We collected several neat pine cones for Christmas
My girls need a little practice on their Toyota jumps :)
This one is for Monet :)
Here we were watching a big turtle that kept surfacing
Fishing requires some good reading on my part.
October 21, 2011
September 25, 2011
Book Reviews
This week I read two very different books.
The first was Stargirl by Jerri Spinelli.
It was a quick, light read. I recommend it for teens, and those seeking cute fun entertainment. I dare someone to read it and not love the main girl and her adorable compassion. She was a great role model for anyone, and had such love for those around her. She really was unique. I loved how honest the narrator was with his own feelings. He was a teenage boy trapped between worshipping her goodness, and caring about his own insecurities. It takes you back to your years of stretching and discovering yourself.
The second was The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton.
It won the Pulitizer prize in 1921. I had seen the movie back in high school, but had never read the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It takes you into a world that is so unlike what we know now. It takes place in the wealthy circles of New York City just before the turn of the Century. Everything was done exactly in order with what was proper. Society was very polite, but the underbelly was fierce and hostile. I usually don't like stories where adultery is any part of it, but this one was fascinating to me because of the edges of the story. After reading it, I watched the movie again on Netflix. I have never seen a movie done so exactly like the book it copied! It is EXACTLY like the book. In fact, the dialogue is word for word. The director really paid attention to the details. I loved the description of certain things like the pearl binoculars Madame Ollenska uses at the Opera, or the gold cigarette case she wears around her bracelet, or that the gentlemen always wore a flower in their pocket (usually gardenias), etc. I just loved the beauty and detail of this book. Also, this book does make you think about what we choose in our life and how it ends up because of it. Archer, the main man, ends up being faithful to his wife and family and never goes after the woman he wants most, and I believe his life was richer because of it. Although there is a sense of loss and regret at the end of the book, I left it feeling peaceful and full. I loved it from cover to cover. And I highly recommend the movie since it is so true to the novel.
The first was Stargirl by Jerri Spinelli.
It was a quick, light read. I recommend it for teens, and those seeking cute fun entertainment. I dare someone to read it and not love the main girl and her adorable compassion. She was a great role model for anyone, and had such love for those around her. She really was unique. I loved how honest the narrator was with his own feelings. He was a teenage boy trapped between worshipping her goodness, and caring about his own insecurities. It takes you back to your years of stretching and discovering yourself.
The second was The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton.
It won the Pulitizer prize in 1921. I had seen the movie back in high school, but had never read the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It takes you into a world that is so unlike what we know now. It takes place in the wealthy circles of New York City just before the turn of the Century. Everything was done exactly in order with what was proper. Society was very polite, but the underbelly was fierce and hostile. I usually don't like stories where adultery is any part of it, but this one was fascinating to me because of the edges of the story. After reading it, I watched the movie again on Netflix. I have never seen a movie done so exactly like the book it copied! It is EXACTLY like the book. In fact, the dialogue is word for word. The director really paid attention to the details. I loved the description of certain things like the pearl binoculars Madame Ollenska uses at the Opera, or the gold cigarette case she wears around her bracelet, or that the gentlemen always wore a flower in their pocket (usually gardenias), etc. I just loved the beauty and detail of this book. Also, this book does make you think about what we choose in our life and how it ends up because of it. Archer, the main man, ends up being faithful to his wife and family and never goes after the woman he wants most, and I believe his life was richer because of it. Although there is a sense of loss and regret at the end of the book, I left it feeling peaceful and full. I loved it from cover to cover. And I highly recommend the movie since it is so true to the novel.
September Summary
Things are mellowing out around here. The heat is finally losing its punch, the kids are well settled in school, the days are getting shorter, and life keeps rollin' along.
Ethan has his first Orthodontist appointment on Tuesday...fun for him! Someone please help him with those two front teeth. I know we all have akward years, but jeez :) He is loving his soccer season so far. He mostly plays defense positions, but does move up to offense occasionally. He is a great little player. We love to watch him. Last week he scored a game-winning goal right before the game ended. It was the highlight of his year. He was completely lost in the moment. Of course, I didn't have my camera there. He is singing a duet in the upcoming Primary Program at church. It is so cute to watch it makes my heart hurt. He is going through the process of testing for the "ABC" program at school. Basically he would just attend a different class one day out of the week to give him some neat projects and assignments to stretch his brain. He has been fun to watch in school.
