After all the Aiken birthday festivities, we rolled up to Winston-Salem so Daddy could celebrate his birthday with everyone. We had a good time visiting with Mima & Pipa, Ann, Jack and Shawn, David & Carolyn and Betsy & Gracie Jean.

What fun would a trip to Aiken be without a visit with my second family:

Here are all the ladies:

For the past few years, I have been cloistered in DC office buildings for most of the month of September working on closings for my work. This year was much different. We didn’t have any closings for one, and for two, I was in SC with my family.

Thursday, my Dad’s birthday, we went up to Columbia to the Zoo and then to lunch at California Dreaming. The weather was perfect and overcast. The photos show the new lion cubs that were born in June at the zoo!

We also were able to feed the giraffe who had wandered over from the back side of his paddock. The long neck and funny spots were so cool to see up close. I wish I had eyelashes like this guy (but not the black tongue). We fed the giraffe about a head or two of lettuce; Daddy shared his with a bunch of elementary school children who were on adventure at the zoo.

After lots of walking and a good lunch, we did a little shoe shopping and then headed back to Aiken for birthday with the Supper Club at Davor’s in Aiken.

The party poppers and flaming candles shocked the entire restaurant (but luckily they were not too crowded to care).

Leah and I had a chance to catch up briefly on Monday afternoon.

Peyton had a smile for everyone. Cailin was hiding her good looks from the paparatizi.

Kenny and Nancy came up to visit Kerry and I this past weekend in Annapolis. The weather was brutally hot to be walking around town. Luckily we had a great lunch at Ram’s Head with lots of iced tea to cool off.

For the past 3.8 years, there have been a wide succession of Happy Hour’s with BBPC. Here are the photos from Ram’s Head to celebrate Matt R., Chris G. and me making the next step! It has been a really exciting and challenging four years that have been highlighted by the great team of people I have been able to learn from and work with.

You probably didn’t know that Fuddruckers caters to an elite market segment…one that can consume a one pound burger. One of my esteemed colleges at BBPC, figured this unusual dynamic out and has subsequently challenged each person leaving the company to try and eat the one pound burger.

Friday, I made the attempt. It was a bright sunny day as we entered the dimly lit Fuddruckers to seal my gastronomic fate. Attempting to train, I had not consumed anything other than a light lunch the day prior of salad.

Chris G. was also attempting to push fate as he had already beaten challenge of the one pounder a few months prior. Within 10 minutes, I was staring down the burger about the diameter of your dinner plates at home.

Chris G. easily polished off the feat within 10 minutes of receiving his burger. Then he started in on the onion rings (how??). My progress was much slower. While I didn’t get to finish the burger, I think I have eaten my first and only 3/4 pounder burger. Ah the meat!

Friday I drove down to Kyle’s house for a weekend of shopping and fun. Traffic was kind so I rolled into town around 7:30pm and we hung out with Kyle cooking dinner. Saturday, we both woke up bright and early and headed out to shop for everything on my list. Twelve hours, two malls, and four strip malls later, I had a pretty good dent in all the things I needed. Only one item needed to be returned (hurrah!).

Sunday, we tried rollerblading on the sculpture trail around the NC Museum of Art. Kyle quickly traded the rollerblades for running shoes. This proved to be a smart move as the trail was very cool (passing lots of sculpture) but vertical through the woods most of the way. It was very challenging for me who was still on skates; the trail is really cool though and worth a visit.

After that, we headed straight for Target and Wal-Mart to finish off the shopping list and then had a yummy lunch at Baba Grill; they had excellent Iranian version of “Mediterranean” food. Sumac was on the table just in case you needed a little extra seasoning.

Sated, Kyle and I rolled home to shower and relax before her friends came over that evening. I got to meet the infamous Gabby, Ying and Donna. They are all awesome women who are very inspiring with their tales of life.

Laughing at Sarah T’s thoughts on my departure to England

“Considering the financial markets and the weather lately, you’re lucky to go before the US sinks into a lake of fire and the Antichrist makes an appearance.”

Lauren R, Sara, Chris, Kerry and I all headed up to Sly Fox last night where we were joined by a surprise guest, Christine!!! It was beautiful weather and the threat of rain chased all the other would be Sly Foxers to other bars.

The air was almost too cold with the breeze….can anyone say Fall (and where are those gas fired space heaters when you need them?)

Yesterday all of the girls at work got together to hang out with our friend Teresa. It was a beautiful afternoon, not too hot, in front of the fountain at Park Place. We tried Carapccio, which had a great atmosphere and interesting food. I finally found out what “rapini” is.

It has been a fun ten weeks getting to be a resident of Charleston. Nothing like an all expenses paid three month trip to the Holy City.

For my last trip, it was pretty low key. Hannah chased away all my visitors so I hung out, did yoga at Blue Turtle with Kelley and tried the Fleet Landing restaurant recommended by some relocated Charlestonians from Seattle who I met a few trips ago at the community table at Hanks.

Here are some snaps

Annie & Fanny a la plage

Originally uploaded by snoosh.