How to fall in love with a small southern town...

Ingredients:

• Sunshine
  
• Warm cool breeze
  
• Your favorite bike [or other means of self propelled transportation]
  
• A day or afternoon to yourself

Directions:

• After sleeping in and thoroughly savouring your morning by drinking a cup of your favorite beverage, listening to the birds greet the sun, nuzzling with your favorite furry friend, and perhaps catching up with a distant friend via skype, you are ready to head out.
  
  
• Determine where your going, perhaps run a few errands... pick up some fertilizer at the local nursery and stop by the art coop to see the pottery exhibit. Remember, you are traveling light [via self propelled transport], so plan accordingly.
  
  
• Now you are ready. Grab your bike [or other self propelled transport mechanism] and hit the road. Put in your headphones, start you mp3 player, straddle your bike, and get moving... you've got places to go and the sunny afternoon to enjoy.
  
  
• As you ride along the uncongested streets lined with live oaks and older homes with established landscaping, feel the sun warming your skin as the breeze gently cools it. You push your muscles, making the bike go faster, listen to your breath, and feel your muscles begin to swell and your body warm from the inside out. Perhaps you can smell the wisteria that has just started to bloom as the white flowers of the dogwoods and silver bells look flamboyant against their leafless tree neighbors.
  
  
• Stopping at the local nursery, you become lost in the aisles of small potted plants. The annual flowers are brightly screaming for attention and the small veggie seedlings are modestly waiting to planted. You take a few moments and settle into a patch of grass to enjoy the sun warming your skin and watch the few clouds slowly move across the bright blue sky. "Why is the sky so much more blue here, so far from the ocean?," you ponder to yourself. Soon the nursery is closing, so you grab the fertilizer you came for and hop back on the bike.
  
  
• You ride, just for the sake of riding. You curiously explore the small, rural, southern town you now call home. Wandering over the railroad tracks, you find a cemetary and traverse the dirt track road. Then, you head out of the cemetary and come upon a fish market that you've been curious about. Passing by it each day on your way home, you were never sure if it was ever open or a relic, like so many of the shops that once populated the small town. But the fish market it open, so you prop your bike up against the building and head inside.
  
  
• After a few questions about what they carry and where it's from, you ask about their hours and then set out again. Daylight is burning and you want to enjoy every minute of it! You head over to the art co-op to check out the pottery exhibit and notice they are having another event in the adjacent old fire station building. You head over to check it out. There are a few nice pieces, but you are not overall impressed. So, you hop back on your bike and set out again.
  
  
• It's getting late and you are planning to attend the outdoor movie tonight at the park by the river. You head home to relax and grab a bite to eat. As you ride home, enjoying the sun and light breeze, you realize it... the joy that is flowing through your body bringing a smile to your face. "This is it," you say to yourself, "this is living... Oh, how I love my life!"

Three Babes & A Dude

Yes, that's right. My coworkers and I have officially signed up for the 2012 Springtime 5k in Tallahasee and our team name is Three Babes & A Dude! The Springtime 5k will be the perfect test of our capabilities for the upcoming Warrior Dash. I am extremely excited for this event because not only is it my first 5k, but I will also get to run with wonderful people. I feel like this is the start of great things to come!

Spring is in the air

The temperature has been fluctuating, but the dogwoods know what time of year it is. Before their leaves flush out, the bare branches of the dogwood trees are speckled with clumps of small white delicate flowers. After a winter of bare tree branches, the white flowers suspended in layers, like they are elevated, are reminiscent of snow, but the warmer temperatures tell otherwise.


The simplicity of nature's beauty continues to baffle me. The small white dogwood flowers are so simple, yet beautiful. Spring is in the air and warmth is on the way!

Chili, waves, & music

Who would have known that St. George Island, Fl had all three? To raise money for the local fire department, St. George Island was holding their annual chili cookoff, complete with live music, beer [bring your own or buy there], $1 liquor shots from the king himself [Elvis], and a plethora of chili varieties. If you want to get your pick at the best chili, you better get there early. My friend and I arrived in the afternoon, as the chili was depleting and the alcohol and sunshine we is full swing.


