Southern Hospitality

"Southern hospitality is a phrase used in American English to describe the stereotype of residents of the Southern United States as particularly warm, sweet, and welcoming to visitors to their homes, or to the South in general.  Food figures highly in Southern hospitality, a large component of the idea being the provision of Southern cuisine to visitors. A cake or other delicacy is often brought to the door of a new neighbor as a mechanism of introduction"(Wikipedia's definition)

My definition....Just good ole kindness shown to people no matter where they live.  The past two weeks, we have been reminded that we live in this land of Southern hospitality, which can sometimes seem fake to those that do not live in "the south".  But let me tell you there hasn't been one bit of fake in all of the goodies that have been dropped off by many of our new neighbors as they welcome us to the new hood.  I don't even think there has been one single teaspoon of splenda used....

Guests...

Uncle Mike getting us set for fishing

I have always felt like a kid when we have company coming to visit.  So as soon as we were unpacked, we put the word out that we were ready for guests and a room was "booked" within a few days by my brother and his friend that would make the almost 8 hour drive down from North Carolina.  While we lived in Germany, we were lucky to have many of our family and friends visit us, but it wasn't often enough for me.



As a kid I loved going up to visit my grandparent.  As we were on the last mile of our drive to 'Ma & Pa's' house my dad would have me begin counting down as we winded around the two lane road just to add to the anticipation before our arrival.  Not only did my mouth begin to drool as I thought of all of my grandmother's home cooked favorites that would be consumed,  but I also knew that as we pulled into the gravel driveway that had a welcoming crunch under our tires, my grandfather (most times) would be sitting on one of the porches awaiting our arrival.  Their hospitality always made me feel warm and bubbly and I hope I carry on the tradition as I find myself sitting (not so patiently) on the front porch counting down the minutes until they arrive.

giving fishing lessons in the back yard

dinner?

Pictures hung

Movers came and came and came.  Over a course of 2 weeks and 3 days of unloading our furniture arrived via boat, plane and many customs inspections.  And yes, much to my friends amazement all the pictures are hung and boxes are all unpacked.  Ok...so it is a little 'type A' personality.  But after living in hotels and suitcases for 6 weeks, I like to create a "home" as fast as possible no matter what country or state we are living and thankfully, I have a husband that also likes to get settled.  Well, maybe he doesn't like all of the hanging of pictures...then the un-hanging because a better spot was found.  So maybe after this whirlwind of unpacking there seems to be a lot of exhaustion and sleeping that happens.  Thank goodness we had so many great friends that helped us with hands and great delivered meals!!!

we are moving that picture again??

All done!

Golfer's dream

 I don't know Golf....but from his excitement as was showing me the pictures, I would say Jason was able to experience a golfer's dream. After meetings in Germany, He hopped over to St. Andrews and Carnoustie for some much needed r & r...which would be 'swing & miss' for me.

Oregon

If only this guy's dentures could talk...he would tell you that I felt just like him after all of our travel from Germany to Alabama and then to Oregon... not to mention my little girl holding on tight to sickness the whole time we were at the grandparents.  But, unlike this talking Joe, with a little time and relaxation thanks to Grandma and Pops, I have found my skin again. 

Porter also wanted Karina to get well

Guess who is having the most fun?

not only did we make 2 trips to the doctor, but I also knew I was back in America driving the gran's big ole Ford. 

We didn't get to ride, but at least we had a afternoon laughing together and visiting all of the new fouls

checking out the Fouls at Black Butte 

Grandma is the best teacher..even when Porter is fiesty!