December Warmth In Georgia

My husband had an actuarial professionalism course in Atlanta, GA earlier this month and I was more than thrilled at the chance to get away from the gray for a bit!  AND, I got to meet a fellow blogger whose stuff I just love.

 
While in Atlanta, we got to check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

 I'm sure by now you've figured out that pictures of plants and flowers are near and dear to me. 

We spent an evening in Olympic Park, taking in the Christmas Lights.  The Coca Cola museum next door had some fun stuff all lit up as well.  It was fun to watch the Coke bottle change colors.

We also took a walk DOWN Stone Mountain, after having taken the tram to the top.  It was 74 degrees that day and the weatherman was joking about Atlanta becoming Miami.  We didn't mind at all!

As the sun set, we appreciated again how much those in the South really do enjoy their Christmas lights.  Stone Mountain park completely lit up!

Our little taste of Christmas in Dixie showed us just how different things are in the South, especially for the holidays.  It seemed as if we were being told 'Merry Christmas' by smiling people everywhere we went.  Everything was so done up!  There was music and shows to take in.  We didn't have to huddle under cover or run through the rain.  We were able to be out and enjoying the sights.  It was such a fun thing for my husband and I to experience.

AND yet, I have to say that meeting Robin over at YOUR DAILY DOSE was probably the biggest highlight and the warmest moment of the trip for me.  She was just as I had imagined and more.  Robin is bubbly and bright and fun and oh so warm and welcoming, despite everything she goes through health-wise.  I know lately she hasn't posted much, but do read her when she manages a post.  It's well worth it!

Now I am looking forward to meeting more bloggers IRL more than ever.  After seeing and talking with Robin, I'm just sure that it would be a wonderful experience. (No, it won't make me post photos of myself or more specific information about me here.  I have a convicted felon mother who has threatened my husband with a 357.  She knows where I live and gets all worked up when anybody talks about me.  Reading about me would probably send her over the edge.  Enough said.) 

Here's To YOU Thursday/ 80's and Beer, What Could Be Better?

One of my good blog buddies, Robin, over at YOUR DAILY DOSE does a really cool thing every Thursday.  Only this week she is feeling so crummy that she wasn't able to do it.  And I know that means that she is feeling absolutely horrid.  What a bummer.  She is super good at finding incredible footage on YouTube and then dedicating it to those she sees fit for, each and every Thursday.  I know she puts a lot of work into this and I know she's disappointed that it didn't happen this week. 

NEVER FEAR, Robin.  Your support for me and this here blog are always appreciated.  When I heard rumor that some were posting 'Here's to you Thursday' posts in your honor, I had to join in.

Robin lets people guess why they're getting whatever video she posts for them, but just in case you're not familiar with her I'll let you know that this one is because it's Superbowl week and Robin loves the 80's.  I miss how cool the commercials for the Superbowl used to be.  

So, Robin, this one's for you: (Pause my music player so you can check out the video.)