I danced with the stars

ana, me, sister, and jonathan

Last night sister and I went to a dance lesson with ABC's Dancing with the Stars very own Jonathan and Ana! Before I go any further, let me paint you a picture: Sister showed up in full dance garb ready for a true audition with DWTS, that or dance class prom - and if you know Holly I bet you can just see it - black leotard, pink tights, red ballet sweater, and dance bag. Luckily, I stopped her from wearing her hair in a bun and bringing her black capezio dance bag compliments of the 90s. I also had to stop her from potential costume changes :) True, indeed. But she looked good no doubt and we both got acknowledged for our seasoned dance skills. Jonathan even called us his little ballerinas. As for the rest of the class...well, the skill level and appearance varied. We had those older gentlemen who don't know how to keep their annoying-but-funny-only-to-them comments to, well, themselves; the younger gentlemen (tweens) who are too bouncy...when they both walk and dance; the showoffs (Holly); and my personal favorite, the wannabe cougars of the ballroom dance floor. And there we were - one big happy rotating couples ballroom dancing family. Pretty interesting visual I'd say...

Sister and I have both been big fans of the show since season 1 and when we saw they were coming to town we jumped at the chance to sign up. We spent one hour leisurely foxtrotting with Jonathan and one hour of cardio swing dancing with Ana...it was so much fun! I even got to partner with Jonathan and I'm sure he could feel my heart beating through my back while in our frame {you know, ballroom dance lingo...which I learned more marvy terms last night such as twinkle and sailor shuffle}. It made me really miss dance class. I would sign up in an instant for weekly ballroom lessons if it weren't for two reasons: 1. I am not going sans partner (of my choosing!) and 2. Those who choose any type of performance hobby later in life are just weird...as in the weirdo partners we had to rotate with (and touch) last night {see above description!}.

So that was the highlight of my week...that and the discovery of lightning bugs in Tallahassee! I saw their backsides twinkling in my front yard and was so happy. I did not know they flourished in these parts. Thoughts of summer and most importantly thoughts of catching them as a child at my grandparents' small farm house in eastern North Carolina.

Happy weekend!

hello summer

I am so glad you are here.

I spent this holiday weekend in one of my most favorite places...Apalachicola/ St. George Island! Apalachicola - to me this is quintessential old Florida and why I love it so much...the history, the stories from locals, the oystermen in the bay...soak it up.

I was also Sally Kate's au pair for the weekend and it was the most wonderful time. She is getting so big and fun and she really enjoyed all the sights and sounds of Apalach as we all welcomed summer with a smile. Sister and I frequented all of our favorite spots...The Grady Market, The Owl Cafe, Avenue E, Boss Oyster, BJ's Pizza, and Aunt Ebby's for ice cream. Yes, all we did all weekend was eat and shop! And not to worry, we made it to The Owl a total of three times. I love vacation.

We stayed at the island house and did not stick our feet in the sand or Gulf once! My kind of beach weekend. The weather was beautiful but we had other things to do...like nap :) I think I caught up on more sleep over the weekend than I had since college. It was the best! Of course, we did take each opportunity to drive on the beach road and we did go on a delightful boat ride with Captain Gary. On Saturday night I babysat both Sally Kate and Lucas - Holly and Marcus's nephew - as the parents went to their aunt and uncles' 25th wedding anniversary party in town.

It was one year ago almost to the date that Holly found out that she was pregnant with our sweet Sally Kate. That is so crazy to think about. We were at the island with Heather Lane hoping and dreaming that a sweet little blessing would be announced soon and alas she is now almost 5 months old!

Here's to a relaxing weekend with dear friends and family and salute to the holiday in which we kick off summer with ~ Happy Memorial Day.

this is her default face when she sees aunt sister pull out that silver rectangle

view from the owl rooftop

avenue e

introducing sally kate to my favorite shop...trust me, she loved it!

shopping fun with mommy and aunt sister

jake, cara, sister, and marcus before the party

I stayed home with these two adorable kiddos

naptime...sk has our sweet sleeping skills but only one thing would make this picture complete, grandmommy :)

captain gary's ride

More reasons why I love this place:

and last but not least - the annual fourth of july party at the randolph's!

just for laughs

enjoy:


While adding recycling to my bin this AM, I found a beautiful brilliant green tree frog-- an extra large one with elegant yellow racing stripes-- clinging to the inside wall of the bin, just under the lid, facing upward. He'd gotten in, even with the lid closed tight. I gently lifted him from below, and he leaped safely out onto the camellias.

