Oldmarrieds

Come visit our new blog home

2010-02-18T11:44:00.001-05:00

We've moved! New updates will be posted at: http://oldmarrieds.wordpress.com

Blog moving soon

2010-01-22T07:31:00.001-05:00

and hopefully I'll be updating more!

Be on the lookout for a new link (all the oldmarrieds blogs will go dormant... kinda like the last 9 months).

2009-12-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

Peace on earth

2009-12-08T08:57:00.002-05:00

Need a little Christmas spirit? Do yourself a favor and download this.

("I heard the bells on Christmas Day" by Casting Crowns)

2 teeth and lots of smiles

2009-12-02T08:54:00.000-05:00

How is she already 7 months? It is so cliche to claim that "time is flying by," but in reality it truely is! Emily is currently working on two teeth (ouch for her & me). Her favorite things are paper (especially magzines, ads and anything that comes in the mail), my water bottle, her singing book and me. She's got quite a reporatiore of foods now: green beans, peas, sweet potatoes, avacodo, bananas, pumpkin and applesauce. However, her sleeping habits have taken quite a hit. We have only seen a 10-11 hour quiet sleep twice in the last 3 weeks; most nights she is restless from 1am-5am making both Paul and I zombies. She makes up for those sleepless nights with lots of cuddles, laughs and silly faces. I honestly can't remember life before her.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T08:41:00.001-05:00

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! It was great at our house.

Evening walk time!

2009-10-01T09:41:00.000-05:00

In her first 'fall weather' outfit; ready for a walk! She needs something for her head as the hood is useless in the stroller. Her noggin has outgrown any hat we currently own. Must find one soon!

Friday Funny

2009-09-25T07:35:00.003-05:00

"The queen declares this photo session be finished immediately!"
(yes I did this in Paint and it sucks, but it made me giggle)

Go Pack!

2009-08-22T15:53:00.004-05:00

Although we've got a lot of pink in our house, red still reigns!

(shirt reads, "Wolfpack baby, best in the world")

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T12:04:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T11:50:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T10:07:00.001-05:00

11 weeks

2009-07-15T08:31:00.002-05:00

In lieu of an update, here's a few pictures of Emily.

She enjoys watching the Tour de France

She's doing really well with holding her head up

Her eyelashes are so lush (and her head, well, so bald)

She's learning to hold toys

And she finds my photo taking sessions quite boring

Smile for Friday

2009-06-12T14:20:00.003-05:00

When she's happy, she's really happy...

Happy 6th Anniversary to us!

2009-06-07T12:18:00.001-05:00

With my mom in town, we headed out to dinner to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. We have so much to celebrate this year :)

Four weeks (and a smile!)

2009-05-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

Emily has been amazing us with new skills, talents, sounds and smiles daily! It's amazing what a difference a week makes. She's a fiery little girl - never missing a meal or sitting in a wet diaper for more than a few moments without strong objections. As usual I don't have much time to update, but I wanted to take a moment to share her precious smile. I think I even witnessed a few giggles this morning. The absolute joys of being a new/first time parent - it's so rewarding!

Ok, so it may look like a mid-yawn, but it was a really BIG smile!

3 weeks!

2009-05-20T09:14:00.001-05:00

In honor of Emily's 3 week birthday, here's a slide show of her many faces:

Emily Marie is here!

2009-05-03T15:31:00.002-05:00

Born Tuesday, April 28th at 6:37am

Stats: 7lbs, 14oz, 21" long

Sneak peak -

More to come!

Spring!

2009-04-05T08:06:00.002-05:00

Spring is here! I know because my nose has been my nemesis the last 2 weeks with all the pollen floating around. Also, things are blooming! And Paul has had to mow twice. It's great to see some color return to the great outdoors.

The rosemary has bloomed once again and its tiny blue-purple blooms amaze me.

Our Eastern Red Bud tree has also bloomed and its heart shaped leaves are really beginning to take shape.

The weather is just too gorgeous for me to be inside. I'm off to do something... most likely nap. :)

[Sigh] No wordless Wednesday this week

2009-03-18T09:51:00.003-05:00

I've put off taking pictures of the nursery (mostly because it isn't done) and pictures of my growing belly (I feel like I look like a whale now) and the "Noah-times like rain" kept me from taking any pictures of spring evidence outside (spring is in full force). So, in effect, no pictures for wordless Wednesday. Why am I even posting about this? I have no idea. I mean really, I've only done "Wordless Wednesday" like 5 times. Most likely it's because I am completely swamped with work and I am doing everything in my power to avoid it. My motivation is completely lacking for anything work related these days. I keep looking at the calendar in awe as I've only got a few weeks left before Baby T makes her appearance. AHHHHH. I am sure that I'm going to be late though. More time to put off what needs to be done! Awesome.

Fresh look

2009-03-16T08:07:00.003-05:00

In honor of spring, I've updated the look of the blog. I know that if you're keeping up through Google Reader this means absolutely nothing, but I for one was tired of the snow and winter look. The last few days have been dreary and I'm waiting for the sun to return. Happy spring!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-10T19:28:00.004-05:00

Because it made me laugh

2009-03-09T10:09:00.003-05:00

Paul and I had a little exchange about laundry this weekend (something to do with me drying some nice new wool socks - oops!). I'm the general laundry doer in our household - not sure exactly how it worked out that way considering I had never done a load of laundry in my life until I went off to college. Yes, so sad. My mom had to teach me the basics standing in the laundry room of my freshman year dorm (I think a few tears were shed). Since then, I've been more or less successful in my laundry ventures. Sunday is our typical laundry day - and I mean ALL day. Normally I do 4 loads, but somehow it takes no less than 10 hours. Apparently I am not efficient. My mom would not be proud (seeing that she can do 4 loads on a weeknight!). Anyway, when I saw this, I had to laugh.

From FailBlog.org

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T17:48:00.000-05:00

Snow. Picture proof

2009-03-02T09:46:00.002-05:00

In honor of the 401st post to the oldmarrieds blog, here's some snow pictures. I'm still feeling pretty bitter about the snowfall, so I didn't really try to capture the 'winter wonderland' essence.

Front yard view at 5:30am, decided to go back to bed

Fluffy azaleas

Paul shoveling snow into his truck before heading off to work

More fluffy azaleas

And this. Taken on Thursday afternoon when it was sunny and around 60. Hopefully spring will be back soon!

Snow... blah, blah, blah

2009-03-01T19:22:00.002-05:00

Just because I always do some kinda of blog entry from snow, I'm posting this now. The stupid weather wrecked havoc on our weekend. We were down in Atlanta having a perfectly wonderful visit and baby shower when WHAM(!) snow enters the forecast. We had to cut our trip short after Delta canceled every flight to RDU today. We also decided to rent a car to drive home... in the middle of the night. Needless to say, I'm no fan of the cold, white, evil stuff right now. Paul and I are both operating on about 5 hours of sleep since waking Saturday morning and after driving 6.5 hours home (Paul did the driving).

