It has been a fun few days with Mom & Dad Jeuland in town since Friday late morning. Marc showed them around campus a little before Shuwen met up with them at the Carolina Inn where we got drinks and enjoyed some bluegrass music on the lawn. Then, we headed over to Durham for a wonderful 3-hr long meal at Magnolia Grill (ranked #11 in Gourmet's top 50 restaurants in the US). We each had different starters (Foie Gras for Dad, Corn & Fennel Bisque for Mom, Shrimp & Crab Rilette for Marc, and Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche for Shuwen), which were each special and perfectly done. For the main course Dad & Shuwen had the Rabbit (a light and tender dish) while Mom & Marc had the Lamb cooked with Rosemary and Pomegranate Jus. We were all able to squeeze in dessert (the portions were reasonable like any good restaurant should be), so Dad had the Lemon Souffle Tart, Mom ordered the Cornmeal Crepe with Chevre and Figs, Marc had the Coffee Cheesecake and Shuwen went for the "Not Afraid of Flavor" Gingerbread with Maple Ice-cream and peaches. Needless to say, we were happily drowsy after a very filling (and high quality) meal, plus two bottles of wine among us!

On Saturday, we had a leisurely start to the day (except for Marc who went running at 7am) and checked out the Carrboro Farmer's Market together. Dad bought us a lovely Jade tree that is now sitting in the sun at the back of our apartment. After our respective exercises (Dad went for a run, Shuwen ran with Amy and Mom did Yoga at home), we had lunch at Med Deli, then walk up & down Franklin Street to show Dad & Mom the college town. Our afternoon tea-time consisted of coffee at 3 Cups and some yummy Locopops, while we discussed some local politics. In the evening, Shuwen made a Chinese meal consisting on a herbal Chicken soup with Shiitake mushrooms, a whole steamed Red Snapper, a veggie stir-fry, and brown rice. Our after dinner activity was to catch the new Hairspray movie at Southern Village's Movie on the Lawn. That was a fun, campy and lively movie with great dancing and music. John Travolta was rather good as well -- it must be hard dancing in a fat suit!

Yesterday, we exercised in the AM -- Marc went for a 24 mile run, Dad a 75 min run, & Shuwen a quick 20 min jog before heading to church. We were starving by the time we had lunch at the Weathervane, so we stuffed ourselves silly. Thank goodness we went for a walk around the NC Botanical Gardens, but that bit of exercise was made fruitless by a trip to the Maple View farm where we had some whole-milk ice-cream. After a full day of eating, we had a relatively light dinner of pizza, salad and cheese with bread. Mom is now addicted to Locopops, so we walked there for dessert.

Mom led a Triyoga session for us while Dad read the newspaper this morning. Shuwen spent the rest of the morning to early afternoon working around campus before we met up in the afternoon for cold drinks at Padget Station -- Locopops was closed (Labor Day) much to our disappointment. Then we went by the local garden store, Southern States to pick up some anti-flea beetle spray, dirt & daisies for the front of the house. After Marc came home from a Church board meeting, we walked to Milltown for a fun dinner of frites, moules and beer. Dad ordered a double-order of French style moules that came in a big pot together with a heaping plate of belgian frites, as well as a whole 24.5 oz bottle of Trappist beer. He literally consumed twice what each of us ate and did it more quickly as well! It really is amazing to us how much Dad is able to eat, and how quickly he does so! Both Dad & Mom seemed very impressed by Milltown between their wide selection of libations, quick service and great food. It was good to walk home from there through our neighborhood to aid in our digestion afterwards -- although somehow, Dad was still able to consume ice-cream and a big mug of coffee upon getting home while we all worked on trying to figure out a crossword puzzle.

With all the eating we have been doing, Mom complained that her pants are starting to feel tight! It really is a good thing we all make it a point to exercise almost everyday. Now that we have been spoilt rotten by Mom & Dad, it will be tough to get back into our regular eat at home routines :P