Driving home today was like a dream. I haven’t come in from that direction in TEN YEARS.
I passed Hurdle Mills Road. Carr Store Road. Walnut Grove Church Road.
I had friends who lived at the end of every dirt road in the county!
Finally, I was home. Small town to small town, Virginia country roads in between.
Home Sweet Home!
The Bears were busy reading a novel when I arrived
And sweet Billis was taking a nap
Mom wanted to feed me one of her favorite lunches – a sandwich with Cucumber, Tomato and Cream Cheese (and I added a little mustard!)
Plus strawberries with rice pudding!
And a Diet Birch Beer
‘Twas pretty tasty!
And it wouldn’t be mom without mid-afternoon hot tea! Prepared with sugar and milk.
I spent the afternoon studying RD flashcards before this busy two weeks starts
Don’t Know on the left, Know on the right
Upon visting my childhood bedroom, I discovered a box of Biscoff that arrived here for me during our move when I used my home address for shipping. SO HAPPY to see Biscoff!!
Had two cookies for a snack!
The Original Three went out for dinner!
To my very favorite restaurant of all times: Brixx
Mom and I shared a beer
And then we got a Hop Devil because of the Blue Devils and because beers were on special!
Dad got the Bruschetta and shared
I got a famous Brixx Spinach Salad
And we all shared two pizzas – 4 flavors
Greek, Spicy Shrimp
Artichoke, Quattro Fromaggio
I had a slice of each flavor
You have no idea how excited I was to see Duke Blue Skies 🙂
Might have a slice of watermelon and/or go for a walk with Dad. Early morning tomorrow!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Yay Duke Blue Devils!! Your childhood home (aka Grandma Buzz’s home) looks so elegant. My goodness.
Erin says
Go Terps! 😉
Stormy says
Kath needs to adjust to her new home: Go Hoos!
Although she’ll be surrounded by plenty of Duke fans in Charlottesville.
Erin says
Looks like fun! It’s always nice to go home and relive childhood, at least for a few days. Cute town and LOVE that big porch. 😀
Heather says
OH MY GOD, do you have a Suffragette ‘Votes for Women’ print in your home?! I love that!!!!!
Hannah says
How lovely – sometimes there’s nothing like heading home to be pampered by your parents. There’s something that just feels safe and loving about home 🙂
P.S. I want that rice pudding. Just sayin’.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
Awww! There’s absolutely nothing like home. I am seriously drooling over your pizza too! I love trying a whole bunch of flavors 🙂 I hope things are getting better for you Kath!
tanyasdailyproductreviews says
wow, that pizza looks so good!
it takes time to adjust to new places…time
Tracey says
Oh, I adore your parent’s home! So many little touches. I just wanted to reach through the screen and pick things up and look at them. 🙂
Meg says
I ADORE your magazine-photo-perfect house, Kath!!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Your parents house is so charming!!! I hope one day my daughter is as proud of our home and your are of your parents 🙂
Evan Thomas says
Home is definitely where the heart is.
Daniel says
The feeling of old memories and happy moments as a child are great to relive when you go to the place where you grew up. I’m glad you’re feeling wonderful about it and it’s awesome that your “don’t know” pile is diminishing!!
I’m not sure if you have this has happened to your home town, but do you find it depressing (or at least a little upsetting if that’s too strong of a word) to notice the things that have changed where you grew up? It makes me a little bit sad when we drive around my first two homes and the apple orchards and old restaurants and shops that I went to as a kid are closed or torn down, and super markets and other industrial buildings stand in their place.
Kath says
I actually think it’s kind of cool to “know” what was there first, but yes, it’s sad when historic things go and brand new things come in their place
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Glad you’re having such a nice trip home!! 🙂
Mama Pea says
Beautiful photos, Kath. Welcome home.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
There really is no place like home, right!? Your parents’ house looks so lovely!
Although I have to say, some of those doll pics kind of freak me out 🙂
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
What wonderful photos! Have a fantastic time!
