Love In Motion

I spent a chunk of last week at my Daughter2's house in Tennessee while she and her hubs were on a cruise around the Greek Islands. Swoon! 

Let's pause for a quick sidebar-

That now married momma of two pictured above made a trip to Greece when she was 14 years old. The girls loved swimming in the sea, tasting octopus for the first time, shopping in the market, seeing the historic sites, eating their weight in yummy Greek salads, and roasting under the white hot August Athenian sun. 

Such a fun week for all of us. 

Carry on. 

Daughter2 and her hubs had planned their trip as a bit of a mile marker anniversary celebration (5 years), and because of the distance and travel involved their time away was about ten days. When she first mentioned the trip to me I'm pretty sure my first reaction was, 'TEN DAYS!! WHO'S WATCHING THE KIDS FOR TEN DAYS?!!" 

Yes, in all caps. 

Sometimes things come out of my mouth and I wish I could rewind, but there I said it because seriously, who is watching the kids for TEN days??? As it turns out the plan from the get go was her in-laws would cover five days and we'd cover five days. 

Much better. 

You know once upon a time I was a speech pathologist with over 75 students on my caseload and now I panic at the thought of being responsible for two that are related to me for ten days. Ha. True story though. 

Her two littles are, in a word, busy. Also lightning fast, stinkin' adorable, chatty, curious, and lovable. Keeping up with them requires a clear head and the endurance of a marathon runner. These days I have neither, but I am the Nana and Nanas can do hard things for the people we love. Plus hubs is a great teammate and has an endless array of tricks, funny faces, funny voices, creativity, and muscle so all is well. 

Except! Hubs as you know sells real estate on the lake and he's been working with an out of state client for several weeks who, as timing would have it, would be coming to the lake the very weekend we would be in Tennessee. Bother.  

I mean it's fine because he put a lot of work in for the client and needed that in person time with him, but also it meant I'd be on my own for the last two days of keeping everyone in high spirits until mom and dad came home. 

The thought was daunting. This is how you know you're not young anymore. 

As it turned out everyone did great, the kids too lol. Their momma had left a little gift for them to open each day and I brought a couple of things with me so we'd have new things to play with and distract us. 

Hubs and I drove over to Tennessee last Tuesday and we had one night there with the in-laws still in the house. We enjoy them very much and it was nice to catch up with them once the kiddos went to bed. We ordered pizza for dinner because everyone loves pizza and chatted before calling it an early night. 

Sleep is key. 

They left first thing Wednesday morning and hubs and I took the grands to the Creative Discovery Museum.  Wait. First hubs dropped their dog at daycare. Did I tell you we also had their dog? And our dog? And our dog is not feeling his best these days which makes us wobbly. 

If your kids are not yet married, just know one day you'll be taking care of their dog. That's how it works. 

The Discovery Museum is fabulous. We arrived just as it was opening and beat the crowds that my daughter told me come later. It's really well done, organized, clean, child focused, and lots of space for imaginative play.

Sugar would have been happy to feed and rock baby dolls all day long in the housekeeping section. 

We were home for lunch and then rest and I'd planned ahead and made a pan of chicken divan before I left the lake, so dinner just needed heating and eating. 

Thursday morning the kids have swimming lessons and we were almost late because you forget how long it takes to get out of the house with all the things, plus the kids, plus getting everyone into the car seats, etc. But we made it and hubs got in the pool with them so I was able to just cheer from the sidelines. 

One gift my daughter left was a gift card for donuts so we stopped after swimming and got donuts in this lovely shopping center very close to their home. There's a really nice common area in the center and we let the kids run and play and coincidentally one of their neighbors was there too so all the kids had fun together. 

Afternoons were mostly rest and outside play and usually a show watched while we got dinner ready. Friday morning was meet the teacher day at their new preschool and I told hubs to go ahead and get on the road back to the lake and I'd be fine managing this. And I was. Such a sweet school and everyone's excited. 

We left there and I stopped at Publix to pick up subs for lunch and popsicles because August needs popsicles, and then it was home for the afternoon. I'd brought a new Young, Wild and Friedman play dough kit with me (Reptiles) and I cannot say enough about how wonderful these kits are. I brought that out Friday afternoon and they played with it for a couple of hours Friday, twice on Saturday, and again on Sunday. 

