Nerd Alert!

It's taken a few days to let my trip to Charleston sink in, but mostly because my son and I have slipped right back into our normal routine. I've been trying desperately to hang on to my vacation buzz, er... glow, but it's no use. Life just keeps insisting that it should go on and it's been back to the ho-hum of reality.

We missed our babies and we missed our husbands, and it was time to come home, but we were dreading the disasters and ruined nap schedules that awaited us. But, as one of my travel companions reminded everyone, "...and we can't be bitchy about it either."

Somehow I don't seem to mind the tantrums, toddler high-jinx, and messy house as much as before. In spite of the rough start, everything was just peachy when I got back. My son even learned a few more tricks, like opening closed doors and climbing onto the kitchen chairs... (sigh!)

So, about my trip.

First, it should be noted that Charleston is a GORGEOUS city, filled with charm and southern hospitality and rich in history.

Being a bit of a history buff with a particular passion for the Civil War, I was THRILLED with all of the perfectly preserved homes, museums, and monuments, but only privately so.

No one likes a busybody know-it-all, especially when its on a topic that may bore them, right?

Well, two hours and fifteen minutes into our vacation, we found ourselves in a museum meticulously maintained by the Daughters of the Confederacy. It's crazy the amount of stuff these women saved.... letters, banners, silver serving ware, bullets pulled out of loved ones, and the like

When one of my friend's questions about the significance of a certain flag was met by a round shrugs, I could no longer contain myself. Out came pouring dates, facts, and relationships to subsequent events learned many years ago in AP History. (NERD ALERT)

My friends were impressed, but asked, "And why do you know this? No, really. Why?"

I just do. I've never been good at sports. I've never been good at music. Being a busybody know-it-all on boring topics is just my special gift, I guess.
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As I mentioned before, this girls' trip was proposed because my friend was missing her hometown. She was so excited to show off her city and was a splendid tour guide. She did all the driving and knew all the right places to take us. For four days, I lived on a rich diet of creamy soups, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes from some of the finest restaurants.

She also insisted on taking us not only to a bar, but "a party and an institution" as its sign out front boasts...

A place called Wet Willie's, where you can sample (and even mix-and-match) up to twenty-three frozen mixed drinks any time of day, and here they are...

Let's just say it lives up to its reputation... Moving on.
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No trip to the coast is complete without a stroll on the beach and on Saturday afternoon, after a long morning of touring plantations and gardens, that's exactly what we did. Toes in the sand and everything!


And to think... If I had been home, I probably would have been cleaning my bathrooms or scrubbing the fridge. Who wants to read a post about that?

Thanks for hanging out with me while I reminisce a bit! Now, if you'll excuse me. It's song and dance time with my son...

Reunited, and it feels so good / Reunited, 'cause we understood
There's one perfect fit/ And, sugar, this one is it
We both are so excited /'Cause we're reunited
Hey, hey