These little bags were a perfect project for a rainy day. Thanks, Sue!

My herbs sprouted in the sunny kitchen window. Dill, basil and cilantro.

Here is what the locals drive:

Christmas 2009

I was going to say something about experiencing my first Christmas alone but I wasn't. Alone, that is. The girls were here to celebrate the day with me. I love this first picture of Sophie. I title it:  Busted!

(Look at all of those red gifts from my friend, Rita.)

Here is smarty pants Lucy who knew exactly which present was hers and opened it without waiting for me or Sophie.

She immediately took her toy from Aunt Stacy to her bed while Sophie . . .

acted like the hedonist she is. The dog has no shame!

Look at the socks from my sister, Leslie. Cute! Sophie approves.

And, it's not for everybody but here is my Christmas dinner. A yummy buffalo burger! (King Eider, I miss you!)

So, just another day and we had a nice walk on the beach and look at the best gift of all at the end of the day:

Happy holidays, everybody

I had a productive day yesterday, running errands and getting to know the area a little bit. The wind came up and howled all night and look at the waves rolling in this morning. We couldn't walk on the beach this morning as the sand was flying in the wind and stinging our faces. Sophie had sand in the corners of her eyes when we came in, poor baby. 

Last night we heard a huge crash on the deck, which set the dogs off, and this is what we saw in the light of morning. The gas grill - and it's a big one - was blown around the corner and down to the other side of the deck.  The dogs were pretty sure it meant us all harm and approached cautiously with neck and butt fur up. V. funny. Thankfully, it was not attached to the gas canister.

I hope to finish unpacking today - I of course brought all of my fabric so need to find a place for it.

It's a sunny day, high of 60 - I'll take it!

on the cape

After a long walk this morning, we went off to the Piggly Wiggly for groceries, then to the post office to rent a post office box. Lots of southern accents. I finished unloading the car and manhandled - make that woman-handled - the cargo box off the Prius.  My condo is the one on the end, far right.

Here is Lucy gazing out to sea. Happy doggies finally out of the car and landed on a beach.

And here is Sophie doing crazy like nobody else can!

We're expecting a big storm to roll in tonight and looking forward to it.

This morning we took empty back roads consisting of spanish moss draping the pin oaks, lots of old trailers, and plenty of gator holes, while we gradually made our way to the coast.

Stopped at the Piggly Wiggly for some staples and took a long walk on the beach. We were all SO ready for some exercise.  Spent the afternoon unloading the car and tomorrow, I'll be scraping out the Prius and erasing 10 days of travel with two big hairy dogs. And, I'll think about emptying the rooftop carrier.

The girls and I have landed in a beautiful place. Here is sunset tonight. Hasta manana . . .

So I crossed from Georgia to Florida today at about 4pm to 75 warm degrees and sunny skies! I love Florida. Well, I rolled down the windows and suddenly there was a blizzard!  Of Sophie hair, that is.  It started flying around the car and out the windows and just everywhere. The Prius must have looked like Pigpen surrounded by his dirt cloud. I had no idea she had been shedding so much but I will get out the Furminator in the morning!  

Well then I drove and I drove and I drove and no motels, no nothing. At last a rest stop and the girls got a break and had their dinner. Then, back on the interstate. I have finally landed right outside Tallahassee and it will be fun to see it tomorrow as I've never been.  Tomorrow, we will sit for a spell, a nice long time, as the girls and I have had enough driving for awhile.  

More anon.

A visit to the Lancasters of Chattanooga

Another challenge this morning with thick as pea soup fog all morning through the mountains. The road was frozen when the girls and I went for a walk but by 9am we were good to go (even though you could hardly see your hand in front of your face!)

Anyhoo, just another new challenge in a sea of many. I drove right to Brynne and Bo's house and the dogs were thrilled to run and run and run and get muddy and wreak havoc, you get the idea (and thank-you Beth - they are now your biggest fans.) I got to meet Willa for the first time and she is a happy little baby, sweet and beautiful - looks just like my niece, Brynne.

 Don't you love this picture of Marin fishing? She tried to land Sophie but Sophie decided she just wanted to bathe!

Two happy little water babies.

I found a dog-friendly motel (yuk as usual) and then met Brynne and Bo and the girls at the Blue Water Grill right downtown and let me tell you, it was fabulous! I had the best sashimi which is apparently flown in from Jacksonville every day. The only thing better than the food was the company! Miss Marin is quite the tickler and so articulate and funny - oh do I love her! 

 Here are Zia and Marin.