Sunday, March 25, 2012

Sunday Salon: Eating


We had an absolutely wonderful time in Charleston earlier this week, after spending a couple of nights on Kiawah Island.  Why is it that every time I go to Charleston, I start having fantasies about living  

there?  The flowers, the beautiful filigree-styled gates, the gorgeous homes around the Battery, and the FOOD.  Holy cow the food.  If I lived there, I would weigh more than my car.  I am still on my regimen (27 pounds and counting) and am still abstaining from the alcohol, but I did partake of some good Southern food.  I had a two hour guilt trip after the Shrimp and Grits, but oh were they good.


Of course, I probably need to visit Charleston in July.  That might take care of my longings.  And I would only want to live South of Broad, you see, and that would only require me to sell my house, my retirement fund, and my kids.  Details.


While we were there, we took a historic carriage ride and visited a plantation.  It was like stepping back in time.


  
The harsh realities were waiting back at home...busy schedules, dirty house, dirty laundry, and my walking talking conscience Andre.  I also had a golf tournament the day after we returned.  Thus, if you haven't seen me around lately, you will know why.  My traffic has slowed significantly as a result of my absence.  That always bums me out.


So it seems that yes, there will be a Spring Read-a-thon on Saturday April 21st!  I've got a couple of volleyball games to attend that day, but I do plan on doing what I can.  I have learned from past experiences to just leave my computer in another room, lest I get nothing read.  I know half the fun are the mini-challenges, but I've found success with just burrowing down in a comfy chair with my books.  Are any of you participating?


I'm not too disappointed with my reading, based on how busy we have been.  Seven hours in the car each way helps!  I did finish Anna Quindlen's "Every Last One" on audio, and that one really blew me away.  When the Bad Thing happened, it was hard to want to pick it back up, but it was just so compelling, so well-written and so well-narrated.  I am now about 1/4 of the way through "Where Men Win Glory" by Jon Krakauer, which is really good.  


In print I did finish "The Odds" by Stewart O' Nan, even though it was very difficult for me.  I just felt no urge to pick it up, even though it is a very short book.  Then I blasted through "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio in one sitting, and totally fell in love with it.  I am now attempting unsuccessfully to get some traction with "Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen" by Susan Gregg Gilmore.  It isn't the book's fault...it is so charming.  I just need time to sit down.


We carved out some time last night to see "The Hunger Games" along with the two billion other people, and we loved it.  I will be talking about it tomorrow at my Monday Matinee.


We have horse and animal shelter planned today, then maybe a little relaxing in the evening.  What does everyone else have planned?





17 comments:

Michelle (my books. my life.) said...

I've always wanted to visit Charleston. I love me a good southern town. :)

bermudaonion said...

I always look forward to your Sunday Salon - reading about your life makes mine seem very calm.

I'm with you on the Charleston fantasies. Maybe we can be in a nursing home there together 50 years from now.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I was terribly disappointed with The Odds. I didn't like the characters and I didn't like their relationship with each other.

Here's my
Sunday Salon: Odds and Ends.
Hope you will stop by!

Peppermint Ph.D. said...

Sandy, you tickle me...I feel the same way about NYC...I would live there IF I could live in a penthouse apartment in downtown Manhattan with my own personal helicopter to transport me in and out of the city at my request. Oh, and don't forget the big house outside of the city where I could escape to, plant my garden and raise chickens :/

I need a food plan :( I'll read some of your older posts to learn more :)

JoAnn said...

Ah, Charleston! I visited just once, but have dreamed of going back ever since...

caite said...

Can summer in charleston be worse than summer in Florida. Wow, I cannot imagine that...

rhapsodyinbooks said...

Beautiful pictures! And only shrimp and grits is a pretty low cal way to escape from Charleston!!!

Unknown said...

We always talk about moving to the places we visit on vacation. So far, we haven't, but you never know.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear you had such a great time in Charleston! I went to Fogo de Chao for lunch today (a Brazilian steakhouse, new to Orlando but they have one in Chicago) and I am FULL. Oy. I need to call your drill sergeant trainer-man and have him kick my butt into shape.

Unknown said...

Your life is full and so good. I would love to visit Charleston, really need to go. I'm reading frantically to complete some for book festival and club.

Julie P. said...

I'm starting a weight loss regimen tomorrow morning. If I lose half as much as you, I'll be thrilled! You are an inspiration!

Jenny said...

I'm in Savannah right now and the pictures I have taken look similar to yours. =)

I felt the same way with The Odds!

Ti said...

So glad you got your grits on!

Anonymous said...

I only spent a day in Charleston...you make me want to go back! (Although not in July).

Beth F said...

I too have always wanted to Charleston. Actually, I've been there twice: one as a quick overnight on trip to someplace else and once when I was too young to appreciate it.

Michelle said...

Yes, if you visit Charleston in July, you will definitely change your mind. I've been to a lot of places and even lived in Florida for a year. I have never felt such oppressive heat and humidity as we did when we visited Charleston in the height of summer a few years ago. Insane. Glad you had fun though!

Darlene said...

I would love to visit Charleston and visit a plantation. Love the pics!

I read Every Last One a while back and loved it. I've always enjoyed Quindlen's writing.

Congrats on the weight loss. You are doing so awesome! I think now with Sam a tiny bit more settled I may join in the read-a-thon this time around.

Hope you have a great rest of your week Sandy!