in the search for butter, the bayou, and a break.

The water is rejuvinating, swimming with a school of fish showering about 20 feet away is exciting, eating scallops after a boat ride is lovely. Ahhh, to be back in The Sunshine State.

Spending the summer in New York City only makes me appreciate the differences (and the greatness) in both the city and the country. I've been here for a little more than a week and New York City seems a million miles away in my mind, although I was practically just there. The summer in the City was amazing and one that changed me a little, for the good I think. It made me excited for my senior year at Florida State, it encouraged me for what life will be like after graduation, and reminded me that I'm capable. I'm so thankful for the experience. (Thanks to Momma & Daddy for taking a chance on me this summer!)

A little GRITS scenario that wouldn't have existed in NYC, but makes Port St. Joe a little more unique: We were making pancakes at the house last night, but didn't have any butter. And our pancake making skills desperately needed the butter to cover up some of the burnt after taste. Well, it takes us 4 stops to find it... FOUR stops. First we try Moore's grab-&-go, then we try Triple Tails ... clearly there is no butter at Simmons Bayou. We venture uptown and stop at the Junior Store, no luck. Dad was trying to avoid the Piggly Wiggly, simply because he'd already been in there twice that day which narrowed our options. Finally the Dollar General comes through with their extensive dairy section (we found out). As I know, sometimes the wide open spaces don't have butter less than a block away.

I'm heading to the beach for a little while to soak in some much needed sunshine!! Thanks everyone for keeping up with my GRITS blog over the summer, I have indeed loved seeing the comments and have found so much support through all of you.

All my love,
Emily