A Weekend Away

Saturday morning Pat woke up ready to go to the mountains. He has been so busy with work that I thought it would be nice to let him choose what we did for the weekend. It was mid afternoon by the time we made it to Brevard, NC. I was relieved and hopeful when it started to rain because I didn't really feel like hiking. And Pat, being the wonderful husband that he is, suggested we stay in town at the Inn at Brevard. I have been wanted to spend some time in the little town and I am always wanting to stay in a bed and breakfast so I was pleasantly surprised!

We didn't stay in the main house which worked out to be perfect because we had a porch to sit on and watch as the rain died down.

Maggie loves Brevard. She went everywhere with us and loved relaxing on the porch too.

We walked up and down the streets. There is an old 1930's movie theatre that we were thinking of going to but ran out of time. We stopped at a chocolate shop and tried some really great things...spicy chocolate truffles?! Yummy! We mostly window shopped but there were so many neat little stores and restaurants.

Before dinner we sat on the courthouse lawn and listened to the music of local artists.

The weather was perfect, the setting was perfect and our dinner was fabulous!!

It was a perfect night!

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast at the Inn then started out to the hiking trails. First we visited Lemon Falls, a new one for us. It wasn't far from the road but slightly challenging to get to, over a few rocks and under a few trees and there it was...

Next stop Courthouse Falls, Pats favorite...

 



Our last hike was 3.2 miles and there were two falls along the way. First was Lower Falls...

Then Upper Falls...

Pat and Maggie walked up the rocks to sit on a ledge close to the water and eat their lunch...

The next stop has become a tradition. Pat and Sliding Rock...

And the trip wouldn't be complete without a stop at Caesars Head.

Waterfalls

Pat and I finally made it back to the mountains! We didn't get up last year so when we heard it was going to be 97 degrees in Columbia we decided to take advantage of the cooler weather.
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Pat has been studying his maps so he had everything planned out. He decided we would hike to some waterfalls we haven't seen before. We started off the "strenuous" hike in good spirits until we came along some interesting flowers and I realized I left my camera in the car! So Pat ran back while Maggie and I walked back up the trail. And then we started off again.

The closer we got the more we could hear the water. Pat led us off of the path a few times to get a sneak peak. I decided to have Pat and Maggie pose on a rock beside the water for a picture. Then nothing...my battery died!! Of course!
The hike was harder than the ones we have done in the past but definitely worth it! These were some of my favorites. The first waterfall we came to was a little smaller but was surrounded by huge boulders which were great for resting. Maggie took the opportunity to take a swim and cool off before we headed up the trail to next one.

Just as we came to the clearing and overlook for the massive waterfall we encountered a family with two children and a large dog. As we walked by Maggie was excited and trying to pull forward more quickly but Pat held her leash close and began to pass. And all of the sudden, the large dog lunged towards Maggie. She backed under Pats legs to get away. I didn't know what was happening but I heard a lot of barking and soon one of the children was crying. Pat picked up Maggie and moved beyond the family. We stopped to make sure everyone was okay, but didn't get any acknowledgement. As we move along I realized the dog bit Pat!! It wasn't bad but what are the odds?!

We continued on to the bottom of the waterfall and it was amazing. I started off hot but the roaring water created so much wind and mist that I got cold. Our last stop was a smaller waterfall but it was great for jumping from and sliding down. The water was too cold for me but Pat was all over it.

We managed to make it back down the trail without any incidents. As we made our way to Sliding Rock for Pats last "adventure" it started to rain. That's when I made the call to head home. We took the Blue Ridge Parkway which is always beautiful but this time we got caught in a short hail storm! This ended up being a good thing because it led to the most beautiful rainbow. I still can't get over the view of the rainbow from the top of the mountains! It would have made a wonderful picture!

I can't restist sharing the ONLY pictures we got...

Caesars Head

We stop here everytime. We have about 20 pictures

of Pat and me in this same spot!

And these are the infamous flowers.

Since we didn't get any pitures of our own I borrowed some from the internet.

These are waterfalls we hiked to...

This is the one that Pat was jumping off of

and sliding down.

Even though we doubled our hike to get a camera that was dead and Pat got bit by a dog and we were in a hail storm, I can't wait for the next trip!!