There was a lot of rain over the weekend, but we managed to get outside some each day. We went to the neighborhood pool one day and I took them for ice cream Saturday afternoon. We took a walk each evening which they enjoyed and it seemed to make them more ready for baths and bedtime. I know it did me.  

I arrived home Monday afternoon with two broken fingernails, a mystery bruise on my leg, in dire need of a nap, and a full heart. I love that we're able to give the parents a break now and then. I remember how much I appreciated and needed that when I was in the heavy lifting years of parenting and I want to pay that forward now that I'm the grandparent. 

I think it’s important to make memories together as a family, but also to make time for each other as a couple. Getting away from the everyday craziness of work, parenting, keeping up with the house, and everything else gives mom and dad a chance to reconnect and just enjoy being together.

One of the best ways to keep a family happy and whole is to temporarily escape from them, miss them, recharge, and come back refreshed and eager to resume the routines of daily life. Opa!

On Cloud Nine

Good Monday morning friends. I'm going to save my weekend recap post for Tuesday because today is a grandson's birthday, and you know the drill. 

In case you don't know the drill it's this-all my grands get a letter here when their birthday rolls around, and today is one of those days. 

Dear Mancub, 

Today you are nine. With every candle added to the cake you become a little more man, a little less cub, but you'll  always be the Mancub to me. The one who made me Nana and changed the way I see the world and my role in it. 

Nine years ago today we got the news that you'd arrived. It was a bit comical in hindsight, but on that day we worried your Auntie M to no end as she had been trying and trying and trying to reach us, but could not. We worried her so much in fact, that she was getting ready to phone a friend or possibly the police to drive out to our house to make sure we were still breathing. 

We were. Actually we were sleeping peacefully until your other grandmother phoned about 7 AM, her voice filled with excitement, asking how we could possibly be asleep at a time like this??? She told us she'd been awake since she got the call at 3AM!!

Uh. We didn't know? We're still not exactly sure what happened but my phone was right beside me, sitting on the nightstand with the ringer on and the volume all the way up, and your Pawpaw's phone was right beside him, sitting on his nightstand with the ringer on and the volume all the way up,  yet we slept on, oblivious. 

Apparently Auntie M (who was out in Washington hanging with your momma) had first phoned when your mom and dad went to the hospital, then several times after, then sent a number of texts, and left a couple voice mails too, but we heard nada. Nothing. Not a peep. We had 11 missed calls when we finally looked at our phones. 

We can't explain it still and to this day I say this was God's way of keeping our hearts and minds at peace while your momma was in labor with you. Once we finally woke up and WOKE UP you were nearly here. 

God is good. Hold fast to the truth of that all the days of your life. He shows His goodness in ways both large and small and often in ways we didn't expect, and for that we are so grateful. 

This year Nana and Pawpaw took you out for a celebratory birthday dinner. Just you. Your little brother and sister let us know they would love to come too, but we wanted to have some special time with just you. Don't worry, they'll get their turn, but you're the oldest so you get to go first. 

We went to a fancy place we love, and spoiled you a little with ice cold shrimp cocktail, a platter of your favorite Calamari, and a steak you declared was the best you've ever eaten. The restaurant staff signed a birthday card and left it on the table for you and there was a super sparkly candle on a fudgy brownie for dessert. 

You loved it all. We gave you your gift and told you lots of things we love about you (which by the way, is pretty much everything) and we know this will be a tradition we want to carry forward in the years ahead. 

On the drive to the restaurant I asked you some questions and wrote down your responses, and I know it will be fun to see how your answers change from year to year. 

And they will. Because you're growing up. 

We love having a front row seat to the boy you are and the man you'll one day be. You're smart. You're kind. You're sensitive to the feelings of those around you. You're curious. You're handsome. You're clever. You're the very best parts of your mom and dad and we know God has a plan for your life we can't wait to see unfold. 

Keep reading all the books, keep memorizing God's word, keep solving puzzles and building cool things, keep knocking baseballs out of the park. Keep loving your family, and caring about the feelings of those whose paths cross yours. Keep talking to Jesus and keep being you. The remarkable Mancub God made you to be. 

Know today and always your Nana loves you deep and wide xo 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. " Proverbs 3:5-6

Florida Part Two

The beach, the bride, the beauty part two. 

Recapping our recent trek to Florida for a July 4th wedding. If you missed part one you'll find it here (Salt In My Hair Love In The Air). 

