Goin' Down South

Hey y'all! I just got back from a four-day trip to Charleston and Savannah. It was very enjoyable; the people were hospitable, the architecture was charming, and the food was delicious. And boy did we eat! The first thing on my list in Savannah was a stop at Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons.

 We wisely chose the buffet - it's really the only way to go - and we feasted on fried chicken, short ribs, baked beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and mac n' cheese. By the time dessert came around, I didn't think I could take another bite...but I just couldn't pass up Paula's peach cobbler.

Thanks for the food, Paula!

We also visited historic Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by the bestseller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (an excellent book if you haven't read it). The intricate sculptures and ornate monuments were impressive, and the Spanish moss added an eerie yet romantic aura.

Savannah is also well-known for its churches and beautiful city squares.

I believe this is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

Forsyth Park

Onto Charleston - a quick 2-hour drive up the coast from Savannah. The first thing we wanted to do was take a carriage ride. Even though it's a super touristy thing to do, it's a great way to see the city and learn about its history.

Getting to know Larry, our carriage horse.

I think this is St. Phillip's - one of Charleston's many churches.

The City Market - a former slave market but now a place for artists to sell their goods.

Probably my favorite thing we did was visit the Charleston Tea Plantation (I'm a major tea addict, for the uninitiated). It's the only tea plantation in North America and we learned all about how tea was made. Plus we got all the free samples of tea we could drink!

Rows of tea plants. The different shades of green signify different varietals, although they all end up getting processed together.

Love the Spanish moss!

We then visited a proper Southern plantation: Boone Hall. This plantation has been featured in many television shows and movies, including the cinematic masterpiece North and South.

That's right, Patrick Swayze once stood right here.

It also has a nearly one-mile drive up to the house lined by oak trees.

The gardens are in full bloom!

Our last stop on the tour was Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. We took the ferry from Patriots Point, where USS Yorktown (CV-10) is docked.

Approaching Fort Sumter

And then we flew back the next morning. It was a brief trip, but we got a lot done!

Azaleas

Have I mentioned how much I love springtime? :) Last weekend I went to the Arboretum to see their vast collection of azaleas; apparently it's kind of a big deal.

I came across this azalea bush and notice something odd. It was mostly white, but there were some patches of purple.

I don't think I've ever seen that before.

I always love seeing the old Capitol columns too. It's like stumbling on some ancient ruins.

Dad's 60th Birthday

Two weeks ago my dad celebrated his 60th birthday and threw a big party at my parents' house in Fresno. It was great seeing the family; especially relatives that I hadn't seen in a while. I took a ton of pictures, but here's a quick recap:

I really enjoyed spending time in the garden while I was there. It was so quiet and peaceful.

 The kids had a ball playing with the bubbles outside.

Not as much as cousin Steve though.

Lots of wine was had by all.

I'm starting to think Elise may be a bit of a ham.

Playing chicken with the kids - always a great idea.

Some of the cousins/siblings. Just like old times.

Mmmm....cake.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!