"I've Got Some Bad News and Some Worse News!" 11/14 Last chap!

Hope I'm not too late friend!

I love seeing my favorite city through your eyes. My mom was born in Charleston, and I think it's just her in every way. The warmth, the charm, the hospitality, but with that little bit of sassiness too!

Seeing Treyner's pictures makes me miss him too. I got to see your other two, but I need my Treyner fix! Maybe we'll get to see him when we're at Clemson for homecoming in a few weeks?
 
Hope I'm not too late friend!

I love seeing my favorite city through your eyes. My mom was born in Charleston, and I think it's just her in every way. The warmth, the charm, the hospitality, but with that little bit of sassiness too!

Seeing Treyner's pictures makes me miss him too. I got to see your other two, but I need my Treyner fix! Maybe we'll get to see him when we're at Clemson for homecoming in a few weeks?

I will respond to everyone later on but I needed to tell my favorite Shannon that she is never too late to a party or a TR!

Re: Treyner - call him - when is it? Parents weekend for him is the 23rd. He wants to see you and introduce you to Taylor I know so bad!!!!

Love you and will call you tonight. :love:
 
Your bridge made me laugh. I took close to 200 pictures on our trip to Indianapolis, and about 10/20 % of those are of bridges. Which actually leads to the best story of the entire trip and the epitome of my mom's blondeness.

I LOL'd so hard it made my abs hurt at Treyner pointing out the wrong girls. I'm sure they thought Leah was some crazy stalker girl who wanted their number for herself. But I have a few mishaps myself that stemmed from not having my glasses/contacts.

My prayers for both your family and Shannon's. My boyfriend lost his grandfather to cancer a year ago this month, and the gap that is left is still widely felt. It sounds like he and Shannon's mother were the same type of person, and they are so rarely found that the entire world feels their loss. My love to you both.
 

Dawn - apparently you were on your way to TN as I was on my way back down here from KY (we spent the weekend camping with my in-laws for DH's b-day). I'm sorry that it was for such a sad reason but it is great that it worked out so you could make the trip to be there for Shann.

I was thinking of you on my trip up and back and got some pics that you were asking for :rotfl:

On the way up I got the nice pic of the cross and Adult world in the same shot but it was getting dark so it is harder to see:
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Gorgeous weather on my way back home (just threw this in for fun):
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Your favorite road name:
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On my way home I couldn't get the cross/adult world combo shot but you got each individually:
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:rotfl2:
 
WOW...that bridge is amazing!
It is really cool and there are people who run (I hear it is this new fancy way of moving your body that these whipper snappers have come up with that helps you look....well...not like me! :lmao:) from one side to the other plus some and back. I hope to walk it in Oct. It is a huge incline at both ends so I might pass out in the middle and wait to complete until I shed 80 pounds! :thumbsup2 :rotfl2:
Sorry, didn't mean to be confusing. I didn't realize you were gone, and when the trip report wasn't posted on for a few days, it drifted back to page 2. I was just posting to bring it back to the first page.
I am an idiot! Duh! Of course that makes sense now...my head was just too foggy to process I think! Thnaks for the lovely gesture! :lovestruc
I'm so sorry there was such a sad reason for your absence, too.
I appreciate that sentiment. :hug:
John asked for lurkers to come out and declare themselves, and is now busy trying to get them to start threads over on the podcast board (not on the podcast itself).

Ah, ha...makes a lot of sense!!

I've really enjoyed hearing about your adventures in South Cackalacky...
I hear Chris Rock when you type that. LOOOOVE it! :rotfl:
What Dawn failed to mention was everything was fine with her lying there at least until I lied down then a balooga whale jumped out of the surf and onto the beach next to me singing

"We are Fam-il-y...":rolleyes1
Apparently I bear a family resemblence:idea::rotfl2::confused3
The beluga whale is not found in these warm waters honey. It was a manatee. :rolleyes1 ;) :rotfl2:

I could not resist such a nice set up....Love you most! :love:

:rotfl2: at the boys in the bathroom in Epcot last year!! They will get banned from Disney property yet!!! Seriously, they are on a mission. :laughing:
Looks like you had a nice relaxing day (and entertained the construction workers ;)) wrapped up with some delicious looking pizza!! Carysyn's dress is cute and I love all of their self portraits :goodvibes
The dress is also a shirt and a skirt and a whole ton of choices. She does look great in the colors!
Tracy

Looks like you had tons of fun, Leah may not like the pic where she looks totally naked though...
Leah had on a white bikini and as pale as she is, I told her from a distance, she looked neked. She gave me the pics so she knew they would be getting screen time! :3dglasses
Pizza's look great!:thumbsup2

