We recently gathered in our boat -- a 1976 27-foot Morgan -- and tested it in calm waters. I'm always a bundle of nerves whenever we launch into the water -- be it a kayak, dingy or sail boat. The preparation and "don't fail or we'll all sink or die" weighs heavy in my Mommy … Continue reading Own your way of doing things
Seen on our adventures
These are random photos from our adventures so far this month. Jennette’s pierFireworks at a local football gameJockey’s RidgeSunrise at the beachGarden near workGarden near workSeagull takes flightAn egg casing for baby Whelk shells, with some babies on itWright Brothers Memorial DeerSeashellsJumping off sand recently dumped on the beach.Jumping off a reclaimed beach. The next … Continue reading Seen on our adventures
Reset mindset
It’s 6 in the morning at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. From our hotel window, nature puts on a show by painting the sky in shades of blue, pink and orange. I nudge our youngest son, who made me promise to wake him up for the sunrise, awake. He gets up long enough to … Continue reading Reset mindset
March reset
This month marks the 5-year anniversary of my dad’s death and the 1-year anniversary of the death of one of our dogs. It also marks when the pandemic closed our local schools and my kids’ world turned upside down.It seems odd that anniversaries impact you in a way that chills your soul. Some are hit … Continue reading March reset
The socks
As a busy mom, I wash most of my family’s dirty clothes during the weekend. It piles up on top of the dryer until one of my three kids fold and put things away or I do. The first option usually ends up with some bargaining and handing off the chore to someone else. Why … Continue reading The socks
How Scottie became Yoda
A little over two weeks ago, I asked my monthly question to the local animal shelter director, “Do you have any dachshunds or small mixes?” The emailed photo of Scottie. The shelter usually has hounds and pitbull mixes. But this time, she said they just got an owner-surrendered Scottish terrier/dachshund mix. He’d be available to … Continue reading How Scottie became Yoda
Lake Phelps revisited, with a friend
PETTIGREW STATE PARK -- Lake Phelps is outside of Creswell, North Carolina, in Pettigrew State Park, which is named after a family that once owned part of the property surrounding the park. Their most famous family member is General James Johnston Pettigrew (July 4, 1828 – July 17, 1863), who was an American author, lawyer … Continue reading Lake Phelps revisited, with a friend
8th anniversary and …
Mountain Mama Adventures has been on the interwebs for eight years!! I’ve got nothing to say about it. My mind is blank and pretty numb. I felt like the axe that my son is holding in the photo. Like I was sitting going about my business, then got attacked by pumpkins. I’m whole, but reality … Continue reading 8th anniversary and …
Finding joy
NAGS HEAD, North Carolina — He sounds like a dog howling over a missed meal as he floats on top of a wave. The smile on his face assures me that he’s not missing anything. That cry I mistake for longing is a rally cry inviting joy to visit our spot on the beach. As … Continue reading Finding joy
Adding a morning routine
There is a sign in town that is hysterical ... unless you're someone with issues with addiction or depression. The sign at the local shop. The sign reads, "I love replacing my feeling with new #outfits!" and then goes on to list various social media. During much of my life, I have reacted to emotions … Continue reading Adding a morning routine