Nothing Could Be Finer Than to be in Carolina ...

on Valentine's Day. Or, at least, en route to North Carolina on Valentine's Day.

My nephew is stationed at Fort Bragg and makes his home in a lovely little town called Southern Pines. He and his fiance have been there for a couple of years and though we have wanted to visit (and see more of North Carolina ;-), there just hasn't been an opportunity to do so. Until ...

We learned that he is going to be deployed soon and his parents were making a trip to see them prior to his leaving. So we humbled ourselves, yes, we begged, "May we please join you? Please, pretty please?"

So, on Valentine's Day we were on our way. The Southwest Airlines pilot got us off to a great start on takeoff as he sang, "I believe I can fly!" Haha. And wouldn't Southwest be the appropriate airlines to fly on on that special day? Love is in the Air! I think that was their slogan. (or was that The Love Boat?)

We stayed at a quaint little place called Jefferson Inn on West New Hampshire Avenue. The history of it? It was built in the early 1900's by a family named Jefferson from New Hampshire. Clever, huh? If you ever happen to be in the area, I highly recommend it. Not only was it charming, but it was immaculate and the interior updated. The beds were comfy with "knock your eyes out" white linens, the bathrooms were spacious and the walk-in showers had a rainshower and regular nozzle at either end of the shower. Too cool.

Friday was a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 60's and looked like this.

Driving to and from the Inn to their home and around the area, it was a treat to check out the neighborhoods. Being a fan of Jan Karon and the Mitford series, I could pretend I was right there in Mitford.

We enjoyed crepes for breakfast and hanging out at their beautiful home catching up with each other and watching a movie before dinner that night at the 195 Restaurant. I'm not sure if anyone said why it was named 195. (When we are in Round Rock, we dine regularly at the 620 Cafe, which has nothing to do with this post except it is also a number. Strange.) Trust me, the 195 was top of the line greatness!



Most of the hanging out centered around the kitchen!

Saturday we woke up to very cold weather and whoa! Were we in Texas? What a change! Southern Pines was being transformed into a winter wonderland. It was so beautiful all day.



Rocco was more interested in
what was going on in the kitchen

We ladies made a trip to Raleigh to check out wedding dresses and that was a fun girls' day while the guys checked out Fort Bragg, a museum, and the base exchange.

Watching the excitement of young ladies trying on their wedding dresses and preparing for their "big day" is something that always can bring a tear to my eye. So many possibilities for their future. So much to look forward to. I love weddings!

Don't they look happy?

That evening we had dinner at a Greek restaurant called Theo's. It. Was. Fabulous! Yummy.

So, those are just a few highlights of our wonderful weekend in North Carolina and how we spent Valentine's Day. Lots of love.

My own DH and I have had a lot of fun and adventures in our 27 years together. My wish for my nephew and his fiance will be many great memories and sweet times in their marriage. I pray for love, joy and peace to reign.

Speaking for my DH and myself, we saw a funny little sign when we were in Jefferson, Texas this past year that gave us each a good laugh.

Dear Heart's love has forgiven me a multitude of sins (I have forgiven him more, he would tell you.) ;-)

His responses to my really big boo-boos?? "You can do no wrong in my book." (So why does it bother him so much that I leave the light or TV on in a room?)

 

"Above all, maintain an intense love for each other,

since love covers a multitude of sins."

1 Peter 4:8