Lazy Weekends

This weekend will have to go down in the record books as Laze-Fest 2012. And you know what? It was amazing!

What's wrong with being lazy? It's my full time job!

David and I will be coming up on a year of being together at the end of the month. So that's been one full year of going back and forth between Thomasville and Savannah every weekend. It's totally worth all the travel to see David every week, but let's face it, it's exhausting traveling 4+ hours one way each weekend. Since David had to be in Orlando today for work, we took advantage of having two full days together. And guess what we did? Not a dang thing and it was glorious. After all the go, go, go, go,go of the summer and the fall, it was nice to have nothing more on the agenda than football and food. We did venture out downtown to run in Kevin's and ate lunch at Stacey's favorite restaurant downtown- The Billiards Academy. Which specializes in hot dogs. I figured David needed the full Thomasville experience. So we went in to eat and to watch a little football. We got our hot dogs just in time to watch Marcus Lattimore get his leg ripped off. So yeah, I lost my appetite and my desire to even watch football. After watching some of the UF/UGA game, I really had lost interest and decided that my day would be better spent outside reading  my Southern Living magazine than watch that goat ropin' go down.

David got me a little present for the patio, although he admitted it was more for him than for me! Ha!

The Pyromaniac

He got me a Chiminea fire pit to keep warm on these cool evenings. I was really impressed with my new fire pit. It did a fabulous job keeping us toasty warm and it was zero mess- even better! Guess I now have even more reason to pick up all the sticks and pine cones in the yard. This little Chiminea is the perfect size to burn all that stuff up. So thanks, David for my present. I love it!

We spent the rest of Saturday burning anything we could get our hands on and listening to some music. It was the perfect evening. I will have to get some stuff to make smores for the next time we use it.

So, that's about all the highlights I have from our weekend. Unless you count some old school movie watching in our sweatpants and a trip to Wal-Mart.Well, there was some more peanut boiling- which was better this go round, since it was cool and we could open up the windows to let the heat (and smell) escape from boiling those things for hours on end! And of course, the copious amounts of food that was consumed.

Oh- and Oscar has found him a new BFF. I'm kinda jealous. He is totally David's boy now.

After our lazy weekend, it's back to the daily grind and to a pretty jammed pack schedule on the weekends from here until Christmas. Sigh.... I'm tired just thinking about it. But it will all be fun and well worth the effort. First up- Charleston next weekend! Woot. Woot! I'm even going to take a vacation day to head up a day early to enjoy the Citadel Homecoming festivities. I think I'm looking forward to the much needed day off than anything!

Hope ya'll had a fabulous weekend doing just what you pleased!

Scenes Around Savannah: Old Fort Jackson

I had to pull out my calender to see when the last time I was in Savannah. It had been well over a month since I have been up that way. It was nice going up there. I realized that I have missed visiting that lovely city.

Saturday, we decided to tour Old Fort Jackson, which is Georgia's oldest {standing}brick fortification built from 1808-1812. It was named after James Jackson, not Andrew :-)

I'm Ashley and I will be your docent today.

James Jackson was a British native that moved to Savannah in 1772 at the age of 15 and rose in ranks during the American Revolutionary War serving in the Georgia Militia.

Jackson later became a political power and was elected the 23rd Governor of the State of Georgia.

Old Fort Jackson saw wartime action, first in the War of 1812, then again in the War between the States. From 1884-1905, it was known as Fort Oglethorpe but rarely used by the U.S. Military.

It was finally purchased by the city of Savannah in 1924 for park purposes, but wasn't fully restored until the 1970s.

It is now owned by the State of Georgia and is operated and ran as a Museum by the Coastal Heritage Society.

This will conclude your tour of Old Fort Jackson!

It was a very nice place to tour and it was great watching the water from the top of the fort. The picture directly above is taken from the top of the fort. We stood up there and watched a few dolphins swim by. Maybe you can see it in this picture.

Where's Waldo?

It was a fantastic day and this fort isn't quite as busy as Fort Pulaski, so if you are ever in town and want someplace to go somewhat off the beaten path, hit up Fort Jackson!

Friday Faves

It's that time of the week again. Here we go with some of my favorite things from this week.

1. Oscar: Hands down my favorite thing from this week. This little guy is just the sweetest dog in the world. He makes for wonderful company in that big, lonely house! He made a new friend this week when our friend Libbie came to stay with me.

He of course, occupies his time doing what he does best, napping. As a matter of fact, he is napping right now in my office. He made the journey to hang out with me since I am headed to Savannah after work.

Ready for a grueling day at the office

2. This picture: David's mom emailed me this picture yesterday and it absolutely made my day.

David recently acquired (against my protests at Wal-Mart in Baxley, GA) a pair of overalls. Granted, he bought them as a joke the other weekend when we went to Justin and Crystale's wedding. Crystale always said how back-woods redneck her part of the woods is, and David wanted to fit in. David wore said overalls Friday night to the lake house where everyone was staying- with no shirt and no shoes. It was hilarious, but slightly disturbing. Anyways, he brought them to my house over the weekend and put them on to hear me fuss. His mother said that she had a picture of him wearing overalls back in the day and she located it. Isn't he just adorable?

