Day 233 - Burgundy beauty

Close-up of the gorgeous Sumatra lilies I got for my birthday from Susan, Lawrence, and little Winston. The color is simply stunning and the flowers are huge.

To avoid a repeat of last year's smashed vase of flowers, we've got them far from the clutches of beastie-boy Buster and they'll be behind closed doors in Lew's office for the night.

Day 183 - Patriotic theme

Doing our part to help celebrate the 4th, these red, white, and blue banners have recently begun to appear on the main street through our town.

Day 132 - My Mom

I never knew the history of this photo of my mother, obviously taken at a happy time, but it's always been one of my favorites. I wish I'd had her legs! ;)

Happy Mother's Day, mom, and a most Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there too. :)

Day 131 - I Remember Mama

It's been over 37 years since she passed away, but every once and awhile I take out her bottle of Coty L'Origan perfume that I saved from her dresser and reminisce. Surprisingly, even after all these years, it still smells like my mother and almost always evokes a few tears. It's not as strong as it used to be and I'm amazed it hasn't totally evaporated, but it's her.

I remember her wearing this pair of (screw-type) earrings, which usually rest inside the jewelry box with the rest of her jewelry. The doily was also hers.

Day 47 - Reflections of Love

As much as I dislike using the flash, it made for some interesting reflections in this glass wedding keepsake.

Day 45 - Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, today being THE day of hearts 'n love 'n stuff, what else would I be taking pictutres of?? ;)

Hope you all have had as lovely a day as I have!

Day #231 - Early start...

For the last few days, I've been receiving cards in my mailbox from friends and loved ones. Yesterday I also received the softest, most adorable stuffed kitty from the SC grands, and a beautiful glass bead necklace from daughter Ginny in TX. I came downstairs this morning and was greeted by a message-filled balloon floating over my computer and a dozen beautiful red roses on my new mantle from Lew. Earlier this afternoon I was greeted by a rousing song from my brother, sis-n-law, nephew and his new wife in NC when Lew handed me the phone. My birthday is tomorrow and it's a celebration! :)

Day #200 through Day #203 - A NY/NJ Weekend

Day #200 - Getting ready

suitcases pulled out, dust and all, before packing...

~ ~ ~

Day #201 - Into New York City

The boys had never been to NY, so we surprised them with a quick trip into the city after we arrived in NJ Friday evening for a quick look-see. Unknown to them, we would be going back the next day for some real sightseeing that would include ...

~ ~ ~

Day #202 - Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island as seen from the ferry on the way to Liberty Island.

The Lady herself. Not only was it a first for the boys, but for Lew and I too. I'd only seen her from afar aboard a ferry crossing the river before this trip.

Taking pictures

Viewing the Manhattan skyline from Liberty Island

Christopher and Michael with NYC behind them

New York City from Liberty Island

Brooklyn Bridge from Liberty Island

The original flame held aloft by the Lady before renovations in 1984 replaced it with the gilded one she now holds
A replica of the Lady's face in the museum, it was made using the same process as used on the statue. I don't know the kid picking her nose!! :D

The Statue of Liberty in all her glory...

...truly an awesome and impressive sight

After spending most of the day on Liberty Island, we went back into the city for a closer look at

The Empire State Building

The United Nations

and a lot of other buildings. All in all, it was a successful surprise and we had a great time. As you can see, the weather was spectacular too!

~ ~ ~

Day #203 - Winston's 1st Birthday

Adorable and yummy birthday cake

Appropriately enough, Winston's first ever taste of cake was his birthday cake - he liked it!

Day #26 through Day #29 - Birthday and other things

Day #26 - On the Way

It was a beautiful day for traveling, cold but crisp and clear. I thought this cloud formation looked like God just took a swipe with His paintbrush.

A South Carolina welcome

Day #27 - Celebrating with a Crab Feast...

...at the Crab Shack Restaurant
(photo by Lew)

We pulled it off, and Christy was totally surprised!
I got the best hug and some happy tears.
(photo by Lew)

The teary-eyed Birthday Girl
(photo by Lew)

My daughter-in-law (Tammy)
and #1 grandson (Christopher)

My son (Jim)... and his
(Michael - #2 grandson)
(photo by Lew)

My guy, their Poppaw (Lew)

Friends - Corinne and Christy

Good food, great company
(photo by Lew)

Day #28 - R&R

Jim and one of his pair, Cher -
the other being, of course, Sonny

Day #29 - The Lake

Lake Norman, NC

Created by Duke Power Company, this immense lake provides water for hydroelectric, steam, and nucelar power plants. Fed by the Catawba River, this "inland sea" has 520 miles of shoreline - more than the coastline of North and South Carolina combined! - and a surface area of 32,510 acres. It's over 100 feet deep at it's deepest point, with an average depth of about 33 feet. Approximately 3,200,000,000 gallons of water fill Lake Norman - it took 11 months to fill it! It's an awesome sight, and one I look forward to seeing every time we drive down to the Carolinas.