Southern Diary
From Sicily to the South at Christmas
A true Italian feast goes beyond the pasta and sauce. Cucidati - Italian fig cookies - are made during the Christmas season surrounded by all ages of women. A Sicilian tradition even in the Western North Carolina mountains.
Lessons From the Attic
Whatever you find in your attic is a history of your life. Look for the details.
Things My Mama Told Me (When I Wasn’t Listening)
It’s my alone time that reinforces just how much my mother taught me - even without knowing it at the time.
And Again, Thanks for Everything
We look back eight years, and we’re shocked that the things that made us happy then STILL are at the op of our list. In everything - as time passes - give thanks.
The Gift of Ivet’s Vista
Ivet’s Vista was a gift. We had no idea how valuable a tiny piece of land could be.
One Week Plus Three Days
We’re coming down to our final week at our 2nd Airbnb rental. Now, we’re heading to another for three days, and then we’re going home.
In Other Words, “AEH”
Mama didn’t have to say anything. She just grabbed a knee.
Tractor Fixin’
How do you fix a GRAY Japanese Kubota tractor that has been abused, destroyed, ignored, hammered, wrecked, knocked around, bruised, shattered to the point that IF the right parts were found, would it actually work? Would that key turn and that starter roll IF all the pieces were in place? Would papa's tractor - now a sad pile of metal - be reborn to dig and haul and move?
The Last Year of a Long Decade
Another birthday. Another reflection. Always a good thing.
Climb On, Bob
Do you climb and climb and never get anywhere? You’re not alone.
Exercise the Tie That Binds
No matter the geography or time, some relationships stand the test of it all.
I’m Glad to be Your Mom
When anticipation takes over and the future is now.
The Ugly Side
Unfortunately, there is an ugly side of travel. And it all starts with etiquette.
No Room in the Inn
In the end, there’s no room for what makes us sad or devalues our being. Time to clear the deck.
Why We Head South During the Winter
Off-Season travel is always the best. We head south in January for some very good reasons.
A Letter Five Years, Eight Months Too Late
I found a letter today. It was from mama, and as sure as rain falls from the sky, so did the tears rise in my eyes.
Load ‘em up and Move ‘em out
Houses are just like people; someone must love them for them to thrive. Saying goodbye to Monroe’s Colquitt.
He’s Right There Inside My Phone
We all say it. “Let me get my phone. I have everything here.”
Mothers & Memories
Mother’s Day memories are ones that never fade.
![[Cutting] The Tie That Binds](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/630a250a62de1e3c1315ae5e/1693494844422-GI0O6Y1HNHUIIFSXADOG/img-3551_orig.jpg)
[Cutting] The Tie That Binds
I have loved you since the mid-1980s when I saw you drive across the big screen with Paul Reiser and some actress in some movie. The Saab that stole my heart.