The Golden Isles

Another of the benefits of the kids move from Maine to Jacksonville is the added bonus of being closer to all of our family. After the last week of movers and unpacking, we were ready to hit the road again and head back north. A short hour north found us in the Golden Isles, my first visit in a few years, and it brought tears to my eyes as we pulled up into the driveway of Robert’s parent’s house. It has been too long since we have been to Brunswick, and in that time Sharon & Bob have moved from their roomy loft apartment in the historic downtown area, to an even roomier home on the water. Sharon grew up here in Brunswick, and has always dreamed of living back on the water, the peacefulness of the marsh land calling to her. Brunswick is located about an hour south of Savannah, and while it may not be as well known, I find it a much prettier city filled with historic parks and homes, and just a short drive from St. Simon Island, a breathtaking place to wander on the white sand beaches of the Atlantic coast.
This was also the first visit between Cash and his great-grandparents and after a few moments of shyness on his part - the smiles and giggles that only a two year old can make filled the room. He helped Grandpapa pick cherry tomatoes fresh off the vine, and then walked with us out to the marsh to see the hundreds of fiddler crabs scatter out to the water’s edge. He fed the goldfish in the pond, and ate ice cream with Tutu, and when it was time to go he melted into their arms. With promises of a return visit next week we headed back south to Sara’s new home. Tomorrow we are on the road south to Orlando where we will meet up with my brother, David and his family. My niece Lauren has been traveling with the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corp all summer, and we are excited to finally get to see her perform at the Citrus Bowl. It has been a great vacation, filled with wonderful moments around every turn. Till later, Susan

Jacksonville at last

I am not sure where the last few days went. Last post we were in Richmond, Virginia and that seems like weeks ago. After an actually relaxing drive on the 4th of July spent on the road to Charleston, we watched from our hotel room as fireworks lit up the sky all around us. We were on the eighth floor and from harbor to harbor it seemed like the entire city was lit up. We got up the next morning and headed for the Battery area downtown. We drove up and down the narrow streets, some made of beautiful cobblestone, and gazed at the antebellum homes that lined the river, the gardens - oh my the gardens - that filled every square inch of the properties. We only had a few hours to spend, so after a quick visit to show Sara where I used to work at the library, we headed out of town towards the Magnolia Plantation property. It seemed like it would fit exactly what all of us were looking for. What could be better than gardens, history, nature trails and animals all rolled into one breathtakingly beautiful piece of property. After the Nature Trail train ride that took us through the back woods of the plantation , and yes! we did see an alligator, we wandered through the gardens and visited with the peacocks. (http://www.magnoliaplantations.com/)

We left Charleston and headed for Jacksonville arriving a little after four in the afternoon. Travis and his brother Chris who was visiting from Colorado met us at their new house and I was given the grand tour. Any thoughts of Cash being upset with having new surroundings were quickly dashed when he ran from closet to closet exclaiming that this was "Cash's New House......Cash's New House...." We settled into a very nice nearby hotel, thanks again Hotwire!, and then waited the next day for the movers to arrive. As the huge Mayflower truck pulled in the driveway I took advantage of some private Cash time and we headed to the Jacksonville Zoo. Seemed the perfect way to stay out of the way, and have some Nana time. What a special time to stand with your grandson as he sees a giraffe, up close - and personal, for the first time.

Fast forward a couple days, the movers have come and gone, everything is unpacked and put into its place, and the kids are settling into their new home. We have found the best grocery store, the hardware store, and of course - the library, just a few blocks away. With everything pretty much unpacked except for all of the boxes and boxes of Sara's books, it feels great to sit and watch as the kids figure out their new home. The thunderstorms have been amazing every day we have been here, something that this transplanted Florida girl is really enjoying. More later, Susan.

