Getting Back To Nature...

Happy Birthday to me! This past weekend—as an early birthday present—I went on a little excursion with my family. We took a trip down to the South Jersey Pine Barrens and had a fun camping trip. I knew we were renting a cabin, but had no idea that this would be our "front yard"! How awesome is that?

And speaking of front yards... I just love how many of the permanent campground residents decorate theirs! Fun little nick-nacks and doo-dads all over the place.

Mom packed lots of good stuff to eat (and plenty of bad stuff too!) Here she is cutting up strawberries... not only to eat, but also as healthy additions to our wine and champagne for later on!

 The first night we cooked everything over (or in!) the campfire. Yum-yum! First we made hamburgers.... then twice baked potatoes... and topped it off with a snappy Thuman's hot dog. Oh, and let's not forget the bacon!

My brother and his girlfriend joined us as well and we had lots of fun playing bocce ball, hanging at the pool, listening to the awesome country rock band they had at the campground, and just sitting around talking. Although I have to admit... opening birthday presents around the campfire kind of topped it all for me!

We took a jaunt into the quaint little shopping village of Smithville where they have unique stores and pretty stuff to buy. I just loved this garden table and chair set made from trees.

Being on a lake, they also have lots of wildlife to enjoy. Like this very large family of ducks following mommy all in a row. Don't worry... my mommy went into the street to stop traffic so they were safe!

On the way home, mom and I did a little antique shopping (more like browsing), but it's always a pleasure. You never know what you'll run across that you "need" to have!

And in our travels we even found this amazing architectural salvage place. A veritable Rusty Heaven, I tell ya!

All-in-all it was a great trip. Very nice to get away from it all and back to nature with the family. And in case you were wondering... today is my actual birthday and it's my 43rd year around the sun.