Time Spent with Family ~Odds and Ends ~Sweet Memories

Perhaps my most favorite thing is spending time

visiting our adult children in their homes…

Just being a part of their everyday routine makes my heart happy.

We stayed a week with each family.

Breakfast, dishes, after school, soccer, dinner,

laundry, and bedtime.

All in a day’s work…and play.

While the parents were at work, and the grandchildren were in school,

this Papa and Gigi went out and about…

This was probably not the best day to go to the Outdoor Outlet Mall.

Sometimes we met the parents for Lunch or Happy Hour.

Sometimes we had Happy Hour at home. 

I enjoyed riding along for school pick-up…

…and especially on the day we stopped at the library.

The Reading Hut…

we all listened when Mama read those library books.

Everyone loves a little pampering at the Spa.

And we all enjoy all little TV before bed.

Who do you think is having more fun?

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Monday Memories ~Day Trip to Amicalola Falls ~Spending Time with Family ~Priceless

How lucky are this Papa and Gigi?

We spent our last weekend on a day trip with our daughters,

Son-in-law and grandchildren.

Amicalola Falls is a quick drive from their home.

The beautiful waterfall cascades 729 feet to a reflecting pool at the bottom.

There are convenient parking lots at the bottom, top, and in the middle.

The paved walkway and viewing platforms make it tourist friendly

 for all ages…from toddlers to grandparents.

There were plenty of places to stop along the way to

appreciate the view and snap the perfect photo.

And there are plenty of opportunities to stop to enjoy nature.

We are cherishing these sweet memories.

We are counting our blessings.

Take care,

~Natalie

 

Winefest Renaissance 2024 ~Here’s my Report

The Wine Renaissance was certainly a night to remember.

We had our booth set up early in the day so we could enjoy the event.

This is Wine Table #1 of eight.

Each table featured 10-12 different types of wine.

The food tables were sponsored by local restaurants,

 chefs, and caterers. They also poured a little sample

 of wine to pair with their tasty little bites.

Backgournd music greeted guests in the lobby

and set the mood for the silent auction.

Local artists shared their talents

with a collaborative painting…

…right there on full display, they finished the beautiful piece,

while we all watched in awe.

There were over 80 unique gifts and baskets

 on the silent auction table.

Hubby and I each had our eye on an item…

For me, this adorable Kate Spade purse.

Hubby was bidding on this neon sign for his ManCave.

Of course, we needed to tend to our own booth,

 and couldn’t keep up the watch.

Hubby’s hand turned trees received the most attention.

Here’s how my Americana display turned out.

And next to us? A booth by LaRue’s restaurant and bakery.

We got a behind the scenes look, along with plenty of tempting aromas.

These Steak Bites were oh, so tasty.

This was the view from our booth during the live auction.

And this is the finished piece of work by the Fischer’s,

which prompted a competitive bidding war…

…all in good fun.

All proceeds support the Boys and Girls Club Core Program Areas:

Character and Leadership Development

Education and Career Development 

Health and Life Skills

Arts and Sports

Fitness and Recreation

Make plans to attend Winefest Renaissance 2025

Take care,

~Natalie

Winefest Renaissance 2024 ~Today 4:30 to 9:00 ~Get your Tickets ~See you There

Today is the day we’ve all be working toward.

Dawn and I became friends years ago when

we both worked at Central High School.

She invited us to be a part of this special event.

This is a major fundraiser for the Aberdeen Boys and Girls Club.

We were there last evening during set-up.

The gymnasium looks so elegant.

I look forward to seeing it tonight with the evening lighting.

Just look at those chandeliers and drapes.

Simply beautiful.

Each table is adorned with a centerpiece

of copper tubing and silk flowers.

Attendees will sample 70+ wines, beers, and spirits…

along with heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The event features local chefs and artists.

There will be live and silent auctions.

While we set up our booth,

the rest of the place was bustling like a beehive.

Staff and Volunteers worked together on the finishing touches.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to enable

the youth of our community to reach their full potential

as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

We are proud to be a part of this prestigious event.

Hubby has created over 100 trees to display.

Since I have the Americana theme going on,

I’m bringing some of my hand-stitched flags to display. 

Jojo says to get your tickets,

support your community’s boys and girls,

And have lots of fun.

Take care,

~Natalie

Day Trip to Rock City ~Spending Time with Family ~Priceless

While visiting in Georgia, we took a couple of Day Trips to

enjoy nature and the beautiful Spring Weather.

The first was to Rock City, near Chattanooga, TN.

In 1823, Missionaries Butrick and Chamberlain came here to minister to

Native Americans and discovered the beautiful Lookout Mountain.  

In the Late 1920s, Garnet And Frieda Carter created a large walkway

 on their Private Property for others to appreciate the pretty scenery.

There was something new to see around every turn.

This was fun!

No worries, if you are claustrophobic,

there is an alternate path.

And it’s stroller and wheelchair accessible.

It was such a nice spring day.

The grandchildren were all in school,

so it was just the four of us.

Rock City is dog-friendly so Moose got to come along.

He was a Good Boy.

Papa and Gigi took cover in Shelter Rock.

Waterfalls and Flowering Bushes along the path.

This is Stone Face. Can you see it?

When you reach the top of Look Out Mountain,

There is a view of seven states ~

Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina,

South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia.

Also at the top, there’s an outdoor restaurant where we sat a bit

 and enjoyed a beverage before heading back down.

Multiple lookout levels with opportunities for a selfie.

Here’s the Legend of the Lovers Leap Lookout…

Tragic, like Romeo and Juliet.

We had a lovely time…

I can see this being an annual outing when we visit.

The next day, our whole family went out and about again.

Stay tuned for those photos.

Take care,

~Natalie