4th of July

We are traveling south at a pretty good clip now. After leaving New York City, Baltimore and Washington DC behind us, the road opens up and trees fill the view. We entered Virginia by crossing over the Potomac on yet another massive bridge. (I had forgotten living in the desert of Nevada how much I don’t care for the huge bridges back east) I don’t think I have seen this many rolling green hills since I left the island of Hawaii 29 years ago. It is breathtakingly beautiful and the weather has cleared so we aren’t dealing with the pouring rains anymore. We found a deeply wooded park to have a picnic, and watched as Cash expended his pent up energy from being in the car all morning climbing metal spirals and working his way to the slide. We stayed in Richmond, Virginia last night, and we were treated to an early fireworks display off in the distance...and our own private one on the patio as the lightning bugs swirled around our heads. The hotel Bob found for us on Hotwire was an amazing reproduction of Jefferson’s Montecello. That is if you ignored the sand volleyball, tennis courts, golfing and gold embellishments everywhere. We looked past all that to gaze on the views of the rolling hills, the perfectly manicured boxwood and brick paths that threaded their ways through the blooming trees. After a look at the pool, we sat outside and had dinner and then turned in for the night.

Got up this morning, had a nice early morning dip in the pool and we are back on the road once again. It’s the 4th of July and we have a lot of miles ahead of us today. Tonight we will stay in Charleston, South Carolina and I am looking forward tomorrow to showing Sara and Cash where I used to work downtown at the historic Charleston County Library, and where Bob and I lived on Folly Beach back in the early 70’s. This journey has been an easy one with Cash, so I guess I didn’t jinx it after all. He is a happy guy, as long as “Blue Bunny” is in his seat with him, there is a small box of raisins whenever he asks for one, and we get to go swimming every day. On the latter part, he is sure a lot like his Mommy. Till tomorrow, Susan

Life in the FAST lane.....

Actually, today's journey should be called "Life in the SLOW........ lane, at least for part of it. I will never, ever complain about traffic on W. Williams Ave. again. Ever. Today we left the quiet peacefulness of my Aunt Sue's house in Duxbury, and headed south towards New York City. The first hour or so was spent lost in the wooded areas around southern Massachusetts in a torrential downpour. Getting lost/misdirected didn't help the situation. Don't believe that a GPS will always direct you correctly! However during a brief break in the rain we did find a very nice garden center on our new found route. We made a short stop to stretch our legs and see what plants sell here vs. Fallon. Back to the traffic.....we were actually the lucky ones. We were headed towards the city.....so while we were traveling down the highway at a pretty good pace, we watched as the north bound traffic went from slow moving ........to slower......to slower.............to turtle pace, for over 60 miles. We kept looking for construction, for accidents, for what could possibly causing that much traffic to sit at standstills for miles at a time. Apparently a four day weekend out of the city can cause it. Sand Mountain traffic has NOTHING on millions of people trying to cross the Tappan Zee bridge. Luckily, we are traveling with the world's greatest two-year-old. Yes, I may be biased, but in all reality, I don't know many other children who will sit in the back seat for 6 hours perfectly content with the sights, a few books, and a movie. Let's hope my praise hasn't jinxed the rest of the trip.

We are settled into a very nice hotel, and after a great dinner and a trip to the swimming pool for Sara and Cash, we are turning in for the night. Tomorrow it is on to the Washington, DC area with a few more side trips planned along the way. Thanks for joining us on the journey. Till tomorrow, Susan

Where's Susan?

Today we set off for the coast of Massachusetts, by going out the front door, and walking down the path about 100 yards. We - Sara, Cash and I are staying with my Aunt Sue in Duxbury. Located about an hour south of Boston, she lives on the same bay that was the childhood summer home of her and my father. I have been to visit three times now since Sara moved to the Northeast, and each time it is more beautiful than the last. This morning we all set off for a walk down to the beach. The path takes us past the site where Myles Standish first settled, one of the founders of Duxbury in 1632. With storm warnings forecast for later in the afternoon we wanted to get in some outside time while the sun was still shining. The temperature here is in the mid 60's, but with all the humidity it felt much cooler. I know that all of you reading this back in Nevada would love this cool weather as you are suffering through the heat of summer. I will try my hardest to send some your way. We walked the shoreline picking up shells, watching the birds flying overhead, and the sailboats already out on the water. It was a beautiful morning, and Cash spent the majority of his time picking up the best rocks and tossing them towards the shore.
We decided to take advantage of the sun that was still peaking out at noon and headed over to Plymouth so Sara could see the beautiful town and soak up some of it's history. We visited the Mayflower, and pitched a penny or two at Plymouth Rock. On the way back to Duxbury the clouds were forming, and the thunder was starting to sound off in the distance. It was an hour or so later that the skies opened up with all the fury and the thunder and lightening put on a show. For me, a child from Miami ~ who now lives in the desert, this was a welcome treat. For those that live here, who haven't seen two consecutive sunshine filled days for over three months, it was a bit much.

