***BREAKING NEWS***

The new face of MGO (pictured here with her family)!

Hello Friends.  To clear up any confusion, we returned from our August road trip a month ago and I am just now finishing up my posts, so when you see titles with Mississippi, Colorado, Kansas, etc. in them, we aren’t actually there anymore.  It isn’t that I haven’t been dying to tell you about the rest of the places, people and pets we met along the way…it is just that I got a bit…distracted.  Shocking, I know. 

What was I distracted with, you wonder?  Well.  The BIG news is that my little business, Mountain Girl Organics has officially sold!  We have been doing all the stuff that needs doing to get Paula (the proud new owner) up and running.  Just in time for the Holiday Season, no less.  Phew – so much to do!  Luckily she will have lots of help from Laurie Teason (of Sweet Cheeks Soap Co fame) and “the guys” (see above). 

We will be sending out a press release and more very shortly.  There are a few things that still need tweaking!  In the meantime, if you are a facebook user, be sure to fan Paula at Mountain Girl Organics.  Paula is currently working on the website, www.MountainGirlOrganics.com, and you can still leave comments on the blog, www.MountainGirlOrganics.wordpress.com. 

I was going to wait until everything was “just so” to make this announcement, but it really is a process and I just can’t keep it to myself for another minute.  In other words, I am very excited!  A little sad, as well (my baby…) but mostly excited!  Paula is taking on A LOT in a very small amount of time, so if you would care to share the love through a few words of encouragement via fb and/or the blog I know she would appreciate it : ) 

OK, now…where was I?  Oh, yes…Clarksdale, Mississippi…

Woman Confronting Her Fears

I met Rachelle at a farmers’ market in Frisco, Colorado a few years back.  We bartered Shea Butter Body Whip for magnets.  This is my current favorite.  She’s got more on her website, www.rachelleart.com.  Rachelle, I think you are great – did I ever tell you?

There is so much I want to share with everyone…but it’s going to have to wait another week or so (thankfully, you are readers of the understanding sort).  In the meantime, Happy Fall, Y’all!  That’s me, practicing for our Southern Sit in November : )

Road Trip 2010 – Wilmington, NC

All I really cared about with regards to North Carolina was finally getting to see the Outer Banks for ourselves and maybe hitting Asheville, of which we have heard so much about.   Somehow our plans changed and Wilmington took the place of Asheville on our itinerary. 

 

CW Worth House

I wasn’t too disappointed, knowing we will get to Asheville at some point in the next several months (we are heading south for our next sit come November).  And when we drove up to the CW Worth House , Asheville was all but forgotten.  This Victorian beauty was built in 1893 and has been impeccably preserved, inside and out.  It is the longest operating B&B in Wilmington.  I highly recommend you stay here if you get the opportunity.

Boardwalk along the Cape Fear River

And walking distance from the Worth House is downtown Wilmington, along with its fantastic boardwalk full of restaurants and shops and college students and dogs out for their evening walks. 

Romantic dinner at The Pilot House

Food tastes better when riverfronts, boardwalks, candles and sunsets are involved.  I think so, anyway.  We enjoyed every minute at The Pilot House.  And, although I don’t consider myself a city girl, I do love being able to wander around town and back to our digs on foot.  

Mind you, there are things you don’t notice so much at night.  Things like spiders. 

Big Garden Spider. Very Big.

I know there are some of you who don’t like spiders and would rather I hadn’t posted this pic.  However, they are everywhere in Wilmington and therefore worthy of mention.  According to a gardener we happened to meet on the way to the B&B, this spider is not poisonous to humans.  Excellent news.  It is also known as a Writing Spider, owing to the webs it weaves.  Interesting, I know! Right.  Time to move on.

Downtown Wilmington, NC

August in the South is hot.  I am guessing this is why you don’t see many pedestrians in this photo.  There are some funky little shops and bars.  This is my favorite Wilmington storefront…

Hardwire Tattoo

No, I don’t have any tattoos.  Do you?  Tell us about it via the comment link, won’t you?  And while we are on favorites, this is my favorite building in Wilmington:

St. James Parrish

And I don’t go to church.  I just think this is a magnificent piece of architecture.   Especially against summer blue.  If you enjoy architecture, I am sure you will appreciate Wilmington. 