Saturday. July 4th. Happy birthday America! 

The wedding wasn't until later in the day so we started the morning on the beach. I had booked an appointment at Spa Oceana in the Don Cesar to have my hair put up for the evening's festivities. My hair is heavy and there's a lot of it and it was one million degrees. 

Best decision I made all weekend. We made our way over to the spa at noon and I liked the way the girl styled it very much. There might have been one hundred bobby pins and a full can of spray on it, but it stayed put which was the main thing. 

Hubs hung out in the hotel and then met me after for lunch. We opted to eat inside because I had fresh hair. We shared the most fabulous caesar salad ever and a flatbread topped with poached pear, endive, rosemary, pecans, and mozzarella. Yum! 

We headed back to the hotel to change and last minute decided to book an Uber to the venue. Reviews said parking was limited and while there was public parking not too far away it was July 4th and we were worried about not finding a spot. The Uber was nice and we went ahead and reserved one for the return trip too, which worked out well. 

Yes hubs did take a selfie in the Uber. Don't tell our kids. 

The wedding and reception were held at The Davis Islands Garden Club, a lovely outdoor space with an old Florida feel. 

The venue overlooks Seddon Channel and the gorgeous homes on Harbor Island. You get a glimpse of downtown Tampa too. That's a cruise ship passing behind those houses...

The ceremony was outside and it was toasty.

The bride looked stunning and all of the flowers were beautiful. 

She embraced the colors of the day in a nice way. Everyone was invited to wear red, white, and blue (light on the white) and any stars, stripes, or sparkles they wanted, and there truly was a little bit of everything. 

That jacket came off after the ceremony. 

The father of the bride got the memo and the bride and her dad both had patriotic tennis shoes on for the occasion. 

After the ceremony there were hors d'oeuvres on the patio and themed drinks from the bars. 

The mother of the bride and me. We had our babies at the same time and now those babies are both grown married women. 

The venue did have some indoor space, with A.C. (that's important!), that held tables and chairs for dining. We had dinner inside after the bride and groom had their first dance. There were speeches made, and a sweets table for dessert instead of the traditional wedding cake.

The DJ and dancing were set up on the covered porch and you could see the Tampa fireworks if you went to the water's edge. It was a fun night and we're so happy we were there to celebrate the newlyweds on their special day. 

Sunday morning was a little drizzly so we drove a few miles down the road to a place called The Buoy for brunch. Guess what we had? 

If you guessed a grouper sandwich you would not be wrong. It came with coconut rice which was different and tasty. I also had a bloody mary which was my appetizer too, since it was served with a shrimp skewer. 

The view was pretty and the pelicans put on a show here diving in and out of the water for fish.  The skies cleared as we got back to the hotel so we made our way to the beach and relaxed, walked, and swam. A family sat down beside us and they had British accents and we're kind of like that Progressive commercial where they tell you how not to be your parents, except we're the parents. Hi girls! 

Anyway, turns out the mom in the family went to school in the small village we lived in while in the UK, so it was fun chatting with them. We eventually made our way to the pool and bemoaned the fact we were heading home the next day. 

That evening we went to a place called John's Pass in Madeira Beach which is more or less a boardwalk village with lots of shops, food, and 'stuff'. 

We had lobster rolls at a little dive called The Boardwalk Grill, and they were scrumptious. 

We walked around some and it's possible I ended up with three pounds of salt water taffy because the seller told me if you bought 2 pounds the third was free. Three pounds of taffy is a lot of taffy, but I planned to share with my girls. 

We got back to the beach just in time for one more Gulf sunset. 

The drive home Monday was long, but uneventful. We made two stops, the first in Florida at one of the orange vendors where I bought a big bag of oranges to bring home. 

They had all sorts of Florida related items in this little shop but we passed on the alligator head. 

We made another stop further up the road in Tifton Georgia at Adcocks which is billed as a pecan grocery store.  

Went a little crazy in here and I bought pecans for baking, a bag for my youngest grandson for snacking (they're his favorite), two kinds of salad dressing made with Vidalia onions, some Georgia peach preserves and a jar of hot peach preserves for pouring over cream cheese, all while hubs grabbed chocolate covered pecans, coconut bites, and salted caramel chocolates. Go big or go home, right? 

