In my mind I'm going to Carolina...

...well, not really in my mind, because we actually went, but, you know, always good to get a little James Taylor in there AND the song came on the radio (thank you, Sirius!) our last day there.  YES.  At the end of June the gals (Carolyn and Kami!) and I took to the skies and roads for our annual summer getaway - this marks year six for us!  And our first kinda-repeat trip - two years ago we went to Charleston and Savannah, and this year's journey took us through Charleston again since it's the nearest airport to the wonderful place known as THE BEACH HOUSE.  Perks of marriage, y'all.  Craig's aunt and uncle have had a beach house on Edisto Island for years and years, and they were kind enough to let us stay for a few days so we could just relax and enjoy the sound of those ocean waves.  Isn't that wonderful?  As wonderful as fried green tomatoes!

fried deliciousness...

We knew we wanted to spend a little time in Charleston, so we set those alarms (and I actually woke up!!) and took an early flight in so we'd be there in time for lunch...obviously wanting to fit in as many delicious Southern meals as possible.  And we really did just hop in the car and head straight to Jestine's Kitchen for lunch.  Seriously.  We parked the car and were not distracted by anything in our quest for Jestine's.  Fried green tomatoes and iced tea and fried chicken and meatloaf and dessert triumvirate number one.  Holy freakin' yum.

Coca-Cola cake AND coconut cream pie AND banana pudding - don't mind if I do.  I'm glad my friends share. =)

We needed a little walking after lunch to attempt to burn off 1/1,168,739th of what we ate, so it was off to Charleston City Market with its beautiful wrought iron and general cuteness (also general lack of things we'd actually want to buy amid the general abundance of overpriced ridiculous things - no sir, we do NOT want to pay $38 for a floppy hat that will likely fall apart tomorrow, thank you very much)...

...and also down Rainbow Row for a look at the pretty houses...

...and over to the waterfront to catch those ocean breezes (not NEARLY as hot this time around, thank goodness - a couple years ago we were constantly dripping with sweat glowing)...

...and my favorite, swing time!  I just LOVE these swings that are part of Charleston Waterfront Park - it is so relaxing to just sit and gaze out at the ocean and catch up with friends.  

Swing feet!  And sepia takes some of the white out of my legs...

Already looking relaxed and happy, especially since our new little friend didn't steal my camera.  That's always a good start.

A little city time... 

...and now off to the beach!