I know we're worried about a different sort of intruder these days in our neighborhood, but I
hope neighbors will please keep an eye out for these wonderful little insect-eaters-- I hate to
think of them getting buried in a recycling or garbage truck and getting "processed"--


The above note is true. In fact, I get several similar notes via e-mail each week on various silly subjects such as migrating birds, microchipping pets, and most recently burglaries and baby raccoons. Thank you neighborhood e-mail list. Oh, wait, I just got a typical response in my inbox. Here's what it's like when the neighborhood hens start clucking...

I have a gigantic toad that lives beneath the rock on my waterfall. He must be several years old by now and ugly as ugly comes! I have tried to make him welcome with his own home, but he prefers the one he chose on his own and that is good too! Snickers isn't interested in him one whit but even so he rarely makes a public appearance. We usually catch a glimpse of him when something has caused the pump to act up and Paul is sloshing around out there disturbing his peace!

ps we also have a great many Skinks or I think they are called Blue Racers? They are poisonous to cats or so I have heard...

And there you have it. These are the e-mails that have Lane and I in stitches and leave us utterly concerned as to why they are concerned about such things. A select few neighbors sit in front of their computer each day waiting to send out a mass e-mail on whatever strikes their fancy, seriously. And the looney ones are anxiously awaiting to respond. Albeit, the e-mails are 1 out of 50 times useful but then they turn sour. For example, when my beloved Fern bolted out my front door upon the arrival of my landlord who was meeting the painter at my house one morning. I got the call and drove frantically home to search for her. Meanwhile sweet Lane sends on an e-mail on behalf of me to the 'hood including a precious little picture of Fern trotting through the grass. I don't know what kind of responses I was expecting but to my surprise the few who responded tried to accuse me of not microchipping Fern {she is microchipped!} and then specifically gave us all a soapbox on the importance of microchipping...and then they compared my missing dog to a missing soccer ball. How rude!

Anyway, long story not-so-short these are my eccentric neighbors and you see where their priorities are...the welfare of animals. Which don't get me wrong I'm all for. But beware they are not fond of human beings. If they see an unfamiliar face perusing our neighborhood by any means of transportation they will most likely call the police and report you as a suspicious person. They are just that sweet. They are stationed in front of a window a la Gladys Cravets ready to report at a moment's notice.

And what I've shared is only the half of it...you should read the other hundred of e-mails I get weekly. As Mr. Rogers would say, Won't you be my neighbor?

destin-ation bachelorette

Sister came up with the title. I can't take any credit or blame…thank goodness.

I just got back from the most relaxing and fabulous bachelorette weekend! It can't get much better than being on the Emerald Coast as carefree as can be. By noontime Friday everyone had arrived and we were welcomed by lots of fun treats. The weekend was hosted by Page's sweet sister Ana who everything planned to a tee. We spent both Friday and Saturday lounging at the beach during the day. The weather was perfect and the water was warm and crystal clear.

Saturday night we had a private room for dinner and lingerie soiree at the Yacht Club's restaurant. But first it was a champagne toast to our Page in our snazzy Here Comes The... cups!We had a pre-set menu for dinner arranged by Ana and it was delicious! My favorite course was be the warm homemade bread and roasted red pepper butter...I guess that's not even really a course per se but it.was. good. Page opened her gifts and we gave her a scrapbook that Avery compiled of personalized notes and pictures from each bridesmaid to Page - I loved this idea!After we were quite full and a little creeped out by our waiter {see below} we were out to paint the town! We had the best time dancing to the live band and observing the locals. Page was a trooper as we made her do lots of silly things but each bridesmaid was also so kindly given one dare from Page to accomplish before the night was over. After all, if she had to do 20 we should at least have to do one says the bride. Mine was checked off after I found the worst guy dancer and danced with him and then complimented him on his moves...it was hilarious!

Sunday was time to say goodbye after we ate a delicious breakfast at the Donut Hole, a local hot spot. I had banana nut pancakes, cheese grits, and coffee. I am aware that my written description of my breakfast sounds quite odd but it was so good! The pancake batter was one of the best I've ever had. I will definitely by frequenting the Donut Hole in the future.

This weekend was so much fun and the three week countdown to the wedding is on. Birmingham here I come!

the beaming bachelorette

our fabulous goodie bags from ana

the only male allowed this weekend...baxter

for you heather :)

with the bride-to-be

sisters popping bottles

here comes the...

college friends and bridesmaids

oh-la-la

saturday night dinner @ z's

chocolate spoon cake

dessert models....delicious cheesecake with fresh berries

page enjoying the awkward serenade by our waiter

mockingbird babies

sister, sally kate, mc, danielle, sophie, lane, and camp

In the midst of a busy day, I was able to sneak off for lunch at the Mockingbird Cafe with some great friends and adorable babies! We ate outside and had the most delicious food as usual. As happy as I was to meet them today, I was just as sad when sister broke the news that this would be our last sisters lunch - she's headed back to work next week :( I am devastated! I will miss our weekly lunches, but most of all I will miss that much needed time with sister and Sally Kate mid-day. The al fresco dining, underneath blue skies and blooming jasmine kind of time.

