I don't know what you think about people saying we are in a recession, out of a recession, rebounding...etc. But, from my pocketbook, I can tell you, I have been in a depression, and I remain in one.  It's loads of fun! Regardless of the fact that I can't shop at my favorite stores right now, I have somewhat enjoyed the personal task I have set aside for myself: where to find the cheapest and most satisfying bottle of red wine.  After all, lets be honest, nothing helps this depression more than a bottle or two of wine.

Trader Joe's has a great selection of wine, but more importantly to me, they have the best price on the wine I already love:

Big House Red - learn more about the vineyard and check out their comical and brilliant marketing here.

• Harris Teeter - $9.99- $11.99 (ignoring the fact that before Trader Joe's came to Wilmington it was $6.99...Oh Harlene! How could you let that happen?)
• Whole Foods - $9.99
• Food Lion - $9.29 (although last week it was priced in the isle as $6.49, and when the scanner brought up $9.29, the kind cashier gave me the $6.49 price...but, I don't think it will work again)
• Trader Joe's - $6.99 
• Total Wine - $5.49 (I live in Wilmington, NC, and we don't have this great store, but word on the street is that they have the best Big House Red)

Please note that at Harris Teeter you can get Big House Red in a boxed version (3L, I believe), but I think you can almost taste the plastic it is stored in.  Yet, again that could be because even though it's a depression, I still am a bit snobby about boxed wine.  I think it's $19.99.

I love this wine for many reasons.  One - it's a twist top (you can drink it anywhere!), and if you accidentally drink 2 bottles in one evening, you should be okay, because it's a light in addition to being tasty (not that I have ever done that before).  The main reason is the price and the taste - but, buy it at Trader Joe's.  I think it's worth $10, but why would I pay that when I don't have too!  And, if you want to know the best way to get around the traffic at Trader Joe's, just ask me - I know how to do it in less than 10 minutes.  No lie.  All you will have to give me is a bottle of Big House Red.

Cheers!

Margaret

Shelling at Longboat Key, Florida

I had the pleasure of visiting Longboat Key, Florida recently for a Bachelorette Party.  Fortunately for me, and the rest of the girls attending, these are the only photographs of the weekend I care to share.  I must say, what a pleasure it was shelling these beaches.  Albeit cold, it was extremely fruitful.  Longboat is easy to get to, either fly into Sarasota, FL or Tampa, FL (easy hour drive), and you will arrive.  

Longboat Key, FL

Cat Paws

Cat Paws

Fruition!

Florida Fighting Conchs (how cool is that name?)

Atlantic Bay Scallop (very tiny - my hands aren't THAT big)

 Dark Cerith - These are auger-shaped, much like the Eastern Auger's often found on North Carolina beaches.  They are heavier looking with beaded spiral lines and usually brown, gray, or white with brown beads.  They are also referred to as a Florida cerith or Florida horn shell, which isn't surprising since I found so many.

Dark Cerith's - they were everywhere and a nice change from the NC Auger!

Coral

 Calico Clams:  This picture may not show the smooth shiny surface that this clam shell has.  Shells are always more lovely on the beaches where they are found.  But, I love the design this shell creates - it's almost Aztec looking.  It is also called a checkerboard clam or spotted venus.

Calico Clams

Ravenel Scallop - This was one of my favorite finds because of the color and because of it's flat shape.  And, the fact that I have never found one.  Like all scallops, it is a bivalve, but one valve (lower) is cupped and the other valve (upper) is flat.  It's also smooth and found from North Carolina to the West Indies.

Ravenel Scaloop

 Florida Wormsnail - When I would find these in North Carolina, my first thoughts were shells at the beginning of a whelk creations.  I was wrong.  The whorls loose and coil without apparent direction and may become entangled with others.  This species is a filter feeder.

Florida Wormsnail

Rough Scallop - These scallops are different than the Atlantic Calico and Atlantic Bay because of the noticeably thinner body and more defined ribs.  I also like how the bow ties are more prominently defined and not as symmetrical.  The colors too seem to be the same throughout the shell, which for me is a fun change.

Rough Scallop

Rough Scallop

Spiny Papercockle (I think)

Painted Eggcockle

Florida Fighting Conch - Usually 4 1/2" each, most of the ones I found were around 3".  It's heavier shell with a brown exterior, although some have a design like the Calico Clam.  The meat is apparently very tasty - I didn't have any.  Hopefully, next trip!

Florida Fighting Conchs

Florida Fighting Conchs (babies)

Murex of some sort - I am not able to tell.

 Chestnut Turban - Also known as a knobby turban - rough on the outside and a joy to find, much like the above Murex.

Chestnut Turban

Gorgeous Scallop

Turkey Wing

Turkey Wing - inside

Goodbye Longboat Key, FL

I will have to explore much more of Florida's beaches for shells.  It was too much fun!

Cheers,
Margaret

Will you accept this daffodil?

I look just like Emily Maynard.  Especially with those big nostrils.

