second day

I'm following the development of this tree, but have been too busy moving and settling and finding what we need to take any more pictures!

budding beauty

I don't know what this is, but was thrilled to see these colorful buds bursting out at the top of this tree in our front yard!  Can't wait to see how it develops....

happy...

These flowers look so happy, and they made me feel happy!  They were a housewarming gift from a dear friend, on our first day in our new house.  Lots of hectic activity happening at the same time, and these flowers were a pretty and cheerful spot of calm. 

first

This rocking chair was the first piece of furniture to enter our new house.  It was purchased when I was pregnant with Danny, our first son, and has been in keeping at my Mom's house for most of the past 21 years.  We've used it a few times while on home assignment in the States, and I'm happy to have it with us now in a home where we hope to stay for a while!

first flower...

today, after hours of cleaning inside the house, i loved finding this flower on the OUTSIDE!

evening clouds

though I'm loving all the sunny days with blue skies, i also enjoy the contrasting sight of clouds and bare branches.

signs of spring

evening walk

loving the sights walking around the area and enjoying the warm evenings!

at the lake

Enjoyed hiking around this little lake!  I couldn't figure out what the pole with the squirrel guard was for... but found out it had once held a wood-duck house, and the metal guard was to keep the snakes and racoons out!

horse

After more than 20 years away from horses, it was a treat to visit an area barn and see, hear and touch them once again!

morning choir

Loving the sounds of these little guys as they sing to greet the morning sun!

squirrel

I'm appreciating the sight of these little animals.  I know they are commonplace in the States, but after all the years in Africa where the lizard was the squirrel-equivalent, I'm enjoying their antics!

appetizing

An amazing lady at my new Bible study prepared these appetizers:  beautiful as well as delicious!

pine cone

i am loving the details of these pine cones... they are all around... but i'm not over the stage of thinking it's cool and amazing to see them!

sunset pier

Enjoyed a walk to the pier at sunset time, though we were not as smart as another couple who brought a pizza for a picnic!

sightseeing in the new city

We did a little driving around to begin to get to know our new city.  I'm looking forward to getting to know it better.  Lots of cool buildings, shapes, statues and reflections.  It was funny to see a group of a few people (in the lower right) carrying signs saying "free hugs"-- wonder who they were!  If it had been warmer we may have gotten out of the car and walked around more, and found out what was up... but the wind was pretty crisp and I wasn't ready to get cold again!

shopping for furniture

may not the most exciting picture, but this is how we've been spending  a lot of our free time lately!

cloudy day

loving the way these clouds look, doesn't make real sense to say sunny cloudy day... but it was... maybe the fact that it wasn't GRAY and cloudy is what made me so happy!

blue berries

found these tiny little blue berries in the backyard.

more home basics

they don't look too pretty but they taste great!

baby leaves

loved these tiny leaves against the wood!

bare branch

loving the background, and the hope ahead for this branch!

sunshiny swim

fun to see these swimmers as we admired different views of Lake Wylie!

pine branches against blue skies

life in the carolinas!

tired out

tired after sharing so much light and energy in our basement living space!

wintery lake sunset

winter buds

basement sunshine: another look!

different day, different view, different camera...  i'm enjoying these flowers!