One of my favorite parts of this move to Georgia has been the weather experiences I've had. From muggy days with thundery nights to frigid cold like I've never felt. I've also discovered the meaning of a wind chill factor.
With the ever changing weather comes the amazing seasons. I absolutely loved Fall. The colors and smells and feelings of warmth. I am still loving Winter. Crisp days and chilly nights make my home feel that much more comforting. Now I can't wait until Spring.
The stores here in Georgia are a bit ahead of themselves in this sense. The winter clothes, decor, etc are already on the clearance rack and bright springy colors are beginning to crowd the shelves. It's a constant reminder of what's to come. I must say, I really can't wait!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A strange miniature world in the middle of nowhere, Georgia. 12/20/09
Miniature goats, donkeys, horses and roosters? Yup. In the middle of nowhere Georgia.
Today I set out to find Tanglewood Farm, a petting zoo that houses 100 plus strange and interesting miniature animals. The 10 acre farm is in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, in Canton (about an hour drive from Atlanta).
I must admit I did not set my standards high, especially as I drove through the "backwoods" of Canton. And upon arrival my car stood solitary in the parking lot. I made my husband venture ahead of me to "check out the place". You see, from where I was standing I was concerned about the farm becoming the setting for my very own horror film, starring Leather Face.
He came back and reported that the place seemed nice, and that the person he spoke with had given him directions, instructions and made him sign a waver.
I'm often surprised by these strange Georgia gems out in the middle of the woods. This trip was no exception. The grounds are set like a maze, each animal has it's own section. You walk from pen to pen and feed the animals, pick them up and cuddle them and snap photos. We were actually encouraged to pick up the animals, for the record.
I've seen a few petting zoos in my 25 years, but this one was different in every way possible. We fed the animals whole wheat bread from a tin bucket. The animals were sweet and ran straight up to you. We were followed by a herd of Miniature Minx cats that jumped from fence post to fence post. Basically, what I'm saying is....this place is a little circus-esque. You can't take your eyes off the beauty of the animals, and they melt your heart because of their strange tiny size.
To name a few miniatures we pet and fed: goats, horses, a cow (which was dressed up like a reindeer-moodeer?) rabbits, donkeys, pigs, turkeys, chickens, roosters and more. My favorite was definitely the alpacas. There was a new baby that I made friends with.
So if your looking for something really strange yet really cute....Tanglewood Farm is your solution! I imagine in spring it's really something, with all the babies.
http://www.tanglewoodfarmminiatures.com/
Today I set out to find Tanglewood Farm, a petting zoo that houses 100 plus strange and interesting miniature animals. The 10 acre farm is in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, in Canton (about an hour drive from Atlanta).
I must admit I did not set my standards high, especially as I drove through the "backwoods" of Canton. And upon arrival my car stood solitary in the parking lot. I made my husband venture ahead of me to "check out the place". You see, from where I was standing I was concerned about the farm becoming the setting for my very own horror film, starring Leather Face.
He came back and reported that the place seemed nice, and that the person he spoke with had given him directions, instructions and made him sign a waver.
I'm often surprised by these strange Georgia gems out in the middle of the woods. This trip was no exception. The grounds are set like a maze, each animal has it's own section. You walk from pen to pen and feed the animals, pick them up and cuddle them and snap photos. We were actually encouraged to pick up the animals, for the record.
I've seen a few petting zoos in my 25 years, but this one was different in every way possible. We fed the animals whole wheat bread from a tin bucket. The animals were sweet and ran straight up to you. We were followed by a herd of Miniature Minx cats that jumped from fence post to fence post. Basically, what I'm saying is....this place is a little circus-esque. You can't take your eyes off the beauty of the animals, and they melt your heart because of their strange tiny size.
To name a few miniatures we pet and fed: goats, horses, a cow (which was dressed up like a reindeer-moodeer?) rabbits, donkeys, pigs, turkeys, chickens, roosters and more. My favorite was definitely the alpacas. There was a new baby that I made friends with.
So if your looking for something really strange yet really cute....Tanglewood Farm is your solution! I imagine in spring it's really something, with all the babies.
http://www.tanglewoodfarmminiatures.com/
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Kindness shines through in Georgia. 12/16/09
Being from California, I consider myself something of an expert on the topic of neighborly love. In California, this time of year especially, cold shoulders and dirty looks abound. Everyone is in a hurry. The stores are packed and the overall mood is....well let's just say "Christmas Spirit" is not all around.
From our first day in Atlanta I've noticed the vast differences in people's general attitudes. While I wouldn't say that the "southern hospitality" myth is completely accurate, I will say that striking up conversation with strangers in more likely here in the South. People say hello, nod when they pass each other, hold doors open, etc.
I'm not saying that California is a horrible place to live, or that Californians are a certain way. I just think that everyone is so wrapped up in their busy lives that they've forgotten the little things that make a community a community.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Holiday shoppers here in Georgia, kindness shines through every where I go. From the neighborhood police officers enjoying coffee and conversation at the local Starbucks (there's only one in my town) to the large amount of companies running charities for families in need. In the last few weeks I've talked to more strangers than I have in the years I spent in California. Our town isn't decorated to the hilt. It's not so crowded you have to spend 45 minutes looking for a parking spot. And it's cold outside. Yet, the Spirit does seem to be everywhere around me. It's enough to warm the heart.
From our first day in Atlanta I've noticed the vast differences in people's general attitudes. While I wouldn't say that the "southern hospitality" myth is completely accurate, I will say that striking up conversation with strangers in more likely here in the South. People say hello, nod when they pass each other, hold doors open, etc.