3. Peanuts! I couldn't resist grabbing up some green peanuts to boil. It takes forever to boil peanuts, but oh-so-worth the effort!

4. A new snack obsession: In the form of these bad boys -

Honey Maid Grahamfuls

Oh my goodness! I got the Banana Vanilla Creme variety (and I just heard Stacey gag from 200 miles away).  These things are like eating banana pudding. They are so yummy! I just picked up another box of them yesterday and I am now regretting not bringing them with me this weekend to Savannah. 


Okay, that's enough for today. Gotta get back to work. Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

Front Porch Update

Last look at the front porch of the house, it was looking like this:

Since then, I added a few little tweaks to make it look a little more substantial.

Nothing too spectacular, but mums make anything look better!

The mums will still look great once Halloween is over and transition to a more fall/Thanksgiving feel.

Even the fake Bentley at the backdoor got some mum love.

Now the trick will be keeping these poor plants alive. Let's hope I don't forget about these guys!

Thomasville Fly-In 2012

Can I just comment on how absolutely glorious Saturday was? The weather was AMAZING! It was the perfect day for strolling around the Thomasville Fly-In that was held this week. David and I went back and forth on what to do this weekend- museum, tour Pebble Hill Plantation, go the the fair that was in town, the fly-in, or just be lazy and hang out on the couch watching football. We decided to be a little productive and get out and about on that gorgeous day. We popped in Grassroots Coffee to grab a couple of Pumpkin Spice Lattes (yum!) and headed out to the airport to go look at some planes.

There were some really neat planes at the show and there were way more out there than I was expecting. There was a helicopter there giving rides like there was no tomorrow and several people had brought their lawn chairs and were content watching all the planes land and take off.

I was excited that I finally made it to the Thomasville Aviation Museum (yeah, Thomasville is fancy like that). It only operates on a limited basis, so I have never been, but I have now!

If you ever have an opportunity to go to a fly-in and you are even a little interested in aviation, I would say go to a show. It was interesting to see all the different models of planes and watch them all fly!

Double Birthday Party

Yesterday, we got to celebrate two special people's birthdays. My nephew Barrett and his cousin, Rendi celebrated their 5th birthday. Five! It's still hard to believe.

The party was held at the local horse arena in Blountstown. The horses/ponies were loaded up for the kiddos to get the full western experience. Their cake was too cute- right down to each of their "brands" on the sides of the cake.

I think all the kids had a great time and the adults had fun watching all of them run around and enjoy themselves.

I got pictures from both Barrett and Rendi last night. Guess they enjoyed their dress up clothes from Sissy!

I love these two kids to the moon and back!

Friday Faves

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a minute since I've done a Friday Faves post, so I figured I should do a quick one today.

1. Halloween is approaching - I'm excited that I might actually have some trick-or-treaters on Halloween. I have already shared my quick and easy Halloween wreath that I made earlier in the week.

Now, I'm wondering if I should whip up a few costumes for the boys. I have always wanted to do a Thing 1 and Thing 2 costume for the two puppies, cause that's what I have always called them. Especially when they were young and sooo destructive. How cute is this?

Image via

2. The lazy, fall afternoons - This week, it has actually felt a little bit like fall in Northwest FL/Southwest GA. It has been amazing! The weather is oh-so-nice and I really enjoy my afternoons after work outside enjoying this time of year.

It's amazing how destressing it is to watch her hop around and play. I made chili this week, so sitting outside in the cool air, eating a hot bowl of chili, and watching her hop around was perfect! Guess I'm a lot like my father in that regard, I would rather be outside. He liked to watch his cows roam around and I like to watch Glitzy do her bunny thing. She's fascinating.

3. Speaking of fall - That means that I have broken out these bad boys again!

That's right, the Uggs have come back out. They aren't the prettiest thing in the world, but they keep my feet nice and toasty, and I love that!

4. The "stud" come back - Granted studs have never truly left, but here lately I have been finding more and more cute ones. For this gal who isn't really a dangle earring lover, this is good news.  I got these at Target the other day and have really gotten a lot of use out of them.



Image via Target


I almost bought these as well, because I thought they looked a bit Kate Spade-ish to me.

Image via Target

5. Just the fact that it's Friday - It's Friday and that means I get to see David. Fridays are always the best. Thankfully, this weekend we have nothing going on and we can just relax and enjoy a lazy weekend. On the weekend agenda: probably hit up the Thomasville Fly In or the fair that is in town. And of course some college football. Go Gators!

Happy Friday, ya'll!

 

Conversations Between Ashley and David

A couple of weeks ago...

Ashley: You know what I think would be really cool? To have a pet rabbit that hangs out in the backyard that I can feed and pet in the afternoons after work.

David: Yeah, that's just what you need. Why on Earth would you want a rabbit?

Ashley: Because they are cute. And it would be fun to feed it stuff like carrots.

David: You have absolutely lost your mind. You can't be serious.

A week after that...

David: Hey sweetie, what you up to this afternoon?