Abigail got to go to the high school this week to attend a pep rally. She got her face painted with paw prints, got to send off balloons, and really thought it was cool to see all the "big" high school kids. She is shy at school, but is doing a great job with her work. She was really lucky to get a WONDERFUL teacher who is super interactive with her. Abby has improved leaps and bounds in her reading this last month. She gets so excited to read a whole story by herself. I love that magic window that opens for kids about this age. It is great to witness. She lost a tooth this week, and just showed me this morning that she has two more loose. Oh great...here come the akward years for her too :)
Jade is discovering that we can yell when we are mad....where she picked this up I don't know. My sweet little angel sometimes will open up that sweet little mouth and project things that I didn't know were in there. It scares me! She also has a crush on a little boy at school...ug. I am trying to downplay the darn thing, but every day she wants to tell me all about "Jake" and how she is his little princess. It grosses me out. Every other parent might say....awwww... but not me.
This month we had a wonderful visit from my long time friend, Camille and her adorable husband, Raj and son, Nicholas. They live in Nashville, and passed through our area on the way back from Destin, FL for a vacation. It was SO GOOD to see them. I only wish we lived closer, but at least we can see them once in a while. Nashville is drivable for a long weekend :)
I continue to discover new and fun things about the South. The cotton is visibly growing on the plants now. Our allergies are taking a spike upward. I have discovered some fun flea markets. Yesterday Jake and Ethan were helping at a booth for the Aviation Expo here, so the girls and I took off for a fun day at Sadie's Flea Market.
We had a blast! Where else do you see a booth full of nuts and bolts, next to a booth with wii games, next to a booth with fresh produce, next to a booth with dream catchers, next to a booth of boiled peanuts, next to a booth with old teapots, next to a... you get my point :) We ate ice cream cones and boiled peanuts as we strolled through the randomness. The girls loved seeing the little puppies for sale the most. they each bought themselves some fun jewelry. I found some really cool old rings that I bought for $1 each. I had never been to anything like it before :)
I loved this booth full of great cast iron pots.
Jade loved trying on hats at one booth. She had to be dragged away.
The girls enjoying their rainbow sherbet while drooling over all the sparkly jewelry.
I still have yet to attend the many weekend auctions around here. They are the thing to do apparently. The National Peanut Festival is coming up in November. It is a pretty big deal. Jake is in charge of an elephant ear booth with the scouts. Since we are in the peanut capital of the world, we have to go! I have seen a few peanut fields being harvested already and they harvest them through November.
In other news: Jake has been running a lot and has lost about 25 pounds in a couple of months. He looks and feels great. Go Jake! Run for the both of us! I had an appointment with my Dr. about my hip. The x-rays looked great and you cannot see the fracture any more!!! The pain I still feel is from the screws that are still in there. They can't take those out for at least 6 months to a year, but in the mean time they gave me a shot of cortizone in that area, and I have felt like a new woman! I am officially off crutches! Life is GOOD. I have applied for several jobs, interviewed for a handful, and am waiting to hear back about one this week. I hope it works out.
In other news: Jake has been running a lot and has lost about 25 pounds in a couple of months. He looks and feels great. Go Jake! Run for the both of us! I had an appointment with my Dr. about my hip. The x-rays looked great and you cannot see the fracture any more!!! The pain I still feel is from the screws that are still in there. They can't take those out for at least 6 months to a year, but in the mean time they gave me a shot of cortizone in that area, and I have felt like a new woman! I am officially off crutches! Life is GOOD. I have applied for several jobs, interviewed for a handful, and am waiting to hear back about one this week. I hope it works out.
September 4, 2011
Books in Review
I need to start writing a summary of the books I read. I read A LOT of books, but hardly take the time to share my thoughts on them. Then a few years later when someone asks me what I liked or didn't like about a book I can't recall everything. I am very biased. I am not a book critic that has to have a fair outlook. I only promise to be honest with how I felt. I am sure there are many who would disagree with my opinions, and that is fine...that is just what this will be...my opinions.