Bahamas Cruise May 2011!

We spent the last week on a Carnival Cruise Ship. Destination - Relaxation! Well actually it was the Bahamas, but for me...relaxation.
We had the best time! We were on the cruise with our good friends: Haley and Ryan, Ashley, Jenny, Kim and Tandice...Ha! I mean, Tim and Candice. The best thing about a cruise is that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. It was nice to wake up in the morning and run into someone you know at breakfast. Our favorite part was the 'family' dinners. Not necessarily the food, but the company! We went to a comedy show, which was surprisingly good, we competed in some of the games, we had massages and spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool!

Pat and his usual lunch, Mongolian!

(We had to race back from the beach

in Nassau so Pat could get this.)

All dressed up for dinner.

After Tim and Candice announced they had made it to the finals for the black jack tournament, everyone else decided to enter also.  Ryan tried to beat out Haley but she came out on top and the final round included Tim, Pat and Haley. Now, I'm not a gambler but it is exciting to watch, especially when you know half of the players! After a good fight (or winning by default) Pat was the champion!!! He won $500! It was so exciting!

  

Pat and Haley in deep concentration.

The leader board!

It didn't matter who won...

Look at Haley, if you didn't know any better

you would think it was her!!

The Champion

Freeport:

Nassau:

Pat bought this bamboo "ukulele" from a Bahamanian.

They started out $40 a piece. Pat got 3 of $20??!!

He put on a concert that led to a surprising applause

from the few people on the beach.

It might be hard to see but Pat is body surfing that wave and they were HUGE!!

Jenny and her sand flip flops!

Haley and I were trying to model our new sarongs...

I told you the waves were huge!

The Waterworks:



On your mark, get set, GO....

Ryan is the winner!!

More Boat Fun:

Pat in the Michael Jackson dance off 

I've never seen Michael Jackson do that?!

I guess that's why he didn't win.

The Beatles show was great!!

Team Ocho:

Thank you guys for such a great vacation.

Jenny, I enjoyed our relaxing evening together like old times, it was great to catch up!

Haley, I enjoyed your enthusiasm as always! And your natural ablity to "sling poo" (shampoo, that is)  Love ya sis!

Ashley, AKA Pats 2nd wife. I enjoyed our time together but I know Pat enjoyed you more! You were his dinner mate, nightlife mate and slide mate. We love you!

Candice, It was great to get to know you better. I can't wait till we see you in November!

Ryan, We enjoyed your presence and notoriety at the casino.

Tim, Your sense of humor. Your one-liners are still making us laugh!

It wouldn't have been the same without any of you. I miss you already!

Next up...Team Ocho takes Jamaica!

For Better or For Worse!

Today is our one year anniversary!

It has turned out to be a day like any other... Pat is on the lake with friends and I am at home cleaning and getting ready for our cruise. I didn't feel right eating the cake by myself so I just got it out, took a few pictures and put it back in the fridge. I also decided it was time to part with my bouquet. Yes, I still have it! As I have said many times before, my wedding day was the best day of my life and I wanted to hold on to all of the 'memories' that I could.

This day one year ago I vowed my life and love to Pat. For better or for worse, on the lake or at home cleaning (I should have thought to add that one). I love him so much! He makes me laugh when I am down, and for those of you who know me, that can be difficult! He is kind, caring and sweet! He has the most wonderful sense of humor and is loved by everyone he meets. He is the most wonderful man in the world (except you daddy)!

Happy Anniversary Pat!

I love the life we are building together and I can't wait to see what our future holds!

Happy Mothers Day!

Mom and I celebrated Mothers Day a few days early this year. I decided to take her to lunch for some one-on-one time. We shop together almost every Friday and we talk on the phone everyday, but there is something different about sitting down in a quite setting alone together. Our favorite part of the meal...well any meal for that fact, is dessert! We ordered the Godiva chocolate cake and the keylime cheesecake. Both great choices!

My mom is so much more than that, she is my friend. She loves everyone and would do anything for anyone. I hope that one day I could be as wonderful a mother, wife, grandma, sister and friend that she is!

Mom, thank you so much for everything you have taught me. For your patients and understanding and the calming words I need at times. My life wouldn't be the same without you! Much love forever and EVER!!!