*I wish I had a Southern accent.
*Thunder storms in North Carolina are unbelievable. I was mesmerized, but to the locals it was completely normal to have a lightning storm every night. Everything is green and wet there. The South is humid, and when I came back to the West I felt like a fish out of water!
*Grits are not my favorite food, but everyone says that they grow on you.
*Frog legs literally taste like chicken (Yes, I tried frog legs. I saw it so many times on Duck Dynasty that I had to take a bite!)
* Every Avery will have some sort of storage unit holding stuff that are dear to them (I already have two vehicles and things in my Gramps and Granny's basement...I am off to an early start).
*Meals are very important in the South.
*Hush puppies are delicious!
*Homemade ice cream is the best kind ice cream.
*The Pasquatank River is one of those "heart stopping views." Maybe I am a little bias because of family memories, but it sure stopped my heart.
*Blue crabs are pretty yummy fresh off the river, but it's a little different when I am talking to one of them one second and eating it 30 minutes later.
*Boogie boarding in the Atlantic Ocean must happen again. The water is soooo warm.
*Climbing the tallest light house in the nation was definitely a site to see at the top. After 257 stairs up, the view was beautiful.
*The Wright Brother's National Park was way interesting to see. I was able to see where the first flight was successful.
*Kayaking in the swamp was really relaxing. I don't know if the cotton mouthed snake was too happy we were near his home, but he swam away real quick...thank you Jesus for that!
*Sayings I picked up from the South are "youngins, fussin, favors, and you all"
*And my favorite, sweet tea can be ordered everywhere...including the Wendy's. What a life :)
Here is a small something I wrote that may give a little bit more of an understanding of what the South is like. I hope that you can feel a little bit of what I felt on this day.
August 3, 2013
In the South, at least in North Carolina ("Carolinar"), everything moves slow. As I sit in the white rocking chair on the porch, I watch as the thunder clouds roll in and they even seem to take their time. Oh, and the thunder is rolling. The sun peaks into the world every so often and then lets the clouds be.
I sit here in this white rocking chair (as almost everyone has one on their porch) to write. It's the only way I know how to capture the moment. Maybe that's why everyone here has the white rocking chairs, because they see life moving here. Gramps told me it is because back in the day, no one had air conditioning so everyone sat on their porch for cool air, but maybe there is another look onto that. And maybe they are white to check for the bugs on the chair. I know I checked for them, especially ticks...the white must be easier for them to see! At least that's my idea :)
"Now" is so much different compared to "then." I've heard so much about everything; blanchin', shellin', pickin' corn, sortin' berries, adding salt when cannin' and not owning a microwave. Aunt Mary mentioned that in 1985 one was given to her for Christmas, "big ol' thang" she said it was. Time sure passes quickly. As for now, I will sit back, and watch the storm sweep through on this white rocking chair, so that it as well, does not quickly pass me by.