Brick & Iron

To keep the “favorites” theme going,  guess what one of my favorite southern dishes happens to be? 

Fried Green Tomatoes at Circa 1922

Circa 1922 is in the heart of downtown Wilmington and has heavenly tapas.  Our meal was, however, briefly interrupted by a patron who fell off her bar stool.  Oopsy.  It helps to drink water (instead of booze) if one is dehydrated on a 100+ degree day, methinks.  Anyway, my Circa 1922 refreshment of choice?  Pear Cider.  So refreshing.

The Battleship North Carolina

We didn’t tour the Battleship North Carolina, nor did we see the Wilmington coastline.  Alas, we had to keep movin’.  A fun aspect of cross-country road trips is figuring out what parts of the country you want to see more of; spend more time in.  I’ve fallen for North Carolina.  Couldn’t you see me sitting here with a pint of lemonade and my lappy, writing the next Great American Novel?  Sigh.

Front Porch of the Worth House

Road Trip 2010 – Ocracoke Island, NC

Guess what you’ll want to do first thing when you get off the ferry to Ocracoke?  (Hint:  see below).  

Ahhh, Ocracoke sand...

Paul was extra excited about Ocracoke because he had found a place called Pam’s Pelican Bed & Breakfast.  Their tagline is “Peace, Love and Bacon Grease”, so Paul felt it absolutely necessary that we stay there.  I was a little wary, but the place was popular…  

Casual and friendly...that about sums up Ocracoke

Pam made great big delicious breakfasts (with bacon on the side, every morning, naturally), and Mike is a musician and local DJ (bonus points).

What? No Redneck Radio Show in your town?

My only complaint was that smack dab in the middle of the living room was a genuine poker table, and nobody, but nobody would play with me : (   

Anyone? Anyone?

I wasn’t that upset, as island living is really all about sun, surf and sand after all.  Still – would have been fun!   

Meanwhile, back at the beach...

If you like to plop yourself on the beach with a good read, a cooler and an umbrella, then this is the place for you.  The water feels lovely and there are miles and miles of pristine beach with not nearly as many people as you would find on the east/west coasts.  And if you have kids…   

How fun is this?

Separate pools form, depending on the tide.  So the kids can play in the water without giving the ‘rents agita.  Seriously, the Outer Banks come with some fierce rip currents – nothing to mess around with.   

"Run for your lives! It's Blackbeard!"

Speaking of fierce…we couldn’t resist Teach’s Hole .  Fun if you are into pirate history.  Strange really, how popular pirates are, considering they were (and apparently still are in some parts of the world) a bunch of criminal a-holes.     

I wanted to wait for these people to come out but Paul wouldn't let me

However, I am fairly certain these particular pirates are of the friendly sort…these are the kind of people that would be fun to interview for the blog, I bet.    

Zillie's Island Pantry

Paul and I loved Zillie’s.  The wine and beer selection was impressive, and they had tons of yummy cheeses and gourmet snack items that you could purchase for a beach picnic or, in our case, consumption on the patio.  So, we made ourselves at home there one afternoon.  Fun.   

Shelves and shelves of beer at Zillie's

While we sat on the patio enjoying our Chocolate Box Shiraz and various cheeses including an especially yummy Stilton,  a friendly woman said hello and the two of us started chatting away.  And that is how we met our new friends, A.B. and Diane.   

Another fun day on the water thanks to A.B. and Diane!

Next thing you know, we have been invited to go fishing on their boat first thing the next morning.  And what a great day the four of us had.  Paul managed to catch a couple of bluefish…   

Paul's first catch of the day : )

Then we had lunch and enjoyed another afternoon in and on the water…   

Paul loves this boat like I love Airstreams

Pelicans

Until a waterspout formed off in the distance (hard to tell but you make the pic bigger by clicking on it) and the weather turned from balmy to stormy.    

Spout forming (to the left of the lighthouse)

Back just in time!

The spout actually hit land (taking an umbrella & chairs at Smacnally’s with it), then bounced off the water (if you click the pic you can just make it out).   Even the locals were impressed.   

Speaking of Smacnally’s – below is a typical scene at this great little outdoor bar.   

