Summer Vacation Destination: NC

 

I've always thought that summer vacation should be at least 2 weeks long.  I'd stay in a less fancy beach house if it meant we could be there for 2 weeks instead of one. But alas, my mother still pays this bill so I don't get to decide. Mumsy simply must have a space that is pleasing to both eye and soul, so alas, one week it is. Next year though, 2.

We are doing the same old thang we do every damn year, but with a few alterations. This year I take my lady and we get to teach her all the things about our place. She loves fishing and I'm super stoked to spend every day getting up early with her and the monkey to hit the beach for some surf or pier fishing. Monkey is having a hard time with the idea of her daddy not being there. I think she will be OK by the time we actually get in the car to start the road trip. He'd just be on the computer all week anywho.  And who knows, maybe by next year he'll come along with all of us. That's what I'm working towards, staying a family.

Meanwhile, I'll start stock piling sun screen, hats, towels, flippy flops and fishing stuff. Next up, all the reasons why we love this beach and can't seem to steer away from it. Ever.

Summer Plans Arise from the Ashes

• Appalachian Roundabout:  A wild and wooly road trip starring Myself, Baby-Sister and the Monkey (Petite Bebe). A "girls trip," if you will.  So far, the plan is to start in KY and travel in a circle to see family starting in OH, then WV, then NC, then back to KY.  We're hammering out details and dates.  We will be posting some notes, pics and interviews from the road. I promise to deliver the goods this time. I'll have help this time around so you should anticipate some excellent summer entertainment for my faithful 5 readers/listeners. Truth be told, I'm desperate to drive over those misty mountains when the sun comes up. Picture credit to Chatchai. Dude has some amazing photos, so go have a look.

• Vacation to the Beach: My immediate lovies, the parents and Baby Sister will be gathering in South Carolina (gasp!) for our annual summer beach trip.  We're "trying something different" according to mom.  My prediction is that this place is exactly the same as our usual spot in NC, just further south.  As always, you'll get my full post vacation commentary and review.

• Summer Kick-off Trip to Nash-Vegas: This weekend, Monkey and I start our summer of fun by attending a wedding in my beautiful, former Nashville, TN.  We will be heading out Friday evening after work/school and driving 3 hours south west.  My dear friends have offered their home for us despite being out of town in FL.  I'll be going solo, so I don't think I'll have time for much other than keeping the Monkey entertained. Better remember to pack the Tinker-Bell night light.  We're finishing off the weekend with Sunday breakfast at the Loveless Cafe.  Its a place that I actually lived fairly close to but never got to go.  Its likely the breakfast of my dreams and Gluten Free living will be off the menu that morning.  Biscuits are eminent.
• Other trips happening but not on the books yet.  Stay tuned. 
  

Go have a gander at our Roundabout loop and make suggestions. Leave suggestions in the comments box below. Sites to see or, more importantly, eats to eat!


 I'm so happy to have time to write/daydream again.  More in a few!

Up Up and Awayyyyy

I'm trying to will my soul into excitement about vacation and there are a few sparks here and there. I'm starting to remember the quiet hum of air conditioners you hear on walks around the island. That complete change in sound that happens when you walk over that last dune and onto the beach that makes everything really blowy and loud. That long grass that always rubs your ankles in a very annoying, uncomfortable way.

Then there are the road side stands of veggies, seafood and the best thing evah: boiled peanuts. Now, I wouldn't recommend eating a bag full the same day as, say, a date. But do it somehow. And don't you dare buy the ones in cans. It'll be the above but way worse.

Here's what's left to do:
1. Slap some clothes in a bag
2. Gather the sand toys and fishin' poles!
3. Get a net for crabbin!
4. Get the cooler out and get ready to pack some foods
5. Load ipod with podcasts and tunes out the wazoo for long trip entertainment
6. Load ipad with movies...somehow...anyone know how to do this?
7. Get rest of bebe & daddy's stuff together.
8. Sheets, towels and pillows to pack...also my job
9. Car games, toys and books for bebe
10. Pack sandwich stuff...don't forget.

So basically everything. Tonight the hair goes. So sick of it sitting on my neck. I'm going for a Tilda Swinson layered-up-the-back thing. Picture for sure...if it looks ok. I even have a coupon.

Have a nice day,
Molly