“Photography helps people to see.”
– Berenice Abbott

Today’s “Photo Friday” collection reflects the focus of another busy week. Working on the house, enjoying the neighborhood, good people and – whenever possible – great food.

I will begin with another amazing dining experience at On the Square. I really had to hold myself back because my instinct is to photograph every plate! But we were hosting friends so I managed to reign in my paparazzi tendencies.

I will say that the lamb, the petite fillet, the flounder and (pictured above) my curried shrimp and mussels were all extraordinary. We also enjoyed calamari and roasted carrots for table appetizers and – again – prepared to perfection.

The occasion was a thank you to and recognition of Aaron Riggs (and his wife, Shannon), who was the developer and contractor for our new home and launched the restoration project. We can’t say enough about how accommodating and flexible and thorough Aaron was once Rebekah and I got on board, and what would have been a fairly straightforward flip morphed into a spectacular restoration.

So Max has been helping again as I work on projects outside. Well, to be accurate, Max has been mostly watching. I had asked him to keep an eye on me when I was up on the ladder cleaning out gutters and then he just tends to follow me around.

People ask why I put Max into so many photos. Fact is I don’t! He just follows me and there he is, either lurking somewhere in the background or front and center where he lives most of his life.

The neighborhood is always lovely and walkable. Sometimes we will take a path or two through the Calvary Church Yard (first picture in the “gallery”), which is also one of the oldest arboretums in North Carolina.

Finally another shot of my new guitar stand (see yesterday’s “Living or Just Looking?“) I enjoy playing guitar and I love the aesthetic of musical instruments in a room; my study turns out to be the perfect place.

Enjoy this Friday and the coming weekend too. One of my favorite phrases goes like this: “Live like you mean it!” And I mean that, every day – DEREK