I'm not saying that California is a horrible place to live, or that Californians are a certain way. I just think that everyone is so wrapped up in their busy lives that they've forgotten the little things that make a community a community.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Holiday shoppers here in Georgia, kindness shines through every where I go. From the neighborhood police officers enjoying coffee and conversation at the local Starbucks (there's only one in my town) to the large amount of companies running charities for families in need. In the last few weeks I've talked to more strangers than I have in the years I spent in California. Our town isn't decorated to the hilt. It's not so crowded you have to spend 45 minutes looking for a parking spot. And it's cold outside. Yet, the Spirit does seem to be everywhere around me. It's enough to warm the heart.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sweetgrass. 12/01/09
Being a self proclaimed artist myself, I greatly appreciate other artist's skills and talents. I've seen all sorts of art from wood carving to sculpture to the layering of paper. I had never seen nor heard of sweetgrass baskets until we took a trip to Charleston, SC to visit my cousins.
400 years ago, the slaves in Lowcountry practiced the art of basket weaving. This is a tradition that was in essence, kidnapped and brought to America much like the slaves themselves. The tradition has been passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. In fact, there are very few instructional books or classes on this specific weaving because of the way it has been shared within families.
This is a dying art, as the artists themselves have fewer and fewer family members to teach the art to. Sweetgrass baskets are becoming increasingly rare.
The baskets themselves were originally created for practical reasons, as tools on a plantation. They were used to gather rice and cotton. Now, they are pieces of fine art.
Today, you can drive down the "Sweetgrass Basket Maker's Highway" in South Carolina, and see about 20 roadside stands selling the baskets. Each stand is run by family, often on the families property. As time goes by, there will be fewer and fewer stands.
A stroll through the old slave market in downtown Charleston will give you a much closer look at these baskets. Women sit on the ground and weave, and sell the baskets they have finished. A very small basket, about the size of an egg costs $35. A very large basket can run $400 or more.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Walking in a Georgian winter wonderland. 12/01/09
As we being our descent from 2009 and begin to see 2010 on the horizon, I can only say one thing. Where has this year gone? As a child we wait impatiently for earmarks throughout the year, making time drag. As teenagers we crave eighteen and complain about the pace of life. As an adult, we stand on the sidelines unable to stop the quickness and frenzy called life. What a year my friends, what a year.
Matt and I made the largest and most difficult choice we've ever been faced with this year. Our move to Georgia has yielded so much in the way of experiences and life lessons. I struggle here and there with my new environment, but overall....I will always cherish the memories we've created.
It seems that most editions of "Notes on Georgia" contain weather information. I suppose this is because the weather has been one of the most drastic changes we've faced as of yet. People move to San Diego for two reasons: 1) the mild amazing weather and 2) scenery. People move to Georgia for one reason: to appreciate sun.
Were walking in a winter wonderland in Georgia. I can tell you one thing for sure! I have a new appreciation for Christmas lights. Without the sparkling homes throughout this state our environment would be just plain depressing! The trees that I found so amazing upon moving here are now dormant, barren and cold looking. Without a leaf in sight on the branches, Georgia looks like a tree cemetery. At night branches are illuminated by the moon, creating a sea of contorted arms, reaching for who knows what.
I also have a new appreciation for the saying "chilled to the bone". The air is so incredibly crisp and cold. You can see your breath, and the occasional gust of wind is enough to knock you down.
Christmas saves the day of course! Businesses and homes alike are decked out in white twinkle lights. Our town of Dunwoody, GA has morphed into a Christmas dream. We've watched the temperature drop to the high 28 degrees in the last few nights. My California blood was certainly not prepared!
Matt and I made the largest and most difficult choice we've ever been faced with this year. Our move to Georgia has yielded so much in the way of experiences and life lessons. I struggle here and there with my new environment, but overall....I will always cherish the memories we've created.
It seems that most editions of "Notes on Georgia" contain weather information. I suppose this is because the weather has been one of the most drastic changes we've faced as of yet. People move to San Diego for two reasons: 1) the mild amazing weather and 2) scenery. People move to Georgia for one reason: to appreciate sun.
Were walking in a winter wonderland in Georgia. I can tell you one thing for sure! I have a new appreciation for Christmas lights. Without the sparkling homes throughout this state our environment would be just plain depressing! The trees that I found so amazing upon moving here are now dormant, barren and cold looking. Without a leaf in sight on the branches, Georgia looks like a tree cemetery. At night branches are illuminated by the moon, creating a sea of contorted arms, reaching for who knows what.
I also have a new appreciation for the saying "chilled to the bone". The air is so incredibly crisp and cold. You can see your breath, and the occasional gust of wind is enough to knock you down.
Christmas saves the day of course! Businesses and homes alike are decked out in white twinkle lights. Our town of Dunwoody, GA has morphed into a Christmas dream. We've watched the temperature drop to the high 28 degrees in the last few nights. My California blood was certainly not prepared!
Apple orchard and pumkin patch dreams. 10/25/09
I can now say in my lifetime (as of yet) I have witnessed the most amazing sunset. It trumped all beach sunsets at the cliffs in Ocean Beach, the sun setting in the mountains of Julian and any pallet of paints I have ever worked with.
The Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee are a mirror of the sky at sunset. The colors of fall foliage are vibrant and striking in the morning and the afternoon. Oranges, yellows and reds like I have never imagined exist here in this famous National Park. But the magic happens at dusk. As the sun begins to set across the hills a vibrant light hits these leaves and creates gem like sparkles as far as the eye can see. In the sky itself, the reds and oranges mimic these leaves....or is it the other way around? You lose sight of horizon as the sunset and the swaying hills become one in an amazing show of nature.
