Snippets From Europe...

Brady and I traveled to 11 countries in just over 7 weeks...with only a small digital camera (a gift from my in-laws for my birthday!) and a 3 pound backpack each.  I had only one pair of shoes til I found some purple polka dot high top sneakers in Slovenia.  I had one coat that I ditched in Budapest by giving it to our Airbnb host in order to purchase a thrifted cashmere number that I got for $3 US.  I actually gave away more clothes than I brought back!  And I only left with about 9 items not including undies and such.  What a different way for us to have traveled in comparison to past trips...and I'd do it again right now.  Now.  Nowowowow.

So, here are a few shots from the few pictures we took on the trip.  Included: Iceland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary and Holland.  Can you tell where we are in each picture?

I swear I'll share some of the stories soon but for now I'm off to help Athens celebrate UGA graduations...

Have a lovely weekend!

Travel Tips - Old Dogs & New-To-Us Tricks...

When Brady and I went camping a few weeks ago, we took Ms Vienna with us for the first time.  We never did so before due to specific conditions (too hot/cold for a small dog) or time constraints, and the fact that her heart condition created lots of ups-and-downs in her energy levels until just recently...yay for new meds!  So, as you can imagine, this trip was not only a special experience but a learning one as well.  I'd thought I'd share what worked for us...as well as a less-than-flattering-camping-makes-your-bangs-look-terrible photo of me.

1.  Do your research.  I'm starting with the biggie.  Not every campground and/or hotel will accept pets so it helps to know where you can stay ahead of time.  Same with restaurants and/or attractions.  You don't want your older pooch to be left in the car while you go wandering around because a) it's illegal in many states and b) not good for them to be left in the heat or cold for too long.  You'll also need to know how much food and water to pack, and if your dog needs any special gear like foot protection or a backpack.  You'll also want to know if any special precautions need to be taken with things like snakes (we had to keep a watchful eye out for them on our trip and keep Ms Vienna on a short leash) and/or inclement weather.

2.  Bring the necessities.  Make sure that necessary medications, a traveling water bowl (we use this one) and a poop bag are on hand at all times.  Other things like towels, the aforementioned foot gear and food are also good to carry with you on a hike.  Treats and a small doggy first aid kit too!  Here's the Humane Society's first aid kit list and here's a holistic kit.  We don't bring all of this stuff but focus on just a few things like rescue remedy, tweezers, bandages and natural ointment.

3.  Identification.  On the off chance that you become separated from your dog, older or no, it's good to know that they are wearing a collar with a tag that provides your pertinent information so you can be quickly reunited.  We also bring updated medical information and proof of a recent vet visit in case a health issue becomes a problem.

4.  Limit sun exposure.  Some breeds shouldn't have long exposure to harmful rays.  Plus it makes older doggies become overheated very quickly.

5.  Limit exercise.   A 4 mile hike?  No problem!  Well, for you maybe.  Older dogs can tire suddenly so it might be a good idea to keep the walks on the shorter side.  Especially on day 2 when muscles can be a bit stiff from the exercise from the day before.  Take lots of breaks!

6.  Be flexible and patient.  No matter how well you plan there will be mishaps or changes.  At Amacalola Falls we found ourselves carrying Ms Vienna's 20+ pounds up the mountain.  That wore us out!  In addition to that we had to shorten our hikes, switch off doggy duty to see some sites after she became tired, and sit in the car with her (air conditioning on full blast) while one of us ran a shopping errand for delicious local beer.

7.  Bug check.   Northern GA is experiencing a larger-than-normal number of ticks and mosquitoes this year so we had to check Ms Vienna often for bug bites and the like.  You can whip up a natural bug repellant if you have time.  My favorite is one part tea tree oil to one part water and then massage into the coat avoiding eyes and mouth and any, ahem, tender parts.

8.  Enjoy their company.  Hey, it's your dog's golden years so remember to stop and smell the roses too! 

If you have any suggestions to share then I'd love to hear them.  Our next camping adventure is coming up soon!

My Fall Wish List...