It did end up snowing in Atlanta (between 2-6 inches across town) and the airport was a disaster. And it did end up raining almost as soon as we got home, so we beat the airport mess and the mess on the roads by getting home ASAP. Now we're just waiting to see what happens here overnight. I'm kinda hoping for a snow morning (not day) so I can sleep in a little. Goodness knows we need it! (the sleep, that is)

Winter storm warning details - - -
"Statement as of 3:53 PM EST on March 01, 2009

... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 9 am EST Monday...

A strong upper level low currently over eastern Georgia will
pivot northeast across central North Carolina tonight. As this
occurs... widespread precipitation is expected to redevelop across
the warning area. Although precipitation may initially begin as a
wintry mix... precipitation is expected to become all snow by
midnight. Locally heavy snowfall can be expected at times
overnight... with the heaviest snow most likely falling along the
Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 corridor from Chapel HIll... west
to Greensboro... and southwest to Charlotte.

Storm total snowfall amounts across the warning area are expected
to range from 3 to 6 inches... with locally higher amounts. The
heaviest amounts are expected to fall across The Triad and
western Piedmont... in locations such as Burlington... Greensboro...
Winston Salem... Asheboro... and Albemarle. The lightest amounts in
the warning area are expected to fall along and east of the
Highway 1 corridor... including locations such as Raleigh... and
Louisburg.

Despite the previous warm conditions... travel will likely become
treacherous late tonight as snowfall begins to accumulate on area
roads and highways during periods of moderate to heavy snow.
Travel on bridges and overpasses will be especially dangerous. In
addition... strong and gusty northerly winds are expected... and
wind chills could frequently drop into the teens tonight through
Monday morning.

Citizens of central North Carolina are urged to monitor the
latest forecasts and conditions... and to avoid travel tonight and
Monday morning if possible."

Winter Weather Advisory - here we go!

2009-02-03T13:24:00.003-05:00

This morning's weather was pretty disappointing. My car had a nice thin layer of snow. I saw lots of snow covered cars coming from the north on the way into town, but the ground was pretty wet. I did see some nice dusting on leaves/grass in North Raleigh, but nothing very exciting.

It looks like tonight/tomorrow has a little more possibility for something. Although 'they' are saying it will be patchy accumulation, so I'm withholding my enthusiasm.

NWS Winter Weather Advisory (as of 12:30pm)
"Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to
12 PM EST Wednesday

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Winter
Weather Advisory for snow... which is in effect from 6 PM this
evening to 12 PM EST Wednesday.

A strong upper level disturbance and surface low moving into the
area from the northwest... combined with cold air in place... will
lead to the development of areas of snow over north central North
Carolina tonight into Wednesday morning.

Snow is expected to begin this evening around The Triad area and
spread eastward through the Triangle area... Smithfield... and the
Rocky Mount-Wilson area through tonight. There may be a lull in
the snow for several hours overnight... then additional snow bands
on the west side of the surface low are expected to cross this
area early Wednesday morning. The snow should taper off by noon
Wednesday. Storm total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is
anticipated... and locally higher totals are possible.

In addition to the snow... brisk northwest winds may drop the wind
chill into the teens at times on Wednesday.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow will cause
travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited
visibilities... and use caution while driving. People across north
central North Carolina should keep up with the very latest
conditions and forecasts from the National Weather Service."

Snow. You know it.

2009-02-02T18:05:00.004-05:00

I couldn't resist a quick post about another possible winter weather event. Not only did Sir Walter Wally, our resident winter weather predictor, predict another 6 weeks of winter, he brings tidings of COLD and SNOW this week.

From WRAL: "The Triangle and areas to the north can expect anywhere from a dusting of snow to 2 inches, WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. Northern counties have the best shot at snow, but there likely won't be enough moisture behind the cold front to keep snow falling steadily Tuesday morning.... For the morning commute, it's unlikely that there'll be many problems on the roads, Maze said, given the warm temperatures of the past few days that has heated up highways.

WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said that Wednesday's commute could be more troubled, since temperatures will be lower, in the 20s.

More places will have a chance to see snow than on Tuesday. Flakes might be seen as far as Fayetteville during the morning commute."

I love the idea of snow, but not when it could affect my commute. I can't afford to add on any more 'adverse weather' time at work - I'm saving all my leave for more important things!

Snow? Oh yeah, we have it.

2009-01-20T10:26:00.004-05:00

We were not disappointed this morning, snow covers the ground. We're both home from work and just finished a nice big breakfast (eggs, bacon, grits & blueberries). I think a mid-morning nap is in order before we take a little walk outside. I have to guess we've got about 4 inches and it's still falling like mad. I doubt we'll get anywhere near the record 2000 snowfall (21 inches), but it's the most I've seen in a LONG time. Here's a few pictures.

Taken from inside the house as it's still falling/blowing like crazy!

Looking down the street as the Town snowplows our road.

I had no idea they would plow our street! See truck, far right.

The birds need more seed!

Afternoon snow update

2009-01-19T16:42:00.004-05:00

Well, the sun was shining this afternoon and it was vaguely warm. However, I can see some snowy looking clouds on the horizon. WRAL has the latest on the possible winter weather -

"The Triangle could take the brunt of a snowstorm pressing toward the Carolinas, the National Weather Service forecast indicates.

The heaviest band of snow is forecast along the U.S. Highway 1 corridor, from Southern Pines to Raleigh and east to Rocky Mount and Nashville. Accumulation to the south and east of the Triangle could reach 6 inches.

...

Whatever wintry precipitation falls is likely to stick around for a while – particularly on roads – because North Carolina won't see a significant warm-up until the latter part of the week.

The winter storm predicted for Jan. 19-20 comes during an auspicious – or infamous – time for snow in the Triangle.

Four years ago to the day, between 0.5 and 2 inches fell on central North Carolina, catching everyone by surprise. Roads clogged up with workers and students going home early, clogging roads at the same time they turned icy and making some commutes last more than eight hours. About 3,000 Wake County students were stranded at schools overnight.

Five years earlier, on Jan. 25, 2000, the region got its heaviest snowfall ever, 4 inches shy of 2 feet."

Ah, I remember both storms well. The 2005 storm caught me at work and I had to crawl out to the RDU airport to pick up Paul late that afternoon. It took us several hours to get home that night taking a jammed I-540 to Six Forks Road (Falls of Neuse & Capital Blvd north were completely shut down because of the hills near the Neuse River bridges). I know that we wouldn't have made it without the all-wheel-drive Subaru. She was only a few weeks old and she proved her worth that night! W hile many other cars were ditched on slick hilly roads, we made it home! The 2000 storm happened while I was away for college. Asheville saw about 4 inches (fun) but my parents were completely homebound in Raleigh. During that time they got some crazy cabin fever and thought it would be grand to call and tell me crazy things. I shall leave such crazy things unsaid.

Here's hoping for some fluffy white stuff! The pantry, fridge & freezer are stocked!

Winter Storm Watch!

2009-01-19T09:16:00.002-05:00

Whoa Nellie! We wake up to find we're under a winter storm watch tonight and tomorrow with the chance of 2-4-6 inches of snow! Yesterday it was cold and drizzly with a little sleet. It was quite depressing. Now we're on SNOW WATCH 2009! I'm about to be off to the grocery store to pick up a few things - mostly because we never made it to the store this weekend and our pantry is bare.

... Winter Storm Watch in effect from this evening through Tuesday
afternoon...

