Three girlfriends and I are just back from spending 4 days/nights at the same beach house at Emerald Isle that Pastor A. and his family enjoyed the previous week--see his blog for details:)
It is a sweet haven:)
Five of us ladies go to C.'s beach house yearly. C. is so gracious to invite us and is such a wonderful hostess:) One of our group has remarried recently and did not join us this fall since she is still honeymooning--we did miss her!
We began retreating together for prayer a few years ago when we served on our church's women's board. We are different ages and have different interests and different talents, but we truly enjoy one another's company and love being together! Love of the Lord is our bond, and it's a blessing to spend time catching up on each other's news, good and/or sad, and praying together for friends and family.
We read, walked on the beach & gathered sea shells, talked, ate seafood, shopped, biked, ate some more, slept in, talked late, played Scrabble, did the cross-word puzzle, worked on Bible Study homework, ate again, walked on the beach again, laughed, read the newspaper, joked, painted birds on a stool, drank coffee, shopped again, and prayed, not necessarily in that order:)
The beach in October is amazing, sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent. The sunsets are amazing, usually brilliant orange, peach, and purple. And the sky is amazing, crystal clear with not a cloud to be seen, or, dark and windy with rain blasting against the windows (that happened on Friday)!
What a refreshing vacation:) We all soaked it in, every minute. I'm ready to order up another one any time:)!! Thank you C., K., and N.:)
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
A Beautiful Fair Day
Yesterday, Saturday, a beautiful cool fall day, Keith and I headed out to the NC State Fair, jackets in hand plus my backpack. We got to the Fairgrounds by 9:45, found a parking spot along Beryl Road, a Jeep-sized space, then made our way along and across the railroad tracks to one of the ticket gates on Hillsborough Street. We've been parking along Beryl Road for almost 30 years (whoa!).
First stop, the poultry exhibit, my favorite. Not sure why, except most of them, hens, roosters, turkeys, guineas, peacocks and ducks, are so animated and upbeat-sounding, crowing, cackling, strutting their stuff as much as they can in their tiny cages.
Then through the cattle building and stopping briefly to watch some cow being judged--evidently people are only allowed along the perimeter this year after the ecoli scare last year. Next we walked into to a new building where the prize winning farm produce was displayed on one side, while on the other side goats were being judged. Not sure about the produce being with the animals, but---I guess the produce won't be eaten.
Next, the Village of Yesteryear, housed in an unique round brick building. I love this place, it's my third favorite exhibit, but usually it's so crowded it's hard to see what's going on. We got there before there was a crush of folks but still it was so busy we (at least me, the short one!) had to peep through the first line of curious lookers. Crafters and artists sell their wares as they form and shape their various pieces of art; potters, basketweavers, tatting artists, dulcimer makers, quilters, rug-makers, wood-carvers, etc.
After walking uphill to restaurant row, we stopped at the Cary UMC church booth for a delicious hot dog and hamburger, onion rings and fries, drinks, and a nice rest. We looked at a brochure/layout of the grounds and chose our next stop--the pottery tent, my second favorte place!!
We dodged people and rounded Dorton Arena to reach the pottery tent. It must be put together by Angela's brother, since quite a few pieces of his pottery were on the shelves:) We bought 4 Christmas gifts here! Pretty stuff, good prices, NC made:)!!
To wind up our Fair trip I looked over the quilts & cross-stitch entries--a treat to the eye-- while Keith waited outside resting his feet:) Then we toured the Jim Graham building filled with commercial vendors, but most importantly, the artwork and photography entries! My fourth favorite Fair "must see":) Keith & I think we could do better than the judges here:) Some of the best pictures did not get ribbons:( Still, it's wonderful and inspiring to see there are talented people in our area:)!
Finally we ended our day at the Folk Festival tent where bluegrass and clogging were 'showing their stuff'. A plus here; rows of chairs were a welcome sight for the weary Fair-goers:) Snacking on sweet fried dough, we enjoyed the exuberance of the entertainers, if not the talent:)
Bypassing the midway is becoming more and more the norm for Keith and me, unless it's to watch the wild and crazy rides and riders, but there's plenty to do and see without the games and rides:)
We had a grand time!!
