We are in countdown mode. Only 11 days until the kids and I leave for our home leave back to the United States. It honestly seems like yesterday that we got off the plane wide-eyed and with no idea what we were getting ourselves into. And now, almost 5 months later, we are going "home" for almost 8 weeks.
The next 11 days will be swamped with end of the school year activities, packing, making lists, parties and spending time with new friends. (It will be a great time to burn fat with all we have to get done) I am sure before we know it, the kids and I will be sitting in the taxi heading to the airport for our long adventure back to North Carolina.
Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts
Monday, June 01, 2009
Monday, January 05, 2009
Home Sweet Home
We have returned from our almost 2 week visit back in Ohio. It was a great visit, getting to spend time with family and friends before the move in 14 days. My mom drove back with us and will be spending some extra time here for the next week.
I am working to upload some pics from the past few weeks, including Christmas, our trip to Illinois, New Years Eve and from packing day. So be on a look out!
I am working to upload some pics from the past few weeks, including Christmas, our trip to Illinois, New Years Eve and from packing day. So be on a look out!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Roughing It
This coming weekend we have decided to take the kids camping. Now before I go any further, let me just say that Matt and I are much more Hampton Inn/Hilton type of people than camping people. While I enjoy it every once in a while, for short periods of time, I would much rather be cooking in my own kitchen or sleeping in a bed somewhere. I hate waking up feeling like I need to hire one of those Chicago personal injury lawyers.
So why are we going camping? Well because weare nuts are good parents of course. The kids like to camp and have been bugging us so we decided to get out the tents, pack their bikes and tow the boat to Kerr Lake and camp for the weekend. Well maybe just Saturday. We'll see how daring we decide to be.
We used to go camping a couple times a summer with our good friend Paul, and later on with his fiance Jess. And it was fun. Matt went last fall for a day with two neighborhood guys and all the younger boys, but I haven't been in NC. I would rather camp on the beach, but the intercoastal can be pretty expensive to take the boat and at $4.00 a gallon it isn't worth it right now.
So I would love some easy camping recipes/food ideas. We will have a fire pit so I was thinking of foil pockets and taking our pudgy pie maker and doing pizzas and grilled cheese. Of course there is always hot dogs too. Us Jacobs' are not going for the "campers of the year award" that is for sure.
I'm sure it will be fun. Kerr Lake is in both NC and Virginia so it should be pretty cool zipping across state lines in the boat. (Can you tell I am hyping myself up?)
So why are we going camping? Well because we
We used to go camping a couple times a summer with our good friend Paul, and later on with his fiance Jess. And it was fun. Matt went last fall for a day with two neighborhood guys and all the younger boys, but I haven't been in NC. I would rather camp on the beach, but the intercoastal can be pretty expensive to take the boat and at $4.00 a gallon it isn't worth it right now.
So I would love some easy camping recipes/food ideas. We will have a fire pit so I was thinking of foil pockets and taking our pudgy pie maker and doing pizzas and grilled cheese. Of course there is always hot dogs too. Us Jacobs' are not going for the "campers of the year award" that is for sure.
I'm sure it will be fun. Kerr Lake is in both NC and Virginia so it should be pretty cool zipping across state lines in the boat. (Can you tell I am hyping myself up?)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Walking In a Winter Wonderland
Yesterday we were bracing for the "biggest snowfall in 4 years". At first a winter storm warning was issued for 2-4 inches and in some places maybe even 6 inches. Heck even Wilmington real estate was calling for some type of snow. Then it was downgraded to 1-3 inches. In the end all we got was a dusting. But in anticipation everything shut down. Chris's basketball game was canceled yesterday and church, Youth group and Awana's are all canceled for today. I even put flannel sheets on my bed to give us the more winter feel.
The kids were excited in hopes of seeing some real snow. In the end it didn't amount to much, but we still managed to have a mini snowball fight. I told them we still have lots of winter left for snow, but considering it will be 60 this weekend I somehow don't see it happening any time soon.
The snow started falling around 3:30 pm.
The snow was more slush than actual snow. But it looks cool in pictures.
The same railing around 8 pm. Cool, huh?
Our yard this morning when we woke up. The kids had hopes to waking up to a completely covered ground and building a snowman. Yep, not even close.
The kids were excited in hopes of seeing some real snow. In the end it didn't amount to much, but we still managed to have a mini snowball fight. I told them we still have lots of winter left for snow, but considering it will be 60 this weekend I somehow don't see it happening any time soon.
The snow started falling around 3:30 pm.
The snow was more slush than actual snow. But it looks cool in pictures.
The same railing around 8 pm. Cool, huh?
Our yard this morning when we woke up. The kids had hopes to waking up to a completely covered ground and building a snowman. Yep, not even close.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Doing the Rain Dance
It is known that North Carolina tends to be hot, humid and dry. But this year we are suffering what some people say may very well be "the drought of record". Rainfall in the Raleigh/Durham area is 10 to 15 inches below normal for the year. Other than a few drops (literally) here and there we haven't had significant rain since June/Beginning of July.
