From Maggie to Gracie: A Year's Worth of Blogging

Last year on August 7, when I began this blog, I had no idea I would still be blogging.  I established this blog at the request of my boys when they suggested I post about the trip we were about to make to Italy.  I started in August so that I would have the kinks worked out by the time we went to Italy in September.  My first blog was about flying with our dog Maggie to Nova Scotia.

Maggie ready to travel.

I began to enjoy posting something each day, and before I knew it I had decided I was going to post every day for a year, and I've managed to do that.  I can write several blogs in advance and schedule them to appear whenever I wish.  Of course, something always comes up and I have to slip in a blog not previously scheduled.  A friend asked me if I had done things or gone places that I would not have done had I not been blogging, and the answer is yes.  I will see mention of a concert or an art show or something and think,"That would make a good blog post". So off I go.  I think this has broadened my horizons.

Yesterday was the one year "anniversary" of my blog, when I posted birthday wishes to my eleven year old granddaughter, Grace.

Granddaughter Grace.

I've been happy to get to know some of my followers and to meet other bloggers.  I plan to continue my blog, but I won't post every single day, but more like twice a week.  So I'll be happy for you to continue to gadabout with me whenever you like.  Who knows where the blog will take us!!!!  So stay tuned.

Interesting note:  The post that received the most page views this past year was Lunch at the Depot, Lattimore, NC

Becky's Husband Follows My Blog

Friends, Paula (left) and Becky (right) at Antique Show.

I had quite a surprise on Sunday afternoon at the Antique Show.  I was sitting in my booth when someone came up behind me and said, "dressed like a stolen car".  That was a comment that Paula, one of our fellow travelers on the trip to Italy had expressed when describing a young Italian woman the group had seen who was dressed---well "like a stolen car".  Mind you, I had not seen this woman Paula was describing nor had I ever heard this expression except from Paula.  I turned around and sure enough there was Paula and her friend Becky. 

Paula and Becky both live near Raleigh and had traveled with us on the NC State Alumni Trip to Italy while their husbands stayed home.   I asked how they knew I was in New Bern at the Antique Show and Becky said, "My husband follows your blog." (I had blogged that I was at the Show in New Bern).  So the two couples were down in the area on Sunday and decided to stop in at the Show.  We had not seen them since our return from Italy last fall, and I was so happy to see them and to meet their husbands. 

Becky's husband had begun following my blog when we were in Italy where I was blogging daily about our activities.  He was able to keep up with the group's activities.  He has just continued following the blog.  In fact I have inspired him to start his own blog so he can connect with his high school buddies.

Well, Becky's husband (I've forgotten your name) it was nice to meet you and Paula's husband and to see Becky and Paula.  Please tell them thanks for stopping by.  When I told Dan that Becky and Paula had stopped by, he was so disappointed that he did not get to see them.  He sends his regards, and we hope that we will see you next summer----perhaps in Nova Scotia? 

La Bella Vita: The Beautiful Life

Photo by Roz from la bell vita blog.

One of the blogs that I regularly follow is La Bella Vita.  This website has wonderful recipes and thoughts about food along with stunning photos.  Her photographs whether of food or nature or whatever topic she may be covering are absolutely beautiful.  But it's not just about food. I always feel inspired by her blog and I believe you would too.  Roz, the creator of this blog, describes her blog as follows:

Ciao! I live in the beautiful Carolina's on a peaceful country acreage surrounded by amazing natural beauty. I'm an Italian-Amercian from a long lineage of passionate cooks and gardeners. I've got a hungry husband and family to try new recipes on, 10 animals to play with, and veggie and flower gardens to tend. Along with being a culinary enthusiast and gardener, I'm a quilter, equestrian, frequent traveler, and lover of life and beauty . . . thus the name "La Bella Vita", "The Beautiful Life". . . because if you look around you, it truly is a beautiful life! After visiting my blog, I hope you feel inspired to welcome more beauty and deliciousness into your life.   


 Why don't you check out la bella vita