Hundreds of other tourists toured the mountains the same day we did. It was refreshing to watch crowds of people stop and wait in line to appreciate this sight. For once we weren't spending money to see something, we weren't waiting to catch a glimpse of an actor...we were waiting to be part of something spectacular and natural. ( On a side note, we sat in traffic for a half an hour because of a bear in a tree!)
There is a back story to the sunset of course! You may be asking yourself what we were doing in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. It all started with an apple orchard dream. Weeks ago I picked up a flier for the Apple Barn, a famous apple winery and baked good community o
f stores. An orchard. Infact it produces 65% of Tennessee's apples. We drove the several hours to experience crisp mountain air, cinnamon scents and to purchase a much coveted bottle of sparkling apple cider for Matt and myself's FIRST Thanksgiving Holiday alone! We left the apple barn with mulling spices and apple spice bread mix as well.
At this time of year in San Diego, Matt and I would have already visited Julian to capture a moment of that fall feeling. Here in Georgia we've been smacked in the face with the season! The leaves change outside of our window, we don't have to drive hours to find an unsatisfying glimpse of that change. We don't have to drive to Big Bear and drive around with the windows down to experience crisp air. Georgia has reached 35 degrees at night for a week or so now.
So here we are.
We got exactly what we had been looking for. (I now wish for toilet seat warmers and warm jammies!)
Today I had pumpkin patch dreams...a short drive and we were bouncing along on a hay ride to a patch. What a magical place! The tinkling of children's laughter, the warm love of families choosing their beloved pumpkins and the musky smell of mud. Shhh, don't tell....but we left the patch empty handed, not wanting to spend a small fortune on gourds. Wal Mart sells the same squash for $4!
Tonight we practiced one of my all-time favorite traditions (ahh memories of me drawing a face on a pumpkin and Chris carving it for me because my folks didn't let me play with knives), the carving of the pumpkins! These are the moments that make life beautiful.
The Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee are a mirror of the sky at sunset. The colors of fall foliage are vibrant and striking in the morning and the afternoon. Oranges, yellows and reds like I have never imagined exist here in this famous National Park. But the magic happens at dusk. As the sun begins to set across the hills a vibrant light hits these leaves and creates gem like sparkles as far as the eye can see. In the sky itself, the reds and oranges mimic these leaves....or is it the other way around? You lose sight of horizon as the sunset and the swaying hills become one in an amazing show of nature.
Hundreds of other tourists toured the mountains the same day we did. It was refreshing to watch crowds of people stop and wait in line to appreciate this sight. For once we weren't spending money to see something, we weren't waiting to catch a glimpse of an actor...we were waiting to be part of something spectacular and natural. ( On a side note, we sat in traffic for a half an hour because of a bear in a tree!)
There is a back story to the sunset of course! You may be asking yourself what we were doing in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. It all started with an apple orchard dream. Weeks ago I picked up a flier for the Apple Barn, a famous apple winery and baked good community o
f stores. An orchard. Infact it produces 65% of Tennessee's apples. We drove the several hours to experience crisp mountain air, cinnamon scents and to purchase a much coveted bottle of sparkling apple cider for Matt and myself's FIRST Thanksgiving Holiday alone! We left the apple barn with mulling spices and apple spice bread mix as well.At this time of year in San Diego, Matt and I would have already visited Julian to capture a moment of that fall feeling. Here in Georgia we've been smacked in the face with the season! The leaves change outside of our window, we don't have to drive hours to find an unsatisfying glimpse of that change. We don't have to drive to Big Bear and drive around with the windows down to experience crisp air. Georgia has reached 35 degrees at night for a week or so now.
So here we are.
We got exactly what we had been looking for. (I now wish for toilet seat warmers and warm jammies!)
Today I had pumpkin patch dreams...a short drive and we were bouncing along on a hay ride to a patch. What a magical place! The tinkling of children's laughter, the warm love of families choosing their beloved pumpkins and the musky smell of mud. Shhh, don't tell....but we left the patch empty handed, not wanting to spend a small fortune on gourds. Wal Mart sells the same squash for $4!
Tonight we practiced one of my all-time favorite traditions (ahh memories of me drawing a face on a pumpkin and Chris carving it for me because my folks didn't let me play with knives), the carving of the pumpkins! These are the moments that make life beautiful.
Fall in Georgia. 09/28/09
It's definitely feeling like Fall here in Atlanta, GA. The air is crisp and the Cicada's Lullaby has been replaced with "Swaying Tree Songs". With an occasional gust of wind, leaves trickle slowly to the ground making a crystalline sound as they reach their destinations. This time of year is truly magical. Nature takes out her brushes and paints the trees deep red with hints of yellow and orange. I swear I can almost smell the cider mulling; musky apple with hints of clove, ginger and cinnamon.
This is the season that I always seem to feel my best physically, emotionally and mentally. Fall represents change for me. It's the end of one era and the beginning of the next. And the future looks beautiful from where I'm standing.
This past Sunday, Matt and I ventured to the Appalachian Foothills in North Georgia. In this part of the state the trees are even more abundant (if that's possible). Though the leaves have just begun to change, the mountains have a yellow hue. A promise of colors that I'm positive will blow my mind.
As usual Matt and I found ourselves lost (some would worry about being lost in the Appalachians). Being lost always seems to yield a hidden treasure for us. Hence the many adventures we've had since moving to Georgia. This day proved to be the same! A sign boasting Amicolola Falls State Park caught Matt's attention. It's always as if we find our guide point! Our main goal is the Falls! Anything we find along the way is just a bonus.
