Swansboro, NC

A dear blogging friend suggested that we might enjoy the small shops in Swansboro while we're in this area.   Swansboro is a small waterfront town located at the mouth of the White Oak River, where the river joins the Atlantic.  The weather today wasn't great for picture taking but I have a few.

One of the most interesting things about Swansboro was the muscovy ducks walking on the sidewalks.  One of the shop owners told me that the ducks were brought over on a ship in the 1700's.  

We had lunch in an adorable 50's restaurant that was full of Elvis, Marilyn, etc. memorabilia.

The sun came out this afternoon and we enjoyed Morehead City and Beaufort, NC.

                                                     

Last but not least, I was so excited to find "Pearl" at a consignment store this afternoon for $5.  She's going to be a great addition to my Susan Paley lady vase collection!

Multiple Corgi Sighting in New Bern, NC!

Today while shopping in the historic district of New Bern, I came across these corgi puppies and their mom, Abby, in one of the shops.

You can only imagine my excitement.  I actually got to hold one of the tri-colored pups and she was so soft and sweet!

New Bern, which is about 50 miles inland and lies between the Neuse and Trent rivers, is very  rich in history.  It was founded in 1710 and served as the state's first capital until it moved to Raleigh in 1792. 

Pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, mixed up a digestive aid in his drug store in New Bern  that would become known as Pepsi Cola . 

We saw some of the most beautiful homes, most of which were built in the early 1800's.

This was my favorite and I love their backyard garden!

Bear Town Bears

This week I am visiting New Bern, NC, with a friend.  What a beautiful city!  Soon after we got here today, we discovered The Bear Town Bears (the word Bern is German for Bear).

The bears are hand-painted, made of fiberglass, designed and decorated by New Bern artists and located throughout the area as a public art project.

The symbol of Bern, Switzerland (New Bern's namesake and mother city) is a black bear, which New Bern also adopted as its symbol.  There are 50 decorated bears on display throughout the city today  in celebration of New Bern's 300th anniverary.



"Harvest Bear"



"Bearer of Rights"



"Mama Bear"



"Dr. Bender Bear"

"Future Bear"

"Bubble Garden Bear"      



"Bearon de Graffenried"



"Sleepy Bear"   

                    

"Brier Bear" (named after their country club)

GO RAMS! It's going to be close!

Bald Neck Chicken

I recently had this email from my friend who lives in South Africa. This might be of interest to all you "farm chics" out there.  She wrote:

On a drive one day, we met friends at a coffee shop with a difference. This coffee shop was 20kilometers (about 10 miles) out on a very badly surfaced dirt road through the mountains, on a farm. The farmer's wife is a baker of note. She stocks a good variety of freshly baked cakes and scones, which she serves with thick farm cream. Most of the eggs used in the cakes come from a strange variety of chicken called the "bald neck" chicken.   The coffee was good, cakes delicious and all in all, worth the trip out.
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This post has been linked to Verde Farm Friends Friday.  You might enjoy reading posts from some of Amy's other farm friends.

Have a great weekend!

Taniwa



Daffodils from my yard today!



I know several of you already follow the blog, Taniwa, but I wanted to share this information with  those of you who don't.  This blog is written by the sweetest lady who lives in Japan.  She is an avid quilter and cat lover.  Every day she writes about the conditions there and even when the situation sounds so bleak, she always has a positive attitude and a quick wit.

I read her posts everyday and always think about how blessed my life is.  When you have time, pay Taniwa a visit.

Trek to the Final Four



My granddaughters are on the front row:  the one in the teal jacket and the white jacket beside her.





I went with my daughters and granddaughters to the pep rally for the VCU Rams today before they left Richmond for Houston.  We had so much fun! All of this is so unexpected by this team and they are truly the underdog.  The players had  big grins on their faces and their parents were beaming with pride.  I can't wait until Saturday to see what happens!

And what do you think of this?  My youngest daughter had a pedicure today.  You can't tell we're excited, can you?