JenATX says
such a charming home 🙂 My parents are planning on moving to California to retire in a few years and I’m already so upset about it.. I would like to be able to come home to my home, not some condo in California! count yourself lucky 🙂
Heather says
I wish my parents still lived in the home I grew up in. Going “home” just isn’t the same anymore – they don’t even live in the same state!
What a beautiful home – I love the hardwood floors and charmy feel it has to it. Safe travels tomorrow.
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
What great pictures. Your parents are so amazing. You have a beautiful family.
Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com says
Your house is so cute – I love the decorations, it gives the house so much character! It’s funny, I have a church in my home town called Walnut Grove Church! Those pizza flavors sound so good…I wish Athens had a Brixx!
Heather says
love all the beautiful pics. how homey!
Caitlyn @ A Spoonful of Life says
You house looks like a doll house! I love it! So pictureque and relaxing.
coco says
love all the pics 🙂
Wei-Wei says
I LOVE all the photos of your home! I can totally imagine you running around with your camera taking photos of everything that makes you feel like a kid. Ah, nostalgia…
Wei-Wei
Rachael @ Mrs-adventure says
Wow that pizza looks wonderful, and I’m seriously impressed you ate a slice of each!
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) says
I adore your home. I’m a sucker for charming, older houses. Must be why I make the commute from my little town to DC every day…. 😉 I love your craftsman house in VA too! My Historic Preservation knowledge comes to life when I read your posts. LOVE!
Katharina says
Oh wow I bet the nostalgia really hit you. This is such a charming post, Kath. I love the sandwiches too! They remind me of something they’d serve at a tea parlor.
Terri Nickols says
Was that a “tiny tears” doll??? I had one of those 🙂
Rhea (Greek Feaster) says
What a cute, comfy Southern abode! Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
stephanie@Avocado Nation says
Your house is adorable. I love the colors and the furniture. Just beautiful!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
I don’t know why, but this brought tears to my eyes. Virginia is just beautiful. I’m from there as well and I know that someday I’ll end up back there. There is nothing like going back home. Have you heard Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” song?
Kath says
🙂
Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Lovely home photos! It’s so much fun revisiting your roots. I know when I go back to where I grew up I feel so nostalgic and at peace. It helps rejuvenate my spirit, and inspires me to go back there!! hehe
That pizza looks amazing. Seriously, I am drooooooooooooooooling. YUM! 🙂
Jenn
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
such a beautiful, comfortable home! Nothing beats the comfort of home 😉
Maria @ Kale and Cupcakes says
Nothing like home to come home to sometimes! Yours looks espeially cozy!
Maria
Shannon, Tropical Eats says
these pics all say Home Sweet Home to me 🙂 Love love love them
Shenan @ Iambs and Ales says
Love all the back-home-again pictures, and the fact that most of your childhood stuff seems to still be as it was- my old room was long ago turned into a guest room with decidedly fewer toys than used to be in it.
Also love the Hop Devil! 🙂
Krystina says
You look so happy. 🙂
Kerri @ Kerri Turns into a Zombie says
Loved all the home sweet home pictures. Your mom is an awesome decorator/collector.
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I love going home. Your parents’ house is absolutely beautiful — I love all of the little touches, and the stuffed duck near the beginning is so sweet.
And an unexpected package from Biscoff? What could be better?
Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman says
I love the wall hangings in your mom’s kitchen 🙂 Nothing like going home for a visit! Enjoy!
Faith says
I hate to say it, but that looks like some Carolina Tarheel sky.
Nicole says
Go Heels!
tws says
go heels indeed! one of the best nutrition departments in the country!
Kath says
Booo!
Nicole says
LOVE your kitty!!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
Your childhood home looks so quaint and charming, I love all of the trinkets and dolls.
That bruschetta looks so delicious and is beautifully presented!
Megan (Braise The Roof) says
Your parents have Royal Copenhagen plates!! (the blue ones on the walls) My family is Danish and we collect their Christmas plates. Makes me think of home. 🙂
katie says
same here- coming from a Danish family whose mom and grandma, and now myself, have collected both royal copenhagen and B&G plates, they always remind me of home as well.
Lucinda says
My Grandmother has those plates on her wall too!
Mom says
They belonged to my great-aunt. She just adored them, especially the one of The Little Mermaid.
