted upon our return to the house. A night in was welcomed and needed after walking miles all afternoon. Today the two of us and Marie went to Crumland Farms, where the main attraction was a huge corn maze (a maize maze?). We also slid down a giant slide, drank hot apple cider, and took pics with local farm animals (goat and llamas, anyone?). Oh, and Marie and I did cartwheels. The day was much fun and was topped by a crisp coolness in the air.Fall is here.