KIM
If I could bottle it and waer it as perfume... I just might! :scared1:
I LOL'd so hard it made my abs hurt at Treyner pointing out the wrong girls. I'm sure they thought Leah was some crazy stalker girl who wanted their number for herself.
We did not realize the mistake until we got home, which made us laugh all the harder. :laughing:

It sounds like he and Shannon's mother were the same type of person, and they are so rarely found that the entire world feels their loss. My love to you both.
Thanks honey and that love gets boomeranged back and I hope his memories give you some smiles.:grouphug:
Dawn - apparently you were on your way to TN as I was on my way back down here from KY (we spent the weekend camping with my in-laws for DH's b-day).

I was thinking of you on my trip up and back and got some pics that you were asking for :rotfl:
UGH! WE MISSED EACH OTHER! Thanks for thinking of me and I will show the kids the pics when they get home!
 
Day 8:

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That morning we got up and had muffins we had gotten from Perkins the night before when Carsyn went in to say goodbye to Jordan. The fact we needed to move a bit fast did not stop a pillow fight! pirate:

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We needed to pack up the van and head out because Carsyn had an appointment to look at Anderson and get in a tour. Leah said she would go with as well since otherwise she had to hang out with the boys. :teacher:

We got to Anderson with about a half hour to spare so we had Treyner drop us off and then he went back to his apartment with Baylor to get some soccer clothes on and go kick the ball around. They never did get to that. Treyner instead, unpacked his room and organized his Paris Hilton clothes collection! princess:

The tour was nice and helpful since I had never really looked at the college for more than 10 minutes when Treyner visited the coach last Christmas and decided yes, he was coming there.

The presentation was not overly formal with the admissions people and it was just us and one girl and her Mom from Indiana. :snooty:

They had some really good quotes that Leah snapped photos of.

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Then we took the actual tour. In this day and age of colleges loosing students, Anderson was expecting almost too many Freshman and as such, was in the process of building 2 new dorms to be ready within 3 weeks for the new class year to begin. The buildings again, are just a beauty to behold. So much character and even the insides were unique.

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The dining room is in this building and looked like a dining room out of the titanic with chandeliers and all!

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The huge, beyond expensive, library recently built.

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A dorm built recently.


Carsyn had expressed some concern about running into her brother too often at college if she choose Anderson. The tour guide asked her what her major was and what Treyner's was, and wouldn't you know it...they were the only two majors that shared the same building! :lmao:

We also were given a lot of info about the president of the college and how much he is respected for bringing positive change to campus and the students adore him. He and his wife, walk the dorms and campus during finals week and hand out home made cookies as a nice gesture. :littleangel:

Since it is a private, Christian college, there is no alcohol permitted on campus and no guys/girls in each others dorms except during a few days a week and they must check in and out, plus leave doors open while there visiting. I went to a private school and I know that the rules are broken but it is nice to know that your roomates boyfriend can't just easily move in and I do not mind that rule so the invasion of the opposite sex can be limited or taken to other areas of campus. :thumbsup2 I think that when you attend a party school, it is really easy to not study and when your dorm is not a place of quiet, it makes it easy to hate the school you are in when you never have any privacy.

For me, I liked to close my door, get my things done and then, open it and go out when I wanted a life outside of books. We have visited many colleges where all the doors are always open and if you want to not live in a revolving hodge podge of parties and couples or hook-ups, the library was your only sanctuary. It will be interesting to see what Carsyn thinks of College of Charleston when we see it in October. :confused3

After the tour, we had Treyner pick us up and went out to eat with Kristi and Marissa at a local favorite spot that Treyner had been to once before as well. popcorn::

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Good ole southern cooking and plenty of it. I had been hungry for chicken fried steak but they had no white gravy that night! The food was great though and then, we found out you could get your drink to go. That you could have them give you a cup, top it off with your beverage of choice and that was kosher!

We had never heard of a to go cup before! I mean if you had leftovers, we knew of doggie bags, but to get a drink to go? That was brilliant!!! The pic is from the to go cup! Leah thought this was the best thing next to sliced bread she had ever witnessed! :worship:

While we were eating, there was an older man that was by himself behind us, who had ordered and was just waiting alone. It killed me. Literally, I cannot stand seeing people eating alone if they look like they once had a companion and now, were solo not by choice. They just look longingly at others and wring their hands and look like they are plain ole sad. :sad1:

Well we finished and he still did not have his food. I walked up to him and asked him if he wanted me to go rustle up some trouble in the kitchen to get his food faster. He chuckled and said he thought maybe they were having to kill and pluck the chicken in the back since it took so long.