Tonight, we are settled into a comfy warm room, and tomorrow Sara, Cash and I will head off on our journey. Traveling another 1000 miles or so south until we reach Jacksonville, where Travis has already arrived with their household goods. Of course there will be many stops along the way, after all we are traveling with a 2 year old, a garden lover, and a history buff! See ya soon, Susan

Jazz on The River 2009

This year is shaping up to be the best yet for our annual fundraiser for Relay for Life, Fallon Chapter. In 2004, we held our first ever "Jazz on The River" as part of a fundraiser for the Churchill County Hospital Auxiliary. It was our first concert out in the river garden, and it was not only a huge success, but it set in motion the 12 outdoor concerts that have followed. The next year, 2005, marked the first summer that we dedicated our Jazz on The River to Relay for Life.

This year, we are proud to have playing for us, Steve Vasco & Jazzmajic. A multi Grammy Award nominated musician now living in the Lake Tahoe area. He has played with some of the greats in the jazz world, and we can't wait to hear his cool sounds under the stars out by the river.

We also have a special treat in store for all wine connoisseurs. This year, because of our new store, Red Zinnia, we have a multitude of wine distributors. They feel as strongly as we do about promoting donations to Relay for Life. They have offered to host wine tents featuring their vintages. We will have tents set up by Southern Wine & Spirits, Luce & Sons, Wirtz Beverage, Encore Beverage, Barefoot Wines and Baronn Imports. Tasting tickets will be available for sale, as well as amazing case discounts for any wine ordered that will be picked up at Red Zinnia the following week.

Here comes the pitch. That concert in 2005, when we first started dedicating all proceeds to Relay for Life, I was asked to get up on the stage and say a few words. As a cancer survivor myself, the organizers thought that it would be good way to help show that cancer touches everyone, including someone you might know. I did make it up to the stage that year, but I couldn't say much. I was staring out over the crowd at my Dad, who had just been diagnosed with lung cancer the month before. My Dad lost his fight with the disease in the winter of 2006. This concert and the proceeds that come with it are one small way that we can not only give - but honor those that have been touched by this disease. As we walk at the Relay for Life the following week, I hope you will join us there also. Go Team Flower Tree!

Tickets are on sale now, $10.00 in advance, $15.00 at the gate. Gates open at 5, music starts at 6pm - until 11. In addition to the tasting tents, Big Ed's BBQ will be catering the food, and Team Raleys will be on hand with Relay for Life luminary bags, t-shirts, etc. for purchase. You can bring your chairs early in the day if you would like and set them up out in the grass, or reserve a table by stopping by the day of the concert. First come - first seated. ALL PROCEEDS from this event go to Relay for Life. Last years donation was over $2000.00, and with the assistance from our wine distributors this year, we know that we will surpass that. If you are going to be out of town, or can't make it for some reason, please keep in mind that your ticket is a tax-deductible donation and can always be given to a friend or family member so that they can attend. Please help us make this the biggest and best one yet! We all thank you, Susan

The Roses....they are exploding!!

This has to be one of my absolute favorite times of year. Last week, I watched as the climbing rose that marks the entrance to our front walkway went from 2 blooms to hundreds. I wish I had taken a picture on Monday so you could have seen the explosion in full color. Here is one I took just a few minutes ago though. It is a "Blaze" climber, planted about 8 years ago, and every single year it just gets better and better. Roses are so easy to take care of here in Fallon. Between the hot dry climate to control disease, and the 300 or more days of sunlight we get every year, it makes for perfect growing condition. Sorry, can't write anymore right now, the roses are calling to me out front. I need to go play in the blooms. See ya soon, Susan

ps, If you are out and about tomorrow, Saturday, May 30th, stop by our rose garden at The Flower Tree. Linda Reed, a multi media artist from California will be in the rose garden demonstrating with FIRE how she makes her Lampwork bead jewelry. Sure to be a hot time!