I've been spending an awful lot more time lately traveling and recapping trips than keeping the old blawg up to date on my day to day life. Posts have been a bit sparse because we've had a pretty busy time of it. October is a huge transition month for us, with lots of good things leading up to the huuuuuge bummer that is Colby's next 120-day deployment. We've been dreading it for ages--probably ever since we found out that it would be less than a year from his last return that he would leave again--so in a way, I think we're ready to just get it started so it will be over soon.Last week, my fabulous friend, Jessica, and her recently aquired husband visited Charleston for a few days. I crashed their romantic vacation a few times, making awkward Sister Wife jokes, and the highlight was certainly our dinner at the much buzzed about restaurant, Husk. From being Bon Appetit's recently named #1 new restaurant in America, to Sam Sifton, the New York Times restaurant critic (and soon to be National Editor), calling it the best place to eat outside of New York City, Husk is possibly one of the most talked about restaurants in the country, and certainly in the South.
From the website: At Husk there are some rules about what can go on the plate. “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door,” says Brock, who has even stricken olive oil from the kitchen. As he explains, the resulting cuisine “is not about rediscovering Southern cooking, but exploring the reality of Southern food.”
And it was absolutely delicious. I could have eaten an entire vat of the bacon and cheese grits, and my seared duck breast seemed to melt in my mouth. Everyone else was thrilled with their meals as well, and given that the menu changes every day based on what is in season and locally available, I'm looking forward to seeing what the options will be at a different time of the year.
Jessica and I also did some damage on the shops on King Street, and tried out the seafood at Coast restaurant. Verdict: Decent food, TERRIBLE service. It was so much fun to relive our memories of meeting in Ireland when we were just wee little college students, and it was great to get to know her husband better.
Once they left town, the weather shifted drastically, and Fall was upon us. I've been enjoying my boots and new sweaters and plan to enjoy these cool temperatures for as long as they last. I spent Saturday night drinking wine around a firepit with friends, and it was the perfect way to welcome in the new season.
Today, we're bracing ourselves for our first visit with a reproductive endocrinologist at a local fertility center. I've been researching the doctors and the clinic success rates online, and I'm feeling incredibly hopeful about what we'll discuss today. More on that later.
As for the rest of the month, we're heading to an LSU game in Tennessee on the 15th, then driving down to Louisiana to spend some time with Colby's family. I'm looking forward to seeing the Tigers continue their incredible winning streak in Knoxville, and having someone to split the drive home with me! But we'll leave it at that, because after we get back home comes the depressing part of the month, and right now I just want to focus on the good.

So fun! LOL at the Sister Wives thing :) I hope you get some good advice and options at your appointment today. Good luck!
Have a great time at the LSU game!
Posted by: Solange | October 03, 2011 at 09:42 PM
I can't wait until I have some friends visit - I've just spent the last 30 minutes looking at old menu's for Husk and it makes me miss a few of my DC friends and always trying fun restaurants. And I'm sure it was fun to see an old friend. I didn't know you also studied abroad in Ireland!
And this weekend's weather was fabulous! I still can't pull out my boots yet though!
Posted by: erin - heart in ireland | October 03, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Ooo... enjoy your sweaters! I'm o-so jealous!
Posted by: Kanya | October 03, 2011 at 11:24 PM
I love it that you refer to your friend's hubby as "her newly acquired husband", like she just went out to the store one day and got a husband ;-)
Sounds like you're enjoying this time before Colby leaves. Glad to hear it. I know it'll be hard when he's gone, but you're so strong and you have a great support system to be with you every step of the way. I'll be thinking of you both!
Posted by: Stevie | October 04, 2011 at 09:23 AM
So much going on for you. Glad you had a good dinner...love the concept.
Posted by: Elle sees | October 04, 2011 at 02:51 PM
I felt so sheik when we saw all those reviews of Husk... we ate there! Thanks to you of course :)
Hope the RE has lots of answers for you guys.
Posted by: Operation Pink Herring | October 04, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Enjoy the fun days ahead and glad we get to spend some of it with y'all cheering on the Tigers. :)
Posted by: Becky | October 04, 2011 at 03:27 PM
So I'm finally taking some time at the computer to catch up - glad you enjoyed your time with your other "Irish friend" - you both look fabulous! Safe travels on the road next week!
Posted by: Annie | October 08, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Gorgeous dress! Where did you get it?
Reading these posts really makes me want to live in Charleston!
Posted by: Kendra | October 10, 2011 at 02:29 PM