Holiday Photos

I just had a vacation from Christmas Eve day to New Year's Day! As usual when all my siblings are in town, I didn't "accomplish" anything on my break, but the time off and together was good for me.


Christmas (and Second Christmas):

I gave my dad these fox socks. He loved them. (Target!)

Niecy is 20 months old now (getting close to two!!) and such a joy. I had a blast with her.

New Year's Eve Day geocaching adventure at Shelby Farms with the sibs:

Low-key family New Year's Eve:

I highly recommend the stuffed shells at Mimi's Italian Cafe.

New Year's Day "brunch" at my house:

First cornbread I've made in my grandma's skillet!

Remember this champagne glass? :)

I know I haven't been on top of my blogging game for the last month-ish, so thanks for sticking with me. Sometimes you just have to rest. I'll have more thoughtful content and a big change coming soon!

Miami Thanksgiving

I went to Miami for Thanksgiving this year! My mom and I, plus Debra, Lance, and Niecy, celebrated with our Miami family while my dad and Kevin went hunting. We went to the North Miami Thanksgiving Day Parade and feasted at my grandfather's house.

'Merica

This world's cutest turkey was not easy to wrangle, but we had a good time trying.

On Friday, my sister and fam had to head back to Dothan. To make the departure even sadder, I came down with a mysterious stomach bug late Thanksgiving night. We were supposed to have lunch at the beach before they left, but I couldn't even sit up for more than five minutes, or get very close to Niecy for her own safety. Thankfully, I'll see them again in just a few weeks!

By Saturday the worst was over, so my mom, uncle, and I went for a walk at the nearest beach. They practically jogged while I strolled at a slow pace. I took pictures and enjoyed the conversations of strangers. One lady was telling her companions animatedly, "I was watching Homeland until 11:30. I was so jacked, I had to take an Ambien." Which instantly became my new favorite catchphrase anytime something exciting happens.

Can you imagine living in a building like this on the beach? I might die of happiness.

On Sunday, we went to our usual bagel place for brunch, then to Miami Beach to rent bikes. They have a great bikesharing program with stations all around town. You pay for a certain amount of time and take a bike, which you can return at any station! We rode along South Beach and down to the cut where the cruise ships come and go. There are nice parks and paths there.

A LOT of stray cats (or as I called them, "sea cats") live in this area. Across the way is Fishers Island, one of the most exclusive communities in America. You can only get there by ferry.

One of my favorite downtown buildings! My uncle showed an apartment there recently. They start at $1 million. O_O

On the way back to the car, we rode through Flamingo Park. I went crazy over this beautiful tree.  Anyone know what kind it is? I don't remember it from my childhood.

Another notable sighting: what may well be THE LAST BLOCKBUSTER. Moment of silence.

We came home on Monday, and PS: ATL now has a Pinkberry!

 

The end.

Sister's Anniversary Pics

Four years ago today, my sister Debra and brother-in-law Lance got married in Savannah, Georgia. It was a really beautiful wedding! Most of the good photos belong to the photographer, but I'm sharing a few of my favorite non-professional shots since I didn't have this blog back then.

Getting ready.

Taking a trolley over to the wedding location.

I think this is such a cute moment.

My dad walking Debra down the aisle.

My brother Kevin reads Scripture.

Yay!

Group shot!

Happy anniversary Debra and Lance. I'm so thankful for your marriage and love you very much!

Florida 2013 - Part 2

After lobstering in the Keys, my family spent the rest of our vacation in Miami. On Sunday my grandfather took us for a boat ride around the bay. We went by the ruins of our favorite restaurant, Shuckers, so I could see it with my own eyes and begin my healing process. The deck collapsed in June during a Miami Heat game, and there's no word on when or if it might reopen.

   

Our usual table was near the sea grape tree on the right. Sad times!

We've spent many afternoons at the sandbar in North Biscayne Bay. It was mobbed. I tried to imagine going to church on a Sunday morning, then, instead of going to lunch, inviting my friends to join me at the sandbar for some fried chicken and margaritas on the boat. What a life!

 

Later, my mom and I drove by our old house and my old elementary school! I had forgotten that they chose the tiger as our mascot in my last year there. Obviously being a Tiger has always been my destiny. :)

 

My mom discovered on this trip that her high school has been torn down! They built a new (huge) one across the street. This frog pond and empty field are all that remains. As we drove away, she mused, "Well, Dad did tell me a few times that they were going to tear it down... I guess I didn't want to hear it." LOL.

On our last morning, we went to the nearest beach, but couldn't swim because there were moon jellyfish everywhere. They migrate from August to October - this was never a problem when we used to visit in July. Some people were swimming and appeared fine, but as much as I wanted to get in the water, I just couldn't do it. The same thing has happened out on the reef. I tell myself, "So I might get stung! It won't be that bad!" Then once I'm surrounded by jellies, I practically have a panic attack. My dad insists that these are very mild, but I was stung by a box jellyfish a few years ago, so it's hard to overcome my sense of self-preservation. Eventually I'll run into one of these accidentally, and then they won't scare me anymore.

Here's a semi-panorama of the Haulover Cut. My uncle famously jumped into the fast-moving water from the bridge on a dare when he was in high school. Don't try this, kids.

Even though I love Memphis and have lived here for most of my life now, Florida will always be equally my home. I've finally embraced my dual citizenship and feel blessed to belong in two wonderful places - which have more in common than you'd think (this might be worth a post of its own). Miami is my roots, and Memphis is my branches.