The afternoon consisted of tasting of the remaining chili, taking in some of the live music, and savoring the sweet goodness of a funnel cake. An outdoor festival without funnel cake is simply not complete. Luckily, there were two other funnel cake enthusiasts to help me. AS the festival started to wind down, we walked over to the beach. To my surprise there were waves. Yes, waves! I was utterly happy to know that a beach complete with waves is only 2.5 hours away. To top it off, there is volleyball play on weekend in the summer. I know where I'm going to be in the summer weekends to come!

As the wind started to pick up and storm clouds rolled in, we headed over to Harry A's, a local restaurant/bar, to grab a bite to eat and some libations. We ordered a round of dirty bananas, a delectable cocktail. You should definitely have one! Sitting outside, under a covered patio, I enjoyed my dirty banana and the great company. As I listened to a local play covers on guitar and felt the slight heat in my face from being sunkissed earlier that day, I remembered how much I love the beach. It's great to know it's not that far away and I look forward to our next encounter.

Eggs for dinner

Breakfast for dinner is not a new concept. I remember having similar dinners growing up, but last night I decided to try something similar to a recent post on one of my favorite recipe blogs, A Couple Cooks. Finally having found smoked paprika [I had been looking for the scarcely sold item for the past few weeks] and feeling that my protien intake was low, I decided it would be a perfect dinner. Not to mention that it includes avocado [one of my favorites] and is quick to whip up.

Being a big fan of breakfast burritos, I think eggs and salsa are a great combination and this little recipe was just another example. Nourishing, tasty, quick, and easy, I think this dinner and I will meet again soon!

The Warrior Dash

My little kid squeels w/ excitement! A fun filled day of physical exersion and getting dirty... that is how I see the Warrior Dash. For those unfamiliar with the Warrior Dash, it is a 5k course with various obstacles along the way, which include crawling over, under, and through things, such as ropes, wooden structures, and mud.

The Georgia Warrior Dash is located in the mountains of Northern Ga. In addition to running around getting filthy, the even offers the opportunity to make for a fun weekend excursion with hiking, waterfalls, zip lines, and cabin camping! I've reserved a camping cabin at Mountain Rest Cabins and am anxiously looking forward to what the weekend will bring!

Yes, I'm basically 5 years old... but I'm OK with that!

Rule Number 6

One of my favorite mentors passed along a book many years ago. Like most of what he passed along, the book has stuck with me since. I devoured the book the first time I read it and each time since. There are many things that resonate from this book, but one has inspired a painting.

There's a story about two prime ministers who are sitting in a room, discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts through the door, screaming and shouting. The prime minister who's hosting the meeting says to the man, "Peter, please remember Rule Number Six." Peter is immediately restored to calm. He apologizes, bows, and walks out. About 20 minutes later, a woman comes flying in. She's beside herself. The prime minister says, "Maria, please remember Rule Number Six." Maria apologizes and walks out.

The visiting prime minister can't contain his curiosity: "My dear colleague, what is this Rule Number Six?" The other prime minister says, "Very simple: Don't take yourself so goddamn seriously." The visitor replies, "That's a nice rule. What, may I ask, are the other rules?" The prime minister answers, "There aren't any."

excerpt from The Art of Possibility by Zander and Zander

Tomato crazy

Had the wonderful opportunity to attend a tomato workshop at the Native Nursery. Native Nursery is a small nursery that offers many workshops, most of which are free. This was the first workshop I attended and I was very happy I did. Not only was the workshop free, but it was very informative. In addition to discussing the various heirloom tomatoes that have proven to perform well in this area, the person leading the workshop informed the participants on how to best grow tomatoes in the ground and in containers. The information session was then followed by a demonstration of planting in a garden and in a container.

Some of the tips and things in the workshop included:

Determinate and Indeterminate. Did you know that tomato plants can produce for a long time? Indeterminate tomatoes can produce throughout spring, summer, and into the fall. During he hottest months, such as August, are too hot for the tomato plant flowers, but once the peak heat has passed, the plants will produce fruit until the temperatures get too cold. Determinate tomato plants have a shorter fruiting season and will not produce into the fall.

