The things you miss...

Besides family and friends, the thing I miss most about TN is the southern food. And the mountains, and the cotton fields, and SEC football fans, and the inexpensive prices...and, and, and. Okay, so maybe just right now I miss the food. In the South, food is a love language, and let's face it, some folks up here just don't get it!

There is a great deal of variety of food in this area from many different countries, but it's extremely hard to find a place that serves a "meat and three." (three vegetables, that is.) But, would you believe there is a Cracker Barrel in Maryland? I almost choked myself when I saw that lovely gold and brown CB sign for the first time. Let me back up and say that it is over the bay bridge and quite a distance away from us. So much so that we probably won't be going back unless 1) we head back to the beach or 2) get a big fat hankering for some home cookin'.

Anyway, on our way back from the beach, it was never even discussed, we knew we would stop in for lunch. It was great for the nostalgic feeling and all, but ya'll, even though they get the same food from the CB trucks, it still doesn't taste the same. And no matter how hard anyone tries, they just can't make sweet tea the right way! Even Chick-fil-A, bless their hearts, needs me to go back in their kitchen and stir up some sweetness for them.


Enjoying my (not so sweet) sweet tea from our Maryland Cracker Barrel. Of course the folks up here just LOVE this Southern spot. And I say, "well DUH," you never hear of anyone retiring to the north do you??


P.S. Don't you just love the fine quality of this photo, my phone is not "smart" and takes the world's worse pics.

Dewey Beach, DE

We knew we lived closed to the beach, but it wasn't until we actually headed out that way did we realize just how close. In a little less than 2 hours, we were able to roll the windows down and smell that sweet salty air. Clint and I had never been to the beach in the fall so we were unsure what exactly we would do since it would be too cold to swim. It wasn't long before we both realized we LOVED being at the beach this time of year. After the long weekend, we were relaxed from our time on the uncrowded beach and refreshed from our long, cool walks on the damp sand. Hopefully, we will be able to visit again soon. And next time, we will take Chloe since Dewey allows dogs on the beach during the off-season.

Our hotel, the only beach front hotel in Dewey

10 year High School Reunion

Hard to believe a decade has passed since I graduated from high school. In September, we had our high school reunion in Rockwood. The planning committee was determined to make it a success, and after all was said and done, I think it was! I really enjoyed seeing those classmates that I had not seen since we graduated.

Friday night started off with a tour of our high school and the Homecoming football game. Lindsey came to pick me up for the game and it did feel a bit like old times.

Our senior shirt. We graduated with around 72 students, very small.

Our tour was given by our old government teacher who is now the guidance counselor. (She is in the middle row in the gold sweater...looks like one of us doesn't she!)

Catching up at the game

Some of the guys after the game at Ruby Tuesday's

Saturday night we all got together at Rockwood's Country Club. Sound swanky? Remember, small town, so as you can see, it has more of a bar-like atmosphere. (Okay, it is a bar!) But, we had a blast.

Cute cake made by an RHS alum

Katie and I had fun leading a game of reunion superlatives. Such as who has the most kids, who drove the furthest, been married the longest, etc. Great get-to-know you now game.

Class of 2001

In high school, I had a very close group of friends. The year we graduated, we had our picture taken together at Wal-Mart. (Why? I don't know, kinda cheesy, but I love looking at it now.) At the reunion we decided to re-create the photo. Thanks to Katie, we now have the side by side comparison. I'm so blessed to still call these girls my friends.

Looking forward to our next reunion!

Our poodle Chloe

I have a few other things I want to blog about but I am waiting until I have time to upload the pictures. For now, I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner for the Show Us Your Pets post. This is Chloe picture heavy, so you've been warned!

I've been an extreme dog lover from the time I can remember. Still to this day, I will make a fuss over a dog before I will over a baby. (Doesn't matter what kind of dog.) Can't help it, I guess it's in the DNA. I realize when we have our own children that will change, but one thing is for sure, I will always have a soft place in my heart for pups. Thankfully, I have a husband who didn't balk at the idea of having an animal in the house. If you have read my blog before, you probably already know how we came to acquire Chloe, so I won't go into that...you can read here.
We have had Miss Chloe Belle Davis for almost 4 years now and she truly has been a joy in our lives. Yes, it can be a hassle having to find someone to watch her when we go out of town. And yes, it can be a pain to know you have to rush back home if you have been gone awhile to let her outside. But truthfully, we would not go back to life without having her. Does this sound like I'm writing about a child? Probably. But for now, she feels that way. And, hopefully she is giving us a tiny inclination as to what it takes to be responsible for another living being.

Chloe the first night we brought her home...so small.

Western Chloe

Poodles are the 2nd smartest breed next to border collies. I alway feel I have to defend them because they get such a bad rap...french poodle, fee-fee, prissy...

Her favorite thing in the world: fetching the ball

With her pal Abbie Jo (Our friend's Joey and Amanda's dog)

Recovering from surgery

Her one and only Halloween costume that she wears each year

I know it doesn't seem like it, but we really don't dress her up much.

Her best bud, Charlie (Joe and Lo's dog)

She misses him now that we don't live 10 minutes away.

Chloe loves: Her toy ball or rope, running in the park, treats, sleeping, Charlie

Chloe dislikes: Small children running towards her to grab (hopefully this won't be an issue when we have kids) and squirrels