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Winter Storm
Watch... which is in effect from this evening through Tuesday
afternoon.

A strong upper level disturbance will dive southward through the
Midwest today... and eastward through the Carolinas tonight and
Tuesday. Low pressure at the surface is expected to develop over
western South Carolina this evening and intensify rapidly as it
tracks east then northeast along the North Carolina coast tonight
through Tuesday. With cold air in place over central North
Carolina... the potential exists for a significant amount of snow as
this storm system strengthens.

Precipitation is expected to begin as a mix of rain and snow this
evening... transitioning quickly to all snow overnight... continuing
through Tuesday. Storm total snowfall is expected to be at least two
inches across the area... and could reach four to six inches by
Tuesday evening in some locations.

Some uncertainty remains regarding the precise location of the
highest snowfall totals. At this time it appears that the greatest
risk of heavy snow will be in the corridor between Highway one and
Interstate 95. However... everyone across central North Carolina
should keep a close eye on the latest conditions and forecasts
through today and tonight. Check NOAA Weather Radio or other local
media frequently for the latest information... including possible
advisories and warnings... on this developing storm.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow... sleet... or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Brrrrrr and a chance of snow?

2009-01-15T15:27:00.003-05:00

Um, it's cold. And it's getting colder. I guess this is what winter is supposed to feel like. I couldn't remember, it's been a while.

From weatherunderground.com

Tonight
Clear. Lows around 13. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday
Sunny. Cooler with highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night
Clear. Cold with lows around 11. North winds around 5 mph in the evening...becoming light and variable.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand, drum roll please....

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow in the evening...then partly cloudy after midnight. Cold with lows in the mid 20s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

Long time, no post

2009-01-12T09:48:00.003-05:00

Wow. It's been another long stretch without a post. We've done plenty of fun & exciting things (many things that include great photos) but I've been too lazy with posting. Last week we both headed back to work after a 2 week break and it was rough. I know, 'woe are we for having to take 2 weeks off,' but it was seriously hard to get back into a routine. Especially after such a fun Christmas. I'm still in 'brother withdrawal' (Justin stayed at our house from Thanksgiving until Christmas) and trying to come up with a scheme to get him back in NC for a little bit before he heads off to the big NYC. We'll see how that works out. Hopefully I'll get around to a real post later this week - I've got so much to share!

Christmas!

2008-12-12T08:49:00.003-05:00

With much help from my brother, the house is all ready for Christmas :)

The lovely tree

Entry hall table

The piano

The mantle with no flash (and a little blurry... using our little lens Sony)

The rest of the living room

The mantle area with flash, but still blurry (it was late, ok?)

Outside lights - with new LEDs

The yummy smelling wreath on the front door

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-10T16:18:00.004-05:00

Well, almost wordless.

Long lost brother returns today!

2008-11-24T07:38:00.004-05:00

My amazingly talented brother is returning to the US today after a 3 year stint in Japan. We are so excited to be spending Thanksgiving with him and my parents. We are also ecstatic that he'll be staying in the Raleigh area in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Right now I'm planning on lots of story telling, Wii playing, movie watching, eating, eating and more eating.

Right now (7:30ish am) he's in flight from Toyko to Atlanta (where my parents will pick him up). Delta airlines has a cool flight tracker thingie with details. Since I'm such a nerd I wanted to share the details of his long journey.

His current flight status - (as I blog)

He's flying on a sweet Boeing 777 - 6,831 miles over 12 hours and 15 minutes. He left Toyko at 4:30pm (local time - about 2:30am EST) and will arrive in ATL around 2:45 this afternoon!

I have to wait until Wednesday night to see him - I just can't wait!!!

Snow update

2008-11-21T10:59:00.002-05:00

Yeah, so as expected, there is no remaining snow to see. It's sunny (and COLD) outside. If you want to see more SNOW pictures check out WRAL.com's coverage. You *might* even see a familiar picture in their slideshow...

Slideshow: http://www.wral.com/weather/image_gallery/4001718/

Coverage: http://www.wral.com/weather/story/4001687/

Familiar picture? :) http://www.wral.com/golo/image/4002301/ (right now it is 49 out of 99 in the show)

More snow (and pictures!)

2008-11-21T08:02:00.006-05:00

It does feel kinda wrong to not only be talking about snow, but posting pictures of it while my 'fall theme' still covers the blog. Oh well! This morning I listened to Christmas music on the radio as I drove through an early "winter wonderland."

Ok, so it wasn't the most exciting snowfall, but it is November, NOVEMBER, and the ground was covered in white! Well, it was dusted in white. It was exciting for me!

My first view of the stuff, around 6am

I stood in disbelief at the front door thinking, is this some kind of crazy pregnancy dream?

I figured it would stop and melt soon, so I took a few more before breakfast

Those strange green things growing are bulbs - they're terribly confused on what season we're in.

However, it did not stop and the sun rose so we could enjoy the wintery sight!

Yes, I am well aware that you probably need to squint and use your imagination to see the snow in these pictures, but in person, it was beautiful!

At this point I was starting to run late for work...

So I hopped in my snow covered car and hit the road.

I found some traffic, boo! But I also found more snow covered scenes. I thankfully did not crash!

Once I arrived in Raleigh proper, the snow was pretty much gone and there was very little on the ground. It made for a fun morning as I haven't actually driven in falling snow in a long, long time. I'm not sure if the 2 small snowfalls we've seen this week bear any indication of what we may see this winter. I'm tempted to get a snow shovel just in case!

A picture explains it all

2008-11-21T07:56:00.002-05:00

More to come...

SNOW FLURRY SIGHTING

2008-11-18T13:23:00.003-05:00

YES, I AM YELLING! Ok, so it's not that exciting, but seriously, I have spotted our first frozen precipitation of the 2008-09 winter season! It is bitterly cold today (for November) but I can handle the cold with little flurries in the air!

Today's forcast:

Chance of Snow - 30% chance of precipitation
Tuesday afternoon-
Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of snow showers. Breezy with highs in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

WRAL story on the cold: http://www.wral.com/weather/story/3979936/

A little annoucement

2008-11-18T08:13:00.002-05:00

It's time for us to share a little update on our lives. As you've probably noticed we've been slack with updating the blog. Ok, so there have been plenty of slack blog times over the past few years, but this time I have a reason! We've been a little preoccupied with a new addition coming to our lives next spring...

The Oldmarrieds are starting a family!!! Finally!

Ok, back to your regularly scheduled programming. I'll try to add a few updates later, promise.

Election Day is here!

2008-11-04T07:17:00.001-05:00

And we voted! Well, actually we voted early, but still, our votes are in. Is yours?

What we've been up to lately

2008-10-24T13:17:00.004-05:00

A quick photo narrative of the last month or so -

We took a trip to Myrtle Beach with my parents. It was the perfect weather weekend!

We ate yummy local seafood

We played silly putt-putt

Even though it was the strangest course and so hot/muggy!

Did I mention some of the holes were insane?

Played on the beach - Paul perfecting his water re-routing skills.

Fed hungry hungry alligators (ACK! They're coming to get us!)

Once back home, we went on a local farm tour.

