Naples... Florida, not Italy...

So Mom and I decided last minute to head to Naples, Florida (no, not Italy) and relax on the beach for a few days. Why Naples, well because we have been there a lot, it is pretty, not commercial like the Destin, Fl area and you can plan a last minute trip there. We went for walks, played tennis, hung out by the "big" pool and ate. There really is nothing else to do but shop and we did a little bit of that. So, let's go back quickly to Naples, Italy. I have been there and it is a sketchy place! It is very close to a not sketchy town called Sorrento and it is very close to the Isle of Capri which is completely fabulous and fancy (thanks Janet!). But no, we are not the type of people to plan a last minute trip across "the pond". My mom is not about to travel abroad without my daddy and well, we would be hard pressed to attain that!

Naples was fun and relaxing and a well timed outing! Naples is supposedly in the most highly concentrated Republican county in the country. This was only confirmed by the pair of linen loafers I found at one store emblazoned with the republican party elephant. I cannot believe that I did not take a picture of them. Or buy them as a joke for someone... except they were like $30... on sale from $150! I even tried to find a picture online of these to no avail. Besides being very "republican" it is also a very Lilly place. I enjoyed pointing out the Lilly on the beach, at the pool, and when we were out to my mom. I think I have a disease...

We did not spend all of our week in Naples but headed back towards Miami and the airport (we flew into Fort Lauderdale) to see my family that lives in Miami. We had a great time with them on their boat, playing on the sand bar in Key Biscayne, and just spending time with them. It was great to see how well they were doing-- it has only been four months since Natalie died.

Well, getting back was fine, even my plantains made the trip! It is nice to be back but I am still adjusting to this 10-hour work day! I do love my Fridays off though!

Junebug...

I can't believe it is June already. The month of May flew by full of engagements, parties, wedding activities, work, and a lot of fun. The month culminated with the sweet wedding of my good friend Kristi Hindman James (almost like we are related now). Her nuptials were quite the event and proved to be the best wedding I have been a part of yet. It was nice to be a low-key bridal attendant and be able to run as much of the behind the scenes as were possible-- thus only enhancing my desire to be a full-time wedding planner. So, now while the new Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Duffy James are off to St. Lucia, the rest of us are melting here in the 100 degree heat in Columbia.

June, as per its usual, is another month of weddings. Nan and Chris tie the knot this weekend and there is a wedding shower of course for Tom and Kim! Followed by several to come and lots of parties. I am about wedding'ed out but will persevere...I am looking forward to my newest project of painting the guest bathroom and guest bedroom... soon to be Kathryn's bedroom.

Hopefully, June or early July will bring a trip to the beach and maybe a jaunt out to San Fran to visit my best friend from college, Laura. Work should be easy as I have transitioned into working 37.5 hours (the mandated government schedule) in 4 days with Fridays off. Nice for the summer and hopefully leading to some trips to Charleston.

Not too much else is going on... not that that is not a lot. Trying to catch up with people before work gets hectic and our next leadership class starts in late August. Well... I better get moving. Tomorrow will be a short day at work but I am hoping to make some headway on the bathroom.

Sleep tight!
HAJ