Happy Halloween! As the cooler weather brings us rosy cheeks, pumpkin carving and cider there will be a lot more family time with the upcoming holidays. Sometimes family can leave people reaching for the eggnog, but the unconditional acceptance makes all the silly things worth it. I took an unexpected trip down to Mooresville, North Carolina which is right on Lake Norman where I have some extended family.
We took a trip to Carrigan Farms. Everyone piled onto a trailer for a hay ride. Each person got to pick a pumpkin and look at the farm animals. It was nice to just participate in the Americana, slow down for a minute and breathe in the country air. My favorite part was sitting down to a large, slow family meal at the Prickly Pear. There is soft guitar playing in the background and killer margaritas. You will never eat Mexican food like this anywhere else; they come up with stunning seasonal dishes that incorporate fresh seafood. And don’t pass up the desserts! After all of this constant movement, we all have to remember to be thankful to those who ground us–and remind us that I used to only read about some of the places that my feet have reached recently. What are some of your fall traditions?
As I headed north, I would roll through the most picturesque mountain views, bursting with fall colors. And the only thing I could think was, why is someone else not driving so I can take a picture!?
P.S. Next week, I will swing back to Odessa and add some finishing thoughts on Ukraine. Stay tuned!
This American Adventuress 
This post makes me long for the Portland fall season. It is one of the downfalls of being in Peru right now, one of very few :). It was cool to hear about your current experience and I look forward to reading more about The Ukraine.
~C.A.
Thanks C.A.! Its the first time I’ve had to really pull out a winter coat in two years. Definitely have to step up the yoga classes to keep the bad attitude in the closet which arrives with gray days and winter weather.