mountains to the coast

Sunday morning began an adventure for my guy....riding his bike across N.C....the mountains to the coast. He has been diligently training for months and months....racking up mind boggling miles in preparation. I left him in Brevard with a sea of tents and bikes. It felt like dropping a kid off at camp, nervous anticipation, driving away in tears of happiness for him and his accomplishment. 

Oh, the countryside he will see, welcomed every day into small towns along the way anxious to celebrate the 1,000 plus guests for the evening. Not to mention the new fellow cycling enthusiasts he will get to know well...sharing stories of the ride, the hills, the scenery, the fun. I will join him on Friday for his last night in White Lake.

You won't find me in the tent though, I am not a camping kinda girl. 

On Saturday I will be at the finish line with chilled champagne, a great big smile and hug for my hero. Safe travels be with you.

Our Yard

This time of early summer is an explosion of hydrangea in our yard. Most elegant Lacecaps, Mopheads, Oakleaf, Annabelles as big as your head...even varigated leaf Lacecap.....absolutely gorgeous, each and every one. As I walked the yard today, I knew it was time to share.!!!! 

Oh.....and just in case you wanted a cute pic of the new addition to the family, may we present Scout....an 11 week old yellow lab that has captured our hearts. She has been chewing on the hydrangea!!!!!

Our Girl

Loss........it is a very difficult thing to lose someone that you love with all your heart....gut wrenching, heart breaking. We had to bid farewell to our Sophie yesterday. She was a gorgeous black Flat Coat Retriever with a HUGE personality.She could play fetch until you could no longer throw the tennis ball.....but, her true love was swimming.That girl could stay in the pool all day. If there happened to be a muddy creek or pond around, she wouldn't hesitate to jump right in for a quick dip. Me and the Pizzaman spend most evenings on either side of the couch with Soph right between us...nudging an arm for an ear scratch or laying her silky head in our laps. Diagnosed with Cushing's Disease almost one year ago...it was a long goodbye. We loved her so much and now she is gone. The house is too quiet, the squirrels are wreaking havoc in the backyard and there is no tail wagging to greet us at the door. The discussion about the "new dog" has begun....we can't imagine our lives without a pup. Sophie's ashes will be delivered in a few days, and then I will start to feel better having her home again. 
Sophie, Thank you for your unconditional love and loyal companionship. I can see you if I close my eyes......there you are......swimming in Heaven. We know you are at peace, without pain...but we really miss you around here.  

 

my new ride!

The Pizzaman gave me a most wonderful early birthday gift....and here it is. Pictures don't do it justice........it is an Electra Townie, Amsterdam. Pretty fancy names for sleek, sassy and smooth. Not your ordinary beach cruiser, this bike has gears and a front brake on the handle bar (but you can still stop the rear tire by pushing the pedal backward, just like the good ol' days). It is ohhhhh so much fun to ride....and comfortable too. I pedaled off the other day for a short ride and ended up being gone twice as long as intended.....I didn't want it to end! So, give a big wave when you see me tooling around Raleigh.......I will be the one on the buttery yellow bike with the big smile. Now I need a name for it...and a bell....and a basket. Good thing my Bday is right around the corner!!!!!

Me

Hello world

farewell

I will be bidding adieu to an old friend this week. An amazing machine.... nothing fancy....but the epitome of reliability. This vehicle carried us all the way across the country. The last long road trip was from Arizona to North Carolina....me, the pizza man, a dog & our frog. It was an amazing journey....landing us in the place we call home. 

As of late, the Hocus Focus....yep it has a name, has safely transported our Area Manager from one end of Wake County to another, and on to Orange County almost daily. Hence, over 220,000 miles. A shiny Honda Accord is stepping in..........and has some awful big shoes to fill. So...good-bye old partner. It has truly been a great ride.

old friends

Today was the day I dream about all winter......knees filthy, dirt under my nails......let the weeding begin!!! Being in my yard is like hanging out with old friends...some of which are just waking up from a long winters nap. 

They are raising their sleepy heads and smiling at the sun..... And me. 

My garden is best described as whimsical...let me introduce you to:

Sully the dog

 many many bunnies

a crazy dog flying a plane 

a trendy turtle

     a rooster named Rufus                   & St. Francis watches over them all

They are all wonderful friends to have!!!

It's Our Anniversary!

Tomorrow is our 32^nd wedding anniversary. This occasion calls for reflection and robust celebration! 

We plan to dine at Second Empire and toast our past and future. Lots of smiles and smooching.

Our wedding was very small- immediate family and a few friends, in the home of my sister Cherie in Wooster Ohio. 

It was at the Domino’s Pizza ( of course!!) a short 5 months before our wedding day that our eyes first met. That is pretty much all it took. The pizzaman courted and fell in love with all three of us, and we him. Life was very busy with 2 toddlers (Tommy –almost 3  and Lizzie 18 months) and working full-time, but we made it work and had lots of fun along the way.

All these wonderful years later, by golly, I think it’s gonna last! So, Happy Anniversary to my guy. 

I love you with all my heart…now and forever.

Happy Birthday Em!

Our girl is turning 10......I will never forget the first time we met.....she was a 5 year old that had BIG changes in her life. 

Her Mommy was in love, and along with that came this family....a lot of new people that just wanted to scoop her up and shower her with affection. We welcomed her into our hearts and the joy she has brought us all is immeasurable. Five short years later she is growing up and we are so blessed to call her ours. Last night we celebrated Emily with a slew of energetic and excited girls.....it was a BLAST!!!

It's Almost Springtime!

I come from a family of gardeners. People who love Mother Earth just as much as their own Mom.

Diggers of the dirt, composting long before it was the cool thing to do..

Growers of incredible vegetables that would fill the freezer for those cold Ohio 

winters...we always had fresh, healthy and delicious vegetables..

And flowers...I revel in Nature, happiest with dirt up to my elbows.

 So today, while cutting a bouquet of winter flowers for someone special, I 

decided to share some of my beautiful yard with you. 

And to think we had a winter storm last night !