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?