This year I took the time to reread many classics. Having recently received a Kindle, I uploaded many free old books, and found myself engrossed in them. Some I have reread many times. Others I have never cracked open before. I also fit some others in between, and as always, I have a long list of those on my "To Read" list. So far this year, the books I can remember reading are these:
Classics:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Will forever by one of my favorites. The author reached deep into my mind and heart to play with my emotions. She knows just what tender strings to pluck about love, loss, friendship, and family. I love how she takes the every day situations we all face and sees them through rose-colored glasses. So sweet. I cry out of joy every time.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Depressing. A constant downward spiral until the end. You almost feel a sense of relief when she finally ends her life. Bad choices all around.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Strange, but good. I love how Jane is ever-enduring. She is quiet and calm through a lot of terrible things in her life. I think it is a little over-dramatic, but I do still love it.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Again, over-dramatic. It almost scared me. I feel like Heathcliff is scary and represents a little piece in all of us that could get carried away with our passions. I used to think it romantic to have such an all-encompassing love, but as I have grown a little, I realize that it really isn't romantic at all. It is pretty sad.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I love Charles Dickens! I think he has beautiful prose. He always has underlying messages about his faith. Although the story-line in this isn't the best, I do enjoy the characters and the messages it brings. One of my all time favorite books is another by Dickens..." A Tale of Two Cities". What a great book that is!
Les Miserable by Victor Hugo. It is in a class all its own. Very powerful. There is a reason the whole world knows and loves this story. I am very emotionally tied to this book, the Broadway play, and the music that goes along.
Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abby, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Emma by Jane Austen. Aahh, swoon. So love her work! Of course, Pride and Prejudice is in the lead (with the rest of the female human race). I am, and always will be, madly in love with Mr. Darcy. I just watched a funny movie made in England called "Lost in Austen". It is about a girl in modern times that finds herself switching roles with Elizabeth Bennet. Quite a cute take on what a misfit we would be if placed amidst them. Although her stories are all similar and predictable, we can still relate to them hundreds of years later. I will reread them all many times throughout my life.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Well written. Again, sad, but good. I love the characters in this. I think reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is one of my favorite characters ever. This book really shows well what happens to us if we are always carrying around a load of guilt with us, whether that guilt is earned or not. It also shows what hate and revenge can do, as well as what a mob-effect can create in people. I never knew that it was based on a true story until I reread it this last time. There was a preface in this edition about how the author got the idea for the story. Very interesting.
This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Boring. I kept waiting for it to get good, but it didn't. I never finished it. I got about half way through and decided I didn't have time for this boring book in my life. My hat goes off to those who can read it and get something worthwhile for themselves.
Non-Classics:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Hugely popular right now, and for a good reason. I loved this book. I thought it was well written, it was funny, sad, adorable, strong, etc. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool. Such a fun read! I stumbled across this book by accident, and really enjoyed it. It takes place in a small town in the dust bowl. About a young girl who is finding her place in life, and discovering her relationship with her only family member, her father. It is charming. It has mystery, real-life situations, and so much love. I am so glad it found its way into my hands.
The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan. I am 50/50 about this book. I feel like the author was trying to make some strong points with not much substance to back them up. Much ado about nothing. It is about a woman who was raped as a teen, and developed a strong social anxiety disorder, which became worse as she grew. Through a short-lived marriage, and then the rest of her life she stayed locked up in her mansion. It was supposed to have an over-all feel good ending, but I was left wanting.
Far Away Home by Susan Denning. Pretty cute. The story is about a young woman in the late 1800s who becomes an orphan and sets off from NY in search for a new start out west. She has some adventures on the way to Utah, and ends up having some strange mixed-up relationships along the way. At first I didn't like the way this book ended, but after thinking about it for a few days I can see exactly why the author ended it the way she did.
The Girl Who Played With Fire. Only read a few chapters. It was dirty, low-class, and I am surprised this series is so popular. I think it was typical and not well-written (from what I read).
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. I liked this book. It was an easy read. I am not singing her praises, but I do think it was worth my time.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. I LOVE this book. If I were a writer, I would want to write like this! From the very first sentence this book drew me in. I think the author is witty and fresh, and altogether a brilliant writer. The story-line isn't super strong, but the writing is enough to feast on.
the Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull. This has been fun for the kids and I together. We have been reading a chapter or two together each day. It is a little too old for my girls, but Ethan is diggin it. I love his use of vocabulary. I am stopping quite often to explain a word, and I love that. We are almost done with book two.