Just then, the waitress came with his order and I told him they must have over heard my threats. We laughed, said goodbye and then I went and told Dan we needed to buy his meal. Dan did not complain, I think the tears in my eyes told him I would have to do a secret Kung Fu move on him if he even balked. So I went back to the kitchen, asked the waitress for his slip and we paid and left.

It made me feel better but I was mad I had not asked him to join us. :headache: Here we were all laughing and enjoying our last meal together and he was all alone. maybe he would have said, "no thanks," but if he didn't, I bet we could have brightened his meal and learned a lot about someone who most people do not take the time to notice.

Kristi and Marissa came back to the hotel and we visited a bit. Baylor went with Treyner to his place to spend the night and it was just us and the girls.

The next day would be an early leave and we would be off to The Biltmore! :cheer2:
 
The first few days at school my roommate always had the door propped open. While I don't mind being social, I was just uncomfortable knowing that anyone walking by could see in. Since ECU was the top party school once (in the 80s, not anymore), our school is pretty chill, and my dorm is coed. Which means that sometimes there are random guys wandering around my floor. But despite that, I still am totally in love with it and recommend it to anyone looking at colleges. GO PIRATES, ARRRRRGGGGH!!!!

Has anyone ever told you that you are simply an amazing, wonderful, kindhearted good Christian woman? Because you are. When I have kids, I will read them your TR's as bedtime stories and tell them that you are a real queen that they should want to be like. Just sayin'.
 
I'll bet you made his day even just talking to him a little and paying for his meal, he'll be telling all of his buddies about you.

As a friend of mine says "you just earned a jewel in your crown"
 
Awww that was really sweet of you!
I should have asked him to join us...still bugs me when I think about it. I wavered for like 20 minutes while we were eating and here is a perfect example of always extending an invitation is the way to go. Let the other person make the decision.
When I have kids, I will read them your TR's as bedtime stories and tell them that you are a real queen that they should want to be like. Just sayin'.
Please Lord above, have them set there sights higher. I am no queen. I have made huge mistakes, I swear like a sailor and I am not treating my body like a temple when I overeat.

Tell them to strive to be great, work on being better and always, always, say you are sorry with no excuses. Those are my goals and I have yet to perfect a one of them!;)

As a friend of mine says "you just earned a jewel in your crown"

I hope so, it will help divert attention from all the tarnish! :rotfl2:

Guys...I just did an update on the PTR that I promise will make you chuckle...out loud even!

Plus I just found out Dan will get to come home this weekend! For 24 hours at least...maybe more and then back to Denver again!!! I am so excited. Man I miss him!! :cool1:
 
I should have asked him to join us...still bugs me when I think about it. I wavered for like 20 minutes while we were eating and here is a perfect example of always extending an invitation is the way to go. Let the other person make the decision.

Dawn, I swear you may be the only person I know who would still be thinking about that gentleman and worrying about him (and I mean that in a good way). What a capacity for compassion you have.

I've been crazy busy lately, and fairly quiet on the boards, but I just wanted to pop in to say hey, let you know you've cause me to snort/laugh food at my desk a number of times, and say keep it coming girl!
 
I've been crazy busy lately, and fairly quiet on the boards, but I just wanted to pop in to say hey, let you know you've cause me to snort/laugh food at my desk a number of times, and say keep it coming girl!

I get the crazy busy and I hope you get here more often. I miss seeing you around! :lovestruc
 
Day 9

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This morning we were bidding farewell to Treyner. I was sad. I even cried in the bathroom that morning while showering. Happy he is happy and would never want him to feel obliged to be closer to home but when your whole adult life has been waking up to a face and that face is now not there, it will always be a hole in your heart. I love that kid a ton and even when I want him to be serious and he does not and all he can do is try to get me to laugh and he succeeds at that and that makes me mad all over again, I adore every hair on his head and mole on his skin. He is just an amazing kid.

Treyner and Baylor came over to the hotel and had breakfast with us. Leah was even a bit sad to say goodbye. He and her have known each other since he was 5 and she was 3. Last time he left, she was not in the driveway and so this was her first real, parting of the seas moment and knowing he would not be back until Christmas. We needed to get a move on though because we had a date with a mansion.

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Comparing height but that leads to Baylor being blinded by the sun!

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With a few last minute hugs, we were on the road. Had 2 hours to Ashville and then Carsyn and Leah could see the Biltmore. The kids were free to go and Dan through Disney could get discounts on he and I so all in all it was a cheap visit. We did the same tour we had the last time and rented head sets that told about the place.

