Our New Baby

More photos of Vango to follow...

Today's Fortune

In the Hedge this Morning

A very large spider did the fancy stitch work. You can see striped legs behind the zigzag at the center of the photo.

Drama in the Dental Chair

Warning: If you are not fond of going to the dentist, stop reading now. Today I went in for a crown, and the experience was everything I dreaded and more. In two and a half hours in the chair, there were five shots of novocaine, multiple rounds of drilling, and laser work under my gum line. Somehow in all the fun and games, my tongue got cut, but the worst was when the dentist pushed back and exclaimed, "I can't do this!" My tongue is now the size of the Goodyear blimp, and my jaw is pulsing, even though it's still numb. This did nothing for my dental phobia other than giving me impure thoughts of drinking my dinner...

Well Worth the Trip

Tom and I made a day trip to a neighboring city on some business that didn't pan out. Everything was "all better," though, when we ran into an authentic Korean restaurant. I was thrilled to find my fave on the menu. Naeng Myeon is cold noodle soup made with buckwheat noodles, assorted veggies, and a hard-boiled egg bobbing in a heavily ICED broth. The serving is huge and traditionally follows bulgogi or Korean barbecue. It was perfect for a hot summer day, but even using proper technique I couldn't drain the bowl. We must go back for dinner!

One Excellent Weekend

We're thrilled our friends Ann and Eric moved back to the area. Yesterday we met for a Mongolian barbecue lunch and then went to see The 100 Foot Journey. Any foodie or travel junkie would love the movie, although I highly advise going on a FULL stomach. This morning we were up early enough to see the super moon set. We fueled our bodies at a quirky locals buffet--two unhealthy, filling breakfasts for well under $10--and hit our favorite river for an eight-mile paddle. We saw egrets and herons, the usual 12,237 turtles, and plenty of gators. Lingering too long in the side channels, we got stuck in a rapidly developing thunderstorm. We slid our kayaks under a dock to wait it out as the rain blew across the river in sheets. We were completely drenched and had standing water in our boats by the time it was safe to work our way back to the put-in. We can't wait to get out again!

I Do Believe...

I'm knitting a sweater! There. Now that I've said it, I'll have to keep at it.

Wish I Had Stayed Up North!

The blower on our air conditioning unit failed this evening. Now, at 2am, it's 82*/28C indoors and warming. Can't open the doors and windows because of the oppressive humidity. Ugh.

Happy Reunion

Holly playing catch-up.

Warm Welcome Home

Exhausted but hungry. Heading out soon for seafood dinner with friends. Don't plan to drive again any time soon...

Clearly Back in the South

There are biscuits and gravy on the breakfast buffet, and everyone is calling me "ma'am" again. (Finally blogging about something other than chilly weather, although it is unseasonably cool here this AM after a long rain overnight.)

How NOT to Travel...

Last Morning in Paradise

The furnace is on, and I can see my breath. In a few days, I'll be sweltering back home. Last evening the neighbors gave me a wonderful farewell dinner. Makes it even harder to leave. I just love this place! PS Gary made his famous blueberry pancakes before my departure. Incredible!