after the shenanigans – ALA 2016 and a wizardy adventure

There were books. There was food. There was hot, hot heat. And there was butterbeer! I recorded a very silly vlog during my adventures (to be edited and posted), but here is a glimpse.

Friday night dinner at D-Luxe in Disney Springs…

Saturday morning. Working it.

Waiting for my crew to show up for our poster session. Trying to look proper.

After business, the pleasure begins.

I waited a long time to visit this park; it was so worth it. The experience totally blew my mind. Just perfect.

vacation, coming to a close

It’s been a great, extremely unproductive, sweets-filled week with lots of memories and special moments. It has not been a good week for my web connection. It has been a terrible week for uploading, blogging, or sharing said memories in any way, shape, or form. I’ve given up and am invading my local Starbucks to mooch off their connection while I latte-ify.

It was a week full of furry cuddles, unexpected surprises, tea, giant lattes, mountain adventures, flowers, and sneaky wildlife. I had my first glimpse of fireflies, wild rabbits, dear deer, groundhogs, wild pheasants, turkeys, and more critters. Also got to see some wild raspberries, currants, juniper, cherries, and peaches. All untamed! Auntie Em was a hard taskmaster and drove an action-packed tour 😛 so I got to see plenty of North Carolina in only 4 days.

The bchan also made my actual birthday rather unforgettable with a surprise birthday celebration and treasure hunt (there was a map in a bottle and a tiki man!). A very special 28th year of living 🙂

Fun times at the JujuHouse
A fanciful afternoon tea at the Olde English Tea Room. Very cute little place with excellent scones and fragrant tea.
Fun times with the four legged cousins… here they are making their escape in the early morn.
OMG! Hydrangeas everywhere!
And peaches galore!
Unexpected Asian treats at the giant Asian supermarket and a new lucky cat for my collection.
Had my Southern moment at Cafe Azalea with a delicious bowl of shrimp and grits slathered in a fantastic tomato rosemary sauce and full of goat cheese goodness.
Lots of beautiful scenery on the drive to Asheville.
Overwhelming but delicious lattes (mine was almond mocha coconut *drool*) at Malaprop’s bookstore. Definitely needed the caffeine after Auntie Em’s fast-paced touring 😛
And wrapped it all up with a detour for ice cream at the Maple View dairy farm. Ice Cream! From a real cow!

A special week indeed, including this bit of cuteness from the bchan…

A little Sailor Mercury with her own room full of books.