Planting Deep. Because tomato plants are vines, the deeper the plant is planted, the more roots will grow to support and nourish the plant. A deeper root system will also help the plant during the hot summer days, allow the plant to soak up more water from the soil.

Mushroom Compost. In addition to being a good fertilizer, mushroom compost inhibits fungal growth. A few handfuls of mushroom compost tossed in around the roots, when planting the young tomato plant was suggested, in addition to a handful of natural fertilizer.


Meet Dr. Marvel and Farmer Herman's Little Yeller, two of the heirloom varieties carried at Native Nursery. Both varieties were cultivated at Turkey Hill Farm, a local wholesale nursery. The Little Yeller is a tart, yellow, cherry tomato and the Dr. Marvel is a beefsteak tomato. Both varieties are supposed to start producing within 90-100 days and are indeterminate. Can't wait to watch them grow!

The Perfect Fit?

"Happy 1 month at the new job," my officemate remarks as the work day ended Monday. Has it been a month already?, I thought to myself. "You're right," I remarked, "it doesn't seem like I've been here a months already, yet I feel like I've been here longer." "I know," she said, "it seems like I've known you longer."

I thought about her words and how I am at that awkward position, where I feel at ease, yet have to ask where things are and who I need to speak with for... While I am still finding my way around the area I've recently relocated to, I already feel at ease. The ease is comforting.

"I'm happy with our office set up; it feels like I've know you for longer," says my officemate, who just returned from maternity leave. This is a relief, as I was concerned my addition to the office might off balance the environment. Perhaps it was the muffins I made for her 1st day back, but from her remark, I think things are going to be peachy.

This leads me to ask, "what is the perfect fit?" Generally, I have a good idea of what I want and when it came to a new job and home, I knew exactly what I wanted. Therefore, when I was trying to determine if I wanted to live in a small town, in rural Ga, without access to the things that I wanted in my life, and have at least a 30 minute commute to work each day, it was a conflicting decision. Something in me felt that I should accept the offer, but the logical aspect of myself couldn't reason out if it was the best decision. Ultimately, I went with my gut and can happily say that it was a great decision. The journey hasn't been all roses and daisies, but overall it has been a wonderful experience and I believe it is leading me in the direction I should be headed.

Was accepting the job the perfect fit? I'm not sure, but I do think it is the perfect fit at this time. I am happy to share similar feelings as my officemates and am grateful of their openness and acceptance. Openness and acceptance were things I thought were lacking within the community in NC. Since I arrived in my new home town, people have been more than simply polite. Perhaps it is partially because I am in the south again, but all I know is that I am grateful.

Is living in a small rural town and commuting 30 minutes to work each day the perfect fit for me? It looks like at this time it just might be.

Training

For the past 7 years in my career, I've been fumbling through any new task given to me... all the while wishing I could receive formal training. Whether it is how to use a new software or piece of equipment, the situation consisted of me, trying to figure out how to accomplish a task or produce a product, alone with only the internet to help me.

Therefore, when I was informed that at the new job I was taking, my supervisor was purchasing a new piece of equipment and I would be attending a training in how to use said equipment, I was ecstatic. Not only would I be getting to use a new interesting piece of equipment, but I would be thoroughly trained by knowledgeable experts in how to do it. Yes!

The gleeful, positive smile I started off the week with has slowly morphed each day into a frustrated, concerned, drained frown. It wasn't a horrible experience, but it was not one I would like to relive. This past week has included more drama than reality t.v. show. There was fighting, bickering, and use of the silent treatment. I put on multiple hats, including peace keeper, negotiator, punching bag, and placater.

At this point I am so happy it is over and can only hope my resourcefulness will aid in figuring out how to work the piece of equipment and illogical software that accompanies it. Although I do respectfully acknowledge that everyone involved did their best, in my eyes it was such a clusterf*ck. I just hope it is not foreshadowing of things to come.

