This past weekend saw hundreds of people with the need for speed converge on Arnold and Callaway for the 25th annual Sandhills Open Road Challenge. Along with the road races, the drivers also got a chance to show off their prized automobiles - and though I don’t understand all about horsepower and mechanics, I do appreciate a pretty car.

While I enjoy viewing the cars with my husband as he gives me the lowdown on what we’re seeing, actually getting in one and hitting the road at triple-digit miles per hour would not be my cup of tea. As you may have gathered from my column about the county fair, I am not exactly a thrill seeker.

The truth is, I am not a very adventurous person at all, and never have been. And that doesn’t just pertain to things like driving fast or carnival rides. It also involves food. I have referred to myself as a “foodie” many times, mostly because I love food! Just not unusual and unique dishes.

“Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” on Food Network is one of my favorite shows. When we travel, we like to look for restaurants that Guy Fieri of Triple D has visited and check them out. We have eaten at several. But some of the things I see him try on that show nearly make me gag!

My husband, on the other hand, loves trying new foods. I have watched him eat bone marrow, octopus, tongue, and rabbit, among other things, that would never cross my lips. Each time he says it is really good - I’ll just take his word for it.

As I have gotten older, though, I have become more open to stepping out of my comfort zone. I finally gave flying a try a number of years ago, and love it. I don’t know how to swim and have always been deathly afraid of deep water, yet I’ve discovered I love cruising! Go figure!

Last Saturday, at 6 a.m., I said “see ya later” to my 18-year-old granddaughter as she drove away, bound for Boca Raton, Florida, for college. She is pursuing her dream of becoming a marine veterinarian, and clearly has not inherited her grandma’s non-adventurous spirit. Her courage, even through her tears, is so inspiring.

So as I close in on yet another trip around the sun, I find myself contemplating my choice to always play it safe. I still don’t think I’m ready to ride shotgun in a sports car traveling 120 mph, or eat bone marrow - but there may be something daring in my future.

I’ll keep you posted!