The Book of Ruth by Hamilton. I read her book "Map of the World" and liked it, so I picked this one up at the library. I thought it was good until about 75% of the way through. I think I was waiting for some hope or some understanding of the story, but it just got worse and worse until I was disturbed. It was unsettling (without spoiling it) to find that the most basic humans are capable of such horrible things. I would not recommend this book.
The Percy Jackson series. Ethan got into them and wanted me to read them too. I think they are great for kids. I also liked the movie they made out of the first one. Fun idea, cute writing, all around good.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. Another great read for young adults/ children. Proved to me again that I was born in the wrong era :) I love the whole family in this book. The grandpa cracked me up.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. Such a cute story about "four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy". This family was charming. A simple story about a family's summer at a rented cabin next to a rich estate. I loved this book from cover to cover.
Okay, now I am drawing a blank on what other books I have read this year. I know there are several others. When I think of them I will give a little review.
Here's to you book worms out there!
This year I took the time to reread many classics. Having recently received a Kindle, I uploaded many free old books, and found myself engrossed in them. Some I have reread many times. Others I have never cracked open before. I also fit some others in between, and as always, I have a long list of those on my "To Read" list. So far this year, the books I can remember reading are these:
Classics:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Will forever by one of my favorites. The author reached deep into my mind and heart to play with my emotions. She knows just what tender strings to pluck about love, loss, friendship, and family. I love how she takes the every day situations we all face and sees them through rose-colored glasses. So sweet. I cry out of joy every time.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Depressing. A constant downward spiral until the end. You almost feel a sense of relief when she finally ends her life. Bad choices all around.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Strange, but good. I love how Jane is ever-enduring. She is quiet and calm through a lot of terrible things in her life. I think it is a little over-dramatic, but I do still love it.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Again, over-dramatic. It almost scared me. I feel like Heathcliff is scary and represents a little piece in all of us that could get carried away with our passions. I used to think it romantic to have such an all-encompassing love, but as I have grown a little, I realize that it really isn't romantic at all. It is pretty sad.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I love Charles Dickens! I think he has beautiful prose. He always has underlying messages about his faith. Although the story-line in this isn't the best, I do enjoy the characters and the messages it brings. One of my all time favorite books is another by Dickens..." A Tale of Two Cities". What a great book that is!
Les Miserable by Victor Hugo. It is in a class all its own. Very powerful. There is a reason the whole world knows and loves this story. I am very emotionally tied to this book, the Broadway play, and the music that goes along.
Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abby, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Emma by Jane Austen. Aahh, swoon. So love her work! Of course, Pride and Prejudice is in the lead (with the rest of the female human race). I am, and always will be, madly in love with Mr. Darcy. I just watched a funny movie made in England called "Lost in Austen". It is about a girl in modern times that finds herself switching roles with Elizabeth Bennet. Quite a cute take on what a misfit we would be if placed amidst them. Although her stories are all similar and predictable, we can still relate to them hundreds of years later. I will reread them all many times throughout my life.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Well written. Again, sad, but good. I love the characters in this. I think reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is one of my favorite characters ever. This book really shows well what happens to us if we are always carrying around a load of guilt with us, whether that guilt is earned or not. It also shows what hate and revenge can do, as well as what a mob-effect can create in people. I never knew that it was based on a true story until I reread it this last time. There was a preface in this edition about how the author got the idea for the story. Very interesting.
This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Boring. I kept waiting for it to get good, but it didn't. I never finished it. I got about half way through and decided I didn't have time for this boring book in my life. My hat goes off to those who can read it and get something worthwhile for themselves.
Non-Classics:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Hugely popular right now, and for a good reason. I loved this book. I thought it was well written, it was funny, sad, adorable, strong, etc. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool. Such a fun read! I stumbled across this book by accident, and really enjoyed it. It takes place in a small town in the dust bowl. About a young girl who is finding her place in life, and discovering her relationship with her only family member, her father. It is charming. It has mystery, real-life situations, and so much love. I am so glad it found its way into my hands.
The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan. I am 50/50 about this book. I feel like the author was trying to make some strong points with not much substance to back them up. Much ado about nothing. It is about a woman who was raped as a teen, and developed a strong social anxiety disorder, which became worse as she grew. Through a short-lived marriage, and then the rest of her life she stayed locked up in her mansion. It was supposed to have an over-all feel good ending, but I was left wanting.