Ashley: Oh, nothing much......just doing a little window shopping.

David: Ashley? Are you at the pet store?

Ashley: Maybe....How did you know?

David: Oh, I don't know. Because you sound guilty and have been threatening to buy a rabbit for weeks now.

Ashley: Did you get my picture? Lookie, lookie what the pet store had!!

David: I can't believe the pet store in Thomasville had an actual rabbit.

Ashley: I know, right? I just came in to take a picture as a joke to you and they actually had one!

David: Well, that's good. Hope you got your rabbit fix now that you have laid eyes on one.

Ashley: Well...I may be in trouble. I was just going to take a picture, but then I held her. I think I need her. She is adorable. Oh...and they have some dachshund puppies here too.

David: No you're not! You're just messing with me. I know you are.

Ashley: I am. I don't need a rabbit.

Later that evening...

David: What you up to? Playing with your rabbit?

Ashley: Maybe...

David: Did you really buy that rabbit?

Ashley: Maybe...

David: Oh my!! My 31-year-old girlfriend just bought a rabbit! I thought you were kidding. I just can't believe it.

Ashley: I was at first, but like I said, she was too cute just to leave. Although I did feel silly when I bought her. I had to lie and tell the pet store owner that I was buying her for my 5 year old nephew.

David: That should have told you something! If you were too embarrassed to say you were buying it for yourself, then you shouldn't have bought it!

Ashley: I know it. But I didn't want the lady to think I was crazy or something. I mean, an adult buying a pet rabbit for herself? I would have looked stupid.

David: That's because you are.

Ashley: But look how cute she is. We even match!

David: I cannot believe that my 31-year-old girlfriend just bought a rabbit. I can't believe it.

Ashley: Please don't break up with me. When you meet her, you will understand why I had to rescue her. Just think of her as a cat with bigger ears. And btw, when I sent a picture to my mom, she thought it was a bird.

David: If you had come home with a cat, then I would have broken up with you, because I would have known that you had really lost your mind because I know how much you hate cats. So I guess you are safe...for now. She's not going to live inside with you is she?

Ashley: Of course not. I'm not that far gone. She has a nice cage outside to stay in until she gets used to me, then I will transition her to live in the backyard full time. Did you know that rabbits will come to you if you call their name? Kinda like a dog? Oh, and apparently they can become litter trained, kinda like a cat. So, they are really like the best of both worlds. The pet hybrid, like a liger. I've been reading up on rabbits. They are pretty fascinating.

David: You are ridiculous.

Ashley: See? She's all safe and sound in her new digs. Now I have to think of a name for her. I'm thinking Penelope, maybe Penny for short. Or Bea, as in Beatrix- like in Beatrix Potter. Then I can come home and say, "what's up Bea?"

David: Her name is Glitzy. If you are white trash enough to have a pet rabbit, then she deserves a white trash, Honey Boo Boo name.

Ashley: That's not her name. Glitzy isn't a good name for a rabbit. Too bad she wasn't a boy, so I could name him Peter or something like that. Get it? Peter Rabbit?

David: I'm still gonna call her Glitzy cause that's her name.

Ashley: Sigh...that's NOT her name!

One day later....

David: How are you and Glitzy?

Ashley: She is cute as ever. She let me feed her an apple slice!! It was the cutest thing. Plus she hops around so happy and even stands up on her hind legs. It's adorable. And her name is not Glitzy.

David: Glad to know you are bonding.

Ashley: We are. But I think I'm over it now. The fun has worn off. Now I'm wondering what I'm going to do with a rabbit. By the way, I sorta blame you for this. And Stacey.

David: How do you figure that?

Ashley: Ya'll should both know by now that you can't leave me unsupervised for long periods of time. Because when you leave me to my own devices, I do stuff, like buy rabbits. So if you think about it, it's all your fault.

David: Umm...No.

Ashley: Maybe I should have listened to you when you told me not to buy a rabbit. Lesson learned. Perhaps I will give Glitzy to Barrett for his birthday. He would love it, his parents couldn't possibly tell him no, and I could still visit her from time to time. You know, if Barrett doesn't kill her accidentally or anything. And thanks, you now have me calling her Glitzy.

David: Oh, Ashley.

And that my friends, is how I came to be the proud owner of Glitzy. She is an English Spot Rabbit. Extremely sweet. Loves apples, lettuce, and carrots. She mainly eats hay and rabbit food, but she does get a treat everyday. I usually give her an apple slice and a few pieces of lettuce when I get home. She's super curious and loves to snuggle up to you when you hold her. I haven't had a rabbit since I was very young, and even then I don't remember really playing with them. So, this has been a learning experience. Glitzy has turned out to be a lot of work- but it's mainly just cleaning her cage that's the bummer. Other than that, she really is a sweet pet. She's very content in her cage right now, but I look forward to transitioning her to the backyard soon! And thankfully, David is a sweetheart and supports me, even if he thinks I am insane for purchasing a rabbit on a whim. I look forward to him meeting her for the first time this weekend. And yes, my mom totally thought I had sent her a picture of a bird. SMH....