Holy Billboards!!

So, Michael and I took a trip to Charleston to see my parents. Mom is still recovering from her knee surgery and doing quite well. She is still limited as to how much walking she can do so we managed to entertain her with some board games and movies for the weekend. I have made this trip numerous times and I am always amazed by South of the Border. Growing up, I often saw bumper stickers or shot glasses touting this place. Since moving here and after many road trips to my parents, I have learned that SOB is a rather run-down, tchotchke filled stop over for those going to and from the beaches in North or South Carolina. In its hey-day it must have been quite the tourist attraction but I must admit in the 10 times I have passed it in the last year, it has never had more that a handful of cars in the parking lot.

The one thing that has always amazed me are the billboards. There are TONS of them on I-95 coming from both the north and the south. We decided to document some of our favorites. And let me tell you, these were the ones on our way back to NC and this wasn't even half of them. I have decided that billboards are clearly not as expensive as I thought or there is some illegal money making activities going on there so that they can afford all these billboards.

Just Chilling!

So this weekend was spent doing all of those things I say I am going to do and never do.  On Friday I stayed in and watched bad TV while I scrap booked my way through 2004-2006.  Needless to say I was WAY behind.  It was actually very relaxing.  

I woke up early on Saturday and went to the Farmer's Market in Carrboro. It was packed full of flowers, vegetables, freshly baked goods and many other yummy treats.  I managed to find basil for $1 a bunch.  It was awesome and I cannot wait until I can make the market part of every Saturday.  Afterwards, my friend Elizabeth and I drove to Pittsboro, another adorable little town nearby.  We ate breakfast at the General Store Cafe which was cheap and delightful.  The entire place is blanketed in art work that is for sale.  It's got a nice granola feel which is rather appealing.  

The rest of the afternoon I made pesto with my newly found basil.  Michael and I managed to freeze a ton...definitely enough for many chicken pesto sandwiches.  The rest of the weekend was spent hanging with the kids and watching LOTS of football. I lazed and grazed and loved every minute of it. 

 

Michael and his daughter, Christian

Tour of Eastern Ohio Part II

On Saturday morning, we headed to Cleveland for Aaron and Hilary's wedding. The bride was stunning, the groom was dashing and the flower girls and ring bearer were adorable. I swear that Addie smiled the WHOLE way down the aisle.

We ventured back to the hotel for cocktails and dinner.

Addie managed to find the ranch dressing while Karen managed to find Matt...long story.

The bride and groom looked spectacular and appeared to have a wonderful time. The venue was amazing.

We all had some drinks and luckily the bride and groom were smart enough to provide us all with some late night snacks!

The next day, Michael and I said our goodbyes to the Chicago/Cincinnati crew and headed to the east side of Cleveland to spend the day with my friend Stacy, her husband Tim and their adorable little Andrew or "Baby Drew" as I like to call him.

We went with them to a BBQ and were warned that the 2nd party we were going to attend would be a BASH. They were not kidding. Their friends Deb and Roger know how to throw a Labor Day party!! They had a bonfire, three games of corn hole/bags set up, a game of cups and beer pong and TONS of yummy food. Needless to say, Michael and I managed to walk in the door and get pulled into the game of cups. I am happy to report that I have not lost my skills and I remain "One time, Every time Range" in regards to my flip-cup ability. I was even the #1 recruit for game two.

Needless to say, I was a bit "tired" the next day but managed some Baby Drew time before we headed back to Dover.

After a low key night with the family, Michael and I headed back to the NC. Somehow in this whole trip, I managed to drive about 3 hours...not sure how that worked but I love being the co-pilot for a change!

Tour of Eastern Ohio Part I

After work on Thursday, Michael and I loaded up the car and headed north to Ohio for our weekend of friends, family and fun.  We arrived at my sister's house at 1:30 am and promptly went to bed (after having some Mike's Hard Lemonade which was left on ice at our bedside.)

Friday morning we got up and went to visit Warther's Museum (yes, there is a museum in Dover, OH).  Mooney Warther was touted as the world's Master Carver.  With only a 2nd grade education the man was able to carve to scale amazing steam engines with actual working parts. He could also take a small piece of wood, put 11 small cuts in it with the result being a working pair of pliers.  It is actually a really neat place and I knew Michael would appreciate the hard work and artistry that went into his carvings.

 

We adventured off to a local winery where we dined on sandwiches and managed to take some downright goofy photos at the local Amish cheese house.  

Friday night we attended local high school's football game.  My nephew is only a freshman so isn't playing varsity yet but we did get to see my niece in the marching band as well as my uncle who was a referee at the game.  I forgot how much fun high school football games were...we had a blast!