Far Away Home by Susan Denning. Pretty cute. The story is about a young woman in the late 1800s who becomes an orphan and sets off from NY in search for a new start out west. She has some adventures on the way to Utah, and ends up having some strange mixed-up relationships along the way. At first I didn't like the way this book ended, but after thinking about it for a few days I can see exactly why the author ended it the way she did.
The Girl Who Played With Fire. Only read a few chapters. It was dirty, low-class, and I am surprised this series is so popular. I think it was typical and not well-written (from what I read).
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. I liked this book. It was an easy read. I am not singing her praises, but I do think it was worth my time.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. I LOVE this book. If I were a writer, I would want to write like this! From the very first sentence this book drew me in. I think the author is witty and fresh, and altogether a brilliant writer. The story-line isn't super strong, but the writing is enough to feast on.
the Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull. This has been fun for the kids and I together. We have been reading a chapter or two together each day. It is a little too old for my girls, but Ethan is diggin it. I love his use of vocabulary. I am stopping quite often to explain a word, and I love that. We are almost done with book two.
The Book of Ruth by Hamilton. I read her book "Map of the World" and liked it, so I picked this one up at the library. I thought it was good until about 75% of the way through. I think I was waiting for some hope or some understanding of the story, but it just got worse and worse until I was disturbed. It was unsettling (without spoiling it) to find that the most basic humans are capable of such horrible things. I would not recommend this book.
The Percy Jackson series. Ethan got into them and wanted me to read them too. I think they are great for kids. I also liked the movie they made out of the first one. Fun idea, cute writing, all around good.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. Another great read for young adults/ children. Proved to me again that I was born in the wrong era :) I love the whole family in this book. The grandpa cracked me up.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. Such a cute story about "four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy". This family was charming. A simple story about a family's summer at a rented cabin next to a rich estate. I loved this book from cover to cover.
Okay, now I am drawing a blank on what other books I have read this year. I know there are several others. When I think of them I will give a little review.
Here's to you book worms out there!
The "Beeb"
I just ended a love affair. It's been ongoing for a few months. This love of mine has been flighty and sporatic, but enjoyed, nonetheless.
I am talking about my ongoing love for the BBC series "Spooks", known here in the US as "MI 5". I am not sure what drew me in...it wasn't love at first sight. It was more like a late night meeting while my husband was away. The show was slow at times, somewhat boring at others, but there was something about it that kept me coming back for more. Some of the reasons may have been:
The women all have bad haircuts and crooked gray teeth. I felt pretty compared.
Rupert Penry-Jones was the main agent. He has no idea what his blue eyes did to me across the ocean. I also like the way "Rupert" rolls off the tongue. Go ahead, try it out loud :)
They use words like "keen", "daft", "cheeky", and "bloke".
I felt caught up on world political affairs...however tainted and biased the opinions were.
It was refreshing to have a non-Hollywood approach to a drama... in other words, much less dramatic.
I took a much needed mini vacation across the pond every week.
It introduced me into some other great series on the BBC. I almost feel like a traitor watching non-American shows...but not really.
So long my love. I will miss you. I have decided I am healthier without you. No, it's not you..it's me. I am much too codependent and intense for this relationship.
As the English would say....Cheerio!
I am talking about my ongoing love for the BBC series "Spooks", known here in the US as "MI 5". I am not sure what drew me in...it wasn't love at first sight. It was more like a late night meeting while my husband was away. The show was slow at times, somewhat boring at others, but there was something about it that kept me coming back for more. Some of the reasons may have been:
The women all have bad haircuts and crooked gray teeth. I felt pretty compared.
Rupert Penry-Jones was the main agent. He has no idea what his blue eyes did to me across the ocean. I also like the way "Rupert" rolls off the tongue. Go ahead, try it out loud :)
They use words like "keen", "daft", "cheeky", and "bloke".
I felt caught up on world political affairs...however tainted and biased the opinions were.
It was refreshing to have a non-Hollywood approach to a drama... in other words, much less dramatic.
I took a much needed mini vacation across the pond every week.
It introduced me into some other great series on the BBC. I almost feel like a traitor watching non-American shows...but not really.
