This morning I was surprised to see that Mod Meals on Mendenhall has been voted Best Local Blogger again in the GoTriad Readers Choice Awards. I’m really flattered. I didn’t expect it again this year and it’s nice to know that people actually read my blog and have made a connection to my words and photos on the screen. It’s been a crazy years with lots of opportunity. These kinds of kudos give me energy to keep working and searching for ideas, goods and tips to share. Thanks Ya’ll.

With that said, I must admit that I’ve seriously embraced ‘the ya’ll’ these days. That’s right, I’ve now lived in North Carolina for 11 years and I’ve fully infiltrated. North Carolina really feels like home. I credit so much of that feeling to my friends, coworkers and community in Greensboro.

Almost everyone morning I take the time to have a moment of social time at the Green Bean downtown. It’s where I charge for the day — and that has less to do with my skim-latte. A smile and greeting from friend Zeke at the counter, a bit of local gossip from Green Bean owner and friend, Potty-Mouth Katie, and a variety of bump-in conversations that kick start my day.

The rest of my days always vary – from office mayhem, meetings, fantastically social and tasty food truck lunches on Commerce place and myriad of other pleasures of involvement from the Edible Schoolyard to Elsewhere. All of this adds up to particularly fun days. I feel real lucky and I’m happy to call NC home. Thanks Ya’ll.