Water bans and restrictions are being put in place all over. In the beginning of August Fuquay Varina (my town) was placed on a voluntary water ban. As of August 30 we are on a mandatory one. These restrictions include no washing cars or boats and only watering from midnight to 9 am on Wednesday's. Other towns have even harsher restrictions. And the fines for violating are pretty hefty.
I know some of you are thinking so what? Your cars go dirty and your plants die. But honestly that isn't the issue. The ramifications are being felt everywhere. The biggest concern was stated on this morning's news:
Water levels in Falls Lake, the city's primary reservoir, are dropping by a foot every 10 to 12 days. Raleigh and the other municipalities that buy water from the city have enough water to last until about Jan. 20.
So what happens after January 20? Right now officials are not sure. Lucky for me, my town gets water from a different source. But frankly if it doesn't rain soon there will be the same issue everywhere.
Obviously the farmers are suffering. Their crops are crap. Livestock owners are having to go elsewhere to find feed. There has been boating accidents due to dangerous docks and sudden drops in water levels causing boats to hit objects that are normally hidden. The lake that cools the nuclear plant is so low that an impact on cooling is a big concern. Power plants are having to reduce their hydroelectric power output, in some places, as much as 30 - 45 percent.
There is no real rain in the forecast for the next 10 days. A few days have a 30 percent chance of scattered showers, however that is what has been listed for the past 3 months. It's not looking good. And October and November are traditionally dry months in North Carolina, and the La Niña weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean means the region likely will get even less rain this winter than normal. The drought could easily extend into next year.
I don't understand nature sometimes. Texas right now is getting hit by another hurricane. Parts of Texas have been experiencing floods and an overwhelming rainfall amount this year. The Midwest suffered floods a few weeks ago. Same with parts of California. And yet we, and a few other Southern states, are bone dry.
I'm just crossing my fingers and toes that it rains –– alot –– soon.
Water bans and restrictions are being put in place all over. In the beginning of August Fuquay Varina (my town) was placed on a voluntary water ban. As of August 30 we are on a mandatory one. These restrictions include no washing cars or boats and only watering from midnight to 9 am on Wednesday's. Other towns have even harsher restrictions. And the fines for violating are pretty hefty.
I know some of you are thinking so what? Your cars go dirty and your plants die. But honestly that isn't the issue. The ramifications are being felt everywhere. The biggest concern was stated on this morning's news:
Water levels in Falls Lake, the city's primary reservoir, are dropping by a foot every 10 to 12 days. Raleigh and the other municipalities that buy water from the city have enough water to last until about Jan. 20.
So what happens after January 20? Right now officials are not sure. Lucky for me, my town gets water from a different source. But frankly if it doesn't rain soon there will be the same issue everywhere.
Obviously the farmers are suffering. Their crops are crap. Livestock owners are having to go elsewhere to find feed. There has been boating accidents due to dangerous docks and sudden drops in water levels causing boats to hit objects that are normally hidden. The lake that cools the nuclear plant is so low that an impact on cooling is a big concern. Power plants are having to reduce their hydroelectric power output, in some places, as much as 30 - 45 percent.
There is no real rain in the forecast for the next 10 days. A few days have a 30 percent chance of scattered showers, however that is what has been listed for the past 3 months. It's not looking good. And October and November are traditionally dry months in North Carolina, and the La Niña weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean means the region likely will get even less rain this winter than normal. The drought could easily extend into next year.
I don't understand nature sometimes. Texas right now is getting hit by another hurricane. Parts of Texas have been experiencing floods and an overwhelming rainfall amount this year. The Midwest suffered floods a few weeks ago. Same with parts of California. And yet we, and a few other Southern states, are bone dry.
I'm just crossing my fingers and toes that it rains –– alot –– soon.
Friday, August 17, 2007
State Fair Entry
After some thought I have decided to enter the photography contest at the North Carolina State Fair. I have never done anything like this before so we will see how it goes. It's only a $5 entry fee so there is not much at stake.
I am not a professional photographer by any means, nor will I ever be. But over the past year with some tips from my photographer pal Val I think my photography skills have improved. I carry my camera in my purse all the time and drive Matt nuts because he says I take pictures of the silliest things at the silliest times. So we will see how this turns out.
The entry is for North Carolina landscape. Val is getting the picture printed for me in an 8 x 10 (thanks Val!) and then I will mat it and frame it. And in the end I will have a great picture to hang in my "beach theme" room.
So drumroll please... here is the photo I am entering. It was taken at sunset at Oak Island.
The judging is in October and then the photo will be displayed during the fair until October 22. So all my NC friends make sure you look for it.
And on a side note, Chris is also entering a competition –– the lego building competition. The poor boy has been hard at work all week, even though the entry isn't due until October 5. I'm sure that will make some great blogging.
