Last week I took advantage of a lull in my schedule and headed up north to visit friends. My first stop was in Raleigh to spend time with Hector, one of my oldest friends (not that he’s ancient, I’ve just known him a long time).

The overcast skies made our outdoor wanderings quite enjoyable, definitely milder than my Florida temperatures. The time passed quickly with good conversations, tasty libations, and fantastic food.

It was a short visit, much to Gracie’s relief (I threw off her nap schedule and she was not amused). My next stop? An intriguing place with a wretched name: The Great Dismal Swamp.