We've been to a couple of "Falls" State Parks....in general a healthy hike is required to see the waterfall. It's like a teaser. You can hear the water rushing, but just can't quite get to it. You see, Matt and I are not hikers. We are flip flop wearing, drive to the attraction types. So I must say I was pleasantly surprised to find that this park was a bit different. Upon driving into Amicolola Falls Park and an insanely steep drive up the side of a mountain we found ourselves at the "Top of the Falls Overlook". A short walk and we were standing in paradise! A small bridge is situated at the very spot that the water begins it's descent down the side of the mountain. A small stream runs into a raging waterfall. In fact, the falls are so steep that you can't see all the way to the bottom! The sound of the water is very powerful and kind of makes your heart skip a beat. Oh and the view! I swear you could see all the way to Tennessee!
We drove to the bottom of the falls to see the calm pond that the falls run into. It's the strangest thing! Matt and I stopped to watch the water skimming bugs and orange leaves floating peacefully.
Yet another trip in Georgia that proves that the best adventures are the least traveled! Until the next adventure!
This is the season that I always seem to feel my best physically, emotionally and mentally. Fall represents change for me. It's the end of one era and the beginning of the next. And the future looks beautiful from where I'm standing.
This past Sunday, Matt and I ventured to the Appalachian Foothills in North Georgia. In this part of the state the trees are even more abundant (if that's possible). Though the leaves have just begun to change, the mountains have a yellow hue. A promise of colors that I'm positive will blow my mind.
As usual Matt and I found ourselves lost (some would worry about being lost in the Appalachians). Being lost always seems to yield a hidden treasure for us. Hence the many adventures we've had since moving to Georgia. This day proved to be the same! A sign boasting Amicolola Falls State Park caught Matt's attention. It's always as if we find our guide point! Our main goal is the Falls! Anything we find along the way is just a bonus.
We've been to a couple of "Falls" State Parks....in general a healthy hike is required to see the waterfall. It's like a teaser. You can hear the water rushing, but just can't quite get to it. You see, Matt and I are not hikers. We are flip flop wearing, drive to the attraction types. So I must say I was pleasantly surprised to find that this park was a bit different. Upon driving into Amicolola Falls Park and an insanely steep drive up the side of a mountain we found ourselves at the "Top of the Falls Overlook". A short walk and we were standing in paradise! A small bridge is situated at the very spot that the water begins it's descent down the side of the mountain. A small stream runs into a raging waterfall. In fact, the falls are so steep that you can't see all the way to the bottom! The sound of the water is very powerful and kind of makes your heart skip a beat. Oh and the view! I swear you could see all the way to Tennessee!
We drove to the bottom of the falls to see the calm pond that the falls run into. It's the strangest thing! Matt and I stopped to watch the water skimming bugs and orange leaves floating peacefully.
Yet another trip in Georgia that proves that the best adventures are the least traveled! Until the next adventure!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Savannah, GA. 09/20/09
So, Matt and I emerged from our cave this weekend (finally).
Actually, the story begins with me waking Matt up at 5:30 am and insisting on an adventure. We headed to Savannah at 6 am, braving the rain and lack of sunlight. The drive is about 4 hours, and the scenery makes every minute drag by. The freeway is a two lane straight away, lined with trees and more trees. Not much to see on the way to Savannah, that's for sure.
As we drove into Savannah, I was in complete awe. The city is gorgeous. It houses the history I've been looking for these past few months. The plan was to drive straight through to Tybee Island first, and then head back to Savannah.
There is one way in and one way out of Tybee island. A freeway made up of bridges and dips over the salt marshes. And then suddenly you have arrived in what I can only describe as a crunchy little town with a definite Ocean Beach feel. We followed signs pointing us to the "south beach" part of town, eagerly trying to peer through buildings and beachy houses to catch a glimpse of the ocean we have come to miss so much. The parking lots at the beaches in this city are lined with huge sand dunes, blocking any view of ocean. These dunes are pristine (no foot prints or tire tracks) and are covered with reeds.
In this particular parking lot I found a small building at the back with a huge painted turtle standing guard at the entrance. Being a huge turtle fan, I was of course drawn to the statue. As it turns out, the building was a small aquarium. After paying the $4 entrance fee, Matt and I toured tank after tank of aquatic creatures. Turtles, snakes, fish and baby alligators! We also learned that this is nesting season for the sea turtles in Georgia! After the aquarium we headed to a wooden pier. We feasted our eyes on ocean, finally, at this point. Ahh the east coast. The water laps gently at the clean and wide beaches. There are no waves. People line their chairs up in long rows and relax in the abnormally warm weather (as we have been getting hit with rain storms non stop in Atlanta).
Along the pier there were people fishing and we stopped to watch a man struggle with his line. His fishing neighbor pulled up a small rainbow colored fish while he fought to bring his catch in. In the end his line broke and we overheard him tell his buddies it must have been a skate.
Let me set the scene of the Ocean Beach pier and compare to Tybee Island.
Ocean Beach pier is covered in fish guts and seagulls. Tybee Island pier is covered in fish guts and what we now call "Georgia Seagulls". They are scraggly, diseased looking brown birds.
I cannot begin to explain how different the people are at the beach on this side of the country. We did decided there are 3 types of people you might see. 1) Mothers in flowing, brightly patterned frocks with huge floppy hats 2) Hairy men in tank tops tucked into their cut off jeans...and sneakers and socks and 3) very pale young women, heavily oiled in skimpy bathing suits. I saw one man wearing a tank top that said "Big Bikes and Whiskey" with a picture of a scantily clad woman. His top was tucked into his cut offs, and he was proudly showing his large gold belt buckle which proclaimed "Country Music". He apparently felt the need to list his likes on his clothing. Perhaps the back had his dislikes?
