Saturday, July 08, 2006

Saturdays in Saxapahaw

Something that has become a Saturday tradition for us this summer is Saturdays in Saxapahaw. It is a combination of farmer's market, music, kids fun, and a picnic. The farmer's market is pretty small but mixed in with the fresh veggies and baked goods are refreshments like lemonade and wine.


The music we've seen has been excellent. The first band was the best - The Gospel Jubilators. They're an a cappella singing group that does gospel music in the style popular in the 40's and 50's - before gospel became more like pop music. So we were kickin it very old school a few Saturdays ago - Ruby prefers it old skool. This group is really good.

For perspective, the crowd sits up on a shaded, grassy hill above the stage. We like to grab a pizza on the way out of town (it's about a 20 minute drive) and bring a few beers along with milk & water for Ruby. We spread out a blanket and Ruby settles in for about 54 seconds before she is doing the meet-n-greet with the crowd. She likes to walk up to people, especially older kids, sitting on their blankets and stare at them until they acknowledge her. She then pretty much keeps staring at them but the people can tell that she likes them and they giggle with her and accept her style. Soon she makes her way into the parking lot and barrels through the farmer's market on the way to the water-filled canoe. This is where she spends most of her Saturdays in Saxapahaw.

Kirsten and I take turns chasing her around and supervising her social activity. Ruby likes to meet a little - eat a little - swim a little - wander a little - and, of course, cry a little. Generally we have to pack up and go about half-way through the show because her bedtime is 7 o'clock and she begins to breakdown if we push it too far. But while we're there she has a great time and it's fun for us to go to another town to see some live music and have a picnic. (clicking the photos makes 'em BIG)

This is something we're doing pretty regularly this summer so you locals should come join the fun! BTW, the weather right now in NC is unbelievable. For the people who've heard me obsessively mutter on and on about the dew point in the summertime, all you need to know is our dew point has been in the 50's lately! So that translates into temps in the low 80's during the day and in the 50's overnight. This is Christmas in July!

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Apartment for Rent

Not feeling too much pressure to keep up this quality product, and, even though we haven't yet notified our family of what is going on here (blog-wise, that is), there are a couple of people who know about The 740 News. So we've got a couple of fans and the only way to keep them happy is to give them what they want!

To that end...

We are searching for a new tenant. Our little fella down there who has no furniture no TV no stereo no phone calls no bed and no desire to have face time with us is leaving. He apparently has a friend who needs a roommate. We are going to miss our guy something fierce. He paid his rent so relentlessly he often gave it to us early thinking it was late! He's been here a year and I'm not sure I've ever heard anything but the door close down there. He. is. a. dream! Or was.

So this is available to anyone willing to pay us 650 while not making a sound. Also while tolerating Ruby dropping the phone/remote/sippy cup/Elmo/books/herself to the floor. Plus her screaming tantrums. It's hard to put that in a want ad so we are currently getting 5-10 inquiries a day. I finally composed an email to reply back to prospective tenants outlining the completely one-sided arrangement we're looking for. Because we can't be showing this thing all day long!

Stay tuned.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Another holiday post



Greetings from the other literate family member! This is just a trial post, as I have never ever blogged before. Attached are a few pictures of Ruby that are a little newer than the ones the other guy posted. Happy 4th!

Kirsten

Happy 4th of July!


Oh what a day! This is generally the hottest day of the year (at least it seems that way) in North Carolina and today is no exception. We should be topping out around 96 or 97 degrees. But at least it's humid! (sarcasm).

We are using this day to launch our family blog. Married (check), house (check), child (check), blog (check). I think that completes the modern day American dream right there. Soon we will be blogging about our lives on a regular basis! I anticipate at least 3 maybe 4 people will be interested in keeping up.

Today we will celebrate by having our friends Mike & Jessica, along with their 7-month-old, Reuben, over for a little cookout.

Here is a picture of Ruby from one year ago today. Clicking it makes it big.

Happy Fourth of July!

Daran