fall on king street

Like many, I'm not one to let a season pass without fully immersing ourselves in it: heart, stomach, and olfactory senses.

 

I'm especially fond of Fall this year. Relating might be a better choice of word. It's the way it relinquishes itself to the changes which it cannot control. And the way that those changes yield such beauty.

 

I also don't hate how we haven't turned our air conditioning on in what seems like weeks. Shamefully, I'm not one to stick out a little indoor humidity for the sake of the power bill. The weather has been that beautiful.

 

Here's how we're celebrating Fall on King Street:

Not pictured: pumpkin spice creamer, caramel squares "only to be used for baking," and an unnatural amount of fall-scented candles and air fresheners.

apple picking

Unless I've been a terrible Googler for the last few years [which, lets be honest, is impossible after so much practice], there's not much apple picking to be done in South Louisiana. Plenty of other lovely varieties of fruit - yes. But not too many apples.

I loved everything about our day trip to Sky Top Orchard. The quick change from Carolina midlands to those pretty Carolina mountains, from palmettos to fall-colored hardwoods. The faded picking baskets. The acres and acres of low-limbed apple trees. And our armfuls of fresh cider, pumpkin whoopie pies, and lots [and lots] of apples. Not to mention that it was the perfect way to usher in boot-wearing weather. My favorite kind of weather.

It was a weekend spent falling more in love with this new home. Who knew apple picking could be so good for the soul?

 

at the drive-in

Even though Columbia is [unexpectedly] "famously hot" thanks to its place in these low-lying midlands, we have had the most beautiful beginning to Fall that I've ever experienced. Which, of course, calls for outdoor date nights.

While learning more about this new city of ours, we caught wind of the Monetta Drive-In Theater. Since I've been able to drive, I've wanted to find an old drive-in but never lived anywhere close to one. Now there are several within day trip distance! The Big Mo is very inexpensive for a movie in general these days. But the icing on the cake is that it's a double feature. You're certainly there for a long time, but $7 for Trouble with the Curve and The Bourne Legacy is so very worth it, don't you think?

Besides the movies and good ole concession food, it was a mini vaca from city life and small yards and busy streets. We drove miles from the interstate, passed farms and lines of peach trees. We rolled down every window and made friends with another young Columbian couple next to us, sharing food and stories and commonalities. We decided there was no better way to watch a movie: cool air [or cold after five hours worth of movies], Arnold Palmers in mason jars, and the radio's volume at just the right level to hear both the movie and the crickets.

Check out this website to see if there's a drive-in near!

 

 

columbia's greek fest

This weekend, we checked out Columbia's long-running Greek Fest. I wish, for your sake, that this post was equipped with both sound and smell because the pictures just don't do it justice. We spent Saturday night surrounded by the sounds of authentic Greek music - the kind that dares you to try to stand still. We ate delicious food that was seemingly much more authentic than my usual gyro from Pita Pit or Greek salad from Zoe's.

Even though there was a pretty small chance that we'd run into anyone that we knew amidst the thousands of people, it was great to be involved in something that has been a part of this community for such a long time. 

A special thanks to the beautiful Greek community for their extraordinary natural party planning. And for letting all of us non-cool ethnicities join in!

friday happiness

Reminiscing on our wonderful Labor Day in Montgomery - snuggling Anna, laughing at all the funny things Audrey says, and celebrating Mims' birthday.

My first [of hopefully many] cake toppers for mom's cake!

I'm officially a nanny! I'm really looking forward to looking after three sweet little boys twice a week. Complete with car seats and preschool pick up! There is also a slight perspective florist apprenticeship. Still hoping and praying. And waiting - waiting is the hardest part.


A successful Pioneer Woman recipe. And by successful I mean D's favorite thing I've cooked since we've been married. Must have been a nice break from all of our quinoa and broccoli. Make it for a feel-good food kind of night [cause it ain't light].

A surprisingly nice JC Penney and really inexpensive favorite new shirt. Besides the neon and "leather" details, it's button down with camp sleeves. You know, my uniform.

This very exciting grand opening. I think I'll go back when there is a little less hype. Too many housewives with shopping buggies.

And, most importantly, an encouraging prospective church visit this Sunday. It is hard to be without this community, so we are continuing to pray for the Lord's direction while we search. And search and search and search. 


Happy Friday to you! I'm off to unpack our suitcase. From last weekend...