We headed back into Savannah after touring the island and the lighthouse. We wandered through the streets of stately old houses, ornate gates and spanish moss covered trees. The town's atmosphere takes you back to a different time, where I imagine horse drawn carriages and parasols would dot the streets instead of tour buses and tourists. It feels very muc
h like New Orleans and sort of what I imagine Paris in the country would look like. And along the Savannah river you can watch steamboats paddle by and eat fresh seafood. It was truly an amazing place.
From Savannah we headed to St. Simons island, about 60 miles south. The Georgia coast line drive is so much different than California. You can't see the ocean from the freeway, but there are swamps! Some areas in these swamps looked deep and had large signs that read "Caution! Manatee Area!" I thought Matt was pulling my leg when he told me there were manatees in Georgia! St. Simons island I'm afraid, was a bust. We immediately got lost and found ourselves frustrated and ready to head home.
Actually, the story begins with me waking Matt up at 5:30 am and insisting on an adventure. We headed to Savannah at 6 am, braving the rain and lack of sunlight. The drive is about 4 hours, and the scenery makes every minute drag by. The freeway is a two lane straight away, lined with trees and more trees. Not much to see on the way to Savannah, that's for sure.
As we drove into Savannah, I was in complete awe. The city is gorgeous. It houses the history I've been looking for these past few months. The plan was to drive straight through to Tybee Island first, and then head back to Savannah.
There is one way in and one way out of Tybee island. A freeway made up of bridges and dips over the salt marshes. And then suddenly you have arrived in what I can only describe as a crunchy little town with a definite Ocean Beach feel. We followed signs pointing us to the "south beach" part of town, eagerly trying to peer through buildings and beachy houses to catch a glimpse of the ocean we have come to miss so much. The parking lots at the beaches in this city are lined with huge sand dunes, blocking any view of ocean. These dunes are pristine (no foot prints or tire tracks) and are covered with reeds.
In this particular parking lot I found a small building at the back with a huge painted turtle standing guard at the entrance. Being a huge turtle fan, I was of course drawn to the statue. As it turns out, the building was a small aquarium. After paying the $4 entrance fee, Matt and I toured tank after tank of aquatic creatures. Turtles, snakes, fish and baby alligators! We also learned that this is nesting season for the sea turtles in Georgia! After the aquarium we headed to a wooden pier. We feasted our eyes on ocean, finally, at this point. Ahh the east coast. The water laps gently at the clean and wide beaches. There are no waves. People line their chairs up in long rows and relax in the abnormally warm weather (as we have been getting hit with rain storms non stop in Atlanta).
Along the pier there were people fishing and we stopped to watch a man struggle with his line. His fishing neighbor pulled up a small rainbow colored fish while he fought to bring his catch in. In the end his line broke and we overheard him tell his buddies it must have been a skate.
Let me set the scene of the Ocean Beach pier and compare to Tybee Island.
Ocean Beach pier is covered in fish guts and seagulls. Tybee Island pier is covered in fish guts and what we now call "Georgia Seagulls". They are scraggly, diseased looking brown birds.
I cannot begin to explain how different the people are at the beach on this side of the country. We did decided there are 3 types of people you might see. 1) Mothers in flowing, brightly patterned frocks with huge floppy hats 2) Hairy men in tank tops tucked into their cut off jeans...and sneakers and socks and 3) very pale young women, heavily oiled in skimpy bathing suits. I saw one man wearing a tank top that said "Big Bikes and Whiskey" with a picture of a scantily clad woman. His top was tucked into his cut offs, and he was proudly showing his large gold belt buckle which proclaimed "Country Music". He apparently felt the need to list his likes on his clothing. Perhaps the back had his dislikes?
We headed back into Savannah after touring the island and the lighthouse. We wandered through the streets of stately old houses, ornate gates and spanish moss covered trees. The town's atmosphere takes you back to a different time, where I imagine horse drawn carriages and parasols would dot the streets instead of tour buses and tourists. It feels very muc
h like New Orleans and sort of what I imagine Paris in the country would look like. And along the Savannah river you can watch steamboats paddle by and eat fresh seafood. It was truly an amazing place.From Savannah we headed to St. Simons island, about 60 miles south. The Georgia coast line drive is so much different than California. You can't see the ocean from the freeway, but there are swamps! Some areas in these swamps looked deep and had large signs that read "Caution! Manatee Area!" I thought Matt was pulling my leg when he told me there were manatees in Georgia! St. Simons island I'm afraid, was a bust. We immediately got lost and found ourselves frustrated and ready to head home.
New Rules, Georgia Style! 09/14/09
New Rule: If you live and drive in Georgia, you must own a cell phone. And you must be on your cell phone at all times while driving. This will of course lead to chronic tail-gating, sudden merges and the complete disregard for the yellow lines in the road.
New Rule: If you live in Georgia and have LOTS of money, you must build a miniature White House complete with columns, ridiculous gates and lighting installed 100 feet up in the trees on your land. You must also have a chandelier that costs more than the average compact car, and keep that light on all night so everyone who drives by knows you have money.
New Rule: Preschools and Kindergartens may not teach "forming a single line and not cutting". They must not, otherwise why do people cut in line at the gas station all the time!
New Rule: If you live in the South, and have seen an episode of John and Kate plus 8, you must cut and dye your hair exactly like Kate Gosselin's. And all your children's, and your Grandma's, and any other females in your family.
