You know, I thought I was a pretty good driver, until I began driving on some of the dark two-lane roads around here.

I've mentioned before that I learned to drive in Michigan, and have held a license in Ohio and Florida, and now North Carolina. I even had to take a test to get a license here, and I did very well, I must say.

But I never realized how much my evening travels were dependent on streetlights and well-lit areas that gave me a false sense of both security and, well...light.

What does it take to get used to the sheer darkness? And how do you not shudder when a car is coming toward you, (with blinding lights) knowing that if they go too far left-of-center it could be catastrophic for you both?

I have to drive in the dark simply because I don't get home until 6pm and my girls have evening activities. And the truth of the matter is, I can't avoid driving at night because I enjoy being on-the-go.  But I don't like it at all, and I'm wondering if this...

A member of WRAL.com’s online community Golo, wrote a blog yesterday  about finding a Copperhead snake in his garage, and I must admit that it freaked me out.

But what freaked me out more was some of the advice he was given on how to get rid of the snake, most of which was to get yet another snake to run it away.
I am deathly afraid of snakes, and if the solution to get rid of one is to actively seek out another, I’m in big trouble.

Now, I’ve lived here in NC since February and I think I’m doing a fine job of adjusting to my new environment. I managed to make it through the pollen, I passed the driver’s test which is required here even though you hold a driver’s license from another state, and I’m adjusting to riding my bike up and down all of the hills.

But snakes?? That’s a different issue, and if I see one, I am going to pass out.

...

It may be hot here, but I must admit...it's the best summer I've had in eight years.

Despite the record heat and high temperatures, I am spending a huge amount of time outdoors and I love it. I've spent more time outside with my girls this month alone, than I did during the entire summer in Florida.

For all of you who find it unbearable, or think I'm slightly off my rocker, go to South Florida for a week. You'll be high-tailing it back here so fast you won't know what hit you.

I couldn't help but laugh at myself this morning when I heard on NPR that the high would be 100 degrees. "That's not bad," I thought. I know, pretty crazy thought in retrospect, but I really meant it.

I guess living in Florida has increased my threshold for heat a great deal. 

But I'm grateful, because instead of sitting in the house, I am enjoying the beauty of the area, and reconnecting with nature.

Sure, there may be an overabundance of flying insects that I...

So, I’m taking a week off later this month with the goal of spending some time familiarizing myself with the area. While my family typically travels out of state for our vacations, no matter where we live, I was thinking it would be nice to stay around here since I’m only taking one week and we’ve only lived here since February.

Yes, I can travel very well throughout my neighborhood and the area where I work but I need to venture out and we’d like to see more.
So, what I’m interested in is day trips.

Any suggestions? Maybe we can fit a few in before the week comes to a close.
I’m looking for 4-5 places you, as triangle-area natives would say I “need” to visit. I’m talking about “Must-see NC,” within a 2 hour drive. If the two-hour time-frame is limiting, I’ll consider three. But with one week only, that’s about all we can swing.

So, I’m ready to roll....

After living in Florida for eight years, it's been a long time since I've spent most of ANY holiday that falls during the summer months outdoors.

The humidity was just too much to bear and I spent more time wiping off sweat than having a good time.  I would eventually give up. My husband wouldn't even bother.

I kept trying to bear the insane temeperatures because I grew up in Michigan and was used to spending the holidays at the park with my family from sun-up until after the fireworks ended. I found that next to impossible in the sunshine state.

Well what a difference a move can make. Yesterday was the best Independence Day I've had since leaving Cleveland for Florida back in 1998.

We spent most of the day outdoors and my husband grilled for hours and never once complained. The food was fabulous, the girls were happy, and I had a blast.

And it was all due to the beautiful weather.

Mother Nature, you ROCK!