So long my love. I will miss you. I have decided I am healthier without you. No, it's not you..it's me. I am much too codependent and intense for this relationship.
As the English would say....Cheerio!
August 4, 2011
Sweet Home Alabama
Bear with me through the following post. It is long and disorganized. I wanted to share our new home with our family and friends out there. We have been in Enterprise, AL for a few months now. I finally feel settled. The word "settled" for me means much more than having our boxes unpacked. I have met friends, I can find my way around town, I know where I like to shop and play, and I have found some of the things about this area that I love. Whenever you move to a new place it takes awhile, but I have tried to focus on the good things. Alabama has never been in my top ten places to live, but I am pleasantly surprised with this place. the community seems strong and friendly, and I am happy :)
Our humble abode. We will be renting this house for at least a year. Modest and small, but clean and in a great location. We live on the end of a road...only one house after us. We don't have traffic. We have a great park one street over. We have really nice neighbors, and we have a pool! We are happy here.
Dining Room
Our backyard pool
The kids swim every day. They have gotten really good at it. The pool has saved us during this hot sticky summer!
This is a beautiful park that is one street over from our home. It has a nice jogging trail, playgrounds, ponds, tennis courts, baseball fields, and soon to come...a splash pad.
There are many homes I drool over here. They have a lot of Southern charm. Mostly the porches are what I notice. Here are a few I took pictures of one day when I was driving around town. There are many many more...
The foliage here...need I say more?
Here are a few snapshots of our town. They are the places we frequent the most...
The Farmer's Market
Our library
the old downtown area
Several water towers everywhere
The historic Rawls Hotel on Main street
The old train depot museum
And now for some random facts and interesting things about Enterprise...
Enterprise is home to a music festival called BamaJam every year. It is held in a huge peanut field and draws about 20,000 people. They camp for a few days and listen to several country singers...big ones. Last year they had Taylor Swift, Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, etc. etc. I can't name all the celebrities, but it is a big show. This year's show was canceled however, because the man that is in charge got sent to jail for some kind of fraud. Someone else is taking over the festival and it is on for next year. It should be fun.
There are churches on EVERY corner. No joke. On one street alone there are 5 baptist churches...yes, 5. That isn't counting the other types of churches on that same street. Whatever religion you seek, you can find a church for you very close. It really is the "Bible Belt" here.
We are only a one hour drive from the gulf's white sandy beaches. As you can see, the sand really is like white sugar. It is so soft! We have had fun down there about every other weekend. We like to go to Panama City, FL, and also to Destin, FL. We have seen all sorts of wildlife. The kids have seen starfish, jelly fish, sand dollars, lots of fish, and our favorite part was when a pod of dolphins came close to swim. Jake was snorkeling at the time and got to swim right with them. I was shrieking like a little school girl as I watched him from the shore. Way cool...
Kudzu is a vine that overtakes everything in it's path. It grows over trees and bushes, and old houses like a blanket. You can only see the shape of what is underneath. It was introduced from Japan in the late 1800's and has overtaken much of the Southeast ever since. It is almost impossible to get rid of, and it chokes the plants it covers to death. But, it is pretty :) This picture is a few blocks from our house on the side of the road.
There are cotton and peanut fields everywhere. This is the "peanut capital of the world". Our county (Coffee County) has the highest production of peanuts in the U.S. They have the peanut festival in November when they harvest them. It is a big deal here. I can't wait.
Cotton field
Peanut field
They love boiled peanuts here. They take fresh peanuts before they have been roasted, and boil them in a seasoned brine. You eat them soft right out of their shell. They really are delicious. I always grab a bag when I go to the Farmer's Market. They also have stand on the side of the road around town. Sometimes at home we get a whiff of boiled peanuts from a farm close by. Don't knock 'em til you try 'em!
Now I know what they mean when they say "When it rains, it pours!" It sure does. Sometimes I think our pool is going to overflow with the amount of rain that falls some days.
Everyone has a front porch. In fact, Alabama has a saying that says "Alabama, One Big Front Porch". There are wrap around porches on most of the houses with rocking chairs that actually get used :) People love to sit outside and talk to neighbors, and watch the world around them.
We can't wait for visitors!!!May 24, 2011
Girlfriend Getaway 2011
These ladies are the best! It is the highlight of my year to "getaway" with them every year. We had such a good time, as always!
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