New Rule: You may not claim to sell "Mexican Food" in Georgia. You may also not claim to sell "California Style Mexican" or, California style anything for that matter. I think they put mozzarella cheese on my burrito.....
New Rule: You may not live in Georgia and not devote your life to the Georgia Bulldogs or Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. You must wear the clothing, deck out your car and scream at all opposing team fans in other cars.
New Rule: You must attend church. It does not matter what church, that's not the point!
Babyland General 09/07/09
Matt and I did nothing this weekend. Literally. We just relaxed and took some down time.
Brandy (my sister) and I however spent a couple of days out in 'strange country' this week. On Monday we took Madison (my niece) to the Babyland General Hospital...the birth place of Cabbage Patch Kids. There, we toured the facilities that are decked out in hospital equipment from what I can only guess were the 50's. You walk through the nursery, the clinic, the nurses station.....and into a large room in the center of the building where the Cabbage Patch kids are actually "birthed".
Yep, this place is as strange as it sounds! These are real Kids too, the ones that are completely fabric. Not the hard headed one's you buy at Wal Mart. So, Brandy and I walked slowly through this strange fun house, wide eyed and a little disturbed. An announcement came over the P.A. and startled us.....a baby was about to be born!
Apparently, Kids actually come from a cabbage patch under a tree. So, we watched as a women in a nurses uniform pulled a brand new baby girl out of the synthetic cabbage patch under the synthetic tree...what a sight! She even slapped the doll's behind! A little girl in the small c
rowd named her: Lucy Susan.
We let Madison pick out her first baby doll, which was really the fun part. She stared at it in it's box like it was nothing she'd ever seen before. And the look on her face when she was handed the doll...priceless....we named it Matty Christy after her two "bodyguards" Chris and Matt.
From there (the Twilight Zone?) we drove to a town called Alpine Helen, which is in the Northern mountains of Georgia. The town is completely German themed...the buildings, the names of places...everything screams Deutch.
There we found the Black Forest Bear Park, a small bear rehabilitation center. We spent about two hours feeding a Grizzly cub, who was just feet away from us, apples and bread. I have a new found love and respect for bears. They are beautiful creatures.
Friday we took off for what is called the Georgia Guidestones. We have since nicknamed them the Redneck Stonehenge. An hour outside of Atlanta, in the middle of a field, there are several 20 foot stones with the "codes of conservation" written on them in multiple languages. English, Arabic, Spanish, etc etc. Truly a strange sight, in the middle of no where.
Important facts and laws about Georgia!
It is against the law in Georgia to spread untrue rumors
In Atlanta, GA it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole (must have been a huge issue at one point)
America's first true gold rush occurred not in California, but in Dahlonega, GA (Duh-lawn-a-ga)
I
n Georgia it is illegal to use profanity in front of a dead body which lies in a funeral home or coroner's office
Donkeys cannot be kept in a bathtub
No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday
In the city of Acworth, GA...all residents are required to own a rake
Goldfish may not be given away to entice someone to enter a game of bingo
It is illegal for one to make a disturbing sound at a fair
No one may practice the business of tattooing on Sunday
Crosses may be burned on someone else’s property, so long as you have their permission (I think the Clan is still trying to over turn this law)
Picnics are prohibited in graveyards
In Gainesville, GA Chicken must be eaten with the hands
In Kennesaw, GA all adult residents are required to own a gun
Atlanta, Georgia has the worst traffic of any city in the US, since every street in the city is named "Peachtree Road" (this may not be completely accurate but it sure seems like it)
The most common cause of death in Georgia is getting murdered in a fight over the proper way to pronounce the word "pecan" just kiddin'
The official state fish is the large mouth bass
Georgia is the nations number one producer of the three Ps--peanuts, pecans, and peaches
The Varsity in Atlanta is the world's largest drive-in fast food restaurant
It is illegal to change the clothes on a storefront mannequin unless the shades are down
In Atlanta, GA it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole (must have been a huge issue at one point)
America's first true gold rush occurred not in California, but in Dahlonega, GA (Duh-lawn-a-ga)
I
n Georgia it is illegal to use profanity in front of a dead body which lies in a funeral home or coroner's office
Donkeys cannot be kept in a bathtub
No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday
In the city of Acworth, GA...all residents are required to own a rake
Goldfish may not be given away to entice someone to enter a game of bingo
It is illegal for one to make a disturbing sound at a fair
No one may practice the business of tattooing on Sunday
Crosses may be burned on someone else’s property, so long as you have their permission (I think the Clan is still trying to over turn this law)
Picnics are prohibited in graveyards
In Gainesville, GA Chicken must be eaten with the hands
In Kennesaw, GA all adult residents are required to own a gun
Atlanta, Georgia has the worst traffic of any city in the US, since every street in the city is named "Peachtree Road" (this may not be completely accurate but it sure seems like it)
The most common cause of death in Georgia is getting murdered in a fight over the proper way to pronounce the word "pecan" just kiddin'
The official state fish is the large mouth bass
Georgia is the nations number one producer of the three Ps--peanuts, pecans, and peaches
The Varsity in Atlanta is the world's largest drive-in fast food restaurant
It is illegal to change the clothes on a storefront mannequin unless the shades are down
Augusta, GA notes. 8/24/09
Well, this weekend's adventure took us to Augusta, GA. Let's be honest here now. The brochures and website boasting Augusta's rustic olde town environment on the river...well....it's a bit misleading.
Augusta looks like it closed in 1920, and all that's left are the rotting empty buildings. It is on the Savannah river and has a long riverwalk area with benches and picnic tables for people to enjoy. From the Georgia side of the river, you look across to South Carolina and large beautiful mansions lining the water. It sort of made me think "am I in the wrong state"? It definately did have a historical aire to it, and I found out that the entire time we'd been standing on the levee built 70 years ago to avoid floods. So, Augusta...not much going on there.