Now IF we had another beautiful day, maybe we would do a few rides, play a few games, scout out the horses and look at the garden exhibits--for a start:)
First stop, the poultry exhibit, my favorite. Not sure why, except most of them, hens, roosters, turkeys, guineas, peacocks and ducks, are so animated and upbeat-sounding, crowing, cackling, strutting their stuff as much as they can in their tiny cages.
Then through the cattle building and stopping briefly to watch some cow being judged--evidently people are only allowed along the perimeter this year after the ecoli scare last year. Next we walked into to a new building where the prize winning farm produce was displayed on one side, while on the other side goats were being judged. Not sure about the produce being with the animals, but---I guess the produce won't be eaten.
Next, the Village of Yesteryear, housed in an unique round brick building. I love this place, it's my third favorite exhibit, but usually it's so crowded it's hard to see what's going on. We got there before there was a crush of folks but still it was so busy we (at least me, the short one!) had to peep through the first line of curious lookers. Crafters and artists sell their wares as they form and shape their various pieces of art; potters, basketweavers, tatting artists, dulcimer makers, quilters, rug-makers, wood-carvers, etc.
After walking uphill to restaurant row, we stopped at the Cary UMC church booth for a delicious hot dog and hamburger, onion rings and fries, drinks, and a nice rest. We looked at a brochure/layout of the grounds and chose our next stop--the pottery tent, my second favorte place!!
We dodged people and rounded Dorton Arena to reach the pottery tent. It must be put together by Angela's brother, since quite a few pieces of his pottery were on the shelves:) We bought 4 Christmas gifts here! Pretty stuff, good prices, NC made:)!!
To wind up our Fair trip I looked over the quilts & cross-stitch entries--a treat to the eye-- while Keith waited outside resting his feet:) Then we toured the Jim Graham building filled with commercial vendors, but most importantly, the artwork and photography entries! My fourth favorite Fair "must see":) Keith & I think we could do better than the judges here:) Some of the best pictures did not get ribbons:( Still, it's wonderful and inspiring to see there are talented people in our area:)!
Finally we ended our day at the Folk Festival tent where bluegrass and clogging were 'showing their stuff'. A plus here; rows of chairs were a welcome sight for the weary Fair-goers:) Snacking on sweet fried dough, we enjoyed the exuberance of the entertainers, if not the talent:)
Bypassing the midway is becoming more and more the norm for Keith and me, unless it's to watch the wild and crazy rides and riders, but there's plenty to do and see without the games and rides:)
We had a grand time!!
Now IF we had another beautiful day, maybe we would do a few rides, play a few games, scout out the horses and look at the garden exhibits--for a start:)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
On a pretty autumn afternoon
Sunday afternoon, Oct. 15th, Keith, Skye, Seth & Kelley and I pitched in to help Cameron move back to Apex after living in North Cary for almost 10 years. He has bought his first home, a pretty townhouse with a front porch, beautiful hardwood floors and a fireplace, in Scott's Mill, right off Apex-Barbecue Road.
And the best part? It's right next door to Seth & Kelley:)
How neat is that?!
He had a number of his buddies over to help so, although the move was hard work, it was quick work:) We are happy for him, and hope that he and Seth & Kelley will enjoy being neighbors:) Maybe they can sit on their front porches and rock together:)
And the best part? It's right next door to Seth & Kelley:)
How neat is that?!
He had a number of his buddies over to help so, although the move was hard work, it was quick work:) We are happy for him, and hope that he and Seth & Kelley will enjoy being neighbors:) Maybe they can sit on their front porches and rock together:)
Friday, October 13, 2006
A Monet Friday
During the day Lorraine, Ralph and Keith and I made a last minute decision to try to see the new Monet exhibit at the NC Museum of Art here in Raleigh. The Museum was offering free admission today only. It officially opens Sunday and will cost $15 per person.
We decided to meet at the Museum at 6pm, NC State fair and Carolina Hurricane's traffic permitting. Ralph and Lorraine made it on time, but we had to deal with heavy traffic on our side of town so we were delayed about 20 minutes. After a 30 minute wait in line, we found Ralph and Lorraine and entered "Monet land".
