Walter bits.

Mr. D and I often call Walt nugget. I don't know how it started. The name just stuck. But I think I just figured out why we picked the nickname. The two brown spots on his side look like chicken nuggets. Yep, we're often motivated by food.

I love that little nugget. 

Wrightsville.

I was so impressed with Wrightsville Beach—not to mention the amazing crab legs—I want to go back every weekend. Who's with me?

A day at the beach.

So fun.

Breakfast.

Since arriving in the south, Mr. D and I have been on the hunt for our new favorite coffee shop. We quickly realized that nothing will replace Mars. (It's seriously the best coffee shop on the planet. Not an exaggeration.) BUT we found a place in Chapel Hill that's not too shabby.

We have a couple more shops we want to check out before we fully commit to one. I'll keep you updated on our journey. It's an important one.

Happy Independence Day.

Mr. D and I spent the holiday in the nation's capital. We had a blast (thanks to two awesome hosts). I hope you had a great 4th, too.

5 things I love about the NC.

5. We have a backyard. I've never had one before. Sure, my parents have always had one, and I've played in theirs. But I've never played in my very own yard. Nevermind that it's covered in poison ivy. We'll fix that.

4. There are trees. Everywhere. Just look at our backyard. And they're not small trees either. They're huge, and they make a big city look scenic.

3. We are approximately 2.5 hours from the beach. I haven't been to the beach yet, but we have a trip planned in a month or so. We hear it's the best beach in the continental United States, but we'll be the judge of that. Oh, and we're only four hours from Washington, D.C. We're headed there this weekend to celebrate the 4th with some good friends. God bless America.

2. Time moves slower. Okay, if I'm being completely honest, this drives me crazy. People show up 30 minutes late for church and 15 minutes late to service your HVAC, and when you take your car to the shop, it takes a week to get it back. But this is teaching me patience (something I'm notorious for lacking). And, really, who cares if you're on time? The folks here are relaxed, and that brings me to my next point.

1. The people here are genuinely nice. I think I've run into one grumpy person in the month I've been here. (And that was at the DMV, so can you really blame him?) I still haven't figured out what makes these people so happy, but I'll let you know when I figure it out. 

Dear photograph.

Right now I'm wishing I lived in a place that wasn't completely foreign to me, so I could submit a photograph to Dear Photograph, a newish photo blog. How awesome is this idea? Be sure to check it out to read the brief messages from the photographers.

5 reasons why blogging from the road is impossible.

5. Finding free WiFi on the road is crazy hard.

4. The highway from Knoxville to Asheville is extremely scary, and I'm still a little shaken up about it. Let's just say there were semis. And tunnels. And semis in tunnels.

3. Our cars were packed to the brim, and the camera was in the back corner of the trunk.

2. Walter kitty does not like car rides. He gets anxious and drooly, and drugging him is difficult and stressful.

1. Driving makes me sleepy and cranky, and I didn't want to put you in a bad mood too.

But good news! We made it. A little worse for the wear, but safe and sound. 

So long Des Moines.

How do you say goodbye to your favorite coffee shop? I suppose you have to order your favorite breakfast sandwich, sit in your usual booth, and blog about it.

I'll miss you Mars Cafe. I'll truly miss you.

Farewell Des Moines.

I don't know how to use a cast-iron skillet. Let's just get that out there.

However, that doesn't stop me from trying. It's just every time I use one our entire apartment fills with smoke. I suspect it has something to do with not using the right oil to "season" the pan. At least that's what Mr. D says.

But I don't care. I like the way the light shines through the smoke. It looks mysterious and magical, like some miracle just occurred outside our window.

Speaking of our windows, I'm going to miss those suckers—even if they are 100 years old and would break if you leaned on them. I think Walter might miss them more though. He loves to sit on the ledge and watch the birds and squirrels on the nearby tree.

I'm a little worried about how he'll transition to life in the south. Just a little. I'm sure he'll get over it.

Goodbye Des Moines.

Mr. D and I took a walk through our neighborhood last week. Saying goodbye to Des Moines is not going to be easy, but saying goodbye to Des Moines in the spring will be especially difficult. It's just so gosh darn beautiful.

Weekend in Minneapolis

Photos from a recent weekend trip to Minneapolis.

Home, Sweet Home

From top to bottom: Bella, the craziest Bichon you'll ever meet; my oldest youngest sister with my mom, also known as The Suz; and another shot of Bella Wella. Just a few of the people/animals Mr. D and I visited with this past weekend. We miss them. Even if they are weird.

Lovely Lambeau

The day before the Super Bowl we took a trip to Lambeau. It was awesome.

And that's the last thing I'll say about my beloved Packers for awhile. Maybe. I can't make any promises. 

Dancers Among Us

Once upon a time, I was a dancer, so when I came across New York photographer Jordan Matter's series Dancers Among Us, I had to share. I don't know if I'm more in awe of the photography or dancing.

Watching the Weather

Iowa was hit by a snowstorm yesterday and early today. I am not a fan. But you know who is? Walter. He loves watching the snowflakes come down. I like to pretend he's remembering his days on the streets (the days before Mr. D and I picked him up at the animal shelter), and he's grateful he has a warm place to lay his head. But he's probably just thinking about when we're going to feed him next. The butthead.

And we're back...

I know I'm a little late, but happy New Year! Mr. D and I were off visiting family for a couple of weeks, and we're just getting back into the swing of things. 

But good news—this year I resolve to update this here blog more regularly. I know, I got off to a rocky start, but I assure you it's smooth sailing from here. 

Walter's Water

The dang cat won't drink water unless it's out of a real glass. Is that typical? Is that a stray thing? What a weird-o.

Jingle Bells ... Jingle Bells ...

Hello, Mr. Walt Kitty

Walter is our cat. He's kind of a big deal.

We adopted him from the local shelter about a year and a half ago, and he has very much rooted himself in the center of our lives. I seriously encourage you to check out your local shelter today. Rescued pets are truly the best.