Glitter in the Air
// February 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
As I was doing some work this morning, I looked outside and thought I saw glitter floating around in the air, or a swarm of some kind of gnat with super metallic exoskeletons! But, it was snow flurries fluttering around, catching the sunlight. It seems surreal that it’s snowing with clear blue skies and a bright sun.
Winter Jam ‘10 in Greenville
// February 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
There was quite a lot of drama surrounding this trip. We almost didn’t go because of all weather advisories. Greenville had gotten several inches of snow the night before, and Haywood County had gotten 3-4 inches. I nearly banged up the car getting out of our subdivision and Brad had to finally drive me out. The road had a thick layer of ice over it in some places.
When I finally did get out, I had to contend with traffic lights on the blink, icy roads, and crazy drivers. I finally got to the church about 2:20. We left at 2:45 and got to Greenville around 5pm (with a stop at Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee and munchkins around Enka/Candler). We ate at Burger King then made our way to the Bi-Lo Center where they were selling tickets at the door. It was CROWDED. We finally found seats in the nosebleeds, but had a near birds eye view of the stage. It was a blast from the past. The only thing I don’t remember from my concert-going-days is all the advertisements. They were on between every set and the bands themselves even gave mini-mercials between songs! It just felt a bit too cheap.
The bands were great, especially since they’d literally just gotten there a few hours before we did. The main guys were Newsboys, now fronted by former DC Talk singer Michael Tate. I have to say, I didn’t care for them, but the guys did. Also saw Fireflight which rocked. The singer was kind of shrill, but then again, it’s a chick doing hard rock. NewSong was a surprise. I actually remember being a teenager and thinking “these guys are old people music.” But, they were probably the most musically gifted and had some great new songs – despite some of the guys being as old as my dad. Just proves it doesn’t matter your age, just how hard you bring it! Third Day was last, and totally tight as usual. I realized, though, that they haven’t done a new CD since I saw them last, about a year ago. Still, they closed with Alleluia, one of my favorite worship songs.
We left about 11pm and stopped at a McDonald’s near Traveler’s Rest. About half an hour later, we were back on the road. It was a long night, but one to remember.
Extreme Snow Shoveling
// December 22nd, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
This is, in fact, Brad shoveling snow off the roof of our office building. The copper roof was causing the 1 1/4 ft of snow to slide off in sheets, nearly bending the gutters. This is what we call, “extreme snow shoving.” Better bring your helmets.
You can kind of see from these trees how heavy the snow was. We had massive power outages throughout the western part of the state because of downed trees and power lines.
Christmas Officially Begins
// December 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Sebring Sam
// December 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
December Snow
// December 20th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Snow up to my shins!
We were also entertained by the neighborhood pets traversing the road and yards. one black cat was “fetched” by its owner and whisked off in a pink blanket. This morning, the same cat attempted to stalk some birds (remember, it’s BLACK) and every other step sunk to its belly in snow. When it tried to jump out and catch one bird, it face-planted in the snow. After that, it just curled up where it was and waited for someone to walk by and dig it out. Later on we saw it walking in the wheel ruts left by cars … guess that’s as good a camouflage as a black cat in snow can ask for. The neighbor’s dog also took off into our side yard and after sinking to its shoulders in the white stuff, he backed himself out and stuck to the driveways and road.
The snow plow finally came through around 2pm today (Sunday) so we’re hopeful we can get out tomorrow mid-morning. Our road is still pretty icy, but we’ve seen a few people go out and come back already. I think everyone’s stir-crazy. Supposedly, we may have a wintry-mix on Thursday and freezing rain on Friday. I sure hope they’re wrong. I’d much prefer a white Christmas. Guess we’ll wait and see. There’s enough snow on the ground to last a LONG TIME.
Christmas Cactus Blooms early
// December 3rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Bradenton Beach
// November 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
For some R&R; after the wedding preparation, my dad offered us the use of his apartment at Bradenton, only a few miles from the beach. So, we packed up the day after the wedding and after a short detour to Cape Coral to attend worship at an awesome church (see eGraceChurch.com), we pulled into our getaway. We had ambitious plans of seeing the sites at points north and south including Mote Aquarium, Bishop’s Planetarium, and the Ringling Museum, but when it was all said and done, we were content to sleep in as long at the golfers would let us (the apartment is on a golf course), and laze around at the beach. We did manage a lunch trip to Star Fish Market and took our shrimp po’boys down to the waterfront to enjoy. It was well worth the wait. Here are a few highlights from our trip.
Brad refused to get in the picture, so here I am with the main attraction – the sand sculpture next to the Beachhouse restaurant done for Sandblast 2009. My skin tone nearly matches the sand behind me! I think I’m officially a Yankee now.
Beautiful Wedding
// November 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
This past weekend, we celebrated with my sister and her now-husband as they joined two families together in marriage. It was a beautiful time full of bittersweet emotions and joyous moments. Vickie and Jordan received a truly spectacular reception on their wedding day from the family, friends, and loved ones that were there to welcome them into holy union. It was hard seeing “little sis” as a blushing bride. At times, tears would well up and I’d get so choked up I couldn’t speak or smile without losing composure. But we all made it through and I have to say, my hubby cleans up well! The whole day, we reminisced about our wedding day and it brought back some funny, and touching memories.
Below are photos of a few highlights of the day.
More of Youth Family Night at Heintooga
// September 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
This fungus was growing from a tree we passed by on the nature trail.
I think Shelly said it was named “Artist’s fungus”
Some cool moss growing on the forest floor speckled with some of the fallen leaves.
A picture from the “Sunset Spot”at Heintooga.
