City Meets Country---How Unexpected!

Ok, this one is totally random, BUT I thought it was cool. So there I was, walking to the Metro and about a block from my office, there's a huge construction site. I mean, it takes up an entire 2 city blocks and is dug about 50 feet into the ground and a chain link fence all around. It's a total hazard when it comes to us pedestrians, but yesterday I spied something very odd/fun.

It's a TOMATO PLANT! Growing out of a crack in the sidewalk! Who would've thought?!?! It sounds like the start to a novel about a country girl coming to the city or something. Or maybe a metaphor for no matter how tough society gets, Mother Nature will always come through. I'm getting a bit deep here, but y'all get the jist. I'll check back in a few days and see if they've ripened----don't you worry!

Sorry for the delay---summer's getting the best of me!

Hey y'all! So so so sorry for the delay in posts. I cannot believe July is almost over. Where in the world has this summer gone??? At least I have a bit of a tan to show for it (well, a tan compared to everyone else who works in an office 9-5!). But, apologies for the gap in posts. I know you were all just hanging by a thread, wondering what was coming next :)

Last week and weekend, the Corbys made their way to the Gulf Coast for some MUCH needed R&R. We used to head down to the Florida/Alabama border every year for a beach vacay, but as we got older and busier and more scattered around the country, family vacations were put to the wayside. I think the four of us (plus Elliott, who slid in seamlessly, btw!) were long overdue for a week at the beach.

For all of you urbanites who haven't made it there yet this summer, here's something to make you just a tad bit irritated with me. I kid, I kid, but only halfway!

The kiddos hanging out on the balcony while Dad preps the grill, naturally.

Mom and Dad! Thanks for bringing us! And don't kill me for putting a picture of y'all on the blog...

We celebrated Elliott's birthday! 24 candles! He blew them out like a champ.

Meredith at the beach. This is probably the best photo I got, considering the humidity made the camera lens foggy. I'm learning.

Another Wonderful Weekend on the Island

I told you I'd keep you posted on the Fourth weekend, so here goes:
IT WAS AMAZING! Absolutely wonderful to be out of the city and it finally felt like summer, with my swimsuit on and splashing in the lovely, warm waters of Hilton Head. Elliott's family created a perfect weekend (as always), complete with boat rides, fishing, fireworks, BBQ ribs, tomato pie, the works! A million thanks to you two. To give you one anecdote of the trip: fishing on Saturday morning.

Now, to begin, I must point out that the Corby clan is not known for their boating prowess. All four of us get motion sickness simply riding in the back seat of the car or on the bus on the way to work (it's true---I can't sit backwards, sideways, or in the back half of the bus). But, Elliott and Mr. Charlie had a trip out to Whitewater planned, and Elliott was so looking forward to some saltwater fishing. I decided to suck it up. Two Dramamine tablets later and my Pepto Bismol and gingerale in tow, I hopped on the boat and prayed for the best. We begin by searching around for poguies (sp?...I later found out they'd be chopped up into bait. Gross, but fun to cast the net and see the fruits of our Elliott's labor). Everything was going swimmingly (excuse the pun!), until we headed out to Whitewater. I should've known by the name, but ten minutes in, I was done-for. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy---I am not in a single one, and for good reason. Seasick green is not my color....

Elliott, casting the net out for live bait (my favorite part of fishing!)

One of my favorite things about Hilton Head are the dolphins! This girl followed us all throughout Calibogue Sound (I think that's where we were). SO COOL!

This is more my cup of tea---a Sandbar party that lasted for 2 days straight!