Wow! It is so amazing! Beautiful paintings filled with stroke after stroke of color, color, color, sun-drenched light, diffused light, moonlight, sailboats, flowers, waterlilies, poplar trees, clouds, cliffs, cathedrals, hazy atmosphere, bright atomosphere, etc.:) There were a few pictures I had never seen before and one of those has never been on display in public until now! It's an impressive collection. How nice is that the NC Art Museum owns two of the better known ones:)
It was like candy for the eyes to me, an Art History major, and to Lorraine, an art lover and artist. Yum!!! We hope to see it again before the exhibit leaves in January--like icing on the cake (and hopefully less people!:)
We decided to meet at the Museum at 6pm, NC State fair and Carolina Hurricane's traffic permitting. Ralph and Lorraine made it on time, but we had to deal with heavy traffic on our side of town so we were delayed about 20 minutes. After a 30 minute wait in line, we found Ralph and Lorraine and entered "Monet land".
Wow! It is so amazing! Beautiful paintings filled with stroke after stroke of color, color, color, sun-drenched light, diffused light, moonlight, sailboats, flowers, waterlilies, poplar trees, clouds, cliffs, cathedrals, hazy atmosphere, bright atomosphere, etc.:) There were a few pictures I had never seen before and one of those has never been on display in public until now! It's an impressive collection. How nice is that the NC Art Museum owns two of the better known ones:)
It was like candy for the eyes to me, an Art History major, and to Lorraine, an art lover and artist. Yum!!! We hope to see it again before the exhibit leaves in January--like icing on the cake (and hopefully less people!:)
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Donating Blood
Late this afternoon Skye and I met at the Cary Red Cross Center at Regency to donate blood.
Beth Barfield had arrived earlier and was ahead of us in line. Beth tends to be a slow donor so she gets to the Center before the rest of us:) Beth, Kathy Worrell, and I have given blood together on a regular basis for a few years now:) Kathy is taking a Broker's class this week and couldn't join us; she was disappointed.
I've been encouraging Skye to come along and try it. She said she'd think about it. And earlier this summer she donated with a few of her friends during the Raleigh Moravian Church blood drive. How neat:)
Giving blood is easy for me. I've donated most of my adult life, even donating platlets for a few years. Do you know only 20% of the population gives blood? I had hoped someday the boys or Skye might join me in helping with this worthy cause.
Today Skye and I donated together:) The nurse says she has good veins:)
Giving is a blessing:) Giving with friends is a wonderful blessing:) Giving with your daugther is a special blessing:)
Beth Barfield had arrived earlier and was ahead of us in line. Beth tends to be a slow donor so she gets to the Center before the rest of us:) Beth, Kathy Worrell, and I have given blood together on a regular basis for a few years now:) Kathy is taking a Broker's class this week and couldn't join us; she was disappointed.
I've been encouraging Skye to come along and try it. She said she'd think about it. And earlier this summer she donated with a few of her friends during the Raleigh Moravian Church blood drive. How neat:)
Giving blood is easy for me. I've donated most of my adult life, even donating platlets for a few years. Do you know only 20% of the population gives blood? I had hoped someday the boys or Skye might join me in helping with this worthy cause.
Today Skye and I donated together:) The nurse says she has good veins:)
Giving is a blessing:) Giving with friends is a wonderful blessing:) Giving with your daugther is a special blessing:)
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
October 10th, the Aftermath
Well now, the articles in the News & Observer make me wonder if we will have residual effects from the chemical fire, and the chemical plant owner is talking about re-building and opening again. Scary talk to those of us who live in Apex!
I bought new air filters today to replace the old ones. They look too flimsy to protect anybody from hazardous fumes. And my crawl space may be harboring low-lying toxic fumes as well. Do we open our crawl space doors and it's solved? Is that all we can do after such a scare?
I think most of Apex would agree that the "Peak of Good Living" should not include a hazardous waste holding site in the middle of town!
It'll be interesting to see if the citizens take a stand on this.
My bet is they will.
