So what do you think? Is my sweet daughter-in-law looking rather pregnant these days? 🙂
Meagan will be 38 weeks tomorrow. After spending the past four weeks diligently trying to bust on outta there, Madison has now decided to mellow out a bit and make us all wait a little longer for her Grand Appearance. Will keep you posted . . .
I had about an hour to kill in Norfolk last month and contemplated either going to a mall to putter around, or finding a place to walk and take pictures.
In my book, a mall ALWAYS loses. And that day was no different.
As I started driving aimlessly around downtown Norfolk looking for an enticing picture-taking place, I happened to see a little sign and arrow that said, “Historic Downtown Ghent.”
My curiosity was istantly piqued. I was already downtown somewhere. How could there be another downtown of another town I had never even heard of, so close by?
My steering wheel followed the sign of its own accord because curiosity has always had a stronger influence on me than any gravitational moon or bossy GPS voice.
I’m so glad I listened to my curiosity. I spent a most delightsome hour reveling in the sights and breathing in the freshness of flowers and springtime.
I parked in front of this building which grabbed my attention instantly. When I got a little closer, I found out the building housed apartments. (Or compartments, as Sarah used to call them when she was small.) Wouldn’t this be a fun place to live?
After I had walked about two blocks through the small Ghent-an downtown, I came across this church complex. I love interesting buildings and this one was spouting interest galore.
There was a peaceful, stone walkway built through the foliage which totally drew me in.
I was entranced by the design of the doors. They made me want to open them and wander around inside for an hour or three.
The blues and greens were intoxicating.
I strolled from the church to a nearby gift shop.
The shop had stained glass built into the steps. So quirky. So inspiring.
I inadvertently cut off the top of this wind chime–a tin dog. Would love this on my front porch.
It was fun seeing this enormous mural painted on the side of a building.
I loved the fact that the drug store had a little drop box built into the side. Does anyone know how that works as far as what is dropped in it or what is picked up out of it? I mean, I know that prescriptions are involved but I just don’t understand how it’s all organized.
Quaint down towns are just not complete without an old-timey theater marquis. Love it.
A restaurant with al fresco dining. So great for people watching.
How perfect. A restaurant wind chime made from cutlery. Gotta love creative creations.
Here’s a picture of me taking a picture. (With my trusty iPhone.)
At the end of my downtown stroll, I noticed this gargantuan building taking up a whole city block. I figured it must be some community college or a branch of a university, or some such impressive establishment.
I asked a woman coming down the steps what it was and when she said it was a middle school, I gaped wordlessly at her with same look that Gomer Pyle must have displayed the first time he ventured into Raleigh.
Have you ever seen a middle school so large?
At the end of my hour-long Ghent Galivant, I felt utterly happy and content.
There are few things better than time passed in a simple way.
This was such a lovely post to read at the tail end of a long, tiring day!! Ghent looks like a fascinating place- and your photos made me feel like I just took a quiet stroll through the town.
What a fun way to end a very, very frustrating and exhausting week at the office – looking at photos of that lovely pregnant lady and your Ghent adventure – it transported me to a much nicer place. Thank you. What a great little town – with a HUGE Middle School. I love the old chair in the middle of the plants. Have a great weekend with maybe some baby news.
For teachers this time of year is brutal. And having to leave this close to the end is really tough. Subs just can’t do end of the year report cards as well as Meghan could and so much more. I don’t want to jinx you Meagan, but you do know that you’ll probably end up past due now. WHAT A LITTLE STINKER!
I’m not looking to be nosey so please feel free to tell me to MYOB! Do you have enough sick days banked for the time off? If not, does your school have a sick bank? Again, if not, you may be able to apply for short-term disability? In fact, if you work through the summer you’d be able, in most cases, to be covered through until you return. The later part would be applicable if your school is year round (for non educators: breaks are shorter and sprinkled throughout the year so that students don’t go 8-12 weeks during the summer w/ a total disruption of the educational process).
Nevertheless, Meagan, you look amazing. If you guys need a break I’ll fly out & pick Madi up and fly her back here (Illinois) w/ me and just keep her until she’s sleeping though the night. LOL! Heck, send Noah too and you and Nathan can take a second “honey/baby moon!” We can work out the details in a few weeks (wink wink).
Hope all the Smith’s have a great weekend.
Hugs, Jodi
PS. Becky when you go the second post from this morning you get a message that says something like, “You broke the Internet, etc.….!” Hmmmm! Hope you’re able to get it “fixed” w/out too much trouble.
Becky, I so very much enjoy your e-mails and this one was special, but not as special as the one we are all awaiting!!! I’m glad you had a wonderful time in Norfolk. I’m like someone else that said this beat any mall!!!
So glad the bedrest brought about the desired effects. As Madison rests and regroups, I hope Meagan does the same! Madison appears low, so time isn’t far off! Hoping she and Nathan have recovered from migraines and virus.
What an interesting place and name – Ghent! Sounds biblical to me – must look it up!
Love the pictures. I enjoy looking at historical sites. Have always wanted to tour each college campus we pass while traveling but it has not happened. I took pictures at the beach of wooden fence on the beach and wooden benches. Thought about you.
Thanks for tour of Ghent!!! I’ll take that over any mall ANY day!!! Malls tend to all look the same, anyway!!! GORGEOUS PICS!!!
Can’t wait for baby news!!! Safe travels!!!
thanks for taking us to visit such a beautiful town
Anxiously awaiting baby arrival news, but glad that the bed rest has paid off!! The prescription drop box was for folks who wanted to get a prescription filled/refilled back in the day. Drop it in and come back later to the store to pick it up and pay for it. It’s probably not in use anymore, what with auto refill or phone ordering options and all. It’s quaint looking though! I bet it was quite the modern convenience in it’s day! 🙂 Happy Friday!
oooh, Meagan… how does she ever keep her balance?
you probably know a fella who could make that windchime…..