Southern exposure

I am in the Carolinas (Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC) for my brothers graduation from boot camp tomorrow and the next day. My mom and I came a little early to see some sights and hang out in the south. So far we have eaten some delicious Carolina BBQ, enjoyed some southern hospitality, and had some sweet southern tea.  Today my Mom and I went to the Latta Plantation in Charlotte. It was beautiful, and frankly totally exceeded my expectations.  Our plantation tour guide was really nice, and told us all about life in the 1800's through the Civil War, and the area.  Unfortunately taking pictures inside the house was not allowed, but I took plenty outside.

Southern sweet tea...good to the last drop.

There is all this lovely ivy all over everything.

a really old, cool tree

There were all kinds of woodsy pine cones and acorns all over

Latta Plantation House. Lovely isn't it? I would live there.

Because it is winter (yes, the South has winter too), the bees were not a'buzzing. However it inspired me to make my own honey. I have heard it isn't too hard, and I have always wanted to....Maybe this summer in AK?

A cool old ...something. Okay, I have no idea what this actually is, I came upon it in the barn and thought it was old and cool

There was a sad looking one horned cow, and two docile horses here, among some other farm animals that I loved.

Look at that face! Yes, I was/am one of those girls who always wanted a horse.

Amazing old pottery in the kitchen. This kitchen (like many others in the 1800's)  is in a smaller building unattached from the main house in case there was a fire, the whole house wouldn't be  burned down.

In the 1920' a group (I don't recall whom) bought this plantation for hydro energy. They dammed the river , making a lake (seen down below)

Fungus!

This beautiful calico cat followed my mom and I around our whole walk around outside vying for our attention. My mom loved her...too bad she is allergic.

There were 4 sheep around that I named "Dolly." They were very quaint, but a bit intimidating. I wanted to pet this one until it fixed me with a really withering stare....I quickly changed my mind.

Our cat again, trying to get us to pet it on the old well.

Look at these beautiful roosters. They came out just as we were leaving. These crafty gentlemen quickly clucked away when I would try to get a picture... I sneakily shot this one from around the corner.

Is it possible to have a love affair with pigs? I think I did today.  This happy little fellow I named "Wilbur." There were 2 others like him I named "Porky" and "Bacon" (is that insensitive?).  They were so cute and happy to see us. I just love them. They were so cute in fact, they made me feel a little bit guilty for my delicious BBQ pork lunch.

This is "Wilbur" peeking through below. Actually, I think he was trying to eat my moms purse.

Here are "Porky" and "Bacon" running over to this grumpy old pot belly pig napping in the corner. Apparently pigs growl, well, this pot belly pig did anyway.  "Porky" and "Bacon" woke up the grouch pot belly, by poking it with their snouts and grunting at it excitedly to get up for the company.  It refused, and growled at them, then snorted an angry snort and went back to bed, how rude!

Here is "Wilbur" Scratching his back on a post..adorable.

here are the 4 "Dolly's" grazing away in front of the barn.

These are the 2 beady eyed goats. They were shy, and just kept to themselves.

This is a close up of the lake made by the hydro energy dam (talked about up above) I love the red sand and the fresh water sea shells in it.

The dammed lake