We hung out with Black Angus cattle

We each took a turn at wood turning

And watched little piggies play in the mud

A few weekends later, Paul decided he wanted to put his mountain bike skills to the test at an endurance race. Endurance = 6 hours of riding (3pm-9pm) - yes, in the woods in the dark! Ok, ok, lights were required after dark, but one little spotlight in the woods made it a whole different course after dark.

Here he comes flying down the start/finish road.

Paul then took a trip to Idaho for work. The land of Napoleon Dynamite. Seriously.

Pretty scenery

Lava flow!

What I think is a lava tube (I'm just downloading pictures off the digital camera willy-nilly at this point).

I am so jealous I didn't get to see this!

Last weekend we made our annual trip to the NC State Fair. It was a chilly morning and we only lasted a few hours, but it was, as always, well worth it.

The winning (massive) pumpkins! Everyone takes pictures of these babies!

Steve Troxler (Ag Commissioner, up for re-election) and the Japanese Ambassador boarding the HUGE shopping cart (which they drove through the grounds - video to possibly follow).

And finally, wacky art on the Midway rides. It's kinda hard to see, but it's quite the story there (aliens, blasters, robots). Reminds of something Justin would draw back in the day.

A quick video of the giant souped up shopping cart in action.

It's Fall, y'all!

2008-09-22T07:55:00.002-05:00

Today is the first day of fall. As such I decided to update the look of the blog. I will admit that the fall season is my favorite and I look forward to the cooler temperatures and the bright blue skies of autumn. A few leaves have starting changing and I'm ready to haul out my fall decor. In the meantime, I'm planning to light a few fall spicy candles and look forward to wearing a nice cozy sweater.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-03T08:43:00.003-05:00

Hurricane season is on!

2008-09-03T08:36:00.004-05:00

So, it looks like little miss Hanna may stop by for a visit this weekend. We are/were planning to make a trip down to Wilmington for the weekend, but I'm really starting to rethink those plans. I know it isn't a major storm, but it's still a lot of rain and possibly wind - lovely!

And Hanna is closely followed by 2 more named storms - Ike & Josephine. September is the 'big month' for Atlantic storms and this year is definitely proving it!

Happy birthday house!

2008-09-02T08:31:00.002-05:00

A few days before closing

We closed on our house 4 years ago today. FOUR years. We've still got so many projects to finish, but it's really become our home. I hope to post some updated pictures of our projects later this week...

Backyard invasion!

2008-08-11T15:49:00.002-05:00

Paul noticed my parsley plant looking a little sad last night. After closer examination, we found these invaders!

Not quite clear enough? How about now?

Ok, so it was a little stressed from all the heat last week, but they've eaten off most of the leaves! Seriously!

Pesky boogers - eating my lovingly grown from seed parsley!

And they just had to go... I cut off all of them (more than I want to count) and I 'served' them at the bird feeder. Not sure if the insect eaters will find them, but I hope they are put to good use!

They should make a nice dinner for a birdie tonight...

Speaking of birds, I got a chance to watch (and listen to) Mrs. Cardinal and some perky goldfinches. There was a gaggle of morning doves hanging around as well as a hummingbird I just couldn't get a clear picture of as he buzzed by me.

Mrs. C is hanging out in the willow tree, trying to ascertain my danger status

Sadly, our feeders were empty, sorry!

There are 2 goldfinches in this photo... can you find them?

(hint, far left and center)

Look up tonight!

2008-08-11T11:53:00.002-05:00

From NASA:

Mark your calendar: The 2008 Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12th and it should be a good show.

"The time to look is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday, August 12th," says Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center. "There should be plenty of meteors--perhaps one or two every minute."

A Perseid meteor over Joshua Tree National Park in California, August 11, 2007. Credit: Joe Westerberg.

Serious meteor hunters will begin their watch early, on Monday evening, August 11th, around 9 pm (EST) when Perseus first rises in the northeast. This is the time to look for Perseid Earthgrazers--meteors that approach from the horizon and skim the atmosphere overhead like a stone skipping across the surface of a pond.

"Earthgrazers are long, slow and colorful; they are among the most beautiful of meteors," says Cooke. He cautions that an hour of watching may net only a few of these at most, but seeing even one can make the whole night worthwhile.

A warm summer night. Bright meteors skipping overhead. And the peak is yet to come. What could be better? [read more]

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-06T07:44:00.004-05:00

Summer concert time

2008-07-30T10:24:00.001-05:00

In celebration of Paul's upcoming birthday, we went to see Sara Bareilles, Counting Crows and Maroon 5 last night. We had great seats, the crowd was awesome aaaaaand it was so hot we could hardly see straight. But it was awesome! This was Paul's first trip to Walnut Creek and my first time back since high school. Good times.

Random & in no particular order

2008-07-22T11:26:00.002-05:00

I haven't felt inspired to update the blog recently, but uploaded a few pictures from around the house. So with little narrative intruption, here's some pictures.

Sunflower (from our birdseed)

Cana lilies

Brewing storm (lots of booms and wind, little rain)

Weekend grilling

Enjoying some DQ before the fireworks

Summer sunset

Herbs and things

Happy Independence Day, y'all!

2008-07-04T19:55:00.003-05:00

From the lovely small town fireworks show we saw last evening (good thing too b/c big, fat, severe thunderstorms are about to blow through now ruining the other big shows tonight):

More flowers

2008-07-02T19:13:00.002-05:00

Since the weather has been bearable outside (where'd the humidity go? I don't care, it can stay away!) I took some more pictures of flowers surviving in our yard. Most are super closeup as I'm trying to master the manual focus on my spiffy camera. Enjoy!

Despite the drought

2008-06-28T07:25:00.003-05:00

we have flourishing flowers. Ok, maybe they're not flourishing, but they're pretty showy. Here's a slideshow of what's blooming (gladiolas, cana lilies, rose of Sharon and some purple spike bulb plant that the hummingbirds love).

Well, at least the Governor got in a good summer vacation

2008-06-27T13:35:00.003-05:00

or wait? Was is a working vacation? I'm not really sure. Here's a few takes on the recent trip Governor Easley (and his entrouge) took to Italy:

Cartoon by Dwane Powell (News & Observer)

Column by Barry Saunders (who I can't say I always agree with, but I'm right there with him on this jab):

The travails of travel

"Basta!

That's Italian for "Chill, homes." Sort of.

So chill, homes. What did y'all want the governor to do, get a bus pass and eat canned Spaghetti-Os for supper?

Considering that for many North Carolinians, vacations of any sort are distant memories and each trip to the gas station has become a potentially life-altering decision -- "Do I fill up or feed the kids?" -- there is little sympathy for a governor who spends our money like it's going out of style.

Or like he's going out of office.

Gov. Mike Easley's junket to Italy in April with Lady Sweet Thang and 12 others has understandably struck a negative chord with families who may have to budget for two weeks just to take the kids to Burger King.

Since His Easleyness is a lame-duck governor constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third term -- and who seems to lack the constitution for another one, anyway -- he no longer has to care what we think. The dude can pretty much tell us to kiss his Spaghetti-Os.

Cynics claim that's what he did with a nine-day trip that cost us $170,000.

They contend the trip was merely Easley's way of paying back, at taxpayer expense, some of his political allies for eight years' service. The ostensible reason for the trip was to recruit businesses and tourists to the state..."

