Fun Times with Friends

Jess and Catherine

Bridget, Stacy, and I say Cheers!

This weekend was another fun-filled one! We spent Friday night babysitting for our friends Dave and Natalie. Keith and I had a blast hanging out with their two girls while they enjoyed an evening out to celebrate their birthdays. Saturday was filled with yard work and cheering on the Wolfpack as they slaughtered the Tarheels!!! Later that evening, we ventured across the street to our neighbors Sara and George's house for a feast and sing-along with lots of 80's metal classics. On Sunday, we attended a performance of the Free Spirits Ensemble (if you live in the Triangle and get the chance to see them, do it!) and then, I enjoyed an early Thanksgiving feast with eight of my favorite ladies!

Another Fun Fall Weekend

Grayson Heckle and me having fun

Showing some Thanksgiving Love...

Cheers with Jess and Pammy Sue


Another busy weekend here in Raleigh. We spent Friday night with our friends Matt and Shannon Aycock enjoying a movie and conversation. Saturday was spent test-driving Ford vehicles in the AM- fundraiser for Millbrook High School PTSA- and then had lunch with friends after they finished their test-drive. That evening, we went out with Rick, Alicia, and Pam for the Rescues/Kate York show at the Pour House and then ventured to Tir Na Nog for a rolicking good time listening to a local Irish duo. Keith and I spent about three hours in the yard finishing up round two of leaf collection before going to the Heckle home for the annual Thanksgiving dinner with friends.

Loving the Fall!

These are views from our neighborhood. The fall colors are gorgeous as you can see!

Sunny and 60-plus degrees in November, love it!

View from our front door.

Got Guinness??? Enjoying a pint after the Black Crowes' show....

We've been having a blast enjoying the gorgeous weather these past few weeks. Last Sunday, I ran in the City of Oaks 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) and had one of my best long runs ever. We've been running outside as much as we can since the scenery is so beautiful, and we want to take advantage of the favorable weather while it lasts.

I worked the polls for the first time ever on Tuesday and was proud to be part of such a historic election! (Did I mention that I was a JUDGE and got to sign off on everything?????)

This weekend, we hosted our friend Pam over for dinner on Friday night and went to a concert event downtown featuring the Black Crowes on Saturday evening. It was an outdoor show, and luckily for the crowd, the temps didn't drop below 50 degrees and the sky was clear and starry.

Avon Walk Charlotte 2008

We had a blast serving lunch and cheering on the nearly 1100 walkers in Charlotte this year. We're already working to plan and improve our theme and costumes for next year! I'm in the middle on the front row, and Keith, well, you can easily see him.... : )

Weekend update

This is a quick update as typed from the dining room table on Sunday morning. (Keith is on one end working, and I'm on the other. Looks like dueling laptops!)

Keith's parents visited us this weekend, and we enjoyed our time together. Saturday included a day at the fair, and we couldn't have asked for better weather or tamer crowds. I got my usual fair food fix of Kettle Corn and a Grilled Chicken Pita. Just couldn't stomach trying this year's new delights- Fried Mac and Cheese and Fried Pecan Pie.

Dinner Dance with the Family

Keith and I ventured to Conover Saturday evening for a silent auction, dinner, and dance to benefit Concordia Lutheran School. (This is the school affiliated with my home church that I went to, my sister went to, my mom went to, you get the picture!) I still have many friends from my childhood days at Concordia, which is nearly unheard of.

We won several items- Queen mattress set for our new guest bedroom, a NCSU fan pack, a bottle of Cabernet, and a new toolbox for Keith,- and all proceeds benefit the school. Good times!

Oktoberfest Fun

Enjoying some good times with Bryan and Todd

We made our yearly outing to the Oktoberfest held at St. Rafael's Catholic Church here in Raleigh. They usually hold the festivities in their fellowship hall, but this year, they moved everything into an outdoor tent. We had a crew of about ten folks join in the fun of German food, music, dancing and plenty of Oktoberfest beer!