Summer in Southport, NC

I'm not really here for long, but the few days I've been in Southport have been hot and humid. Average 97 degrees and ~100% humidity. Okay, I really don't know what the humidity actually is right now, but it's certainly not comfortable. Luckily, I've been inside an air conditioned room for the majority of the week, poring over program documents for 10 hours a day, scouring them for inacuracies and recommending improvements. That's the work side. I was asked by one of Southern Nuclear's utility counterparts to help out as an industry peer during one of their assessments this week, and I have to say, the Brunswick Plant is a nice place. The atmosphere is beautiful here, and the people are typical Carolinians; they go out of their way to make you feel at home.

I still miss home. It wouldn't matter if I were home though. Nick is currently at Plant Farley for work. We've both got alot of travel on our plates the next few weeks, unfortunately. I'll get back on Thursday to Birmingham, and the next Monday I'll be picking up a rental car to drive to Greenville, SC for a different assignment. Nick spend most of last week in Chicago for an industry meeting. Lately, I just feel like I need a lot less food and a lot more sleep. I'd be satisfied if I just had a little more time with my husband.

I really wish I had my camera on me this week in Southport, because the view over the intracoastal waterway is breathtaking. There's a long stretch of marsh on the other side, and on the near side is a marina full of rather large boats. Southport is a pretty small and remote town, with an off-season population of only about 2600. Only I can't help but wonder how much property is around here right now. :)

When we're both finally home this weekend, we'll be gearing up quickly for a bowling event Saturday morning in support of Junior Achievement in birmingham. So far, I've raised $235 for the event, and Nick's raise $165. I think our combined goal is supposed to be $500, so we're a little behind the curve I guess. We do what we can though. If anyone's interested in donating, my dontation page is: http://www.firstgiving.com/delisapournaras1.
We also have a birthday party at Stephanie's and David's house to attend on Saturday. We were so happy to sell our "extra" grill to them, and wouldn't miss it's first test. It should be plenty of fun!

Oh, before I forget! Today is my grandmother Grace's 80th birthday! We had a birthday bash for her at her house in Fairhope last Sunday. Very stressful for Mom, and therefore for me too, but worth it by a long shot. Mom always goes all out for parties, and by the time she was through planning, we had a full 4 course meal planned for almost 40 people. I'm not much of a cook, but I helped out wherever I could on Saturday, helping out with the crab bisque, spinach rolls, and baked beans. That combination sounds strange together, I know. But put it with some crab dip and crackers, fried snapper, grits and hush puppies, and it's sensational! I ate myself sick and was miserable the rest of the night while traveling to Southport. Again, well worth it!

It was so nice to see the family together again. I got several pictures while there, but I don't have them with me to post right now. I thought it was more important to go ahead and post something, rather than wait another 4 months. I've been a bit blog-shy I guess. I'll have to work on that...