I bought new air filters today to replace the old ones. They look too flimsy to protect anybody from hazardous fumes. And my crawl space may be harboring low-lying toxic fumes as well. Do we open our crawl space doors and it's solved? Is that all we can do after such a scare?
I think most of Apex would agree that the "Peak of Good Living" should not include a hazardous waste holding site in the middle of town!
It'll be interesting to see if the citizens take a stand on this.
My bet is they will.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
The Rest of the Story
It's Sunday night, October 8th, and the explosion/fire in Apex is out, the evacuation orders have been rescended as of Saturday morning, and all of the community is breathing a sigh of relief that we have escaped a disaster.
After talking to a few neighbors, at least two families slept through the crisis Thursday night, completely unaware of the situation, and others decided to stay put overnight and leave Friday morning. There was confusion but, in the end, we are okay. Hallelujah!
Four of us who work at the Beaver Creek Hallmark opened the store Saturday morning after being closed all day Friday---a half hour late, but we did it:) Our manager has been in Colo. since last Wednesday and our assistant manager was evacuated to North Raleigh. All went well, but people seemed a little edgy after all the commotion.
I must say being startled with bad news Thursday night, evacuating, feeling like gypsy's for a short time, watching the TV reports constantly, and not knowing what would happen next, is tiring. Keith, Skye and I all have been getting a nap whenever we can.
Now the HazMat folks have to figure out what triggered the explosions and fire, clean up the residue, and make sure the ground water is protected.
Life can come at you fast and you do what you can, all the while throwing up a prayer.
Hopefully our town will learn from this.
And we know that our trust is not in town officials but in the One who is Soverign:)
After talking to a few neighbors, at least two families slept through the crisis Thursday night, completely unaware of the situation, and others decided to stay put overnight and leave Friday morning. There was confusion but, in the end, we are okay. Hallelujah!
Four of us who work at the Beaver Creek Hallmark opened the store Saturday morning after being closed all day Friday---a half hour late, but we did it:) Our manager has been in Colo. since last Wednesday and our assistant manager was evacuated to North Raleigh. All went well, but people seemed a little edgy after all the commotion.
I must say being startled with bad news Thursday night, evacuating, feeling like gypsy's for a short time, watching the TV reports constantly, and not knowing what would happen next, is tiring. Keith, Skye and I all have been getting a nap whenever we can.
Now the HazMat folks have to figure out what triggered the explosions and fire, clean up the residue, and make sure the ground water is protected.
Life can come at you fast and you do what you can, all the while throwing up a prayer.
Hopefully our town will learn from this.
And we know that our trust is not in town officials but in the One who is Soverign:)
Friday, October 06, 2006
October 5th, 6th Apex Crisis
Whew! What an anxious time in our comfy town!
We are home now after slipping past two road blocks and spending a harrowing & draining night away from home. Will we be safe here? Should we have returned? Will we be able to stay? Can we leave if necessary?
At 1pm this morning we evacuated Shepherd's Vineyard. This was a result of watching the local news for 3 hours and hearing reports about a hazardous chemical fire in a facility less than 2 miles from our neighborhood! After hearing a few policemen and firemen were sent to the hospital, Keith told us it was time to leave!
Seth had called about 11:30 offering his couch and floor if we needed it. Since he & Kelley were on the 'safe' side of town, west of the fire, we each grabbed a pillow and jumped into the Jeep and 'crashed' at their townhouse.
We dozed now and then as we kept one ear open for news updates all night long.
This morning Seth & Kelley headed out to Raleigh early for pre-wedding festivites with Kelley's brother John and sister in law to be, Shelly.
It is a rainy day. The hazardous waste experts say the rain will be helpful in putting out the fire. The wind has been calm, a blessing! The HazMat crews have entered the site and are accessing the situation--a good beginning! Gas readings were high at the Eva Perry library around dawn, but those readings & readings at other sites around Apex seem to be safe at this time.
We decided to scout out the area and find breakfast, and see if we could get back home to grab a few things we needed. The news reporters were set up across from Bojangles near Shepherd's Vineyard, so that's where we headed. After eating and watching the news crews, and seeing all the countless firetrucks, HazMat trucks and rescue squads parked at Laurel Village, we figured we'd TRY to get back to the house.
