South Carolina

I think we stepped back in time today after visiting Charleston, South Carolina. I absolutely feel in love with this historic city. I ended up taking photo after photo of the historic houses that were built back in the 1700's. When you come to Charleston, you really need several days to take in the whole city and learn about the Confederate battles that took place during the Civil war. There's so much history to Charleston and you really sense that when you drive around the "old" part of the city.

Another reason why we stopped by Charleston was to visit the Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, which is also on the same grounds at the South Carolina DNR center. Since Bike man is a volunteer for lake monitoring, he spends the whole summer identifying cyanobacteria....otherwise known as blue green algae! Today, we were treated to a tour of the whole research facility where Biologists research toxic bacteria (organisms) from around the world. So cool!

After our tour, Bike man and I headed out to Folly beach. I made a couple sandwiches that we could take with us and just enjoy the sun, beach, water etc. Well, have you ever tried to sit on the beach with a 20 mph constant wind, blowing sand in your face, and mouth? My sandwich turned out gritty!!!! Both of us were completely covered in fine-grain sand. I think we only spent about an hour on the beach today and then travel on.

Since leaving Jacksonville, we've had two days of spotty showers and cool temps so we are moteling it again tonight. As of tonight, we've made it to Spartanburg, South Carolina. Tomorrow, we should be in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

So Beautiful

I'm almost feel guilty posting these photos after watching the cool temps back home, but don't worry because these warm summer days are headed north....trust me! The following pics are from yesterday's beautiful afternoon at Ponte Vedre beach in Jax.

We were all getting ready for some serious shark teeth hunting! I have to say my brother-in-law has mastered the art of finding shark teeth over the years. Me, I just look for the pretty little shells!

The beach really is a great place to relax and catch up on reading.

I couldn't resist getting wet....the waves were great! Next time I just have to remember to keep my mouth closed when the big waves hits my face.

Saw lots of dead jelly fish.

Had time to just chill and enjoy the end of the day. I meant to post photos of the wedding, but I'll wait until later. Currently, we are packing up and will leave soon to take Becca to the airport. We are headed north in the Carolina's and will be spending the night camping on some island off the coast. Bike man use to live in the Carolina's so this will be a nice reminisce trip back to his Marine Corps days. Probably won't be blogging much now over the next few days as we will be camping each day as we head back to Wisconsin. So far it's been a wonderful trip and I'm sad to leave my big sister and her hubby. Our wheels are turning already and sis and I are trying to figure out an excuse for next year to get together and celebrate....celebrate something!!!!!!!

PS. Thanks Baba

Palm Trees Anyone?

Can you figure out where we are now? Palm trees, beaches, hot & humid weather??? Back in January and February, this is where I wanted to escape to during those large snow storms we received. So here we are in Floridian-land folks. Jacksonville, Florida to be exact.



Hey, look who beat us down there.....Becca! Lucky Becca was given a plane ticket to fly south, beating her mom and dad's arrival by one day.

Sara & Travis

Family is so important. I feel really fortunate to be able to drive down and attend my nieces wedding. Surprisenly, we just went through this last year in May when Sara's sister Laura got married in Jax, and now it's Sara's turn. I honestly love being here in person to witness both marriages of my favorite nieces. I also have to confess that spending time with my big sister is priceless. Her home is beautiful and she graciously showers us with love, food and lots of good wine. Hummm, the hot tube isn't too shabby either. Depsite the long drive down, this is truly a vacation for Bike man, Becca and me.

Miss you Son and Trisha....wish you could have come too, but Trisha has some major graduating activities on Saturday. Congratulations Trisha on all your hard work. Thanks for staying at the house and taking care of the feline kids!

Tonight is rehearsal dinner and tomorrow is the big wedding day. It's in the mid 90's today but should cool down slightly tomorrow.

Still Driving

One thing about road trips is that it pays to get up early and get rollin...I'm talkin 5 or 6 am. Early is always better. The picture above is not my favorite city to drive through, however, traffic was behaving itself.

Here's a hint to the area we traveled through today. One of the cities lies in the transition of both the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Any guesses?

We ended up traveling about 600 miles today. Currently, it's 91 degrees. Less than 500 miles tomorrow and we will reach our destination.

On the Road

Is this castle for real? We had to turn our car around just go see what the heck was up with the castle structure. Evidently, this place operates as a B & B....nice. So where are we? I'll give you a hint. We are traveling south at the moment and then will head southeast tomorrow.

Lots of flat open fields today with tons of wind generators. While traveling through many towns today, the bank sign read 94-96 degrees. Not sure I can trust the bank thermometers, but my perfuse sweating this afternoon told me it was warm. Bike man likes to have the windows rolled down in the car with no AC, so lil Lis gets her sweating workout. I have a feeling by day 3, I will turning the AC on for my own sanity and enjoyment!

FYI: We are staying overnight in the city where Bike man was born.

Challenging Today

This is what we woke up to this morning. Kind of a challenging morning of thunderstorms, rain and high winds. Storms hung around most of the morning and then redeveloped mid afternoon. What a strange day. Does this mean spring is really here?

When I arrived home after work, the cats didn't greet me like normal. Apparently, the northern oriole and hummingbirds were keeping the cats totally occupied. Now I know how I rate with my feline friends!

My last day of work today. Tomorrow Bike man and I head out on a road trip.....a long road trip. Unfortunately, this is not a bicycle trip but a car trip. Will post the next few days when time allows. Looking forward to some time off.

The Gift of Life

What a nice feeling to come home from church with two fragrant red roses. Flowers just make you feel good all around.

Enjoyed a short visit from the Son today before he headed off to work tonight. The Son bought some plants for me, which I will put in our garden later this month...how thoughtful.

Received a phone call from our daughter this afternoon wishing me a great Mother's day. Just chatting with Becca was my mother's day treat. I love my kids. Can't even imagine life without children....nope, life would be too quiet!

Motherhood changed my life, changed my life forever. I will never look back to the pre-kid days in my younger years. God blessed me with a girl and a boy and that was all I needed to fulfill my life as a mother.

Like my mother always told me, once you have children, your life will change......once a mother, always a mother. This is my day to thank God for giving me the gift of life.