Truth be told I haven’t even registered that September ever started and here we are staring down the barrel at October. How the heck did this happen? Between house stuff and work stuff and blog stuff the past few weeks really have been a blur for me as I’m sure it has been for many of you. The long, languid days of summer are officially over, kids are back in school and schedules are busier than ever. Sunset comes a little earlier each day and for some reason this always takes me by surprise every single year. Let’s take a look at what has been keeping me busy this month.
Well first off, you may have noticed things are looking a bit different over here at the Casual Travelist……….I am smack dab in the middle of redesigning this site! I’ve finally got a logo (after 4.5 years I figured it was time to get one) and I’m pretty darned pleased with it. I’ve got a few more things I’d like to do but overall I’m really loving the new look.
Whether it’s a thumbs up or thumbs down I’d love to hear what you guys think. Are you loving the new look as much as I am? Anything else you’d like to see here?
A few weeks ago I went to TBEX, a travel blogging convention that took place in the Finger Lakes of New York. I listened to talks from some of the top bloggers in the industry, networked with companies and destinations and most importantly got to catch up with some of my favorite blogging buds all in the spectacular Corning Museum of Glass. If you ever find yourself in the Finger Lakes this museum is a must, from that Pyrex in your kitchen to the mirrors in the Hubble telescope and countless artistic interpretations the museum tells the story of how glass touches every facet of human life.
Unfortunately TBEX took place just before Hurricane Florence which was predicted to make landfall near my home here in Virginia Beach and affected air travel throughout the South making it difficult for me to get home. Throughout the conference I had multiple offers of rides and places to stay as well as concern for the safety of my family and my community. Needless to say I was touched and embodies what I love most about the travel community, you guys really are the best!
I took up the offer of the always amazing Keryn Means of Walking On Travels , family travel expert and cocktail connoisseur. We already knew we were great road trip buddies after exploring Zion National Park and Southern Utah together earlier this year, and our drive through Pennsylvania to her home near DC was nonstop laughs. She graciously hosted me in her home that night and even drove me to the airport the next morning, friends really don’t get much better than that!
Hurricane Florence has devastated many communities throughout North and South Carolina. Please consider donated to relief efforts with the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen which has provided over 250,000 meals to those affected by Hurricane Florence.
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