Ok, this is kind of weird for me to do because my mindset for the last month or so has been about downsizing and not buying anything that isn't a necessity.  And this is a big departure from that.  But, hey, it's perfectly fine to window shop for stuff!  Most of the fun is just looking.  Right?  So, here are a few of the things that I've been (somewhat guiltily) dreaming about for fall...

these 3 via

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I'd give just about anything in the world right now to be back on the road like we were last year.  The travel bug has hit again...and hit hard.  How incredible would it be to travel the US in one of these 4 vehicles?  Camping and picnicking and hiking and looking at all the colorful leaves and roasting corn in a campfire?  Gah.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we can go sooooooooon.

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There's something about this autumn look that I just adore.  It must be the faded denim, the worn belt, the toasty jacket, the soft hair and the fierce expression...she's just rockin'!

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These could light up my life, and my backyard, during the time of year when the sun sets really early and darkness swoops in at 4pm.  I imagine sitting under these around a small bonfire with a big group friends and soaking up the cool weather.

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I want to go to there.  Now.  Puuuuuuuuuuuh-leeeeeze?  

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This vintage calligraphy set is giving me motivation for one of my October Goals.  I will learn!  I will!

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Calligraphy is an ancient art but these gloves are all about new technology.  They are woven with special stuff that allows you to use a smartphone without having to remove them.  How cool is that?  You can text without frostbitten digits!  Cool!  Digits!  Ha!  Damn, my puns are always terrible...

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I want a fridge full of Sweet Grass Dairy cheese for all of fall.  And wine...lots of wine.

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Pair these shoes with denim and a chunky cable sweater.  Just the thing for a canoe trip!  Or a trip to the library or co-op!  The latter is more of a reality since I don't have a vacation, mini or otherwise, planned just yet...

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I've fallen again with the bad puns! in love with this wooden leaf brooch...and the whole look is just so me.

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This bag could be used all year long but I dream of holding it while strutting around Athens this month while wearing a big scarf and a bigger smile...and sipping on some delicious Earl Grey tea.  Yesssssss.

Now I'm off to snuggle under the blankets with the critters and watch some more movies.  I've been on a marathon for the last few days!  The dogs are overjoyed that they can all pile on me and steal my warmth.  I just might have to bring out some extra quilts...

Happy Monday!

A Trip To The Georgia Guidestones...

A documentary about the Georgia Guidestones aka America's Stonehenge premiered here in Athens a few weeks ago and we couldn't stop talking about how we needed to go see the monument for ourselves.  So, this past Saturday we took an impromptu trip to the stones in the remote countryside of Elbert County...about an hour or so from Athens.  We ended up having a fantastic day and some excellent adventures!

The Georgia Guidestones are something of both a mystery and a controversy.  Built in 1979/80 by an unknown benefactor(s), the 19 foot tall stones are aligned with specific astronomical/natural events (eclipses, sunrise, noon hour, sunset, etc) and are inscribed with a series of 'commandments' in 8 languages.  The commandments include a cap on the population, a respect for nature, and a balance of personal and societal rights...interesting stuff.  Supposedly a time capsule is buried there too but the dates carved in the granite were left unfilled.  Notice that there's no grass right around the Guidestones?  That's because people bring shovels, sneak up in the middle of the night and dig for the capsule.

The granite Guidestones have been defaced numerous times by a variety of methods - paints and acids mainly.  Some groups claim that the stones are the work of Satanists or Illuminati.  Other groups claim that stones are part of an organization that is preparing for the end of time or dealing with the fears of the Cold War.  There are so many conspiracy theories swirling around these things!  If you want to find out a bit more about the Guidestones and what they say and all about the controversies then start here.  There are also a number of interesting short films/documentaries on YouTube...

Regardless of the controversy of the stones, or maybe because of it, Brady and I really enjoyed our trip there.  The drive is a beautiful one...full of pastoral countryside and small towns and lots of rolling green hills.  Even the spot where the stones are located is quiet and peaceful...and the sky was blue and the jasmine blooming.

After having a blast running around taking pictures and talking to a couple of the very interesting folks hanging out at the Guidestones, we decided that we didn't want the day to end just yet.  So, we stopped by a few more places on the way back home...

Richard Russell Lake State Park is incredibly serene and immaculately kept.  We couldn't believe the clear green-blue water, made even more vivid by the red clay banks, that awaited us when we stopped.   There were a small number of people swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and skiing there...and I wanted to be in/on the water too.  It is still a novelty to swim in water where nothing will eat you up!  Remember the alligator infested kayak trip near Valdosta?  *shudder* 

We left the park and headed to the city of Elberton to see the historic downtown there.  Elberton is one of Georgia's oldest cities and boasts more granite signs and headstones than anywhere in the world.  Seriously, granite signs are everywhere!  There are even a few homes that appear to made of granite...