(go here to read more)

If you're still with me and want to read more - here's another editorial about their trip. Lovely!

Summer evening storm

2008-06-23T19:47:00.003-05:00

Watching a storm roll on by (kids don't try this at home!) Lots of booms and flashes, but not much rain.

SCORE!!! I caught my first lightning strike with the new camera! (middle center)

Daydreaming

2008-06-22T11:33:00.000-05:00

Wishing we were here again...

View from dinner at the Inn on Pamlico Sound

OBX Day 1

2008-06-07T17:03:00.002-05:00

Quick photo update - well, 2 photos anyway.

From our visit to the Wright Brother's Memorial (it was hot, hot, hot) this morning -

Scenic pictures to be uploaded later - it's time for dinner! Yummy fresh seafood here we come!

Happy 5th Anniversary to Us

2008-06-07T07:15:00.003-05:00

We've taken a little trip out to the Outer Banks to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary - 5 y.e.a.r.s! I wanted to make a quick post before we start our fun filled (and hot) day. It sounds/feels so cliche to say that it doesn't feel like a year has gone by but then again I can barely remember what it was like to not be married. We've been blessed these past five years and I look forward to many, many, many more! Especially if we continue to celebrate in such a fun fashion.

Things done thus far:
-arrive in Manteo (wildfire smoke did not deter us)
-check into our lovely room at the White Doe Inn (pictures to follow)
-eat dinner at Basnight's Lone Cedar (YUM!)
-check to see that the ocean is still there at Nags Head (it is, and very blue)
-see the "Lost Colony" performance (which starts at 8:30pm and goes until almost 11pm! bug spray is a must)

Stupid Monday

2008-06-03T15:37:00.003-05:00

This made my Monday not-so-happy:

Can't quite see it?

How about now?

That would be a HUGE crack in my windshield (or windscreen if you're British). It immediately happened after something small, with a lot of velocity or weight (or both) came out of NO WHERE and hit me. Seriously. I was on a 35 mph road with NO ONE in front of me when it happened. I'm still puzzled.

Any who - it's supposed to be get replaced tomorrow. I hope it does because we've got big plans for the weekend that include this car!

On a happier note, check out what's blooming -

Gladiola (first one of the season!)

Cana lily

Salvia & knock out rose bush

And blueberries! 2 out of the 4 bushes have been fruitful (YAY!) They're surrounded by netting to keep the birds from eating them all (like they did last year)

Grilling out rocks

2008-05-30T09:47:00.002-05:00

We grilled pretty much everything we could last weekend - steak, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, tuna, veggies and even turkey bacon. We also spent a good deal of time eating outside (loving the mild weather and no mosquitoes!)

See?

We just couldn't help ourselves...

Check out my 'clearance' flowers - they seem pretty happy to me :)

Here's my pot full of cilantro and flat-leaf parsley seedlings (they're growing like weeds... which I guess they kinda are!)

And finally, the spearmint, which smells heavenly! (with the massive rosemary bush in the background - what can I say? I love my culinary herbs!)

Weekend update

2008-05-20T20:08:00.003-05:00

We had a delightful weekend - it was well deserved after an especially hectic work week for both of us. We started off the weekend with movies. In preparation for the new Indiana Jones movie, we bought the special edition pack of the previous 3 movies and watched "The Last Crusade." Lovely evening!

We continued our movie watching by going to see the latest Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian on Saturday morning (11:50am showing!). It was quite good and I wished I had finished reading it before seeing it. Now I really have a fire to finish up the entire series, I think.

Saturday evening was filled with Mario Karting with Becky & Kevin. They may live hundreds of miles away but we can meet up to race on the Wii anytime. I don't know how those 2 hours went by so fast, but they did! It was a blast! They have skillz - for real! I've got to 'practice' this week so I can hold my own in a team race next time.

Finally, on Sunday we knew we had to get a new gas grill. Our beloved gas grill has not aged well and after taking a fatal spill over the patio retaining wall a few weeks ago, it was done with grilling. We've shopped around a lot and considered many different brands and even charcoal (which we love! but don't love the time it takes to heat up). We finally took a leap and bought a Weber gas grill. It is more amazing than we imagined!

It has stainless steel cooking grates and "flavorizer" bars that make a wonderful grilling experience. Seriously. It is an experience! We are ready to host a cook out at our house!

See? Ready for a cookout!

Our [happy/giddy] reflection

And finally, we had our regular weekend storm (I'm pretty sure this makes week #8 in a row!). It delayed our grilling on Sunday night, but we were not going to wait another day to try out the new grill. Then today we had super thunderstorms and HAIL. I was home alone when they struck and admit to feeling a bit uneasy. Thankfully my car was in the garage and the new grill was under the patio cover, so no damage!

Photo update (cabin weekend)

2008-05-13T08:30:00.003-05:00

Hi! I haven't posted much lately, but I've taken a ton of pictures. So instead of a lengthy update, I give you pictures:

Cabin view (Grandfather Mnt)

Wii boxing action (also a good cardio workout)

Up on the Parkway

SLOB sistas

Lunch in Blowing Rock - Becky's face says it all (it was, uh, ok?)

Storm brewing on Grandfather

Kitchen duty (we ate good!)

Paul telling funny stories

When Paul has the camera

Shea & Micah

Photo shoot with Becky & Kevin (my favorite shot)

When Becky has the camera

Perfect weather on the day we leave... headed down Hwy 421 out of Boone

Weekend getaway

2008-05-01T08:20:00.002-05:00

This is where we'll be this weekend:

So excited!

Additional proof of our nerdiness

2008-04-28T06:56:00.002-05:00

Last night we stayed up way too late watching TV. We were not watching the usual comedies or dramas of Sunday night, no, we were watching a documentary. A darn good one at that (well, besides some sound issues, which I think we'll blame on the passing storms).

Paul had received an invitation to view Carrier from UNC TV a week ago but the timing didn't work out for us, so we had to wait to see it on TV. Thankfully UNC TV has a great HD (high definition) channel so we could watch it in all its glory (sadly, not hear it though). We both have interest in past, present and future military battles, weapons, technology and people. We watch in awe and admiration at what our men and women in the armed forces do to protect our freedom every day around the clock.

A little background on Carrier (Episodes 1 & 2 aired last night, it will be on all this week on PBS):
"In May 2005, the USS Nimitz embarked on a six-month deployment to the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. These operations helped stabilize the maritime environment and complemented the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

The Nimitz and its air wing, Air Wing 11, launched more than 4,500 sorties totaling more than 11,000 flight hours. More than 1,100 sorties and 6,000 flight hours were flown in direct support of troops on the ground in Iraq. (sorties = term for deployment or dispatch of one military unit; usually has a purpose of accomplishing a specific mission, whether alone or with other aircraft or vessels)

Ships from the Nimitz Strike Group also conducted 286 queries, 410 approaches and 14 boardings of foreign vessels in support of Fifth Fleet Maritime Security Operations.

During the deployment, the Nimitz Strike Group made a number of port visits throughout the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf including stops in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Bahrain, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Nimitz also made her first-ever stops in Guam and Perth, Australia before returning to California in November 2005."

New Wii game - awesome!

