Wildlife

Even though I live within a few miles of Wal-Mart and all the fast food options you can imagine, I am also living within a very rural setting. Every day I encounter some sort of wildlife. For instance, here is a regular visitor to our back deck:

This week I encountered these sweet guys while on my way to my cousin Sharon's house:

On another day I met up with these guys:

Hard to tell, but this is a pair of wild turkeys just standing in someone's yard. I decided to slowly creep up on them and try to get a better picture. They didn't seem too alarmed and let me get quite close:

And then even closer:

And then -- AAAGGHHH!!! -- I did NOT get a picture of wild turkeys chasing me as I ran down the road. Who knew they were so -- cranky? I was too intimidated to remind them that Thanksgiving is coming!

Eating Out in the Mountains

One of the joys of retirement is eating out! I've had some great experiences so far. This area has all the usual chains, but also a lot of really interesting independent restaurants.

Above is the Hare & Hound in Landrum, South Carolina (with Nancy & Ware in front). Not only did this place serve fabulous rhubarb pie, but it also had a very interesting bathroom. I couldn't resist taking a picture of the ... um ... bathroom tissue dispenser.

Another great eatery was the Wrinkled Egg in Flat Rock. Nancy and I shared a pizza made of goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and basil, and it was SO good! We ate out on the patio (below) and had sweet tea, naturally!

One of my new favorites is Hot Dog World! Yes, it is just as classy as it sounds! Basically an old 50's-type drive-up. There is always a long line, because the hot dogs -- and everything else -- are so good!

Uh-oh. I just realized I have turned into my father -- taking pictures of restaurants!