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The drive once on Biltmore property is miles long and to know the land was barren and the landscaper who designed Central park, undertook the million of acres here to plant and would never live to see the end result, is awe inspiring.

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Again, every single tree you see was planted. Crazy.

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The sight in pictures is impossible to really grasp. You are an ant standing next to it.

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Leah is just a riot!

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When the tour was over, (sorry no photography allowed inside)
Carsyn and Leah went to walk the gardens. Dan, Baylor and I had seen them and it was hot not in the shade so we went shopping! Got more lemonade mix and some cider mix as well. They did not have my favorite cookbook though or it's counterparts so I need to really get off my duff and call to get them before they are gone! I will get one for Treyner for Christmas as well. Should probably pick one up for each of the kids while I have the chance.

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The once appropriated stables are now gift shops and a cafe/ice cream place.

Some Garden Shots!

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Side view of the house. The detail is exquisite.

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Carsyn doing I have no idea what? But you can see more of the garden behind her. It is acres huge.

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Creepy almost!

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The trucks behind were getting ready to set up a huge concert for that night they hold outside in the summer.

 
Beautiful pictures of the Biltmore - especially your flower shots!!
My friend/college roommate lives near there and works at a hotel nearby. One of these days I'll get down there!
 
Beautiful pictures of the Biltmore - especially your flower shots!!
My friend/college roommate lives near there and works at a hotel nearby. One of these days I'll get down there!

It would make a great trip for you and your family. I bet the girls would love it.
 
The first few days at school my roommate always had the door propped open. While I don't mind being social, I was just uncomfortable knowing that anyone walking by could see in. Since ECU was the top party school once (in the 80s, not anymore), our school is pretty chill, and my dorm is coed. Which means that sometimes there are random guys wandering around my floor. But despite that, I still am totally in love with it and recommend it to anyone looking at colleges. GO PIRATES, ARRRRRGGGGH!!!!

Has anyone ever told you that you are simply an amazing, wonderful, kindhearted good Christian woman? Because you are. When I have kids, I will read them your TR's as bedtime stories and tell them that you are a real queen that they should want to be like. Just sayin'.

My son is a senior this year and is actually thinking of looking at ECU. He has only mentioned 4 schools so far - West Virginia University, University of Delaware, and ECU. Oh and Salisbury University in Md. I am worried that he needs to be a little closer to home since we live in Delaware. Not that its terribly far. I just think he needs to be a bit closer because I'm not concerned he has the maturity he needs to fend for himself. But that's the mom in me talking. I am highjacking Dawn's thread. Sorry Dawn.......

Loved your day 8 update and that was so kind and generous of you to buy that man's dinner. Really - you rock! :thumbsup2

Love Biltmore. Really wanted to stop there on the way home from Tennessee but it was hours out of the way. Haven't been there since I was in my 20's. Gorgeous then and gorgeous now. I got the biggest kick out of the indoor bowling alley.
 
Is it sad they I have lived in NC all my life and never been to Biltmore? I feel like a failure as a North Carolinian.

That fish thing seriously gave me the willies. Going through the pictures was like peaceful, pretty, pretty, GRRRRRRR!!!!

There you go, your installment in Annie-speak. I know you feel complete now ;)

Edit: And apparently I need to NOT read your TR before bed, because I dreamed last night that I was with your family on y'alls farm, and we were picking wild onions from your garden. Yeaaaaaah....
 
Checking in. Finally caught up. Since school started it's been crazy. My volunteering at the school went from 1 day in the library to 4 days doing various things as well as room parent. Which means I'm responsible for getting parents to help out when they need help in the classroom for various special days. Out of 19 kids I have like 8 parents that were willing to help out and out of 8, 3 were willing to come in. The rest is like I'll donate things or bake something.
It's a shame parents can't or won't be involved more with their kids education.

Enough of that.

I think I need to start reading your Tr's when Sarah is not around she now wants to visit all the places you have been. First Key West, now Folly beach and the Bitmore. Jeez you are really killing the vacation funds.:rotfl2:

Rhonda
 
Well after lots of busy craziness in my life and my Dh finally setting up our wifi so I can use the laptop wherever the kids are at home I am finally able to catch up on your latest trip report. As always I love it!!
I would love to travel to see the Biltmore one day, growing up in New England I went and toured the Mansions in Newport RI and it was one of my fav things to do I just loved them!

Anyways didn't want to just be a lurker and can't wait for more.... by the way this was a few months ago and I cant remeber if I told you but I made your chicken salad recipe from your previous TR for my friends babyshower and it was delicious and a big hit with everyone especially mommy to be since it has pickles in it :thumbsup2
 












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