Memorial Day Weekend Recap

We consider this weekend to be the official start of summer here in our neck of the woods.  This year, particularly so.  Temperatures this weekend have been in the high 70s, today - 90s (with oppressive humidity, no less).   To celebrate the beginning the summer, we dined outside at a favorite local restaurant.  The food there is amazing...

We stained the outside of the house...

Enjoyed our first official bonfire of the summer...

Went to the  Rochester Public Market...

For flowers...

Food...

And fun...

Today, DJ and I attended our hometown parade where we celebrated the beginning of summer...

Community...

And, of course, our veterans...

Because without all of their sacrifices...

None of this...

Would be possible...

For that... 

My family and I say,

"Thank you."

To summer.

Walking on a Thursday Morning

I have started walking in the early morning hours and I like love it. 
Temperatures are cooler, the morning light is beautiful...

I see more wildlife...

and I get to go for another walk with my puppies again at night :)

Pond Sitting

There is nothing more relaxing after a hard day's work than a good old pond sit.

Not only is it good for one's soul, it is also good for one's feet :)
Have a great night.

Wild Azaleas

The wild azaleas are abloom in the 35-acre wood...

this spring evening in May.

Weekend Recap

I spent my weekend with these girls right here...

That's right, the whole weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday).  I left this morning at 4:45 AM.
During my visit, we hiked Crowders Mountain.  It has absolutely breathtaking views.  However, on the way back, two women in front of us saw a big Copperhead snake in the leaves right beside the trail.  Yikes!!!

We passed charming churches on our way there...

Stopped at a quaint farm stand to get strawberries for strawberry shortcake...

Went out for Mexican (our favorite:)...

Mowed down the chips...

 and margaritas...

Then, we hiked some more...

Went to the South Carolina Strawberry Festival...

 where we enjoyed the car show...

and the opportunity to just sit under the shade of a tree...

and rest our feet :)
We also went to the movies and saw The Avengers (I actually fell asleep), celebrated Cinco De Mayo with some of Alexandra's friends :), shopped and cooked meals together.  It was a wonderful time.