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
fun to see pix of your home . the one i grew up in is no longer, and wasn’t nearly as cozy. it must be so nice to return to something dependable!
Camille says
What a gorgeous home! It looks so cozy and welcoming!
Rachael says
Birch beer, wraparound porches and dirt roads do a happy woman make. I love the feeling of being down home!
Dorry says
What charm! I love all the detailed shots of the house. I think I might have to start calling my fiance (Billy) BILLIS! 🙂
Cara says
Being at home is always special!
That one doll in the middle of the doll basket has quite the creepy face…
like she doesn’t like sharing the basket with the others 🙂
Mom says
She’s a bit of a troublemaker. I’m thinking of getting her her own apartment.
Kate @This American Wife says
Kath, I’ve been a loyal reader for almost two years now and I LOVE your blog…but I’m a Wake Forest grad…and it kills me a little each time you talk so nicely about Duke 🙂
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
Awh it’s always good to go home sometimes 🙂 mum-time is the best!
Luna says
Now I see where you got your “decorating-skills” from 😉 very lovely place and love that bold duck … I had a similar one I slept with till … well until there was no more than a small and ruined piece of it left, poor thing!
Neen @ Broad Bean to Runner Bean says
Aww its soooo good to go home! theres nothing like being at mum and dads is there! have a great time! treasure it! x
Marina says
I love all those pictures! It looks so warm and cozy.
Those dolls and stuffed animals look so cute 🙂
RhodeyGirl Tests says
Now I miss my childhood home. Can’t wait to go back in September!
Looks like the bears are still happy! I wonder if they will ever leave Grandma’s house?
Stormy says
Brixx has plans on coming to Charlottesville. Their website says they’ll be opening next month.
Lindsay in Indy says
That pizza looks heavenly!!
Christena says
Gosh, I LOVE your parents’ home! I see where you get your attention to detail. Wow! Your mom’s decorating concept is what I am shooting for with my own household. It reminds me of my parents’ home in that there are so many special touches that have been added over the years and would be impossible to replicate. So homey! I especially love the shadowbox/crate collection. I inherited my aunt’s shadowbox collection and it is so meaningful and beautiful.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Your parents’ house is SO charming!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
love your parents house. 🙂 so cute.
Lori says
Love the homplace pics. That pizza looks amazing and the birch beer. Love that stuff, haven’t had any in ages. Got to look for some this week-end.
Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun says
I love the decor! And your town looks so quaint – I have always wanted to live in a town like that! 😀
Ilana says
I especially love the penguin wastecan and the baby portraits.
Looks like home is a special place indeed.
Krista (kristastes) says
holy huge craving for birch beer!!
Kaitlin With Honey says
Your parents’ home has so much charm! I love it. Makes me miss the East Coast dearly.
Larb's Matt says
Is that a “Most Improved Player” soccer trophy I see? Just curious b/c part of the plaque was cut off in the picture : )
Kath says
Indeed! I won it twice 🙂
Maggie (livingfoodjunkie) says
Your parent’s home is gorgeous! I just love it, beautiful pics Kath 🙂
Jennifer @ Frost BItes says
Aaahhh…makes me miss my Mom and Dad even more. Awesome photos!
Tamra says
What’s the significance of “26”?
Love the decor and feel of your parent’s home!
Kath says
My birthday is 10.26!
Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul says
The photos are beautiful. Your former home looks like such a lovely place… so inviting! Hope you enjoy your time with family. As someone who moved away a year ago, I feel it’s so precious!
Holly says
Too many photos — it would be great if you kept it to the food and one or two extra pics.
tiffany says
Love the pictures of your parents home. It’s gorgeous. Lucky you to have grown up in such a wonderful place.
Christine Carley says
Kath! Did you see these? Biscoff heaven!!!
http://www.bakerella.com/cheesecake-bars/
Kay (skinnybound) says
Oh my God! Hillsborough is so great. Every time I go back, I feel so peaceful and calm. The scenery is just gorgeous and the people are so kind.
I went to Cedar Ridge. I can’t believe you went to Orange! Your house is beautiful, by the way.