I don't know if you could tell, but I've been in need of a little "life hug" recently. Lucky for me, that embrace came courtesy of Sweet C and her wonderful family. Sweet C--who is practically perfect in every way (except that she and Brother S don't get along... but you don't want to get me started on that ;-)--kidnapped me for a weekend in her delightful hometown of Southern Pines NC. Not to parse words, but... it's gorgeous! The town often plays host to the US Open, and it's smack-dab in the middle of NC horse country. Which means you're surrounded on every side by majestic pines, rolling green hills, and the most exquisite ponies you will ever see. And if that's not enough to get me down south, then the promise of fantastic company, Scrabble and Settlers, not mention RIDICULOUS food always is.

Thank you my dear friend, let's do this again soon!