There were quite a few unique but empty buildings in the square.  Unfortunately, downtown Elberton is shrinking and was a bit of ghost town even on a Saturday afternoon.  It always makes me so sad to see local storefronts made of brick and marble granite go empty while big chain stores made of steel and ugly are booming down the street.  That's why I always try to shop local and budget in a few cents more in order to keep the hometown shops alive.  Coming from the only child of two small business owners, my opinions are strong on this one.  I think the Guidestones made my mental gears start churning a bit!


Our friends Brandi and Zane are coming to visit today and tomorrow so we just might take another trip up to Elbert County again in the next couple of days.  I hope so.  There were so many photo opportunities I missed since we had to hurry home to check on our critters.  They can only cross their legs for so long...

Fargo And We Go...

One of my updated 100 before 40 wishes (which I really need to finish and post!) was to go kayaking in Fargo, GA and visit Billy's Island in the Okefenokee State Park.  It is rumored that some of my Nana's (Mom's Mom) distant relatives are buried there.  Well, today that wish almost came true!

Me, Brady, Brandi and Zane loaded up the car this morning bright and early at 8am.  Pffffft!  Ha!  We had to drag ourselves out of bed at 9.30am and didn't leave til almost 11am.  Damn those wine nights on the front porch!  

Now, I must preface this story with the statement that this part of the park is in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.  We were the only people there outside of the rangers.   It was so quiet that the slight bug noises were almost deafening.  It was amazing...for the most part.  Heh.

We rented 4 kayaks and got ready to push in to the very narrow and lily pad clogged tributary that led into the larger section of the swamp.  Right before we climbed in we noticed that there were 2 alligators kind of, well, loitering nearby.  Brady, who wasn't raised in the country like Miss Brandi and myself, was a bit nervous about the experience.  Brandi and I?  Not so much.  We jumped in the kayaks, the gators took off and we were on our way.

Then it started.  We kept seeing alligator after alligator.  Some of them upwards of 8-10 feet.  It was creepy and they seemed agitated.  Brandi and I kind of laughed it off at first but then after a mile things got considerably weirder.  We heard lots of gator calls and saw increasing numbers of gators off in the distance.  In fact, the gators weren't swimming away from us...they were swimming towards us.  Uh, what?  I've never seen that happen.  Finally, we decided that things were looking a bit dangerous and we paddled back to the dock after 45 minutes of swishing around...just shy of the turn to Billy's Island.  I was disappointed but I was more than glad to be off the water.  I think Brady might have set a time record on the return paddle.  He hated the experience wholeheartedly.  Zane was a brave soul and took his time paddling back.  *shudder*

When we questioned the park ranger about the amount of activity in the swamp we discovered that it was prime mating season.  

Fuck.  

Literally and figuratively.  

Brandi and I realized that we have, in fact, been far removed from our childhoods in Waycross...so we forgot that this time of year is less that safe in the swamp.  You would think that the rangers would've told us that, eh? 

I know that some of you might be saying 'ohmygod, why in the holy hell would you go kayaking in a freakin' swamp to begin with?!'   

Because it is beautiful.  Beyond beautiful.  The quiet buzz of the ecosystem there.  The dappled light.  The gazillion different shades of green.  The whipping wind and groaning trees.  The knobby cypress knees.  The waving grasses.  The swamp is prehistoric and wild and just amazing!

Here are a few pictures that I took of our adventures...

Uh, guys?  I don't think you're supposed to go down that path!  Rebels.

This deer just hung out and followed us along the forbidden path.  It eventually curled up and went to sleep and was still snoozing when we left.

I kept expecting to see monkeys swing down from the trees...

Wild blueberries!

We ate some..and they were delicious!

Red fungus carpets the floor of the swampy grove...

What are you looking at?

Ah.  Fairly big gator.  See it to the mid right of picture?  It was about 6 feet long.  A teenager of sorts...

I have to say that I had a fantastic time in spite of my heart-pounding fear out on the water.  It was great to be with good friends on an mid-week adventure.  I'm sure going to miss these folks when we leave.  Who else would do something this crazy?