I wish I could have gathered more Daffodils.

Cheers!
Margaret

The World that is Sand...

My shadow on shells and sand on Wrightsville Beach.

A friend of mine sent me a link today that I found very interesting.  Filmed at a TED convention, Gary Greenberg discusses the nano aspects of the world we see. Specifically, he goes into great detail of the world of sand, it's composition depending on it's environment, and shows the nano components in pictures.  For those who aren't familiar with TED, check out their website.  It is full of incredible inspirational videos by well known successful business giants full of ideas check TED out here.

I find Mr. Greenberg's discussion of sand formed by shells and decayed sea life most interesting.  He reveals pictures of the sand grain more closely, and you can see actual shells or pieces of shells. He refers to walking on the beach as "walking along biological and geological history; a record of the areas entire ecology."  Pretty cool stuff!  And, although technically what he says is completely understandable what he says is completely over my head, I can appreciate the beauty of sand and how flipping cool it is.  Not that I mind being sandy, I love love it, but now I have a new appreciation of it.  And, I hope you do too.  Check out the video (it's only 12 minutes - skip to the shell part if you don't have time to watch it all - it is a little like going back to school):

Shells and sand on Wrightsville Beach.

Shells more decomposed on Wrightsville Beach.

The beautiful nano details of our world - sometimes it's cool to think about what you enjoy in such detail.

Cheers!
Margaret

You're gonna like the way your voice sounds after that next cigarette

I guarantee it.

Cheers!
Margaret

When a run turns into fruition!

After running races for a few years, I was totally burnt out. Until recently. I am feeling the sport again. And, although I am a self proclaimed weather geek (but, LOATHE Jim Cantore), I didn't realize how beautiful it is today in Southeastern North Carolina. So, I put on my running gear, uploaded some new songs, and headed out to run the loop. When I realized how warm it was, and that it was low tide, I decided to do it on the beach. I am so glad I did. The shells were great today! For those of you on Wrightsville Beach, they are up near the tide line on the north end, so combing the beach all day is possible! Here are some of the gems I found!

Auger with attached Coral and a Brown-banded Wentletrap.

Wittle tiny baby whelk.

Keyhole Limpet (Chinaman's Hat).

Wrightsville Beach in February!

Common Eastern Starfish.

Can you spot the two Keyhole Limpets (Chinaman's Hats)?

Another wittle tiny baby Whelk (technical term).

Sea Urchin no spikes, Sea Urchin spikes to right with seaweed intertwined.

Happy Hunting and Gathering!

Cheers Y'all!
Margaret

Wrightsville Beach on Dwellable

Kim Kardashian vs. Duchess of Cambridge. What?!

As I am sitting in my kitchen nook eating a lovely breakfast and sipping a good cup of tea, I overhear from the Today Show, that more women relate more to Kim Kardashian's wardrobe rather Princess Kate's wardrobe. That Kim's style resonates more with women than the Duchess's style. How is that even possible? I would like to see the people who helped create these results, or better, what they were wearing. But, the fact that the Today show actually spoke about this survey, or whatever it was, proves that the United States of America has perhaps gone downhill when it comes to fashion, or more they way we present ourselves. Look at the English Icon (Duchess of Cambridge): beautiful, poised, elegant, and classy. Verses the USA Icon (Kim Kardashian): Tight clothes, cleavage, obvious makeup, short short short dresses. Even when Pippa Middleton's derriere was being discussed, it looked elegant and classy.

Should we be embarrassed or should we stand up and shout: "Hell to the yeah, we are American's and we do it like we like to do it....now, I'm going to Walmart." I'm not trying to be unpatriotic at all. It's a valid comparison that is being made in many places. Take a look at the premiere of Downton Abbey. Shirley Maclaine vs. Maggie Smith. Didn't most of you root for Maggie Smith. Yes, she is judgmental and rude, but she is also entirely likable. Shirley Maclaine is more eclectic, non-traditional, aggressive and slightly flighty. Aren't all Americans?

But, then again when Robert and Cora were discussing their financial troubles, didn't we American's cheer when Cora responded: "I'm American, have gun with travel." I guess when Countess Crawley says something like that in her braid and gorgeous nightgown, we don't think of it as tacky. I'm not one to talk. I am neither Kim Kardashian nor the Duchess of Cambridge. Nor do I want to be. I admire Kim for showing off her curves rather than trying to cover them up. I admire almost everything about the style of Princess Catherine: her poise, her style, her ability to make being a Royal look easy. I could never do that. After all, I am a loud, obnoxious American - louder and more obnoxious than most. But, I'd like to think my style is more toned down than that. Maybe Kim Kardashian's style resonates more because of her curves; we all can relate to curves. And, Kate Middleton doesn't have many, although she will have a bump soon. And, I can see that's it's difficult to imagine wearing hats to weddings among other things. But, the Duchess's style resonates more with me. Maybe because I don't have her poise that I admire, or maybe I just want to wear Temperley to a party or to every party I can. Cheers! Margaret