Three routes were blocked by policemen or patrolmen along 64. Then we discovered the Leith car dealer road open---a possibility! We drove through, then on to Olde Raleigh Road----still clear, and finally left onto Olde Raleigh where the roadblock cones were just beyond Shepherd's Vineyard Drive! Just past our road--an opening! Yey! We were in!
Home!
Our birds were still breathing, in fine shape---a good sign of no gas:)
Whoa, our computers!
A hot shower!
My toothbrush!
Food!
Thank the Lord:)
Now, the crisis is not over. The fire is still burning. The evacuation notice will not be rescended until the fire is out. Skye has left to meet a friend, but Keith warned her she might not be able to return if they realize our area is not 'quite' secured. She may have to camp out somewhere else tonight. Who knows??? Is it wise for us to be here??
Some days are more adventuresome than others!
We are on alert on Apache Lane.
We are home now after slipping past two road blocks and spending a harrowing & draining night away from home. Will we be safe here? Should we have returned? Will we be able to stay? Can we leave if necessary?
At 1pm this morning we evacuated Shepherd's Vineyard. This was a result of watching the local news for 3 hours and hearing reports about a hazardous chemical fire in a facility less than 2 miles from our neighborhood! After hearing a few policemen and firemen were sent to the hospital, Keith told us it was time to leave!
Seth had called about 11:30 offering his couch and floor if we needed it. Since he & Kelley were on the 'safe' side of town, west of the fire, we each grabbed a pillow and jumped into the Jeep and 'crashed' at their townhouse.
We dozed now and then as we kept one ear open for news updates all night long.
This morning Seth & Kelley headed out to Raleigh early for pre-wedding festivites with Kelley's brother John and sister in law to be, Shelly.
It is a rainy day. The hazardous waste experts say the rain will be helpful in putting out the fire. The wind has been calm, a blessing! The HazMat crews have entered the site and are accessing the situation--a good beginning! Gas readings were high at the Eva Perry library around dawn, but those readings & readings at other sites around Apex seem to be safe at this time.
We decided to scout out the area and find breakfast, and see if we could get back home to grab a few things we needed. The news reporters were set up across from Bojangles near Shepherd's Vineyard, so that's where we headed. After eating and watching the news crews, and seeing all the countless firetrucks, HazMat trucks and rescue squads parked at Laurel Village, we figured we'd TRY to get back to the house.
Three routes were blocked by policemen or patrolmen along 64. Then we discovered the Leith car dealer road open---a possibility! We drove through, then on to Olde Raleigh Road----still clear, and finally left onto Olde Raleigh where the roadblock cones were just beyond Shepherd's Vineyard Drive! Just past our road--an opening! Yey! We were in!
Home!
Our birds were still breathing, in fine shape---a good sign of no gas:)
Whoa, our computers!
A hot shower!
My toothbrush!
Food!
Thank the Lord:)
Now, the crisis is not over. The fire is still burning. The evacuation notice will not be rescended until the fire is out. Skye has left to meet a friend, but Keith warned her she might not be able to return if they realize our area is not 'quite' secured. She may have to camp out somewhere else tonight. Who knows??? Is it wise for us to be here??
Some days are more adventuresome than others!
We are on alert on Apache Lane.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Getting older
October came in on Sunday, my favorite month.
A month filled with beautiful color and cooler weather, and the Fair! I just love it!
My birth month.
I have worked for a year now at Hallmark and I enjoy my job, but am feeling the aches and pains of being on the down side of my fifth decade. I stand for hours, lift and re-arrange heavy shelves, and move boxes, etc. Like all baby boomers, I fight 'tooth and nail' the idea that I am aging! Having any twinge irks me, even makes me mad:( I try to walk five days a week, and yearn to walk four miles rather than two, but lately my knees are starting to rebel:( In the last few weeks my left knee has been reminding me that I'm not 20 any more--ugh:( Pain wakes me up at night. Pain jabs through my joint when I step down stairs. I am insulted by this. My body is not cooperating.
Now, I'm not one to regret getting older. I am happy to be in my fifties:) I feel better now than, in many ways, I did in the past.
