New Bern in rain and shine -

We were at the North Carolina coast for a couple of days.

The sea air, mixed with some very heavy rain the first day,

cleared the cobwebs and brought some time to relax, meet

 up with old friends. . . . . .and make a few new ones.  

New Bern, North Carolina’s second oldest town, was founded in

 1710 by Swiss nobleman, Christoph von Graffenried, and named

 after his native city of Berne, Switzerland. Bern means “bear” and the

 “Bern Bear” symbol is seen on its flag. Throughout the city you will

 see many creative Bear Town Bears.

New Bern is a riverfront city near the North Carolina coast. 

The Tryon Palace complex includes a replica of the state's

 1st capitol, historic homes, gardens and the North Carolina

 History Center. 

The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola is the drugstore where the

 drink was invented in the 1890s. 

Love the town of New Bern, NC

This historic home is on the market but requires so much work.

Hopefully someone with deep pockets will adopt her, restore her, 

and bring back her beauty of long ago.

Waiting for the storm to pass.

Morning brought sunshine. . . . . but the boats stayed put. Don't you

wonder why so many people buy boats but never seem to use them?

More on this lovely bookshop, and the owner, coming soon!

Sand in my flip flops. . . . . . . . . . .

As always, Bob and I really enjoyed our little break at the beach.

This year we thought the weather might disappoint, however the meteorologists
 were wrong - doesn't that seem to happen a lot!  It was just about perfect. 

Sunny days made it into the 60's with barely a wind, skies were mostly clear and 

'Carolina blue', and the water was quite warm allowing the little kids and surfers

 to enjoy the waves. . . . . . . . .even the sand felt warm when I kicked off my flip flops.

We enjoyed the usual Christmas tree and board walk lighting festivities, chatted 
with old 'beach friends' at our favorite coffee shop, sat on the balcony with an
 evening glass of wine watching the pelicans and gulls follow the shrimp 
boats home before sunset, and took leisurely beach walks in the fresh air. . . . . 
. . . . . . . . . .and, as always, I blew a kiss and sent it across the Atlantic to family
 and friends on the opposite shore! 

Time now for other things - namely Christmas preparations!

 I've yet to start outdoor decorating - outside work is still slowly coming

 along as the back deck and gazebo are renovated and refinished - he's

 doing a nice job but it's taking so long!

Inside, all I've done is move the Christmas storage boxes from the attic 

into the office. . . . . . and it's a horrible mess!

This morning's stiff breeze is bringing down the leaves non-stop - 

somehow we need to get out there and rake, blow, and move

them. It's mild and sunny so off I go, then perhaps I can start 

on my Christmas decorating.

I'm way behind on comments, forgive me and I will do my best 

to stop by soon and catch up.

Outside the window . . . . . . . .

Views from our hotel room.

Looking down onto Carolina Beach.

Gazing out across the Atlantic Ocean.

I so love the coast in Autumn and Winter. . . . . . . 

Having a grand post-Thanksgiving weekend at the shore.