October 6th, 2011
Deep Breath – It’s Autumn!
Posted By: Jude Barwig in Uncategorized
Fall is here – cooler weather prevails and my poor AC units can take a break…finally! Don’t get me wrong – I love Florida. Hardly a day goes by when that huge solar giant doesn’t shine his face upon the flora, fauna, people and beaches of Florida. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. And the extended daylight hours of summer are the best! Watching shooting stars, catching fireflies, jumping into a pool, early morning walks with friends, weekends at the beach with the kids – lots of daylight to enjoy. Ah, if only…
I work full-time. I mean, I work at a full-time job that actually pays me. There’s this other job I have where the pay won’t get me into the Forbes Top 100 or 500….or 1000. The one that keeps me hopping from sunrise to sunset and then some. All the fancy gadgets in the world at my disposal but the dishes don’t load themselves, and still haven’t figured out how we go through so much laundry in a week. And who builds a new home with dark, black granite in a kitchen where every single smudge and glass ring glares at you from every angle? I’m not a neat freak (you should see my closet) but I like the kitchen to sparkle. That’s where everyone congregates – family and friends. We share our day, trash talk sports teams or discuss what color to paint the guest room.
With autumn, comes school, soccer, football, the World Series, art festivals and yard work (falling leaves and stuff). Hardly the time to slow down but we should. All of us. Stop. Take a breath of cool autumn air. Look up at the clear night sky and catch a falling star. Take a walk with someone special and hold hands. Deep, deep breath! After all, Christmas is right around the corner.
March 30th, 2011
Clay County Fair is here!!
Posted By: Jude Barwig in Area Events
Nightime rides on the ferris wheel rock!
Growing up in southern Wisconsin, the best part of summer was always the county fair. Whether you were involved in 4-H and showing off your prize animals or a city kid, like me, the smell of popcorn, funnel cakes and cotton candy and the sounds of the midway drew everyone, young and old – we all went to the fair.
Fair week also meant family entertainment that fit into everyone’s budget. Wristband days meant trying out all the rides, some of them even twice, and if you were at the fairgrounds before 11am, the entrance fee was only $3. Bargain price to pay for grandstand shows featuring Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Kenny Rogers, Cheap Trick and yep, even Sir Johnny Cash! The ‘grandstand’ was a huge center stage with lights and amps surrounded by a grassy lawn, located in front of towering covered bleachers. The primo spot was always a blanket on the lawn (no chairs allowed) and it NEVER rained during fair week…well, maybe the last night when all the 4-Hers paraded through the grandstand area with their livestock and trophies. But never during the shows.
Not far from Rolling Hills, the 25th Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs, FL gets underway March 31st and lasts for 10 days. Centrally located on Hwy 16, visitors from St. Augustine and Orange Park and nearby Jacksonville flock to the fair every year. Like my old stomping grounds, fair organizers schedule top new talent on their way up or veterans for the touring stage. I’m a big fan of country music and this year’s lineup does not disappoint.
- Wednesday, April 6th – Randy Houser (“Anything Goes” & “Boots On”)
- Thursday, April 7th – John Anderson (“Seminole Wind” & “Straight Tequila Nights”)
- Friday, April 8th – Jerrod Niemann (“Lover, Lover” & “What Do You Want From Me?”)
- Saturday, April 9th – Corbin Easton (“A Little More Country Than That” & “Roll With It”)
The headliner shows starts at 8pm in the Cattlemen’s Arena but there’s a whole lot more to see and do From exhibits and health screening to magic shows, pig races and Frisbee dogs – there’s something for all ages to enjoy. And yes, they have armbands for the thrilling midway rides, sticky cotton candy, flavorful fair food and comical clowns.
I’m not sure if the Clay County Fair has a ‘no-rain’ policy but whatever the weather, I plan to listen, smell, and enjoy the lights and bright colors of this year’s fair. I hope to see you there!
December 27th, 2010
Rolling Hills a Short Drive to a Night on the Town
Posted By: Rolling Hills Rebecca in Area Events
I love the country. There is just something about being away from the hustle and the hassle of the city that makes me exhale. Being in the country just makes me relaxed and happy. Of course, I don’t want to be too far away that grocery shopping and other errands become a pain in the butt. So Rolling Hills provides a wonderful balance. The air is fresh and clean. There is a lot of green space. The pace is nice and slow. But all the shops and conveniences you need are only five minutes away – and there are a ton more shops right next to Eagle Harbor, which is less than 15 minutes away.
Now I mean every word I just said. Of course there is a “but” though. I love the country, BUT every now and then, I want to go to the city. I want to get dressed up, and enjoy a fancy dinner and then see a live show. Lucky for anyone who lives in Rolling Hills, Downtown Jacksonville is less than an hour away. Google maps says it is 46 minutes away – somehow we made it in under 40 though. We just hopped on 17 and went north…to bb’s restaurant. If you haven’t been before, you really should try it. Although it can get a little noisy (guess I really do like the quiet of the country!), the food is fabulous and the wine selection is even better!
After dinner, we crossed the bridge and went to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at the Times Union Performing Arts Center (pictured above). Seeing the Rockettes in person was wonderful. Those are some limber girls! The rest of the show wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. There were dancing polar bears and a variety of odd looking Santas…but half the fun of seeing a live performance is expanding your horizons and exposing yourself to something new, right?
After the show we stopped by the restaurant in the Omni’s lobby for coffee and dessert. It was a wonderful night in the big city and I love knowing that type of evening is always close by. But, boy, I love the thought of returning to a beautiful home in a quiet Green Cove Springs neighborhood!
August 27th, 2010
Coming Soon…
Posted By: admin in Coming Soon...
Please check back in the coming weeks for posts on upcoming activities & events.