I love seeing my children as happy adults who like each other--- and I love when Keith & I get to spend time with them, I enjoy my dear sweet friends, and I really like the girls I work with (especially my manager), I love my church family, and my extended family:) I look forward to my walks, beginning an art class with my friend Lorraine in a few weeks, finding a great sale, and reading good books.
So, I will take a few Advil and Alieve and keep on trucking.
I am grateful for my 57 years:)
I am blessed.
A month filled with beautiful color and cooler weather, and the Fair! I just love it!
My birth month.
I have worked for a year now at Hallmark and I enjoy my job, but am feeling the aches and pains of being on the down side of my fifth decade. I stand for hours, lift and re-arrange heavy shelves, and move boxes, etc. Like all baby boomers, I fight 'tooth and nail' the idea that I am aging! Having any twinge irks me, even makes me mad:( I try to walk five days a week, and yearn to walk four miles rather than two, but lately my knees are starting to rebel:( In the last few weeks my left knee has been reminding me that I'm not 20 any more--ugh:( Pain wakes me up at night. Pain jabs through my joint when I step down stairs. I am insulted by this. My body is not cooperating.
Now, I'm not one to regret getting older. I am happy to be in my fifties:) I feel better now than, in many ways, I did in the past.
I love seeing my children as happy adults who like each other--- and I love when Keith & I get to spend time with them, I enjoy my dear sweet friends, and I really like the girls I work with (especially my manager), I love my church family, and my extended family:) I look forward to my walks, beginning an art class with my friend Lorraine in a few weeks, finding a great sale, and reading good books.
So, I will take a few Advil and Alieve and keep on trucking.
I am grateful for my 57 years:)
I am blessed.
Monday, October 02, 2006
A wedding trip
Our weekend trip was a refreshing change of scenery:) We enjoyed our quick visits to the new Detroit airport, a huge place filled with floor to ceiling windows, and shops and restuarants, as well at the small newly remodeled Madison airport designed with mission style windows & lights, & beautiful tile!
Right now Kendall & Kristen are on their way to Hawaii for their honeymoon, and Uncle Denny & Aunt Nancy are breathing a sigh of relief that all the festivities went smoothly:)
The Baraboo area is primarily rolling dairy farm land. The fall foliage was beginning to turn color and the yellow & red maples were already show stopping:) The air was cool and crisp and we loved it:)
On our way back to Madison Sunday we had time to tour the University of Wisconsin campus. It is on a hill overlooking a large lake and on Sunday it was a brilliant color of blue covered with countless sailboats enjoying the breezy day. We also took time to meander around the Capitol building downtown, taking photos of the huge marble building as well as the cow statues that are scattered around the grounds painted in every conceivable way----similar to our wolves in Raleigh a few years ago:)
A picturesque town:)
Cameron called about an hour ago saying he was back in the Triangle, passing by Chapel Hill as we talked. After having breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa this morning, he drove the 9 hours home.
So he is home, and we are home, and it was a blessing to be with the newlyweds and family, and then it is always a blessing to be back home safe and sound:)
And to dream of a new destination to visit in the future:)
Right now Kendall & Kristen are on their way to Hawaii for their honeymoon, and Uncle Denny & Aunt Nancy are breathing a sigh of relief that all the festivities went smoothly:)
The Baraboo area is primarily rolling dairy farm land. The fall foliage was beginning to turn color and the yellow & red maples were already show stopping:) The air was cool and crisp and we loved it:)
On our way back to Madison Sunday we had time to tour the University of Wisconsin campus. It is on a hill overlooking a large lake and on Sunday it was a brilliant color of blue covered with countless sailboats enjoying the breezy day. We also took time to meander around the Capitol building downtown, taking photos of the huge marble building as well as the cow statues that are scattered around the grounds painted in every conceivable way----similar to our wolves in Raleigh a few years ago:)
A picturesque town:)
Cameron called about an hour ago saying he was back in the Triangle, passing by Chapel Hill as we talked. After having breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa this morning, he drove the 9 hours home.
So he is home, and we are home, and it was a blessing to be with the newlyweds and family, and then it is always a blessing to be back home safe and sound:)
And to dream of a new destination to visit in the future:)
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