Perhaps I'll have some other lunch date takers?!

in need of a wind down

Mid-week and the days are creeping by. Work is wild and I am worn out. Over the last two weeks I've gotten a crash course in law firm operation 101 and everything in between. Our presentation for this client is a week from today and luckily the production work from behind the computer is done. My failing eyes are thankful.

Tonight I attended a fundraiser for The Tallahassee Ballet. Holly and I both danced in this company and have since stayed involved in one way or another. I was in the company for one year and that was enough. I am now retired - ah, I like the way that sounds. WineDown in Midtown was fabulous! It was held at Fusion and was a five course meal with wine pairings, a silent auction and live music. The food and wine were delicious especially the chocalate pecan brownies with raspberry sauce...I ate three.

It was the perfect evening for a wonderful fine art cause.

goodie bags!

with katie, amber and sister

heather lane and paul

Happy three year anniversary to Heather Lane and Paul! This was my first wedding that I was in as a bridesmaid...this started it all. I was Heather's Maid of Honor as well and I rather like this bridesmaid status. As I reflect on their wedding day and the events leading up to it a smile appears on my face. Thoughts of family, tradition, love, laughter come to mind. It was a fabulous soiree and I just hate that my pictures just don't do it justice. The reception was at Heather's family home in Ocala and it was absolutely gorgeous! My lack of personal pictures from the wedding, parties, and showers galore are scarce so I suppose I just relied on the professionals back in the day. So a click on The Bruces blog May 2006 is a must!

Enjoy the few snapshots of one of the most beautiful weddings ever of two of my most dear~

wedding programs...all 300...each bow individually tied by moi! don't worry I got heather back at holly's baby shower :)

mom and I picked h & p up at the orlando airport to kick off the wedding week

spa and lingerie party

bridesmaid luncheon at grandmommy's ~ so beautiful and nostalgic

low country boil rehearsal dinner

me and sister

day after/mother's day brunch @ the hagood's...this is me and cousin rebecca {my how she's grown in the last three years!}

they are here

http://behindthethree.blogspot.com/

Welcome Hadley Ann, Carson Jane, and Reese David - you are so very loved. Congratulations to Rian and Chris!

Also, Cogratulations to Katie on baby number four - a handsome baby boy!

Let's just say I spent most of my day refreshing my e-mail and blogs :) What a beautiful day of miracles and blessings.

sally kate love

Here's a sampling of Sally Kate's first photo shoot:

http://terrismithphotoblog.com/

scroll down a bit and enjoy :)

come friday

I'll be here...


with these girls {plus a few more!}...


We're off to Page's bachelorette party in Destin this weekend!! The fun actually starts tomorrow when Meghan and Page arrive for a quick stay over in Tallahassee before they head to the beach early...lucky girls. The Tampa girls arrive on Thursday and then we'll all be off to blissdom.

On another note, I met sweet Avery Elizabeth Campbell tonight! Avery was born on May Day and to her mother's liking and surprise was a couple of weeks early. Congratulations Sidney and Grady to a beautiful baby girl!

marvelous mom

happy mother's day!

What a wonderful holiday to celebrate. Although I am not able to be with my mom today I was blessed to be able to spend both Friday and Saturday with her. She and daddy came for a quick visit and we had the best time. We met for lunch at The Mockingbird Cafe on Friday when they got to town and then spent a relaxing evening at Holly and Marcus's.

On Saturday morning the Edenfields had a family photo shoot at Goodwood and invited the extended family along for a few poses. It was a beautiful day and Sally Kate was such a happy little baby but it didn't last too long until she was exhausted - it's tough being a model. She really enjoyed the quick clicking sound of the camera. When Terri, the photographer, updates her blog with our photos I will be sure to share it with you. I can't wait to see them!

Our photo shoot was followed by a delicious lunch at Food Glorious Food in honor of Mom and the newest mom in town, sister. I had an odd sized lunch so that I could have room for dessert{see below}! We shared the same dessert as Rian and I had last week - that coffee toffee butter crunch concoction. The rest of the day was spent running errands, including a trip to our favorite Tallahassee Nurseries, and just being together. It was sad to see M & D go, as usual, but I am just so happy that we could spend that time we did have together. There is no better way to celebrate!

Today I did Mother's Day part deux and went to Sage with sister, Marcus and Sally Kate. The brioche French toast that sister and I each had is worth noting. One word...yum.

So Happy Mother's Day to all mothers and those soon-to-be mothers. I love you mom and sister...you are both truly marvelous!

love you.

m & d @ goodwood

the edenfields @ fgf

delicious!

french toast with orange butter from sage