2008-04-27T10:06:00.003-05:00

This is what is keeping us entertained this morning.... Mario Kart for Wii (Paul made an early morning trip to Super Target to pick it up)

It rocks!

American Idol - Andrew Lloyd Webber night

2008-04-22T20:57:00.003-05:00

Seriously! So we've had 2 weeks of Beetles, Dolly Parton, Mirah Carey ... why not?!

Ok, so, why I am blogging about it at this hour (it's my bedtime, ya know?!)? I have to because my parents purchased the piano songbook of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most beloved songs for me to learn in middle school and I've got some ALW favorites so I was quite entertained by tonight's performances. Although I will say that no one sang one of my favorites, "Tell Me on a Sunday." [sigh] I think Brook could have rocked it.

It was ok; nothing rocked my socks. Before I head to bed I must play a few of my favorite ALW tunes on the piano, and I'm sure I'll be humming them tomorrow!

April Showers [storms]

2008-04-21T15:50:00.001-05:00

Here's what we watched on Sunday afternoon. We didn't see much rain, but the clouds were impressive.

"just a little off the top"

2008-03-28T08:40:00.002-05:00

I finally took the plunge - I chopped off my hair!

I wasn't sure if I had enough to donate, but sure enough, I did. More than 10 inches! And amazingly, I still have plenty left for a cute new 'do. Check it out!

I donated my hair to "Locks of Love" and in the end came out with a free haircut! The salon I went to is an 'official' salon for Locks of Love - they will process and send in my hair for me (so I didn't have to bring it home to apparently gross Paul out and hold on to forever like some sort of twisted security blanket). Check out Salon Moxie for more information.

Lu - thanks for the encouragement! Can't wait until next week :)

We're hooked - American Idol

2008-03-26T08:34:00.003-05:00

Honestly, we haven't followed American Idol much beyond the first auditions and "Hollywood Week" the past several years. This year is different - we have been watching since the beginning and I guess I should admit, we're hooked!

Becky also posted the same thing this morning and we totally agree on our favorite - David Cook! He totally rocked "Billie Jean" as the last contestant of the night. They truly saved the best for last. I almost don't want him to be #1 so he can go out on his own immediately - I would totally buy his album. I'm even considering trying to get tickets when their American Idol Top 10 tour comes through town (because generally the Top 10 are really good, well, most of the time).

Check it out -

The progression of spring

2008-03-25T08:35:00.002-05:00

Despite this morning's freezing temperature (and the HARD frost on my car) spring has been abundant. You want proof? Check out our yard -

The redbud tree went from this

to this (in several warm days)

The [later] planted hyacinths went from this

to this

There's pollen on the pansies (and on the car and EVERYTHING else for the matter)

(you can also see our 2-for-1 blooms on the hyacinths here - score!)

Our Tuscan Blue rosemary bush has finally produced some blooms (one sprig anyway)

Nifty shrub with really cool frilly blooms (I cannot remember the name of it to save my life!)

Closeup

View of the redbud through the Rose of Sharon bush

And finally, another view of the sky through the corkscrew willow - it was quite the mixed sky (some rain, maybe flurries, and blue!)

Signs of spring

2008-03-14T07:01:00.003-05:00

It is readily apparent that spring is coming. Not only did the layer of icky pollen on my nice shiny black car clue me in, but here's what I've seen this week:

Magnolia tree at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Peach tree blooms (JC Raulston Arboretum)

Redbud tree in the backyard

Corkscrew willow in the backyard - although it's difficult to see the buds, it's striking against the sky

Blueberry bush

Happy daffodils in the backyard

Potted daffodils

Irises

Red hyacinth coming up

The neighborhood cat, Harvey, looking for some attention

[Heavenly scented] Hyacinths

Wow. Long time, no post

2008-02-28T11:08:00.002-05:00

So... it's been a while since I posted. A long month + some odd days. I am so sorry about that! We've been sorta busy - adding lights, fixing holes in the ceiling, hosting my parents, buying a new car and taking a weekend trip to Asheville (and coming home with the 'crud' - I'm totally convinced what I've got is NOT the flu!).

Pictures. Yeah, I've got 'em. However, I have no time to post them today.

Quick shout out to my bro, Justin - HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a an awesome time in Tokyo. You gift [will be in] the mail shortly!

Snow - a wrap-up

2008-01-20T12:08:00.001-05:00

It took so long to get here and even longer to stick and now it's nearly gone. The snow has been replaced with wicked cold artic air. At noon it is 27 degrees with a 16 degree windchill. Nice! (Paul just called to let me know it was 4 degrees in Kansas City this morning and now a balmy 16!)

Here's some 'morning after' snow pictures (I did sleep in a little past 9, so some was already melted)

The frozen fountain

Looking up the street

Across the street (notice the salt on my car! we drove right behind the salt brine sprayers on Friday night, ack!)

The house

(Lu - see the little green shoots? those are my iris bulbs already coming up - ack!)

Here's the 'rents house in Atlanta - they got WAY more snow than we did!

And see, this is where my bird feeding obsession comes from (their backyard)

Snow - before bed

2008-01-19T23:23:00.000-05:00

One last look at the snow "accumulation" before bed

Snow in the street light

(had I learned how to properly use my new camera, I may have gotten much better pictures)

Update: SNOW is on the GROUND!

2008-01-19T18:06:00.000-05:00

Wow. So in about 60 minutes time we went from barely any snow falling to snow on the ground. I am a happy, happy girl!

Thankfully Mom & Dad called (on Skype, with video and sound most of the time) to distract me while I waited for the snow to stick. They've gotten a good 1/4 inch on the ground at their house just south of Atlanta (I was so jealous to see the snow covered ground!).

(M&D say "hi!")

Here's some pictures (like I promised!)

Snow just after 4pm (not terribly impressive)

Snow just after 6pm

(the car! which is finally home, long story!)

More to come! Hopefully...

4pm update

2008-01-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Yes ladies & gentlemen, your OCD snow loving blogger is updating yet again!

We have SNOW. Very little rain mixed in, just SNOW! It is sticking to the wood bridge, but nothing else, YET.

Pictures will follow. I've got to eat something first!

See, I'm not the only impatient one!

2008-01-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

(headline on WRAL)

Another update

2008-01-19T15:11:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am this bored

Time: 3:12pm

Weather status: rain mixed with SNOW!

Snow: reports of heavier snow fall near RDU (Paul called from the tarmac)

Mood: improving! yet still hungry.

Snow? An update

2008-01-19T14:13:00.001-05:00

Time: 2:13pm

Weather status: light rain, 40ish degrees

Snow: none sighted in immediate area

Mood: grouchy! yet hungry.

Forecast:

More snow?

2008-01-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

Here we go again - another forecast with snow in our immediate future. If you're a loyal reader of the blog you know that I blog more about the weather than I do about our life. It is an illness, I know. I would have seriously studied atmospheric science had it not been for the requirements of organic chemistry and lots of calculus! So instead, now I just blog out interesting impending weather. I really hope we see something pretty tomorrow - I want to take my new camera out and blog pictures (they're more fun than reading I'm sure)!

WRAL's headline, "Measurable snow possible"

Here's the latest advisory from the NWS:
"The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Winter Storm
Watch... which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday
afternoon.

