Being "emptynesters" has it's pros and cons.
I'd say one of the pros is being able to do what we want, when we want. No longer do we have to worry about the kid's schedules. If we want to go on a picnic on a Tuesday evening, that's exactly what we do. No checking the calendar for soccer games, cub scout meetings, hockey practice, etc...
Last night that's exactly what we did.
Headed to this lovely place and had a picnic.
Last fall we bought a Groupon for a picnic for 2 here. Do you use Groupon? We've found a lot of fun places to go through Groupon. Next month we're going to 2 different Bed & Breakfasts using Groupons that we purchased a few months ago. We'll be celebrating something special. I'll be sure to do a post on it.
Anyhow, back to the picnic.
They thought of everything when they packed this picnic basket.
We selected a spot near the pond and had a toast ~ to the beauty of this day and the gift of health & happiness.
What would a North Carolina picnic be without a pulled pork BBQ sandwich?
Cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple and mangoes were diced very small. They looked cute and also were easy to manage on the spoon. Great idea for picnic food.
This picnic was a wonderful way to de-stress on a weekday. The sounds of the waterfall and the birds was so peaceful. The only way I could get you to really feel it was to include a short "movie".
Watch it at your own risk as I've never done this before and my battery was threatening to die the whole time. Oh yeah, and my husband was rolling his eyes wondering when he could eat his food.
I know ... no Oscars will be given out for that movie, but hopefully it gave you a feel for the atmosphere at our weeknight picnic.
After a dessert of banana pudding, it was time to head for home.
While my husband was busy setting the GPS for the return trip, I was busy taking a picture of this beautiful house (before my battery completely conked out). I love wraparound porches and this one looks so inviting to me.
Picnics & porches ~ two great ways to enjoy the warmer weather.
What a lovely little spot to have a picnic! (and you didn't even have any of the preparation mess to come home to.) I love that second house with the wrap around porch and the shrubs all around it. I just love old homes like both of these. Can't wait to see pics of the B&Bb's you stay at. I think I may need to visit NC!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great date! Yes we have Groupons and we LOVE them!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I'm on sensory overload! What beauty, what peace, what food!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
How Fun!!!! Glad you guys had a beautiful picnic together!!! & I LOVE Groupon! I just got one for door to door organics! You can choose a basket full of organic fruits and veggies and they deliver it right to your door! Yum! See you soon! xoxox
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place for a picnic and a great idea for a weekday little getaway.
ReplyDeleteYes, having adult kids has its advantages! : )
No, I've never used Groupons. Something we should check out.
Your video was fine and it was so nice to hear your voice.
A happy day to you my friend.
Never heard of Groupons in our part of the country, but they sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad ya'll had a middle of the week relaxing picnic.
The scenery is so serene and beautiful, the food looks delicious, and best of all, the preparation was done for you.
Love the gorgeous house!!!
Hugs,
That looks like so much fun! A great date night for sure! :D
ReplyDeleteI haven't had banana pudding in ages! My oldest daughter use to just love it.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Another fine adventure in the lovely Carolinas region. We've been gleefully empty nesting since our baby turned 18...13 years ago. I totally don't get women who fall apart when their youngest leaves home!
ReplyDeleteI do use sits like groupon. I used several while Ceekay was here.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful relaxing evening with great food and I'm sure great company!
What a wonderful experience, Kim. I love picnics. The house and gardens are beautiful and so peaceful. Yummy food too!
ReplyDelete(I liked your video)
Hugs,
Donna
Hi Kim, what a beautiful place for a picnic. I've never heard of Groupons but if they pack the basket and deliver it to you, sounds like a great deal! If the picnic is that lovely, the B&B trips are gonna be fantastic! Enjoy! Best wishes, Tammy P.S. My Mammaw used to make the best banana pudding -- haven't had it in forever
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun!Never heard of Groupons....I'll have to check that out!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a wonderful time and meal in a very pretty spot!
ReplyDeleteI love Groupon and have scored some good deals through it, Kim. I've never seen one in this area for a stay at a B&B but I'd grab that one too, if I did!
Always, with each visit, beauty is added to my day. This post is no exception. A quiet, relaxing time together, with a picnic you didn't have to put together...what could be better! I love how you captured it all for us to enjoy to, and I smiled as I read the part of your husband rolling his eyes. A familiar gesture in this home since I started blogging:)
ReplyDeleteThe home with the porch would be one of my favorite styles of architecture too. I think a wrap around porch says "welcome" to all who pass by. Yes, I agree with you, Groupon is a very good thing.
Wow you reminded me of the fact that I haven't gone for a picnic since more than 2-3 years , can you imagine!?! Pictures say you'd a fantastic picnic ... have many such picnix .. .!
ReplyDeleteZodiac Holidays
http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/zodiac_holidays/zodiac_holidays_instructions.asp
Being empty nesters does give the freedom to just pick up and go.
ReplyDeleteIThanks for sharing about groupon, Kim, I will check this out.
You did a great job with your video too, every thing looked so perfect. Thanks for sharing this idea, I will now begin to make some plans.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sue
Hi Kim, bougainvillea is the plant I posted yesterday. It blooms here quite proficiently wherever it is planted and is the time of plant that can be a bush or a tree or a vine. I've never seen any rose plants here. I don't think roses would fare quite so well. There are very few plants that can handle the heat and dust of this country. Heck, some people can't even take it. :) Ha! Have a happy day. Tammy
ReplyDelete"type" of plant (I hate making mistakes) ... :/
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun date! Great photos. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely time 'without the kiddies'. Yes, emptynesting is not all bad. I loved the setting of your picnic and the video to let us all share in your peaceful outing.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a stunning way to spend an evening. I have never seen anything like this before here in Australia. I think that some enterprising people need to see this post, including your fabulous video, and do this here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me tag along on your date night!
Best wishes,
Natasha.