Long weekend trip home

We had the McCraw reunion on Sunday and we spent the weekend at Mom's.

On Saturday, we visited our friends that have the big boat washed up on the road in the Abacos.  They have a summer home in Lake Toxaway, just a short drive from Mom's house.

Here is Will and Rita - such nice folks!

Their lovely summer home tucked away on the shore of Lake Toxaway.  Even though it's about 40 minutes from my childhood home, I can't recall ever going there.....

Their view of the lake.  We sat out on their patio, had a wonderful lunch and caught up on the "news" from Scotland Cay.  Rita is flying out Monday to see the damage firsthand.  They do have some photos from a caretaker "on island", so they know that their house is damaged but probably repairable.  Good news, we're keeping our fingers crossed for them!

Like in the Abacos, Rita does some lovely gardening!!  Of course, some of our veggies at lunch were from the garden and fantastic.

They kindly invited us to go for a ride around the lake in their power boat.

The lake is lovely - and a mix of 60's style ranches right next to "Mc-Mansions".  Everything is neat and tidy.

Was a great afternoon with them, and we hope to hear from Rita about the Abacos in the next week or so.

After Lake Toxaway, we went to Duane's folks for visiting and a nice dinner.  They feed some "stray cats" that are pretty close to pets.....and they also feed a family that's not quite feline....

And on Sunday, we attended the McCraw reunion. 

The obligatory family photo.   Amazing we corralled everyone!

 A pretty good turnout!

And great food in abundance, of course!

Back to Mom's house....she really has it looking nice!

 Flowers all around!

The new pool deck obviously saw lots of use this summer.

Pretty, almost fall view from the house.

Mom asked Duane to prune the apple tree sprout....it's left over from the old apple tree stump that fell a year or more ago.  She's just pleased that there will soon be a new apple tree in the same spot!

And lastly, I went home loaded down with goodies from Keith and Denise's.....the Candy Roaster pumpkin will be baked and then frozen.  Jams, pickled okra, pickled beets....yum!

And what looks like the last of their sweet corn. 

And wonderful tomatoes!!  A great trip, lot's to do in one weekend!