Precipitation is expected to overspread central North Carolina
during the day on Saturday. As it does so... much colder air will
spread into the area from the west. The airmass appears to be cold
enough at the onset of the event Saturday morning for most of the
precipitation to fall as snow across the western Piedmont. Further
east toward the northern Piedmont and northeast coastal plain... the
precipitation will likely start out as a cold rain Saturday morning
but should change over to snow during the late morning or early
afternoon.

Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible... which could
cause significant impacts to travel.

Some uncertainty still exists with this event. The exact track of
the surface low and the timing of the colder air will ultimately
determine the snowfall accumulation potential.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow... sleet... or ice accumulations that may impact travel."

Snow from last January... (1/18/06)

Today's headline, "Snow turns to rain across the Triangle"

2008-01-17T14:43:00.000-05:00

Boo. We got like 3 seconds of snow, 30 minutes of sleet and hours of rain. Well, not exactly "boo" on the rain; we need it, like really, really need it. It's been hovering around 35 degrees ALL day with a persistent drizzle. Seriously, why couldn't we get a little more snow!? I was looking forward to a snow day at home where I could take pictures and blog them from the comfort of my living room and in my PJs. I shouldn't complain too much, work was delayed 2 hours!

This was about the extent of it (photo from WRAL):

Snow? Is coming?

2008-01-16T21:23:00.001-05:00

My office has already been delayed until 10am - wooooooooo! Come on snow! The 'rents in Atlanta have already seen some of the white stuff :)

Current advisory (emphasis my own):

... Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 4 am to 12 PM
EST Thursday...

Confidence continues to increase that there will be a period of
mixed light snow and sleet over the region late tonight... before
changing to freezing rain around daybreak... then to all rain by
noon. This could lead to a light accumulation of snow... sleet and
freezing rain before the change- over to all rain. Surface
temperatures near or slightly below freezing around daybreak should
slowly warm above freezing by late morning... then into the mid to
upper 30s during the afternoon.

Since the precipitation is expected to arrive just before the
morning rush hour... any light accumulation of snow... sleet... or
freezing rain would increase the potential for a significant
impact during the morning commute. This includes the northeast Piedmont
and western sandhills regions... extending roughly along and west
of a line from near Rockingham to Sanford... Raleigh... Louisburg...
and Warrenton. It appears that bridges and overpasses will pose
the greatest problem for icing.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow... sleet... or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities... and use caution while
driving. Allow extra time and plan for travel delays.

An update - forthcoming ?

2008-01-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

I can't say that we've been too busy to blog, but life has just been "out of whack" since Christmas. I've got lots of pictures to post and a few items I want to blog about, but just can't seem to get my act together.

So for now, here's 2 photos of a hawk (coopers? sharp shinned? chicken?) in our backyard. Needless to say, our bird feeders have been vacant since his arrival...

Rainy day

2007-12-30T15:28:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for the very rainy day we're experiencing today, but it has made me completely unproductive.

Keep on raining! I'll stay in my pj's all day :)

Coming soon...

2007-12-30T10:35:00.000-05:00

... awesome photos taken with my new DSLR camera! YES! I got a new digital camera for Christmas/birthday. It is the popular Nikon D40X. LOVE IT! Now I just need to figure out how to use it. For now, here's one fun picture from 12/26:

Self portrait under the crazy lights at the GA Aquarium

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-19T18:02:00.000-05:00

There, I said it! I've been doing my best to be "PC" everywhere else (especially at work) and I give the generic "Happy Holidays!" but I had to get out one good "MERRY CHRISTMAS" before I exploded! :)

So, I hear Christmas is next week. We've had the house mostly decorated since the start of the month and I thought it would be a good idea to take a little photo evidence for posterity.

Ooooooooooohhhhhh Christmas tree, oooohhhh Christmas tree, how lovely are your plastic branches

The piano (finally tuned and sounding beautiful! thanks mom & dad!)

The tree again (please excuse the ghetto tie backs, we have real ones to put on the wall, but just haven't had a chance to hang them)

Christmas card holder (yeah, it's just some ribbon and packing tape, but it works!)

The snow village

The festive mantle

Holly themed coffee table

The whole she-bang in the living room

Our front door (non-round) wreath

And finally the entry table

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas in suburbia/small town USA

2007-12-14T22:23:00.001-05:00

In case you haven't noticed, it's almost Christmas. This time next week I'll be done with work and it'll be present opening, food gorging, jolly good times. We've been getting in the spirit here, despite the non-Christmasy weather (hello 80 degree days).

The first weekend of November was the neighborhood luminary lighting
(in night vision mode, so it's a bit odd looking, and well, not all the neighbors participated - some of our Christmas decorations were up)

Last weekend it was the local Christmas parade. It was pretty warm sitting in the afternoon sun, but it was so much fun! Check it out:

Lots and lots of fire trucks, new & old

Ladies in Civil War dress

Float

Parade Grand Marshal, The Mark Roberts (my favorite traffic guy, although he now does car commercials)

NC Agriculture "big" shopping cart, it is quite large, no?

MOMS club (mothers of multiples) - all the kids were dressed in large Christmas gift bags, too cute!

Super cute wagon "float"

Festive old car

Love the tree in the 'rumble seat'

The stoic Chick-Fil-A cow

Local 'store' float (Old time-y gas station I pass everyday)

Dancers en'float

Our mayor

Ponies (and some poo)

A singing float

Sweet old car

Santa!

Yay for Santa!

That's all for now folks!

Planeguage

2007-12-11T09:05:00.000-05:00

"The language of traveling by plane" (Delta's blog)

Delta airlines came up with a series of animated shorts to convey a humorous spin on plane etiquette. I have to say they a right on! Check them out for a smile :)

A season appropriate video called "Miracle"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsmGJdLYyYI

To view all the videos go to YouTube ("Shady Lady" and "Kidtastrophe" are awesome) (http://www.youtube.com/user/planeguage)

It's beginning to feel a lot like....... Christmas?!

2007-12-10T14:21:00.000-05:00

Wow. It is warm. Too warm for December! Check it:

Statement as of 1:50 PM EST on December 10, 2007

... Record high temperature set at the Raleigh-Durham international
Airport today...

As of 150 PM... the Raleigh-Durham international Airport has reached
a high temperature of 80 degrees. This breaks the previous record for
December 10th of 76 degrees... last set in 1972. In addition... 80
degrees ties the record high temperature for the month of December
... Which was reached on 12/6/1998 and 12/7/1998. This product will
be updated later today once the official high temperature has been
reached.

The normal high temperature at the Raleigh-Durham international
Airport for December 10th is 55 degrees.

More winter weather?!?!?!

2007-12-07T06:40:00.000-05:00

I'm blogging while eating breakfast because apparently we had/are experiencing some winter weather. It took everyone by surprise! I swear when we watched the news before bed there was NO MENTION of anything frozen falling from the sky.

Apparently it's a pretty big problem on the roads - especially ones with bridges. The local news is reporting that I-40 is just about shut down because of multiple accidents due to the SURPRISING slick roads. My commute includes 4 major bridges - 2 I never want to cross when slick (Neuse River bridge at Falls Lake damn and the Atlantic Avenue - up hill and curvy- bridge over the rail road tracks). So I'm going to wait until the sun comes up before going out.

