Spring trip to Charleston

Our Sigma Kappa fall reunion has now changed to a springtime trip this year. And Charleston, South Carolina, has been chosen as the destination. This will be my first visit and it is highly anticipated. A large manor house has been leased for the week so we can all stay together. Sightseeing and tours are being reviewed and reserved. Roommates are being chosen.

Gwen and I will drive up together with stops along the way. Visits with friends and family in Jacksonville, and perhaps a quick visit to Savannah, are on the schedule. A road trip with a college friend – what fun!

Sistas!

My Sigma Kappa sorority sisters from college have begun meeting locally once a month for Sunday brunches. This past week I hosted in downtown St. Pete at The Birch & Vine on Beach Drive.

We began the afternoon up on The Canopy rooftop lounge enjoying the view and marvelous spring-like day! Could not resist shooting the waterfront view!

Shooting the shooters. Aren't iPhone's great!

We all enjoyed the unique menu ( I had gulf shrimp benedict) and mimosa's made with cranberry.
No one left hungry! We spotted a local art show in the park across the street and enjoyed strolling through all the vendors booths.

These were the coolest swings! Adjustable backs and retractable foot rest! Did not want to get up!
Next month we are meeting in Tampa at Ulele. Can't wait!

Whipporwill Lodge and hiking Greenbriar

Sean and Jennifer's cabin "Whippoorwill Lodge " located in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains.

This is the back side that looks out over a mountain vista. It has four master suites, two large bunk rooms, game room, great room, large kitchen and dining, and three floors. Sleeps over twenty six!

Front driveway and entry. There were about seven or eight cars and had room for all!

Cozy observation deck! Rocking chairs were well used during our stay!

View of upstairs loft from the great room. That is the doorway to our private master suite!

View from loft. Leather sofas and chairs to lounge in front of the fireplace!

View from the upper observation deck. First morning is cloudy and rainy!

Gerr fryin' up the bacon. Hot cinnamon rolls are what's for breakfast!

Mount Le Conte is in the distance. Going to be a beautiful clear day! Going to Smoky Mountain National Park to go hiking!

Hiking on Tuesday! Got an eager group and a perfect day to explore Greenbriar Trail!

Shot of long shadows across the trail.

Came across this character near the end before we turned around. "Moss Man"!

The group descending the trail.

Looking up! See how blue and clear the sky is!

Found this cool bridge and white water rapids. Lots of white water in this area of the park.

Sunset in the mountains, another day ends, but more to come tomorrow!

On the road to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

 Rental SUV is packed and we are underway! Plan on staying the night near Tifton, Georgia. We are going to Gatlinburg for a holiday Smith family reunion at Sean and Jennifer's cabin in the mountains.

 

Wintery scene in a parking lot near Macon, Georgia. Had made a quick pit stop.

 Our favorite barbecue place from the trip. Cute and friendly place in northern Georgia near Alto. Owner is a new found "cousin" - Mike Smith! All the sweet tea and barbeque pork you could eat! Yum!

 First glimpse of the Smoky Mountains! Came around a bend in the road and just had to shoot this scene! So exciting!

 Cool tunnel cut through a mountain! On I-40 close to our exit. Next stop - Cobbly Nob!

 Waiting for Sean and Jennifer since we were the first in the group to arrive in town. Found The Alamo Steak House and each had a much needed drink! Driving unfamiliar mountain roads in the dark is VERY scary. At least to us flat landers!

Cool sign in the bar. And yes, we got carded everytime we purchased alcohol!
Later that evening we met up with Sean, Jennifer, and Austin and arrived at the cabin for a wonderful vacation!

Christmas 2015

Our table top Charlie Brown Christmas tree before the decorations. Bought it at Walgreens for $19.99 the Christmas of 2008. The lights still work!

Can get a ton of ornaments on this tree! Always love unpacking them and remembering past Christmas's!

Santa's decorate the TV console this year.

Coffee table nativity scene.

Lighted Christmas village in entry.

Outdoors - lighted rugged tree and Jesus is the reason for the season manger scene. Also added some new landscape lighting around palms in front yard. Merry Christmas everyone!

Allan's Birthday Weekend and Charlie, the Chameleon!

It was a wonderful fall weather - I'm off - low key kind of weekend. It was also Allan's 39th plus birthday. We started the celebrating at one of our favorite local sea food places!

We love going to Waltz at John's Pass for their fresh-off-the-boat seafood. They usually have five or six fish entrees - and all in limited supply. So we go early! While we were there, all the fresh gulf shrimp was consumed! But we got some!

The grouper was amazing and Allan enjoyed the shrimp. We always order the smoked fish spread and the island rice n' peas and beach slaw. We finish off with key lime pie!

Allan enjoyed his beer and I indulged in a generous pour of wine.

Next up ...

Decadent chocolate birthday cake! Can't have too much chocolate. Although this cake is close. Very rich and gooey!

Happy birthday to you! And many more!

And his favorite and most unusual gift? Why, Charlie, the chameleon, of course!

Pops in the Park and Parish Picnic

Last weekend was packed with my favorite downtown waterfront event and our annual parish picnic. The Florida Orchestra played in Vinoy Park to a packed crowd and weather that was perfect! We feasted on gourmet popcorn, mason jar salads, turkey-strawberry and brie sandwiches, deviled eggs and veggie chips, beer and wine and brownies. Yum!

Allan and I arrived in plenty of time to enjoy the breezy afternoon and listen to the younger musicians entertain the crowd.

I strolled over to the edge of the park to shoot all that is left of the old pier. Know my kids will be sad when I send this shot over to them.

View of the stage and growing crowd of people. Waiting for Bill and Diann to arrive.

The Orchestra begins so let's eat!

Bill, Diann, and I enjoying the music and the wine and beer!

The concert always ends with the 1812 Overture and fireworks! What could be better!

Got up early the next morning to frost my brownie bites for the picnic!

Two-week old baby Micah Cillian was able to join in for his first parish picnic. He slept his way through it!

Mom enjoying brownies and cookies! Pop Pop came too! As did Mary Jo and Joe.

Kids had a blast on this slide!

Cutest dog ever!

The grill guys! They made the yummiest hamburgers and hot dogs!

Corn hole was enjoyed by the family. Although nobody wants to play against Joe!
Another successful picnic and beautiful day enjoyed by many!