North Carolina

The pickup truck and I successfully negotiate the wrecks and increasingly aggressive drivers as I head east.  I have a bit of work to do while here, but I am trying very hard to balance my labors with an equal amount of fun.  In addition to hanging out with lots of friends, I have also […]

Although I am definitely parked in Arizona right now, here is one more story about my NC visit.  Valerie persuades me to join her for a weekend stay on the riverfront in Wilmington, NC.  She cunningly promises a gourmet lunch and free wine tasting at Duplin Winery on the way down to Wilmington to entice […]

Sorry for the delay between posts.  I have been on the phone with someone about my insurance all this time.  It seems that when one reaches a “certain age” Medicare is all anyone and everyone wants to discuss with you. In a moment of respite from being promised the world by insurance companies that I […]

At 4:19am a thundering wind volubly beats a tattoo on our slide toppers and awnings simultaneously snatching a peaceful slumber from me.  I stumble outside into the black tempest.  I secure our patio furniture and realize that today is going to be a “trying” day in New Bern.  Since Snowmageddon most days here have been […]

One of the Dawson Gang’s favorite winter Sunday motorcycle rides was the short hop over to Lucama to visit Vollis Simpson.  We required no map or GPS to find the field of towering wind catchers.  Instead we chose to wander the NC back roads seeking a glimpse of enormous whirligigs peeking above the trees.  Running […]

We’ve all heard the sayings “The best things in life are free” and “There is no such thing as a free ride.”  Well Tryon Palace Free Day 2018 this Saturday seems to meld the two sayings.  From costume makers painstakingly piecing together period wear with needle and thread to the blast of firearms from the […]