I just decorate for Christmas

How come no one ever told me how fun this was

Sam with the weird metal guy in the alley

Front of Pocosin

Thanksgiving in Ocracoke

Since I could not travel home for Thanksgiving, I decided to spend three days at the beach.  I went to Ocracoke, a small beach town at the very bottom of the outer banks.  You can only get to Ocracoke by ferry.  Everyone there is super friendly.  I spent the time biking all over town, eating raw oysters and peel and eat shrimp,  swimming in the ocean, and walking on the beach.

On the way to the ferry, we drove through Lake Mattamuskeet.  There were hundreds of Tundra Swans.  They make great noises and stick their butts in the air to fish. 

Three hour ferry on the way there.  Left from Swan Quarter and docked right in town. 

Ocracoke Lighthouse. 

View from Springers Point

Funny looking ducks on the side of the road.

I love jelly fish!

On the way back, we took the 40 minute ferry to Hatteras and drove all the way up through the outer banks.  It was beautiful and warm enough to get one more swim in, even though it was a cloudy day.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  I love the pink base.

Soul Food Festival

There was a lot of hype leading up to the soul food festival last week.  There was talk of pigs feet and collard greens.

Luckily we either missed the pigs feet or they weren't there this year.

Just a lot of unidentified cheesy casserole like dishes, as well as some great gospel music and deserts!

Hilary, Maura and Roxy waiting in line and listening to music

Silent Auction!

On Friday we had our Silent Auction.  There was lots of great food and drinks. 

baked brie, pumpkin pie dip, finger sandwiches, oh my!

 Lots of great art work for sale

Marlene's great ring is on the fake hand.  Also Nick Joerling footed serving dish in the back

Carol Soo Lee beautiful place setting is on the table.  Feather's hat is to the left

My earrings, won by Debbye Utz

Maura's leaf form

Bob Ebendorf's piece which I unfortunately did not win

Heath Wagoner's bracelet

 So many great people came out to bid and help out. 

Carol and Marlene

Stella

Pebble and Debbye

We also had a very fun dance/ after party at the one and only Good Times Tavern. 

Definitely not the usual crowd

Weekend Zoo

This weekend the wonderful Roxy Chalfant came for a visit along with her two boys, Pico and Kiko.

Kiko, loves everyone

Pico, almost poked out my eyes... twice

We wore matching family shirts to Good Times Tavern

Went on a family trip to the beach for a beautiful sunset at the spot where the Wright brothers first took off from.  (we forgot to bring the camera to that spot)

Best day of Maura's life

And saw a beautiful moon at a romantic dinner at  Willys

I just visit Columbia, final day

My final day in Columbia started with a scenic walk along the boardwalk.

Even the Spiders are artsy in Columbia

Bye Columbia...until next time!

I just visit Columbia, day III

We drove to the outer banks for breakfast on the water. 

They were right

best onion rings at Sugar Creek

This is why I love the south....Brew Thru...drive through beer

Since it was Sunday and Good Times Tavern is only open Thursday - Saturday, we opted for a romantic night in by the fireplace.

Sweet Potato pizza (we're so fancy)

I just visit Columbia, day II

 We started the day off right with some bud light and clamato juice. 

Nothing cures a hang over like some clam tomato juice. 

We had a healthy lunch of fried fish and hush puppies. 

 I got to meet everyone in town at the Fall Bazaar. 

Maura at Pocosin's booth at the Bazaar

I got to taste some of Columbia's finest wine at the Scuppernog Winery...

Started the night off with some four loko.

I don't know which was more disgusting: the wine or the four loko.

Before we went out we were really excited about pumpkin bread.

A big thank you to Marjorie Safran for supplying the pumpkin bread in a care package.

On Saturday night we went to Swamp Jam is in Plymouth, NC.  Live bluegrass and BYOB...best combo.

 

 

Carolina Still and Lynne Blakey

Night #2 at Goodtimes Tavern (it lived up to it's name). Here are some of the highlights:

Marvin (the bouncer)

Free jukebox = our own karaoke

People like to dance on stripper poles at Good Times Tavern

James

Chris and Maia starting the dance party

His name is Peanut

Jerry 

I will be sporting a Good Times Tavern T-shirt back in Boston (free advertising)