Summer Update

Okay, so I'm admittedly not much of a blogger, but thought I'd give it another try during the "lazy days" of summer. Right! My original thoughts of grand international traveling adventures were quickly put to rest, partly by the realization that 

this summer would be filled the brim stateside.  

 In May the family celebrated Katelyn's graduation from Montreat College in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Every single time I visit out there, a song of praise truly fills my heart at the sight of this piece of God's beautiful creation. Several of Katelyn's friends as wel

l as Uncle Phil, Aunt Lynda, Ashley & Xander, joined us afterward for a delicious picnic under a canopy of lush spring growth. We packed Katelyn up and brought her to Greensboro where she is living for summer, nannying, relaxing, and preparing for the next chapter....The next weekend Ethan, Katelyn and I painted the living room for Mother's Day......you'll have to come check it out!

The chicken slaughter for Chas's birthday at the beginning of May was a great intro to the wonderful world of farming. He is an intern this summer at Anathoth Community Garden,

 which is located in Cedar Grove, NC. I've been out to visit several times, and have adored the "slow" pace of the country and of course all the local agriculture! He is staying in a

n amazing tobacco barn-turned cabin, which overlooks the owners' cattle field. I successfully attended 4 potlucks in 24 hours during my last visit, have met some really down to earth people - young and old, worked in the garden, and shared lots of laughs and stories. You must co

me visit, it is a really incredible community.

June really flew by - baby shower for Shelley Campbell, packing up my things in Raleigh, buying and selling lots of furniture on craiglist, finally framing some of my Uganda pictures, a weekend in Wilmington with good 'ol buds Tristan Knight & Kristen Williams, and a week with the fam at Oak Island. We dodged several storms and were thankful to enjoy great weather. We were visited throughout the week by some of my parent's old friends, Aunt Lynda, Mackey, Tristan, and Chas. We must be pretty popular! Chas treated us to a new experience - purple mashed potatoes, grown locally and organically at Anathoth! And Katelyn had a blast playing with her new SLR something big fat awesome camera.

The rest was wonderful, and had me revved up for the big move - to Chapel Hill! One 17 foot UHaul, 3 SUV's, 7 wonderful helpers, and 9 hours later I was in! And exhausted. Thankfully, no broken backs, dishes, or furniture....just one sorry flower pot bit the dust. All day Sunday and Monday I painted, with the help and guidance from a really great guy and gal - Chas and his mom Mary Beth. A big thanks to everyone for there support and encouragement! I was instantly welcomed to the 'hood by the Dawsons, Miss Mary Hil Edens, and my new friend and fellow RD Emily Ford. The place is certainly not all unpacked, no curtains or pictures hung, several boxes of decorations and books still need a home......but I would LOVE for you to come visit!

It's taken me a few nights to get use to a new place and actually sleep my covetted 8 hours, but I'm loving it, from my green dining room to my first bike ride to Weaver Street - first of many, many trips. Now I just need my roommate to get back from Honduras where she is delivering babies daily! I can hardly wait to get to know her better, learn a lot from her, and practice Spanish! I'm super excited to introduce you to Miss Tiffany Chin.

So here we are, July 4th and another welcome break! I'll be exploring the town with Katelyn on Friday and then to Cedar Grove & the Festival for the Eno. Not quite dreamy Riverton....but a close second.