Simple pleasures: A late fall road trip with my best friend

My father always said, "there are no friends like old friends." He didn't mean old as in ancient. But as in friends that have known you for a long time. And he was right.

 
 

My friend Connie and I met when we were 18, in college in North Carolina and became best friends right away. We have been through happy times, moves, transitions, sad times, children, divorces, marriages and everything in between. We know each other's deepest secrets (like the time the state police gave us a ride back to our college dorm when we missed our ride in Raleigh), dreams and wishes.

 
 

It seems like we have known each other forever. And that is why, when we get together, we pick up right where we left off. And it's always fun.

When I visited a couple of weeks ago to take a late fall road trip in North Carolina, we were looking for the changing of the leaves, some great shopping, visiting our old college and seeing some sights. And we did all of that. But the best part was enjoying the comfort and good times that can only come from a longtime friend. 

 
Fall in one of my favorite downtowns, Apex, North Carolina.

Fall in one of my favorite downtowns, Apex, North Carolina.

 
 
Take a book. Return a book at the free library. One of my favorite ideas ever.

Take a book. Return a book at the free library. One of my favorite ideas ever.

 
 
Money magazine says its #9 in the U.S.

Money magazine says its #9 in the U.S.

 
 
Shopping for vintage decor.

Shopping for vintage decor.

 
 

I can make this!

 

Hopefully the airline will not weigh my bags!

So, as we head into Thanksgiving next week, I am most thankful for the friends who have been placed in my life and have made me part of their extended families.  And for all of the years we have shared. And priceless memories. Some of which will never be revealed!

 
Forever friends, Wrenda and Connie. 

Forever friends, Wrenda and Connie. 

 

Changing seasons and thinking of North Carolina

Photo of a Louisburg College SignThis is the time of year in southwest Florida when we eagerly await any sign whatsoever of a change in seasons.  Although temperatures are dropping and leaves are turning in other parts of the country, we are still basking in the summer sun.  Instead of picking up beautiful leaves for arrangements, we are happily picking up shells on the beach.  But long for a peek at fall.

This is when I always think of North Carolina.  My first two years of college were spent at Louisburg College near Raleigh.  Fall was beautiful with cool breezes, football games, homecoming, friends and the excitement of the beginning of another college year.  I remember walking to classes and just taking in “fall.”  I felt such a sense of place those fall seasons in North

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