City of Oaks -

Returning from the coast in showers and intermittent sunshine, we knew the garden
 would be saturated as heavy rain had fallen over the weekend here at home. 
 Just over a two hour drive to the coast it's always surprising that the weather can
 be so different.
The back garden looked like this on Sunday evening when we arrived back
 just prior to sunset.

Leaves are falling non-stop now. Rakes and tarpaulins are at the ready

 to get them to the curb before the city truck arrives to suck 'em up!

RALEIGH 'City of Oaks' - beautiful, but such a lot of work as winter arrives.

I've done hardly anything yet to prepare for Christmas and really need 

to "get my skates on" as my dear mother always said.

Carolina Beach Sunrise -

Saturday morning. . . . . . . and I'd set my alarm for 6:45 AM to be up for the sunrise.  

Not quite as beautiful as some other visits here over the years as clouds were
 expected for most of that day. 
Sunrise is always a special few minutes though, and looking out from the balcony
 across the ocean I was able to get some photos of Nature's early morning 
grandeur. . . . . .and the early people who walk dogs, run, or just stand along the
 shore in the morning sunlight.

 Shrimp boats were spotted both in the evening and again at dawn.

We could see their lights at night so guessing they fish all night.

Brown pelicans out in search of fish - and we were soon off to enjoy our breakfast!

Atlantic Ocean in November ---------

Beautiful afternoon on our arrival yesterday.

Cool but calm with lots of sunshine.

Carolina Beach was quite busy. . . . . . mostly walkers

 at this time of year!

Note the cloud bank on the horizon - hopefully my waves to my UK family and

friends were visible, or at least felt!

Pleasure Island Marina

A few brave surfers!

Later in the evening we enjoyed dinner, a walk, and the annual town Christmas

 tree lighting - a really good day here on the coast.