So Busy!

Time has not permitted me to post much since we've been back from our holiday. We are so much in the vacation mode until we are trying to figure out where we are going next. I honestly think that we are addicted to travel - or perhaps - addicted to just having time away.

Softball is back in full swing and with practice 3 nights a week, piano, church, one teenager turning into a high school senior next year, my world is crazy busy.

Soon, I hope to post a few more pictures of our trip but I need to get them all downloaded first. I would like to make a keepsake photo book of all our vacations individually so we can have those forever. Even if it means placing them on a shelf with all of the cookbooks (and dust) and glancing through them every once in a while.

At least the weather is warming up and we are expected to reach 77 this weekend! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Not too hot; not too cold. I am feeling the urge to plant our garden soon!!

Back To Life...

I'm back at work and my mind is definitely elsewhere. What I would really like to be doing is taking a nap on the beach. Is that too much to ask for?

Welcome To Holbox - I have an El Norte to give you!

You heard it straight from the mouth of Mother Nature! She presented us with the most amazing El Norte today/tonight.

We awoke to mostly cloudy skies this morning and after walking into town the rain became torrential. Lucky for us, THAT episode was short lived. We were able to visit most of the places that we held close to our hearts from our visit one year ago only to find that many changes have taken place in such a short period of time.

They don't track the weather here; you're better off asking a local fisherman for any direction on that. There was some talk amongst the rumor mill that a norte would be blowing through today and my, oh my, were we able to see the mighty hand of God at His finest. The wind picked up and shortly after, we were able to be a part of one of the strongest storms this tiny island has seen in years! The wind here tonight is blowing like mad, the ocean has enveloped itself into one of the pools at one of the local beachfront hotels and most of the first story rooms are flooded.

Fisherman were dragging in nets and moving boats inland and it reminded me of how us folks in the lowcountry prepare for a hurricane. I appreciate the fact that we normally travel to facilities that have small kitchenettes so cooking is an option for us because tonight, town was shut down completely. We are in hopes that things will resume to normal tomorrow along with locals assessing their damage.

Anyway, I'll close for now only to say that I am thankful that we were able to witness such an amazing sight today! Night, all!

Just A Little Piece Of Paradise

Well, we're finally here. Holbox has seen the face of us once again and we are just as much in awe as we were the first time we laid eyes on this place. It's been a long day of travel - the absolute ONLY downfall of traveling here - but we are calling it an early night so we can be all refreshed in the morning.

Right now, the town is quiet and all we hear is the sound of the ocean in the background. We are literally a stone's throw away from the water. The ocean is sounding kinda angry tonight because rumor has it; the tail end of a el norte is blowing in. It's so peaceful and almost lullaby like.

I'm able to get a wireless signal in our room this time so I'll try to blog as much as possible. When I'm online, I'm going to be blogging and emailing the girls only. There will be no Facebooking it, etc.. This trip is going to be one of reflection and reconnection. My contact with all of the other stuff that seems to clog my life artery will have to take a back seat for a week.

I think everyone will be okay with that.

So Much To Do - So Little Time!

This could potentially be the last post that I am able to make before leaving on our magical vacation. I am beginning the phase of butterflies in my stomach because I have so much to do before we leave. I have last minute shopping to do, pet sitter appointments, taking care of Mr. How Many Shorts Will I Need, polish change on fingers and toes (VERY important), and checking my list twice for all of those other things that fall in between.

I have no idea why I stress out before vacation. I have to convince myself that I truly do deserve this time away and I WILL be a much better mother, co-worker, etc. when I return, right?? As a side bar- I miss my girls so terribly much until I have an ache in my heart when we are away. Ahh, the joys of being a mother, spouse, organizer - and anything else you can think of...

I have a few good books packed and I plan on spending a little "me" time getting reconnected spiritually along with being hopeful that my mind will be open to hearing what needs to be said to me. I'm excited about it!

For now, I'll be praying for safe travels and warm weather.

It Was All Fun And Games....

...until we lost power! My friend, Kim, could not have put it more perfectly.


Yes, we were able to temporarily live in the Snowcountry for about 36 hours, which, I might add, was 36 hours too long for me!


Snow blanketed the the Lowcountry of South Carolina Friday night and dumped 6 inches at our house. We all glared out the windows and doors in awe of what Mother Nature treated us to. With our one log of firewood left, we burned that baby in celebration of the largest snowfall in over a decade. Then, at the drop of a hat, DARKNESS fell upon us. Power gone. Heat gone. Last piece of firewood GONE!


I was suddenly jolted back to reality of WHY I love the SOUTH so much; the warmth, the charm, sandy beaches, seaside dining. What planet was I on when I was wishing and begging for snow? This time, I was definitely caught with my pants down and totally unprepared for what happens when people like me don't plan for emergencies such as these. And this, my friend, was an emergency!


I'll give you a glimpse of what our southern winter wonderland looked like.

I have to admit, it was pretty while it lasted.

Has Hell Officially Frozen Over?

Snow in Charleston, South Carolina?

You have got to be freakin' kidding me! This has been the coldest winter in 25 years and most of us true Southerner's have been in a state of bitterness about it! Now, TODAY, we are finally going to get some snow WITH accumulation! An expected 4-6 inches beginning around 4pm today snowing steadily throughout the night.

Happy about it? I think so! Only because my theory on this whole thing is: If it HAS to be cold, at least, Mother Nature, throw us warm natured folks some crumbs and give us something pretty to look at. Besides, Chef Ed and I leave for vacation to a much warmer climate in a week.

Gawd, I'm looking forward to wearing open-toed shoes and tanned skin again. But until then, I'll throw a log in the fireplace, sip on some wine, and enjoy the scenery!

I'll post pictures soon.