Southern Withdrawals

Here I am at home pining for the river. Sure do miss it all. 

I brought a bag of Satsumas home; but the three above are dried from Darlene's tree. I've been drying them in the sun, rotating and such. Each time I glance at them, I think of her.

The teenager stayed a couple of extra days with me after the others left for home. He has a grueling class load coming up before graduation. Twenty-one credits. Ouch. So this was a well-needed break before the storm.

One morning I woke up to find a beach across the river. I knew it was quite shallow on the bank there, but I had not seen the water so low. Ever-changing river. Love it.

The Women Folk of Fish River went on a treasure & trash hunt to the local thrift shops one day. (I'm going to start a blog one day from down there, I swear! "WFFR," coming soon to a screen near you. ha.)  Anyhoo, our day began when we spied this hawk with some fresh nibbles on top of a building. (Hi Johnny!) Stupendous.

Of course, we had to have our own nibbles. Linda had suggested the Dragonfly Foodbar; neither Dar or I had been there.

Linda knows her stuff. She had a bowl of noodles; and both Dar and I ordered the taco special. Oh my. It was wonderful. Miss those two. It was such a wonderful visit with both my river "girls."

New Year's Day, we were all invited to Darlene's for supper. Of course, black eyed peas, hoppin' John and greens were served (in addition to the best tiramisu I have ever had made by Linda). Dar passed out little reloved gifts. She is just the best. Only Dar. She found these gnome faery lights for me! Vintage to boot! Oh, Darlene.

Ok, now that I have that out of my system, perhaps I can get something done around this house. Ya think? Brahawahahaa! NOT!

PS Happy Ukie Christmas. My Ukie Santa is out of town, so not much going on here.

Beautiful Dawling

(Wednesday) Today was the most beautiful day ever. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, a perfect 78˚ƒ and no humidity what-so-ever. The wisteria is just about ready to explode!

I did a little running around town and found a new antique shop. Don't ya love small-town America? I do.

Darlene was commissioned to make a sign for a new business in Magnolia Springs. She does absolutely beautiful work. Here, her and Linda (her partner in crime) are preparing to load the sign into the car and deliver it! Woooooot.

Let's see, I was on a mission to find this strawberry farm between Foley and Magnolia Springs. Did I find it? Nope. Memory challenged, for sure. But I did stop by Tin Top in Bon Secour and got me a 1/4 muffeletta to enjoy for dinner, with a side of their delicious lima beans with andouille. Yum. As good, if not better than the original at Central Grocery in New Orleans.

Best limas around!

I shot this of the house as I was pulling out. Half pretty yellow, half dull green. The yellow is beautiful! Can't wait to get the door painted and the awning back up.

Speaking of which, I took it apart (with a lot of work) and took it to one of those do-it-yourself car washes. It looks so much better getting all that pollen off. Achew!

Our azaleas are just about ready to pop too.

The hub and kid arrived Friday night! Yay. Life is gud.

Happy Easter!

Beauty

I've heard much of you all, and you know who you are, will be getting more snow! I know you all are sick of it, but we just had a little bit and it sure was fun. This photo was sent to me by my friend Linda back in Virginia. How beautiful is this??? It's her back yard!! Wish I were up there. Pout.

And speaking of beauty, my latest addiction is this site called Gilt. You have to be a member, which is free, and you have to be invited to become a member expeditiously. (I think otherwise, you have to wait.) So, I'm inviting you all to go and check it out. My only warning is that it is totally addicting. I am not a fashionista by any sense, but they have so much more than clothes. If you're interested you can click HERE to sign up. Again, it's free. I can't tell you how many Christmas presents I purchased saving so much $$. It's kooky! And TODAY, everything is free shipping! (Yes, I partook in some Valentine's presents for family.)

A couple of days ago, they were selling moleskines! I got a little pack. Yes I did.

Made mac-n-cheese for supper tonight. Very good. Very fattening. Oy.

xo
ro

Happy Birthday Linda

I'm a tad late in posting and it's technically past Linda's birthday, EST; but I hope you had a wonderful day Linder!

Linda and I first met when we moved to Leesburg, VA, in 1995. Her family was going to build next door to us. I met her driving up our street, looking over the lot; and we have been the best of friends ever since (even though they decided to build closer to the school our children attended). Our two younger boys are the same age as are her daughter and the teenager.

We met for lunch at Magnolia's in Purcellville, and of course started with cocktails. Oh my. What a selection! I love a funky selection. And this sure was funky! I ordered the Feng Shui (of course) and she got the Obituary (with Absinthe!!!). Both were fabulous!

Then we ordered more, I think we split a Cosmo here. (No, Linda is not falling. lol)

We talked and talked, ordered lunch and talked some more.

I'm so predictable. Shrimp and Grits. Linder got the Salmon. (After the food sat at our table for a bit and we were still talking (yakyakyak), the owner came by and asked us if we wanted him to take it back to the kitchen to keep it warm. How wonderful!)

Magnolia's is in an old mill. I loved it! It wasn't here when we lived in Leesburg.

More drinks and toasts to good friends. I love this picture of us!

We kept on with desert.

Oh boy. We stayed until HAPPY HOUR!!!! lol A rep was in for a whiskey tasting. Ew. I can't do whiskey, but Linda tasted is and said it was pretty good. Honey whiskey from Kentucky. Well, it sounds good enough if you like whiskey!

And then it was time to pick her son up at the gym and we were off to her house where I met the latest addition to the family. A BIG doggy (Irish wolfhound, to be exact). He looks like a Rufus to me, but unfortunately, I can't remember his name. I'll have to get back to you on this!

And here's Chloe, pretty Chloe. (Now what was the camera setting on this to be so clear? grrrrrr!)

And dear Prudence. Awww.

And all the dogs (including Winston on the right) wanting to come in to play with me!

I hated leaving but I had to get back home to Mary Jane's before it became too dark! Getting old! But I did stop by a quick speed shopping expedition at one of my favorite stores ever, the Purcellville Pharmacy. It is chock full of lovely things. My mom and I used to come here the day after Christmas and wait for them to open. I think half of my Christmas stuff is from here! Can you see why?

I called Mary Jane on the way home and picked up a Ledo's Pizza for us. My niece Kelly was spending the night too. Was this my third Ledo's pizza of the trip? lol

I think we got about half an hour in of a movie and we were all falling asleep! So good being with family and friends. I miss you all so very much.

xo ro