Outer Banks/Baldwin visit

 Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is now the home of Bob and Glen Baldwin.  We can never travel south without a stop to visit with them.  The Outer Banks is quiet this time of year.  Many businesses close for a few months after the holidays and tourists think it is winter, but we only need a deck of cards and our good friends and family to have a great time here.

 A visit to their beach house hot tub and then a walk on the beach. 


Arriving at the Beach house

 One of Many card games. Our favorite - Golf

 More beach time


One night, we went to the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo to see their Christmas lights.  The grounds encompass 35 acres of gardens decorated with thousands of lights

 The entry door to the Elizabethan gardens

 This statue provided us with some humor.  It was created in 1858 as a rendition of what Virgina Dare might have looked like as an adult.  If you recall history, Virginia Dare was the first child born in the Virginia Colony which dissapeared when she was 2 years old!  This artist was very creative.

Gingerbread house

One area had a roaring fire with marshmallows to toast while watching The Grinch who Stole Christmas.

Blooming camellias in January!

Bob and Glen in front of Queen Elizabeth the 1st statue

The next day we had lunch at a place called Trio. Wine, Cheese, and Beer.  This shop features two kiosks, each with three stations that dispense twelve varieties of wine.  The label describes the wine and gives you the choice of a taste, a half glass, or a full glass.  Your choices are recorded on a card that you turn in for your bill.  Quite unique and a great way to try new and different wines.

Ben joined us for a glass of wine while we enjoyed the luncheon fare.  Ben had fantastic news to share.  He won an award from a Martha Stewart group that chooses the best in multiple categories and in multiple places. They base their selections on  customer satisfaction and ratings.  Ben won for the Best Videographer on the Outer Banks.  GO BEN! He is the man to contact if you are having a wedding or want a video promotion of any kind anywhere near the Outer  Banks.

Sunday afternoon included a visit with Kathy, Adam, Sam and Charlotte.  Sam had spent the last three days fighting a fever, so we just dropped in for short stay.  Two delightful kids, lots of personality, lots of energy, and most of all lots of love from parents and grandparents.  Sam had many stories about his new Wii Star Wars game, and Charlotte shared her favorite books.  Looks like Meme already has her trained!

 Sam Baldwin

 Charlotte Baldwin on the move


At the end of another enjoyable time together, Glen received a whimsical gift from two old friends, giving her another artifact to remind her of Dixmont.