Dangerous Beauty

Agave Plant

Weekend in ATL

This past weekend I went to Atlanta, Ga for an Anusara Yoga workshop lead by Anusara founder, John Friend. It was a 2-day workshop that included two 2-hour sessions each day. Not having practiced yoga much since moving, I was a little apprehensive as to how well I would be able to keep up. However, I felt comfortable with most of the asanas.

Using Airbnb, I found a place for K and me to stay. It was the woman's first time hosting and my first time staying with someone using Airbnb. She was very welcoming and had a cute small cottage that was perfect for our weekend stay. Overall, it was a positive experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed a few of the beautiful parks ATL has to offer, including Oakland Cemetery Park, Piedmont Park and Grant Park. Additionally, I enjoyed some of the local restaurants, including Holy Taco and Rita's Bluebird. Rita's Bluebird was so packed both times I stopped by that the first time I just got a latte and the second time I got my lunch to go.

There were many more restaurants and places I'd like to experience. The ATL Botanical Garden is having an Orchid Daze event that I would love to visit. Visiting Little 5 Points was on my list, but I didn't make over there. Much more to see and experience... I hope to make it back to ATL sometime soon!

Majestic Sites

Had the opportunity to paddle down the creek that runs through Ichuaway. The creek is primarily spring fed and is relatively shallow. Wading is easily performed during the summer [low flow] months. Boating access to the creek is restricted to research purposes only. I have been itching to get out on the creek since I saw it while interviewing and was thrilled to have the opportunity.

Ichuaway Creek

The upstream portion of the creek is similar to a coastal plain in that it is relatively flat with gently sloping creeksides. The lower portion of the creek has steep creeksides with large outcroppings of limestone. It is a beautiful and majestic site. Since the creek is not accessible by boat and Ichuaway is private property, paddling down it was serene. The sun was out, the air was cool, and it was an afternoon you could loose yourself in.

Hello lakes!

Growing up on the Florida east coast, I am not very familiar with fresh water systems, let alone lacustrine (lake) systems. The experience I have with fresh water consists of the few times I went out on the St. Johns River when I was little, floating down the springs in Central Florida while in undergraduate school, and the paddling I've done on the creeks and Yadkin River in NC.


Therefore, the world I have entered into in work has been a bit out of my area expertise. I have decided to take the approach of sitting back and taking it all in. A prime example of this occurred today. I had the opportunity to do some field work on Seminole Lake, in Georgia. Seminole Lake is a man-made lake, as are all the lakes in Georgia. It was created in the 50's when a dam was built below the confluence of the Flint River, Spring Creek, and Chattahoochee River.


Being out on the lake was an interesting experience. It reminded of the time I spend in Panama, though I am not quite sure why. The lake is overrun by hydrilla and there are dead tree stumps poking up out of the water. It is an osprey's nesting paradise. In addition to the ducks, there were some white pelicans and we even spotted a bald eagle!

Field work!

Today was my first day in the field. We headed out this afternoon for a recon trip looking for potential sites for a stream project. At the end of last week, I had the opportunity to make some maps for the field outing. I enjoy making maps, but what is even better is making maps that I get to use in the field. Since the majority of map making I've performed has been for presentations or for other people's field work, I am looking forward to using maps I've made... taking them for a test drive and seeing how well they perform.


And they were great! We drove, tromped, and gazed upon various potential sites along one of the creeks. It was great to get out in the field, to see, smell, and feel what the future holds. We started at the northern end of the property, where a dam was installed many years ago. The engineers designed and installed a dam in the limestone rock. Needless to say, the dam failed. As the Calcium Carbonate dissolved over time, the dam gave way. Surprisingly, the dam was never dismantled. It remains, an anthropogenic relic cluttering up the natural environment.


The site hunting made for an enjoyable afternoon. In addition to getting a better idea of the stream riffle areas, I drove from site to site familiarizing myself with the roads on property. There was mention of mapping the stream, which would include paddling the entire stretch. The stream is off limits unless research is being conducted. The chance to paddle down it is exciting as there are class 2 rapids, which look like they would be a lot of fun!