Here's the latest winter weather advisory (although I think it will be extended beyond 7am because of the amount of precipitation and below freezing temps that hover over northern Wake county):

Statement as of 6:29 AM EST on December 07, 2007

... Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 am EST this
morning...

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 am EST this
morning.

A fast moving upper level disturbance will cause scattered light
sleet or light freezing rain before daybreak. Though only trace
amounts of precipitation are expected... even trace amounts can
cause slippery conditions on roads... especially on bridges and
overpasses. Extreme caution is advised for early morning
motorists in the Highway 70 east corridor through the central
coastal plain and between Raleigh and Wilson.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of frozen or
freezing precipitation will cause travel difficulties. Be
prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities... and use
caution while driving.

UPDATE AT 7:30am:
70 accidents reported in the area

Wooo! First snow!(flake)

2007-12-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

Quick weather report: "A mix of mainly spotty drizzle...and a few snow flurries will continue to be possible across the northern counties of North Carolina through noon. Areas likely affected include The Triad east through the Triangle...and into the northern coastal plain. Any precipitation will be brief... and will begin to taper off after noon. Temperatures will continue to rise into the mid 40s."

It's official! I saw the first snow flakes in Raleigh this morning. I also heard that it's coming down at a pretty good clip just west of here, so hopefully we'll see a few more flakes! It's not exactly a winter wonderland, but it is SNOW!

Thanksgiving (pt 2)

2007-12-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving was spent in the [cold] mountains of Asheville. We decided to stay somewhere different and choose the Bent Creek Lodge. It is listed as a "Bed & Breakfast" but it is a wonderful, semi-rustic, cozy mountain lodge just south of Asheville (address is Arden). If the weather had been warmer/dryer and Paul's bike wasn't broken, it would have been the perfect place for us to mountain bike. We stayed in the "tree room" and enjoyed sitting by the fire, watching birds and eating the amazing breakfast. If you're looking for an alternative to the overpriced, under impressive hotels in Asheville, check out the Bent Creek Lodge.

Paul enjoying the fire & reading materials in the common room

While in Asheville, we did the usual things - eat at Apollo Flame, Tupelo Honey (buy honey to take home), walk around the Grove Arcade, visit UNCA, pay $6 to park/visit the NC Arboretum, you know the usual things we do. It's more fun to say it with pictures:

Interior of the Arcade

Exterior of the Arcade

Paul at the riveting NC Arboretum exhibit (the history of flowerpots, seriously)

Mom & Dad at the quilt garden

Yews are serious plants (ha!)

Bonsai Garden (the cold wind was sucking the life out of us, but it was an awesome garden)

Gates at the Bonsai garden

Size perspective

Can you tell we liked the Bonsai?

Visiting the Alma Mater (it has been 5 years since we graduated!) - check out the new science building being built next to the library - it is a MONSTER!

The University Seal - me squinty

Our different meal was SUSHI! with mom & dad. We ate the Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse in Biltmore Village. Their sushi was ok, nothing like our neighborhood sushi joint, but it sorta hit the spot. Mom, Paul and I split "sushi for 3" which means it comes out on a BIG BOAT (dad stuck with hibachi shrimp).

And our trip to Asheville wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Grove Park Inn. This time of year they host the "National Gingerbread House Competition" and it is one of my favorite things to go and see. This year did not disappoint. They only had the "top winners" on display at the Inn (other entries were around town, like at the Grove Arcade). I'm testing the slide show for these photos (let me know if it works for you and if you like it/not).

Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn (and other superfluous photos of us and the parents)

Want to see more pictures of the gingerbread houses? Go here (they aren't mine and show a little more detail)

Thanksgiving in the NC Mountains (pt 1)

2007-12-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

Sunrise on Thanksgiving morning

This year we hit the road, with the other 11 million Americans, for Thanksgiving. We headed west on interstate 40 in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving morning. We were rewarded for waiting to travel - traffic was light!

We spent Thanksgiving Day in Marion with Paul's family. I had the honor of cooking with Margie - mixing/making the stuffing, chopping lots of fruit and roasting asparagus. Thanksgiving dinner was SO GOOD. After our meal, Paul and I took a walk around the property where he showed me all the old trails he and his brothers had made.

"The trail goes this way - no wait - that way - or over there..."

Quick picture taken before heading back up the house - an odd howling in the woods kept getting closer and closer...

Cool green stuff that covered the ground

We took a quick ride out around town and Paul showed me something new; the 1-lane Vein Mountain tunnel. We don't have such nostalgia in the big city.

Going in - waiting for the light to change

Coming back - a little like the twilight zone.

Sunset in Marion

On Friday morning we headed up to Asheville - once again traffic was fairly light and we saw some snow on the mountains.

Going up Old Fort Mountain - some color left on the trees

River Ridge exit of I-240

More to come! Christmas decorations and spring bulb planting calls!

Need to get in the Christmas spirit?

2007-11-29T15:36:00.000-05:00

We plan to haul out our Christmas decor this weekend but in the meantime, I needed something to get me in the mood to decorate. Thank goodness for YouTube! I found these to be quite the inspiration! (Although I have to remember that Paul has that electrical engineer/PLC background that could lead to something similar - heee! highly doubtful though, the HOA wouldn't like it and energy to run it is too $$ for all that)

And 1 more

Fall in the 'burbs

2007-11-19T11:23:00.000-05:00

I think we can say that fall has officially arrived. We had a couple of hard frosts, all our garden plants have been pruned/cleared and we've had to turn the heat on. But I think the tree color changes really prove it - check them out:

View from the front door

View from the laundry room

On my drive to work last week - we actually had some rain! (the following pictures I did take while driving with the monster Sony camera - very, very carefully)

It cleared up by the time I headed home

In the 'hood

On Saturday, we took a little hike to Blue Jay Point County Park. We wanted to see some fall colors and the level of the lake. Let's just say that Falls Lake looks really, really low. We even saw one boat stuck on a 'sandbar.'

Paul surveying the low lake level

A bridge & choice of paths

Lots of color in the trees

Driving back on Highway 98 - looking at the really low lake

Ouch! (gas prices)

2007-11-09T11:18:00.000-05:00

Hello high gas prices! Just 2 weeks ago I was able to find gas for $2.63/gal (well, for regular any way). Today I needed to fill up my Subie and man, did I have some sticker shock!

At BJ's, with my membership card, it was $3.15/gal (for premium) and $2.98 for regular. Without the card, $3.06 and $3.25! Further down the road, gas prices were well above the $3 mark. Geeeeeeeeeez. It's not even close to Thanksgiving yet - when more people travel by car than any other day of the year. I shutter to think of what prices will be then...

The City of Raleigh has a sense of humor

2007-11-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

I made a quick visit to the City of Raleigh's website this morning to check on something and came across the following picture on the front page:

It made me laugh a little. It's a tiny bit funny, I think. Well, it does completely suck that we're in a crazy drought.

So true, so true

2007-10-31T19:36:00.000-05:00

After visiting Target today, I totally feel this way... I'm sure they'll have Valentine's Day stuff up in the next couple of weeks!