I am not a professional photographer by any means, nor will I ever be. But over the past year with some tips from my photographer pal Val I think my photography skills have improved. I carry my camera in my purse all the time and drive Matt nuts because he says I take pictures of the silliest things at the silliest times. So we will see how this turns out.
The entry is for North Carolina landscape. Val is getting the picture printed for me in an 8 x 10 (thanks Val!) and then I will mat it and frame it. And in the end I will have a great picture to hang in my "beach theme" room.
So drumroll please... here is the photo I am entering. It was taken at sunset at Oak Island.
The judging is in October and then the photo will be displayed during the fair until October 22. So all my NC friends make sure you look for it.
And on a side note, Chris is also entering a competition –– the lego building competition. The poor boy has been hard at work all week, even though the entry isn't due until October 5. I'm sure that will make some great blogging.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Spring is Here
Now this is what I am talking about.
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Saturday, January 27, 2007
Guess We Didn't Get In
I was supposed to have a phone call this morning at the latest if the preschool spot for Sam opened up. ((sigh)) No call. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the lottery of the other preschool... if there are even any spots for a lottery. If we don't get our name called then I pray for a spot to open up at this preschool and grab my sleeping bag to camp out. And if not... I guess Sam and I will get to spend alot of time together next year.
Anyone want to come to NC and open a preschool?
Anyone want to come to NC and open a preschool?
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #2
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Thursday, January 18, 2007
Snow Day
"Wake County Public Schools are closed for students today, Thursday, January 18, due to inclement weather.
Buses will be returning children home as quickly as it is safe to do so."
First, they put the older kids on the bus to decide to send them home right afterwards. Second, where is the snow? Seriously, besides the dusting on the grass the roads are wet. Not icy, not snowing, but wet. People warned us that everything would be closed and canceled when the slightest thing happened, but I guess I didn't believe it. Emily is so confused and asking why they canceled school again. After all she is used to going to school when it's snowing the 8th inch and blowing all over the place. Or when there is ice glazed so much on the trees and bushes that it looks like glass has been poured all over.
Now I can't wait to see if people try to sled. They better hurry. It's going to be 55 tomorrow. Until then, I will enjoy a day home. Will all the kids. Yippie.
Buses will be returning children home as quickly as it is safe to do so."
First, they put the older kids on the bus to decide to send them home right afterwards. Second, where is the snow? Seriously, besides the dusting on the grass the roads are wet. Not icy, not snowing, but wet. People warned us that everything would be closed and canceled when the slightest thing happened, but I guess I didn't believe it. Emily is so confused and asking why they canceled school again. After all she is used to going to school when it's snowing the 8th inch and blowing all over the place. Or when there is ice glazed so much on the trees and bushes that it looks like glass has been poured all over.
Now I can't wait to see if people try to sled. They better hurry. It's going to be 55 tomorrow. Until then, I will enjoy a day home. Will all the kids. Yippie.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Illinois vs North Carolina
Forecast for Fuquay-Varina, NC
Thursday: Warm. High around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Showers, maybe a rumble of thunder. Highs in the low 70s
Special Weather Alert for Decatur, Illinois:
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LINCOLN HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY
AFTERNOON.
RAIN WILL CHANGE TO FREEZING RAIN ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON. ICE
ACCUMULATIONS GREAT THAN ONE QUARTER INCH ARE POSSIBLE BY LATE
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...ESPECIALLY ON ELEVATED SURFACES...AS
ARCTIC AIR CONTINUES TO FILTER SOUTHEAST. THIS PRECIPITATION WILL
MIX WITH SLEET AND SNOW IN THE EVENING...AND CHANGE OVER TO ALL
SNOW OVERNIGHT. HEAVY SNOW IS POSSIBLE OVERNIGHT...INTO MIDDAY
FRIDAY...WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 TO 12 INCHES POSSIBLE.
Okay so it is supposed to get cooler here this weekend. High 50s, but I will take it anyday. Looks like those sleds we gave away may come in handy this weekend. Happy shoveling my Illinois friends. Love ya!
Thursday: Warm. High around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Showers, maybe a rumble of thunder. Highs in the low 70s
Special Weather Alert for Decatur, Illinois:
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LINCOLN HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY
AFTERNOON.
RAIN WILL CHANGE TO FREEZING RAIN ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON. ICE
ACCUMULATIONS GREAT THAN ONE QUARTER INCH ARE POSSIBLE BY LATE
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...ESPECIALLY ON ELEVATED SURFACES...AS
ARCTIC AIR CONTINUES TO FILTER SOUTHEAST. THIS PRECIPITATION WILL
MIX WITH SLEET AND SNOW IN THE EVENING...AND CHANGE OVER TO ALL
SNOW OVERNIGHT. HEAVY SNOW IS POSSIBLE OVERNIGHT...INTO MIDDAY
FRIDAY...WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 TO 12 INCHES POSSIBLE.
Okay so it is supposed to get cooler here this weekend. High 50s, but I will take it anyday. Looks like those sleds we gave away may come in handy this weekend. Happy shoveling my Illinois friends. Love ya!
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