A few interesting facts....and empty streets.
The highlight of the Augusta trip, however, was Phinizy Swamp nature park. We pulled into the gravel parking lot with very low expectations of what we were about to see. A short climb through the trees brought us to a sign post announcing we were about to take the Cattail Trail to the visitors center. Several hundred feet more and we stepped onto a wooden boardwalk and looked ahead of us to see what I can only describe as an otherworldly scene.
A long winding wooden boardwalk has been built about a foot over the swamp. It takes you to the very high tech looking visitor center. Cypress trees abound, naturally beginning to uproot which has caused hundreds of strange stumps to appear in the muck they call swamp water. They look like animals until you get close enough to see that they are simply part of the trees. Moss hangs from all the branches and cattails do indeed grow here in abundance. The water itself is black with all kinds of algae. As we walk along this strange boardwalk, I watched the water beneath me through the large spaces in the planks. I was very unnerved at first. Occasionally I would hear a "plunk" in the water and feel a vibration beneath my feet...still not sure what caused that!
The visitor center had pictures of all the animals that inhabit the swamp...the only one's we were lucky enough to see were water moccasins (which literally look like tiny Loch Ness monsters, and are deadly) and a great white heron that floated effortlessy above us and landed in the water. Oh, and of course....hundreds of dazzling dragonflies in irradescent greens and purples and blues....did you know that dragonflies are called water nymphs and mosquito hawks? The warnings at this park? Do not ride bikes on trails. Do not drink alcohol or do drugs. Do not swim. Really?
Does anyone need a sign warning them to stay on dry land in this environment? So, I can say that while Augusta was a bust, the swamp experience did make the drive quite worth it. I have never seen anything like it.
Augusta looks like it closed in 1920, and all that's left are the rotting empty buildings. It is on the Savannah river and has a long riverwalk area with benches and picnic tables for people to enjoy. From the Georgia side of the river, you look across to South Carolina and large beautiful mansions lining the water. It sort of made me think "am I in the wrong state"? It definately did have a historical aire to it, and I found out that the entire time we'd been standing on the levee built 70 years ago to avoid floods. So, Augusta...not much going on there.
A few interesting facts....and empty streets.
The highlight of the Augusta trip, however, was Phinizy Swamp nature park. We pulled into the gravel parking lot with very low expectations of what we were about to see. A short climb through the trees brought us to a sign post announcing we were about to take the Cattail Trail to the visitors center. Several hundred feet more and we stepped onto a wooden boardwalk and looked ahead of us to see what I can only describe as an otherworldly scene.
A long winding wooden boardwalk has been built about a foot over the swamp. It takes you to the very high tech looking visitor center. Cypress trees abound, naturally beginning to uproot which has caused hundreds of strange stumps to appear in the muck they call swamp water. They look like animals until you get close enough to see that they are simply part of the trees. Moss hangs from all the branches and cattails do indeed grow here in abundance. The water itself is black with all kinds of algae. As we walk along this strange boardwalk, I watched the water beneath me through the large spaces in the planks. I was very unnerved at first. Occasionally I would hear a "plunk" in the water and feel a vibration beneath my feet...still not sure what caused that!
The visitor center had pictures of all the animals that inhabit the swamp...the only one's we were lucky enough to see were water moccasins (which literally look like tiny Loch Ness monsters, and are deadly) and a great white heron that floated effortlessy above us and landed in the water. Oh, and of course....hundreds of dazzling dragonflies in irradescent greens and purples and blues....did you know that dragonflies are called water nymphs and mosquito hawks? The warnings at this park? Do not ride bikes on trails. Do not drink alcohol or do drugs. Do not swim. Really?
Does anyone need a sign warning them to stay on dry land in this environment? So, I can say that while Augusta was a bust, the swamp experience did make the drive quite worth it. I have never seen anything like it.
California Girl goes Georgian! 8/17/09
It's taken me all this time to get used to the time difference here. I think I'm finally adjusted and am coming to terms with the fact that I am just a night owl wherever I'm living...the one thing I haven't adjusted to is the weather. Honestly, I don't mind what little humidity we deal with here. It's the fact that you truly never know what your going to get on a day by day basis. The weather predictions are NEVER correct. One minute it's sunny and 85 degrees, the next minute it's pouring rain. Streets flood, traffic slows, people disappear into their homes. And five minutes later it's all over and life goes back to normal. It reminds me of the Starlight Theatre in Balboa Park that pauses it's plays as planes fly directly over. Life pauses here and then picks back up in just minutes with these insane bursts of rain.
Matt and I found ourselves in North Carolina over the weekend. It's just an hour or so drive. We didn't really have any specific destination but we did end up in the Great Smokey Mountains. If I ever thought Georgia was behind the times, I take it all back now. Any references I made about Georgia and the movie Deliverance have now been shifted to North Carolina, specifically in the Smokies. Don't get me wrong. It's absolutely beautiful. And even though it's only August the leaves were already changing. I imagine it becomes a winter wonderland during the later months of the year. North Carolina seems to thrive on it's tourist attractions. Around every turn there are small shops boasting the sale of some oddity or other. My personal favorites were the signs proudly announcing the arrival of frog jelly and moonshine jam. I was tempted, but couldn't bring myself to buy anything like that. Instead I ended up with a jar of honey with the comb in it and huckleberry jam.