Enjoying an afternoon with Willis Gupton at Smacnally's

By the way, if ever you find yourself listening to Willis Gupton, don’t let on that you don’t know who Alan Jackson is (Paul!).   And don’t think that just because this fine establishment serves only beer and wine, the place won’t get rowdy.  Cause it will.   

We loved our time in Ocracoke.  I kept an eye out for the wild horses (you know, like the ones in Nights in Radanthe) but it seems that now they aren’t so wild, due to increased traffic and the like.  That was my only disappointment, really.  Oh, and there are no laundromats on the island, so don’t hop on the ferry without doing your laundry first (Valynne!).  Miss you already, OBX…

Road Trip 2010 – Roanoke Island, NC

Settling in at The Roanoke (Manteo, North Carolina)

Paul and I have wanted to explore North Carolina (especially the Outer Banks) for years; how wondrous to finally be here.  

Manteo boasts no “box stores” and no hard liquor.  At first, I was a bit disappointed when I could not order my signature Bloody Mary at Poor Richard’s, but the deli sandwich made up for it.  Didn’t miss those golden arches, that’s for certain.  

We sat next to a park ranger named Tim at the bar, and thanks to him we ended up spending the next morning at Bodie Island Light Station #380.  

John Gaskill signs my book in exchange for a hug : )

Tim had told us about John Gaskill and we were both eager to meet him and pick up a copy of his book, John Gaskill Remembers.  Mr. Gaskill is the son of the last lighthouse keeper on Bodie Island and can be found signing books and answering questions at Bodie Island Visitor Center, which is located in the home he grew up in.  This man is fascinating as well as delightful.  Hard to believe he is ninety-four!  Can’t wait to dig in to his book.  

Mr. Gaskill with his "most favorite boss ever", Jami Lanier, USNPS

Tim told us all about John Gaskill, but didn’t mention that he himself would be leading a guided tour that day as well.  He had recently transferred to Cape Hatteras, so I was pretty impressed at how much Tim knew about the local flora, fauna, etc. etc.  Tim, thank you so much – you are great at what you do!  

On a Marsh Discovery Walk with Ranger Tim Cassidy

My dinky camera does not do the marsh justice (camera is on the Christmas List : ) I tried to get a decent shot of the blue crabs skittering sideways through the water but no such luck.  Believe me when I say this place is beautiful.   

Cape Hatteras Heron

Bodie Island Lighthouse is in the process of being preserved; if you love lighthouses, you will want to see what this one looks like normally, and find out more about it here.   

Preserving Bodie Island Light Station

We met a volunteer couple (Latta and Janice Johnson) while on our marsh walk who just happen to be from Chattanooga, Tennessee.  This is so exciting to me, why?  Because as of November, we will be on a six month sit just outside of Chattanooga!  We are hoping to catch a fall cruise on their river boat, The Southern Belle before it docks for the winter.   

Meanwhile, back in the town of Manteo…did I show you the view from our digs at The Roanoke?  This is basically what you see from the porch…  

Lighthouse at Shallowbag Bay

And a bit further down the boardwalk and you find yourself across from this beauty…  

The Elizabeth II at dusk

Local Authors featured at Manteo Booksellers

As per usual, we found ourselves a great indie bookstore, Manteo Booksellers.  I came across a Leonard Cohen book I’d never seen before, Beautiful Losers written in 1966.  Mr. Cohen, I love your songwriting, your songs, and the artists you collaborate with. I have for decades now.  But what is up with this book? Yikes…Right. My point is that this particular bookseller certainly knew his/her stuff – a truly unique selection.   

Baskets for sale outside a Manteo shop

It is hard to get a feel for a place when you are spending only a night or two.  I did feel very at peace here and would recommend it more as a romantic spot for couples (or a calming place to find oneself, or an educational spot for those who cherish marine life) than a place you would go to party.   For that, you might go to, say, Okracoke.  Which just happens to be our next stop.

Road Trip 2010 (Still in Progress)

The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge, Wilmington, NC

I am a bit, ahem, behind on the posts.  Not pleased with myself, but in my defense, it has been truly nonstop since we reached Colorado (no excuses for NC, TN, and OK aside from having too much fun to focus on anything technological). 

