Little Free Library

APEX ~ If this picture doesn't say Quaint American Town, I'm not sure what would. This scene greets you on North Salem Street in the center of historic downtown Apex. This "Little Free Library" allows you to take a book if you return a book. I love its shingled roof, working glass doors and white picket fence - certainly nice touches. I'll be posting more shots of this railroad town in the coming days.

Tennis, anyone?

CARY ~ The Cary Tennis Park is impressive! That pretty much sums it up. It played a big part in enticing me down here in the first place. (Not that I’m all that good, but I love to play). It has 30 outdoor courts, a pro shop, locker rooms, and while you’re waiting for a game to wrap up, or just want to hang out, there’s a café downstairs with outdoor seating.

The courts are well maintained and the grounds are nicely landscaped. It’s no wonder the USTA named it as an “Outstanding Facility” back in 2006. You can book courts on your own time, sign up for public or private lessons, or participate in clinics or league play. There is no membership, but you can get a year-long pass if that’s what you prefer. Otherwise, you can just pay as you go.  

I’ve taken a few classes at the Center, and just being on the complex is half the enjoyment – especially on summer evenings after the sun has set, the day has cooled off a bit and the lights come on. Everyone on staff—from those that greet you at the front desk when you sign in, to the tennis instructors themselves—are all friendly. But if I’m being entirely honest, I have run into the occasional clique of catty female players. I’ve learned to avoid them however, by making sure I take coed classes or ones that take place after five o’clock when you’re bound to meet a more diverse crowd coming in after work.

A Girl Without a Team

RALEIGH ~ I admit it! Since moving to Raleigh, I have not yet pledged my allegiance to any one college sports team. And considering just how seriously folks take their sports here in North Carolina, that may be grounds for eviction. Here’s the dilemma. My Dad did graduate work at Duke University, but I live only a few miles from Carter Finely Stadium where North Carolina State University Football is played. I also live among its students.  And of course, there’s also University of North Carolina. SO who’s it gonna be? Blue Devils, Wolfpack, Tar Heels? I’m sure with time, one will rise to the top. But in the end, it must be one that stresses the importance of academics and a code of ethics both on and off the field. 

I was lucky enough to have a friend invite me to an NC State football game back in 2011. (Box seats no less). Not a bad way to enjoy the festivities. 

The Long Gray Stretch

RALEIGH ~ We're in the gray days of winter, and although the sun's out, I miss warm temperatures and the leaves on the trees. So I pulled this out from last Fall to remind me, or at least get me excited for, what's to come in the next few months. I hope this year to get out on one of these canoes to explore LAKE JOHNSON from a different perspective.