Exploring SW Ga

This past weekend was a 3-day weekend and an opportunity to get out and explore my new home. As the temperature started to increase Monday, my officemate and I headed out to explore the Kolomoki Mounds Historical Park. This state historical site has Indian mounds that were excavated. Although the excavations did not prove to be insightful to the anthropologists, according to the information plaques, the mounds allowed the anthropologists to learn or speculate about the Indian people's lives and society.


Most of the mounds were rather small and we wouldn't have even known they were there if there hadn't been an information telling us so. However one mound was large and with a steep set of stairs going up to the top. According to the information plaque that was where the tribal leader's hut was located.


After checking out the tall mound, we continued on a trail into the woods. The trails were littered w/ leaves and comprised of beautiful barren trees, sporting their winter best. I fell in love with the beech tree. The serpentine trunk reminded me of a dinosaur or large reptile with its smooth bark and strength.


There were a few deep ravines and small streams running through the park, in addition to two lakes. In the protected areas of the lakes lily pads had congregated. In other alcoves of the lake, cypress trees were present. One can rent paddle boats at the park and there was discussion to returning to explore the drowned cypress area in the future.


After visiting the park we headed to White Oak Pastures, a family farm that produces organic grain fed beef, chicken, goats, and sheep, in addition to organic free range eggs. They are focused on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and local food.

White Oak Pastures is a multigenerational family farm that cooperates with nature to produce artisan products that are healthy, safe, nutritious and delicious. Care is given to ensure that all of our production practices are economically practical, ecologically sustainable, and that our animals are always humanely treated. We never falter in our determination to conduct our business in an honorable manner, for the sake of our animals, our land, and the people who eat our products.

We were lucky enough to receive a tour from the owner, Will Harris III, which included the on site beef and chicken processing plants, a rarity for small scale organic meat farms. He also drove us around the farm, educating us about the various environmental practices the farm utilizes, answering our myriad of questions, and describing the journey the family has taken since it was established in 1866. It was a wonderful experience and although I brought my camera with me, I did not take one picture, as I was too involved in taking in the experience!

New beginnings

It just doesn't seem like Friday. Having finished my first week of work must be why, but it just doen't feel like a whole week has passed. My first week at work has been great! It has been filled w/ various orientations and meeting people. Thankfully there is a photo directry to aid in remembering who is who. Although everyone has been very nice, I still find the mass of unknown people a bit overwhelming and tend to retreat to my office for lunch, reading papers while I eat. I have started carpooling w/ my officemate, which not only makes the 30 mintue commute so much more enjoyable, but it also cuts down on gas and wear and tear on the truck.


Sadly, I have not made out on the property much, but am looking forward to scouting out sampling sites next week. I did make it out for a midday walk the other day and lost myself in the sandy dirt roads embraced by large live oaks weaping w/ strands of moss hanging from thier branches. I felt as though I could walk the dirt roads for days.

Hunting, furniture hunting that is...

A whole week. A whole week all to myself, in the new [to me] little house, exploring, and looking for furniture. Ugh! Who would have thought it would be so hard to find used furniture? If you need to know where the used furniture stores in SW Ga or Tallahassee are, just ask me. I think I've been to every one of them in the past few days.

Some questions that have crossed my mind lately.... Why are there numerous antiwue shops in Havana, a tiny town North of Tallahassee? Who buys all these antiques? and more importantly... What is the difference b/t an antique and used furniture? Well, besides the difference in price... or is that it? Some of the places have beautiful, well kept, or restored furniture. Others are overpriced used furniture stores. I was able to find this beautiful trivet lying near a pile of chairs. After a bit of rust-off paint, it looks as good as new.

However, it has been nice driving around the area and becoming more familiar w/ my new home. There is a Publix 30 minutes south, which was wonderful to find. Apparently Publix now has a dried bulk foods section! I wandered around Publix like a deer in headlights. I think I may have even left a trail of drool as I perused the store. Let's just say I never would have thought I would have such fondness for a commercial grocery store chain.


Additionally, I was somewhat successful in furniture shopping. I bought a table and ladder back chairs. I repainted the table and have yet decided what to do w/ the chairs. I would like to strip and stain the wood, but so not think I am up for the challenge at this time. So, I think I am going to simply paint them, but cannot decide what color. Suggestions?