Sometimes we have wireless, sometimes cell service, but never at the same time and never when I am sitting still : )  Hope you all don’t give up on me, because I have lots of fun stories to tell!  For those we have seen on the road, stay tuned for pics – promise!  XOX, V&P

Road Trip 2010 – Rock Hall, Maryland

Paul and I grabbed a quick cuppa in Annapolis, Maryland on our way to Rock Hall.  This sculpture of Alex Haley (the author of Roots) and children stopped me in my tracks.  My picture does not do it justice, but you can find out more about the Kunta Kinte – Alex Haley Memorial here.     

"Knowledge of history can be the first step away from anger and bitterness. Truth leads to understanding. Understanding and forgiveness lead to reconciliation and healing" Memorial Story Wall Plaque.

 If we had more time, we would have done more exploring of the Naval Academy and maybe an oyster bar or two…  

The mission of the naval academy is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically; and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty...

Annapolis, Maryland. Love the colonial blue buildings with cranberry trim...

Paul picked a quiet spot for our next stop – Rock Hall, Maryland.  What did I like most about Rock Hall?  Kids on bikes waved at us while we drove by in the 4Runner.  When we walked down Main Street people said hello (all five of them) and we got more waves from passerby.  Even the trash truck driver waved hello.   LOVE that. 

I also loved the diverse dwellings.  I loved them so much I am going to save those pics for a separate blog post.   

Greetings from Chesapeake Country

Sign at Chicken - Neckers in Rock Hall

 This is my new (old) favorite sign.   Chicken necks are used to bait crabs.  In case you were wondering.   

Back Deck at the Old Gratitude House

The Old Gratitude House was lovely, with the added bonus of unintentional entertainment compliments of the Innkeepers.  No question who wears the pants in that family – let’s just leave it at that, shall we?    

Our room was perfect (a his and hers robes kind of perfect).  Check out the view from our private deck!   So peaceful, and with gourmet breakfasts to boot.  We had fun chatting with the other guests and getting to know several local cats and two adorable Westies.   

Calm Before the Storm

A lot of you know that I love a good storm.  Unlike most people I welcome a downpour, on vacation or otherwise.  I sleep better to the rain.  And I never carry an umbrella in the rain because it feels so good against my ruddy skin.   Perhaps I was a sailor in another life. 

Sailing with Captain Mark

A Rock Hall highlight was discovering Blue Crab Chesapeake Charters.  For $30, Captain Mark sailed us around Chesapeake Bay and plied us with margaritas (true story).   I am still hoping Paul will warm to the Airstream idea, but am thinking a houseboat would probably be an easier sell…

 

 

This man loves being on the water

Osprey nest - Chesapeake Bay

Paul recently lost his Dad.  I wish so much that we could send him these pictures (or better yet, show him in person).  He was in the Royal Navy and would get a huge kick out of seeing Paul enjoying himself out on the Bay. 

To get a feel for Rock Hall, I really need to take you back to Main Street…

The Nearest Mall

These shops are only open on weekends, so we didn’t get to check them out.  Lots of shops are in houses here, which gives them a lot more character, don’t you think?   

Hotel Transportation

There is a hotel on Main Street named Tallulah’s that offers limousine service.  I cracked up when I saw their limo because it reminded me of a time in my early twenties when my piece of crap Chevy Cavalier broke down and I could only afford to go with Rent-A-Wreck.    I ended up with a car similar to the one above.  I could fit about a dozen friends in it.  And it was easy to spot in the lot (this was pre-SUV’s). 

Durdings Store (old fashioned ice cream parlour)

Durdings has an old fashioned soda fountain and everything

Banana Shake for Paul and a Vanilla Coke for me : )

Durdings was delish.   Durdings and Harbor Shack were our favorite places to eat (aside from our B&B breakfasts).  Charlotte (our waitress at Harbor Shack)  actually got a dreamy look in her eye while explaining one of the specials. Roast beef sandwich, I believe it was.  I appreciate that in a waitress, or anyone, really.  It is near impossible for me to relate to people who don’t appreciate a good meal. 

Rock Hall is a nice place to go to get away from the chain stores and the crowds.  I felt that had we stayed longer we would have befriended a few of the local, salt of the earth types.   Spell check is suggesting I avoid this cliche but I don’t feel like it.