It was a great little beach getaway and we loved our time away. Now back to reality...

...which is pretty nice too. 

There Is A Young Cowboy...

A letter today for the birthday boy, which is a blog tradition on From This Side of the Pond.

Dear Sweet Baby J-

Today you are four. 

You've been a joy and delight since the day you were born and we only love you more with every passing year. There's so much to love about you but since you're turning four Nana is going to tell four things-

~You're curious. Which is why we know to keep an eye on you lol. You want to know how things work and you like to take things apart to figure that out (the lock on the back fence gate and your bedroom lamp are two that come to mind). 

You want to know how they might go back together too, and you're quick and intuitive about such things. When momma asked recently what you want to be when you grow up you said a construction worker. You like to build and use your hands and you're good at that like your Daddy. 

~You're sweet. Hence your blog name. You love your little sister and she adores and looks up to you. Sometimes she tries your patience, but mostly you are a wonderful, loving, protective big brother and that makes Nana's heart so happy. 

You love your momma, but you're a Daddy's boy too, and when asked what your favorite part of vacation was this year you said, ' hanging out with Daddy'. 

~You have a big imagination. Huge. You love to pretend and you love others to join in the make believe game too. Your little boy big brain is always working and we love watching you grow and discover new things every day. 

~You're adorable. How old will you be when I'm not allowed to use that word to describe you? I don't know, but I think at four it's still okay. You have a twinkle in your eye and when you're happy and excited about something you squeeze your hands together and jump for joy. Your bright blue eyes, your infectious smile, your joie de vivre draws everyone in. 

You love your cousins, 'your boys' as you call the two oldest and your extra special co-conspirator Little Miss who is your same age, who bosses you only a little even though you're three months older, and who you have the best and most serious conversations with whenever you're together. We all would love to be  flies on the wall when you two put your heads together. I pray you're always the best of friends. 

Your cousins live near Nana and Pawpaw now, and we're excited for a cousin party at the lake to celebrate your special day.  There will be swimming, fishing, boating, s'mores and your favorite thing-balloons.

There will be birthday hugs and laughter and a whole lotta love because there always is when you're around. Happy birthday sweet baby J. Being your Nana is one of my favorite things and always know I love you deep and wide. 

xoxo

Nana

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Linking with Joanne today for Talking About It Tuesdays

Note: I'm hosting a Day In The Life link up here on Thursday (6/18)...feel free to join the party

The Other Highlands

Hubs and I celebrate 42 years of married life this month so whoohoo! Go us!  June is busy here so we sometimes celebrate early or sometimes late, but we always mark the day in some way. It matters. 

Everyone has their own story, but in ours I can look back and see how going the distance (so to speak) has been a series of decisions, choices, moments that might feel small but when strung together add up to something big. I see marriage as a daily thing, as opposed to a one time stand-at-the-altar thing. It's daily effort. Daily intention. Daily commitment. 

Also a tremendous joy and blessing and more than a little bit sanctifying. 

Also we need Jesus who keeps the train on the track when it threatens to derail. 

This year we decided to celebrate early since I'll be helping with preschool crafts in VBS on our actual date. Our third grandson was born on our anniversary and we're going to celebrate him at the lake this year with a cousin party the week after, and Father's Day is thrown in there somewhere too.We know we have to be intentional or the day will come and go without fanfare. 

Which is okay too but, I like a little fanfare. 

We live on a lake surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are loads of charming mountain towns within an easy drive from us, most about an hour or just over but our favorite is a little town on the NC line called Highlands. 

There's a famous hotel in Highlands called The Old Edwards Inn and they have a restaurant called Madisons which is also well known. Hubs has been there once for a work party, but I've wanted to try it since we moved here and an anniversary seemed like a great reason to make that happen. 

We didn't stay at Old Edwards because we brought the little brown dog with us. He's old and hasn't been feeling great lately so we booked a dog friendly hotel instead. We stayed in a place called Park On Main and if you're traveling to Highlands with your pet I highly recommend. 

The hotel is on the main drag so walking distance to all the cute shops and venues, and they've thought of absolutely everything in terms of staying with a pet. 

There was a dog bed, towel, and bowls in the room all ready for him, treats in the lobby, and of course dog decor done in a fun way. The lobby is filled with dog portraits. We had a little balcony that looked out to the back side of the hotel and the manager told us the people who'd stayed in our room before us saw a bear wander down the street there two days in a row. 

