Blast from the past

One of the big highlights for me this weekend was driving through my old hometown of Carbondale on the way home. We drove by my old house (which looks remarkably the same), the pond Carl and I used to catch turtles at, my elementary school and some of the other old favorites. It was a somewhat erie feeling to see all these things and have them all seem so familiar when you haven't seen them in years. We were there around dusk and the pictures aren't great, but they're the best I could do from the car!

The new name of my old elementary school - Trinity Christian School. Whatever happened to good ol' public schools.

The corner of Winkler Elementary - which also looks exactly the same (minus the name). They even still have the same rusted swing sets.

1014 Glenview Drive. Try to look past the car parked on the street.

The big 3-0!

Ryan and I went to Memphis to celebrate my 30th birthday this past weekend. It was a little chilly to truly enjoy all Memphis has to offer, but we had a good time eating our way through the town. I think I ate enough fried food for a lifetime. But we did find time in between meals to check out Graceland and the Civil Rights Museum, which was cool. It was amazing to me how much I had forgotten from my high school and college days. Perhaps a strange thing to do on your 30th birthday, but it was fun. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Ryan checking out the surprisingly delicious fried pickle.

Doing his part to try to drink down the most disgusting drink I've had - the Diver bucket from Silky O'Sullivans. Nasty.

Taking a more delicate approach.

Outside of Dyers (home of the deep fried burgers) on Beale St.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (and Happy Birthday, Kathleen!)

Tuesday, getting ready for the big parade.

The green horses that inspired much growling.

Irie, taking it all in with those big ears.

Me and Ryan with the pups, enjoying a sunny (albeit a bit chilly) St. Patrick's Day Parade this past Saturday.