I will post a bit more about Maryland in a day or so.  Then, I will fill you all in on our Outer Banks escapades.  Yes, I do believe I could get used to this.  Just got to figure out how to make a decent living from the road.  I have some thoughts…any ideas on your end?!? 

And So It Begins…Road Trip 2010

Sunflower at the Bay

Paul and I took to the road three days ago and what a trip it has already been!  Day One was basically spent getting from the Cape to Michele in Alexandria, VA.  This could have been done in 6-7 hours if it weren’t for Jersey traffic (something big was going on in Trenton). 

 

So tempted...

It was worth it, because I never would have spotted these feather earrings at a mega rest stop otherwise (Paul is not a big fan of mega rest stops for some reason – party pooper).  Needless to say my mind immediately transported itself back to the eighties. 

 

This pleases me greatly

 

Another benefit of being stuck in traffic was the ability to take pics of passerby.  Rotel, anyone?  Yes, please!  It’s like a cruise liner for the road.  Except without showers.   Much more environmentally friendly than your typical motor home, I believe this model transports twenty-four passengers.

 

How fortunate we were to spend the first days of our road trip with our friend Michele.  She was kind enough to put us up and take us sightseeing, including an unforgettable day in DC. 

 

Albert Einstein Sculpture in DC

The Lincoln Memorial (Paul can remove this from his Bucket List now)

Paul and Michele in front of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

The Three Soldiers Statue on the Washington Mall, across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Waiting to hear the MLK "I Have A Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial

We only had a day and a half with our friend, so we spent the rest of the time basically goofing off.  Below are a few pics of Michele and I “shopping” in Georgetown, then all of us meeting up and wandering Alexandria.

I love bears

Michele loves monkeys

Paul loves beer...and we all love the Hobbit!

You all know what a serious reader I am

Uncanny resemblance to James Joyce

Dear Santa...

Tiny house in Alexandria - love it!

*Click here for more info on the house above (thanks for the link, Michele)…

So many beautiful old homes in Alexandria

And back home to Frisco Jones

Michele uploads pics while Paul ponders our next route

Thank you, Michele for a wonderful whirlwind of a time…we “la” you.  Yesterday Paul and I stopped at Annapolis on our way to our new digs…a quaint and quirky B&B here in Chesapeake Bay named the Old Gratitude House.  It is now time for our gourmet breakfast.  Life is good! 

PS  I am a guest blogger today at my friend Rachels blog, www.lostintheattic.typepad.com . It’s not too late to tell us where to go, and to enter to win a prize while you are at it!  xox 

Introducing….Thursday Q & A

I'm ready and waiting...

I love that everywhere we go, we find that people are interested in this lifestyle we have created for ourselves.  Most of the time, questions are asked in person, or via e-mail.  I would love to keep the conversation going here, where more like-minded can participate.

Do you have any questions or comments for us today (whatever day it happens to be) regarding home and pet sitting, travel, writing, or living simply?  How about working from home or the road?  Good!  We’d love to hear them…

California Girl Visits New England!

Shopping at The Spotted Cod in Sandwich, MA

 My little sister isn’t so little anymore.  Em just graduated high school and turned eighteen.  This fall, she heads to Cal Poly for her first college semester.  I am very proud of her. 

Mirror Portraiture (one of my specialties). Powder room at the Painted Lady, Sandwich, MA.

For the first time ever, we had real sister time, just the two of us (Paul was working through most of the visit).   I was almost twenty when she was born, and have lived thousands of miles away for most of her life.  However, I am confident we will make up for lost time. .  

Shopping for a dress to match the Chucks, Martha's Vineyard, MA

In some ways, we are very different (and for that you have no idea how relieved I am, Em).  In some ways, we are sooo alike!  See below for an example or two. 

Pondering & Pontification. Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.

Supporting the local market vendors in Falmouth, MA (see pretty new ring).

Working on the golden tan (hee) Onset, MA

REALLY appreciating a good meal. The Border Restaurant, Harvard Square

Feeling Groovy, Sandwich MA

Yup.  The girl is definitely my sister.   The week flew by like they tend to do.  Sigh.  I am hoping to get out to CA with Paul soon…maybe we can embarass her at college.  That would be fun!   Love you, Em.  Thank you for coming to visit.  Now, where’s that little bro of mine?