We've been driving up to NY for the last several years to spend Christmas with Eric's family and this year we finally made it a little easier on ourselves with the addition of an EZ-Pass. Any time saved was a good thing as we also made three round-trips to JFK to pick up my brother and his girlfriend so they could spend the holidays with us! I really enjoyed having them there and Eric got to show off where he grew up... lots of smooth stones on the sound Horton Point … [Read more...]
Asheville 2012: views
October 28, 2012
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Last weekend we packed up the Vue, put Riesling in the back seat, and drove out to Asheville to enjoy some hiking amongst the fall color. We hit six waterfalls between Dupont Forest, Pisgah Forest and the Blue Ridge parkway along with quite a few beautiful overlooks. Lower Triple Falls Moore Cove Falls hillside in peak color a beautiful day to be outside Second Falls NC is still one of our favorite waterfall hiking spots in the world, and this trip was a great … [Read more...]
Happy 11th Birthday!
July 3, 2012
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A certain furry someone in our family turns 11 years old today. Everyone who meets her is surprised when I tell them how old she is and we hope she has many more high-energy years ahead of her! … [Read more...]
outdoor living is easy
June 13, 2012
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We've really been enjoying the screened porch the last several weeks. Even when it's been warm and muggy, we can turn the fan on and there's an instant breeze. Add a glass of wine and a good book and my evening is planned! the hammock also helps with the relaxation part We've been eating outside occasionally (taking a break from eating in front of the TV) and generally enjoying the bug-free outdoors. Normally it take Riesling a little while to settle down, but once she can't see the … [Read more...]
quick backsplash project
May 23, 2012
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Back in November, we completely redid the downstairs half bath with a new water saver toilet, new floors, new vanity, fresh coat of paint and new hardware. before and after Last weekend, we picked up two mosaic tile options for a simple backsplash project. Since I already had the Simple Mat stuff and white grout from the kitchen tiling efforts, all I spent was $12 and an hour's worth of time for an attractive accent... pup wanting to be in the bathroom also sink area … [Read more...]
yeah, I’d say she’s better
March 17, 2012
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Nearly 4 weeks ago Riesling had her shoulder surgery. Besides the scar that is mostly healed, she's doing quite well as the following video attests: Her paper shredding was followed by a two+ mile walk, so yes, she's made a full recovery. … [Read more...]
Riesling is on the mend
March 5, 2012
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The week before we left for London, we found out that pup had a mast cell tumor on her right shoulder. It was cancerous and needed to be removed, so we scheduled the surgery for the day after we got back. We wouldn't know if it was a Type I, II or II until we got the results back from the lab in 5-7 business days. Because she wasn't supposed to be climbing stairs, we all slept downstairs on the futon mattress for a few nights until she got her energy back. Riesling resting up -- a little … [Read more...]
Hanging Rock State Park
December 1, 2011
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Leandra's brother Ryan and his girlfriend Emily came to visit us for Thanksgiving, and after all the turkey we were in need of some outdoor time. Hanging Rock State Park is only about 2 hours away, and it had been a while since we last visited (2004) making it high time to return. Friday's weather was beautiful so we loaded everyone into the Vue to see what central NC has to offer. Our first hike was the 3 mile route to the very top of Hanging Rock. Riesling at the top Riesling loves … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas!
December 26, 2010
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A certain furry member of our family really enjoys opening her own gifts. We took a quick break mid-morning for mimosas and quiche and then jumped right back into opening presents! Well, most of us did. We ended the evening with 'Silent Night', a seasonal imperial stout from Mother Earth Brewing Company in North Carolina. Merry Christmas everyone! … [Read more...]
waterfall hiking with two dogs
October 14, 2010
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Last weekend we had planned a drive up to Blowing Rock for a little waterfall hiking due to heavy rainfall in NC the week before. Due to extraordinary circumstances, we also brought our friend's dog, Pasha, along for the trip. We are used to the way Riesling acts (up) when we travel, so although it was a bit of an adjustment to have another personality thrown in the mix, all went well and everyone was exhausted by the end of the weekend. Success! Not pictured: me untangling both leashes from … [Read more...]