Home Sweet Home

I have been on vacation for the past 6 days. We left on Saturday morning, after only 2 hours of sleep at o dark hundred, 3am, . I told Cheryl we have only had a nap. We drove straight into Ashville, NC where we spent a few hours at the gift shoppe of the Biltmore Castle, then went straight into Charleston, SC. We arrived at 11 pm and stayed in a hotel for the night....


Sunday morning we drove out to Wadmalaw Island, about 25 miles outside of Charleston, for the Rockville Regatta, a 40 year tradition in sail boat racing... It was just a perfect day, perfect weather, we watched the races, walked the island, talked to the locals, and enjoyed a beautiful day. After the races, we drove over to the Charleston Tea Plantation. This is the only Tea grown in America. The first tea plant was brought over to America in the early 1800's and a plantation was started from just a couple of plants. We toured the Plantation. If you ever come to my house you will be drinking Charleston Tea, I buy a case each time I go to Charleston.


We drove back to Charleston and checked into our room. We stayed at the Francis Marion Hotel in Historical downtown. Here's a brief history...it opened in 1924 at a cost of 1.5 million. It is the oldest and grandest hotel in the Carolina's. It got it's name from General Francis Marion "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolution. The FMH has a long tradition of gracious service, and elegant accommodations. We had bellhops, concierge, business and fitness centers, jazz piano music in the lounge as well as a complete day spa at Spa Adagio, maid service, room service, valet parking and we were allowed a special key and tour of the 12Th floor which is a private floor in the hotel,where the most expensive suits are. How special are we!!

Are view was spectacular of the Charleston church steeples, over 200 churches on the peninsula, antebellum mansions, and famous harbor. We were in the heart of the city, surrounded by magnificent gardens, museums, art galleries, antique shops, local boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife that make Charleston unique. Ate Supper at Hyman's Seafood, I had Oyster's!!!


Monday morning we rose early and drove to Kiawah Island, where we spent the day at The Sanctuary Hotel and golf resort. It's located along the pristine shores of Kiawah Island, South Carolina, this exquisitely designed luxurious oceanfront hotel captures the spirit, history and charm of the beautiful south. You walk through the front doors and experienced a seaside mansion, where you will be surrounded by the grandeur of the architecture and hospitality at its finest.

The Sanctuary offers 255 spacious rooms and suites, including the 3000 square foot Presidential Suite. The king rooms are among the largest on the East Coast with the smallest measuring 520 square feet. All rooms are uniquely designed to include such exquisite amenities as a handcrafted desk and armoire, an elegantly appointed sofa and chair, and custom made beds.

We ate lunch at the "Ocean Room" Restaurant and laid on the beach for a few hours, we were treated like royalty. We were given long white, soft beach towels, chairs and umbrella's, ice water every 15 minutes was offered. The Sanctuary is known for it's guest list Oprah, Bill Clinton, J Lo, the Mealers, the Davis, etc...lol


Tuesday we went to the Isle of Palms and laid on the beach all day long. Relaxing, warm sea breezes, and sun. We went back to the Hotel and took a shower, ate at Gilligan's Raw Bar, I ate oyster's!!!! and went to bed.


Wednesday we had spa day. We had a pedicure, manicure, and massage. We were wet noodles when it was all over. Went to the hotel order Pizza and went to bed.

Thursday we rose early, and headed home. On our way out of town we stopped in Monks Corner South Carolina and went to the Mepkin Abby, a monastery near Monks Corner, SC that had previously served as a plantation. The monks have taken a vow of silence. They sell eggs and homemade preserves to the locals. The entrance into the Abby is dressed with an avenue of Angel oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The lawns are manicured, and decorated with beautiful
gardens. It is a quiet, surreal, tranquil place where you can enjoy a small corner in God's country.

We arrived in Asheville and toured the Biltmore estate. A grand, over the top mansion with 250 rooms.... Grand but all I could think about was..."I would hate to keep this house clean."

Cheryl and I drove all night long and arrived home at 5 am. I was greeted with a warm welcome from my husband and my baby dogs, Abby and Buddy. I didn't go to sleep until
6: 30pm Friday night. Gary took the day off and we spent a quiet day alone.
I enjoyed the time Cheryl and I had together talking, walking, laying around on the beach. It was a time to reflect on family, friendship, and memories of long ago. I can't wait to go back, but it is nice to be home.

I went to my first service in our new church last night and it made me feel special to hear everyone say they really missed me, and glad I was back... yea, me too.