We're Home!

Hi, y'all!!! We're home and we finally have internet. It took over a month and I still haven't figured out my e-mail address, but I also don't know my phone number, so..... I do know my address, though!!!! Well......sort of........ I went to an antique store the other day and some ladies asked where we lived (they just tell ALL that stuff out here in the country!) I told them the highway # and they looked at each other puzzled. While they were trying to figure it out, one of them asked if there was an old grocery store on the corner. I told them there was some old store (which has a couple of gas pumps and a barber shop) but that I hadn't seen a sign for it, but that there is a diner/antique store across the road from where we turn..... they let out heavy sighs and laughed and said something like, "Oh, that's Old Chapel Hill Road, honey! You live on Old Chapel Hill road -- we don't go by numbers of roads out here!" So see, maybe I don't REALLY know my address? As a matter of fact, I'm not sure she said "Old Chapel Hill Road", but it was something like that! I told my husband, when I got home, where we live and he said, "Yeah, that's what Steve said." (That's a guy he works with who lives in the area.) I took this picture in sepia, 'cause we're going to re-paint. See all those little square paint samples taped to the front of the house? Isn't that tacky? I really should have removed them before taking the picture! I'm such a goof; I didn't think it would show as badly as it does! Okay, one of the things I love most about small towns and the country is the hospitality! But I'm never prepared when that knock comes on the door -- although I knew (and hoped) it was to come. I've yet to have my make-up on or my hair fixed!!!! Anyway........... see that eggplant?
That was one of the gifts from a "neighbor" (who lives a few miles down the road!) Oh. my. goodness!!!! Mr. Taylor is such a precious little man! He grew these and brought them to us.
Isn't that the sweetest thing? Only thing is.......I've never had eggplant. I don't know how to cook it or even what to expect. Truth is, I'm a little afraid of it -- but curious enough to try it.
It's gonna have to be fried -- this much, I know.

Now that the internet is up -- I'm off to catch up with you. I've missed y'all all so very much.
You're all closer than family, to me and our little "bunch of 5" here. They love hearing about you (after I've read your blogs) and reading what y'all write. Which, by the way -- You've just overwhelmed me, yet again with all of your sweet, encouraging, loving words from my last post.
My husband would print out your comments every few days (from work) and bring home for me! He's always commenting on how sweet y'all are! I couldn't agree more!

I'm off to find a fried eggplant recipe (fingers crossed -- Paula Deen, don't fail me now!) after, I catch up with you! I sure hope that the satellite will hold up for me -- we're expecting strong winds and lots of rain for the next few days......... Bless those further south of us. Alot of them have travelled up here. How hard for them to have to leave their homes....

Many Blessings,
Julie