Beware of Rattlesnakes.

Two posts in one day?!!? Y'all are lucky ducks! I wasn't kidding when I said I had a lot of catching up to do!

A couple weekends ago, Mama and I roadtripped from Santa Fe to Baton Rouge. In a 14 foot U-Haul truck. In the worst drought and heatwave Texas has seen. And we had a great time! We got to visit with my grandmother, Beverly, and aunts Judy and Jill. Then we booked it to Dallas for the night and made it home for dinner in Baton Rouge the next day. After a 6am flight back to DC the next morning, I was totally pooped! But it was so worth it---it was wonderful to see everyone and have a good, SOLID catch up with Mama.

My view from the passenger's seat---we saw a lot of this over the weekend.

And this....

My aunt Jill had the MOST delicious tomato garden I've ever tasted---and I don't even love tomatoes! So many heirloom varieties! This is my goal next summer...

Carole King said it right...

BIG NEWS!

Today I felt my first earthquake! Whoa dude---these things do NOT hit the mid-Atlantic! A 5.9 hit DC in the middle of the work day, as I was enjoying a sushi lunch with my boss a few blocks from the office. It was the strangest sensation---not particularly scary, more simply like airplane turbulance. But, it was very very odd to think that we are just very small beings on this very large Earth. I'm sure I would've been way more freaked out had buildings fallen and people been injured, but for now, it's just another experience to add to this crazy summer!

For your enjoyment :)

Biggest, Biggest Apologies!

Sorry for the delay in posts, y'all---I feel like I say that quite often on this blog. That's not a good sign, is it? BUT---from here on out, I'm resolving to posting at least once a week. No matter how hectic the schedule, I am going to do my best to get something, anything, thrown up there. I must say, my biggest lagging in the post comes from not feeling like uploading pictures to my computer. However, a new, schmancy camera is on my two-week away birthday list *hint, hint Mama and Dad!*

PS: A HUGE factor in the delay lack of post is the crazy, business around here lately. From July 21st through October 11st, I can count the number of "planless" weekends on one hand. Scratch that---TWO FINGERS! That means I have 2 out of 12 weekends free. That means lots of traveling and catching up with friends, for both fun and business. But, that also means you, my dear reader, have lots of fun posts to catch up on! Starting with Meredith's visit to the District and Mama and my epic road trip across Texas. But those are stories for another day (in the very near future!). Stay tuned!

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!

On the Road Again!

Counting down the days till Elliott and I make the trek to Hilton Head for the 4th!
Travel and play safely, everyone!

Can you believe I took this 2 years ago??? Every American needs to spend at least one Fourth of July in Washington! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!