Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Back from Vacation

The view from the top deck of our beach house.


And it was wonderful. It was the first away-from-home vacation for me in a long, long time. What made it fabulous was being able to take my Rory with me and seeing so many of my brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, in-laws and a couple soon-to-be in-laws in a happy setting. We shared laughs and drinks and long walks on the beach. Sunburns (even with sunblock!) and watching sunsets from the deck of the beach house. There must have about 30 of us staying at the beach. (I gave up counting heads after 20!)















Above: Captain and Rory






After digging for sand crabs




Rory had the best time of all. Playing with two of his four-footed cousins, Zuzu and Captain. And every walk on the beach took triple the normal time with all the people he had to stop and be petted by. He just adored the attention. Many others who stay in the other beach houses also brought their dogs. More playmates for Rory. Romping in the sand and getting knocked over by the ocean waves. That part he didn't care for so he kept his distance after that episode. But he loved pointing and trying to chase the seagulls and the kites.
Zuzu and Rory on the beach

One of the highlights of the week was getting to meet Carolyn B from NC. Carolyn and I have known each other a while now from the online yahoo groups we belong to and our blogs. When she found out I was going to be in North Carolina for vacation she suggested that we meet face to face. That sounded great to me. But I knew she lived a bit of a distance from where I was going to be staying. But that didn't stop her from driving close to four hours just to meet me and, of course, Rory! (Or is it the other way around? LOL) Well, it was like we had known each other for years. When she called to tell me she was almost there and needed the last turn to find the house I said to her, "I'll be out front." She answered with okay. Now it didn't hit me until later that she doesn't know what I look like!! But neither of us even realized and just figured we would know each other on sight! Good thing I had Rory with me or she might still be driving around looking. LOL We spent a lovely afternoon chatting away, admiring Rory (he is so spoiled now!) and finally having lunch before she had to head home.

I only have a few photos at the moment. My digital camera wasn't working and I still have to develop the film. I hope that by the weekend I will have more to show you.
A few members of the Kiley clan

Stitching? Oh, yeah. I think I was able to spend about an hour stitching. Not much progress to show of anything. I did get a small fob finished that I gifted to Carolyn. But that was it. Now that I'm home and recovered, trying to get back into a schedule I should have more stitching to show the next time.
Now to go see all the wonderful stitching everyone else has done in the last week and get inspired.
Until next time...................
Love and stitches,
Kathy
and licks from Rory too.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Isn't it great when you can take your furry ones along on vacation! Looks like a wonderful time.

Valerie from CT & LHN Group

Jan said...

OH what a wonderful time you and Rory had, Kathy! I am so glad you got to meet Carolyn, she is a doll and so great of her to drive to where you were!

Patricia Lessell said...

You and Rory look like you certainly had a wonderful time. Lots of Love Patti xxx

Lou's addictions said...

Looks like you had a ball, I love it when a lot of family are in the same place at once, its absoloute chaos but so much fun.

I love all of the pics of Rory, he so cute

Meari said...

What a great vacation. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Kristin said...

Sounds like a fabulous time! Glad you are back.

5 Foot Runt said...

Those pictures of those pups are so cute. Glad your vacation went well.

Debra said...

sounds like you had a great time.

Donna said...

I am so glad you had a good time!

CJ in OK ;-) said...

Wow, sounds like great fun. CJ ok;-)

Nancy M said...

Love the photos of Rory with sand on the mouth! And him hogging the couches when there are so many people around! His coat is so shiny!! Sounds like a vacation that was well deserved and meeting an online friend makes it even more special. With people from all over the world on the net it should be pretty easy to meet someone anywhere we go!

Anonymous said...

Glad you were able to go on a vacation and get to meet your relatives and also to meet with Carolyn.

Marl

Tracey said...

I didn't realize you were going to NC!! Which beach did you go to? I only live about an hour and a half from most of them. Darn! Well maybe next time..

Joy said...

What an exciting time! I am glad that you had a wonderful time with your family and Rory. Not to mention meeting a fellow stitcher. Very sweet of Carolyn to come and visit you.

Carissa said...

Sounds like a wonderful relaxing time with family and good four footed friends! Can't wait to see more pictures!

Carolyn NC said...

Sounds like so much fun with all your family and you had such a great place to stay! Looking forward to more pics.
PS - Yes, it was you I came to see, but Rory was definitely an added bonus LOL

Shelley - ILCS said...

Glad to hear you had a wonderful time. Rory looks like he was having a blast too, lol!

Alice said...

So good to hear you had a great time Kathy. Hat off to Carolyn for driving out all that way to meet you in person. That was so nice of her! I am not surprised you got little stitching done. It was a holiday right and on a holiday you do what you like. : )
Hugs
Alice

Katri said...

That sounds such a lovely vacation for you and Rory, and the rest of the clan, too!

Pam said...

Hi, Kathy! I finally found your blog. It was great talking to you at Lazy Daisy last night. Have a great weekend!

Courtney Short said...

rory just looks like the sweetest.. I can see why ppl would want to pet him.. I know how it is to go on vacation, plan to work on some things, and never quite get to it.. I have a vaca coming up and hoping I have more luck :-) btw - thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my blog.. I can't reply to your comments because they come without your email address.

CindyMae said...

What fantastic vacation pics! Looks like lots of great fun!!

too_busy_to_stitch said...

Such lovely photos - I love the beach! Hoping to get down to Brighton one day next week with the children...walking out on the pier - just can't beat it!

Kathy said...

It looks like you and Rory had a wonderful vacation with family and friends. Funny about Rory's friend Zuzu. My DD's dog Zuzu just spent a week with me.