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.