About an hour into North Carolina we made our way into the Cherokee Indian Reservation. They are of course in the process of building a very large (and ugly) Harrah's Casino. And just past Cherokee we found it. Yes, the Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park.
$30 later we began the 20 minute, 4000 foot ride in a ski lift up the side of a mountain. And I mean straight up! At the top, we spent an hour exploring the strange little ghost town, watched a shoot out on Main Street and Can Can Dancers in the Saloon. The whole time I was dreading the ride down the mountain. It wasn't so bad I suppose. I was of course distracted by the five or so Groundhogs we saw on the way down. To be honest, Matt and I had no clue what they were. They look like little bears. The only reason we know they were groundhogs is that the children in front of us were screaming about them the whole way down.
For dinner we chose a Southern Buffet. We stood in line for quite awhile and made friends with the elderly gentleman behind us. He told us we had to come to the buffet on Friday nights for their seafood extravaganza. When Matt told him we love seafood, he proceeded to tell us that they have the best Frog Legs in town. I'm pretty sure frog legs aren't seafood. I tried several Southern staples and found out I haven't been missing much. I'm not a fan of collard greens, black eye peas or fried okra. I am unmistakably a California Girl.
Matt and I found ourselves in North Carolina over the weekend. It's just an hour or so drive. We didn't really have any specific destination but we did end up in the Great Smokey Mountains. If I ever thought Georgia was behind the times, I take it all back now. Any references I made about Georgia and the movie Deliverance have now been shifted to North Carolina, specifically in the Smokies. Don't get me wrong. It's absolutely beautiful. And even though it's only August the leaves were already changing. I imagine it becomes a winter wonderland during the later months of the year. North Carolina seems to thrive on it's tourist attractions. Around every turn there are small shops boasting the sale of some oddity or other. My personal favorites were the signs proudly announcing the arrival of frog jelly and moonshine jam. I was tempted, but couldn't bring myself to buy anything like that. Instead I ended up with a jar of honey with the comb in it and huckleberry jam.
About an hour into North Carolina we made our way into the Cherokee Indian Reservation. They are of course in the process of building a very large (and ugly) Harrah's Casino. And just past Cherokee we found it. Yes, the Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park.
$30 later we began the 20 minute, 4000 foot ride in a ski lift up the side of a mountain. And I mean straight up! At the top, we spent an hour exploring the strange little ghost town, watched a shoot out on Main Street and Can Can Dancers in the Saloon. The whole time I was dreading the ride down the mountain. It wasn't so bad I suppose. I was of course distracted by the five or so Groundhogs we saw on the way down. To be honest, Matt and I had no clue what they were. They look like little bears. The only reason we know they were groundhogs is that the children in front of us were screaming about them the whole way down.
For dinner we chose a Southern Buffet. We stood in line for quite awhile and made friends with the elderly gentleman behind us. He told us we had to come to the buffet on Friday nights for their seafood extravaganza. When Matt told him we love seafood, he proceeded to tell us that they have the best Frog Legs in town. I'm pretty sure frog legs aren't seafood. I tried several Southern staples and found out I haven't been missing much. I'm not a fan of collard greens, black eye peas or fried okra. I am unmistakably a California Girl.
When it rains it pours in Georgia. 07/13/09
Well, when it rains it pours. Literally in this strange state. We had a full on thunder and lightning storm yesterday that went on for hours. The rain drops are strangely large here. And while it pours it is still 85 degrees. We also experienced serious thunder that shook the rooms and car. And the lightning came from all directions in 2 minute intervals. It was really an experience.
At our apartment, from our very dry screened in patio, the frogs came out in full force to apparently celebrate the rain! Matt and I of course went to Atlanta Bread again for lunch (it's just delicious). My new fascination is the sweet tea. No matter where you go it tastes exactly the same. And if you ask for iced tea, you get sweet tea. If you don't specify unsweetened, don't be surprised when you take your first sip. It's really yummy, but after a few days of drinking it my teeth hurt. I've heard the ratio of tea to sugar is 1 cup of tea to 2 cups of sugar. It's no wonder so many people are missing teeth here.
Sunday/Church Day is interesting. Most places are closed on this day. Other's open late or close very early. I've come to terms with the fact that I will always be bored on the 7th day of the week....
At our apartment, from our very dry screened in patio, the frogs came out in full force to apparently celebrate the rain! Matt and I of course went to Atlanta Bread again for lunch (it's just delicious). My new fascination is the sweet tea. No matter where you go it tastes exactly the same. And if you ask for iced tea, you get sweet tea. If you don't specify unsweetened, don't be surprised when you take your first sip. It's really yummy, but after a few days of drinking it my teeth hurt. I've heard the ratio of tea to sugar is 1 cup of tea to 2 cups of sugar. It's no wonder so many people are missing teeth here.
Sunday/Church Day is interesting. Most places are closed on this day. Other's open late or close very early. I've come to terms with the fact that I will always be bored on the 7th day of the week....
The Very First Edition of "Notes on Georgia" written 07/11/09
Georgia sparkles at dusk. The fireflies are abundant in areas with lots of trees (most of Georgia, and luckily our new home). They are like peaceful little ghosts that appear and disappear in quick light green bursts. I love the sound of the forest as well. The locusts land in the trees and sing a very strange song in unison. People always said the beach sounds put them to sleep...I believe the forest song will be my lullaby. As far as food goes, Matt and I have decided we will try new foods as often as possible.So...tonight we tried Atlanta Bread and Bakery (sort of like Panera). It was amazing! Besides the rude older folks in front of us who yelled at the Hispanic cashier for no reason I could see! The food was very fresh and flavorful...think salads, sandwiches and pasta. And cookies and cream cheesecake!!!
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