Day 2 - Began in Ohio, Ended in New York

Warning: Reading our vacation posts may make you very very hungry.

On the second day of vacation, we left Kevin's to head across Ohio, through just a little bit of Pennsylvania, and into New York. One of the planned stops of our trip was a truck stop. Yes, you read that right. A truck stop in the town of Northeast, PA. No, it isn't fancy or famous. David's route takes him through there every week and every week he and his co-driver stop at this unassuming place for chicken and biscuits. This delicacy is created behind the food counter inside by microwaving a large fluffy biscuit, scooping on some mashed potatoes, and topping it off with chicken and gravy. I know, it doesn't sound too exciting, but it was really good! We opted not to sit at one of the two tables just outside the bathrooms and ate instead in the truck. It was amazingly tasty and we plan to reproduce it at home. David tried once last winter, but I have some ideas and think it's time to try again.

Day 1 - Missouri to Ohio

Our friend Kevin recently moved to a little town in western Ohio, so we spent our first night with him in his new place. He gave us a thorough tour of the town and area around it. It could have been Mayberry. It was the weekend of the town's annual Community Picnic, which begins on Thursday and has events and activities through Sunday evening. We've all been a little worried about him moving to such a small town, but I feel better now. A larger town nearby has a beautiful lake and a Wal-Mart. What more could anyone need? There are beautiful old churches on nearly every corner, and at least one place that serves really tasty burgers and fries. There's also a little shop called the Salt Box something or other which was conveniently closed when we arrived in town and strangely our route out of town didn't pass by it. Maybe next time! Thank you for the hospitality, Kevin! We'll be back!

We are...

from a great vacation - 3700 miles through 12 states. Laid our heads to rest in 5 states, 6 hotels, and two nights with family and friends. Too much delicious food to count. 14,009 (approximate) gasps and exclamations of "Cute!" in regards to the colonial and salt box houses. Pictures will be added all week, so stay tuned! :)

Close Enough to Perfect For Me

I'm over the other house. And our house seems to have forgiven me for ogling another. This house, just as it is, is close enough to perfect for me.

The dog, sleeping on a bed he's not supposed to be on, has a thing or two to teach me about being content where I am and with what I have.

Today I walked my dog, had brunch with my friend, took a nap, and walked the dog again. What more could I want?

Title borrowed from Alabama's song, Close Enough to Perfect For Me.

To Move Or Not to Move

Just before anyone panics, the answer is NOT move. But isn't this house just about the cutest thing ever? It went up for sale in the fall, and for about 24 hours, I seriously began to consider moving. I recently found that it was still for sale. For another 24 hours, I dreamed and decorated and imagined. I've come back to my senses and do NOT want to move. David, if you're wondering, pretty much keeps quiet during my 24 lapses in judgment. Wise man! He's not really one to move a lot - this is only the third house he's ever lived in - so I think he hopes I'll come around and not call the realtor. When I decided, again, that we should not move, I began to think of all the things I'd like to do to our house. Shutters, new front door, bathroom floors, ah, the list goes on. Which is one thing that keeps me from moving - starting all the projects over. I look at every house for it's potential. The phrase "move-in ready" just makes me laugh.

Now, if anyone thinks that we should move, best just keep that to yourself. I could relapse at any moment! We're rapidly approaching the 5 year mark in this house, and I'm getting antsy! :)

New Pantry Floor

Did you know that if you leave a cat in the pantry (quite by accident!) for almost 12 hours, she will try to dig her way out? It's true! The damage wasn't all that bad, but the old floor was kind of dated. Opportunity knocked!My dad put down new peel and stick tiles in my old laundry room and did a great job, so I asked if he would do the same in the pantry. Here's the new floor. Vinyl tiles that are supposed to look like wood are a little cheesy, but I like that it blends with the floor and woodwork.
Here's the circa 1976 faux brick. Lovely, huh? Somehow faux wood seems better to me than faux brick. Not sure why! Thank you, Dad. Looks great!

**Even with the old floor, the pantry looks so much better empty!

Happy Birthday, Con!

Last Tuesday was my aunt Connie's birthday. The "Good" Girls were kind enough to celebrate at my office so I could join them for lunch. We had a great time! If you are wondering why these are the Good Girls, it's not because they're so well-behaved. It's because my Grandmother's maiden name is Good. Which means that my great-grandma was both Good and great! ;)