Sister of Jennifer Blackwelder, a close new friend from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Julie Richard has been expecting me for most of 2012.
At one time, South Carolina felt far, far away, but especially since leaving Texas, state border crossings have really begun to flow. Having only recently crossed South Carolina’s border, I already feel fully immersed. Locals are very friendly, and so are Julie & Family.

Elexa, Julie’s oldest daughter, is grown and is raising a child in northern California. Julie & Tim, her husband, are raising their three remaining children here in their Powdersville home. Aaron is 17, Jade is 14, and Carson is 9. When I get the right pic of them all together, I’ll post it.

I’ve planned to spend several days here with them in Powdersville. Today, Julie confirmed three speaking engagements to me at the local middle school, and one to a kids’ running club– all this coming Thursday. I have plenty to keep me busy in the meantime, and I plan to proceed on to Greenville this Friday, for the next line-up of great people and events.  ;)

Julie & her daughters. I have yet to meet Elexa (left), who's currently in California.

Julie, Jade, Carson & Jade's Best Friend (whose name I'm not remembering at the moment!)

Tim & Jade

Cosmo, their nine-year-old schnauzer, is the friendliest of his breed that I've ever meet. He's been spending a lot of time with me since I arrived. He reminds me a lot of my dog Huey-- I LOVE that!!

Julie, an art teacher, works on her latest project...