North Carolina

It was so awesome to visit with Doyle, Karen, and Riley. What a beautiful home, amazing food, and southern hospitality.



Then we were joined by Ryan and Brittany and we all went to the Duke (Puke) Gardens. The gardens blew us away--so beautiful and groomed with unique plants and plantings. We loved it.

At one point during our trip we were talking about dogs and Karlene reminded us that Dad used to have a dog that was very talented. It would get eggs out of the hen house, bring them to Dad, and never break them! He was an extremely talented bird dog as well. When he died, Kalene claims that she became Dad's "bird-dog" and would go out, find the birds, and flush them out. Frankly, I didn't believe it. But then, while we were in the gardens, Kalene noticed something . . .

I believe her now. She is good and finding and pointing out birds!!

Then our starving group found a southern diner and had North Carolina barbeque. Wow!! It was fabulous. The hush puppies were phenomenal. I don't know how those southern people stay slim and trim. It was good.

Ryan and Brittany took us on a tour of the University of North Carolina. It was very obvious that Ryan loves being there. We don't blame him. They were the 2009 NCAA champs and where last year there was a tree on Franklin Street now stands a real cool carved statue.

There is a fountain there which brings good luck to those who drink it. I think Ryan and Brittany are pretty lucky.

Then we all relaxed with ice cream at a farm nearby. It was another yummy treat.

Later that night, back at the Garner home, Brittany and Ryan made blackberry jam from freshly picked fruit that they had picked themselves. It was so so good. They may have a cooking show one day.


We finished up our visit in Doyle and Karen's ward, a visit to the Raleigh Temple, and then a very very good Sunday meal. Thanks you guys. We now have experienced sourthern hospitalty at its best.