We had no such luck, but I was watching. 

We drove up to Highlands on Thursday and it was a picture perfect day weather wise. Our plan was to do a non-strenuous hike (partly the dog and partly my stupid ankle), then have lunch at our favorite lunch spot there (The Wild Thyme), then meander, take a nap, relax in the garden of the wine bar which was conveniently across the street from our hotel, and walk to Old Edwards for a late dinner (8 PM, and yes, that's late for me). 

We made the hour drive up and over the mountain from the lake to the town and went straight to the trailhead for Sunset Rock. Or Sunrise Rock depending on which direction you go. We opted for the sunset side, although it was mid-morning.

It's a gravel trail with a very gradual incline that opens up to a beautiful view of the mountains and some of the town below. 

We hung out on the rock for a short while before trekking back down, and then crossing the street to stop in the Nature Center there. 

We've come to Highlands several times but I had no idea this was even here.

There's a botanical garden just behind the center with all sorts of walking trails, a bog, a small lake, so many blooming beauties including my favorite, the lily pad- 

There were lots of butterflies and even a snapping turtle who smiled for the camera-

We walked all the way around the lake, mostly on a boardwalk path but also through some rooty woods and then got back in the car and parked in town. 

We wanted to dine outside since we had the LBD with us so we opted for our favorite lunch spot-The Wild Thyme Gourmet. The food here is so good and we sat under a very very RED umbrella which made our orders bright. 

A glass of French rosé? Yes please. 

Followed by a cup of the most delicious, delicately spiced gazpacho and then a roasted veggie sandwich for me and crab cakes for the hubs. 

We had ice cream from Kilwins which is just across the square for dessert. Georgia peach for hubs and toasted coconut with chocolate covered coconut bits mixed in for me. If coconut ice cream is on a menu I will almost always go for that. 

We wandered down the main street, went in a couple of shops, then drove the truck down to the hotel to check in. 

As I said we loved our room, how immaculate the whole place was, not to mention cute, and all the little touches. If you happen to have a Tesla they have covered charging stations in their garage. We don't but several of my neighbors do, and some read here. 

Late afternoon we walked across the street to the cute wine bar set amongst the trees there. Friends of ours at the lake know the owners so we introduced ourselves and chatted with them briefly, then sat in the Adirondacks and relaxed. 

Did I mention the weather was perfection? Bright blue skies and temps in the 70's. 

Afterwards we went back to our hotel for a little siesta. I needed to be awake to go to dinner at 8, which not gonna lie is often closer to my bed time than my meal time. 

We walked the four blocks down to Madisons and arrived a few minutes early so were  sent upstairs to The Hummingbird Bar to wait with a beverage. The service was top notch and really made an impression. I had my traditional anniversary drink-a champagne cocktail and it was yummy. 

Dinner was a treat. Hubs had let them know it was our anniversary and there were camelia petals scattered on our table. The chef sent out a sample of their pimento cheese with spicy buttermilk crackers to start, and I have already gone on the hunt for this cracker recipe. So good!! I found a copycat here (Copycat Old Edwards Inn Buttermilk Crackers) so I'll let you know how that goes. 

We ordered our entrees and a server came by and set down a dish of their blue crab dip. We told him it wasn't ours so he moved on and then our server came over with the blue crab dip and a card. 

Turns our our friends (same ones who know the wine shop owners) had called the restaurant and ordered it for us. What a sweet and thoughtful surprise! Not to mention delicious. Truly made our night and I want to pay that forward someday. 

Our meals came, I had the red grouper special with brown butter cauliflower and hubs had a NY strip with broccolini. We didn't have dessert but our server brought out a sweet small serving of a shortbread topped with a raspberry mousse and we did not say no to that. He decorated the plate himself. 

We walked back to our hotel and called it a night. 

Friday morning we enjoyed the continental breakfast included with our reservation then got on the road home. We could have stayed and done some shopping but hubs is mid-home sale for a client and there was some work being done at the buyers new house he wanted to check on. The clients are out of state and he's on top of things for them. 

We were home by 11 and I unpacked, started some laundry, then planted myself on the outdoor couch to blog and soak up the lake view. 

 Cheers to 42 and love that endures!  

Linking today with Joanne (Slices of Life) for Talking About It Tuesdays