Week One, Summer is upon us

Summer Week One

"...I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work..." -The Auburn Creed

LDC and I headed to Alabama for her week at swim camp.

I didn't take her last year so this was my first time in Auburn in over 14 years.  I am positive she was tired of me saying, "Wow, that wasn't here when I was here last".

(For example, scanning a QR code in order for us to jump on and ride scooters on the Concourse...wee bit of a learning curve.)

After getting her settled in, I headed down to Panama City Beach with a zero agenda...except to meet up with three besties.

“Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses... swapped back and forth and over again.” - M.O.

It's not February yet so I am not a complete slacker.

Cheers to a year where every day is a tiny celebration of life.

A Belated New Year's Eve Celebration together

And...

During the work week, LDC has to the share the responsibility of lunch making.

My treat this day was an over the top dining experience.

January is looking good.

Well...

The post was still in my draft file.

Still...

 “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” —Nido Qubein

a new species of dolphin

Last week of the 2023 year

Beach Days are the Best Days

We are slowly checking off the SC State Parks.

This trip was to include two parks... Edisto and Hunting Island.

Hunting Island was a "go" but unfortunately we ended up being a "no show" for Edisto because we only were given one night to escape for some peace and calm.  One night is better than no night though.

Hunting Island State Park

Happy Hour with a view

...thirty minutes later, I realized the bag with our campfire dinner ingredients was still at home...whoops.

All kinds of critters.

Lined Sea Star

Lettered Olive

Portuguese man o' war 

Physalia physalis

Sept 2016 National Geographic article contained this "most famous" tree.

Interesting biology fun fact:

"We’ve always felt that our playful Lowcountry dolphins are a special breed, and now scientists have confirmed it to be true. Beaufort’s dolphins are a new species, separate from the other dolphins living offshore."

Chief Tamanend, who was known for his wisdom and peaceful nature.

Youthfulness

“To succeed in life, you need three things: 

a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”

 – Reba McEntire

November, Etiquette-wise, it's almost time to deck the halls.

Thanksgiving 

Salem

2023

Ahhhhhhh, the traditional smoked turkey.

Dad up with the moon, manning the Smoker, in the chilly (more like freezing) pre-dawn air.

(Look at that golden yumminess.)

In the pic above is Grandson, the relief Carver, now...Carver.

(Experienced Carver still at the helm, in his traditional 20+ year attire.) 

The kitchen smells like orange peels and rosemary.

Around the table and after the meal everyone continues to stay put for:

some kind of family game with a wee bit of competition,

 lottery ticket scratching, and 

snuffing candles.

Fast forward to the next night.

Birthday Festivities for Dad with an Italy theme

Pin the Hand on David

And that’s another trip around the sun.

"If you want to get technical: According to a survey conducted by YouGov, "Almost one half of holiday decorators get started between Thanksgiving and the end of November. Around one in six (16%) will wait until early December, but only 5% get started on decorating in mid-December or later."" 

So, a majority of people believe that Christmas décor is the earlier the better... after Thanksgiving dinner has been cleared away and a certain birthday has been celebrated, of course.

Eras and Vitamin Sea

The Eras Tour Concert Film

The girls had the whole movie theater to themselves.  LOTS of dancing and singing.

Side note: Feet were scrubbed before bed.

Shrimp and Grits Festival

JI GA

2023

1. “Everybody’s got to believe in something. I believe I’ll have another beer.” — Unknown

Sunny skies, delectable dishes, and there is no place like seaside with friends.

Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Strenuous

Fall Break Backpacking Trip

Oct 2023

Paris Mountain State Park

North Lake

Site #2

For a hike-in site to have a p-i-c-n-i-c table.

What??!!

Ahhhhhhh- slice of luxury.

Needlepoint with a view....

Journaling and a nap in the sunshine to follow...

And what every backpacker crosses their fingers for...

waking up to sunshine, as to not have a heavy wet tent to carry.

So the trails we hiked on were identified as easy, moderate, difficult and strenuous.

On the way TO the campsite...no issues...definitely not "strenuous".

Whew! 

 On the way BACK. 

Another story.

Strenuous.

Hard candy treats.

Singing...while huffing and puffing.

Playing twenty questions.

One foot after the other.

LDC, "Mom, let me get your picture. Why don't you sit on the tree?".

Me, "If I sit down, your mother will not be able to get up.".

 “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills