I've Been Tagged

Jenny tagged me, so here are the answers:

Two names I've gone by: Julie (after my father, Julian) and JulieAlice (the Alice is after my maternal grandmother and JulieAlice - all in one breath - is what many of my relatives still call me)

Two things I'm wearing right now: only one bears mentioning - my Merrell sandals, one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned.

Two things I have in a relationship (with my husband): my best friend for 43 years and a man who would do anything in the world to make me happy.

Two of my favorite things to do: play with my granddaughter and sit in the warm sunshine and read. I'm teaching her to love books as much as I do so that when she's older we can sit in the warm sunshine and read together.
Two things I did last night: I went to supper with my friends and turned in early.
Two people you last talked to: Foster and my mother - I call her every evening.

Two things you're doing tomorrow: I'll go to church and probably visit a friend in the hospital.

Two longest car rides: to Disney World and the ride alone from here to Charleston when Daddy was in the hospital.

Two favorite holidays: Christmas and Easter

Two favorite drinks: water and coffee with a little Bailey's Irish Creme

Two things about me you may not have known: in high school I was a majorette (baton twirler) and I' m the author of a cookbook for children.

Two jobs I've had in my life: My favorite two jobs were working for a photographer in his camera shop and teaching (kindergarten, first and second grades). My favorite job these days is being a grandma and taking lots of pictures of my granddaughter.

Two movies I would watch over and over: Dirty Dancing and Steel Magnolias

Two favorite foods: Seafood and homemade bread
Two places I'd rather be right now: I'm a happy homebody, but I'd love to be anywhere with all my family. It's so rare to have all of us together these days.

Two people to tag: I'm not going to tag anyone this time. Most of my friends have already been tagged. If anyone would like to share their answers, pick it up and run with it!

Collins Ole Towne

Last week we attended our next door neighbor's birthday celebration. It was held in the most unique setting . . . . . a 1930's reproduction of a rural community called Collins Ole Towne.
While guests were arriving there was ample space for everyone to visit on the wrap-around porch. During the afternoon guests were invited to explore the village. Each building was filled with items that brought back memories of days gone by.

Carson School House contained ancient typewriters, vintage school books and so much more.
The Blacksmith

The General Store
The candy counter brought back memories.Check out the Barber Shop

Plans are being made to activate the mill and to sell stone ground grits and corn meal.

The sugar cane mill is still in operation and cane syrup is made each year.

Musicians performed during the afternoon.

Country cooking was on the menu as lunch was served in the large dining area. Everyone enjoyed fried chicken, ham, green beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, yeast rolls, iced tea and banana pudding. The meal was all made from scratch by members of the Collins family and served buffet style.
It was a birthday to remember!

A Day at the Highland Games

As the sun was rising over Easley, SC, we were headed for a day at the Greater Greenville Highland Games. Having crawled out of bed before 4:30 to shower, dress in our Highland best, grab a cup of coffee and finish loading the van, we were in for a hot day at the games. The weatherman had told us to expect record breaking temperatures and he hit the nail on the head. As we parked and started to unpack began to realize just how hot.


While setting up our banners, flags and tables we met our "neighbors". To our left were the Montreat Scottish Society and to our right the Clan Colquhoun Society of North America. These folks hailed from Marion, NC and Spartanburg, SC respectively.

Our main table, covered in the Wardlaw tartan, displayed the Clan Wardlaw matriculation document, a brief history of the Wardlaw family, a guest register, Wardlaw geneaology and history books about written by our clan historian, Diane Wardlaw, a Celtic knot design on pink Italian marble created Paul Wardlaw.

During the day we were entertained by pipe and drum corps.

As temperatures soared to near the 100 degrree mark, one-year-old Suzi stayed as cool as possible in the shade, shaking a leg in perfect time to the music and putting her water bottle to the side long enough to clap her hands as each band ended its performance.

We cheered on participants in the children's kilted foot races.

We welcomed a new member of Clan Wardlaw.

After presentation of awards and closing ceremonies, Clan Wardlaw, having endured its hottest day ever at the games, left happy to have been there from start to finish.