This week our host Ann-Christine has challenged us to show anything that was a surprise.
I’ve had a few surprises in the garden this summer. When I found two unidentified plants growing in one of my small beds I left them alone to see what would happen. I was surprised when they turned out to be Black Eyed Susans that I planted about two years ago.
Black Eyed Susan
I’ve seen plenty of cicada skins attached to things around the exterior of our house but I was surprised to find one hanging onto a zinnia while it was shedding its skin. A few days later, the skin was still there.
Cicada shedding it’s skin
Empty cicada skin
Another time a mama diamond back terrapin decided that underneath the salvia would be a perfect place to lay her eggs.
This week our host Patti has challenged us to capture a quiet moment.
My favorite thing to do on a hot summer day is hop in our 17 foot boat and go for a ride in the salt water creeks and rivers near our home. Getting out on the water is always soothing and sometimes we can enjoy some quiet moments as we go along.
This week we took a scenic ride through narrow, twisting creeks through the salt marsh.
Quiet boat ride through the salt marsh
We found some quiet moments as we slowly made our way through the twists and turns. Except for when we met a boat going the other way we were the only humans in the area. As we were treated to sightings of snowy egrets, herons, and wood storks the only sounds were those of nature and our quiet engine. Even the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins surfacing for a breath of air made little noise. I was too busy enjoying the moment to get any photos of the wildlife.
These days we are social distancing by staying home except to go to the store for supplies.
I grabbed my camera today to go outside in my yard in the glorious warm, sunny weather and capture a few of our first spring blooms. Enjoy!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
WordPress just reminded me that today is the 7th anniversary of the Wandering Dawgs blog. Thanks to all of you it’s been an amazing seven years.
I would not still be blogging if it wasn’t for you. I appreciate every one of you who follows the blog, reads the posts, likes a post, or leaves comments. You make it worth while to keep the blog going.
I’ve been going to water aerobics classes with a fabulous group of ladies (and a few men) for years. A few times a year we meet somewhere to enjoy a meal, conversation, and lots of laughs.
This week we met at Cohen’s Retreat in Savannah which was originally a retirement home for men. In 2012, new owners took over and transformed the space into a delightful restaurant with delicious food, a venue for special events, a gift shop, and rental cottages
Cohen’s Retreat, Savannah, Georgia
Cohen’s Retreat, Savannah, Georgia
As we walked through the front doors we knew we were in for a special treat when we saw the vintage ashtrays decorating the walls and a mantle lined with Old Spice bottles and shaving brushes. A wall with a family tree made from heirloom silverware was the focal point in the Perennial Room where we ate. Mounted on another wall of the room was an antique bicycle built for two.
What a fun place to have lunch
Family tree made of antique heirloom silverware
Antique bicycle built for two
Did I mention the food was delicious?
Good food and laughing with friends in a memorable setting made me smile this week.
For the past 40 years we have lived less than 30 minutes from Savannah’s beautiful historic district and until this week, we had never spent any time really touring the city. Last year our Christmas present to each other was tickets to see Willie Nelson in concert and a two night stay in a hotel where we could walk to the concert and be tourists for a couple of days.
The concert was the highlight of our getaway. Once Willie started playing his guitar you would have never known he is 86 years old. Opening the show with “Whiskey River” he played and sang for over an hour and a half. We loved every minute of it and so did everyone else in the audience.
Willie Nelson in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has been featured in many movies, books, and television shows and is frequently listed as one of the most popular cities to visit in the United States. A popular way to see the city and learn a little of its history is to take a Trolley Tour
The day after the concert was our day to be tourists and do some things we’ve never done before. We started by enjoying a fantastic southern lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. We were seated family style at a table for 8 and enjoyed talking to the other guests while we enjoyed the wonderful food.
Next up was a tour with Old Town Trolley, one of several tour companies in the city. Our guide Lillie Belle was entertaining and we learned things about Savannah’s history we had never heard before. Here’s a little show with a few of the highlights from the tour.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Having a little get away in the middle of the week was a fun way to start off Valentine’s week. Tonight we’ll celebrate at home with grilled steaks and all the trimmings.
Wandering Dawgs 