Updates on Sara's life

I'm sitting here trying to absorb some heat from the sun. It's been a cold start to the fall, but this week it's supposed to warm up some. It's been a nice 2 weeks. Dad has been visiting. Two weekends ago we headed to Hanging Rock State Park to go camping. However, they were booked for the weekend (in October, really?) so we went to Pilot Mountain State Park instead. We set up camp and relaxed on Thursday evening. On Friday dad, the dogs and I hiked up the mountain from the campground and then back down. It was about 4 miles total. Needless to say I was pretty sore the next day. Ryan joined us that evening. On Saturday we did some smaller hikes around Pilot Mountain with the dogs. I love a tired dog. On Sunday the weather turned colder. Dad, Ryan and I hiked the trail that went on the bottom of all of the rock climbing cliffs. Dad was scouting out the area so he could climb. We watched some climbers, which was fun. I don't think I actually want to climb again, but I like watching. Ryan, Leia and I headed back home that afternoon, dad stayed an extra day. When he got back in town we went to REI for the first time and I got a new day pack, so now I want to camp camp camp. Too bad its cold cold cold and I'm a wuss. He also made us some WONDERFUL Tuscan soup that was just like my favorite soup from Olive Garden. We think he just drove to Olive Garden, bought the soup, threw it in a pot, and claimed that he made it. Dad headed to the coast for a few days and is now back at our house. Dad and I had a nice lunch today and then went to Seagrove to look at some local pottery. I love when family comes and visits. It's also strange in a way, being an adult and having your parents come to your home. In a way it seems backwards. But I like it.

We have a busy fall filled with bonfires, gatherings with friends, meetings, etc. I complain about the cold, but I do enjoy snuggling in front of our fireplace, the smell of leaves, drinking hot cider, fall decorations, and eating yummy feasts.